Press Releases
(Washington, D.C., June 7, 2019)—B’nai B’rith International President Charles O. Kaufman and CEO Daniel S. Mariaschin have issued the following statement:
We are angered that the organizers of the D.C. Dyke March, which is billed as a more progressive alternative to the Pride Parade, have chosen to ban the Star of David and Israeli flags from their protest. Outrageously, although the organizers justified their decision by claiming “nationalist symbols” were banned, Palestinian flags will still be allowed.
This move comes after the Chicago Dyke March, a sister protest, ejected several marchers carrying Jewish pride symbols in 2017.
With a few hours to go until the march steps off today, there is still time to reverse this anti-Semitic decision. We call on the march’s organizers to apologize to the Jewish community and allow Jewish protesters to participate without forcing them to choose between their LGBTQ and Jewish identities. At a time when anti-Semitism is on the rise, it is unacceptable for a supposedly progressive protest to further marginalize its Jewish participants.
B’nai B’rith International has advocated for global Jewry and championed the cause of human rights since 1843. B’nai B’rith is recognized as a vital voice in promoting Jewish unity and continuity, a staunch defender of the State of Israel, a tireless advocate on behalf of senior citizens and a leader in disaster relief. With a presence around the world, we are the Global Voice of the Jewish Community. Visit www.bnaibrith.org
We are angered that the organizers of the D.C. Dyke March, which is billed as a more progressive alternative to the Pride Parade, have chosen to ban the Star of David and Israeli flags from their protest. Outrageously, although the organizers justified their decision by claiming “nationalist symbols” were banned, Palestinian flags will still be allowed.
This move comes after the Chicago Dyke March, a sister protest, ejected several marchers carrying Jewish pride symbols in 2017.
With a few hours to go until the march steps off today, there is still time to reverse this anti-Semitic decision. We call on the march’s organizers to apologize to the Jewish community and allow Jewish protesters to participate without forcing them to choose between their LGBTQ and Jewish identities. At a time when anti-Semitism is on the rise, it is unacceptable for a supposedly progressive protest to further marginalize its Jewish participants.
B’nai B’rith International has advocated for global Jewry and championed the cause of human rights since 1843. B’nai B’rith is recognized as a vital voice in promoting Jewish unity and continuity, a staunch defender of the State of Israel, a tireless advocate on behalf of senior citizens and a leader in disaster relief. With a presence around the world, we are the Global Voice of the Jewish Community. Visit www.bnaibrith.org
