What it is about:
An immersive art installation resembling Hamas’s underground tunnels in Gaza is traveling through the Netherlands to raise awareness about Israeli hostages. Hosted inside a truck, this installation has drawn approximately 2,000 visitors, some of whom initially mistook it for a recreational escape room. Yet, the powerful message behind it is slowly resonating with many.
Why it matters:
The installation, masterminded by Israeli-Dutch gallery owner Rachel Meijler, serves a profound purpose beyond mere curiosity. Funded by Christians for Israel and various Jewish donors, it aims to humanize the suffering of Israeli hostages held by Hamas. Meijler created the exhibit to honor her murdered relative, Laor Abramov, and to motivate visitors towards empathy and understanding. Angering some and moving others to tears, the installation successfully sheds light on the dark realities faced by these captives.
Driving the News:
Recently relocated from Amsterdam to The Hague and soon heading to Rotterdam, the installation holds significance for its strategic stops. In The Hague, it aims to attract lawmaker visits, although it has primarily resonated with legislators from pro-Israel parties. The planned stop in Rotterdam, a hub for the Palestinian community and Hamas activities in Europe, underscores the risks involved but also Meijler’s unwavering commitment to her cause.
The Big Picture:
Despite increasing antisemitism and anti-Israeli sentiments in the Netherlands since the war between Israel and Hamas erupted on October 7, Meijler remains determined. With police and private security for protection, she engages passersby, emphasizing the human element behind the art piece. While her installations have faced protesters, she remains unfazed, continuing to present the grim realities Israeli hostages endure.
Key perspective:
“You could easily turn such an installation into a propaganda prop, but that’s not what we wanted to achieve,” Meijler explained. Encouraging emotional responses and understanding, rather than straightforward propaganda, is at the heart of her mission.
Sidelined but Strong:
Meijler finds herself isolated from her left-leaning circles due to her outspoken activism for the hostages. Nonetheless, she draws strength from unlikely alliances with right-leaning lawmakers sympathetic to her cause. This journey has underscored personal challenges but also revealed true empathy transcending political divides.
Personal Touch:
The exhibit’s emotional resonance goes deeper for Meijler when recalling her relative, Laor Abramov. Especially searing are moments when tall Dutch visitors crouch through the tunnel, mirroring what her relative might have endured. For some, like an Italian woman wearing a keffiyeh, walking through the tunnel shifts perceptions, showcasing the installation’s genuine impact on diverse audiences.
What’s Next:
As the installation moves through the Netherlands, it continues to foster dialogue and awareness. Whether stirring tears, anger, or profound reflections, the ultimate goal is to ensure the plight of Israeli hostages is neither overlooked nor forgotten, catalyzing compassion and understanding across divides.
This story was first published on timesofisrael.com.