After more than 100 days and 29,000 bombs, the genocidal Israeli “Defense” Forces have leveled the Gaza Strip to an uninhabitable concrete graveyard. This U.S.-backed military is killing more than 250 civilians in Gaza every day, a higher rate than in any other conflict in this century (Aljazeera, 1/11). The death toll now surpasses 24,000, including over 10,000 children—more than one percent of Gaza’s population.

Genocide is the physical destruction of a group of people and the communities that knit them together—the classrooms where their children learn to read, the bakeries that make their daily bread. The families in Gaza who fight for survival each day are surrounded by rubble. More than two thirds of homes, schools, hospitals, parks, libraries, and olive groves have been decimated by the nonstop Zionist bombardment. Drinkable water, electricity, fuel, and medicine are scarce commodities (Wall Street Journal, 12/30/23). Since October, Israel’s criminal invasion has caused nine terrifying communications blackouts (New York Times, 1/12). Nine of ten people in Gaza, nearly half of them children, go without food for whole days. The United Nations is predicting famine—widespread starvation—by February (aljazeera.com, 12/23/23).

Israel’s devastation of infrastructure is an act of ethnic cleansing—to push all or most Arab workers out of Gaza altogether. “What needs to be done in the Gaza Strip is to encourage emigration,” said Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich. “If there are 100,000 or 200,000 Arabs in Gaza and not 2 million Arabs, the entire discussion on the day after will be entirely different” (msn.com, 1/5). The Israeli rulers’ most powerful argument for “resettlement” is to make Gaza uninhabitable. It’s a vicious, racist strategy enabled by arms and political cover from baby-killer Joe Biden and the capitalist rulers who run him. The U.S. bosses, led by the likes of ExxonMobil and JPMorgan Chase, are the world’s most deadly state terrorists. Their heinous attack on workers in Palestine makes our task of organizing for communist revolution even more urgent.

U.S. bosses kill to protect profits
The catastrophe in Gaza is part of a larger battle between the U.S., European, and Israeli bosses, on one side, and rival imperialists in China and Russia, which back regional power Iran, on the other. The three-month-old conflict in the oil-rich Middle East is steadily expanding. In response to Iran-backed Houthi attacks on ships in the commercially and strategically vital Red Sea, the U.S. Army and its allies have bombed more than 30 sites inside Yemen. On January 16, Iran jumped directly into the simmering fray with missile strikes on neighboring Pakistan and Iraq, ostensibly in response to terrorist attacks within its borders. Iran-backed militias have also repeatedly targeted U.S. troops in Iraq and Syria.

U.S. interests in the region are so crucial to the bosses that they’re clamping down on their liberal stooges with a blunt message:  No criticism of Israel will be tolerated. Claudine Gay was forced to resign as president of Harvard University after her weak support for genocide offended wealthy Zionist donors. Like “the good Germans” who looked the other way in the face of the Nazis’ rise in Germany in the 1930s, liberal misleaders have stayed largely silent on the ongoing slaughter in Gaza. From Democratic Party politicians to union bosses and clergy, the overwhelming majority have fallen in line in support of genocide, if only by their silence. They have exposed their true allegiance to U.S. capitalism and the war and fascism that the profit system demands.

Hamas nationalism is poison for workers in Palestine
In Gaza, workers and their families are heroically resisting death and destruction. Medical workers go days without sleep to tend to the sick and injured. Families share whatever shelter they have. Relatives and friends take in orphaned children. Adults go without food and water to keep their children alive as they dodge the latest 2,000-pound bomb from Israeli planes.

Their suffering has not gone unmarked by the international working class. Millions of workers and students around the world are demanding an immediate cease-fire. Aid workers are imploring the UN to remove Israeli blockades on humanitarian support (AP, 1/16). On January 13, in mass demonstrations around the world, workers marched under Palestinian flags for a “free Palestine.” Meanwhile, top political figures in Hamas, the de facto leaders of this national liberation movement, are mostly missing in action in Gaza. They are busy brokering weapons deals in Beirut or with their patrons in Iran as they maneuver for more power.

Workers must reject the misleadership of Hamas just as we reject the U.S. liberals who demand our silence on the crimes of Israel. The Hamas leadership calls for the creation of an Islamist-capitalist state. For all workers who deplore the atrocities of capitalism, the Hamas vision is just more of the same nightmare.

The history of Iran is a cautionary tale for the future of Gaza and the West Bank. For decades after World War II, the U.S backed the brutal regime of Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi. Beginning in the late 1960’s, communists in the Tudeh Party and other leftist movements led resistance to the Shah and his ties to U.S. imperialism. At the same time, Islamists led by the Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini fought for an Islamist-capitalist state. In 1979, the left joined forces with the Islamists to overthrow the Shah. But immediately upon securing control over Iran’s new government, Khomeini denounced the communists and soon banned the Tudeh Party and imprisoned over 10,000 members (https://merip.org/, March-April, 1982). In 1988, the Iranian ruling class executed tens of thousands of leftists (France 24, 10/8/21). Though left-wing forces in Iran were instrumental in defeating U.S. imperialism, their terrible error in backing “progressive” Islamist nationalists has left the workers there in capitalist misery to this day.

