Mollie Steimer

Mollie Steimer was a Ukrainian anarchist activist born in 1897. She immigrated to New York City in 1913, where she became actively involved in the local anarchist movement. Her involvement led to her entanglement in the notable case of Abrams v. United States, resulting in charges of sedition. Consequently, she was deported to Soviet Russia, a country she had initially fled. During her time in Russia, Steimer met her lifelong partner, Senya Fleshin, and the two began advocating for the rights of anarchist political prisoners.

Steimer and Fleshin's activism in Russia led to their deportation to western Europe, where they dedicated their efforts to organizing aid for exiles and political prisoners. The couple also participated in debates within the international anarchist movement. With the rise of the Nazi party in Europe, Steimer and Fleshin relocated to Mexico, seeking refuge. In Mexico, they shifted their focus to photography, working as photographers for the remainder of their lives. Steimer passed away in 1980, leaving behind a legacy of dedication to anarchist ideals and a life marked by perseverance in the face of adversity.