An art exhibit in Israel featuring a crucified Ronald McDonald – a primary mascot of the McDonald’s fast-food restaurant chain – has sparked protests by the country’s Arab Christians.

Hundreds of Christians calling for the removal of the sculpture titled “McJesus” demonstrated at the museum, where the artwork has been put on display, in the northern city of Haifa last week.

The Israeli police said the 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 on Monday, demanding it ordered the removal of the exhibit’s most offensive items, including Barbie doll renditions of a bloodied Jesus and the Virgin Mary.

Museum director   Tal said he was shocked at the sudden uproar, especially because the exhibit – intended to criticise what many view as society’s cult-like worship of capitalism – had been on display for months.

It has also been shown in other countries without incident.

The protests appear to have been sparked by visitors sharing photos of the exhibit on social media.

Christians make up a small percentage of Israel’s Arab population and say they face unique challenges.

“We need to understand that freedom of expression is interpreted in different ways in different societies,” said Wadie Abu Nassar, an adviser to church leaders.

“If this work was directed against non-Christians, the world would be turned upside down.”

Israeli Culture Minister Miri Regev, who has been accused of censorship for pushing legislation mandating national “loyalty” in art, also called for the removal of the “disrespectful” artwork.

The museum has refused to remove McJesus, however, saying doing so would infringe on the freedom of expression. But following the protests, it hung a curtain over the entrance to the exhibit and posted a sign saying the art was not intended to offend.

“This is the maximum that we can do,” Tal said. “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 colourful pictures of flowers in the museum.”

Tal’s comments did little to placate those who want the artwork removed.

‘Respect religions’

A protester remained camped out in a tent at the museum on Monday with a sign reading “Respect religions”.

Police watched closely as local Christians complained to reporters in front of street signs spray-painted with crosses and windows still shattered from last week’s clashes.

“This is very offensive and I cannot consider this art,” Haifa artist and devout Christian Amir Ballan said.

“We will continue through peaceful rallies and candle vigils… We won’t be quiet until we reach a solution.”

Jani Leinonen, the Finnish artist behind McJesus, has also asked it be taken down – but for a different reason.

He said he supports Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions, or BDS, a Palestinian-led movement aimed at pressuring Israel to change its policies towards the Palestinians.

The group has made significant gains in recent years, persuading a number of foreign artists to cancel performances in Israel. Tal said the museum will not bow to religious or political pressure.

“We will be defending freedom of speech, freedom of art, and freedom of culture, and will not take it down,” he said.