What it’s about
Michael Willrich’s latest book, “American Anarchy: The Epic Struggle Between Immigrant Radicals and the US Government at the Dawn of the Twentieth Century,” dives into the themes of radicalism, civil liberties, and government censorship, with a focus on Harry Weinberger, the Jewish lawyer who fought to keep anarchist Emma Goldman out of jail.
Why it matters
Harry Weinberger, a Jewish lawyer showcased in Willrich’s study, played a crucial role in pioneering civil liberties law in America. Through his extensive work, Weinberger embodied Jewish values of justice and liberty, supporting even those whose political beliefs starkly contrasted with wider American values at the time.
Driving the news
“American Anarchy” has been named a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in history. The book illuminates how the U.S. government’s aggressive measures against anarchism and radicalism from the 1880s set the stage for our modern surveillance state, disrupting the lives of many immigrants, especially those within the Jewish community.
By the numbers
In December 1919, 249 individuals, including Emma Goldman and Alexander Berkman, were deported to Russia as part of the U.S. government’s crackdown on “anarchist aliens.”
The Jewish contribution to civil liberties
Amidst mass emigration and industrial exploitation, Jewish radicals like Goldman and Weinberger fought back against inequality and government overreach. Jewish immigrants faced harsh labor conditions and anti-Semitic backlash, further fueling their commitment to political activism and justice.
Weinberger’s commitment to justice
Weinberger found strength in the U.S. Constitution. His dedication to fighting for individual liberties became a pillar of his career, defending birth control activists, draft protesters, and resisting compulsory vaccination, always balancing his deep-seated belief in American civic values with his Jewish identity.
The impact on legal culture today
Willrich’s narrative underscores the historical significance of figures like Weinberger who, alongside others, laid the groundwork for modern civil liberties protections. This history attracts renewed relevance amid today’s discussions on free speech and government power.
The bottom line
The legacy of Jewish activists like Harry Weinberger endures, highlighting the inseparable relationship between justice, civil liberties, and Jewish values in the American legal landscape.
This story was first published on jpost.com.