‘Divisive message’ Inflammatory Times Square billboard proclaiming ‘Jesus is Palestinian’
The digital ad reading “Jesus is Palestinian” appeared in Times Square during the busy holiday season. Instagram/ADC
A digital billboard that appeared in Times Square declaring “Jesus is Palestinian” sparked sharp reactions from holiday visitors, with some calling it provocative and ill-timed during the Christmas season.
The ad, funded by the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC), was designed to draw attention and prompt discussion amid the holiday crowds in Midtown Manhattan. Instead, it quickly drew criticism from tourists who viewed the message as divisive.
“It’s quite a divisive message,” said Sam Kept, a visitor from England, speaking Wednesday night. “If you’re pro-Palestinian, you’d find it OK. But it’s probably not a good time in the world to have that up. It’s inflammatory.”
Kept’s wife agreed, suggesting that the display — which features the phrase “JESUS IS PALESTINIAN” in bold black letters on a bright green background, paired with “MERRY CHRISTMAS” on the reverse side — could be offensive to some viewers.
“It’s trying to stir the pot, isn’t it?” she said.
Another onlooker said the message was unnecessary, arguing that Jesus is “for everyone” and does not need to be framed in political or geographic terms.
Adeb Ayoub, national executive director of the ADC, said his organization has been renting advertising space in Times Square since earlier this year, rotating different messages on a weekly basis. He said the broader theme of the campaign is “America First,” which he described as an effort to highlight shared values among Arab, Muslim, and Christian communities in the United States.
Merry Christmas from Times Square! From all of us at the @adc family! pic.twitter.com/t44haGe3Vk
— Abed A. Ayoub (@aayoub) December 23, 2025
“We’re trying to encourage people to recognize common ground during the busiest time in New York City,” Ayoub said. “There are a lot more similarities between Arabs, Muslims, and Christians in this country than others want us to believe. There’s a shared culture and shared religion, and a fear around that.”
Ayoub added that Christianity originated in Palestine and said the billboard was meant to spark conversation rather than offend.
“If people want to debate it, that’s great — the billboard did its job,” he said. “At least people are talking. Otherwise, our voices don’t get heard.”
When asked whether the group was disputing that Jesus was Jewish, Ayoub said the issue was open to interpretation, adding that “Jesus lives within all of us.” He also said Jewish organizations critical of the billboard are free to promote their own perspectives.
While some visitors were put off by the message, others expressed support or indifference.
“Everyone can have their own ideas,” said Giovanni Napoli, a 32-year-old tourist from Italy. “There shouldn’t be an issue.”
French tourist Alain Balla echoed that sentiment, noting the broader global context. “It’s a very special moment of the year, and a lot is happening in Palestine right now,” he said. “They’re trying to share something with people who need help. Jesus belongs to everyone.”
This week, the ADC unveiled a new Times Square billboard reading, “Jesus would say ‘tear down that wall,’” a phrase that appears to reference former President Ronald Reagan. Ayoub said another new billboard is planned for New Year’s Eve.
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