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City of Coeur D'alene Displays 'Ganesha' Scupture

In a remarkable interfaith gesture, Jews, Buddhists and Hindus have applauded City of Coeur d'Alene in Idaho for public display of "Ganesha" sculpture in its downtown.

Rabbi Jonathan B. Freirich, prominent Jewish leader in North Carolina (USA), in a statement said: "The City of Coeur d'Alene and its Arts Commission should be commended for their strength and inclusive attitude in displaying the 'Ganesha' sculpture along with 14 others in downtown as a part of 'ArtCurrents', its public art display program."

"Ganesha may not be as sacred to us as it is to our Hindu friends, but we still welcome its addition as an integration of a wider range of public art into the community and an enhancement of the overall appeal of an urban area," Rabbi Freirich added.

"Such positive actions by Coeur d'Alene, of encouraging Artworks of many faiths, guide us in ways of respect and harmony in these difficult times. This is truly 'old-time America,' helping each other however we can. Thank you Coeur d'Alene for showing us all a good and righteous path to follow in our diverse society," Buddhist leader Bryan pointed out.

Hindu statesman Rajan Zed has already welcomed the Lord Ganesha sculpture. He commended the City of Coeur d'Alene for the gesture and called it "a step in the right direction."

Rajan Zed argued that the public display of Lord Ganesha would bring more inclusivity in religion and help create a unity that celebrated diversity. Moreover, Ganesha's presence is always considered auspicious, Zed added.

"Ganesha" on East Sherman Avenue and South 6th Street by Spokane metal artist Rick Davis is part of 15 sculptures of "ART Currents-Coeur d'Alene Public Art On-Loan 2011-2012 Program." Spread throughout the downtown area, variety of art pieces on-loan from local and national artists are on display for one year and for sale.

"Coeur d'Alene now dedicates 1.33% of the total cost of all eligible capital improvement projects to fund art in public places. The purpose of the public art program is to integrate a wide range of public art into the community and reflect the diversity of communities, artistic disciplines, and points of view.

In Hinduism, elephant-headed and human-bodied Lord Ganesha is worshipped as god of wisdom and remover of obstacles and invoked before the beginning of any major undertaking.

Coeur d'Alene was founded in 1878 and known as "Lake City." It is home to the second largest metropolitan area in Idaho.