This week, a coalition of over 2,500 Orthodox rabbis from across the United States is set to reveal a large billboard in Times Square. The sign characterizes the “free Palestine” movement as a domestic terrorist campaign fueled by anti-Semitism, according to reports.
The billboard, measuring 1,060 by 512 feet, is funded by Jewish values and will be installed near the Times Square Plaza Office Tower on Broadway, close to 42nd Street. It features a 10-second animated video that will loop multiple times each hour for the next month.
One of the visuals includes a montage depicting Hamas militants adorned with green headbands alongside Columbia University protesters displaying white kuffiyehs. Another element of the ad will showcase a “yellow star,” reminiscent of the badges Jews were compelled to wear in Nazi Germany during the Holocaust.
Rabbi Yaakov Menken, the executive director of the nonprofit behind the initiative, described the campaign as “unprecedented,” noting that major Jewish organizations have not previously used such a prominent platform for outreach.
He pointed out that while many are familiar with historical symbols of hatred, some fail to recognize that the Hamas flag embodies similar brutality as the Nazi flag. Menken stressed the importance of openly addressing what he calls the “bloodthirsty” motives of the “free Palestine” movement.
This advertising initiative, funded by an anonymous donor, was announced shortly after House Speaker Mike Johnson made remarks about the anti-Israel slogans that have echoed through streets and universities since October 7, 2023. Menken mentioned that these chants are part of a “Violence Movement that has allied with Hamas.”
In parallel, Queens MP Zoran Mamdani, known for his critical stance on Israel, is in the midst of an early campaign ahead of the primary on June 24, where he is trailing behind former Governor Andrew Cuomo in Democratic polls.
Menken asserted that he believes there’s a reluctance among many Jewish organizations to address Johnson’s remarks openly. He views the “free Palestine” rhetoric as a solicitation from terrorists across the nation.
The campaign also includes references to a coalition of Jewish values and their web addresses, and Menken indicated that if sufficient funds are raised, the advertisement’s duration could extend beyond the initial 30 days.
