Jews Are Not a Nationality

Jews Are Not a Nationality, 2019

In December 2019, by an executive order signed by President Trump, Judaism became a protected class under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Title VI states, "No person in the United States shall, on the ground of race, color, or national origin, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance." Title VI does not cover religion. Trump's order implies Judaism is a race or a nationality, neither of which most Jews want. Like the Nazis and the Soviets, who designated Jews as a separate nationality, it connotes an old anti-Semitic trope implying Jews are not loyal to the country in which they live. Speaking to the Israeli American Council in Hollywood, Florida, a few days before he signed the order, Trump invoked this notion of "dual loyalty" when he said that many American Jews "don't love Israel enough."

The President signed the order to combat anti-Semitism on college campuses. Yet it's unclear whether it is anti-Semitism or anti-Israel that's at the root of campus discord. Jared Kushner, Donald Trump's advisor and son-in-law, attempted to clarify this when he said, "Anti-Semitism is anti-Zionism." Most Jews would disagree. They can be Jewish and still protest the actions of the Israeli government.

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The posters in this series reflect the conflicts the American political system has been experiencing during the turbulent period between 2010-2020. They are meant to encourage an exploration and a dialogue about the cultural minefield we now find ourselves in.