A provocative Times Square billboard declaring “Jesus Is Palestinian” has ignited a fierce debate over religious and political identities.
Story Snapshot
- A digital billboard in Times Square claims “Jesus is Palestinian,” stirring controversy.
- The ad, funded by the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee, appeared during Christmas.
- Reactions were polarized, with some viewing it as a free speech issue and others as inflammatory.
- The message was soon replaced with a quote from Ronald Reagan.
Billboard Sparks Controversy During Holiday Season
On December 24, 2025, a digital billboard in New York City’s Times Square displayed the message “Jesus is Palestinian” alongside “Merry Christmas,” funded by the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC). The ad was strategically timed to coincide with the holiday season, targeting the large crowds frequenting Times Square. The message quickly attracted attention, leading to polarized reactions from both tourists and locals. While some praised the ad as a bold statement promoting dialogue, others criticized it as unnecessary provocation during a festive period.
Inflammatory Times Square billboard proclaiming ‘Jesus is Palestinian’ slammed by holiday tourists: ‘A divisive message’ https://t.co/KKgrpTuvYz pic.twitter.com/9x5YiSmtXr
— New York Post (@nypost) December 25, 2025
This message was not just a seasonal greeting but part of a broader ADC campaign aimed at fostering conversation about Arab-American inclusion amidst ongoing Israel-Palestine tensions. The ADC, founded in 1980, regularly uses high-visibility platforms to combat anti-Arab discrimination and promote dialogue. This specific message leveraged Christmas symbolism to draw parallels between historical and modern narratives, sparking intense debate over its appropriateness.
Reactions and Immediate Response
Public reactions varied significantly, with many expressing dismay over the ad’s timing and content. British tourists reportedly labeled the message “divisive,” while other visitors saw it as an exercise of free speech. The display quickly became a focal point for media coverage, further amplifying the controversy surrounding its message. Despite the backlash, ADC’s national executive director, Adeb Ayoub, defended the display, emphasizing its role in promoting dialogue and understanding across different cultural and religious lines.
The ADC swiftly replaced the controversial message with a new sign quoting Ronald Reagan: “Jesus would say: ‘tear down this wall,’” referencing both the Berlin Wall and the Israeli security barrier. This replacement was part of the ADC’s ongoing campaign, which planned to sustain visibility with new displays around New Year’s Eve.
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Long-term Implications and Broader Impact
The “Jesus is Palestinian” billboard reflects a broader trend of politicized messaging in public spaces, highlighting the intersection of religion and politics in contemporary discourse. In the short term, the ad has heightened tensions during a period typically associated with peace and goodwill. Long-term, it contributes to the narrative of “Jesus as Palestinian,” potentially deepening cultural divides within the United States regarding Israel-Palestine relations.
While the ADC’s campaign has brought increased visibility to its cause, it has also sparked a significant backlash from Jewish and Christian communities who view the message as provocative. The economic implications for Times Square are also notable, as such ads contribute to the area’s advertising revenue while stirring public debate and media attention.
Sources:
Times Square: Digital Billboard Displays “Jesus Is Palestinian”
Times Square billboard claims ‘Jesus is Palestinian’
Sponsored Times Square Billboard Claims ‘Jesus Is Palestinian’
