April 29, 2026 – March 1, 2027 | Levels 1 and 2
YALLA.
ARAB-JEWISH ENCOUNTERS
The synergy between Arab and Jewish life-worlds draws on the long history of their interrelationship – sometimes romanticized or suppressed, other times demonized or combatted. It was only with the growing self-confidence of the Mizrahim in Israel (Jews from the Middle East, North Africa, and other parts of the Arab world) that a general awareness of Arab-Jewish history has become manifest once again. Talk of “Arab Jews” marked the conscious breaking of a taboo.
The exhibition presents works by selected artists of Jewish origin whose biographies and perspectives are rooted in an Arab-Jewish context and identity. Through key historical occurrences and universal, identity-related questions, the multifaceted nature and complexity of this topic are explored.
The artistic positions act as indicatory points of view in tracing the historical, political, religious, and cultural dimensions of Arab-Jewish history. The exhibition provides new insights into questions surrounding self-image and public image, identity, and stereotypical thought when looking at how Arab-Jewish communities perceive themselves today.
The exhibition is accompanied by an online publication of the same name.
An exhibition by the Jewish Museum Hohenems in cooperation with the Jewish Museum Munich.
