THE VICTORIA and Albert Museum has been accused of “glorifying terrorism” by selling Palestinian intifada embroidery kits.
Critics slammed the revelation and demanded the museum be stripped of its public funding until they apologise and pull the product.
Palestine Intifada Patterns Embroidery Tote Bag Kit has sparked fury[/caption]
Critics say the sewing kit – pictured – glorifies terrorism and must be taken down[/caption]
The word intifada means uprising or rebellion, and is most commonly used to describe violence and terror attacks against Israel by Palestinians.
The Palestine Intifada patterns kit costs £40 and is sold by the V&A Dundee branch, which has received taxpayers’ cash from the UK and Scottish governments.
A description on the museum’s website states: “The intifada dress refers to a specific type of Palestinian thobe that emerged during the First Intifada between 1987-1993.
“Unlike traditional thobes, its design incorporated political and cultural symbols such as the Palestinian flag, the map of Palestine and olive branches, often stitched in the flag’s colours.”
Lord Walney, the government’s ex adviser on political violence, said: “Intifada embroidery seems laughably ridiculous until you remember attacks on British Jews are being justified in the name of what they are promoting.
“The Intifada of 1989 referred to in this embroidery kit kicked off the terrorist stabbing, shooting and firebombing of Israeli civilians by Hamas that continues to this day.
“The V&A Dundee should lose public funding unless they immediately apologise for promoting this outrageous Haberdashery for Hamas.”
Labour MP Luke Akehurst MP said: “Glorifying terrorism has brought violence, terror and death not just to the streets of Israel for decades but to those of Manchester just a week ago.
“This is not just ignorant and offensive but downright dangerous and should be withdrawn immediately.”
People on Westminster Bridge as they take part in a Palestine Solidarity Campaign march in central London[/caption]
A spokesman V&A Dundee, defended the product. He said: “The embroidery kit is stocked in association with our current exhibition, Thread Memory: Embroidery from Palestine.
“The exhibition explores the history of Palestinian dress and the ancient practice of tatreez, hand-embroidery which is characterised by remarkable beauty and regional diversity and tells stories of women’s identities, grief and changing lives.
“This ancient practice of Palestinian embroidery is recognised as unique for its craft and is on the United Nations list of Intangible Cultural Heritage for Humanity.”
Spokesmen for the UK and Scottish governments both said the museum is independent and they have no role in what is sold there.
Opened in 2018, the V&A Dundee is a branch of London’s world-famous Victoria and Albert museum in South Kensington.
It has received £25 million from the Scottish government and over £7 million from the UK government.
