Polish Church Displays ‘Jewish’ Murder Painting
An 18th-century painting depicting the ritual murder of Christian children by Jews will be uncovered and available for viewing at a Polish cathedral.
The Charles de Prevot painting “Mord Rytualny,” or “Ritual Murder,” will go on display Thursday at the cathedral in Sandomierz as the Catholic Church marks its international Day of Judaism.
A plaque next to the painting will inform viewers that the Jews did not actually commit ritual murder because it is prohibited by their faith. The information on the plaque was prepared by the Polish Episcopal Conference’s Committee for Dialogue with Judaism, according to the Polish daily Gazeta.
The painting has been mounted on a cathedral wall but has been hidden behind a red curtain since 2006 because of its offensive nature.
It is part of a series of works by de Prevot depicting the martyrdom of Christians showing brutal and realistic scenes of torture and murder by pagans.
Why I became the Forward’s Editor-in-Chief
You are surely a friend of the Forward if you’re reading this. And so it’s with excitement and awe — of all that the Forward is, was, and will be — that I introduce myself to you as the Forward’s newest editor-in-chief.
And what a time to step into the leadership of this storied Jewish institution! For 129 years, the Forward has shaped and told the American Jewish story. I’m stepping in at an intense time for Jews the world over. We urgently need the Forward’s courageous, unflinching journalism — not only as a source of reliable information, but to provide inspiration, healing and hope.
Support our mission to tell the Jewish story fully and fairly.
