An art exhibit in Israel featuring a crucified Ronald McDonald – a primary mascot of the McDonald’s fast-food restaurant chain – has sparked protests by the country’s Arab Christians.
Hundreds of Christians calling for the removal of the sculpture titled “McJesus” demonstrated at the museum, where the artwork has been put on display, in the northern city of Haifa last week.
'McJesus' sculpture, depicting Ronald McDonald on cross, outrages Israel's Arab Christian community https://t.co/03kU5doWea
— TIME (@TIME) January 14, 2019
Authorities dispersed the crowds with tear gas and stun grenades.
Church representatives brought their grievances to the district court on Monday, demanding it ordered the removal of the exhibit’s most offensive items, including Barbie doll renditions of a bloodied Jesus and the Virgin Mary.
'McJesus' Affair: In Israel, Culture Is Now a Dirty Wordhttps://t.co/UvLIxcGTQU pic.twitter.com/ZQsdGNzHlJ
— Haaretz.com (@haaretzcom) January 14, 2019
Museum director Nissim Tal said he was shocked at the sudden uproar especially because the exhibit has also been shown in other countries without incident.
The protests appear to have been sparked by visitors sharing photos of the exhibit on social media.
(AJE, PC, Social Media)
