Jewish creatives warn against ‘false censorship’ of art critical of Israel

Art must not be censored under the “false guise” of protecting against antisemitism, a group of Jewish creatives has warned.

The group, calling itself Jewish Artists UK, says it wants to help arts organisations and individuals to make “better, braver decisions” in relation to antisemitism and censorship.

Guidance published on the group’s website has been backed more than 80 Jewish artists and creatives including CEO of Emergency Exit Arts Daniel Bernstein, artistic director at The Yard theatre Jay Miller and co-director of Hackney Showroom Nina Lyndon.

“The question of whether an artwork or action is antisemitic is not reliant on whether it is agreeable, reasonable or even true,” the guidance, which includes a section identifying what “antisemitism in the arts might look like”, states.

“We are united in believing that art must not be censored under a false guise of protecting against antisemitism.”

Criticism of actions and policies

The guidance says that, as long as they “do not associate Israel with conspiratorial understandings of Jewish power”, artworks that level a specific critique at the state of Israel or Zionism as a political force are not antisemitic.

“This includes critique of specific actions and policies, past and present, domestic or abroad,” it states.

“One can agree or disagree with their justification, but accusations of occupation, apartheid, ethnic cleansing and genocide, are not, in themselves, antisemitic, nor are rejections of Zionism as a form of nationalism.”

It adds that supporting Palestinian “struggles for freedom, equality and self-determination” is also not antisemitic.

“This may include joining, or calling to join, marches and protests, raising funds for Palestinian groups, boycotting or calling to boycott institutions or organisations that play a significant role in the oppression of Palestinians.

The guidance goes on to say that arts organisations should not be fearful of platforming Palestinian work and perspectives without Jewish or Israeli counterparts.

“Palestinian art can be presented on its own, or alongside works from people of any identity,” it states.

Cancellations

Publication of the guidance follows a series of controversial decisions to drop scheduled events involving Palestinians.

In June 2023, the Barbican Centre apologised for pulling a live-streamed talk last minute that was due to be hosted by co-founder of Palestine-based Radio Alhara, Elias Anastas.

According to reports, prior to the talk being cancelled Elias was told by a Barbican staff member to “avoid talking about free Palestine at length”.

In November 2023 Bristol’s Arnolfini gallery pulled a scheduled screening of a Palestinian film over concerns the event could “stray into political activity”.

And in February last year Chickenshed Theatre removed a short play from a new writing showcase over concerns that its key theme of a British woman of Palestinian heritage trying to speak with her father in Israel did not include “the space or time for dialogue” given “the complexity of the situation in the Middle East”.

Sadler’s Wells has also been accused of “censorship” after French choreographer Maguy Marin claimed the venue’s management prevented her from reading a statement on stage that urged artists to raise awareness of “ongoing genocidal acts” in Palestine.