by Hannah Bird, Camden and Haringey Socialist Party
Activism was my passion. I’ve always been political. But in recent years, I’ve been disengaged. One reason was living in a political climate that thrives on polemic, gossip, and intrigue, rather than the fundamental issues confronting humanity.
I reengaged through voluntary work with migrant groups. In my outrage at the rise of Reform, seeing my old neighbourhood decorated with their appropriated flags, and fearing a right-wing populist future, I decided to search for a political home on the left.
I was drawn to the Socialist Party, because it sticks to and keeps fighting for the original basis of socialism — that a non-capitalist future can exist, that there is a real alternative to austerity and inequality, and that it isn’t enough to merely tweak the edges of the current system, as other left-wing parties propose.
The Socialist Party truly embraces the diversity of our modern society. Being Jewish, I was initially nervous of the left. I was concerned that I might have to confront and challenge assumptions that being Jewish equals supporting the Israeli government’s horrendous war.
But I’ve come to believe that antisemitism accusations levelled at the left are a distortion by capitalist politicians and commentators. There are all kinds of prejudices to challenge in all parts of society, including on the left.
But there is a home for Jewish people, and all people, in the Socialist Party. Successfully countering prejudice, through showing how it only serves to divide ordinary working people, is something the Socialist Party consistently works for.
My first weekly meeting was welcoming and fascinating. The diversity of the party was clear, with members spanning age groups, ethnic and religious backgrounds, and employment experiences.
It was one of the few truly non-hierarchical spaces I’ve been in, where everyone’s opinion counted equally and everyone spoke. It’s offline, person-to-person, community-building towards an alternative future for working people.
It’s what we need in the party, in the country, and in the world.