The story I am about to share is one that I have rarely spoken about publicly in such detail before. However, given the current state of crisis in the United States, particularly in the early days of the second Trump administration, I feel it is important to shed light on these experiences. This narrative delves into themes of power, leverage, fear, and the potential for solidarity and love amidst challenging circumstances.
In November 2016, shortly after Donald Trump was elected President, I found myself serving as the director of the Queens Museum in New York. The divisive rhetoric and policies of the new administration posed significant threats to the communities we served and to many members of our team. The morning after the election, tears were shed during our staff meeting as we grappled with the stark realities that lay ahead.
As the first years of the Trump administration unfolded, the tangible impact of their policies was keenly felt in our neighborhood. Families lived in fear of ICE raids, parents hesitated to send their children to school, and a sense of unease permeated the community. Despite these challenges, the Queens Museum stood in solidarity with our partners and neighbors, offering support in various forms to navigate the tumultuous times.
However, in the summer of 2017, a new political storm brewed when the Israeli Mission to the United Nations approached the museum to host an event celebrating a historic UN vote that paved the way for the establishment of the State of Israel. The proposed keynote speaker was Vice President Mike Pence, signaling a significant political statement. Concerned about the implications of such an event, I brought the matter to the attention of the board’s Executive Committee, ultimately leading to a decision to reject the rental request.
What followed was a whirlwind of backlash and threats directed towards me. Accusations of being “anti-Israel” surfaced in the media, triggering a wave of harassment and intimidation. Despite the mounting pressure, I drew strength from my family history, particularly stories of my grandmother’s bravery during World War II, to weather the storm of accusations and attacks.
Ultimately, the board reversed its decision, and the Israeli Mission’s event featuring Vice President Pence took place at the museum in late November 2017. The event culminated in a significant policy announcement regarding the US Embassy in Israel, further highlighting the political undertones of the gathering.
In the aftermath of this ordeal, I faced increasing scrutiny and discomfort within the museum’s leadership, leading to my resignation in 2018. The experience left me feeling tarnished and exposed, a casualty of political maneuvering and power plays.
Reflecting on these events, I see them as a microcosm of the larger challenges facing us in today’s political landscape. As we navigate through turbulent times, it is essential to stand up against autocracy and oppression, to speak out against injustice, and to forge alliances based on courage and solidarity. Our collective future hinges on our ability to resist tyranny and uphold our values with unwavering resolve.
This narrative, adapted from a talk given at a conference, serves as a reminder of the importance of speaking truth to power and standing firm in the face of adversity. In a world fraught with challenges, it is through acts of bravery and unity that we can carve a path towards a more just and equitable future.
