Historically, prominent U.S. unions have been staunch supporters of Israel, but recent events have ignited debates and actions that signal a significant transformation. The American labor movement is experiencing a notable shift in its stance towards the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, a change that mirrors broader societal trends and reflects deeper ideological divisions within the movement.
For decades, American unions, led by influential Jewish labor leaders, were unwavering in their support for Israel. This relationship was rooted in the early 20th century when labor unions like the American Federation of Labor endorsed the Balfour Declaration and financially supported Histadrut, Israel’s national labor union. This support continued post-1948, when Israel was created, with U.S. unions investing heavily in Israel’s bond program and aiding in the construction of infrastructure and public facilities. Such actions were underpinned by a strong identification with Israel’s labor movement and its socialist roots.
The recent escalation in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has exposed deep rifts within the U.S. labor movement. Increasingly, younger union members and a new generation of activists are urging their unions to take a stand against what they perceive as injustices against Palestinians. This shift is emblematic of a generational change in attitudes, with younger activists less inclined to automatically align with Israel and more attuned to global human rights concerns.
On December 21, 2023, hundreds of union members gathered on the steps of the New York Public Library’s Fifth Avenue branch, rallying for a ceasefire in Gaza. Brandon Mancilla, a leader with the United Automobile Workers, led the chant of “Cease-fire now, solidarity forever!” As the crowd cheered and waved union banners and Palestinian flags, Mancilla spurred them on with, “Let’s get more and more unions behind us.”
This transformation is not without controversy or consequence. Unions like the United Automobile Workers and the Association of Legal Aid Attorneys have faced internal conflicts and legal challenges over resolutions calling for ceasefires in Gaza. The Alphabet Workers Union, part of Google’s parent company Alphabet, has also grappled with this issue, reflecting a broader hesitation among newer unions to take a definitive stance.
These debates over the Israeli-Palestinian conflict are testing the solidarity of the American labor movement. While some leaders and members advocate for a more traditional, economics-focused approach to union activism, others argue for a broader, intersectional perspective that includes engaging with geopolitical issues.
As the labor movement in the U.S. undergoes a resurgence, its engagement with international politics, particularly the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, will likely continue to evolve. This evolution reflects not only the changing demographics and ideologies within the unions but also a broader societal shift towards a more nuanced understanding of international conflicts and human rights issues. The outcome of these debates will shape the future direction of the U.S. labor movement, determining whether it remains a primarily economic force or evolves into a more politically and socially engaged entity.
