The Lake Theater and Cafe marquee — which read, “Before there were the Jews, there was… The Odyssey” — touched off a controversy in Lake Oswego, Ore., after critics called the message historically inaccurate and antisemitic. The wording was reportedly removed from one side of the marquee on July 16 but remained visible on the other side on July 17, according to local reporting and residents.
Theater manager Jordan Perry responded to questions about the message, and local faith leaders, residents and national commentators pushed back, saying the line trivialized Jewish history and fed a climate of concern for community safety.
Lake Theater and Cafe marquee timeline
The message promoting Christopher Nolan’s film appeared on the Lake Theater and Cafe marquee in Lake Oswego, a Portland suburb. It read: “Before there were the Jews, there was… The Odyssey.” Local residents and reporters noted the phrasing drew immediate criticism.
| Date | What happened |
|---|---|
| Mid-July | Marquee message displayed advertising “The Odyssey” |
| July 16 | Reported removal of the message from one side of the marquee |
| July 17 | Message reportedly still visible on the other side; local outlets sought comment |
Reports indicate the theater received questions from residents and local media about the intent and timing of the sign. The episode quickly moved beyond a local marketing debate because of concerns about historical accuracy and antisemitism.
Why critics say the message is offensive
Historians and critics noted the marquee’s claim is historically inaccurate: many scholars date Homer’s composition of The Odyssey to the 8th century B.C., and elements of Jewish and Israelite history are rooted in periods that precede, overlap with, or run parallel to that era. Critics said invoking Jews as a comparative punchline was unnecessary and insensitive.
Rabbi Eve Posen of Congregation Neveh Shalom posted about the marquee on Facebook, saying the message, combined with recent local incidents, intensified concern among Jewish residents. Israeli commentator Hen Mazzig described the marquee message as “objectively untrue,” arguing that using Jewish identity as a marketing contrast was disturbing.
Those reactions were framed by a broader national conversation about rising antisemitism, which community leaders said made the sign more than a matter of taste. Local residents told reporters that the wording felt hurtful given the national context and recent incidents in other communities.
Manager response and theater history
Manager Jordan Perry told The Lake Oswego Review by text message that his intent was to “challenge what society considers to be antisemitic” and that he did not aim to offend. Perry said the marquee was meant as provocation and cultural commentary, not an expression of hostility toward Jews.
Perry has acknowledged that marquee humor at the Lake Theater and Cafe has provoked pushback before. Local reporting notes the theater has long used provocative taglines to advertise films and that those messages have occasionally sparked public debate or prompted distributor pushback on screenings.
Community reaction and safety concerns
The marquee prompted statements from local Jewish organizations and concern from residents about safety and civic tone. Congregation Neveh Shalom and members of the Jewish community described heightened anxiety following the display, in part because community members reported a separate incident of car vandalism with antisemitic symbols.
The Jewish Federation of Greater Portland was contacted for comment, and local leaders urged vigilance and respectful dialogue. Several residents called for clear public explanations from the theater and for community conversations about standards for public messaging.
What comes next for the Lake Oswego theater
Community groups and local residents may press the theater for further explanation, an apology, or policies that weigh potential harm when selecting public promotions. Journalists, including Fox News Digital and local outlets, have reached out to the Lake Theater and Cafe and regional Jewish organizations for comment.
At a minimum, the incident has prompted local dialogue about how private businesses exercise free expression while remaining mindful of community impact. Some residents expressed a desire for facilitated conversations between the theater, faith leaders and civic groups to reduce tensions and clarify expectations for public signage.
Background
The dispute has unfolded against a national backdrop of heightened sensitivity to antisemitic incidents. That context shaped how faith leaders and residents interpreted the marquee’s wording and informed calls for accountability and community safeguards.
While the theater framed the message as deliberate provocation and commentary, critics emphasized historical accuracy and the potential for public messages to amplify hurt in an already fraught moment. The debate highlights the tension between edgy local marketing and the responsibility to avoid reinforcing harmful narratives.
Frequently asked questions
What happened with Lake Theater and Cafe marquee?
The theater displayed a marquee reading, “Before there were the Jews, there was… The Odyssey.” Critics called the message historically inaccurate and antisemitic. The sign was reportedly taken down from one side on July 16 but remained on the other side on July 17.
Why does Lake Theater and Cafe marquee matter?
The controversy matters because public signage can shape community trust and safety, especially when it references identity and history. Local leaders said the wording felt harmful and unnecessary given broader concerns about antisemitism.
What happens next?
Local groups and residents may press the theater for further explanation or remediation. Journalists, including Fox News Digital, have reached out to the theater and regional Jewish organizations for comment. Community leaders said they will monitor the situation and consider dialogue or other responses.
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Source attribution: Reporting cited here draws on coverage by Fox News Digital and The Lake Oswego Review, public statements by Rabbi Eve Posen and online comments from Hen Mazzig, and outreach made to the Jewish Federation of Greater Portland. For additional detail see the Fox News report: Portland area movie theater at center of antisemitism controversy over marquee advertising ‘The Odyssey’.
