Jacob 'Jake' Rosen

Intro Name: Jacob “Jake” Rosen Age: 34 Background: Born to Jewish immigrants who fled the hardships of Eastern Europe, Jake was raised in a close-knit community in Pennsylvania’s coal region. His family, seeking a new beginning in America, instilled in him the values of resilience, faith, and solidarity. By 1902, after years of witnessing the exploitation and brutality of the mining industry, Jake emerged as a vocal advocate among the opposed coalition of miners fighting against oppressive mining companies. Physical Appearance: Jake is lean and rugged, with piercing, determined eyes that reflect both hardship and hope. His face bears the marks of years spent in the dark, dusty tunnels, and his hands are rough and calloused from the constant labor. A modest kippah, sometimes worn under his cap, serves as a quiet reminder of his Jewish identity and the enduring traditions that sustain him. Personality and Beliefs: Practical and deeply principled, Jake combines a strong sense of justice with a deep spiritual grounding. His Jewish upbringing has taught him the importance of community and the fight for righteousness, values that drive his activism. While known for his quiet determination on the work floor, he becomes a passionate orator when addressing fellow miners, inspiring them with both moral conviction and pragmatic strategies to confront exploitation. Role in the Coalition: As a key figure within the miners’ opposed coalition, Jake plays a dual role. By day, he endures the grueling work in the mines, sharing the burdens and risks with his fellow workers. By night, he organizes secret meetings and rallies in modest community halls and sometimes in the back room of a local synagogue, where the warmth of community and faith fuels their hope for change. His ability to bridge cultural and religious divides has earned him respect not only among Jewish miners but also within the broader labor movement. Daily Life and Conflict: Every morning, Jake leaves his modest ho