Mayor Denounces Mural Amid Community Uproar

LOS ANGELES, CA — A mural at a downtown Los Angeles art gallery has divided the community, drawing criticism from many who see it as anti-Semitic while others defend it as a misunderstood artistic expression. This week Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti joined Jewish group in calling for its removal.

The mural is splashed across a large block wall at Vortex on East Olympic Boulevard. It features a Grim Reaper, wearing a cloak dotted with Stars of David while dangling what appears to be a dead baby and a missile. For its critics, the mural reinforces dangerous anti-Semitic stereotypes of menacing Jews. The mural's supporters contend the artists did not intend an anti-Semitic message and that the artist's intent should be considered. The furor is the latest uproar over a prominent Los Angeles mural in recent months as artists intentions clash with the community's perceptions of it.

"Imagery like this should have no place in our city," said Alex Comisar, spokesman for Garcetti, the Los Angeles Times reported. "Mayor Garcetti was incredibly upset by it. We're looking into the recourse that we have to have it taken down."

The Anti-Defamation League of Los Angeles tweeted a photo of the mural Tuesday, along with the message: "This mural at the Vortex in LA crosses a line. We call for its removal. For a venue that purports to welcome the community, the Vortex should join us in condemning hateful imagery that invokes anti-Semitic canards conflating Jews with death, snakes, bombs, and killing babies."

The gallery posted the following statement on Facebook on Tuesday:

"The Vortex stands for free expression. The artist whose mural includes the Star of David (created for the LA vs. WAR show to acknowledge 9/11 about 5-6 years ago) did not intend to express an anti-Semitic message. We believe his intent deserves considerable weight. We invite those who feel otherwise to paint another mural next to it. We are also open to hosting a public discussion about this controversy at The Vortex."