A Palestinian Snack Company Faces Backlash Over Controversial Ad Depicting the Last Supper 

JERUSALEM – A leading Palestinian snack company has come under fire from Christian communities in Arab areas and beyond for a now-deleted advertisement that parodied Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Last Supper,” replacing the iconic Christian imagery with sheep-headed figures and popular snack products. The ad, released by Al-Qasrawi Commercial and Industrial Company—headquartered in Hebron—was posted on the company’s Instagram account to coincide with the Islamic holiday of Eid al-Adha. 

The image shows anthropomorphized sheep seated at a long table, mimicking the arrangement of Jesus Christ and his disciples in the original Renaissance masterpiece. In front of the figures are brightly colored bags of Qasrawi chips, accompanied by the brand’s slogan: “A World of Snacks.” The visual metaphor, apparently linking sacrificial lambs to the religious holiday, sparked outrage among Christian communities who saw it as a direct affront to their faith. 

Critics swiftly condemned the ad, with Christian activists in Arab areas accusing the company of religious insensitivity. Yoseph Haddad, a prominent social activist and CEO of the “Arabs Together for Each Other” association, took to X (formerly Twitter) to decry the campaign. 

“The Arab Christian community in Israel is calling for a boycott of the Palestinian company Qasrawi, established in Hebron in 1992,” Haddad wrote. “Because the company is mocking Christians. They depict the Last Supper as the ‘Last Snack’ and portray Jesus as a sheep. What do you think the outcome would be if a company made fun of Prophet Muhammad?” 

The Arab Christian community in Israel is calling for a boycott of the Palestinian company Qasrawi, which was established in the city of Hebron in 1992.
Why?
Because the company is mocking Christians, they depict the Last Supper as the “Last Snack” and portray Jesus as a sheep.… pic.twitter.com/pxqtj2cZlN

— יוסף חדאד – Yoseph Haddad (@YosephHaddad) June 7, 2025

Though Qasrawi quickly removed the post and issued a formal apology—calling the ad “unintendedly offensive” and “a creative misjudgment”—calls for a boycott have only grown louder. The company, widely considered the largest Palestinian producer of chips and snacks, has a strong presence across the Middle East. 

Founded in Hebron in 1992, Al-Qasrawi Commercial and Industrial Company began with a focus on producing various types of puffed corn chips. 

The controversy prompted an official response from Palestinian authorities. Major General Anwar Rjoub, the Political Commissioner General and official spokesperson for the Palestinian Security Forces, confirmed that a formal investigation has been launched into what he described as a clear insult to the Christian religion. Speaking on behalf of the Palestinian security establishment, Rjoub stated that security agencies have contacted the company and are pursuing legal action against those responsible for the violation. 

In an official statement, Rjoub condemned the incident, calling it “a blatant violation of national and religious values” and “an affront to civil peace and the social fabric we are committed to preserving in Palestine.” He emphasized the security establishment’s firm rejection of such offensive acts and reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the mutual respect among the various communities in Palestinian society. 

“We will not tolerate any behavior that incites division or undermines national unity,” Rjoub said, adding that authorities would continue working in coordination with the Presidential Committee for Church Affairs and judicial bodies to ensure accountability for crossing such red lines. 

Some Christian leaders argued that the image represents more than a lapse in marketing judgment. 

“The apology is not enough,” said one church leader in Bethlehem, who requested anonymity for fear of backlash. “This isn’t just about an ad—it’s about respect for sacred imagery and the sense of belonging of Christian communities here.” 

The controversy has even stirred debate beyond the Palestinian territories. Critics pointed to a performance during the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris that also featured a reinterpretation of the Last Supper, arguing that such depictions are increasingly normalized in the arts and media—often at the expense of Christian sensitivities. 

Supporters of Qasrawi, meanwhile, have urged the public to consider the context of Eid al-Adha, which centers around the symbolism of sheep and sacrifice. Some argued the campaign was a misguided attempt at cultural blending rather than a deliberate insult. 

As of this writing, multiple online campaigns urging consumers to boycott Qasrawi products are gaining traction, especially among Christian communities in Israel and the diaspora. The company has yet to issue any further statements beyond its initial apology.