Israeli Artist Boycotts Venice Biennale Pavilion Until Ceasefire and Hostage Release

The artist and curators representing Israel at the Venice Biennale have refused to open the Israeli pavilion exhibit until a cease-fire in Gaza and an agreement to release hostages seized by Hamas on Oct. 7 are reached. Their decision, supported by the festival's main curator, was made in solidarity with the families of the hostages and the community in Israel calling for change. The Israeli exhibit, titled "(M)otherland" by artist Ruth Patir, remains closed for now, with a video work visible through the pavilion window. The move comes amid heightened security and controversy surrounding Israel's participation in the Biennale, with thousands calling for its exclusion to protest the war in Gaza.