D.E.I: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion…But Not For Jews
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Oil and acrylic over paper collage on canvas
20" x 16"
2023
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2023
Oil and acrylic over paper and canvas
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiatives at universities and corporations attempt to champion the identities and rights of minorities who exist in the institutions, structures and society around them. They also seem to have a blind spot in understanding and including Jews as a minority worthy of DEI's attention, unless its aim is exclusion. This can also intersect with hostility towards Zionism and the Jewish people's ancestral and spiritual connection to the Land of Israel. As I painted over these clippings from articles all released over the past several years, I initially tried to keep the text as clear as possible. As this piece evolved I came to the conclusion that it's ok much of the text is hard to read or even covered up. It requires the viewer to take a moment, if they are so compelled, to explore the themes underlying the layers of paint. It's blurry, convoluted and frustrating, just like the maze of Antisemitism in contemporary society. Similarly, so is the world's lack of response and even interest in understanding the nuances of how 0.2% of the global population - the Jewish people - experience and define the world, themselves and their own oppression. Maybe it's because they think Jews have too much power?
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After October 7th, 2023, many universities, corporations and institutions struggled with addressing the discrimination and anti-Jewish racism experienced by Jews, especially in North America. Since, then, there have been attempts to include Antisemitism training in D.E.I departments. The jury is still out as to whether this will be successful and sincere, or D.E.I will continue to erase Jews who make up 2% of America's population.
For a deeper dive, read Dara Horn's article for The Atlantic: