Paint this Graph on your Hotel please Banksy
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Paint this Graph on your Hotel please Banksy *
Last week I visited the Banksy exhibition in Manchester. There is no doubt that Banksy is one of the world's most acclaimed and gifted contemporary artists. His work has captured the imagination of millions, attracting followers from every corner of the globe. Through his unique blend of artistic talent, social commentary, and mystery, he has made a profound impact on modern culture and will likely be remembered as one of the most influential artists of our generation.
The exhibition gave prominence to a Hotel designed by Banksy called the “Walled Off Hotel” situated next to Israel’s security wall on the outskirts of Bethlehem. The Hotel has received thousands of visitors since it was established by Banksy in 2017 and is used as a platform for propaganda vilifying the building of the security Barrier, which was erected by Israel in 2003 simply to try and prevent Palestinian Arab suicide bombers killing Israeli civilians. The exhibition highlighted the Hotel’s message of suggesting the security barrier is an injustice against the Palestinian Arabs by imprisoning them. Banksy also created a series of paintings and sculptures which unjustifiably vilified Israel, some of these were on display at the exhibition.
One of these sculptures which is a “take” on the famous statue of David holding a sling was originally created by the Italian Renaissance master Michelangelo Buonarroti, was central to the exhibition. The statue Banksy created was of David with a sling, but Banksy has him wearing a suicide belt suggesting the validity of suicide bombing by the weaker now- “Palestinian Arabs” against the stronger oppressor – (Goliath) “Israel”.
The exhibition showed much of the artists creativity and masterly use of using art to give a message to millions of his admirers and that message was in some cases bias against Israel and therefor in my view lacked integrity and truth for the following reasons;
The Hotel, the Statue of David and many of the paintings referencing Arab Palestinian’s were not art, but propaganda aimed at vilifying Israel’s right to protect its citizens and their right to live in peace.
The story of the building of the barrier in front of the Hotel is close to my heart as I spent a great deal of time in Israel when suicide bombings were prolific between 2000 and 2005. I recall that on 9th August 2001 an Arab suicide bomber entered the “The Sbarro” Pizza Restaurant, Jerusalem and exploded his bomb. He murdered 16 people—including seven children and a pregnant woman, and wounded 130 others. I later met and interviewed Arnold Roth the father of one of the victims 16yr old Malka Chana Roth. Speaking to Arnold about his daughter and the circumstances of her death and the death of her friends was something I will never forget. The murderer, who wore bombs around his waist as he entered the restaurant did not kill because he was poor and oppressed - he was in fact from an affluent, educated Arab family.
On the evening of Friday 3rd October 2003 I had a meal with a friend David Silver at Maxim’s restaurant in Haifa. The following lunchtime a female Arab Trainee lawyer from a middle class background in Jenin, walked into the restaurant with explosives strapped to her waist and detonated it killing Twenty-one civilians, including the Arab waiter who had served us the previous evening. Among the victims were two families and four children, including a two-month-old baby. Later that day I interviewed some of the sixty survivors who were being treated at Carmel hospital. The people I interviewed at no time expressed hatred towards the Palestinian Arabs, but simply wanted peace. I also interviewed a doctor who was treating the injured. She was the daughter of Holocaust survivors and she was desperate to see the Palestinian Arabs recognise Israel’s offer to them to live in peace, if only they would allow Israeli’s to live in peace. You can see some of these interviews here; https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=ltAV4goqWf0
Between 2000 and 2005 I travelled throughout Israel on buses, on foot and stayed in areas such as Sderot on the Gaza border, which was heavily being bombed by Hamas rockets killing men women and children. Israel was being devastated by Palestinian attacks in many forms resulting in pain and suffering in Israeli families and communities who simply want peace.
During the period I am writing about, which is the period of the construction of the security barrier- September 2000 to December 2005, it is clear the reason for the construction was that Palestinian Arab Terrorists were entering Israeli communities and killing Israeli civilians and this is what initiated the building of the security barrier. The following statistics proves the need for the security fence.
