A Life of Resistance: Ernest Rodker, 87, Remembered for a Legacy of Justice and Courage
The world has lost one of its most dedicated justice warriors. Ernest Rodker, a lifelong activist, cabinetmaker, and advocate for peace, passed away at the age of 87. Throughout his decades of activism—from the anti-war movements of the 1960s to vigils outside the Israeli embassy—Rodker remained steadfast in his commitment to justice, truth, and community.
His journey began early. In 1960, he was among 100 individuals invited by Bertrand Russell to join the Committee of 100, an anti-nuclear, civil disobedience group that shook the conscience of Britain. He went on to help organize the Aldermaston marches, protest British complicity in apartheid, and defend the rights of oppressed people around the globe. Even at 50 years later, justice echoed his name when his 1972 conviction—after protesting the British Lions rugby team’s tour of apartheid South Africa—was overturned, thanks to the exposure of undercover police interference.
More Than Protest: A Craftsman Who Built with Purpose
Ernest’s hands not only raised signs in protest but crafted furniture that stood the test of time. A graduate of Shoreditch College, he was a cabinetmaker for more than 50 years, designing pieces with elegance and intent. From kitchens to chess tables to synagogue arks, his creations carried the warmth of his values and attention to detail.
His contribution went far beyond workshops. Rodker also taught furniture design, passing on his love of craftsmanship to others. His skills reflected his worldview: beauty, utility, and the idea that things—like society—should be made with care and conscience.
Locally, in Southwest London, Ernest remained a tireless presence, standing up to government overreach and development plans that ignored the needs of the community. He helped run Pavement, a local community newspaper, and could often be seen at council meetings fighting for the people’s voice.
A Devoted Father, Traveler, and Imaginative Soul
Born in Odesa, Ukraine, to parents steeped in theater and resistance, Ernest was shaped by both struggle and artistry. After surviving the instability of early war years, he eventually settled in London, where his story truly began. He fell in love with Sonia Markham, his lifelong partner, and together they raised their two sons—giving them not just a home, but a world of values rooted in nature, creativity, and empathy.
His adventurous spirit led him from New York to Moscow, Sicily to the Dordogne. Whether cycling across Europe or digging at archaeological sites in Israel, Ernest sought knowledge and connection everywhere he went. Even after Sonia’s death in 2016, his light never fully dimmed.
Rodker is survived by his sons, Oliver and Joel, and grandchildren, Isaac and Rosa. His life reminds us all of the power of standing firm, loving deeply, and creating with purpose.
