SlutWalk Organizer Seems To Ease Off ‘Zionist’ Ban

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By Daniel J. Solomon July 26, 2017

After the heads of the Chicago SlutWalk announced they would ban “Zionist symbols” in solidarity with the city’s Dyke March, the organization appears to be easing off that position, with a chief organizer telling the Algemeiner that the demonstration will be inclusive.

“Just come with good intentions of participating in a demonstration that’s about supporting survivors of rape culture. If you do, you’ll be welcomed,” the organizer, who goes by the name “Red S.,” told the newspaper.

She added: “I really don’t want people to be worried about self-censoring or needing to come up with new imagery. Just be you. Just come and be a part of the event and lift up and stand with survivors.”

While Red S. said that she had no plans to exclude those sporting Stars of David from the event set for early August, she also made remarks that hinted Zionists or Jews still might be excluded from the demonstration, referring to the need to prevent “bigoted behavior or things that threaten other people or make them feel unsafe.”

The SlutWalk is one of many that have occurred around the world – including in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem – protesting sexual assault and the policing of women’s sexuality.

Contact Daniel J. Solomon at solomon@forward.com or on Twitter @DanielJSolomon

Daniel J. Solomon is the former Assistant to the Editor/News Writer at the Forward. Originally from Queens, he attended Harvard as an undergraduate, where he wrote his senior thesis on French-Jewish intellectual history. He is excited to have returned to New York after his time in Massachusetts. Daniel’s passions include folk music, cycling, and pointed argument.

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