Avi Hoffman Joins The Workers Circle and leaders of faith and conscience at
Weekly Vigils Outside“Alligator Alcatraz” (2 Dozen weeks +)
and Launches HumansFirst.World – A Movement for Global Human Rights

“Join us in standing on the side of justice – because when we honor the dignity of every human, we honor the best in ourselves.” ~ Avi Hoffman

For Immediate Release
Contact:  Carol Kassie
carol@carolkassie.com / 561-445-9244

January 8, 2026

OCHOPEE, FL — Prominent Jewish cultural leader, child of Holocaust Survivors, renowned actor, and human rights advocate Avi Hoffman will join The Workers Circle (www.circle.org), Betty Osceola of the Miccosukee Tribe, many leaders of faith and conscience from across Florida and the nation, and families of detainees for his 23rd weekly Vigil outside the cruelly-named Alligator Alcatraz detention center. Anyone can join Avi at the vigils which take place every Sunday at 4:00 PM at 54575 Tamiami Trail E (Rt. 41), Ochopee, Florida, in an ongoing call to end the inhumane and unconstitutional treatment of detainees.

The ongoing vigils amplify voices of conscience across Florida – echoing the Workers Circle’s century-long fight for the rights of immigrants, workers, and all marginalized people – and now draw on the singular force of Hoffman’s lifelong dedication to both heritage and humanity. Together, they call on public officials and all people of conscience to unite in declaring: Humans Must Come First.

Founded in 1900 by Eastern European Jewish immigrants, the Workers Circle has a proud legacy as a champion of social justice, labor movement activism, mutual aid, and rich Yiddish cultural programming. Throughout history, the organization has fought for a fairer world: from the founding of influential garment workers’ unions, to providing free medical care, to becoming an early voice against fascism and for civil rights in America.

Hoffman in alliance with the Workers Circle, one of America’s preeminent Jewish social justice organizations – is officially announcing his new Humans First movement (www.HumansFirst.World), dedicated to fundamental global human rights. The movement’s vision is rooted in the belief that every human being deserves dignity, compassion, and the freedom to pursue a better life.

Standing at the crossroads of cultural renewal and social justice, Hoffman’s Humans First initiative is dedicated to promoting and upholding fundamental human rights worldwide. In his words: “Where every human being can pursue their greatest dreams and fulfill their highest potential destiny. Tzuzamen – Together, we can create a world where the pursuit of due process, fairness, justice and humanity for all comes before all else.”

Avi Hoffman, a member of The Bronx Jewish Hall of Fame, a child of Holocaust survivors, founder (with his mother Journalist and acclaimed Columbia University Professor Miriam Hoffman) of the Yiddishkayt Initiative (YILoveJewish.org), and Congressional honoree, has long been recognized for his work advancing Yiddish theatre and language, Jewish culture, and Holocaust awareness. Through decades of performance in theater, television, and advocacy, Hoffman’s mission has been to advocate for Human Pride, build cultural bridges across communities and create a world where human stories lead to understanding and respect.

Vigil Details:
Weekly Interfaith Vigil – prayer and testimony against injustice. All are welcome, including clergy (who are encouraged to wear vestments as appropriate) and community members.  Dress for mosquito protection—Park on the roadside near the detention center.

When:  Sundays at 4:00 PM
Where:  Outside Alligator Alcatraz, 54575 Tamiami Trail E (Rt. 41), Ochopee, FL
Please RSVP to help the organizers at https://bit.ly/RSVP-FLVigils.

For interviews, further information on the Vigils or for other media inquiries, please contact: Carol Kassie at carol@carolkassie.com / 561-445-9244.  For more information on HumansFirst visit HumansFirst.world.  For more information about Workers Circle contact: Noelle Damico  NDamico@circle.orgplease contact:

HumansFirst.World
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Avi Hoffman
Photo credit:  Bachi Frost

Alligator Alcatraz
Photo credit:  Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images