ADC: Melbourne artist Van-T-Rudd should not exploit the character of Wonder Woman to attack Gal Gadot and Israel

The ADC has criticised Melbourne artist Van-T-Rudd for his work “FreeAhedTamimi mural” currently displayed in Fitzroy, which features a drawing of Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman standing over a crying Ahed Tamimi. Gadot seems to be clutching a weapon in her left hand and holding Tamimi.

The text on the mural reads:  “Even Wonder Woman is trained to imprison Palestinian children”

Dr Dvir Abramovich, Chairman of the ADC, issued the following statement:

“It is a shame that Van-T-Rudd has chosen to become a cheerleader for the Israel-bashers camp instead of using his art to build bridges between communities and to promote the message of peace and reconciliation. By modernising the classic image of Jews as cruel oppressors of children, this mural will only fan the flames of hate, demonisation and incitement. I wonder if this animosity towards Gal Gadot, as showcased in this inflammatory work, would be unleashed against any other actress portraying Wonder Woman if she was not an Israeli and a Jew?  Does Van-T-Rudd rail against the honour killings of women and the murder of members of the LGBTI community in the Middle-East and in Gaza, as well as other barbarities unfolding in this region,or is this rage only directed at an actress whose only ‘crime’ is that she happens to come from the only Jewish state in the world, where women, gays and minorities are safe. In contrast to Gadot, Tamimi, a well-known provocateur and advocate for violence, has bitten and slapped an Israeli soldier, and has expressed support for terrorists who have attacked Israeli civilians. Maybe if he learns the true facts, Van-T-Rudd will be able to produce a much more balanced and nuanced mural about the Israeli-Palestinian situation that does not engage in vilification and which reflects reality.”