loading…
Pressured by pro-Israeli groups to remove works of art by Palestinian children, hospitals in London have come under fire. Photo/New Arabic
LONDON – A hospital in London, England has come under fire for removing Palestinian children’s artwork from its display, following pressure from pro-Israel lobby groups.
The artwork displayed at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital was drawn by Palestinian children from Gaza, and features designs such as Palestinian women wearing traditional embroidered thobes, harvesting olives, and the Palestinian national flag flying over Al-Aqsa, the mosque in Occupied Jerusalem.
The artwork, entitled “Crossing Borders – A Festival of Plates”, was designed by school children from two United Nations Relief Work Agency (UNRWA) schools in the besieged enclave, and is on display in the children’s outpatient department.
The artwork was reportedly removed earlier this month from the hospital after Jewish patients complained that it made them feel “vulnerable, victimized and abused”.
The removal has sparked outrage, which branded the move a cunning attempt to shield Israel from accountability, referring to the illegal occupation of the Palestinian territories.
Read: European Muslims Invited to Boycott: Don’t Buy Israeli Dates this Ramadan!
The complaint was filed by British Lawyers for Israel, (UKLFI), which describes itself as a group of British lawyers who use advocacy, legal research and campaigning in favor of Israel, using their expertise on a pro bono basis to combat BDS and Israel’s delegitimization.
UKLFI reportedly demanded that the hospital remove the exhibit after being approached by Jewish patients to “help” with the matter.
“Absolutely sad for UKLFI and Chelsea and Westminster Hospital to give up,” said Jocelyn Hurndall, a writer and trustee of Palestinian Lawyers for Human Rights.
“Artwork should unite,” he added as quoted from New Arab, Sunday (26/2/2023).
