In recent years, Bundism has experienced a remarkable revival among a new generation of Jewish radicals, particularly within Gen Z. This resurgence is marked by the emergence of several Bundist groupuscules, each drawing inspiration from the rich history of the Jewish Labor Bund, while also adapting it to contemporary struggles. Many young Jews are rediscovering the radical socialism of their forebears, and several individuals have already begun to identify as Bundists—fascinated by the movement’s commitment to Jewish culture, anti-Zionism, and revolutionary socialism.

This growing interest in Bundism is part of a broader trend among Gen Z: a re-engagement with revolutionary traditions, coupled with a newfound curiosity for Jewish heritage. Across the Jewish diaspora, we are witnessing the revival of Yiddish and Ladino, languages that carry with them the histories of Jewish communities once flourishing across Eastern Europe and the Middle East. This generation of radicals recognizes that their political commitments are not only forward-looking but also rooted in the historical struggles of Jewish workers and their vibrant diasporic cultures.

What makes this new generation distinct is its pragmatism and willingness to explore revolutionary ideas from different traditions without being bogged down by the traditional sectarianism and infighting that plagued earlier leftist movements. They are more open to dialogue, more flexible in their tactics, and, crucially, less rigid in their views on the role of secularism and religion in revolutionary politics. In the process, Jewish Gen Z activists have found innovative ways to blend their political and spiritual lives, rediscovering the prophetic revolutionary potential within Jewish traditions. By incorporating ancient rituals and beliefs into their radical praxis, these young Jews are channeling a profound historical force that has always existed in the prophetic traditions of Judaism—one that calls for justice, liberation, and resistance against oppression.

Challenges of Fragmentation

Yet, this new wave of interest in Bundism is not without its challenges. Despite the growing number of individuals and small groups who identify as Bundists, the movement remains highly fragmented. As with many radical movements in the digital age, much of the current Bundist activity takes place online, where organizing is decentralized and scattered across social media platforms, blogs, and informal networks. While online spaces offer a crucial platform for discourse and organizing, they also come with limitations. The lack of cohesive structures and in-person organizing has prevented these disparate groups from building the kind of solidarity and coordination necessary for sustained political action.

This is not a problem unique to Bundism. Communist comrades have similarly lamented that “there are too many online communist parties, and too few offline communists.” The same is true for the Bund today: there are too many fragmented online discussions, but not enough concerted efforts to organize on the ground.

The Need for Unity in Diversity

To realize the full potential of this Bundist revival, we must find ways to unite the many factions of the movement. This is not simply a matter of consolidating these different groups under one banner; it is about finding a way to harmonize the diversity of thought and practice that already exists within the Bundist community. The strength of Bundism has always been its emphasis on “unity in diversity”—the recognition that a movement can thrive on a multiplicity of identities, approaches, and tactics, as long as it is anchored by shared principles. We must apply this same philosophy to the work of building a new Bund.

To organize effectively, we must strike a balance between our “diversity in tactics and methods” and the need for a central coordinating body. While it is important to respect the autonomy and local conditions of different Bundist factions, there must also be a commitment to creating a unified structure that can facilitate collaboration, amplify our collective voice, and coordinate action across borders. This is especially important in today’s world, where the forces of reaction—whether in the form of Zionist ethno-nationalism, capitalist imperialism, or far-right extremism—are highly organized and global in scope.

Opportunities for a New Era of Bundism

The rise of Gen Z Bundism also presents new opportunities for collaboration and expansion. This generation’s openness to revolutionary ideas beyond the traditional left, their re-engagement with Jewish culture and spirituality, and their willingness to blend secular and religious radicalism offer fertile ground for the Bundist movement to grow. Unlike the previous generation, which often viewed religion as an obstacle to revolutionary consciousness, Gen Z radicals are far more comfortable engaging with religious traditions in a revolutionary way. This includes reclaiming the prophetic tradition, which has long served as a foundation for social justice in Jewish thought, and using it to inspire contemporary struggles against oppression.

By embracing these new energies and fostering deeper coordination between Bundist groups, we can not only revitalize the movement but also expand its reach. To do so, however, we must take concrete steps to move beyond the digital sphere and into real-world organizing. Bundists must not only exist as isolated individuals within various struggles but must actively engage as organizers and leaders, bringing the values of doikayt, yiddishkayt, and sotsializm into their work.

Next Steps: Organizing for Unity

In this new era of Bundism, the central task before us is to build a unified movement that maintains our diversity while achieving the organizational strength needed to make real change. This will require:

• Creating platforms that facilitate collaboration between Bundist groups and individuals, both online and offline.

• Organizing in-person gatherings and conferences to deepen solidarity and coordinate actions on a global scale.

• Developing shared projects, whether in agitprop, political education, or direct action, that unite Bundists in common efforts.

• Recognizing that the strength of the movement lies in its ability to engage in multiple fronts—cultural, spiritual, political, and social—without losing sight of its revolutionary, anti-imperialist core.

The future of Bundism depends on our ability to organize for the long term, not only as individuals but as a collective force. The stakes are high, and the path forward will not be easy, but by building a movement that draws on the strength of our shared history and the radicalism of today’s generation, we can once again make Bundism a powerful force for liberation in the world.