The Democratic National Convention utilized two of the former leaders of the Women’s March, both of who faced allegations of anti-Semitism during their time on the board.
Tamika Mallory and Linda Sarsour participated in separate convention events on Monday and Tuesday, respectively. Mallory spoke on Monday at a virtual meeting of the Democratic Black Caucus while Sarsour addressed the convention’s Muslims and Allies Assembly.
Joe Biden’s presidential campaign, in response to an attack from President Trump’s reelection campaign, reaffirmed the former vice president’s stance on Israel and the boycott, divestment, and sanctions movement, which calls for a boycott of Israeli goods in order to pressure the country’s government to improve the quality of life for Palestinians.
“Joe Biden has been a strong supporter of Israel and a vehement opponent of anti-Semitism his entire life, and he obviously condemns [Sarsour’s] views and opposes BDS, as does the Democratic platform,” Biden spokesman Andrew Bates said, according to CNN’s Jake Tapper. “She has no role in the Biden campaign whatsoever.”
Bates also pointed to the official Democratic platform, which includes the declaration: “We oppose any effort to unfairly single out and delegitimize Israel, including at the United Nations or through the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions Movement.”
Sarsour, Mallory, and Bob Bland, three founders of the Women’s March, which was created to protest the inauguration of President Trump in 2017, all stepped down from its board in July 2019.
Sarsour and Mallory both have ties to Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan, who has repeatedly promoted and preached anti-Semitic sentiments to his followers. Mallory appeared on The View last year and was asked about her relationship with Farrakhan. While Mallory said she “condemn[s] any statements of hate” and doesn’t “agree with many” of his statements, she refused to “condemn” him.
