The Bergen Based street Artist AFK just finished a striking and brilliant piece for the Gadekunst Festival in Kristiansand, Norway.
About The Mural
On the 15th of March 2017, Professor Richard Falk presented to the United Nations, a report congruent with international law that concludes with overwhelming evidence and beyond a shadow of a doubt that Israel is practicing institutionalized and systematic racial domination over the people of Palestine…. Apartheid: Defined by international law as a crime against humanity, second only to genocide.
Enormous pressures from the US and Israel were immediately mounted against the UN Secretary General, demanding the report to be withdrawn. Rima Khalaf, head of ESCWA (the UN sub-division responsible for the study), refused to withdraw the report and was forced to resign only two days after it’s release!
The report has now been removed from the UN’s website but can be read here, or a concise summary of the report here…
It can be difficult to define one’s own opinion in these times of political correctness. Even those we depend upon to be strong are reluctant to speak their mind in fear of being stamped “Anti-Semitic”.
But this is not about religious or racial labels. Millions of Jewish people all around the world oppose the Israeli conduct.
This is about removing the blindfold and seeing the difference between right and wrong; seeing the agenda for what it is and addressing the Elephant in the Room.
Apartheid was brought to it’s knees in South Africa through economic and cultural sanctions, the withdrawal of foreign investment, trade boycotts and the international condemnation of systematic racism.
With similar creative – and unconditionally non-violent means, the shameful apartheid regime in Israel will also be brought to its knees.
There is a further obligation to allow all concerned in public debate “to express their opinions and ideas without fear, even if these opinions and ideas are contrary to those defended by the official authorities or by a large part of public opinion, or even if those opinions and ideas are irritating or offensive to the public”
The mural generally is about how western media and governments neglect to address the atrocities being carried out by Israel against Palestine. The UN Apartheid report (based on international law), is basically a solid confirmation that Israel is committing crimes against humanity. This is no small issue! It is a damning accusation second only to genocide!
About The Artist
AFK is a Bergen based street artist and activist. He has established himself as one of the leading street artists coming out of Norway. He is known for his large murals and classic, monochrome stencils often with just a touch of color and laced with political undertones.
AFK: web | facebook | instagram
Soapbox Moment
I am originally from Beirut, Lebanon, born and raised in the midst of our 25 year civil war, that was inflicted on us by the big powers. I cannot watch the mainstream media without getting frustrated, and when I voice my opinion on social media, I get criticized and get labeled as un-American. What boggles me the most, is that the “West” brags about understanding the human mind, and cannot ask themselves the most important yet simple question: WHY?I don’t know if it’s because we are ill informed, cannot relate or emphasize with the “East”, or we are simply entitled and arrogant.I applaud people like AFK who are trying to raise awareness on the atrocities that are being carried out against the Palestinians.
Sami
