March 2003

I hope all is well.

As you know, we are now expecting a war in Iraq starting in the next hours, with its unavoidable consequences for the rest of the region. I remember all these innocent Iraquis, women, children, Kurds and others, who have been murdered in chemical and biological attacks at the orders of Saddam Hussein. I also remember all those who were tortured in the basements of Baghdad's palaces.

There is no doubt that Saddam Hussein is a ruthless dictator, some kind of Middle Eastern Hitler. I think that we are living in a particularly challenging time in human history, a history which is somehow accelerating. It is our duty in these circumstances, not to remain neutral or intellectually apathetic. We must not preach some kind of angelism but confront modern barbarism. Unfortunately, the danger is not only with Saddam in Iraq. There are threats emanating from Iran, the Herzbollah in Lebanon, Syria, the Hamas, Islamic Jiyad and Al Quaida.

I think that the exhibition "Can we talk now" should not only highlight these dangers. It should also raise the question of the legitimacy of war when extremists not only threaten their own people but also a Western world that has either been too conformist or in a state of amnesia for too long. Is there a right of interference against dictators, fascists and religious extremists? the debate is long and complex. The topic is unfortunately not new. One of this exhibition's key points is to bring this issue to the fore and not to provide ready-made answers.

My wife, my two children, my friends and I, as well as every other ordinary Israelis, are in the front line, and within reach of Saddam's weapon arsenal. I would really appreciate if you could place a copy of this mail next to my images, as a contribution to this debate .

I hope to hear from you soon,

Yours Sincerely,

Didier