Buffalo arts group apologizes for initially refusing to work with Jewish school

BUFFALO, N.Y. — A local arts organization’s initial refusal to work with a Jewish school in Amherst is drawing criticism.

Ohr Temimim, the former Jewish Heritage Day School, asked Locust Street Art to help establish an art program for its Amherst middle school.

A text message obtained by 2 On Your Side shows a response from Locust Street after the initial request.

It reads in part: “We are on opposite sides of a great ethical divide and cannot in good conscience work with a pro-Israel organization that supports the ongoing genocide in Palestine. »

Erie County Legislator Christopher Greene – who represents Clarence, Newstead and Amherst – says he wants to see a plan for Locust Street, so this doesn’t happen again.

The group received more than $30,000 in funding from the county this year.

“When you accept public funds, there are certain expectations, and that’s certainly that you’re open to everyone,” Greene said. “In fact, that was one of the slogans they used when they asked us for funding. They defined themselves as art for everyone, so rejecting a Jewish school on the basis of their faith was completely unacceptable , and I think the taxpayers deserve an answer.”

Locust Street Art responded to the situation in a statement published on its website.

I am incredibly ashamed of our error in judgment. At Locust Street Art, we know and believe that the arts are for everyone, and it would be a serious mistake on our part to deny access to the arts to the youth of Ohr Temimim.

We must not take sides on political issues and we believe that the arts have the power to heal divisions and bring people together.

Locust Street Art has always been and always will be a place where all, especially those who have been marginalized, are uplifted and belong. We try to always lead with positive intention and love for all. We have failed to live up to this fundamental philosophy today and have allowed misinterpretations to cloud our judgment.

Once again, on behalf of myself and everyone at Locust Street Art, I sincerely apologize and sincerely promise to do better in the future.

If you accept my apology, I would like to have a conversation about the services we can provide to the youth of Ohr Temimim.