Jewish Group Calls Gibson 'Tortured Soul'

Associated Press ^ | April 1st, 2004

[presidio9]

Calling Mel Gibson "a tortured soul," France's main Jewish group accused his film about Jesus' final hours of having anti-Semitic overtones.

An umbrella group for Jewish organizations, the Representative Council of Jewish Institutions of France (CRIF), said Thursday that "The Passion of the Christ" was a backward portrayal of Christian teachings. The movie debuted Wednesday in France.

"The film's violence is extreme and sick," the group said in a statement. "Unfortunately, (CRIF) finds elements of anti-Semitism in the film, which was clearly conceived by a tortured soul."

Some Jewish and Christian leaders have expressed concern that the movie could revive the notion that Jews collectively were responsible for Christ's death.

France has faced anti-Semitic violence for more than two years, with many attacks targeting Jewish schools, synagogues and community centers.

CRIF noted that it had not asked for the movie to be banned, out of respect for freedom of expression.

Three Jewish brothers argued before a Paris court that the film would foment hatred of Jews in France and asked that it be banned. A judge rejected the bid Monday.

The movie, which is showing in more than 500 theaters across France, carries a ban on ticket sales to children under 12.

[MegaSilver]

Three Jewish brothers argued before a Paris court that the film would foment hatred of Jews in France and asked that it be banned. A judge rejected the bid Monday.

Good. These Jews better wake up and realize they have MUCH more to fear from crazed nationals and Islamist Jihadists.

[Arkinsaw]

An umbrella group for Jewish organizations, the Representative Council of Jewish Institutions of France (CRIF), said Thursday that "The Passion of the Christ" was a backward portrayal of Christian teachings.

I think Christians are the ones to decide that actually.

[gogeo]

I suppose the headline wasn't false, "Jewish group," but wouldn't French group have been more to the point?

[sleepy_hollow]

"France has faced anti-Semitic violence for more than two years, with many attacks targeting Jewish schools, synagogues and community centers."

Anyone who has seen the movie and who has even a basic working knowledge of Chrstianity understands that the last thing this movie does is make anyone want to blame others for the crucifixion.

Basic facts go ignored by those who want to stir up hatred. We truly know not what we do. Even today.

[AmericanCheeseFood]

Darn, that's some thin skinned folks out there. As one person put it, I think they should worry more about the islamofaciest sneaking through the fire door of the movie theater with a bomb to blow up Christian and Jewish viewers than the movie they are watching.

[Alberta's Child]

Some Jewish and Christian leaders have expressed concern that the movie could revive the notion that Jews collectively were responsible for Christ's death.

Regardless of whether they are right or wrong in this particular case, I believe Jewish leaders who express this concern have a legitimate case to make if they wish. For "Christian leaders," on the other hand, to make a statement like this is the height of hubris and arrogance -- I'd sooner listen to a dog howling at the moon than pay any mind to these people.

[presidio9]

The antisemitic violence in France has been at the hands of Islamists, not Catholics. The last time Catholicism inspired antisemitism, people were still burning witches and drilling holes in the skulls of the insane to let the demons out.

Anyone who listened to Sean Hannity's interview with Gibson a couple of weeks ago understands that he is completely at peace with himself and his Maker. Sean specifically pointed out the people who had been attacking him, and what they had to say. Gibson refused to be drawn in or counter attack. His view was "that stuff's just not important."

[Lurking Libertarian]

France has faced anti-Semitic violence for more than two years, with many attacks targeting Jewish schools, synagogues and community centers.

More from Moslems than Christians.

CRIF noted that it had not asked for the movie to be banned, out of respect for freedom of expression.

Good for them.

[onedoug]

How many Jews are stupid enough to still be in France?

[Skooz]

So, every time some moronic, perverse, hate-mutant spews his bile about this film, some newspaper has to print it?

[presidio9]

It really is starting to seem like a concerted effort to inspire some antisemitism to me...

[John Lenin]

[Spirited]

"It really is starting to seem like a concerted effort to inspire some antisemitism to me"...

You know, I think you are right. Anti-christ forces seem to be praying for that.

[presidio9]

The left hates all religion, but it especially hates Catholicism. There is a tiny minority of Jews who are obsessed with antisemitism. Warn them of antisemitism, and they will be on their toes to prevent it. But any attack on this movie looks a lot like an attack on the Gospel. So what ends up happening is that the more the left warns the public about this movie, the more the exact wrong Jewish people start comlaining about it, and the less patience Christians have for thier attacks. It is impossible to be antisemitic and Christian, but still I'm afrid that this will eventually become a self-fufilling prophesy.

[prairiebreeze]

The one thing that I know for certain is that Mel Gibson's "troubled soul" and NewMarket Films are laughing all the way to the bank.

Prairie

[William Martel]

That is my theory exactly. I fear that any anti-semitism that comes about as a result of this movie will be due to a reaction to the lies that groups like this are spreading.

[montag813]

An umbrella group for Jewish organizations, the Representative Council of Jewish Institutions of France (CRIF), said Thursday that "The Passion of the Christ" was a backward portrayal of Christian teachings. The movie debuted Wednesday in France.

As a Jew I must clear up something basic...these are NOT "JEWS"! So-called "umbrella" Jewish groups are Socialists who worship only Secular Humanism. These are the same groups who supported Stalin for decades despite the evidence of mass-murder. They, like the fat pig Abe Foxman, Michael Lerner and other JINOs are Christian-hating ghouls who create more anti-Semetism than all the skinheads in the world combined. REAL Jews do not insult and demean the faith of our Christian friends by attacking the Gospel. How DARE these Leftist JINOs partonize Christians by asserting that the film represents "backward" Christianty. Despicable! With every dollar it earns at the box-office, "The Passion" repudiates bigoted gasbags like Foxman and these nauseating left-wing groups.

[TopQuark]

It is impossible to be antisemitic and Christian,

Really? So when the Pope expelled all Jews from the Papal states, he was not a Christian?

And when one of the Church Fathers demanded that all Jews be expelled, he was not a Christian either?