Artist Molly Crabapple Revives Forgotten Jewish Labor Bund's Anti-Zionist Legacy in New Book

Molly Crabapple, the renowned artist and author, has released her latest book, *Here Where We Live Is Our Country: The Story of the Jewish Bund*, shedding light on a forgotten chapter of Jewish history. The Jewish Labor Bund, a once-powerful secular, socialist revolutionary movement, emerges as a key figure in her work. Formed in 1897 during the final days of the Russian Empire, the Bund fought for freedom and dignity for Jews amidst rampant antisemitism. However, unlike many Jewish groups of the time, the Bund rejected calls to establish a Jewish ethnostate in Palestine, viewing Zionism as a surrender to the same bigotry that sought to expel Jews from Europe.

Crabapple highlights the Bund's journey through profound historical shifts, from its inception until its tragic destruction during the Holocaust. Yet, she emphasizes that their story is not confined to Jewish history alone. "This is a history that belongs to all rebels," she says. "It belongs to everyone who believes in the necessity of human solidarity." By learning Yiddish for her research, Crabapple has brought new life to a movement whose legacy remains relevant today, challenging narratives that often overlook or marginalize anti-Zionist Jewish perspectives.

The Bund's legacy serves as a reminder of the diverse and complex ways Jews have grappled with identity, nationalism, and social justice throughout history. As Crabapple's work demonstrates, their story continues to resonate with those who value collective resistance and the fight for equality.