One of the issues with building a “modern” society on top of the remnants of centuries of civilization is that eventually you can’t avoid digging up the past. This becomes especially touchy when the society you’ve built is one of occupation and apartheid.
Government officials in apartheid Israel are debating what to do with the Megiddo Mosaic, a decorated floor mosaic from what is believed to be the world’s earliest Christian prayer hall. It was discovered by apartheid-backed Israeli archaeologists in 2005 during a salvage excavation conducted as part of the planned expansion of an Israeli prison (because of course). The question facing these government officials is whether or not to uproot and loan the mosaic, specifically to a a US museum that’s been criticized for past acquisition practices?
The museum in question is the Museum of the Bible in Washington DC, which highlights the strange and deepening ties between apartheid Israel and evangelical Christians in the US, whom Israel has come to count on for political support, tourism dollars and other cozy benefits. The controversial museum has faced heavy criticism over its collecting practices and for promoting an evangelical Christian political agenda. In 2018, it had to repatriate an ancient Mesopotamian tablet looted from Iraq and admit that several of the Dead Sea Scroll fragments in its collection were forgeries. American authorities also seized thousands of clay tablets and other looted antiquities from the museum’s founder, and returned them to Iraq. The museum’s founder is evangelical Christian Steve Green, also known as the president of Hobby Lobby (because of course, this here is America we’re talking about).
The Megiddo Mosaic is near what’s believed by some of these evangelicals to be the site of the long-prophesied Armageddon. This land is where some Christians believe a conclusive battle between good and evil will transpire at the end of days! But the apartheid Israel Antiquities Authority said that it will decide about the move in the coming weeks, after consultations with an advisory body. The organization said that moving the mosaic from its original location was the best way to protect it from upcoming construction at the prison. Because to the people in power, lest we forget, expanding the incarceration centers for Palestinians outweighs anything of historical significance.
Side Items
Biden’s $700 Gift: As a response to Hawaii’s ongoing disaster and a way to assist survivors, FEMA has (under Biden’s direction) activated a transitional sheltering assistance program to help displaced residents find a hotel or motel, as well as a "critical needs" program to provide $700 to eligible people for food, water and other supplies. Consider it a little “Sorry all your belongings and your house burned down, have a month’s groceries on us” gift. So benevolent
Women’s World Cupdate: After beating Australia 3-1 in the semi-final this morning, England are headed to the Women’s World Cup final where they will take on Spain. It will be each country’s first World Cup final, so we’re guaranteed a new champion after Sunday’s match. The question is whether the English can extend their dominance after winning the Women’s European Championship last year. But Spain have proven themselves more than capable this tournament, so I wouldn’t write them off just yet
Absurdist Interview: In this interview with Boots Riley, the legendary artist, organizer, and (famously) communist, describes how he thinks about the thread tying together his music, screen writing, and organizing. Riley is best known for his projects that tackle social issues through absurdist commentary, like “Sorry to Bother You”, using literal workhorses to criticize the unfettered capitalist model. His most recent project, I’m a Virgo tells the absurd and fantastical tale of a young, 13-foot tall black man from Oakland. The jokes don’t write themselves, that’s where ol’ Boots comes in