The only solution is communist revolution
The communist revolutions that put the working class in power in the Soviet Union and China should continue to inspire workers of the world today. At the same time, we must also learn from and overcome these revolutions’ mistakes, including the embrace of nationalism. [See Road to Revolution III at plp.org.]

Workers in South Africa, Vietnam, Congo, Haiti, Nicaragua, Mozambique, and many more have fought courageously to oust imperialist colonial forces. But over and over again, we have seen wars for national liberation replace one set of capitalists with another. They ultimately benefit only the new set of bosses. Meanwhile, workers continue to suffer. The movement for communism—for a society run by and for the international working class—is set back.

The mass murder in Gaza is an attack on workers everywhere. To defend our class, we cannot be lulled into silence or make popular concessions to nationalism. When we say that the only solution is communist revolution, we know we have a long struggle ahead. We also know that nothing short of communist revolution will end imperialist war, racism, sexism, and exploitation. The historic victories in the Soviet Union and China are evidence that workers—ourselves, our coworkers, our families and friends—can change the world. Progressive Labor Party calls for unity with our class sisters and brothers to denounce the genocide in Gaza, to reject capitalist misleadership, and to fight on for communist revolution. Join us!

School for communism gets A from fighters

I was very grateful to have been able to come to the Cadre School this weekend. This was my first time attending and it was a very wonderful experience. Working together as a collective; working in shifts on cleaning and cooking for everyone is very heartwarming and teaches you about the world we want to build as communists. Having the opportunity to learn more is always good and even better to share that knowledge. I hope to share what I’ve learned here this weekend and struggle with my friends and family about communism, but I don’t totally know how to go about it. Maybe next time we can learn and come up with ideas on how to approach people about communism without having them freak out about the idea.
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I had the privilege of participating in a cadre school organized by the Progressive Labor Party, and the experience was truly enriching. With a gathering of over 20 participants, the event served as a dynamic platform for passionate discussions and deep dives into the principles of communism, spanning the past, present, and future. The sessions were dedicated to crucial topics, including being internationalist, antisexist, antiracist, anti-imperialist, and anti-capitalist.We delved into case studies from different regions of the world, examining the struggles of workers fighting for their rights, particularly in conflict zones like Palestine and Ukraine. The overarching theme emphasized the revolutionary need to combat nationalism and imperialism, urging workers to think at the international level for a more cohesive movement.Throughout the event, diverse readings and breakout sessions created an atmosphere that transcended mere enjoyment; it was genuinely awe-inspiring. It felt like a convergence of minds, where each participant was well-versed in global issues, collectively seeking ways to address and rectify them.The camaraderie and shared commitment to understanding and solving the world's problems were palpable. The resounding conclusion drawn from our discussions was the imperative for a communist revolution as the ultimate solution. If there is a cadre school near you join in.  
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What stood out to me was how much our base is in agreement with us. Workers understand we do not benefit from bombing children overseas and that we do not share the same interests as the rulers.A new understanding that I will bring back to my workplace is that we need to analyze what nationalism means to our base. We can win people to internationalism the more we break down nationalism.Glimmers of communism that I saw were collective responsibility for chores and the meaningful struggle over internal contradictions.
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The communal aspect of the cadre school stuck out to me most about this weekend. I feel reinvigorated by meeting comrades and understanding their perspectives on class struggle and I'm excited to put what I've learned into practice organizing my school and community. This weekend showed glimmers of future communist societies through everyone helping to do tasks, teaching others, and sharing our experiences, and in general, just existing in a space where nobody is oppressing one another and everyone is cared for.
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As the New York Times describes millions around the world pouring into the streets to express anger and disgust at the Zionist slaughter of Palestinian families, and as World War III begins with U.S. attacks on Yemen, our Party met to train the rising generation of communist leaders. Black, Brown, white, and Asian — this youthful group represents the future of the international working class. My political batteries have been charged!

The pen is a weapon against genocide
The Zionist attacks on teachers in Maryland who are opposing the Gaza genocide continue as the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) has launched a petition campaign to keep the school system from returning them to the classroom. JCRC and the Israeli American Council (IAC) are offering “educational” (really Zionist propaganda) programs on antisemitism to teachers and students in Montgomery County. IAC is an aggressive Zionist organization that Sheldon Adelson led as Trump’s major funder.
He rejected the two-state option, preferring to keep Palestinians in a 2nd class-oppressed position in a Zionist single state. He got Trump to proclaim that Anti-Zionism is Anti-Semitism.
But Progressive Labor Party members are continuing to push out our ideas and recently participated in an “Open Mic” event at the local restaurant, Busboys and Poets.

The following poem was read and followed by a shout-out to the crowd to take our leaflet about the teachers and an upcoming Ceasefire rally.  We have to be everywhere!
They may think they are keeping it quiet
But they can hardly hide it
It’s not blue or red you see
It’s always been green
The almighty dollar
It’s got you by the collar
Don’t you dare disobey
They have your job
You can’t lose that pay
Healthcare and sick days
So do what you’re told
Don’t try to be bold
Don’t you dare say one thing
When genocide is happening

Not your average brunch
I know that 2023 was a year of upheavals, strife, and horrific killings of workers through famine, wars, floods, and earthquakes. My husband and I wanted to revive our New Year’s Day Brunch after 4 long years. We make the waffles and coffee and everyone else brings potluck!

