“The Workmen’s Circle has a special obligation today. Jewish life, of which we are a part, is full of problems and heartache. It is not only difficult to act, but even to think. And it is difficult to imagine that in a world which is half fascist, that there would be no fascist elements in Jewish life. The Workmen’s Circle must be that body which fights fascism not only in the world at large, but within the bounds of Jewish life itself.” 
– B.C. Vladeck, 1937

Dear Boston Workers Circle,

We have been here before. 

In his closing address at the 1937 Convention of the Workmen’s Circle, B.C. Vladeck called on the members to fight fascism at home and abroad, inside and outside Jewish life. He was no stranger to this fight. Born in Russia, Vladeck joined the Jewish Labor Bund in 1904 and spent four years underground as an organizer before fleeing to New York City. There, he became a member of Workmen’s Circle Branch 4, manager of the Jewish Daily Forward, helped lead the Socialist Party of America, was elected to the NYC Board of Alderman and the New York City Council, and founded the Jewish Labor Committee. 

Vladeck has much to teach us. He raised money for Bundists in Poland, he organized the American Federation of Labor to support the anti-Nazi boycott, and he fought fascist propaganda within Jewish life. Just like BWC today, Vladeck worked in solidarity across religious, ethnic, and national lines in order to build coalitions to fight fascism. 

Please support Boston Workers Circle with a donation to our year-end fundraiser so we can continue Vladeck’s legacy. Follow in the footsteps of our ancestors, and join our fight against fascism.

Join me in the fight against fascism by contributing to a community doing this organizing at the grassroots. Give generously to Boston Workers Circle today!

In gratitude,
Jeremy Menchik,
BWC Member & Shule Parent