Billboard in Franklin leaves drivers with questions

FRANKLIN, N.C. (WLOS) — A billboard with a biblical reference is catching drivers' eyes in the mountains.

It's along Highway 441 just sound of 64 in Franklin.

You might not have noticed it yet since it's only been up for a week and a half. However, if you did see it, then you probably wondered the meaning behind it.

The billboard pictures a painting of a wall separating Mary and Joseph from Bethlehem. Banksy is the artist of the painting.

What it represents is what those two would see now on their journey to Bethlehem.

"Bethlehem is almost entirely surrounded by a wall and by Israeli armed checkpoints that prevent many people from getting into Bethlehem and prevent many people from getting out of Bethlehem," Alison Weir, the founder of If Americans Knew, said.

If Americans Knew is based out of California. That's the non-profit organization behind the billboard.

The founder has been using that artwork to depict one of the causes of her organization. She says it's to inform Americans of what's happening in Israel.

"We don't really think it has anything to do with us, but since Americans give Israel over $10 million per day," Weir said. "We've given tiny Israel far more of our tax money than any other country. It's very important that we know how they're using our money."

It's up now in Franklin for a month or two because people supported and funded it here in the mountains.

There are only three billboards up like it across the country. They other two are up in Indiana and West Virginia.