Jew In The Box: An Insulting Exhibit That Is Disrespectful And Disgraceful

     A new exhibit in Berlin, Germany is degrading and demeaning to Jews all around the world.  In what The Jewish Museum is calling an effort to educate post-World War II generations, I am calling a disgrace.

     Nearly 70 years after The Holocaust...of the 82 million people living in Germany, fewer than 200,000 Jews are part of that population.  As a result, not too many Germans born after 1945 are reportedly - personally acquainted with any Jews - or for that matter - even know much about Jewish people and our culture.

     On March 22nd, 2013, The Jewish Museum began The Whole Truth...Everything You Always Wanted To Know About Jews - where a Jewish man or a Jewish woman sits inside a glass box for two hours a day to answer visitors' questions about Jews and Jewish life.  The words printed on the base of the box asks, "Are there still Jews in Germany?" 

     The exhibit, which is scheduled to continue through August, is a presentation of the utmost disrespect.  To belittle the Jews - or any group of people in this manner - is humiliating and shameful.  This is a horrific idea that is obscene and objectionable.

     The Jewish Museum's manner of thinking is a totally useless and inappropriate way for Germans or anybody else to learn about Jewish life and the culture of Judaism.  To ask questions on placards such as, "How do you recognize a Jew?" or "Are Jews business savvy?" are stereotypical acts that are atrocious and appalling.

     If The Jewish Museum or any organization wants people of other religions or ethnicities to learn about Jewish life, that's terrific.  But not this way.  Instead, organize a seminar.  Invite Christians, Muslims or persons from other non-Jewish groups to join together to discuss such subjects as - why Jewish men - and not women - wear yarmulkes...or what is the significance and importance of a Shabbat dinner?  You don't ask these questions to a so-called, "Jew In The Box."

     Synagogues all over the United States and throughout the world have educational centers where people can ask questions.  There are Chabad communities - including one in Berlin that spotlights Judaism and provides daily Torah lectures and Jewish insights.  Chabad centers welcome citizens from other faiths to share their thoughts and ask their questions to Jews close up and intimate... without a Jew sitting in a glass box.

     There is a curiosity, by others, about Jews - and Judaism as a whole - and that is as understandable as anything else, which is not the norm for a particular person.  That said, officials at The Jewish Museum in Berlin have reportedly stated that a great many of their visitors are not familiar with Jews or with the meaning of the Jewish religion.  It is obvious to me that not much brainstorming went in to this project when the creative and administrative team got together. 

     "What is the Jewish take on Jesus...or on Mohammed?"  "Why are Jews called - the chosen people."  Those and others are legitimate questions that non-Jews may want to ask - just as there are questions that Jews may have about the life of a Catholic or someone from another religion.  But an exhibition such as the one in Berlin is to me - antisemitism by Jews - which makes no sense whatsoever.  Of course... antisemitism of any kind is senseless.

     The tragic killing of 6 million Jews, ordered by Adolf Hitler, is still a tremendously sensitive and emotional subject for Jews everywhere; but Germans need not associate all Jews to The Holocaust and the era of Nazi Germany.  There were millions of Jews before Hitler and millions of Jews after him.  Each and every Jew - as each and every Christian, Muslim, Buddhist or person from another faith - has an individual history about their heritage, which is unique and yet similar to others of their own belief; and sharing thoughts, ideas and backgrounds is essential to bettering the lives of all people around the world.  But placing a Jew in a box crosses the line of decency and is not a comfortable way to connect non-Jews with Jews.

     The Holocaust caused the murders of 80 percent of the German-Jewish population - and did so - in part - by the GAS chamber.  The GLASS chamber is certainly not a death box, but I am still astounded that anyone in his right mind would create such an insulting exhibit - especially a Jew.

     Jews are not animals in a zoo where people come to gawk outside a glass cage.  Promoting the understanding of Jewish life is a wonderful notion; and it would be beneficial to all religions - and to all people worldwide if we were knowledgeable about the reasons one person believes...this way...and another person believes...that way.  However...I am shocked and offended by The Jewish Museum that they would put Jews "on display" as if we were a piece of art to either admire or criticize.  If the curators of The Jewish Museum truly feel their exhibit will be a productive way for non-Jewish Germans to learn about Hebrew history, Jewish life and all of Judaism...they need to go back to the drawing board.

     And that's The Controversy for today.

     I'm Gary B. Duglin.

Please express your opinions in the comment box below.  You do not have to register your name and you can remain anonymous if you prefer.  The Controversy wants to know your views on the essay above and on any other commentaries written on this blog.  Just click on the word "Comments" below and write your thoughts in the box that appears.  Make sure please that when you finish your statement that you click on the word "Publish."  Thank you.

Copyright 2013 Gary B. Duglin and TheControversy.net. All Rights Reserved.