Faith Runner, the granddaughter of sculptor Karl Illava, expressed her anger and sadness over the desecration of her grandfather’s war monument in Central Park by anti-Israel protesters. The statue, dedicated to US soldiers who fought in World War I, was defaced with graffiti and anti-Israel stickers. Runner described the vandals as “idiots” and said her grandfather would have been saddened by their actions, as the soldiers memorialized in the statue fought for freedom.
Runner shared her disbelief and frustration at the vandalism, stating that she believes her grandfather would have been deeply saddened by the destruction of his work. She described Illava as a kind man who would have felt sorry for the misguided individuals who committed the act. The statue, featuring seven soldiers, was erected near the park’s East 67th Street entrance in 1927 and commemorates the Seventh Regiment’s role in breaking Germany’s Hindenburg Line of defense.
The vandals targeted Illava’s statue as part of a protest near the Met Gala, spray-painting “Gaza” in large letters and attaching anti-Israel stickers to the base. Some individuals burned a US flag at the statue’s base, while others draped Palestinian flags over the soldiers. A nearby statue of Civil War Gen. William Tecumseh Sherman was also defaced in a similar manner. Runner, reflecting on her grandfather’s life and work, noted that he was fortunate to receive commissions during the Great Depression when many artists were struggling financially.
Runner recalled a visit to the monument with a friend in the fall and described the experience as a lovely time. She explained that her grandfather intentionally designed the statue to be “ugly” to convey his hatred of war. The artist, who had served in the calvary with the Seventh Regiment, was grateful for the opportunity to create the World War I sculpture. Despite the vandalism, Runner emphasized that her grandfather’s legacy and intentions will endure, even in the face of such destructive acts.
Police are actively searching for the vandals responsible for defacing the war monument, with Mayor Eric Adams offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to their arrest. The incident has sparked outrage and condemnation from the community, reflecting a broader societal concern about the protection of public art and monuments. The desecration of historical statues, particularly those honoring the sacrifices of soldiers, highlights the need for greater respect and preservation of public art as a vital component of cultural heritage. Through their actions, the vandals have underscored the importance of remembering and honoring those who have served their country, and the ongoing struggle to preserve the memory of those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
