One of the leaders of the Women’s March revealed that she was removed from the board on Thursday, days after a litany of controversial tweets came to light.
Zahra Billoo, the executive director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, was one of 17 women to be appointed to the organization’s national board earlier this week. Her Twitter account is filled with anti-Zionist tweets, which the Anti-Defamation League has deemed “anti-Semitic.”
Earlier this year, she declared herself to be a “proud anti-Zionist,” because “if you support the idea of an ethnocentric nation-state, we are not in the same fight for liberation. I oppose a white nation, a Muslim nation, a Jewish nation, and any other whose current status requires privileging one identity over another.”
This followed an Islamophobic smear campaign led by the usual antagonists, who have long targeted me, my colleagues, and anyone else who dares speak out in support of Palestinian human rights and the right to self-determination. 3/
— Zahra Billoo (@ZahraBilloo) September 19, 2019
She revealed on Twitter Thursday morning that she was “voted off the board,” and blamed the decision on “an Islamophobic smear campaign led by the usual antagonists, who have long targeted me, my colleagues, and anyone else who dares speak out in support of Palestinian human rights and the right to self-determination.”
Billoo also blamed the “smear campaign” on “people who oppose me and my work challenging the occupation of Palestine, our country’s perpetuation of unjust and endless wars, and law enforcement operations targeting the American Muslim community.”
I am happy to have as many conversations as it takes to listen and learn and heal, but I will no longer be able to do that through Women’s March, Inc. This action today demonstrates that this new leadership is unable and unwilling to be an ally during challenging times. 22/
— Zahra Billoo (@ZahraBilloo) September 19, 2019
She also accused the Women’s March of no longer being willing to “be an ally,” while also denouncing all forms of bigotry.
Her appointment to the board, and the other new members, followed the exit of three long-standing members; Bob Bland, Tamika Mallory, and Linda Sarsour. During their tenure, they also faced accusations of anti-Semitism for their relationship with Nation of Islam leader and known anti-Semite Louis Farrakhan, and for reportedly berating a Jewish woman at their opening meeting.
I condemn any form of bigotry unequivocally, but I also refuse to be silent as allegations of bigotry are weaponized against the most marginalized people, those who find sanctuary and hope in the articulation of truth. 14/
— Zahra Billoo (@ZahraBilloo) September 19, 2019
UPDATE: Anti-Defamation League CEO Jonathan Greenblatt addressed Billoo’s removal on Twitter Thursday. “We welcome the decision by the Women’s March to remove Zahra Billoo from its board,” he wrote. “Billoo’s hateful views have no place in any organization, much less one with an admirable and inclusive mission such as the Women’s March.”
We welcome the decision by the Women’s March to remove Zahra Billoo from its board. Billoo’s hateful views have no place in any organization, much less one with an admirable and inclusive mission such as the Women’s March. https://t.co/Q9PG1lT3Ur
— Jonathan Greenblatt (@JGreenblattADL) September 19, 2019
SECOND UPDATE: The Women’s March addressed Billoo’s removal on Twitter, tweeting, “Zahra Billoo has been removed from board membership effective immediately. We found some of her public statements incompatible with the values and mission of the organization. Women’s March will continue to build an inclusive and effective movement that holds space for all women.”
Zahra Billoo has been removed from board membership effective immediately. We found some of her public statements incompatible with the values and mission of the organization. Women’s March will continue to build an inclusive and effective movement that holds space for all women.
— Women’s March (@womensmarch) September 19, 2019
