Palestinian art controversy

A controversy has erupted in Westchester County New York over the display of an exhibit featuring Palestinian art. This display, which has been shown in numerous other counties across the nation with no controversy has aroused indignation and a call for censorship.

My brother, Charlie Scheiner, a co-founder of the Westchester Peace and Action Coalition (WESPAC), recently sent a letter to his local paper which was published. I reprint it here as I believe it makes some very important points about freedom and opportunity:

letter begins here:
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As a Jewish resident of Westchester for more than 45 years, I was disappointed but not surprised to read in Saturday's Journal News that some area politicians want to prevent me and my neighbors from seeing an exhibit of Palestinian art at the County Center this coming Saturday. The founders of our nation put freedom of expression in our Bill of Rights not only to protect the rights of those who have something to say, but to ensure that people who want to listen have that opportunity.

I, like my many Jewish, Christian, Muslim and other neighbors, have heard many reports and opinions on the polarized situation in Israel and Palestine. But almost all of that analysis has been by American journalists, religious leaders or politicians, each with their own filters and motivations. This exhibit is a rare opportunity for us to glimpse the thoughts of people who live in the occupied territories, in a safe environment where we can absorb their perspectives and decide whether or not we agree.

Words on this issue are often heated here in Westchester, but nobody who visits this exhibit will be in danger from bombs, rocks, bullets or other weapons that have brought so much suffering to human beings in Israel and Palestine. We should use this chance to gain from viewpoints we rarely have access to.

Citizens of our community should not be blocked from seeing art that elected officials might find offensive or problematic to their political careers. That is exactly what the First Amendment is intended to prevent.
Charles Scheiner, Hartsdale


PS. Charlie writes me today (Novemeber 24) and says:

In this case, the Westchester County Executive did the right thing and allowed the show to proceed uncensored. It was a tremendous success -- far more people attended (500+) than would have if the anti-Palestinian lobby had kept their mouths shut.