The grandchildren of the earliest anti-fascists.

On Saturday our Brooklyn family went over to Manhattan. At the Spanish Benevolent Society we viewed a screening of a Grand Tribute by the grandchildren of those who fought against fascism in the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939). Those Americans who volunteered were members of the Abraham Lincoln Brigade.

Roughly half of the members of the Abraham Lincoln Brigade never returned.

During the McCarthy era they were called “pre-mature anti-fascists.”

Jessica Klonsky and Leigh Klonsky are the granddaughters of Robert Klonsky, who at 18 borrowed his brother Mac’s passport and jumped a freighter for France. From there, he crossed the Pyrenees into Spain to hook up with his comrades in the Brigade who were already there.

Both Jessica and Leigh are in the video that you can watch above.

In June of 1937 my dad wrote to his brother Mac:

Dear Mac,

Mac, just between me and you I want to tell you something that must not reach Mom and Pop - definitely.

When you read this I hope you won’t begin to write those worried, frantic letters again.

When I reported back to the front at the completion of my course at Officers’ Training School, I was sergeant, open for promotion to lieutenancy - then started the trouble - in quick succession, I contracted the following -- a weakened set of kidneys, causing me to get up during the night to urinate, at an average of eight to ten times - immediately after and combined with that cam a sight case of bronchitis - the bronchitis didn’t last long - the hot weather cured that - But in place I am now suffering from chronic colic - or heat cramps. Because of my weakened condition, I asked to be relieved of my position, which required a certain amount of stamina and energy - I was transferred to the job of assistant Battalion Observer - a job I studied at school.

But even that was too much and under doctors orders I am now prohibited from taking on any excessive amount of work that they might have for me.

So they ups and give me the job of the Battalion Cultural Director - the job I’m holding at the present time - important - not physically difficult - interesting.

In a few days our Battalion is going “on leave” for a few weeks away from the front.

We are going to rest up, tighten up, strengthen our organization, and the return to one of the fronts for active duty once more.

Then sit tight and bet on the horse marked Lincoln Battalion.

So until my next letter from our place of rest - Revolutionary greeting to all the comrades.

Your comrade and brother, Bob.