The Warsaw Uprising Anniversary, Part 1: Irena Klepfisz, Jewish Lesbian Poet and Activist

The Warsaw Uprising Anniversary, Part 1: Irena Klepfisz, Jewish Lesbian Poet and Activist

Author: DSA Religion and Socialism Commission April 19, 2019 Duration: 55:37
Today, April 19th, is the 76th anniversary of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising. It was the largest single revolt by Jews during WWII and it was mostly organized by the Bund, a secular Jewish socialist movement. Irena Klepfisz was born in the Warsaw Ghetto and fled with her mother to the United States when she was eight. She is now a noted poet, writer, Yiddish translator, anti-occupation activist, known for her work in lesbian, feminist and Jewish spaces. This personal interview touches on Irena's childhood, the "zeitgeist" of American Jewish bundist life, coming out in the 1970's, her activism against Israel's occupation, and how she makes sense of the contemporary resurgence of interest in Yiddish. Part 2 of this interview series will feature Daniel Soyer, who will provide a historical and academic perspective on the Jewish Labor Bund.

The Religious Socialism Podcast, presented by the DSA Religion and Socialism Commission, explores the often-overlooked intersections of faith, ethics, and leftist political economy. This isn't a lecture series but a series of conversations, interviews, and reflections that delve into the practical and theological questions of building a more just world. You'll hear from organizers, theologians, scholars, and community members who are actively working within their traditions to challenge systems of oppression and imagine collective liberation. Discussions might range from the scriptural foundations for economic democracy to the on-the-ground experiences of faith-based mutual aid projects, all grounded in a socialist framework. The podcast serves as a forum for those who find their spiritual convictions compelling them toward radical solidarity, offering both analysis and encouragement for the long-term work of social transformation. It’s a space where the moral imperatives of religion meet the material demands of socialism, creating a rich dialogue for anyone curious about this dynamic and necessary synthesis. Tune in for thoughtful, earnest episodes that refuse to separate the inner life of spirit from the outer work of building a better society for all.
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