Anger from Arab Christians over crucified Ronald McDonald in Haifa exhibition
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Anger from Arab Christians over crucified Ronald McDonald in Haifa exhibition

Hundreds called for the removal of 'McJesus' artwork in a museum last week with Israeli police saying protesters hurled firebombs and stones

Screenshot from Haaretz video of the 'McJesus' sculpture
Screenshot from Haaretz video of the 'McJesus' sculpture

An art exhibit in Israel featuring a crucified Ronald McDonald has sparked protests by the country’s Arab Christian minority.

Hundreds of Christians calling for the removal of the artwork, titled McJesus, protested at the museum in the northern city of Haifa last week.

Israeli police said demonstrators hurled a firebomb at the museum and threw stones that wounded three police officers.

Church representatives brought their complaints to the district court on Monday, demanding a suspension order for the exhibit’s most offensive items, including Barbie doll renditions of Jesus and the Virgin Mary.

Israeli culture minister Miri Regev, who has pushed for legislation mandating “loyalty” in art, has also called for the removal of the offending artwork.

The museum has refused to bow to pressure, saying that doing so would infringe on freedom of expression.

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