Jewish Labor Committee: American Jews owe unions an extra 'thank you' on this Labor Day

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.jewishlaborcommittee.org/

By Stuart Appelbaum

NEW YORK (JTA) -- As is the custom, millions of families will soon flock to beaches and backyard barbeques to celebrate Labor Day. Unfortunately, the reason for the holiday, recognizing the value of the labor movement, is too often forgotten. Of course, every family has reason to salute the contributions unions have made to our country. After all, it was organized labor that introduced the idea of the weekend and the 8-hour day. However, this year there's one group of Americans who have special reason to be thankful for organized labor -- those of us in the Jewish community.

At a time when many in business, the media and other institutions are too timid to challenge the rising tide of anti-Semitism abroad, America’s labor leaders did something extraordinary this summer. In a stunning show of solidarity with Israel, the presidents of virtually every major U.S. union signed on a declaration denouncing anti-Israel boycotts and divestment campaigns like the ones which have been endorsed by several British unons.

CONTINUED http://www.jta.org/cgi-bin/iowa/news/print/20070830applebaumlaborday.html

The American labor movement opposed the Nazis, supported Soviet Jewry and challenged bigotry against Jews in the United States. This summer it took up the cause of fighting anti-Israel boycotts.

[Jim Sagle]

1. Thank you, Steve. Much appreciated.