We are writing to ask for your support for a mural on 24th and Capp St that is under attack by Zionists. The mural depicts related images of struggle by indigenous communities against forces of imperialism, racism, and economic oppression. Its major theme is breaking down walls — those in Mexico, Palestine, Iraq — and the physical and social walls in our own communities here.
The Anti-Defamation League and the Jewish Community Relations Council are asking the youth artists from HOMEY to censor their work, and remove or alter the portion of the mural depicting Palestinian resistance. We stand behind the artists’ creativity and conviction, and insist that Palestine hold its place on this mural amongst other struggles for liberation.
Write the Arts Commission expressing your support for this mural and the freedom of expression of the artists.
Sign on below or use as a sample letter. Please include your personal feelings on the mural, if you live or work in the area, as well as any community or organizational affiliations you have.
Arab Resource and Organizing Center (arabamericanlegal@gmail.com)
Please send a copy of all letters of support to admin@homeysf.org.
Ellen Shershow, ellen.shershow@sfgov.org
Jill Manton, jill.manton@sfgov.org
Public Art Program, SF Arts Commission
25 Van Ness Ave, Suite 240
San Francisco, CA 94103
Dear SF Arts Commission,
I am writing to express my support of the mural on 24th and Capp in its entirety, including the positive images of Palestinian liberation struggles. I applaud the SF Arts Commission for their encouragement of self-expression and youth leadership development, and want to ensure that the Commission continues to allow for and insist on the artistic freedom of the HOMEY artists.
This mural represents the united struggles of people of color in the Mission, including the Palestinian and Arab community working with, living amongst, and supporting the young people of this neighborhood. The mural depicts self-determination for all and breaking down barriers as major themes. Just as residents of the Mission are fighting displacement locally and walls separating them from their homelands, so too are Palestinians.
As artists, you know the importance of freedom of creativity and the right to express strongly your beliefs and experiences. The muralist tradition has always been rooted in its depiction of popular history and struggle as experienced by the artist and the community the mural is being made in. To censor this narrative dismisses the central function, purpose, and power of the medium and the communities it speaks to. I hope this mural can not only visually represent self-determination, but also embody the self-determination of young artists and Mission residents through your help maintaining the integrity of the mural and the traditions and lived experiences which have inspired it.
The Arab Resource and Organizing Center is the next chapter of the American Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee, San Francisco. At AROC, we seek to further our reach within our communities to address the needs of Arabs and others from South West Asian and North African countries here in the Bay Area, as well as in our countries of origin.
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