It’s a dove that was once stolen off the only monument of an Arab American in the United States — let me tell you the story.
Located in front of the Santa Ana public library in California is a sculpture to Palestinian American poet, teacher and civil-rights leader Alex Odeh. Alex was assassinated in 1985, and the sculpture—created by Khalil Bendib and supported through a fund-raising effort led by radio personality Casey Kasem—remains the only public monument of an Arab American in the U.S.
In 2020 the sculpture’s dove of peace, held in Odeh’s outstretched hand, was stolen, later recovered by police, and eventually reattached to the monument. This act of vandalism is one of many that the sculpture has endured over the last 30 years. Working with the city, Alex’s family and with Bendib’s permission, we have removed the dove once more, this time with intention and care, so it can circulate as a messenger carrying forward the story of Odeh’s life and work and the justice still yet to be delivered in his case.
By setting the dove in motion again, we invite the public to participate in a living monument—one that expands beyond the library grounds and the bronze figure into the everyday lives of those who choose to know and tell Alex’s story. The dove will begin its journey with Alex's daughter Helena and wife Norma, and then travel to a series of homes and institutions, connected to and inspired by Odeh’s legacy, who will each temporarily host the dove and share its story with their families, friends, and communities. In June the dove will be returned to the statue.
Each family or organization that hosts the dove will convene a community gathering to share the story of Alex’s life and the ongoing case. After moving the dove to the next host, they will receive a precise replica as a gift, enabling them to continue carrying the story forward. In this way, a single public sculpture of a dove multiplies into a flock, with each holder becoming a long-term steward and storyteller.
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The Stolen Dove is a project led by artist Jon Rubin in collaboration with the Odeh family and Grand Central Arts Center.