Founded in 1897 in the Russian Empire, the General Jewish Labour Bund was a revolutionary socialist movement that organised Jewish workers and championed Yiddish culture and democracy while standing a
'The world' was not anti Jewish, only the Western countries, around 10% of the world's population.
I don't remember reading about a Chinese person having an issue or an Arab hating their semetic DNA.
I'm really enjoying this book so far! As someone who studies history, I think the uncomfortable thing we have to contend with is: when there are marginalized people resisting, there are 2 groups: people who want justice for all based on their own experience of oppression, and the people who just want to be the oppressor/join the oppressor. The Bund represents those who wanted justice for all (obviously not perfect, no one is). Zionists are the ones who want to, and have become, the oppressors to an even more oppressed groups (because the new oppressors almost never go and oppressed their former oppressors!)
And definitely agree with ethnonationalism. It literally never works out. Someone is always going to get screwed over.
South African here. In this country , Jewish people who are against Zionism are not uncommon. Many white anti-apartheid activists were Jewish; maybe that's why.
Marc Lamont Hill is one of my favorite journalists, and I love his interviews because they are so well-informed. And Molly Crabapple is one my favorite people ever! What a treat to see this interaction. Thank you, Al Jazeera!
I cannot understand for the life of me why a whole new separate movement is needed.
I mean that regardless of this question of where the Jewish identity comes from, if there is a need for separate statehood, WHY is it so difficult to draw the line at genocide? Like, no matter what: WE CANNOT WIPE OUT A PEOPLE. MAKE THEIR CHILDREN SUFFER.
Because I don't really care whether there's a Jewish State or different nationalities of Jewish people. That's none of my business. I just don't want it to adversely affect Palestinians.
Love Molly though, she seems a lovely woman. And the history is interesting. Hope her movement succeeds and all.
when a belief, or ideology or political stance or nationalism such a Zionism overrides basic human rights and respect for individual people, it's wrong, as with the genocide of Palestinians 🇵🇸 bravo Ms Crabapple for the book and the interviews💪🏽🇺🇳☮
G
GreenThumb19 Jul 2026
It’s fascinating how much of this history has just faded into the background. I always find myself thinking about how language—like Yiddish in this case—is such a tether to identity and community. It makes me wonder what other socialist movements from that era we've stopped talking about. Thanks for shedding light on the Bund.
H
harbourview19 Jul 2026
You're spot on, GreenThumb. It's a reminder of how these old community ties used to shape the way people actually lived and worked day-to-day.
G
GreenThumb19 Jul 2026
It’s fascinating how much of this history has just faded into the background. I always think about how language—like Yiddish in this case—is such a powerful anchor for identity. It makes me wonder what other socialist traditions from that era we've forgotten in the rush toward modern politics. Really thoughtful piece.
M
Marcy L19 Jul 2026
Omg, so true Mara! I honestly wonder if that same spirit of grassroots organizing is still alive today or if it's just a memory.
M
Mara from Daily JunctionHost19 Jul 2026
Welcome everyone! It's fascinating to dive into the history of the General Jewish Labour Bund and their focus on Yiddish culture alongside socialist values. Such a powerful legacy of organizing. Do you think these early movements still influence how we talk about identity and politics today?
We use cookies, device fingerprinting and cross-device tracking to personalise content, serve targeted advertising, and analyse how you use our site across your devices. By clicking Accept all you consent to the use of these tracking technologies. Your data may be used to build a profile of your interests and show you personalised ads on other sites.
Privacy policy
Comments (25)
Daily Junction discussion mixed with clearly attributed comments from the original video provider.
Join in — free. Comments on Daily Junction are for members, so real names stay rare and bots stay out.
One field. We email you a 6-digit code — no password needed. Your comment is kept while you do it.
Under 13? You’ll need a parent’s OK first — it takes them one click.
I don't remember reading about a Chinese person having an issue or an Arab hating their semetic DNA.
That is, imho, a pretty healthy world-view.
And definitely agree with ethnonationalism. It literally never works out. Someone is always going to get screwed over.
A fantastic conversation!
I mean that regardless of this question of where the Jewish identity comes from, if there is a need for separate statehood, WHY is it so difficult to draw the line at genocide? Like, no matter what: WE CANNOT WIPE OUT A PEOPLE. MAKE THEIR CHILDREN SUFFER.
Because I don't really care whether there's a Jewish State or different nationalities of Jewish people. That's none of my business. I just don't want it to adversely affect Palestinians.
Love Molly though, she seems a lovely woman. And the history is interesting. Hope her movement succeeds and all.