Dear Friend,

2020 is a milestone year for the Workers Circle — it marks 120 years since our founding by immigrant activists! And our social and economic justice activism today is as important as it was in the 1900s. Hot off the heels of our name change and a successful Annual Benefit, we are kicking off our next 120 years the way our founders did: fighting for worker and immigrant rights. 

Just this week, we were horrified to see the US Supreme Court vote to allow the Trump Administration’s discriminatory changes to the Public Charge rule take effect, while litigation over the rule continues. This rule is nothing more than a racist wealth test meant to keep low-income immigrants of color out of the country in favor of those with wealth and a higher education. If the current incarnation of this rule were in effect 120 years ago, our founders — and many of our grandparents and great grandparents — may not have been allowed entry into this country. 

In the coming weeks we will be providing updates on the Public Charge rule and how you can take action to support immigrants who want nothing more than to build a better life in this country, just as our founders did.

Ann Toback,
CEO

Ann Toback’s remarks at the
2020 Women’s March on NYC

Earlier this month, Ann Toback spoke at the 2020 Women’s March on NYC. There, she talked about the need for unity and solidarity. Unity across communities is what will help us push back against the rising tide of hate and anti-Semitism! Click here to watch Ann’s remarks.

The Workers Circle hosts strategy session
for Farmworker Rights

As part of our ongoing commitment to stand up for the rights of all workers, we convened a briefing for Jewish organizations with the Coalition of Immokalee Workers (CIW) to discuss how the New York Jewish community can support farmworker rights. We were joined by Jewish community leaders, leaders from CIW and NY City Council Member Mark Levine to discuss and strategize how New York City can urge fast food giant Wendy’s to join the Fair Food Program, which ensures humane wages and working conditions for the workers who pick fruits and vegetables on participating farms.

During this session we began to plan solidarity actions we can hold this March, when a CIW mobilization will take place in NYC. Sign up here to receive updates on how you can get involved!

Ann speaks with NBC on what can be done
to stop anti-Semitism

Ann Toback recently spoke with NBC-NY about what can be done to stop anti-Semitism amid a spree of attacks in the Tri-State area. As Ann said in the interview, one of the goals of hate speech and violence is to divide us. An attack on one group is an attack on everyone! Watch her interview here.

Last chance for Early Bird registration to our
2020 Jewish Journey to Eastern Europe

The Early Bird registration rate for our Jewish Journey to Eastern Europe ends this Friday, January 31! Register today and save $150 on this unique, all-inclusive experience. Unlike any other, this trip will immerse you in the 1,000 years of Jewish life and culture that existed in Eastern Europe. Connect with the moments of joy, artistic expression, activism, and resilience that were hallmarks of Jewish life in pre-War Lithuania and Poland. The trip is limited to 30 participants to create an intimate, supportive community. Register now to reserve your place!

Spring 2020 Yiddish Registration is now open!

Take your Yiddish to the next level in 2020. Registration is now open for our Spring 2020 Yiddish semester! From basic Yiddish conversation skills to a course on Yiddish cinema, there is a class for you. Our in-person and online classes are designed for everyone, from onheybers (beginners) to mevinim (experts). No matter your experience, take your Yiddish skills to the next level in 2020.

Cocktails and Conversation
with the Libeskinds and Aldas 

Alan Alda is best known as an actor, but he is also an accomplished advocate for the power of communication. His Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science empowers doctors, scientists and health professionals to speak about complex topics in clear and engaging ways. Join us on March 2 at our exclusive fundraising event with Alan Alda to learn how communication can lead to personal and social change. The evening will be hosted by internationally renowned architect, Daniel Libeskind, and his wife and Studio Libeskind co-founder, Nina Libeskind. They will be joined by Alan and his wife, the musician, photographer and writer, Arlene Alda, for a spirited discussion on what these two long-married couples have learned about communication in their partnerships, and how they strategically work together to build a better world for all. Space is very limited – register today.

Donate your birthday to the Workers Circle!

In honor of our 120th Anniversary, we are asking you to donate your birthday to the Workers Circle this year! Create a Facebook fundraiser for the Workers Circle and support our mission for a better and more beautiful world. Simply click here and follow the step-by-step instructions to set up your fundraiser. Once published, make sure to share it with your friends and family. Let them know why the Workers Circle is an important cause for you, and encourage them to support our mission!

Become an Advocate for Change

We’re launching a brand new monthly giving program and to kick it off, we are issuing a challenge — the first 120 new donors who sign up to give at least $10 a month will receive a complimentary tote bag. Your gift will help us grow our Social Justice, Yiddish Language, Jewish Culture, Education programs, and much more. Become an Advocate for Change today and wear your tote bag with pride!

Thank you to everyone who attended our 2019 Annual Benefit and made it our most successful yet! A big thank you to everyone who generously donated to our year-end fundraising campaign. Thanks to our members, allies and supporters.

And thanks to the following foundations for your contributions to the Workers Circle: Atran Foundation, Marinus and Minna B. Koster Foundation, Inc., The Michael and Alice Kuhn Foundation, New York Immigration Coalition, The Slomo & Cindy Silvian Foundation, Chaim Schwartz Foundation, Merle S. Cahn Foundation, Charles and Mildred Schnurmacher Foundation, The Jewish Education Project and UJA Federation of New York, Jewish Social Justice Roundtable, Sidney S. Stern Memorial Trust, R&S Strauss Family Foundation.

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