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The Workers Circle @workerscircle.bsky.social · 2h

In honor of the founding of the Jewish Labor Bund, this week’s article from the Call comes from the November 1972 edition and provides a brief history of the organization. Learn more about the impacts of the Bundists on the Workers Circle at thecall.org. #TheCall #WorkersCircle #Yiddish

The Bund r I ^HIS year marks the seventy-fifth -*■ anniversary of the founding of the Bund, that is, of Jewish socialism in Eastern Europe. There were adherents and advocates of socialism in the Pale of Settlement in czarist Russia, and elsewhere too, but it was in 1897, at an illegal conference in the city of Vilna, that the basis was laid for what was to become a powerful and glorious movement. The role of the Bund among the Jewish workers and, indeed, among the Jewish masses as a whole, constitutes a magnificient epic of courage and vision in the history of our people.

It is necessary to remember that the vast majority of our people at that time still lived in Eastern Europe, primarily in czarist Russia, an empire characterized by tyranny and despotism. The lot of the Jewish masses was altogether deplorable; the rights of citizenship were not accorded them, they were not allowed to reside in a large part of the country, were excluded from numerous economic areas, and were cut off from general education by a rigorous quota, particularly in the universities. Poverty and despair were rampant in the Jewish towns and villages and among the Jewish workers in those larger cities where they were per-

mitted to stay. In 1881, Alexander II was assassinated and, as was to be expected, in the midst of the sinister reaction, the Jews were singled out as easy victims and targets of hate. There was nothing abstract about this hate; it concretized itself in a series of bloody pogroms, instigated by the regime and kept at white heat by the forces of anti-Semitism. It was in this sort of atmsophere that the Bund came into existence. The moment was ripe for it, and quickly it spread throughout Russia proper, Lithuania, and Poland (most of which was a part of Russia) ; there was hardly a Jewish community that did not have a group of the Bund. Where there was no group, its influence and inspiration and guidance were felt nonetheless, raising the horizon of hope for the Jewish masses and all who sympathized with them. The Bund was illegal, and so was the socialist literature that it published. The groups met clandestinely in forests or in cellars, most frequently under the cloak of darkness, and discovery meant arrest, beatings, and imprisonment, even Siberia. Yet in spite of it, the Bund flourished, conducted demonstrations and strikes, and during pogroms it promoted and led Jewish self-defense. This involved heroism as well as idealism, and it was not only heroism as evinced by the chosen ones, by men who seem to be destined for legend, it was the quiet, unostentatious heroism of simple folk, not infrequently of young folk, in their late 'teens or early twenties, as exemplified to the highest degree by Hirsh Lekert (who was executed in 1902 for his attempt to avenge the lashing of Jewish workers for partipating in a May Day Celebration). Thousands of Hirsh Lekerts spent years in imprisonment and in Siberia. It was in 1897 that the first Zionist Congress was held in Basel, Switzerland, and like the Bund it too evoked a spirit of dedication and devotion in the hearts and minds of those who were stirred by its program and by the dream of a Jewish homeland.

interest of the people of the world and that is why they burned the Israelis alive with gas in the soil of Germany." What is one to say about such barbarism? In another day and another climate one could cry out to the conscience of the world. At this hour in history it is rather difficult to locate the conscience of the world. In fairness it should be recorded that the United States is holding up a projected $3 million loan to Uganda. This is a moral plus for America, provided she remains firm in her stand. Bondage in the Soviet Unoin IT was Karl Marx who castigated early capitalism for regarding human labor as a commodity to be sold on the market like any other. The traducers of his teachings in the Soviet Union have reduced man as such to the status of a commodity, a pawn of the state, and have applied it now in the most reprehensible manner to Jews who wish to emigrate to Israel or elsewhere. The pretext for it is that citizens of the Soviet Union are beneficiaries of free education from elementary school through college (for those who can be accepted), and hence it is fitting that the state be compensated for this free education. The claim is preposterous and scandalous. Free education is a feature of all advanced communities. Payment for it is indirect, rendered manifest in the general cultural tone and dynamics of society. Students contribute to it even while in school, and certainly after graduation. Jews who wish to emigrate have already served the state abundantly, more than enough to justify their education. As for the Jews remaining in the Soviet Union, there is no doubt that their collective share in the economic and scientific spheres is quite ample and sufficient to tip the scales in favor of the unhindered right of emigration for those who desire it. Moreover, let us recall that during the Stalin era thousands upon thousands of Jews were sent to labor-camps in Siberia and to prisons, and hundreds of Jewish writers and scholars were liquidated at the-

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The Workers Circle @workerscircle.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

It was a joy to sing together to celebrate the Jewish New Year and the arrival of fall. #WorkersCircle #Yiddish #YiddishCulture #Klezmer #YiddishSong

