Madonna’s Instagram post of Jew and Arab kissing causes a stir

Pop superstar Madonna has stoked controversy by posting an image on Instagram showing two men – a Palestinian and a Jew – about to kiss.

The post, in which both men are wearing religious or nationalist headgear, was seen by some as a political statement.

The singer posted the photo – taken by Israeli fashion photographer Ziv Sade – alongside a caption: ‘This image is . ❤️#rebelhearts‘, which is the title of her new album.

Within minutes of it going up, a mixed reaction from some of her 3.9 million followers on the social media site ensued.

One user commented: “Islam doesn’t support homosexuality and if someone doesn’t like that then they don’t have to be Muslim. Its that’s simple.”

Another posted: “I’m arab, and I found this great! People have the right to be whoever they want to be and be who they really are…”

Someone else said: “If this pic portraying love between two human beings is ‘causing a commotion’ the they need to get a life.’..”

Aside from commenting on the Israel-Palestine connection, others posted about the portrayal of homosexuality.

One user reacted to a homophobic comment, saying: “It s not because you practice your religion that i call you homophobic…. it s because you say homosexuality is a choice!! Which [it] is not!!!’

Someone replied saying: “I see two men one Muslim perhaps and one Jewish together sharing a moment of peace. Can’t we just all get along without discussing religious beliefs ? This image can be read in a million times , it might be just a simple friendship between two man?

One last comment told users that were offended to “just unfollow and freely practice your b******* somewhere else.”

Madonna has posted a number of Instagram posts with the tag #rebelhearts‘. Some of these posts have included controversial portrayals of iconic political figures, including Martin Luther King and Margaret Thatcher.