Upon the re-election of Donald J. Trump to the Presidency and a likely MAGA majority to Congress, Ann Toback, CEO of the Workers Circle released the following statement:
November 7, 2024
Contact: Lynsey Billet, lynsey@anatgerstein.com, 347-361-8449
This is not the first time in history that fascists have risen to power through democratic means. We have seen it, resisted it, and overcome it before. We know that when we stand together, we can forge a way forward for freedom, even in the darkest of times.
The stakes couldn’t be higher for democratic governance and society with the anticipated return of Donald J. Trump to the office of president, wrapped in a cloak of immunity from prosecution for any acts he may undertake in his presidential capacity, and the, likely, MAGA control of all three branches of government.
The ascent of America’s own fascist movement to unchecked federal power has been paved by anti-democratic state lawmakers who passed voter suppression laws and drew egregious Congressional maps to disenfranchise voters of color. It has been aided and abetted by a tsunami of dark money, disinformation, lying, vile hatred and threats from the president-elect, his enablers, and apologists be they clergy, lawmakers, publishers, broadcasters, or CEOs.
This we know: these newly elected anti-democratic leaders will continue to work to divide us, to terrify us, to immobilize us. They disregard the Constitution and are willing to use violence and weaponize the Justice Department to persecute opponents, undermine our rights, and impose their agenda.
To all this we cry, mir zaynen do, “we are here” with the same clarity and determination of our loved ones who defiantly shouted these words during the Warsaw Ghetto uprising. Mir zaynen do! We are here! We are here for democracy, for freedom, for equal rights. We are here for each other and especially for those who may be targeted for harm. We are here to demand democracy and fight fascism. And we will work shoulder-to-shoulder with people across this nation with intelligence, commitment, creativity, and resolve to bring forth from this terrible moment an America that is truly by, with, and for all the people.
About the Workers Circle
The Workers Circle is a national, secular, Jewish social justice organization founded by Eastern European immigrants who came to the United States fleeing autocracy and persecution, and seeking democratic freedoms and economic opportunities at the turn of the 20th century. That history drives our work for an inclusive democracy and human equality today. Our activism is rooted in 1,000 years of Yiddish culture and tradition. Through strategic social justice campaigns, vibrant Yiddish language classes, and interactive educational programs, we power a multi-generational community of activists that is building “a better and more beautiful world for all.” Learn more at www.circle.org.