Remembering Fred Hirsch (1933 – 2020)

Activist Fred Hirsch lived a life of fervent dedication to the principles of workers’ rights, anti-war, racial and gender equality, immigration justice, civil disobedience, and willingness to stand up for what is right no matter the opposition. His history of involvement with the San Jose Peace and Justice Center, and the San Jose community at large, has had a resounding and permanent impact centering justice and equity for all.

Image of Fred Hirsch a white man with classes and grey hair wearing a black hat speaking into a microphone
Image of Fred Hirsch speaking into a microphone

Here is a quote from Dan Mayfield:

I knew Fred for over 40 years.  He was a client at least twice.  Never convicted.  My best memory is from a demonstration in San Francisco against the dictatorship in El Salvador.  The SF police had driven us down a hill and we were walking back up to the top in ragged little semi-defeated groups of 5 or 6.  There was actually blood flowing down the sidewalk from those who were beaten at the top of the hill.  As we walked up we were all afraid.  Fred was on the other side of the street from me.  He began to chant in his deep voice:  “The People united will never be defeated.”  It gave all strength.  I will never forget that day, or Fred and his leadership.

Throughout Fred’s life he was a champion for the working class and went to any and all lengths to uphold anti-war and anti-racist tenets.

Click here to read an article spotlighting Fred’s membership in United Association Local Union 393.

Click this link to read an interview with Fred Hirsch conducted by his grandson Sascha, and learn a lot about Fred’s life through the years.

An article clipping from the Feb 5, 1968 edition of the San José Mercury News

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