- Published on
Dear Museum, with Love
A Letter to the Canadian Museum for Human Rights on the Opening of “Palestine Uprooted: Nakba Past and Present” from Independent Jewish Voices (IJV), the Jewish Faculty Network (JFN), and United Jewish Peoples’ Order (UJPO).
Dear Museum:
We are writing as national Jewish organizations in support of the exhibition at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, Palestine Uprooted: Nakba Past and Present, that opened on June 26, 2026. We write as members of Jewish communities across Canada to welcome the exhibition on this historic moment that has been many years in the making.
This exhibition is the result of dedication, persistence, care and advocacy, especially from the Palestinian Canadian community, who have worked for years to ensure that Palestinian history, memory, and lived experiences are represented within one of Canada's leading human rights institutions. Their efforts, alongside a broad coalition of scholars, artists, community leaders, and human rights advocates, including those in the Jewish community, helped bring the exhibit to fruition.
We commend the Canadian Museum for Human Rights for standing by its commitment to this exhibition and continuing to tell the stories of marginalized communities. Despite significant pressure and attempts to challenge or undermine its inclusion, the museum has remained committed to presenting Palestinian perspectives and engaging the public by sharing their experiences, histories and ongoing realities. In doing so, the Museum has demonstrated the kind of leadership to which our national institutions aspire, aligning directly with values that we strive so hard to forward in Canada including multiculturalism, diversity, equity and human rights. Showcasing this exhibition fulfills the Museum's mandate to "explore the subject of human rights, with special but not exclusive reference to Canada, in order to enhance the public's understanding of human rights, to promote respect for others, and to encourage reflection and dialogue."
The exhibition is remarkable in how it brings attendees into the feel, sense, and realities of Palestinian lives. There are keys held tightly from the hands of Nakba survivors to touch, tatreez (Palestinian embroidery) to feel and view, and videos of testimonials to listen and watch. This is all surrounded by a floor to ceiling lighted panel with a series of images of Palestinian experiences, past and present. The opening slide offers shared words by Palestinian poet Mahmoud Darwish, calling on us to "Think of Others."
The opening of Palestine Uprooted: Nakba Past and Present is an important moment for Palestinians, their allies, and for Canada. It reflects a growing recognition that the history of the Nakba, and its continuing impact on Palestinian lives, is an essential part of the global human rights conversation. It is also an important moment for those of us rooted in the longstanding Jewish traditions of B'tzelem Elohim (human dignity), Talmud Torah (lifelong learning), and Tikkun Olam (repairing the world). As Jews who are committed to fighting against antisemitism, as well as all forms of hate everywhere, we stand beside Palestinians working against racism and discrimination through acknowledging their histories and promoting the dignity and sanctity of all human life.
We appreciate everyone who helped make this exhibition possible. We are proud to celebrate a Canadian institution that has remained steadfast in the face of unfounded criticism and pressure and chose to move forward with integrity. We hope this historic opening, and the ongoing inclusion of the exhibition in the Museum, encourages learning, reflection and action. Thank you for promoting a space that can advance deeper engagement with Palestinian human rights and the human rights of all across Canada.
Sincerely,
Independent Jewish Voices Canada (IJV) – grassroots organization grounded in Jewish tradition that opposes all forms of racism and advocates for justice and peace for all in Palestine-Israel, with chapters in cities across the country.
Jewish Faculty Network (JFN) – Jewish professors, instructors and librarians from universities and colleges across Canada who share a strong commitment to social justice in support of an ethical life, whether defined through religious observance or secular action.
United Jewish People's Order Canada (UJPO) – a national Jewish cultural organization with chapters in Winnipeg and Toronto, celebrating our 100th anniversary this year.