Theater manager who added ‘the Jews’ to ‘Odyssey’ marquee calls antisemitism ‘exaggerated’

The manager of the Lake Theater and Cafe in Lake Oswego, Oregon, is defending a controversial marquee message that read, "Before there were the Jews, there was … ‘The Odyssey.’" Jordan Perry, the manager, claims that modern-day antisemitism is "exaggerated" and often used as a defense for Israel's actions in the Middle East.

“

Before there were the Jews, there was … ‘The Odyssey.’

Perry, known for his theater's provocative messaging, told the Portland Tribune that his intention was to offer an "intentionally subtle" commentary. He believes that media consumption leads him to think antisemitism claims are overblown and used to shield Israel's political involvement. Perry stated he wanted to challenge cultural perceptions of antisemitism, suggesting the issue is less about "the Jews" and more about geopolitical conflicts involving Israel, Palestine, Lebanon, Iran, and the pro-Israel lobby AIPAC.

“

Through the media I consume, I believe modern-day antisemitism is exaggerated, mostly as a defense for Israel’s actions in the Middle East and its involvement in our politics.

Despite Perry's explanation, the message has drawn sharp criticism from local Jewish clergy and the Portland Jewish Federation. Bob Horenstein, the federation's chief community relations officer, reported receiving over 40 complaints. Horenstein found the marquee historically inaccurate, as Jewish history predates Homer's "The Odyssey." He described the reaction from local Jews as largely "unsettled" and "unnerved." Perry reportedly ignored Horenstein's request to change the marquee.

“

My intention in referencing Jewish people on the marquee was to prod at everything being seemingly antisemitic with a statement that couldn’t possibly be construed as antisemitic.

Horenstein further stated that Perry's subsequent comments were "even more offensive," particularly his assertion that claims of antisemitism are exaggerated. "It’s not for anyone outside of our community to tell us whether we’re overreacting to antisemitism," Horenstein said. The marquee was later altered, reportedly replacing "The Jews" with a reference to the navigation app Waze.

“

Any reference to ‘the Jews’ at this point in time, with the climate of antisemitism, makes it suspect already, not to mention of course that it was historically inaccurate.