The Workers Circle condemns those who use violence to advance their political agenda — and those who reward them for it

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 6, 2026

Contact: Lynsey Billet, lynsey@anatgerstein.com, 347-361-8449

On the anniversary of the January 6 insurrection, Ann Toback, CEO of the Workers Circle released this statement: 

“Five years ago today, nearly 1,600 people violently stormed the Capitol, attempting to overturn a democratic election. On his first day back in the office, President Trump pardoned them. He has appointed officials who defended those attacks. The signal is clear: political violence is acceptable and will be rewarded.

These actions actively encourage violent attacks on democratic institutions and the people who uphold them.

As a Jewish organization, we know what happens when political violence becomes normalized and goes unchallenged.

On this solemn anniversary of the January 6 insurrection, the Workers Circle condemns those who use violence to advance their political agenda — and those who reward them for it.”

Background: NPR’s January 6 Archive documents the individuals charged in the January 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol and the scope of the violence: https://apps.npr.org/jan-6-archive/.

About the Workers Circle

The Workers Circle is a national, secular, Jewish social justice organization founded by Eastern European immigrants who came to the United States fleeing autocracy and persecution, and seeking democratic freedoms and economic opportunities at the turn of the 20th century. That history drives our work for an inclusive democracy and human equality today. Our activism is rooted in 1,000 years of Yiddish culture and tradition. Through strategic social justice campaigns, vibrant Yiddish language classes, and interactive educational programs, we power a multi-generational community of activists that is building “a better and more beautiful world for all.” Learn more at www.circle.org.