Sir, – It is to be greatly regretted that the signatories of the letter (October 4th) should misquote “Postcards from Our City”. The authors and curators of this exhibition have never used the phrase “Tel Aviv emerging from the sands” in any authorised invitation or in any exhibition press release. In addition, it is disappointing that the signatories should call for a boycott of an exhibition without any prior information as to its content.
It is extraordinary, however, that members of the Irish architectural profession should attack an exhibition from a “pro-Palestinian” perspective, when that very same exhibition includes critical photographic imagery and discussion of “Settlements”, “The Israeli Separation barrier”, “Settler Caravans”, etc.
Clearly the signatories have a problem with anything emanating with or associated with the Israeli state. That is their prerogative But they should have the courage of their convictions to state so and not hide behind false words, and attack vulnerable voluntary civic organisations.
As the authors and curators of this exhibition, we make no apology for the support we have received from the Israeli embassy in Ireland to realise this exhibition. We make no apology to the Israeli state for our critical analysis, both visual and written of the actions of its government.
We say to the citizens of Dublin – exercise your freedom of speech. Come to the exhibition and write a postcard, express what you want to say to the residents of Tel Aviv without mediation from self-professed mediators of Irish architecture. – Yours, etc,