By Joseph Feldman in VINnews
NEW YORK – A prominent organization representing thousands of Orthodox rabbis across the United States is launching a provocative billboard campaign in Times Square this week, denouncing the “Free Palestine” slogan as a cover for pro-terror activity and rising antisemitism.
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The Coalition for Jewish Values (CJV), which speaks for over 2,500 Orthodox rabbis nationwide, is behind the large-scale digital ad, which will be prominently displayed on the side of a Broadway tower near 42nd Street. The video clip, lasting 10 seconds, is scheduled to run repeatedly each hour for a full month.
The billboard contains two powerful visuals. One side depicts a member of Hamas and a university protester clad in a keffiyeh, accompanied by the message:
“Free Palestine = Support Hamas = Calling for Genocide.”
The other graphic displays a yellow star similar to those used to brand Jews during the Holocaust, paired with the statement:
“America, Wake Up. It Never Ends With the Jews.”
Rabbi Yaakov Menken, executive director of CJV, described the campaign as a wake-up call for Americans to recognize the dangerous rhetoric spreading under the guise of pro-Palestinian activism.
“Symbols of past hatred are well-known, but people are missing the fact that the Hamas flag is just as lethal,” Menken said. “We’re urging the public to see through the slogans and understand what’s really being supported.”
While the identity of the campaign’s funder has not been disclosed, Menken confirmed the donor chose to remain anonymous. He also noted that few Jewish organizations have ever launched a public awareness effort of this scale in such a high-traffic, high-visibility location.
The campaign rollout follows recent remarks by House Speaker Mike Johnson, who called chants of “Free Palestine” a rallying cry for those who sympathize with Hamas and promote violence.
Its launch also comes amid early voting in New York City’s primary elections. One race drawing attention is the Democratic mayoral contest, where state legislator Zohran Mamdani, a supporter of anti-Israel positions, is polling behind former Governor Andrew Cuomo.
Menken clarified that the billboard effort was not tied to any political campaign or candidate. “This isn’t about the mayoral race or Speaker Johnson’s comments,” he said. “It’s about calling out a movement that has normalized open support for terrorist groups.”
The ad directs viewers to the CJV’s website at CJValues.org/NYC. According to Menken, the campaign may be extended beyond its initial 30-day run if additional financial support is secured.
“This is about clarity,” Menken said. “The public needs to hear it plainly: the so-called ‘Free Palestine’ movement is being used to legitimize violence and hatred. We can’t stay silent.”