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The Workers Circle @workerscircle.bsky.social · 05/10/2026

Your voice is your vote! Prepare to use it this fall. Get ready for the midterms by checking your registration, finding election deadlines, learning what’s on your ballot, and getting the nonpartisan voting information you need to make your plan to vote. Go to www.vote411.org/TheWorkersCircle today

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The Workers Circle @workerscircle.bsky.social · 05/10/2026

This Día de los Muertos, communities across the country are coming together to honor the lives lost to ICE violence and detention — and to demand Congress finally act. Since 2025, at least 54 people have died in ICE custody. We're done mourning quietly, we're turning grief into action. #EndTheICEAge

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The Workers Circle @workerscircle.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

Join us Sunday, Oct 18 at 1 PM for an interview exploring Yiddish cultural roots. Avram Mlotek sits down with his uncle Mark (Moish) Mlotek to discuss their family's rich legacy, honoring the pioneering work of Yiddish song collectors Yosl and Chana Mlotek. RSVP here: www.circle.org/events/fun-d...

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The Workers Circle @workerscircle.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

With Sukkot ending, this week’s Yiddish Song highlight is another ditty about the holiday. Explore this song and more at yiddishsongs.org/a-suke-a-kle... #WorkersCircle #YiddishMusic #YiddishSong

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The Workers Circle @workerscircle.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

Join us and @ctr4cmnground.bsky.social to call Black voters across the country with crucial voting information before the midterm elections on November 3. Black voters are less likely to vote in elections because they face administrative hurdles and poll site closures. #DemandDemocracy #GOTV

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The Workers Circle @workerscircle.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

Check out our new Intermediate Yidishe Kinder Giml Reading Course at the Workers Circle! Learn more and register here: secure.qgiv.com/for/intermed... #yiddish #yiddishlanguage #WorkersCircle

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The Workers Circle @workerscircle.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

We are human beings and we deserve respect and, above all, the right to be treated humanely." – Rafael Alambarrio, speaking from the Adams County Detention Center in Natchez, MS – one of the nation’s largest immigration facilities. mississippitoday.org/2026/09/21/i... #ImmigrantRights #HumanRights

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The Workers Circle @workerscircle.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

To all who identify as bixsexual, we see you today and every day. You are welcome here. #BisexualVisibilityDay #BiPride #Pride

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The Workers Circle @workerscircle.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

Join us this October on the ground in Charlotte, North Carolina as we get out the vote and fight voter suppression before the midterms. Learn more and express interest here: www.circle.org/events/canva... #GOTV #GetOutTheVote #VotingRights #WorkersCircle

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The Workers Circle @workerscircle.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

It’s fall! Fall might be for cozy sweaters and warm drinks, but it is also the perfect time to demand democracy and learn yiddish. Join our email newsletter at www.circle.org/signup so you don’t miss any of our actions and programs this season. #Fall #Autumn #WorkersCircle #Yiddish #SocialJustice

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The Workers Circle @workerscircle.bsky.social · 19/09/2026

More than 10,000 people including Workers Circle Democracy Circles from North VA are fighting back to stop the demolition of the Kennedy Center. #DemandDemocracy

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The Workers Circle @workerscircle.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

Conditioning FEMA money on a Republican winning is a disgusting new low. Trump is treating North Carolina disaster survivors like pawns for his campaign. Safety is a right, not a reward for votes. Absolutely vile. #StopTrumpCorruption

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The Workers Circle @workerscircle.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

Today marks the 239th anniversary of the signing of the U.S. Constitution. While Independence Day is what we recognize as our nation's separation from Britain, September 17 is the day our country's government and structure was created. #ConstitutionDay #WeThePeople #DemandDemocracy #WorkersCircle

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The Workers Circle @workerscircle.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

For Arianne Betancourt, our Community Catalyst at the Workers Circle, the findings from the federal inspection concerning "Alligator Alcatraz" are personal. Read the full article here: www.winknews.com/wink_investi... #WorkersCircle #AlligatorAlcatraz #FreedomVigils #ImmigrantRights #HumanRights

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The Workers Circle @workerscircle.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

Kick off the Jewish New Year by learning Yiddish! Check out all our classes here: www.circle.org/yiddishclass... #WorkersCircle #Yiddish #LearnYiddish #YiddishLanguage #YiddishCulture

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The Workers Circle @workerscircle.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

Hispanic Heritage Month begins today! It reminds us to honor the culture, history, and contributions of our US Hispanic population. #HispanicHeritageMonth #HispanicHeritage #HHM

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The Workers Circle @workerscircle.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

Join us, @bendthearc.bsky.social, and @ctr4cmnground.bsky.social to call Black voters across the country with crucial voting information before the midterm elections on November 3. www.circle.org/events/gener...

