An Israeli art project, focused on the hostages, is being reproduced in Milwaukee. At the local Oct. 7 commemoration, attendees can bring a piece of it home.
“Windows of Hope,” an Israeli public art project, includes 120 portraits depicting the people held hostage by Hamas. The pieces are on display in Israeli storefronts, as well as in virtual spaces, to raise awareness and support for the hostages. Locally, the works have been handed out at the Harry & Rose Samson Family Jewish Community Center, an initiative led by Community Shlicha Noa Gerassi.
“I love this project, because I see the uniqueness in it,” Gerassi said. “Because the posters are artistic, they make you want to look at them. You don’t want to turn away.”
The “Windows of Hope” Project, started by artist Michal Shapira and curated by 3X3 Active Gallery in Tel Aviv, contains portraits in a range of artistic styles — from cartoons to oil paintings. The pieces illuminate the stories of each hostage and urge for their safe return home. The artworks were reviewed and approved by the hostages’ families, according to promotional materials. The project serves to keep the hostages ever-present in the public consciousness.
In hopes of making the works accessible to the Milwaukee Jewish community, Gerassi reached out to Shapira, who created versions with translated captions, to be handed out.
“When a person takes a poster, I think it makes them feel like they’re closer with that [hostage],” Gerassi said. “It [creates] a stronger connection for people around here.”
Thus far, the pieces have been distributed during events, including at the JCC, in the form of posters and stickers. They will also be available during the Oct. 7 commemoration event. Alongside the pieces, community representatives will be present to provide context.
“You have to have someone there with it, to answer questions and to keep it respectful,” Gerassi said. She also noted the depth of connection forged through telling hostages’ stories.
“People often come to the table looking for a specific hostage. They may not personally know them, but they may have gravitated to something in that hostage’s life.”
Individuals are encouraged to display the pieces wherever they feel is best—in their homes, businesses or workspaces. The portraits honor all the hostages held by Hamas, including those who have died. Given the Jewish belief in honoring the dead through burial, those whose bodies are being kept by Hamas are still considered hostages, since their families are unable to receive closure. While the pieces grapple with intense grief, they may also provide a tangible way for people to express their support for the hostages.
“It’s a really, really, really difficult situation. I have nothing easy to say about it,” Gerassi said.
“But I’m not a pessimist or an optimist, I’m an activist,” she said, remembering a mantra she connected with. “I’m choosing to do something. So I think this is the point that we need to be at, just trying to do whatever we can.”
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