(The opinions and views expressed in the commentaries and letters to the Editor of The Somerville Times belong solely to the authors and do not reflect the views or opinions of The Somerville Times, its staff or publishers)

As members of Shalom Somerville, a grassroots coalition of Somerville residents, workers, and students dedicated to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and civil community in our city, we were deeply concerned and disappointed by the recent inclusion of the film Israelism in the Performance Opportunity Program (POP) series at Arts at the Armory.

Arts at the Armory claims to select content for the POP series based on how applicants incorporate values of inclusivity, community, and creativity. However, the decision to screen Israelism and the exclusionary manner in which the event was held starkly contradict these values.

Israelism is a documentary about two young American Jews who were raised to unconditionally love Israel. As they learn about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, they come to believe that Israel is an oppressive force and adopt anti-Zionist views.

The film presents a one-sided and biased portrayal of Israel, ignoring the complex history of the Jewish people, Jewish American relationships with Israel, and the diverse and multicultural societies within Israel. Instead of critiquing specific policies or political leaders, Israelism attacks the very idea of a Jewish state. Denying the Jewish people the right to establish their own nation in their historic and cultural homeland, while simultaneously promoting a Palestinian state on the same land, is hypocritical and antisemitic.

The American Jews depicted in the film are reduced to antisemitic caricatures, portrayed as brainwashed supporters of Israel. This narrative evokes centuries-old European antisemitic tropes suggesting that Jews are somehow different, untrustworthy, and not loyal to their home countries. It erases our Jewish American experience and attempts to “other” us as not quite American enough. We reject the judgment of American Jewish “dual loyalty” to Israel.

During the film screening and panel discussion, the behavior of the event organizers was equally troubling. The Somerville Armory is a public building, and its facilities are accessible to all, regardless of national origin or creed. However, several organizers wore yellow vests as uniforms to pose as security, and repeatedly attempted to block entry of peaceful, pro-Israel attendees. This exclusionary gatekeeping behavior undermines Arts at the Armory’s stated objectives to provide an inclusive venue and exacerbates divisions within our community. It also ignores Somerville’s stated values of promoting inclusivity and honoring our community’s diversity.

We are concerned the organization’s leadership will continue to promote antisemitic programming and permit organizers to block members of the general public with opposing views from entering the Armory. In our correspondence with Arts at the Armory, the organization disavowed their curatorial responsibility to ensure the art they sponsor aligns with the organization’s values. They claim curation is akin to censorship. We disagree. While art can be controversial, it is critical to distinguish between controversial (e.g., cultural appropriation) and offensive (e.g., blackface). While art should open minds and invite new perspectives, propaganda reinforces false narratives. Arts at the Armory should know the difference. As a community, we must work together to create spaces where diverse viewpoints are respected and all members feel safe and included.

If you agree, write to Arts at the Armory at director@artsatthearmory.org and operations@artsandthearmory.org, and to Mayor Ballantyne at mayor@somervillema.gov, to tell them that discrimination has no place in Somerville.

Emma Lebwohl

on behalf of Shalom Somerville