“Jesus Is Palestinian” Billboard Sparks Outrage in Times Square: Tourists Slam Anti-Christian Stunt

As Christians across the U.S. celebrate the birth of Christ, a controversial Times Square billboard is reigniting cultural tensions — and critics say it’s a deliberate swipe at America’s Christian identity during one of the holiest seasons.

In the heart of New York’s Times Square, where tourists flock for holiday cheer, a massive digital billboard now blares a bold and polarizing claim: “JESUS IS PALESTINIAN.”

The billboard, funded by the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC), lit up one of America’s most iconic intersections last week — just days before Christmas. But instead of uniting people in holiday spirit, it has ignited a firestorm of backlash from Christians, tourists, and patriotic Americans who say the message feels like a targeted cultural provocation.

“It’s offensive and clearly meant to stir division,” said Rachel Donovan, a Florida tourist visiting Times Square with her children. “Christmas is about peace and joy, not pushing a political agenda.”

The ad — green background, bold black letters — flashes “JESUS IS PALESTINIAN” on one side and “MERRY CHRISTMAS” on the other. To many, the message reads less like a holiday greeting and more like a geopolitical grenade.

“It’s not just tone-deaf, it’s inflammatory,” said Sam Kept, a visitor from the UK. “In this current climate, the last thing we need is more cultural baiting disguised as inclusivity.”

Kept’s wife called it “an obvious attempt to stir the pot,” echoing a growing chorus of observers who question why the billboard appeared during the busiest tourist week of the year.

ADC Executive Director Abed Ayoub told reporters the billboard is meant to “spark debate” and highlight what he claims are shared roots between Christianity and Arab identity.

“We want Americans to recognize the similarities between Arab, Muslim, and Christian communities,” Ayoub said, adding that Christianity’s birthplace — Bethlehem — is located in the West Bank.

But critics say the message is misleading at best — and historically revisionist at worst.

“This is classic identity hijacking,” said Dr. Elise Cohen, a Middle East historian. “Jesus was born Jewish, lived as a Jew, and was crucified under Roman authority. To rebrand him for modern-day political purposes is dishonest and deeply disrespectful.”

Ayoub insists the billboard was not meant to dispute Jesus’ Jewish heritage — then adds, “Jesus lives within all of us. The subject is open to interpretation.”

The billboard is part of a rotating campaign by the ADC that began earlier this year. Last month, the group displayed another sign reading: “Jesus would say, ‘Tear down that wall’” — a not-so-subtle dig at both Israel and President Trump’s legacy border policies.

Ayoub confirmed that another message is scheduled to go live in Times Square on New Year’s Eve, when tens of thousands will gather for the annual ball drop. Though he hasn’t revealed the content, he said it will be “just as thought-provoking.”

Many in Times Square weren’t buying the “dialogue” narrative.

“Jesus doesn’t belong to any political cause,” said John Marshall, a retired Marine from Texas. “I served my country to defend free speech, but this feels more like psychological warfare than a holiday message.”

Others pointed out the timing was no coincidence.

“Let’s be honest — if this said ‘Jesus is American’ or ‘Jesus is Jewish,’ there would be protests in the street,” said Tamara Hill, a Christian mother from Ohio. “But because it’s pushing a trendy leftist cause, the media calls it brave.”

Under President Donald Trump’s second term, cultural flashpoints like this are being met with renewed scrutiny. His administration’s commitment to protecting religious freedom — especially for Christians — has resonated with millions of Americans who feel their faith is increasingly under attack.

“This is the kind of nonsense President Trump has been warning us about for years,” said Pastor Mike Kennedy, who leads a congregation in rural Georgia. “They want to erase biblical truth and replace it with progressive propaganda.”

As the debate rages on, one thing is clear: Even in Times Square, during the most joyful time of year, the battle over faith, identity, and history is far from over.

Source: [New York Post coverage, December 24, 2025]
Photo credit: Instagram/ADC