'Disgusting display': Town Square exhibit closes amid antisemitism concerns

The Aurora Cultural Centre has shut down galleries in the new Town Square after complaints of antisemitism related to one of its exhibits.

The exhibit is part of several new exhibitions in its new Town Square space, which had its grand opening Saturday, Sept. 21.

Newmarket resident Jennifer Yarmus was part of a group who flagged concerns about two art pieces that were included in the exhibit.

In one, a pillar featuring various graffiti-style paintings includes the word “intifada,” an Arabic word for uprising or rebellion, commonly used to refer to multiple uprisings of Palestinians against Israel. The pillar also features a Palestinian flag and the words "Free Palestine."

The pillar also features several slogans commonly associated with Indigenous causes in Canada, like “Land Back,” which Yarmus, who is Jewish, described as antisemitic in the context of the pillar’s other messages.

Another, a map of the Middle East, has “(Israel)” in brackets, with "Palestine" written underneath.

“Everything since Oct. 7 right now is triggering for us,” she said. “We’re in a time for many of us — myself included, I am a grandchild of Holocaust survivors — and I feel like I’m living in a different way, in a modern-day version of what my ancestors went through, when they didn’t have a voice to speak up or call attention or call things out as they see it that are harmful and inflammatory and potentially dangerous to us.”

“I’m just using my voice to protect myself, to protect others and my family,” she added.

Jewish Aurora resident Melissa Fields-Katz wrote on Facebook that she was “heartbroken over this disgusting display.”

“I am shocked and horrified by the antisemitic display in the Town Square. As a member of the Jewish community and an Aurora resident, it’s hard to feel safe in my own community, let alone see art work calling for my death. Please take these concerns seriously. I am heartbroken over this disgusting display.”

In response to an email sent, Suzanne Haines, executive director of the Aurora Cultural Centre, confirmed galleries are closed while they review the situation.

“The Aurora Cultural Centre exhibit 'Expressions of Critical Thought' installed in the Homeroom Galleries is currently closed,” Haines said in a statement. “We have received concerns from the community and we are taking the time to engage in a process involving our board, community members, the artists, and subject matter experts in order to move forward with care and intention.  These galleries will remain closed while we do this important work.”

“The Aurora Cultural Centre is an independent not-for-profit charitable organization. All programming, including gallery exhibitions, is at the sole discretion of the Aurora Cultural Centre,” Haines added.