In a recent development that has sparked criticism from Muslim and Jewish groups, the Frick Pittsburgh art museum has decided to postpone its much-anticipated Islamic art exhibition titled "Treasured Ornament." According to reports from The Washington Post, the exhibition, which was scheduled to open in November 2023, will now be unveiled in August 2024.

Initially, the museum cited a scheduling conflict as the reason for the postponement. However, emails obtained by the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review suggest that the recent Israel-Gaza war played a role in the decision-making process. Elizabeth Barker, the Frick's executive director, admitted that the staff realized the potential insensitivity of opening an exhibition during a volatile time, which could be traumatic for many individuals in the community.

However, this decision has drawn swift criticism from both the Pittsburgh chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) and the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh. These groups argue that postponing the exhibition perpetuates harmful stereotypes that associate Muslims and Islamic art with terrorism or anti-Semitism. They emphasize the importance of not blaming entire religious or ethnic communities for the actions of any terrorist organization or foreign government.

The tension surrounding the postponement of "Treasured Ornament" reflects the broader ripple effects of the Israel-Gaza conflict, with federal officials noting an uptick in threats against Jewish, Muslim, and Arab communities across the United States in recent weeks.

In response to the criticism, Elizabeth Barker issued a statement expressing the museum's regret for any hurt caused by their communication regarding the postponement. Barker pledged to repair relationships with the Muslim community and seek their input before the exhibition opens next year. The Frick Pittsburgh is determined to create a more culturally sensitive context and ensure a diverse perspective through collaboration with the local Muslim community.

Despite the museum's efforts to address concerns, some Muslim civil rights groups are urging a reconsideration of the decision to postpone. CAIR-Pittsburgh's Executive Director, Christine Mohamed, denounced the postponement as "disturbing" and emphasized the importance of appreciating the wide-ranging and diverse Islamic world beyond the Middle East.

On the other hand, the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh expressed a warm welcome for the exhibition, stating that celebrations of religious and cultural diversity are useful contributions to society. The Federation's representative, Adam Hertzman, emphasized the need to separate the exhibit from the ongoing events in the Middle East, adding that no reasonable person links the two.

While the Frick Pittsburgh works towards resolving the controversy surrounding the delayed Islamic art exhibition, the museum has shifted its focus to "The Red Dress" exhibition, which opened on October 7. The exhibition, featuring embroidery works from over 380 contributors, including Ukrainian and Palestinian refugees, aims to unite cultures and provide solace and understanding during these challenging times.

As the Frick Pittsburgh looks ahead to the eventual opening of "Treasured Ornament," they are determined to approach it with cultural sensitivity and collaboration, fostering an inclusive environment for all visitors.