A recently installed billboard at New York City‘s Times Square has sparked controversy on Christmas, eliciting sharp reactions from tourists and other visitors.

The billboard displayed the slogan ‘Jesus is Palestinian’ prominently in large black letters against a green background, accompanied by a separate panel that extended festive greetings to passersby with a “Merry Christmas.”

The billboard was sponsored by the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) and the installation has attracted both backlash and endorsement, showcasing a blend of cultural, religious, and political viewpoints during the Christmas period, New York Post reported.

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‘Divisive and inflammatory’

Several visitors interviewed by the New York Post described the message as “divisive” and “inflammatory,” cautioning that it might be deemed offensive during the holiday season.

“This is a bit surprising considering this is America,” a user wrote on X, while another wrote “That’s a beautiful and thought-provoking message to see in such a vibrant place!”

Another argued that Jesus is “for everyone,” and that it isn’t necessary to be “specific.”

What did the American-Arab ADC say?

Issuing a clarification, the ADC’s National executive director Adeb Ayoub said the objective of the billboard was to initiate dialogue and underscore common values among Christians, Muslims, and Arab Americans, especially during a period when the city experiences its peak foot traffic.

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“Most of the Americans in this country are Christian and the birthplace of Christianity is Palestine. If people want to go back and forth and debate it, then great, the billboard sparked debate. At least you’re having a conversation about it. Otherwise, we’re silenced and our voices and positions don’t come out,” he told the New York Post.

The ADC has since substituted the message “Jesus is Palestinian” with a new sign featuring a quote from former US President Ronald Reagan: “Jesus would say: ‘tear down this wall,’” which references both the Berlin Wall and the Israeli security barrier.

Where was Jesus Christ born?

Jesus Christ was born in Bethlehem, a town in the ancient region of Judea, which is located in the modern-day West Bank, within the Palestinian territories, south of Jerusalem.

He lived in Nazareth, both located in Judea and Galilee, regions that were part of the Roman province of Judea at the time.

Both Bethlehem and Nazareth lie in present-day Palestine.

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