Ottawa, November 23 2023
Our Statement on the Gaza Crisis
The CMA has been taking the time to inform ourselves regarding the humanitarian crisis that has worsened and escalated in the last few weeks in Palestine/Israel, specifically in the Gaza Strip. As this crisis continues to worsen, the CMA echoes the United Nations General Assembly’s Emergency Resolution that calls for an “immediate, durable and sustained humanitarian truce leading to a cessation of hostilities.”
As emotions are high during this difficult time, Canadian museums should continue to uphold their responsibility to being spaces that foster and uplift their communities without bias or prejudice. Unfortunately, bias and prejudice can come in many forms, including Islamophobia, antisemitism, and anti-Palestinian racism.
We reiterate our belief that Canadian museums should continue to support safety and understanding, that they can be excellent places for people to explore perspectives, discuss difficult topics and learn new things. As such, we encourage our members to lean into their capacities as storytellers, conveners of communities and interpreters of heritage. Thank you to our members who took the time to reach out to us and share information and their perspectives; we are glad to count you among our colleagues.
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