Panel on Jan 27, 2024: Zionism, The Histadrut, The AFL-CIO & South Africa

Zionism, The Histadrut, The AFL-CIO & South Africa

This panel on January 27, 2024 looks at the role of Zionism, the Histadrut, the AFL-CIO, and South Africa.

Since its formation, there has been a close relationship between the Israeli Zionist labor organization, the Histadrut and the US labor movement, with US unions providing much funding. Additionally, there was funding from the CIA and NED as well as other government agencies for these international projects, and that continues today with the AFL-CIO’s “Solidarity Center.”

The AFL-CIO and Israel’s Histadrut were also involved in actively supporting the South African apartheid regime and the CIA through the AFL-CIO, which gave millions of dollars to Chief Buthelezi, which led to the death of thousands of trade unionists and their families.

Today, the AFL-CIO leadership is silent about the genocide of Israel and is continuing to support US military and economic aid to apartheid Israel. The AFL-CIO also continues to support US military and economic support for Israel’s war on Palestinian workers, journalists, and people; however, it is facing growing opposition from tens of thousands of workers and trade unionists throughout the US.

Panel Speakers Included:

Mimi Rosenberg, UAW Local 2325 Member & Producer at WBAI

Jeff Schuhrke, a labor historian, educator, journalist, and union activist who teaches at the Harry Van Arsdale Jr. School of Labor Studies, SUNY Empire State University in New York City.

David Hemson, South African (Durban) Trade Union Organizer & Researcher/Educator

Carol Lang, AFT PSC Delegate & CUNY Professor

Lisa Milos, CWA UPTE, Member UPTE Members For Palestine