Wynd Kaufmyn, who grew up in the Jewish community of Detroit, Michigan, pursued her passion for mechanical engineering by earning a master’s degree from UC Berkeley in 1981. She dedicated over four decades of her life to teaching at the City College of San Francisco, retiring in 2023.

Beyond her academic career, Wynd was deeply involved in numerous social justice movements. Her activism spanned a wide range of causes, including Nicaraguan Solidarity, advocating for the rights of homeless individuals, defending public education, and fighting for human rights in Western Sahara.

Between 2002 and 2012, Wynd made multiple trips to the West Bank, where she participated in Palestinian-led non-violent demonstrations against the Israeli occupation. Her commitment to justice and human rights also led her to join a flotilla bound for Gaza, aimed at challenging the illegal Israeli siege and delivering much-needed humanitarian aid to the besieged civilian population, half of whom are children suffering from malnutrition and starvation.

In addition to her activism, Wynnd reflected on the broader struggles for justice, seeing strong connections between Julian Assange’s persecution and the Palestinian people’s plight. Assange’s unexpected release after 14 years in prison profoundly impacted her, representing a rare beacon of hope in a world frequently overshadowed by violence and oppression. Wynd took part in a banner drop on San Francisco’s iconic Golden Gate Bridge for Assange’s birthday to honor this moment. This act was a celebration of his freedom and a symbolic gesture, linking his release to the ongoing fight for Palestinian liberation. Wynd highlighted the importance of solidarity, healing, and the relentless pursuit of justice, even in the face of overwhelming challenges.

For the full interview, please visit MayaMedya: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=86LrvucrdmQ or visit the Maya Media website.