A Jesus painting left at an Islamic center is being investigated as a hate crime, police say.

An employee at the Hillside Islamic Center in North Hyde Park, New York, saw the large turquoise painting of Jesus Christ on the cross, hanging on the fence at the center, on Friday, NBC 4 reported.

He then alerted the police who arrived at the mosque at about 5:45 pm.

The mosque released an official, conciliatory statement, and said the incident was a 'teaching moment' that served to underscore the similarities between Muslims and Christians.

Police are investigating a painting of Jesus on the cross - pictured - left at Hillside Islamic Center on Friday as a hate crime

'Bias may have motivated this incident, but it could serve as a teaching moment for the perpetrator and for the community if it leads to greater understanding of the love Muslims have for Jesus, peace be upon him,' the spokesperson said.

'The spiritual legacy of Jesus [peace be upon him] should be a unifying factor for Muslims and Christians, not a source of division or bigotry.'

The center has had to deal with 'dozens' of other incidents of bias, according to the statement.

An employee alerted the police after seeing the painting hanging on the fence at the center