Oregon Theater Draws Antisemitism Backlash Over 'The Odyssey' Marquee as 1 Side Stayed Up
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Jul 21
Oregon Theater Draws Antisemitism Backlash Over 'The Odyssey' Marquee as 1 Side Stayed Up
3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Jul 21
Summary
Lake Theater and Cafe in Lake Oswego, Oregon, was condemned after its marquee read, “Before there were the Jews, there was... The Odyssey,” a line critics called antisemitic and historically false.
July 16 brought only a partial removal: one side of the marquee came down, but residents told OregonLive the message was still visible on the other side on July 17.
Rabbi Eve Posen and Israeli influencer Hen Mazzig said the wording needlessly singled out Jews at a time of rising antisemitism, with Posen linking the episode to a recent swastika vandalism case in Portland's Jewish community.
Manager Jordan Perry told a local outlet he meant to challenge what society labels antisemitic, arguing modern antisemitism is exaggerated and saying the joke was aimed at debates over Israel, Palestine, Lebanon, Iran and AIPAC.
The theater has used provocative marquees before, including messages tied to the film “Melania” that it said prompted Amazon to end the movie's run early.