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The Workers Circle @workerscircle.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

Thanks for all your support so far! Donate here to keep it going! secure.actblue.com/donate/ameri...

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The Workers Circle @workerscircle.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

Christian Castro shot Julio Sosa Celis through a door with children inside the house, and DOJ let him plead down to lying about it, five years max instead of life. The prosecutor who objected got fired. That's what happens to accountability now. #CorruptTrumpRegime

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The Workers Circle @workerscircle.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

As the Workers Circle celebrates its 126th year, we continue to find inspiration and strength in the stories of our Jewish Eastern European immigrant founders in search of safety, economic opportunity, and the freedoms offered by a democracy. #WorkersCircle #SocialJustice #Yiddish

This year alone we helped close Alligator Alcatraz, built a movement to fight illegal detention, and are reaching 5 million voters before the midterms with the information they need to overcome voter suppression and successfully cast their ballots. Today our founders’ fierce activism is carried forward by over 250,000 activists working to build a multiracial, multicultural democracy for all of us.”

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The Workers Circle @workerscircle.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

On Thursday, Sep 3rd, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. ET, the Haitian community will come together for a national prayer service in honor of Pierre Damas Bel. RSVP here: us06web.zoom.us/meeting/regi...

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The Workers Circle @workerscircle.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

"A slew of stars — including 'Star Wars' actor Mark Hamill, Jesse Eisenberg, 'The West Wing' actor Dulé Hill and Bernadette Peters — are bringing a classic animated film to life in a show of support for immigrant communities."

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The Workers Circle @workerscircle.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

Are you a singer and interested in contributing your voice to our An American Tail Virtual Benefit? We are looking for people of all demographics to be featured alongside Bernadette Peters, Richard Kind, Mark Hamill, and the rest of our stars. Submitting a video does not guarantee use.

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The Workers Circle @workerscircle.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

The success of the March on Washington was due to the diverse crowd of people united to advocate for civil rights. We continue to push for solidarity as we build a better and more beautiful world for all. #CivilRights #WorkersRights #Intersectionality #IHaveADream

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The Workers Circle @workerscircle.bsky.social · 27/08/2026

Another Trip to Yiddishland in the books! It was a week full of learning, music, and connecting with our vibrant community. What was your favorite part? #Yiddish #YiddishCulture #WorkersCircle Photos by Mark S. Kornbluth, Francesca Rubinson, Lydia Green

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The Workers Circle @workerscircle.bsky.social · 26/08/2026

The 19th Amendment was certified on August 26, 1920. This anniversary is known as Women’s Equality Day. However, women in the United States are currently on a trajectory of losing rights and being in worse off positions compared to men. Due to this reality, we acknowledge Women’s Inequality Day.

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The Workers Circle @workerscircle.bsky.social · 24/08/2026

Whether it's local, state or federal, every election is important to ensuring our laws and policies reflect the values and beliefs of our communities. Check on your voter registration status and get all the info you need to successfully participate in every election: www.vote411.org/TheWorkersCi...

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The Workers Circle @workerscircle.bsky.social · 21/08/2026

Just added: Mark Hamill @markhamillofficial.bsky.social! You were a child. A little mouse crossed an ocean looking for his family — and you never forgot it. On September 10, An American Tail comes back for one night: a live virtual performance. Tickets from $18: secure.actblue.com/donate/ameri...

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The Workers Circle @workerscircle.bsky.social · 19/08/2026

Today Jessica Burroughs, National Freedom Vigils Organizer, and JJ Briscoe, National Talk to Your Sheriff Organizer, are participating in the CWA Human Rights Interactive Activist Mall in Atlanta. Stop by our table to say hi and learn more about our programs! #CWAHumanRightsConference

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The Workers Circle @workerscircle.bsky.social · 18/08/2026

You were a child. A little mouse crossed an ocean looking for his family — and you never forgot it. On September 10, An American Tail comes back: a live virtual performance with Mark Hamill, Jesse Eisenberg, Bernadette Peters, Richard Kind and more. Tickets from $18. www.circle.org/benefit2026

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The Workers Circle @workerscircle.bsky.social · 18/08/2026

The 19th Amendment remains vital today because it established the constitutional foundation for women's equal citizenship and political participation, while serving as an ongoing reminder that securing and protecting voting rights requires continuous civic engagement. #19thAmendment #Women #Vote

The 19th amendment legally guarantees American women the right to vote as:
“The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex.”

The woman suffrage movement began in the 1800s as supporters engaged in lectures, writings, marches, and civil disobedience to amend the Constitution for women's voting rights. Despite decades of effort, including state-level suffrage acts and legal challenges, it wasn't until 1920 that the 19th Amendment was ratified.

