Skip to main content
Work with the NEU
Remembering Max Levitas – Jewish Communist and last survivor of the Battle of Cable Street
MARY DAVIS pays tribute to a legendary anti-fascist fighter who died on November 2, aged 103

HISTORIANS have given scant recognition to the significant Jewish contribution to the history of the Communist Party in Britain particularly during the period 1935-55. 

Mainly centred in the East End of London, the party’s membership among Jews was out of all proportion to the size of the Jewish community in Britain and constituted roughly one tenth of total CP membership. Stepney alone had over 1,000 members in the 1930s. 

In 1947 the Stepney CP Borough Committee reported that it had “the highest proportion of party members per capita in Great Britain — one member per 175 of population,” most of whom were Jewish. 

The 95th Anniversary Appeal
Support the Morning Star
You have reached the free limit.
Subscribe to continue reading.
Similar stories
Announcer Joe Humphries raises the hand of the victor, British boxer Jack 'Kid' Berg, aka
Men’s Boxing / 21 August 2026
21 August 2026

As antisemitism spread across Europe and the United States in the 1920s and 1930s, Benny Leonard and Jack ‘Kid’ Berg became symbols of hope and resilience, writes JOHN WIGHT

(L to R) Clem Beckett; remnants of the Republican trenches Jarama, the hill in front was in Nationalist hands the Madrid-Valencia is to the left of the picture / Pics (L to R): Unknown; 19Tarrestnom65
Spanish Civil War / 24 July 2026
24 July 2026

A champion motorcyclist, trade union organiser and communist, Clem Beckett went from Britain’s speedway tracks to the battlefields of Spain, where he gave his life resisting Franco’s forces at Jarama. GEOFF BOTTOMS pays tribute to this remarkable anti-fascist

International Brigader and NUR man Jim Prendergast (left) and (right) a plaque in RMT’s London HQ
Spanish Civil War 90th Anniversary / 4 July 2026
4 July 2026

RMT general secretary Eddie Dempsey explains why his union is proud of its members who fought in Spain

People take part in the Stand Up To Racism rally near the TLK Apartments and Hotel in Orpington, August 22, 2025
Anti-Racism / 23 October 2025
23 October 2025

Once again Tower Hamlets is being targeted by anti-Islam campaigners, this time a revamped and radicalised version of Ukip — the far-right event is now banned by the police, but we’ll be assembling this Saturday to make sure they stay away, says JAYDEE SEAFORTH