Geisweiller also claimed that due to pressure from Palestinian and other groups, the ROM has revised its information regarding ownership of the Scrolls. This was denied categorically by a ROM spokesperson.

Until last week, the restaurant’s website, which publicizes local happenings and cultural events, included the following:

“Although we endeavour in this page to bring you the best this city offers, we wish – uncharacteristically – to warn against a show whose artifacts were obtained by force and looting, and which the ROM is – astonishingly – set on featuring. The socalled Dead Sea Scrolls…showcases artifacts seized by Israel in its 1967 surprise war, which it waged against its neighbours. The war led to the seizure and the ongoing military occupation of many lands, including the West Bank, from where the scrolls were taken. They had been excavated in the early 50s’ (sic) by the Ecole Biblique Francaise, the Palestine Archaeological Museum, and the Department of Antiquities of Jordan. They represent a collection of nearly 900 ancient manuscripts, including portions of the Old Testament written in Aramaic, Hebrew and Greek. By showcasing these artefacts, the ROM is violating Canada’s responsibilities under the UNESCO Conventions and Protocols relating to cultural objects seized by arms and its own obligations as a principal member of the Canadian Museums Association (CMA).”

The site also connected readers to an anti-Israel petition by Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East (CJPME).

“I don’t think I was taking any political side,” Geisweiller said. Rather, he was highlighting “the fact that there’s a controversy about it.”

The restaurateur said he used to be sympathetic towards the Jewish state, when it was based more on socialism, but “I am troubled when I see the extreme right having political power in Israel.”

Last week, only minutes after the Jewish Tribune phoned Le Select Bistro to enquire about the provocative website, it was modified and indeed mentioned only that the exhibit was “controversial.” Other individuals and groups also had phoned to protest the restaurant’s anti-Israel stand, according to our information.
“We don’t bow to pressure,” Geisweiller said, insisting that the site was changed only because, according to his information, the ROM had agreed to include the “controversial” facts in its literature, although he had just returned from France and hadn’t yet looked at the changes.

According to the ROM, no changes have been made regarding the Dead Sea Scrolls Project, which was “created in partnership with the Israel Antiquities Authority.”

The ROM “has reviewed the recent objection that was raised by the Palestinian National Authority…and remains satisfied that the exhibition is lawful.”

-Atara Beck

Story on ROM exhibit, page 9