A museum in Seattle has temporarily closed after employees protested its exhibit titled “Confronting Hate Together,” accusing it of inadvertently supporting Israel. The striking employees, who organized under the Instagram handle @wlm4palestine, argue that the exhibit equates anti-Zionism with antisemitism. This exhibit aimed to explore various forms of hate, including anti-Asian American, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander hate, Black hate, and anti-Jewish hate.
The walkout, which began on the day the exhibit opened, involved more than 20 employees. These employees included both full-time staff and part-time workers. According to a statement from @wlm4palestine, the majority of the striking workers are among the most vulnerable employees at the museum, such as front-of-house staff and part-time workers.
The employees have demanded that the museum remove any language that frames Palestinian liberation and anti-Zionism as antisemitism. They also want the museum to acknowledge the limited perspectives presented in the exhibition, highlighting that the exhibit fails to include the viewpoints of Palestinians, Arabs, and Muslim communities, who also face increased violence, scapegoating, and demonization.
In addition to their demands, the striking employees have launched a GoFundMe campaign to compensate for lost wages. As of Sunday afternoon, the campaign had raised $3,939. The funds are intended to help the strikers cover rent, utilities, food, medical bills, and other living expenses in Seattle, as well as support the efforts of the walkout.
The Wing Luke Museum responded to the strikes with a statement expressing sympathy for the strikers and emphasizing the importance of dialogue. The museum acknowledged the right of its staff to express their beliefs and personal truths, and it expressed a commitment to listening to multiple perspectives in pursuit of a mutual way forward.
Despite the museum’s supportive stance, the Facebook post announcing the strike drew some criticism. One commenter expressed disappointment with the museum and its staff for making life less safe and more isolated for Jewish communities, comparing the isolation to the experiences of Asian communities. Another commenter questioned why one opinion should dictate what is acceptable, suggesting that the walkout demonstrates the need for more exhibits like this one and more education in general. They argued that while it is fine to disagree and have dialogue, making demands as if they are facts for everyone to accept goes too far.
The temporary closure of the Wing Luke Museum highlights the ongoing tensions and complexities surrounding discussions of anti-Zionism, antisemitism, and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. As the museum works to address the concerns of its employees and the broader community, it faces the challenge of balancing diverse perspectives and fostering constructive dialogue.
The striking employees have highlighted the need for a more inclusive approach that considers the experiences and perspectives of all affected communities. By calling for the removal of language that conflates Palestinian liberation and anti-Zionism with antisemitism, they are advocating for a more nuanced understanding of these issues.
The museum’s leadership has expressed a willingness to engage in a thoughtful process of listening and dialogue. This approach reflects the institution’s commitment to creating a space where multiple perspectives can be heard and considered. However, the path forward will require careful navigation of the complex and often contentious issues at the heart of the debate.
As the Wing Luke Museum seeks to reopen and continue its mission of exploring and confronting hate, it must find a way to address the concerns of its employees while also ensuring that its exhibits are inclusive and representative of diverse perspectives. This will likely involve ongoing discussions and efforts to bridge the gaps between different viewpoints.
In the meantime, the support from the community, as evidenced by the contributions to the GoFundMe campaign, suggests that there is a significant level of solidarity with the striking employees. This support will be crucial as they continue to advocate for their demands and work towards a resolution.
The temporary closure of the exhibit and the resulting discussions underscore the importance of addressing issues of prejudice and hate in a way that is sensitive to the experiences of all affected communities. By fostering open dialogue and inclusivity, institutions like the Wing Luke Museum can play a vital role in promoting understanding and reconciliation.
As the situation develops, it will be important for the museum to remain transparent and responsive to the concerns of its employees and the broader community. Through continued engagement and a commitment to inclusivity, the Wing Luke Museum has the opportunity to set an example for other institutions grappling with similar issues.
