Make Art Not War

The article, “Artists’ Work Rises from the Destruction of the Israel- Gaza Conflict” by Jodi Rudoren and Fares Akram is intriguing in its perspective. No matter what side an individual takes on a political conflict, art can unify a people. Citizens in Gaza and in Israel currently live in fear and art created in this war torn region gains a strong voice. As art supplies are scarce and art schools are non- existent, it is astounding how art can breakthrough in even the worst of times. While reading this article, the renowned statement, “make art not war”, visualized by contemporary artist Shepard Fairey came to mind. It is important to illustrate the horrors of battle zones as many people overseas are uneducated on the topic and can be easily reached through visual art.

I marvel at the power that art can have in such conflicts and consistently support the production of it, but I do not agree with the position this article takes on the Israel- Gaza controversy. The introduction seems un- biased as it describes virtuosity amid destruction, yet the piece continuous to degrade Israel. The article does not mention that Israel, a democratic nation surrounded by hatred, is only defending itself from terrorist groups such as Hamas. Instead, it describes art- work of “a cartoonish man in a helmet with a Star of David, sucking the blood of a child.” This article only contributes to the constant negative assertions about Israel by the media. Meanwhile, the facts are neglected.

There is no denying that the artists behind the works described by this essay are talented. Mr. Khaled’s emphasis on the hidden images found in the black clouds from bombs is stimulating in its creativity. Mr. Elmaqosui’s alteration of famous works into scenes of anguished citizens in destructed neighborhoods is extremely fascinating and prevailing. However, I cannot respect the works that ignorantly belittle Israel. In 2005 Israel gave Palestinians control of the Gaza border. The nation moved all of its citizens out of their homes in the area in order to sustain peace. In addition, Gaza was a beautiful area full of greenhouses and homes before the Palestinians moved in and destroyed all that was there. Presently, Israel drops pamphlets with maps and instructions to the citizens of Gaza, explaining where and when a single rocket will be dropped and how to stay safe. At the same time, Israel works to intercept numerous rockets sent by Hamas everyday to keep its own diverse citizenry secure. Yet, this New York Times article states that only Israel deems Hamas a terrorist group, and that Hamas consistently launching rockets into cities full of innocent Israeli citizens is not aggression, but “resistance”. Israel, a country where innovation in technology, arts, and science is constantly flourishing, does not want war. With 20% representation by Arabic- Israelis in its democratic government, this country does not seek destruction or “aggression”. Israel fights to protect its citizens from constant hatred in order to finally achieve peace. Thus, the position taken by this article keeps me from avidly following the works created by these men to their fullest extent.