There is a great deal of discomfort on the Jewish side with this alliance. It's kind of like a hasty, "thanks very much, but I really must be going, here's the door, bye...slam" the bum's rush.
There's certainly no warmth.
I can't escape some conclusions I am drawing from this Jewish response to a Catholic movie.
1) first of all, I am not taking seriously these protests of some return to pogrom-ic violence, at least not here in the US. Who knows what insanity will prevail in post-Christian Europe?
2) The Jewish leadership, like Heir from Weisenthal and Foxman from ADL, are utter cynics. They are playing victim in order to promote themselves and their institutions.
3) These leaders take themselves seriously, however, and seem determined to assert the right to tell Christians how to conduct Christian worship--there must be no mention of Jews--kind of boggles the mind. If Christians refuse, they risk that horrible threat of the accusation of antisemitism, only this eventuality is generally only in hints and veiled threats. Where have these leaders gotten the chustpa to believe they can make such a demand? Do we invade the half-empty synagogues to demand that the services be conducted to please Christians?
Once they actually start shooting the antisemitism salvos, however, it gets pretty dangerous. That's the only weapon they hold, and once it's gone there's no reloading.
Gibson's Passion is his own vision, based on much scripture if the discussion around it is any indication. Probably as faithful as any movie rendition to the text.
It is a kind of Mass, a Good Friday service. In short, a religious celebration.
This is America, and we may worship as we please.