Exploring the Jewish Left Through Graphic Stories
A Post-Publication Reflection on The Bund: A Graphic History of Jewish Labour Resistance
The Jewish left has long found a place for artistic expression in the world of comics. This has run the gamut from traditional liberal Jewish expressions of justice and repairing the world (Tzedaka and Tikkun Olam) to overt socialist ideology. The recent release of The Bund: A Graphic History of Jewish Labour Resistance is indicative of renewed interest in the rich history of the Jewish left. This graphic novel vividly brings to life the story of the Bund, a Jewish socialist movement that played a crucial role in the early 20th century labor movement. The recent addition of this graphic history to our collection is an opportune moment to explore how graphic stories have captured the essence of the Jewish left over the years.
The Bund: A Graphic History of Jewish Labour Resistance stands out not only for its historical narrative but also for its visual storytelling which makes the book a low barrier introduction into a fascinating history. The Bund, founded in 1897 in Vilnius, advocated for workers' rights, Jewish cultural autonomy, and was a vocal opponent of Tsarist oppression which helped spark the Russian Revolution. They also offered significant resistance to Nazi fascism. The graphic novel encapsulates these themes through compelling artwork and dialogue.
“They were ahead of their time putting forward a sophisticated notion of multiculturalism and minority rights that would enable access to each other’s cultures while fighting for all cultures to have the means to develop freely and equally in cosmopolitain multinational societies.”1
As it turns out the above quote speaks directly to heart of the Jewish Comics Library of Seattle’s vision of creating and sharing Jewish culture with anyone interested in the varieties of these graphic expressions, and where intersections abound.
The book’s editor, historian Paul Buhle, has been pivotal in bringing the stories of the Jewish left to the forefront of graphic storytelling. Buhle's works, such as Jews and American Comics and Yiddishkeit: Jewish Vernacular and the New Land, explore the rich tapestry of Jewish life and its intersection with political movements, labor struggles, and cultural expression. His scholarship and editorial work have been instrumental in showcasing how comics can serve as a medium for documenting and disseminating Jewish history and the legacy of the Jewish left.
One of Buhle’s collaborators, Harvey Pekar, made significant contributions in his own right. Harvey Pekar's American Splendor is a seminal work that, while often autobiographical, delves deeply into the lives of working-class individuals and the socio-economic struggles they face. Pekar, himself a leftist and union supporter, infused his stories with a critical eye on capitalism, labor rights, and the everyday struggles of the common man. His work resonates with the ethos of the Jewish left, highlighting themes of solidarity, resistance, and social justice.
Another book to note from our collection is Herbert Marcuse: Philosopher of Utopia - A Graphic Biography. Nick Thorkelson's graphic biography of Herbert Marcuse explores the life and ideas of the influential Jewish-German philosopher. Marcuse, a key figure in the Frankfurt School, profoundly impacted leftist thought in the 20th century. This graphic biography delves into his contributions to critical theory, social movements, and the quest for a utopian society, resonating with the ideals of the Jewish left and their vision for social justice and transformation.
From the forward to The Bund: A Graphic History of Jewish Labour Resistance by David Rosenberg