Anti-Judaism Through the Ages

Created by CJ M., Teddy S., Ross W. & William W.

The long history of prejudice against Jewish people throughout Europe and how these old hatreds were used by the Nazis

A Table Still Set

Artist Statement

 A Table Still Set is a memorial that confronts antisemitism's repeating pattern throughout the ages, rather than one single moment. At first glance the scene is dark and hard to see. When the viewers take a closer look, there are portraits surrounding a small dark space. The framed images display antisemitism throughout the ages, from ancient antisemitism (Jewish and Roman conflicts) to modern antisemitism (Kanye West’s social media posts and Israel-Palestine conflict). The portraits surround figures of Jewish people at the table looking at the Torah.The table at the center remains set, not untouched,  still standing. We want viewers to feel grief and heaviness; realizing what  humans have done to other humans simply because of their beliefs. 

Our artifact focuses on antisemitism throughout the ages, shown through the portraits  including ancient Jewish-Roman conflicts, medieval blood libel accusations (Jewish people sacrificing babies to use their blood to create matzah), the Nazi Holocaust and modern examples of antisemitism. Our main message is how antisemitism isn’t an exaggeration; it’s a pattern that repeats over and over again. The table set in the middle becomes a powerful symbol of resistance. Even under the heavy weight of hatred and oppression surrounding them, the people continue to practice their religion. The act of setting the table is quiet but defiant; it highlights how traditions have not been erased.

The symbols throughout our piece represent Jewish identity. For instance, the Star of Davids as it was used as a forced badge during the Holocaust. In our artifact the biggest Star of David is broken and charred, symbolizing the pain and the attempts by others to erase the religion. The Torah on the table represents faith, law, and religious life. Torahs were burned during the Holocaust, considered a severe sin in Judaism. Our inclusion of a burned Torah emphasizes the damage to the religion.

During our planning stage, we selected materials that closely resembled the real objects they represent. We did not want to use the 3D printer, choosing to use real objects to strengthen the emotional impact of the artifact. The table was built from popsicle sticks, and the Torah was used by cutting paper and miniaturizing a printed page of an actual Torah. We used three-dimensional air dry clay structures and the table to add value through shadows and minimal light. Emphasis is created by placing the burnt Star of David in framed images demonstrating the progression of antisemitism  through ancient to modern times. 

Through creating A Table Still Set, we came to understand how deeply rooted and persistent antisemitism is; the repeating patterns of hatred throughout the ages and generations. Researching these events taught us that history isn’t distant or finished, but still ongoing for many people today.  Our artifact can’t stop antisemitism, it’s a reminder that antisemitism is still relevant and happening on a daily basis. We hope to leave viewers with a deeper understanding of how long this hatred has existed.