The Women’s March movement that spearheaded mass protests against Donald Trump’s inauguration is reportedly grappling with infighting as allegations of anti-Semitism overshadow plans for fresh demonstrations next month.
Divisions have become so stark that two separate New York marches will now take place on the same day next month, one by the original Women’s March group characterised as led by women of colour, and another planned by March On, a group emphasising its condemnation of anti-Semitism, according to The New York Times.
Tensions have apparently been brewing within the movement since it launched after Mr Trump’s shock election. According to Jewish news outlet Tablet, two of seven women at the first meeting told organiser Vanessa Wruble, who is white and Jewish, that Jewish people must deal with their own role in perpetuating racism.
More than a million people nationwide took to the streets for the Women’s March in January 2017, a remarkable protest marked by its size and message of inclusivity. Ms Wruble was, however, pushed out of the organising group following the event, according to the Times, and accusations of anti-Semitism reportedly have some women questioning whether to support the group.
In January last year the second edition of the march saw both organisations hold demonstrations without making clear their divisions. In recent months new charges have been levelled against black organiser Tamika Mallory, who participated in an event held by Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan — a black activist whom prominent rights groups say is anti-Semitic. Ms Mallory has also criticised the Anti-Defamation League, which is focused on combating anti-Semitism.
Read the article in The Australian (AFP).