Cartoon exhibit explores middle east peace

An international roster of acclaimed editorial cartoonists explore Israeli-Palestinian reconciliation and peace in a traveling exhibit scheduled to stop in New York City from December 10th – 23rd, organizers announced today.

“Cartoons in Conflict: Editorial Cartoonists Explore Palestinian-Israeli Conflict” offers the singular perspective of forty renowned artists, including Pulitzer Prize winners Pat Oliphant and Jim Morin, syndicated political cartoonist Jeff Danziger, and The New Yorker’s Liza Donnelly, as well as such celebrated international artists as No Rio of Japan, Plantu of France, El-Roto of Spain, and Cathy Wilcox of Australia. The exhibit previously visited Israel, Spain, and Italy.

The exhibit is co-presented by Parents Circle Families Forum (PCFF) and No Longer Empty. PCFF is a grassroots organization of Israeli and Palestinian families who have lost loved ones in the region’s conflict. Dedicated to promoting peace and reconciliation rather than revenge, PCFF spreads its message through such initiatives as youth seminars, lectures, and public dialogues. In 2009, it will present over 1,000 programs in Arab and Israeli schools throughout Israel.

The opening night reception for Cartoons in Conflict will feature remarks by Robi Damelin and Mazen Faraj, PCFF representatives who are traveling with the exhibition. Damelin, an Israeli, lost her son to a Palestinian sniper, while Faraj, who participated in the first Palestinian uprising, joined PCFF after his father was misidentified and shot by an Israeli soldier.

“These artists have a unique talent for conveying complicated and challenging ideas with just a few pen strokes,” said Damelin. “Their art illustrates the destructive absurdity of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict and, more importantly, serves as a catalyst for hope by imagining a path to reconciliation and peace.”

All of the displayed artwork, as well special edition signed prints, will be sold on the show’s closing night.