9 October: remember Cable Street – the road to Spain

David Rosenberg writes…

The East End of London can rightly be proud of the very large contingent of Brigaders who came from this part of Britain. At least 36 did not return. 

Many of those who did survive acknowledged that what made them so determined to go to Spain to fight fascism was their involvement in the struggles against fascism on their doorstep, especially the Battle of Cable Street in October 1936, when a mass blockade at Aldgate and barricades in Cable Street prevented thousands of uniformed fascists led by Oswald Mosley invading the Jewish areas of the East End.

This year – the 80th anniversary of the founding of the International Brigades and the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Cable Street – will also be celebrated in style .

On Sunday 9 October there will be a march and rally in the East end. It will assemble in Altab Ali Park, E1, at 12 noon and then head for a rally in St Georges Gardens in Cable Street, with speakers including Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady, Rushanara Ali MP, and Cable Street veteran Max Levitas, whose brother Maurice fought in Spain. Please come along. Bring banners!

Posted 14 August 2016