Activist Spotlight: Rachael Kessler

Hi! My name is Rachael Kessler, and I’m an organizing intern at the Workers Circle this summer! I’m going to be a senior at NYU, double-majoring in Biology and Hebrew and Judaic Studies. I became involved with the Workers Circle through the Collegiate Leadership Internship Program at NYU Hillel, a program that matches students to internships at Jewish non-profit organizations across NYC.

As a student of biology, my summers are usually spent in research laboratory settings. So to say, being at the Workers Circle is definitely a change of pace for me, although I will be very clear: I am enjoying every second of it! It brings me so much joy to continue my family’s Ashkenazi Jewish heritage and position myself within the grand timeline of the bold and fiery activism of my ancestors. As an organizing intern, I have been so lucky to meaningfully participate in both the Yiddish cultural engagement and social justice activism that the Workers Circle has been involved in for over a century. I can confidently say that one of the best parts of my internship is being part of a like-minded and celebratory community.

I am glad to be at the Workers Circle and embrace my cultural identity, all while joining the noble fight to protect our democracy. I look forward to continuing to make memories, learn, teach, demonstrate, and celebrate with you all!