Times Square Billboard Sparks Outrage with 'Jesus is Palestinian' Message During Christmas

A digital billboard in New York City's Times Square has ignited controversy with its message 'Jesus is Palestinian.' The billboard, sponsored by the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC), was part of a larger campaign to initiate dialogue and highlight common values among Christians, Muslims, and Arab Americans. The display, which initially sparked outrage, has been replaced with a new message featuring a quote from former US President Ronald Reagan, 'Jesus would say: "tear down this wall,"' referencing both the Berlin Wall and the Israeli security barrier. The ADC's National executive director Adeb Ayoub clarified that the organization aims to promote inclusivity and tackle the marginalization of Arab and Muslim voices in the US. He emphasized the importance of respecting diverse interpretations of Jesus' identity and advocating for individual viewpoints. Not everyone was offended by the original message, with some visitors praising its thought-provoking nature. However, others described it as 'divisive' and 'inflammatory,' particularly during the holiday season. The ADC has continued to lease advertising space in Times Square, refreshing messages on a weekly basis. Additional displays are planned for New Year's Eve, demonstrating the organization's commitment to maintaining a visible and thought-provoking presence in the iconic location.