However, this victory did not guarantee voting rights for all women, as discriminatory laws continued to disenfranchise many, particularly African Americans and minority women, well into the 20th century. Even today the fight is not over.

We urge Congress to pass the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act.

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The Workers Circle @workerscircle.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

It’s time to start your Yiddish journey! In just five sessions, students will learn to recognize and read the Yiddish alef-beys, developing the skills needed to decode printed Yiddish words and texts with confidence. Register here today: www.circle.org/yiddishclass... #YiddishLanguage #Yiddish

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The Workers Circle @workerscircle.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

Celebrate Yiddish culture with our 6 new mini courses as part of our program for the 60+ community and beyond: Let There Be Yiddish / Zol Zayn Yidish. Register here today: www.circle.org/ltby-courses-fall-2026 #LetThereBeYiddish #YiddishLanguage #YiddishCulture #WorkersCircle #Yiddish

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The Workers Circle @workerscircle.bsky.social · 14/08/2026

Nearly 40 years after its release, An American Tail remains a powerful story about immigration, hope, resilience, and the search for freedom. As attacks on immigrants and democratic freedoms continue, this beloved film reminds us why these stories — and the values they represent — matter today.

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The Workers Circle @workerscircle.bsky.social · 14/08/2026

Join the Workers Circle in sending postcards to Black voters in Dallas County, Alabama with the crucial, non-partisan, information they need to cast their ballots in the general election on November 3, 2026. #WorkersCircle #GetOutTheVote #Vote

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The Workers Circle @workerscircle.bsky.social · 13/08/2026

Plan to join us on Thursday, September 10 at 8:30 PM ET for a special one-night only special table reading and special guest appearances inspired by the beloved animated classic An American Tail. www.circle.org/benefit2026 #DemandDemocracy #WorkersCircle #AnAmericanTail

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The Workers Circle @workerscircle.bsky.social · 13/08/2026

Sign for our email list to be the first to know when we announce our next Lower East Side walking tour! www.circle.org/signup #WorkersCircle #SocialJustice #Yiddish

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The Workers Circle @workerscircle.bsky.social · 13/08/2026

Courtney and Mary visiting the Tampa Federal Building to drop off letters urging Senator Scott and Senator Moody to co-sponsor S. 4814 to extend Haitian TPS #TPS #ExtendTPS

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The Workers Circle @workerscircle.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

On August 12, 1952, a firing squad in Moscow’s infamous Lubyanka prison executed 13 renowned Jewish figures including 5 prominent Yiddish writers after years of confining and torturing them to extract false confessions of treason and espionage. #Yiddish #YiddishCulture #YiddishHistory #JewishHistory

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The Workers Circle @workerscircle.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

The article, Our Literature of Social Protest: 1900-1940, from the August 1940 edition of the Call is 86 years old. What contemporary books or authors would you classify as social protest literature? #WorkersCircle #TheCall #YiddishHistory #YiddishCulture

https://www.archive.thecall.org/?a=d&d=WCC194008-01.2.9&e=-------en-20--1--txt-txIN-------

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The Workers Circle @workerscircle.bsky.social · 11/08/2026

We are proud of every single person who has signed up to work the polls and make sure voters can cast ballots during every election — including in 2026. Democracy is powered by heroes like you! Make a difference in your community and sign up to be a poll worker: www.powerthepolls.org/workerscircle

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The Workers Circle @workerscircle.bsky.social · 04/08/2026

Yesterday afternoon on August 3, our National Democracy Circles Organizer Shoshana Maniscalco went to the Senate offices to urge senators to co-sponsor a bill (S. 4814) that would extend Temporary Protected Status for Haiti. #TPS #WorkersCircle #Haiti

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The Workers Circle @workerscircle.bsky.social · 04/08/2026

The Workers Circle may not be 3000 years old, but our story is epic in its own right. #TheOdyssey #Odyssey #WorkersCircle

Tell me the tale, O Muse
Muse, tell me how Eastern European Jews fled and came to America
when their homelands were wrecked and fear was rampant and where they went, and who they met, the radicalization
they organized in New York City and across the country, and how
they worked to improve their lives and build a world better and more beautiful for all. They ate borscht and bagels, and they made America their home
what began as mutual aid and union organizing became a social justice powerhouse, a quarter of a million people from many backgrounds and heritages, on the frontlines together to win the battle for democracy
Now, O Immigrant, Worker, Citizen, and Dreamer tell the century-old story from the beginning. Start where you will, share the tale with us too

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The Workers Circle @workerscircle.bsky.social · 04/08/2026

Save this post and tag a friend in the comments to complete the list together! #WorkersCircle #SocialJustice #Yiddish #YiddishCulture

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