(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — A controversial piece of artwork at a City-owned facility sparked some heated rhetoric at a City Council hearing Tuesday.
Alderwoman Debra Silverstein (50th), the council's only Jewish member, raised the issue.
She feels the puppet display at the Chicago Cultural Center entitled the “US-Israel War Machine” is offensive and antisemitic.
Her colleague Silvana Tabares (23rd) and most other alders agree with her and want the display removed.
“This is not about free speech. This is about our city's apparent perpetuation of a pattern that many in our Jewish community see as dangerous.”
Last month, Silverstein and 20 other council members signed a letter to Mayor Brandon Johnson about the display, which features bloodied puppets of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and others and phrases such as “children killers” and “murderers.”
Alderwoman Jeanette Taylor (20th) agrees there should be a process, but is worried about censorship.
“I'm against censoring art and artist, because art is an expression of how you feel in a moment. I don't know what it's like to be a Holocaust survivor. I don't even know what it feels like to be a slave.”
Still, she says the issues ought to be discussed.
Regarding the display, the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events released the following statement last month:
“The Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events and the City of Chicago are committed to upholding artistic freedom and expression, which are foundational to a vibrant and inclusive society. We understand the power of art and differing perspectives. The department and City will continue collaborative dialogue with elected officials and community members to reach common ground.“
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