Today, as the contradictions within the capitalist system deepen, we witness growing inequality, exploitation, oppression, environmental devastation, and endless wars. These crises are not abstract; they are embedded in every community, including Jewish communities, which reflect the capitalist world’s oppressive dynamics. Within them, two distinct classes emerge: a privileged Jewish bourgeoisie, aligned with non-Jewish capitalists, and a Jewish proletariat, who find themselves increasingly aligned with the global working class. This class division is profound; Jewish workers have nothing in common with the capitalist interests of the Jewish bourgeoisie.

A century and a half ago, the Jewish proletariat in Eastern Europe found a revolutionary path to organize for their liberation. The General Jewish Workers’ Bund of Russia, Lithuania, and Poland united Jewish workers in solidarity with non-Jewish proletarians, shaping a movement rooted in socialism, Yiddish culture, and the principle of Doikayt—”hereness.” The Bund’s vision and principles provided Jewish workers with a sense of purpose and community that resisted both capitalist exploitation and nationalist illusions.

Our Principles: Doikayt, Yiddishkayt, and Sotzializm

The Bund’s values are as relevant today as they were then. Doikayt (hereness) roots our struggle in the communities we inhabit, rejecting the notion that Jewish liberation must be achieved elsewhere. Yiddishkayt (Jewishness) embraces our rich cultural heritage, expressed through the Yiddish language and our shared histories. Finally, Sotzializm (socialism) anchors our commitment to a world of justice and equality for all, echoing the words of Di Tzukunft:

“O, di velt vet vern yinger,
Un dos lebn laykhter, gringer,
Yeder kloger vet a zinger
Vern, brider, bald!”

Bundism and the Zionist Illusion

Bundism and Zionism developed in parallel, but they were born from opposing visions. While Bundists fought for a world without masters, Zionism presented an ethno-nationalist solution that required the colonization of Palestine, a project that ultimately serves only the interests of the Jewish bourgeoisie and imperialists. For the Jewish proletariat, however, Zionism is no liberation; it entangles them in the colonial oppression of another people. We stand with the oppressed, rejecting any nationalist project that divides workers and bolsters capitalist interests.

Reviving the Flame of Bundism

As capitalism, imperialism, and the Zionist project deepen their grip on the world, young Jewish workers in the diaspora are rekindling an interest in socialism and their Jewish heritage. The time has come to revive Bundism, not as a nostalgic relic but as a vibrant, radical path forward. Inspired by the Bundist song Di Tzukunft, we declare:

“O, di velt vet vern dreyster
Un es vet nit zayn a mayster,
Nit di kroyn un nit der tayster, –
Nit dem zelners shverd.”

Introducing Di Tzukunft

This magazine, Di Tzukunft, is our contribution to the reconstruction of the Bundist movement. Named after the anthem that envisions a world of freedom, equality, and unity, our goal is to inspire a new generation of Jewish and non-Jewish workers to build a future untainted by oppression. Through each article, each story, and each declaration, we strive toward a world in which all workers, across every boundary, are free. This is our shvue—our oath—and together, we march toward Di Tzukunft, a future that belongs to all of us.

“Alzo mutik in di reyen,
In di reyen, tsu bafrayen,
Tsu bafrayen un banayen
Undzer alte velt!”