CLEVELAND -- Gas stations are rarely hotbeds of controversy. But one on Cleveland's east side continues to draw attention over its billboards.
Many passers-by are finding the latest message offensive.
"It's just disrespectful," said Amy Hurd of Cleveland. "I mean I wouldn't want my grandbaby to see it."
A new mural recently went up at the Biggie's Foodmart on East 55th Street and Cedar Avenue which shows an image of President Obama with a noose near his neck.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appears to be holding it and has a Hitler mustache.
Above them are the words "From one Jew to another" and written below in Hebrew is "God is the greatest."
Owner Abe Ayad has been posting similar signs for years and is all too aware of the controversy which follows.
"I don't really care," he said. "What else am I supposed to do?"
He said the images help him vent and that the most recent one expresses his views on U.S. relations with Israel. He said those who do not like it do not have to shop at his store.
Customers' views were are mixed.
"I wanted to come scribble it out," said Marqueta Adams, pumping gas.
"I don't think it's appropriate," said shopper John Morgan, while customer Rick Williams defended it as "freedom of speech."
But should it be?
Last summer the store drew attention over a cartoon of a Rabbi performing a controversial Jewish circumcision. Ayad said it was his way of protesting sex offenders who are allowed to stay at a nearby rehabilitation center which is near a school.
Though the Anti-Defamation league became involved at the time, the mural remained.
Licensing agencies, including the Ohio Lottery, even looked at whether a moral turpitude clause was broken. No violations were ever found.
As for Ayad, business continues to do well. Many of his customers are regulars.
One told Channel 3 News, though they disagree with his politics, there are bigger things to worry about than a sign.
Customer Amy Hurd said she would still like to hold a protest over the most recent one.
