Upstream US Labor & Imperialism Pt. 2: Zionism w/ Jeff Schuhrke (Palestine Pt. 16)
Jan 13, 2026
In this conversation with Jeff Schuhrke, a labor historian and author, listeners explore the complex history of U.S. labor's support for Zionism. Schuhrke contrasts the Jewish Labor Bund's socialist approach with the nationalist agenda of Zionism. He delves into the financial and ideological backing from U.S. unions, particularly during pivotal moments like WWII and the Nakba. The discussion also addresses parallels between labor actions and anti-apartheid movements, and the need for renewed internationalist politics within the labor movement today.
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Labor As Early Pro‑Israel Lobby
- U.S. labor leaders publicly proclaimed "We support Israel" and positioned unions as key pro-Israel lobbyists.
- This early, vocal support shaped U.S. political backing and normalized labor's role in foreign policy.
Two Divergent Responses To Persecution
- Zionism and the Jewish Labor Bund offered opposing responses to European anti‑Semitism.
- The Bund pushed socialist emancipation while Zionists pursued nationalism and settler colonialism.
Labor Zionism As Settler Colonial Project
- Labor Zionism fused socialist language with settler colonial practices like kibbutzim and Hebrew labor.
- Histadrut became both trade union and state-building economic engine that excluded Palestinians.
