‘Mcjesus’ artwork sparks Christian outrage in Israel

HAIFA, Israel — 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 sculpture, titled “Mcjesus,” demonstrated at the museum in the northern city of Haifa last week. Israeli police say rioters hurled a firebomb at the museum and threw stones that wounded three police officers. Authorities dispersed the crowds with tear gas and stun grenades.

Church representatives brought their grievances to the district court Monday, demanding it order the removal of the exhibit’s mostoffensive items, including Barbie doll renditions of a bloodied Jesus and the Virgin Mary.

Museum director Nissim Tal said he was shocked at the sudden uproar, especially because the exhibit — intended to criticize what many view as society’s cult-like worship of capitalism — had been on display for months. It also has been shown in other countries without incident.

“If this work was directed against non-christians, the world would be turned upside down,” said Wadie Abu Nassar, an adviser to church leaders.

The museum has refused to remove the artwork, with Tal saying: “If we take the art down, the next day we’ll have politicians demanding we take other things down and we’ll end up only with colorful pictures of flowers in the museum.”

“Mcjesus” was sculpted by Finnish artist Jani Leinonen.