Jews upset by a local art exhibit they say carries anti-Israel and anti-Semitic overtones decided to fight fire with … art.
In response to the “Justice Matters: Artists Consider Palestine” exhibit currently on display at the Berkeley Art Center, an ad hoc coalition of Jewish groups has mounted a counterbalancing art exhibit titled “Coexistence.”
Comprised of works by more than 40 artists from around the world, the exhibit is now on display at Congregation Beth El in Berkeley. Many of the pieces boast a colorful pop-art sensibility, but all convey a message of peace and harmony.
“It’s very poignant,” says Riva Gambert, director of the Israel Center of the Jewish Community Federation of the Greater East Bay. “It’s in-your-face with one purpose: To let people think about what it means to engage in coexistence and to allow for differences and mutual respect.”
In addition to the federation, other groups involved in mounting the new exhibit include the Anti-Defamation League, the Israel Center, the Jewish Community Relations Council and Congregation Beth El.
“Coexistence” was originally created for Jerusalem’s Museum On the Seam and consisted of large outdoor billboards by 42 artists from 18 countries. The exhibit has since been available in a smaller size suitable for indoor presentation. The Israel Center of the S.F.-based Jewish Community Federation purchased a set and loaned it out for the current Berkeley display.
“We believe in coexistence,” says Congregation Beth El Rabbi Ferenc Raj. “Very likely we would have had this art exhibit anyway. I would like to emphasize love and coexistence instead of terror and violence.”
The exhibit, added Gambert, is “very useful in helping people think about how to live together, as opposed to the exhibit at the Berkley Art Center, which seems to validate violence.”
“Justice Matters: Artists Consider Palestine” is co-sponsored by the Berkeley Art Center and the Middle East Children’s Alliance. The Berkeley Art Center is a city-owned facility located in Live Oak Park.
Congregation Beth El is located at 1301 Oxford St., Berkeley. Information: (510) 848-3988.
“Justice Matters: Artists Consider Palestine” is on display 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesdays to Sundays, through Dec. 17 at the Berkeley Art Center, 1275 Walnut St., Berkeley. Admission is free. Information: (510) 644-6893.