Shitting on the Israeli Flag: The Art of Natali Cohen Vaxberg

‘In recent years, the role of the radical artist in Israeli society has become increasingly contentious. Top politicians have called to cut off funding to actors who refuse to perform in the occupied West Bank, and at least one arts fund now demands its recipients pledge national loyalty. But no Israeli artist has provoked more furor and political pushback than 31-year-old actress, playwright and Internet celebrity Natali Cohen Vaxberg.

In November 2014, Cohen Vaxberg was jailed overnight, placed under house arrest for days, prohibited from using the Internet for weeks, and had her computers confiscated for months. She currently stands accused of “defiling a national symbol” after she uploaded a series of videos in which she and her friend and artistic partner defecated on dozens of national flags, including Israel’s star and bars.’

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