Leon Rosselson is a legendary British folk singer-songwriter, satirist, and children’s author. Born to a secular Jewish immigrant family in London, he grew up in an environment influenced by left-wing political traditions, framing his Jewish identity through the lens of social politics and anti-authoritarianism.
Active in the British folk music scene since the 1960s, Rosselson is best known for his topical and satirical songwriting. His 1975 song, “The World Turned Upside Down“—which commemorates the 17th-century Diggers movement—was later popularized by folk-punk musician Billy Bragg and became a widely sung anthem within British trade union and social movements. Over his six-decade career, he has released numerous albums and published children’s fiction, frequently using political satire to critique state power and institutional injustice.
Rosselson is a long-time supporter of Jews for Justice for Palestinians (JfJfP) and a vocal critic of Zionism and Israeli government policy. His song “The Song of the Olive Tree” addresses the destruction of Palestinian land and orchards in the West Bank. Through his writing and music, he frequently critiques the ongoing occupation, arguing that military control over another population violates fundamental Jewish ethical principles.