Above: (All) Photo(s) Courtesy of Space Cabin Studios.

“DOMESTIC VIOLENCE is the greatest terrorist threat facing our country and it is on the rise. HOW DO WE BRING DOWN THE HEAT?”

“I NEED RESPECT”

“I NEED PURPOSE”

“I NEED TO MATTER”

Artist Statement from Judith Serling Sturm: I used to think of violent extremism in America as acts perpetrated by foreigners who hated the values that hold our country together. I think that no longer. It breaks my heart to see differences in our own population’s beliefs turn to fear and hatred, and that fear and hatred being acted upon with violence. As gripping as this subject is to me, expressing it visually was a challenge. I read a lot about the theories of radicalization, which informed many of my design decisions: the choice of black and white, with red adding heat; the placement of community-created portraits to align with each phase of the radicalization process; the growing chaos as that process evolves. I hope people who encounter this tzedakah box share their concerns and reactions by leaving a note in the wall, inspired by the tradition at the Western Wailing Wall in Jerusalem.

ish is a Cincinnati-based arts and cultural organization centering around Jewish arts and cultural traditions. ish is a platform for connecting artists with communities to create new experiences, inspire pride in Jewish and intersectional identity, and foster appreciation of Cincinnati history and Jewish peoplehood.

Learn more about other Tzedakah Boxes at Be the Change Cincinnati 2022:

Environmental Justice with Keep Cincinnati Beautiful

Civic Engagement with artist Michael Coppage and Cincy Nice

Food Insecurity with artist Dezyre Gordon and Par-Projects

Housing and Homelessness with artist Sharareh Khosravani and Wordplay Cincy

Restorative Justice with Wave Pool