The Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design has created a new display that has infuriated some members of the Charedi community by creating action figures of renowned Gedolim such as Maran Hagaon HaRav Ovadia Yosef, the Lubavitcher Rebbe ZATZAL, the Baba Sali ZATZAL and others.

Kikar Shabbos reported the display which it states: “is presented in a particularly shameful manner.”

The figurine of Rabbi Ovadia Yosef and the Lubavitcher Rebbe are presented as muscular figures who wear form-fitting and tight clothing, as opposed to their traditional garb of Rabbi Ovadia’s cloak and the Lubavitcher Rebbe’s black Frock. The Baba Sali is presented in a purple cloak, and all three are dressed wearing capes, the kind that are normally seen on figures such as Superman or Batman.

Elad Schwartz, the creator of the display, was interviewed by Kikar HaShabbat and claimed that he intended no disrespect to the Gedolim or the Charedi community.

“They are like Spiderman. They led an entire group of people and paved the way for tens of thousands of followers. In the display, I attempted to capture their strength and greatness,” Schwartz told the reporter from Kikar HaShabbat.

The figurines themselves were the work of a secular student who spent mnths researching the Gedolim and then designed what he felt represented their image as he saw it.

Another student was interviewed, one who had just graduated from the prestigious design academy and wished to remain anonymous. He was quoted as saying: “Charedim have a different worldview than the secular artists who worked on these pieces. Art is the pinnacle of the ability to express the personal view of the artist, this view or expression of the artist is unbound and free from all limitations, regardless of what they may be. Therefore, it can also be rebellious and provocative at times. It is natural for a society like the Chareidi world to not be a fan of artistic expression or work, as this type of society requires a high wall to protect it.”

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)