05/09/2026
I don’t often post about funerals but this week I conducted the funeral of a remarkable man.
An internationalist and anti-facist to the core of his being, he was profoundly committed and fearless in his activism. From the age of 16 he was driven to act against exploitation and injustice and had a deep hatred of racism.
Deeply involved in the Anti-Nazi League during the 70s & the miners’ strike of the 80s, whatever the activity was - the heady victories and devastating defeats - he was in the thick of it.
He wrote prolifically - climate change, anti-militarism, and anti-racism were just some of the subjects he covered.
As a Jewish socialist he fought anti semitism and Zionism passionately, a difficult position to take, which took great political courage. A Palestinian scarf draped his coffin at the crematorium.
He exuded wonder at nature and wildlife, passing it on to his children and grandchildren. He loved opera and classical music, the sciences and art. He was warm, good fun and the best conversationalist. He was deeply loved for his generosity, determination and acerbic wit.
And he never gave up.
At the very end of his life, whilst in hospital, he quoted a verse from Shelley’s Masque of Anarchy:
“Rise like Lions after slumber
In unvanquishable number
Shake your chains to earth like dew
Which in sleep had fallen on you -
Ye are many - they are few.”
At a time when we are seeing a rise in racism, populism, bigotry and corruption, it is easy to despair. But we must remember those words.
What a purposeful, admirable, courageous and compassionate life he had.
Rest in peace. Rest in power ✊🏼
