Stars of David: A Tribute Amidst Recent Tragedy

“Early morning, October 7, as the sun is rising in the desert sky, Stars of David, they took your life, but they could not take your pride” – Bono, U2 lead singer and human rights activist

On October 7th, 2023, armed Hamas terrorists breached the Gaza security fence and launched a devastating massacre on southern Israel. Never have so many Jews been killed and butchered since the Holocaust. When asked by my followers how I would respond artistically to this distressing reality, I wasn’t sure how to connect the recent events to the Six Million Project. Numerically, Israel’s tragedy is dwarfed by the Holocaust, but in terms of the hostility, Hamas is on a par with the most sadistic Nazis. As we hold our breath for the hostages to come home, the focus of this painting is for those who have been killed and the families who are grieving their loss.

"Stars of David" emerged as a break-off from the Six Million Project. This new endeavor uses a new shape – triangles – to honor and remember all the Israelis and foreign nationals killed since October 7th. Looking at the page, numerous Stars of David become visible, representing both our Israeli flag and the Jewish faith. This artwork pays tribute to Bono's poignant acknowledgment that the deceased were likened to "Stars of David." Through the use of triangles, the artwork embodies a solemn reminder of the profound loss and enduring resilience of the affected communities.

While the Six Million Project remains focused on commemorating the victims of the Holocaust, the Stars of David project serves as a parallel reflection, highlighting the ongoing struggles for peace, remembrance, and resilience in the turmoil of these terrible times.

My commitment to remembrance extends beyond historical tragedies, acknowledging and paying tribute to the lives lost in recent events. Together, these projects aim to foster dialogue, empathy, and a collective resolve to strive for a world free from antisemitism, violence and intolerance.