The British Museum hosted an event on May 16 to commemorate Israel's founding, organized by the Israeli embassy. This event featured notable figures like Israeli ambassador Tzipi Hotovely and attracted criticism for occurring during a severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Historical context shows that this date marks the displacement of many Palestinians, and critics argue it displays insensitivity amid ongoing violence and famine. Prominent voices like historian William Dalrymple condemned the event, emphasizing its moral implications and the cultural institution's responsibility to respond thoughtfully.
"This is providing support for one of the great moral catastrophes of our time. At such a time to show such astonishing insensitivity... is astounding."
"It is not possible that neither the director nor the chair of the board of trustees, a former politician, could not have foreseen the potentially damaging consequences of this event."
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