History of Sorts

Vidal Sassoon is a name synonymous with revolutionary hairstyling, but his lesser-known past as an anti-fascist activist with the 43 Group reveals another dimension of his life. Born in 1928 in Hammersmith, London, to Jewish parents of Greek and Ukrainian descent, Sassoon grew up in the impoverished East End. His early life was marked by hardship, and his experiences during the rise of post-war fascism in Britain played a critical role in shaping his convictions and activism.

The Rise of Post-War Fascism in Britain

Following World War II, Britain experienced a resurgence of far-right extremism. Fascist ideologies, which had been suppressed during the war, re-emerged in the late 1940s, particularly under figures such as Oswald Mosley, the leader of the British Union of Fascists. Despite the recent defeat of Nazi Germany, fascist groups sought to revive antisemitic rhetoric, blaming Jewish communities for economic and social problems. These groups often held rallies and meetings in working-class neighborhoods, where Jewish immigrants and their descendants resided, leading to direct confrontations and threats against the community.

Formation of the 43 Group

In response to this rising threat, Jewish ex-servicemen who had fought against the Nazis in the war formed the 43 Group in 1946. Comprised of approximately 300 members initially, the group included men and women who were determined to prevent the spread of fascist ideology in Britain. They employed direct action tactics, often breaking up fascist meetings, infiltrating their organizations, and engaging in street battles to physically disrupt their operations. Unlike traditional political activists, the 43 Group recognized that legal measures and governmental inaction were insufficient in curbing the growing fascist presence. Their strategy was based on direct confrontation and intelligence-gathering, which made them highly effective in their mission.

Vidal Sassoon’s Role in the 43 Group

As a young man, Vidal Sassoon was drawn to the 43 Group due to his strong sense of justice and firsthand experience with antisemitism. He joined the group as a teenager and became actively involved in their operations. Sassoon participated in numerous street battles against fascist agitators, using his physical skills and determination to help dismantle their movements. His work with the 43 Group was not merely passive support; he was directly engaged in counteracting fascist propaganda and physically preventing fascist rallies from taking place.

Despite his future reputation as a world-renowned hairstylist, Sassoon never forgot his roots in activism. He often recounted stories of his time in the 43 Group, emphasizing the moral imperative to stand against hate and bigotry. His experiences in the group instilled in him a sense of discipline and resilience, qualities that later translated into his professional success in the fashion and beauty industry.

The Impact and Legacy of the 43 Group

The 43 Group remained active until the early 1950s, successfully disrupting the fascist movement in Britain. Their efforts led to the decline of many far-right organizations, forcing figures like Oswald Mosley to retreat from public political life. While the group eventually disbanded, their impact on British society was significant, demonstrating that grassroots activism could play a crucial role in combating hate and extremism.

Sassoon’s involvement in the 43 Group highlights a lesser-known aspect of his legacy—one of courage, activism, and resistance. While he later became famous for transforming hairstyling into an art form, his earlier years as a fighter against fascism were equally important in shaping his worldview. Even after his departure from activism, he remained outspoken about the dangers of extremism and the need for vigilance against racism and intolerance.

Vidal Sassoon’s journey from an anti-fascist street fighter to a revolutionary hairstylist is a testament to his resilience, passion, and dedication to justice. His work with the 43 Group serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of standing against oppression and fighting for a more just and inclusive society. While he is often remembered for his contributions to the beauty industry, his early activism remains a crucial part of his legacy, demonstrating that true success is not only measured by professional achievements but also by one’s commitment to making the world a better place.

Sources

https://www.theguardian.com/news/2020/may/24/the-british-jews-who-fought-postwar-fascism-on-londons-streets

What We Can Learn From the 43 Group, the British Jewish Anti-Fascist Collective

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/43_Group

https://jacobin.com/2020/06/43-group-daniel-sonabend-we-fight-fascists

We Fight Fascists

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vidal_Sassoon

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