25,770 terrorist attacks were carried out against Israel between 2000.
1,084 Israelis were murdered.
147 suicide bombing attacks were carried out.
525 Israelis were killed in suicide bombings, the majority were civilians.
The attacks involved 156 male and 8 female Palestinian Arab suicide bombers.
Around 450 additional planned suicide attacks were prevented by Israeli security forces.
The highest number of suicide bombings occurred during the first four months of 2002. After that, the number of murders by infiltration by Palestinian Arabs declined following the construction of sections of the security fence fulfilling the purpose and need for the fence.
The proven motives of these suicide bombings show beyond doubt that they were carried out for religious beliefs connected to martyrdom and nationalist motivations, NOT a fight for poverty or injustice.
Banksy does not in any way refer to the suffering of Israeli civilians at the hands of the mindless Palestinian Arab suicide bombers or the need to stop them entering Israel’s civilian communities. His exhibition and the focus of his work fails to mention the suffering of the Israeli families who lost loved ones because Palestinian Arab murderers entered Israeli public areas and communities along roads adjacent to where his hotel is situated.
Neither is there a reference in the exhibition to the massacre of the 7th October, the murder of 1200 civilians and the hostages taken on that day. Nor does he highlight the countless attacks on Israeli Kibbutzim’s on the Gaza border since Israel gave Gaza to the Palestinian Arabs in 2005 for a promise of peace, which of course never came. The exhibition shows nothing of the injustices in Palestinian Arab areas against the vicious murders of Homosexuals, or the oppression of woman who have no equal rights under Hamas or Palestinian Authority Governance, but it simply identifies Palestinian Arab communities as oppressed not by their own leadership, but by Israel. He makes no reference to the signs outside Bethlehem near to his Hotel stating that Jews are not welcome in Bethlehem and enter at their own risk- meaning they will be murdered if they do.
On entering the exhibition the visitor sees a sign which quotes Banksy and this is what it says;
“I like to think I have the “guts” to stand up anonymously in a western democracy and call for things no one else believes in –like peace injustice and freedom”
Clearly this statement lacks credibility; Banksy makes no mention of the injustices Israeli’s face due to Arab terrorism and he seems to lack the “guts” to highlight Israel’s plight, their lack of justice, or the lack of freedom or peace they have from their Arab neighbours. I am sure if he did, his hotel would become the target of Palestinian Arab terror and that’s probably why he doesn’t portray Israel the true victim of Arab terror which they absolutely are.
For so long, Israelis have lived behind fences built around their own kibbutzim. They have spent countless hours, days, and weeks sheltering from rockets in bomb shelters. They have endured the pain of mourning, the suffering caused by violence, and the burden of never being free from the constant threat of attack. Those whom Banksy describes as oppressed are in fact the oppressors themselves—driven not by a desire for peaceful coexistence, but by hostility toward Israel and the Jewish people, and by a vision of replacing Israel with another Arab Caliphate.
I can now understand why Banksy believes anonymity is the right choice for him, because maybe he knows that there is little integrity in his work, which is clearly heavily coloured by bias. As for me, I am proud to put my name to my support for the right of Israelis to live in peace and security. I support their right to live safely in a homeland which is less than one percent of the total Middle East, and which is surrounded by Arab nations that have done nothing to advance peace for Israel. I am proud to advocate for the right of Israelis to sleep peacefully at night, to travel freely within their own country without fear of attack, and to gather at concerts, festivals, and public events without the constant need for extensive security measures. I also support the responsibility of Israel’s government to protect its citizens from terrorist groups that seek opportunities to constantly repeat the horrors inflicted upon Israeli families. These are causes I am willing to openly support and proudly attach my name to.
