End Asian Hate With Artists 4 Israel: An Artistic, Healing Response

In 2021, a growing trend of violence against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders took hold in the United States. Jewish Americans and those in support of the Jewish State of Israel know what it’s like to be the target of such hate which often results in physical violence. As recent as 2019, hate crimes against Jews skyrocketed to the highest number in US history. Second only to hate crimes against Jewish Americans were those against the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. We are bonded by a common fear but also by an uncommon resilience.

Part of Artists 4 Israel’s mission has always been to help communities and people affected by terrorism and hate. Along with the Consulate General of Israel in Los Angeles, Artists 4 Israel (A4I) is spearheading a collaborative project with the Korean Community, through the Korean Federation of Los Angeles and Asian American artists, supporters, friends and allies.

As just one part of the initiative, a large-scale mural is to be painted in the heart of “K-Town”, helping to beautify this community in need.

The mural depicts a woman of Asian descent, shown wearing traditional Korean clothes upon a backdrop that displays rising storm clouds before a more clear and beautiful sky. The work will include “This Is Home” and “Israel X AAPI Against Hate” as well as the names and logos of Artists 4 Israel, the Consulate General of Israel in Los Angeles and the Korean Federation of Los Angeles.

By coming together, Artists 4 Israel, the Consulate General of Israel in Los Angeles and the Korean Federation of Los Angeles aim to show great unity in the face of disturbing hate. Artists 4 Israel believes it is unity that will ultimately help us end hate and move past this difficult time in the US. Utilizing the universality of art is just one way to harbor trust and understanding between our communities.

Artist Statement:

“I grew up in an area where I was one of three Asians. I never felt like I belonged. I remember seeing a mural pop up in my neighborhood that was just a silhouette of a cream color skin. This was so vague but somehow I felt like it was me being depicted and I was proud of that. I wanted to create a mural to show the locals that they belong.”