Event Name

From Iconic Ship to a Mythic Image: The Warfield/Exodus Peace Tapestry

Time

8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Location

Jewish Museum of Maryland Herbert Bearman Campus
15 Lloyd St. Baltimore, MD 21202

Description

The Exodus 1947 carried Jewish immigrants, largely Holocaust survivors, from France to Palestine in July, 1947. Sadly, the ship was seized and all of its passengers deported back to Europe. Russian artist Alex Gelfenboim created (and 36 women of the Pomegranate Guild, led by Rita Lenkin Hawkins crafted) a unique needlepoint tapestry, of over one and a half-million stitches. This artwork depicts the story of courage, hope and optimism for a world at peace. Like other artwork and craft that depicts historical reality (e.g. the Bayeux Tapestry or Guernica), the Warfield/Exodus Peace Tapestry is a testament and a retelling of a significant historical moment. Unveiled nearly 20 years ago, the tapestry was created to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Exodus’ journey and the eventual founding of the State of Israel. Dr. Barry S. Lever, a native of Baltimore, served as the WZO appointed Volunteer Chairman of the 50th Anniversary Commemoration of the Final Voyage of the President Warfield/Exodus 1947 from 1992 – 1998. From 2002 – 2013, Dr. Lever served the JMM as its Special Project Consultant. Barry and his wife of 61 years, Sandee Lever, are the proud parents of three children and their spouses and seven grandchildren.

url

jewishmuseummd.org