The exhibition without doubt distorts the true narrative of what is really happening in Israel and in my view incites hatred towards Israel. How much influence Banksy’s Palestinian Arab artwork has upon the rise in antisemitism in the UK is unknown, but the fact is that anyone seeing this exhibition, without knowing the reality, leaves with a distorted view of Israel which will undoubtedly affect their attitude towards Jews and Israel.
I want to finish with a challenge to Banksy; I’m not an artist, I am a pastor who hates injustice, so I wonder Banksy, if you would kindly paint the above graph, which highlights the story of the injustices against Israel’s communities, on the wall of your hotel and give Israel the much needed publicity that your paintings and your hotel give to the people who have taken away the lives of Israeli’s, taken away their dignity, and their right to freedom, their right to live in peace in their own communities. Banksy if you have any passion for Justice please paint the Graph on your Hotel!
Pastor Michael Fryer
31st May 2026
What is in the heart of our society?
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What is in the heart of our society? *
The Government and the Police are not solely responsible for combating antisemitism; it is the responsibility of everyone in our society. Each of us has a duty to challenge hatred towards Jews, and it will take a collective national effort to change attitudes towards antisemitism.
The issue is not only how we confront antisemitism, but how we change hearts—those of policymakers, the Police, journalists, and others who shape public opinion about Jews. This includes our places of worship—churches and mosques—as well as our homes and families. As members of society, we must examine our own hearts so that when we hear, see, or in any way witness antisemitism, we act rather than ignore it.
Universities, workplaces, hospitals, pubs, restaurants, golf clubs, social gatherings, places of worship, and social media platforms all share responsibility—alongside Government, Police, and journalists—for the rise of antisemitism in our country. We must make antisemitism not only illegal, but socially unacceptable.
As Albert Einstein said, “The problem is not the atomic bomb; the problem is the human heart.” If any of us harbours even a trace of hatred towards Jews, that is where we must begin—by confronting and addressing the root of antisemitism within ourselves and our society.
Pastor Michael Fryer,
30th April 2026
No Command to "Rejoice" at Passover-Why?
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No Command to "Rejoice" at Passover-Why? *
I have long questioned the actions of certain strands of American Christianity, particularly those aligned with white supremacist ideology, and more specifically the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR). This movement notably described the Biden administration as “demonic” and encouraged a large gathering of Trump supporters at Capitol Hill, which culminated in the deeply
troubling events of January 6th, 2021. The consequences of that day were appallingly sad, and at the time I expected to see some distancing from direct political involvement by NAR leaders. That expectation, however, proved mistaken.
Their continued support for President Trump—including claims that
he is a “born again Christian”—raises serious concerns about discernment and wisdom within the movement. Such assertions appear increasingly difficult to reconcile with his public rhetoric and actions today.
More recently, as President Trump’s language around the war with
Iran has intensified, questions of moral leadership have become even more pressing. Statements about “bombing Iran back to the stone ages,” implying widespread and devastating military action by carpet bombing, disregard the dignity and humanity of the Iranian people.
This is particularly troubling given that the majority of Iranians are respectable nonviolent individuals who oppose their own government as we have seen with the tragic recent
events which saw the slaying of innocent civilians during protests against their leadership. Also there are significant religious minorities within Iran, including Christians—possibly numbering in the hundreds of thousands or more—and Jewish communities, with several thousand living in cities such as Tehran, Shiraz, and Isfahan.
Any suggestion of “rejoicing” over destruction—especially where
civilians are affected—stands in stark contrast to the ethical standards traditionally associated with Judeo-Christian teaching. It also contrasts with the approach taken by Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has often
drawn a distinction between the Iranian government and its citizens. In a speech on 28 February this year, he stated that the Iranian people are not the enemy of Israel, but rather victims of an oppressive regime.
Of course, serious concerns about Iran’s nuclear ambitions and its support for groups such as Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis in Yemen are widely shared. These groups are often viewed as threats not only to Israel but also to broader principles such as democracy and freedom of religion and western democracy. Addressing these
challenges is complex and serious.
