Editorial Note: May Their Memories Be a Blessing

We learned about the passing of three dear comrades since the publication of our last issue.

Mike Hirsch was a long-time DSA member, union activist, and writer. Those of us who were part of DSA and the broader socialist movement during the lean years of the 1990s and 2000s will always remember his deep commitment to the movement, his wit and candor, and his fundamental sweetness and warmth.

Mike Parker was of the same political generation, and was another long-distance runner for democratic socialism. Through his work at Labor Notes, the Richmond Progressive Association, DSA, and elsewhere, he distinguished himself as one of the left’s most gifted organizers, thinkers, and strategists.

Alexandra Zevin was a member of New York City DSA and the Sing in Solidarity Chorus, a wonderful group that promotes democratic socialism through music and song. She was a dedicated artist who used her craft to spread goodwill and solidarity not just in the US but all around the world.

We extend our deepest sympathies to everyone who knew and loved these comrades, and to everyone who has lost someone close to them in these difficult times. This issue is dedicated to them. May their memories be a blessing.

This issue of Socialist Forum spotlights ongoing discussions and debates in our movement, including the recent controversy over Rep. Jamaal Bowman’s vote on Israel’s Iron Dome funding and broader questions of democratic socialist electoral strategy. We also offer an in-depth assessment of the Emergency Workers Organizing Committee (EWOC), a joint project of DSA and the United Electrical, Radio and Machine Workers of America (UE). As always, we invite readers to submit responses to any of these articles to our inbox: socialistforum [at] dsausa.org.