Billboard in Times Square Claims Jesus was Palestinian
A recent billboard in Times Square, put up by the American Arab Discrimination Commission, asserts that Jesus was Palestinian, which raises some eyebrows given that the Palestinian state wasn’t established until nearly 2,000 years after Jesus’s birth.
The billboard boldly states, “Jesus is Palestinian, Merry Christmas.” The commission, described as the largest Arab-American grassroots organization in the U.S., aims to heighten awareness of the ongoing Gaza-Israel conflict. One of their additional billboards includes a quote from the Koran about Jesus.
In a social media post, the commission noted that their billboards are intended to bring attention to the situation in Gaza, underlining the harsh realities faced by Palestinians, particularly as Bethlehem — Jesus’s birthplace — remains under occupation. They emphasize their desire to restore a fundamental truth during this season of goodwill.
An Instagram post conveys this message further: “As Gaza endures genocide and the birthplace of Jesus is under siege, we speak for those denied peace.” Another part of the same post encourages stepping beyond consumerism to embrace unity and tradition.
Today’s Bethlehem, recognized as the birthplace of Jesus, is situated in the West Bank and has a predominantly Muslim population. Historically, the Christian community there has dwindled significantly since the mid-20th century. The Palestinian state itself was formed in 1988 as a non-member state in the United Nations, a status not acknowledged by the U.S.
Adeb Ayoub, the national executive director of the commission, stated that discussions about Jesus’s Palestinian identity will inevitably lead to disagreements. However, he stressed that what’s undeniable is the ongoing violence against Christians in Bethlehem. He pointed out that this Christmas marked the first time in three years that celebrations could take place without restrictions.
Ayoub also expressed concerns over the Israeli Foreign Ministry countering their messages by purchasing ad space on the same billboards. He lamented that American taxpayers are indirectly funding propaganda that overlooks the plight of Christians in the region and noted that their billboard is perhaps the only way to spark a conversation about these issues in the media.
