Overview
- The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee funded the Times Square display reading “Jesus is Palestinian” during the Christmas rush.
- Following the initial message, the ADC rolled out a new billboard stating “Jesus would say ‘tear down that wall’,” with another ad planned for New Year’s Eve.
- Tourists interviewed described the original billboard as divisive and inflammatory, while some bystanders defended it as an inclusive or solidarity message.
- ADC executive director Adeb Ayoub said the aim is dialogue about shared ties, calling the birthplace of Christianity Palestine and saying interpretations of Jesus’ identity vary.
- Critics, including the Campaign Against Antisemitism, argued the claim applies modern terminology to ancient history and overlooks Jesus’ Jewish identity.