Discussion and debate continute to surround the recent announcement by the Middle East Children's Alliance, cancelling the anticipated "Children's View from Gaza" exhibit.

The free exhibit - which was slated to open this Saturday, Sept. 24, at Oakland's Museum of Children's Art - was to feature a number of workshops and events for children and families.

According to the alliance's - MECA's - executive director and co-founder Barbara Lubin, the decision not to go forward with the exhibit contradicts MOCHA's mission and is the result of work done by pro-Israel groups who are working to silence Palestinian voices.

"Even while the children in Gaza are living under Israeli policies that deprive them of very basic necessity, they managed through art, to express their realities and hopes," MECA Associate Director Ziad Abbas said. "It's very sad that there are people in the U.S. silencing them and shredding their dreams."

However, members of MOCHA's board paint a different and non-political picture. They emphasize a need to develop and maintain a safe space where students can learn and create without being subject to violence, even if that violence is a reality for other children.

"We understand that, sadly, violence is a part of many children's lives and we remain committed to showing artwork that depicts the diverse realities of children across the world," MOCHA shared in an open letter about the exhibit's cancellation. "However, as an organization that serves a large and diverse community, we tried to balance this with the concerns raised by parents, caregivers and educators who did not wish for their children to encounter graphically violent and sensitive works during use of our facility. MOCHA is a facility that must be accessible for our entire community."

As many people question how the project was able to get so close to opening without being red-flagged, both organizations are looking into next steps. While MECA is working to find a new location to house the art of Palestinian children who participated in the project, MOCHA is working to redesign their exhibit policy within the next month.