A progressive Jewish organization, the Boston Workers Circle, has announced its departure from the Jewish Community Relations Council of Boston (JCRC) following accusations and internal
disputes over its involvement in a rally that called for a ceasefire in Gaza and accused Israel of "genocide." This exit marks a significant change for both groups, as the Workers Circle was one of the founding members of the Boston JCRC in 1944, and the JCRC has typically adopted a "big-tent" approach, allowing diverse views to coexist.
The tensions between the two organizations emerged when the Workers Circle took part in a rally organized alongside other groups with strong criticisms of Israel. The JCRC, led by its executive director, Jeremy Burton, expressed concern over the rally and the demonization of Israel. As a result, it informed the Workers Circle that the organization would face disciplinary measures, including potential expulsion from the council.
The Workers Circle decided to resign from the JCRC rather than go through the lengthy disciplinary process. This move signifies that the organization will no longer play a role in shaping the JCRC's policy statements and responses to current events. It also means that the JCRC will lose a progressive voice in its decision-making processes.
Both organizations expressed disappointment over the split and accused each other of being out of touch with mainstream Jewish sentiment. The JCRC lamented that the Workers Circle's actions were exacerbating divisions within the Jewish community, while the Workers Circle expressed concerns that they were being marginalized.
This development is the second instance of the Workers Circle leaving a prominent Jewish organization this year, as it previously resigned from the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations due to disagreements related to Israel and other issues. The Boston Workers Circle, established in 1892 as a Jewish fraternal organization, now promotes Yiddish language, culture, and progressive values. Photo by Ian Howard, Wikimedia commons.