MESSAGE
| DATE | 2025-12-25 |
| FROM | Ruben Safir
|
| SUBJECT | Subject: [Hangout - NYLXS] What is DAWA - removing Jews from history
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Inflammatory Times Square billboard proclaiming ‘Jesus is Palestinian’
slammed by holiday tourists: 'A divisive message'
Jennifer Bain, Anna Young
4–5 minutes
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.
A disturbing billboard that popped up in Times Square proclaiming "Jesus
is Palestinian" was slammed by onlooks as an inflammatory and divisive
prop that does nothing more than "stir the pot" at Christmas.
The digital ad reading “Jesus is Palestinian” appeared in Times Square
during the busy holiday season. Instagram/ADC
“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.
A statement by ADC NATIONAL: "ADC remains committed to defending the
rights, heritage, and dignity of the Palestinian people and all
marginalized communities. We will ensure their stories are recognized,
their humanity protected, and their resilience celebrated - not just
during the holidays, but every day of the year. TRULY ARAB, FULLY AMERICAN."
The ad was funded by the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee
(ADC) in an attempt to spark debate and protest. Instagram/ADC
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.”
Text describing the goals of the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination
Committee's billboards, which are to reclaim the truth about Palestinian
identity, challenge its erasure, highlight reverence for Jesus in Islam,
and assert Palestinian truth in public spaces.
“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. Instagram/ADC
A digital billboard in Times Square reading "Merry Christmas, Jesus is
Palestinian" displayed by the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee.
“It’s probably not a good time in the world to have that up. It’s
inflammatory.” Instagram/ADC
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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