Faith Runner, the granddaughter of sculptor Karl Illava, expressed deep dismay and sadness over the desecration of her grandfather’s World War I monument in Central Park by anti-Israel protesters. The bronze statue, featuring seven soldiers, was vandalized with graffiti and anti-Israel stickers, with some protesters even burning a US flag and draping Palestinian flags over the soldiers. Runner described the vandals as “idiots” and believed her grandfather would have been very saddened by the vandalism, given that he was a kind and thoughtful man who understood the importance of history and freedom.
Runner reflected on her grandfather’s gratitude for being hired by the city to create the sculpture during the Great Depression, a time when many artists were struggling. Illava, who had served in the calvary with the Seventh Regiment, intentionally designed the monument to convey an anti-war message, reflecting his disdain for conflict. Runner described visiting the monument with a friend in the fall and recalled it as a beautiful and poignant experience, steeped in history and meaning. She emphasized that her grandfather would have been more saddened than enraged by the vandalism, showing compassion even towards those who committed such destructive acts.
The vandalized war monument in Central Park was located near the park’s East 67th Street entrance and the armory for the Seventh Regiment, whose infantry played a crucial role in breaking Germany’s Hindenburg Line of defense at the end of World War I. The vandals targeted the statue during the Met Gala taking place nearby, defacing it with the word “Gaza” in large letters in red and black paint. Mayor Eric Adams has offered a $5,000 reward from his own pocket to help track down the culprits responsible for the vandalism, which also extended to a nearby statue of Civil War Gen. William Tecumseh Sherman.
Runner expressed deep sadness at the vandalism, suggesting that her grandfather would have also felt sorrow for the individuals who committed such destructive acts. She highlighted the irony of the situation, noting that the US soldiers honored by the monument had fought for people’s freedom, while the vandals chose to deface a symbol of that very freedom. Despite her grief and frustration, Runner maintained a sense of understanding and compassion towards those who lack an appreciation for history and the sacrifices made by others. She commended her grandfather’s kindness and empathy towards others, traits that she believed would have guided his response to the vandalism of his sculpture.
The incident in Central Park sparked outrage and condemnation from those who value history, freedom, and artistic expression. The desecration of a war monument dedicated to American heroes who fought for freedom and sacrificed their lives in the line of duty struck a chord with many, including Runner and her family. The act of vandalism not only defaced a historic symbol but also highlighted the ignorance and disregard for the sacrifices of past generations. Despite the damage caused by the vandals, the spirit of the monument and its message of peace and remembrance remain intact, a testament to the enduring power of art and history in times of turmoil and conflict. The pursuit of justice and accountability for those responsible for the vandalism reflects a collective commitment to upholding the values and memories enshrined in such monuments.