A friend who has been disheartened by the genocide in Gaza told me, “It’s hard to celebrate.” I wrote back and said, “It is a time to reconnect with folks in a more social setting. Some folks may not have been here for years. The bosses want us to be distrustful and divided. The brunch is for that purpose.”

There were many folks that I hadn’t seen in years. Much political discussion took place in the various rooms of our home. The children did artwork and played with dancing flamingos. Many varied, delicious dishes were consumed. We raised money for legal fees for one of our comrades who is a teacher put on administrative leave for opposing genocide in Gaza. Another student at the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, VA was disciplined for protesting about Gaza with others. A friend who is Zionist was trying to make the case for Israel’s actions, but didn’t make any headway on that front. Lots of political debate!

One friend told my husband later how thankful she was for us doing this. Her husband is slowly dying. It was a chance for him to see old friends and neighbors. I have a group of 7-8 women who meet for lunch and tea. For some years we have not able to connect. In 2023, we connected 3 times in the Fall! Keeping these connections helps us all keep sane and more energized for the struggle ahead.

Dearest comrades and friends in the Los Angeles area,

The CHALLENGE board would like to take the time to salute the amazing work that you all have done in 2023 to build the struggle for communist revolution. We failed to include an appreciation of the work in the backpage article, “2024 Resolution: Fight The Bosses, Rise Up With The Working Class” (1/17).  

In L.A., PL’ers marched side by side with and shared our confidence in striking hotel workers, TV/Film industry workers, fought the racist courts and kkkops against the murder of 23-year-old Latin man Cesar Rodriguez, connected antiracist fighting families together in celebration of our courage in the face of state repression, and encouraged the communist leadership of the Alex Flores family, a family that lost their loved one to racist police violence and students specifically. You all are teaching us how to fight and build the Party, thoroughly and consistently!

Fists up to you and the necessary fightback against capitalist terror, for better working conditions, and a world where workers run the world!J

The elections in Argentina in October and November 2023 resulted in the return of the far right to power, with Javier Milei at its helm. For the working class, this election only made things, already bad, worse as Argentina was already going through a period of economic crisis and experiencing social difficulties linked to inflation which had risen to more than 160% in 2022. With a so-called socialist government at the helm, the standard of living of workers was diminished by corruption scandals and structural problems during the past few decades. The rightwing trend mirrors what is happening elsewhere in the world, with xenophobic, nationalist and anti-working class speeches by the newly elected president, especially the anti-migrant ones, which blame migrant workers for the crises brought on by capitalism.

Argentina stands between the current inter-imperialist struggles. At the last BRICS summit in August 2023, Argentina was among the countries proposed to become a member of this grouping. BRICS is an intergovernmental organization comprising the capitalist bosses of Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. It was at the same time that the IMF granted a loan of several hundred millions of dollars in the country. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is a U.S.-controlled body that furthers capitalist expansion, always to the detriment of the working class of its member countries. These two events show how Argentina is being tossed between the influences of the two protagonist camps of the moment, the Western imperialists on one side and their rival imperialists on the other. Both sides are vying for economic and political control of the world’s resources and wealth.

Argentine misleaders attack workers, line the ruler’s pockets
Since the election of Milei, Argentina’s bosses have faced a series of popular protest demonstrations (which are becoming increasingly illegal) against their “anti-democratic” measures. During the first mobilizations the police began to use excessive force against demonstrators and union members. Ten days after taking office, Milei published a “DNU” (decree of necessity and emergency), which aims to modify or repeal more than 300 standards, in particular removing rent controls, State intervention to protect the prices of essential products, weakening worker protections, enabling privatizations. For older workers, their pensions are being cut via an “economically viable” automatic calculation method—once again stealing from the poor to fill the coffers of the already-rich. While Milei talks about austerity measures for the working class, he has not renounced class privileges for himself and his bourgeoisie.

Liberals and Libertarians, fascists-in-arms
Milei’s preparedness shows that the return of the extreme right was a well-planned project that was already underway. Milei’s election was hailed by other hard rightliners such as Bolsonaro (former president of Brazil) and Trump (former president of the U.S.). Milei, like his fascist counterparts, calls himself an “ultra-liberal,” trying to fool the masses into thinking he is really on their side, like the Nazis were called National Socialists and Mussolini started out as a so-called socialist—liberal or far-right fascist, they’re all on the bosses’ side.
The struggle in Argentina is a struggle that promises to be long and difficult for the Argentine workers and students who have a long tradition of fighting back in various forms of class struggle. What the current situation shows us is that our class in Argentina—and everywhere—cannot rely on reformers (liberal or fascist) destroy the capitalist system and replace it with communism—an egalitarian system that the working class controls to serve its own needs. We urge our comrades in Argentina to join with us in the Progressive Labor Party and fight for communist revolution. That is the only way that we will be able to liberate our class.