CAIR-Pittsburgh Decries Decision to Postpone Islamic Art Exhibit, Seeks Reconsideration
(PITTSBURGH, PA, 10/30/2023) – The Pittsburgh chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Pittsburgh), a chapter of the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, expresses its disappointment over a decision to postpone the “Treasured Ornament: 10 Centuries of Islamic Art” exhibition at the Frick Pittsburgh.
The exhibition has reportedly been postponed due to concerns about its potential impact on the Jewish community amid the Middle East conflict. The Frick had originally scheduled the exhibit to debut on November 4, but discussions about delaying it arose as the conflict intensified. The decision to postpone is attributed to a “scheduling conflict” on the Frick’s website.
SEE: Trib: Islamic art exhibition at Frick Pittsburgh postponed amid Israel-Hamas warhttps://www.wtae.com/article/frick-museum-islamic-art-exhibit-postponed/45682034
In a statement, CAIR Pittsburgh Executive Director Christine Mohamed said:
“The decision to postpone the ‘Treasured Ornament: 10 Centuries of Islamic Art’ exhibition under the pretext of potential harm to the Jewish community perpetuates the harmful stereotype that Muslims or Islamic art are synonymous with terrorism or antisemitism. This false perspective not only disregards the vast and diverse Islamic world that extends far beyond the Middle East but also undermines the essence of cultural diversity and appreciation that art represents.
“It’s disheartening to witness such insensitivity when blanket statements are made about an entire religion, particularly when they have the potential to incite harm in the Pittsburgh Muslim community. We cannot overlook the trauma and suffering experienced by the Palestinian people, with more than 8,000 lives lost, including almost 4,000 innocent children. The extent to which this tragedy is overshadowed underscores a troubling lack of empathy and humanity – something that even the most forgiving person would find deeply disturbing.
“We call for a reconsideration of this disturbing decision and encourage open dialogue between the various communities impacted. It is our hope that we can collectively move toward greater mutual respect and empathy, particularly in times when understanding and unity are needed the most.”
CAIR’s mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
La misión de CAIR es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.
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CONTACT: CAIR Pittsburgh Executive Director Christine Mohamed, 412-606-3601, cmohamed@cair.com
