“We should have been faster and clearer in helping people understand our values and our commitment to fighting anti-Semitism. We regret that,” Sarsour claimed.
By Jack Gold, World Israel News
American-Muslim political activist Linda Sarsour, national organizer of the Women’s March on Washington, issued a form of an apology Tuesday for what she termed “confusion and critiques over the values and direction of Women’s March.”
The Women’s March leadership was recently accused of anti-Semitism and other forms of bigotry. Co-chairs Sarsour and Tamika Mallory have also been slammed for praising Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan, a known anti-Semite.
Earlier this month, Hollywood celebrities Alyssa Milano and Debra Messing distanced themselves from the Women’s March due to the refusal of the organizers to denounce anti-Semitism.
In her statement, Sarsour claimed that the Women’s March exists to “fight bigotry and discrimination in all their forms,” including anti-Semitism.
“It’s become clear, amidst this media storm, that our values and our message have, too often, been lost. That loss caused a lot of harm, and a lot pain,” she wrote.
“We should have been faster and clearer in helping people understand our values and our commitment to fighting anti-Semitism. We regret that,” Sarsour said.
“Every member of our movement matters to us — including our incredible Jewish and LGBTQ members. We are deeply sorry for the harm we have caused, but we see you, we love you, and we are fighting with you,” she added.
The Women’s March is “deeply invested in building better and deeper relationships with the Jewish community… We want to create space where all are welcome,” she added.
This statement by Sarsour stands in stark contrast to a recent comment that smacked of anti-Semitism. Earlier this month, she attacked Jewish opposition to the BDS movement, saying they were “folks who masquerade as progressives but always choose their allegiance to Israel over their commitment to democracy and free speech.”
Condemning Jews for their supposed dual loyalty is an age-old, classic example of anti-Semitism.