Artists 4 Israel x StandWithUs Miami Mural Thanks the Heat for Standing up to Anti-Semitism
(March 15, 2021 -- Miami, FL) -- Following the controversy about Miami Heat center Meyers Leonard using an antisemitic slur and his apology, Artists 4 Israel (A4I) and StandWithUs (SWU) want the world to know that "We Love The Heat" and call for people to be “United Against Antisemitism, Racism and All Forms of Hate." The two organizations have partnered with local artists Miss Reds and 1Der to create a mural in Miami, spray painting those messages in massive letters in iconic Wynwood.
The 28 x 20 foot mural is visible to everyone driving in and out of Miami on I-95. It was completed on March 15th and will stay up until April 15th.
Craig Dershowitz, CEO of Artists 4 Israel stated, "Art is about creating something anew - graffiti often turns old walls into modern works of art - so we hold dear the belief that an individual can transform themself and their community. We look forward to Meyers Leonard using this dark time to paint a new, more colorful and more human picture of his relationship to the Jewish people."
StandWithUs Southeast Executive Director Sara Gold Rafel said, "we're proud to work with Artists 4 Israel, Miss Reds, and 1Der in support of unity and in opposition to antisemitism. Now more than ever, we need education for teens and people of all ages to make sure our communities are defined by love and acceptance, not hate."
Miss Reds accompanied A4I on a mission to Israel to paint bombed out buildings, and fell in love with the country and the Jewish people while there.
A4I and SWU are organizations that fight tirelessly to end antisemitism. While both abhor Leonard’s hateful comments, they applaud the swift action taken by the Heat to suspend him and by the larger community to educate him. They also appreciate Leonard’s apology and are happy that he is seeking to learn more about the Jewish people.
The mural also calls out racism and all hate because antisemitism is not the only form of bigotry that has been rising. A4I and SWU believe the fight against racism and other forms of intolerance includes the fight to protect the Jewish people from threats.
Sports should continue unite people across many differences to root for their favorite teams. With this mural, SWU and A4I are continuing to promote that pride. Miami is a wonderful, diverse city and the Heat are an integral part of the community. We love the Heat both on and off the court!
About Artists 4 Israel
Artists 4 Israel prevents the spread of anti-Israel bigotry through art and helps communities and people affected by terrorism and hate.