A billboard that popped up in Times Square proclaiming “Jesus is Palestinian” was slammed by onlookers as an inflammatory and divisive prop that does nothing more than “stir the pot” at Christmas.
The digital ad – funded by the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) in an attempt to spark debate and protest during the bustling festive rush – drew swift backlash from holiday tourists after it appeared in the heart of Midtown last week.
“It’s quite a divisive message, if you’re pro-Palestinian, you’d find it OK,” Sam Kept, who is visiting the Big Apple from England, told The Post Wednesday night.
“It’s probably not a good time in the world to have that up. It’s inflammatory.”
His wife chimed in, noting that the billboard – bearing the message “JESUS IS PALESTINIAN” in bold black lettering on a bright green background, with “MERRY CHRISTMAS” on the other side – could be considered “offensive” by some.
“It’s trying to stir the pot, isn’t it?” she said.
Another argued that Jesus is “for everyone,” and that it isn’t necessary to be “specific.”
Adeb Ayoub, National Executive Director of the Arab American organization, said the non-profit has been renting ad space in Times Square since earlier this year, with different messages rotating weekly.
He explained that the billboard’s underlying theme is “America First,” with the goal of encouraging people to recognize common ground between Arab and Muslim communities and Christians in the US during the “busiest time in New York City.”
“There’s a lot more similarities between Arabs and Muslims and Christians in this country than others want to allow us to believe and there are similarities and there is a fear of culture, shared religion,” Ayoub told The Post.
“Most of the Americans in this country are Christian and the birthplace of Christianity is Palestine. If people wanna go back and forth and debate it, then great, the billboard sparked debate. At least you’re having a conversation about it. Otherwise, we’re silenced and our voices and positions don’t come out.”
When asked whether his group is disputing that Jesus was Jewish, Ayoub said that “Jesus lives within all of us” and that the subject was “up for interpretation.”
He added that Jewish groups he claims have waged a digital war against him since the Spring are free to promote their own views about Jesus.
While some onlookers took issue with the jarring billboard, others voiced their support for the ADC’s message.
“Everyone can have their own ideas,” said Giovanni Napoli, a 32-year-old tourist from Italy, adding that “There shouldn’t be an issue.”
French tourist Alain Balla said, “It’s a very special moment of the year and anything can happen in the world right now in Palestine. They’re just trying to share a moment with their people who need to be helped. Jesus belongs to everyone. To me, Jesus is for everyone.”
A new billboard from the ADC, which went up this week, declares “Jesus would say ‘tear down that wall,’” seemingly referencing former President Ronald Reagan.
Ayoub said a new billboard will appear in Times Square for New Year’s Eve.
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