Condolences from the CPA(ML) regarding Comrade Jack Shapiro
This letter was received from the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Australia (Marxist-Leninist) on 31 January
Our British Correspondent leaves a rich legacy
The world communist movement has lost a great fighter and thinker. Jack Shapiro, known over decades to Vanguard readers as “Our British Correspondent”, died on January 29 at the age of 93. Jack was the Honorary Chairman of the Communist Party of Great Britain (Marxist-Leninist) and a much loved friend of our party.
Jack truly embodied what the word ‘communist’ means. He dedicated his entire life to the service of the ordinary people of the world. He knew that if they were led by a working class imbued with Marxism-Leninism, they were an unstoppable force. But he knew that this would not happen spontaneously, that without the guidance of communist parties, organised and steeled in the particular struggles of their own countries, capitalism would continue to triumph.
Jack, alongside his wife and comrade Marie, made an inestimable contribution to the Communist Party of Australia (Marxist-Leninist), through his numerous articles which were a model to other Vanguard contributors in their incisive and thorough analysis of the facts, and in his unwavering commitment to Marxism-Leninism as a science which must be deeply studied and constantly tested against reality in order to be developed.
Comrade Ted Hill, the founding Chairman of the Communist Party of Australia (Marxist-Leninist) formed in 1963, deeply respected and drew strength from Jack’s sharp Marxist-Leninist analyses during their discussions on his visits to London.
The CPA (M-L) extends its deepest sympathy to his family and friends, and to the Communist Party of Great Britain (Marxist-Leninist). Jack Shapiro will be long remembered for his great service to the Australian people. May his example inspire us all.
The next issue of Vanguard will contain a more detailed article on Jack’s enormous contribution.
In solidarity,
Central Committee
Communist Party of Australia (Marxist-Leninist)
17. February 2010 at 1:59 pm :
Although i never knew Comrade Shapiro i was saddened by his death,Old revolutionaries like him have immeasurable experience both practical and theoretical.We CPA members in Australia have a comrade of 96 years by the name of Victor Williams who reminds me of your comrade and mentor Jack Shapiro,staunch and dedicated to the emancipation of the working class and loyal to Marxism Leninism.My sympathys to comrade Shapiros family and to the CPGB/ML.May his legacy and devotion be a shinning light to all Marxists both in your country and around the world. M Hayward