Many years ago, after Israel launched another brutal offensive against Gaza, I set out to paint a painting of the atrocities. I gathered up images of homes being bulldozed, olive groves being leveled, check points, rockets, etc. but I just didn't have it in me.
This painting emerged instead. It is called, Valentine for Palestine. It is a portrait of my Arab grandfather and my German grandmother on their honeymoon, on the deck of a boat headed back to Jerusalem to begin their life together. Their love was so sweet, and they were two of the kindest people I ever knew.
My Oma and Opa, as we called them, had many Jewish friends, and never showed any anger or resentment toward Jews, despite having their country, their home and all their belongings taken from them by the Israelis in 1948, when they were forced to flee Palestine with their children, and start life over in America.
Their frustration was always focused on the politicians. My grandfather worked tirelessly to educate people and bring about a peaceful solution to the conflict. They devoted their lives to doing good works. So, when I look at this painting, I see all of that; their love for each other, their love for Palestine, their love for their Jewish friends, and their belief that the world could be a better place.
This painting emerged instead. It is called, Valentine for Palestine. It is a portrait of my Arab grandfather and my German grandmother on their honeymoon, on the deck of a boat headed back to Jerusalem to begin their life together. Their love was so sweet, and they were two of the kindest people I ever knew.
My Oma and Opa, as we called them, had many Jewish friends, and never showed any anger or resentment toward Jews, despite having their country, their home and all their belongings taken from them by the Israelis in 1948, when they were forced to flee Palestine with their children, and start life over in America.
Their frustration was always focused on the politicians. My grandfather worked tirelessly to educate people and bring about a peaceful solution to the conflict. They devoted their lives to doing good works. So, when I look at this painting, I see all of that; their love for each other, their love for Palestine, their love for their Jewish friends, and their belief that the world could be a better place.