But it’s only in the Jewish state that profaning Jesus elicits like outrage.
Arab Christians in Haifa last month took to the streets in protest over the controversial portrayal of the popular fast food icon Ronald McDonald hanging Jesus-like on the cross. Hundreds came out to demonstrate against the so-called “McJesus” sculpture in front of the city’s museum where the provocative figure was installed.
The authorities were called in after protesters tossed a firebomb at the museum and threw stones at police officers. The crowd had to be dispersed using tear gas and stun grenades.
Representatives from local churches filed complaints to the district court demanding the offensive artworks be removed. The exhibition also included a rendition of the suffering Jesus portrayed as a Barbie doll in the arms of the Virgin Mary. For weeks, museum staff and even some government officials insisted that removing the offensive pieces of art would infringe on freedom of expression.
We spoke with Yosef Haddad, an Arab Christian from Haifa involved in the protests, to find out why local residents were so...
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