However, the question remains: should the United States, as one of
the world’s most powerful nations, elevate or endorse leadership that has a posture of celebration in warfare and “rejoices” in wars negative outcome for innocent civilians? And if secular Americans choose to support such leadership, should Christians show the same support—particularly those aligned with
movements like the NAR?
The reason why Mr Netanyahu and Mr Trump have a totally different perspective on the war is that Mr Netanyahu does not rejoice over the deaths of Iranians as Mr Trump does. Why? Because Mr Netanyahu understands the Biblical
principles which offer a clear perspective on this issue. Proverbs 24:17–18
states: 17 Do not rejoice when your enemies fall, and do not let your heart be glad when they stumble, 18 or else the LORD will see it and be displeased, and turn away his anger from them”.
This is why there is no command to “rejoice” at Passover as there is with the celebration of Tabernacles. Passover which is being remembered this week by the Jewish people teaches the tradition of restraint, reflecting the belief that God does not desire rejoicing over the suffering of others, such as today the Iranians or in
the case of Passover the deaths of the first born of Egypt and of course the Egyptian army who drowned when pursuing the Hebrews. Both these things which happened to the Egyptians being important events and central to the remembrance of the first Passover. BUT I ask; do American NAR Christians have the same tradition or ethical beliefs?
I am highlighting a significant moral tension between Godly principles worked out in Judeo/Christian ethics which emphasize humility, compassion, and restraint in the face of conflict, and those who show support for rhetoric which celebrates destruction and death.
This moral question asks Why?, do the leaders within the New
Apostolic Reformation continue to support Donald Trump, despite language and attitudes that are at odds with Judeo/Christian values? For American Christians—especially those within or adjacent to the NAR—this may be a moment for serious reflection. It may be time to reconsider not only political allegiances, but also the spiritual and ethical foundations that guide them.
Time not only to reflect on the meaning of Passover but on your allegiances.
Shabbat Shalom, Pastor Michael Fryer,
3rd April 2026
Antisemitism
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Antisemitism *
On 24th March 26, the former Attorney General Sir Michael Ellis criticised Kent Police for serious inaction to remove an antisemitic exhibition in an art museum in Margate Kent this week and prosecute the offenders. This obvious failure by the Police to act in accordance with hate crime legislation coincided with the news that the King had become the Patron of the Community Security Trust a Charity which is responsible for the recording of antisemitic crime in the UK. This is in the same week in which four ambulances owned by a Jewish Charity in Golders Green were destroyed by an arson attack which also damaged flats and the synagogue where the ambulances were parked. As I write however the Police have arrested two men connected with this crime.
The Police, are required under by the authority of the Crown have a responsibility to keep the peace through legislation given Royal approval are clearly not only failing the Jewish community, but are dramatically failing in so many cases to prevent hate crime which results in the extremely high numbers of antisemitic crime which the King now oversees.
I have an abundance of evidence of Police inaction against antisemitism over the last few years but in particular involving a large corporate organisation, details of which I cannot at this point publish due to a current Police investigation which is soon to hit the desk of the CPS. So I was particularly interested in the Margate case and the Patronage of the King with the CST.
However antisemitism is not only the responsibility of the Police, The King, The CST or even Government it is every citizen’s responsibility. Churches, Christian groups, other faith groups, employers, public bodies, corporate organisations, schools, universities and every individual may not in themselves be antisemitic, but have a duty to invest in the fight against this ancient and despicable hatred of our Jewish community.
Every January during Holocaust Memorial week we at Father’s House conduct surveys with members of the Public to determine how many people know about Holocaust and its roots. One of our questions involves their knowledge of current antisemitism and how they feel about it. Our survey shows that the vast majority of people are disgusted by antisemitism and hate crime in general. This highlights the need to activate, not only the Police, but the general public, from whom the Police are appointed.
I am now praying that the King will spearhead educating the Police, Students, Faith groups and public bodies in the need to challenge antisemitism at every level in our society.
Pastor Michael Fryer
28th March 2026
