| | Dear Friend, Our democracy is under attack at a magnitude rarely seen in our lifetime and the Workers Circle is committed to defending our democracy and demanding that it be accountable to the people it serves and protects. Voter suppression, election interference, regressive court decisions, and Congressional gridlock are stripping all of our civil and human rights. It’s up to us to fight back. Together. In June of 2022, the Workers Circle expressed outrage at the reprehensible decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization handed down by the Supreme Court. In that decision, nine justices struck a blow to democracy by overturning the abortion rights protections of Roe v. Wade. The right to bodily autonomy is foundational to democracy and human rights. This decision was a terrible setback in our fight for freedom, and we have already seen horrific impact on the health and wellbeing of people across the country; but we pledge to continue to fight for a democracy that guarantees equality, rights, and dignity for all. Because of this and many other attacks on our democracy, we launched Democracy Circles — small groups of people to learn, engage, and take action together to defend our democracy. These Circles share the Workers Circle’s Yiddish culture and activist history as a touchstone for strengthening democracy and resisting fascism. In December, we hosted our first in-person benefit in NYC since 2019: Defending Democracy. We honored actress and activist Jessica Hecht with the Workers Circle Activism Award. Jessica is the granddaughter of Rose Hecht of Bronx, NY, who was a lifelong member and fierce social justice activist in the Workers Circle and introduced Jessica to our organization as a child. Special thanks to our attendees and supporters that made this evening a memorable and meaningful one. And to honoree Jessica Hecht — thank you for supporting the Workers Circle and its mission. On January 6 of this year — the two-year anniversary of the insurrection at the Capital, Director of Social Justice, Noelle Damico, Washington, DC-based Public Policy Consultant Sammie Moshenberg, and I attended the opening day of Congress and met with House and Senate leaders in Washington, DC, to discuss Workers Circle's legislative priorities for the next congressional session. In 2023, we will keep fighting for a government and democracy accountable to us all. In this edition of The Call, you will learn more about our virtual events, our spring semester of Yiddish classes, our local school communities, our new Teen Activist Academy, and more. While many things in our country and our world continue to challenge us, there is strength to be found in our Workers Circle community, where together we share challenges, victories, and celebrate our Yiddishkayt traditions every day. In friendship,
| | | | | | | | We are the Stewards of Our Democracy My name is Art Persyko. I am the son of Holocaust survivors. The same kind of political scapegoating and lies that led to tragedy in Eastern Europe during my parents’ lifetime are happening here and now in the US during my lifetime. That's why I co-created a Democracy Circle with Diana Scott and invited friends in the Bay Area of California. Gathering in small groups where we live is a great idea and can not only be helpful for promoting our activism but is also good for our mental health by allowing us to share our ideas and feelings with other activists, be heard and hear others, get and give support, and have agency — so we do not feel as helpless as we might otherwise, in the face of rising fascism in this country. Please join me in taking action to avert another tragedy on our watch, as we are the stewards of our own democracy. Learn more about how you can create a Workers Circle Democracy Circle today! | | | | Workers Circle Social Justice Power in 2022 In 2022, the Workers Circle focused on the most urgent issues of our time. In the face of voter suppression, election interference, and regressive court decisions, we fought back to win advances like the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Act of New York, to roll back the Trump-era Public Charge Rule increasing protections for immigrant families, and to assist thousands of voters of color in surmounting barriers designed to keep them from casting their ballots. From rallies to marches, watch our 2-minute video look-back from this past year. Be a part of where we're going in 2023. | | | | | | | | | | | Power to the People In January, our Teen Activist Academy workshop, Power to the People, was taught by Juanita Lewis, the Executive Director of Community Voices Heard, a member-led, multi-racial organization in New York State currently organizing around housing justice. Juanita guided participants through an exercise that had them imagine themselves as tenants facing a rent increase while being denied heat and timely repairs. The teens broke into groups to strategize how to call attention to the problem in an impactful way, from protesting landlords in places they frequent to rallying in front of the building during open houses for new renters. You can view from the day photos here. | | | | YIDDISH LANGUAGE AND CULTURE | | | | | | Keeping Yiddish Alive at the Workers Circle! A highlight of the Yiddish fall semester was our annual Yiddish Khanike party with over 300 participants from all over the world, and a splendid concert prepared by our multi-talented staff and students from many countries. You can view the concert here. We are looking forward to our second annual Winter in Yiddishland Online program on February 5 at 10:30 AM ET. This full-day learning experience will be filled with Yiddish classes for all levels, lectures by Yiddish scholars, Klezmer, Yiddish song and Yidishe nigunim workshops, the free Annual Lorraine Buch Yiddish concert featuring Klezmer stars, and a free Yiddish sing-along. There is something for everyone; sign up today. Our winter/spring Yiddish semester kicks off on February 19. Learn Yiddish or take your skills to the next level. Registration is now open for online classes for all levels. From Ladino for beginners and Klezmer and Yiddish song workshops — there is something for everyone. Our international staff teaches from Argentina, Brazil, Canada, England, France, Germany, Israel, and the US. Everybody is welcome! | | | | | | | | The Manhattan Workers Circle School Intergenerational Klezmer Band | | | This year, the Manhattan Workers Circle School formed its first intergenerational Klezmer band under the direction of Klezmer musician and school parent, Aaron Alexander! The band meets monthly and performs for the community on holidays and special occasions. They played a great show at our 2022 Khanike celebration! You can view the performance here. | | | | | | | | | | | | Welcome Wednesday On February 1, Workers Circle CEO Ann Toback and Workers Circle Director of Yiddish Programming Kolya Borodulin invite new and perspective members to say hi and learn more about upcoming programs and initiatives at this online orientation mixer. Sign up at today! | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
