A massive digital billboard that lit up Times Square last week declared that “Jesus is Palestinian” and added a bright green “MERRY CHRISTMAS” on the reverse side. The display, paid for by the American‑Arab Anti‑Discrimination Committee (ADC), drew a mix of curiosity, discomfort and protest from the crowds that flock to Midtown during the holiday rush.
Many visitors felt the message was “divisive and inflammatory,” adding the holiday cheer had no place in the middle of a city that is already full of loud, competing signs. “It’s probably not a good time in the world to have that up. It’s inflammatory,” said Sam Kept, a tourist from England, as he walked past the billboard on Wednesday night. His wife agreed, noting that the bright‑green backdrop could be seen as offensive by some.
Adeb Ayoub, the ADC’s National Executive Director, said his nonprofit has been using Times Square advertisements since early this year, rotating different themes every week. “The underlying idea is ‘America First,’” Ayoub explained. “We want people to see the common ground between Arabs, Muslims, and Christians in this country, especially at the busiest time of year.” He added that many Americans are Christian, and that Christianity’s roots lie in Palestine. “If people debate it, great, the billboard sparked conversation. If not, our voices get silenced,” he said.
When questioned about the claim that Jesus was Jewish, Ayoub responded that “Jesus lives within all of us” and the topic is open to interpretation. He also noted that some Jewish groups have “waged a digital war” against the ADC since the spring, and feel free to present their own views on Jesus.
Responses varied. Italian tourist Giovanni Napoli, 32, told reporters that people should have the freedom to form their own opinions. French traveler Alain Balla said the billboard was a moment to share empathy for Palestinians, emphasizing that “Jesus belongs to everyone.” Balla added that “to me, Jesus is for everyone.”
The ADC also ran another Times Square spot this week that read “Jesus would say ‘tear down that wall,’” a phrase that seems to reference former President Ronald Reagan’s famous slogan. Ayoub said yet another billboard will go up for New Year’s Eve, promising more discussion over the holiday period.
The controversial advertising has sparked debate about the intersection of faith, politics, and public space in New York City, and whether holiday messages should include political commentary. Even the ADC’s own Twitter account is active, with a post wishing viewers “Merry Christmas from Times Square! From all of us at the @adc family!” (pic.twitter.com/t44haGe3Vk).
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