Barcelona        In the first meeting of this year’s Organizers’ Forum delegation, we met David Karavala, one of the leaders and spokespeople for an organization called World Against Racism and Fascism in the back room of a bar near the city center.  Over two hours, we not only learned about his organization, but in doing so David shared context brief histories of social movements and politics in the area over the last twenty years.

Activists came together to form the organization in 2010, largely in response to the rise of Vox, a far-right party in Spain that seemed to be gaining ground in local and regional elections with a program that was racist, anti-immigrant, and recognizably embedded with fascist tendencies.  By 2015, opposition from all quarters had pushed Vox back from its peak election successes.  Mass rallies, bringing together social movements, labor unions, and other political parties, had demonstrated popular opposition. At the same time, Islamophobia was rising and continues to be an issue for the organization, as an expression of racism.

The organization is largely horizontal.  There is a general assembly open to all every three months attended by roughly 40 people.  There is a “nucleus of coordination” that includes the five spokespeople.  Every march there is a larger event that brings together all who attend as members and supporters on the anniversary of the organization to rekindle recognition of their mission publicly.  Most recently 4000 joined in that event.  The organization has no formal membership or dues structure nor is it formally organized though it as a registered organization as a partner when needed.  Funding is limited to support for specific demonstrations and events.  An attack on eight of the members, accused paradoxically of hate for an action in a highly conservative municipality meant that 4000 euros had to be spent to exonerate David, as one of those named in the complaint.   A key to the organizational outreach is social media and flying in areas where they are taking action.  They don’t door knock. They make no endorsements and though they are political, they are nonpartisan.

In this network, they are called to represent and take action in Barcelona and surrounding communities when there are reported incidents of racism or fascism.  Along with other allies and social movements, they rally behind their flags and banners.  Over time, they have joined with similar organizations in Greece, the UK, and other European countries.  There was interest in Minnesota in the wake of the immigrant attacks in the US.

David was born in Finland, lived in London, and on a visit to Barcelona, fell in love with the city and has been a resident for the last twenty years as a teacher and activist.  He provided us a great introduction to the area its history and politics, while also passionately making the case for expanding the fight against racism and fascism not only in Spain but globally.