Mel Gibson asks Jewish community for help 'healing'

Haaretz ^ | August 2, 2006 | AP

[tessalu]

LOS ANGELES - Mel Gibson said yesterday he is not a bigot or an anti-Semite, and that he apologizes to "everyone in the Jewish community for the vitriolic and harmful words" he used when he was arrested for drunken driving early Friday. "Hatred of any kind goes against my faith," he said in a statement released through his publicist Alan Nierob. "I Advertisement "I'm not just asking for forgiveness," Gibson said. "I would like to take it one step further and meet with leaders in the Jewish community, with whom I can have a one-on-one discussion to discern the appropriate path for healing." It was the second apology the 50-year-old Oscar winner has issued through Nierob since his arrest. Gibson said he is "in the process of understanding where those vicious words came from during that drunken display," and hopes members of the Jewish community, "whom I have personally offended," will help him in his recovery efforts. "There is no excuse, nor should there be any tolerance, for anyone who thinks or expresses any kind of anti-Semitic remark," Gibson said. "But please know from my heart that I am not an anti-Semite. I am not a bigot. Hatred of any kind goes against my faith."

[Alia]

I just wish I could take all this as seriously as the media is. It tops Brangelina's fete in Africa.

[thomaswest]

re 29: Good on ya, mate. Ya don't get any points for sending out disparaging labels as a substitute for thinking, but high blood pressure often substitutes for 'the thought process' amongst you knee-jerk wankers
.

[hershey]

If you're a Kennedy or Hillary or Jesse Jackson, things said when drunk, in the heat of passion, anger, or whatever are brushed off. Mel will find himself a better person when this is all said and done...if he makes amends. God welcomes the prodigal son home, and Israel needs every friend she can get.

[Mister Da]

Forgive Mel? OK! But forget, or trust & respect the man? No way, not anymore. Just another racist.

And no, I am not Jewish. Just disgusted!

[mdmathis6]

He ought to be allowed to show true repentence by completing that Holocaust miniseries, WITHOUT MONETARY RECOMPENSE, and offering it up to what-ever net-work that will show it...or straight to DVD with any monies recieved after costs going to the defence of Israel. That would say something to me that he was serious about repentence!

[xxyyxx]

Too bad he didn't say something about the Ukranians. Nothing would be mentioned.

[StonyBurk]

I am not a Jew.I hope that does not mean I have nothing to say.I know the Kidron valley rift between Jews and those
who follow that Rabbi from Galilee goes back to at least
the destruction of the Temple (in A.D.70-pardon my use of
a time I am familliar with) The HATE and the Hurt has not been one sided. The Christians have said-and many still do --that are a stench in the nostrils of G-d. and I cannot begin to apologize for those things Mel Gibson said in a
drunken stupor. They ought not be forgiven (if they were said by a clear /rational mind.But I have heard many people say and do many things when under th einfluence that they would Never say or do otherwise-and know of none who have been held as accountable as Mel Gibson is. Perhaps he is an
easier target than the blind Hatered of many Muslim? Who knows the heart of man? I have learned much-and there is much to learn from my spiritual parents -the Jews. I do not
pretend to be free of any wrong -but ask for healing too.

[Mister Da]

Sir, the wallet is not the source of racism, nor its solution.

If Mel Gibson wants to prove his contrition, he needs to prove it in a public forum while stoned drunk. I'd be willing to bet he would repeat his recent performance. Alcohol can be a good truth serum.

[sportutegrl]

Who knows whether Israel has "a right to exist."

We all have a right to exist. After the muzzies wipe Israel off of the face of the earth, they will next deny you the right to exist and it won't matter one bit that you are not a 'christist'.

[avital2]

the Romans - not the Jews - crucified Jesus.

[DungeonMaster]

Mel is a spoiled Hollywood whiner.

[wtc911]

This is why Jews keep getting marched off to death camps,

-------------------------------

Something going on that only you know about?

[DustyMoment]

I take Mel at his word. Who among us has never said something stupid or insensitive in a moment of rage or, as in Mel's case, a drunken stupor? Go ahead and cast those stones. In my younger days I did and said many things that I wish I could take back. Mel's apology, IMO, was sincere and heartfelt. Granted, he is a consummate actor, but I believe that he is truly remorseful and is entitled to a second chance. He has reached out to those whom he offended and asked specifically for their help and forgiveness - I think he deserves it.

[dennisw]

Mel Gibson should go to Israel for one week and help out the IDF. Israel has slots open for older guys who do support. Then he will get an idea about what the Jewish people are up against.

No joking. One week and his "sins" will be expiated

[presently no screen name]

Rabbi Lapin indeed!

[presently no screen name]

he could not have made such a film if his own faith were a facade

Exactly. It wasn't just making the film - it was ALL the HATRED he encountered by the Jewish left. But people seem to look at the money he made and NOT on ALL the grief he went through at the hands of the Jewish community.

Let's see how many more nails the liberal Jews will pound on Mel.

[dmz]

I still wonder about why he's not a misogynist for calling the female officer "sugar tits".
_______

Sort of chuckling over this. Once the fervor dies down over his anti-semitic comments, then we can roll back the tape and do it again for the "anti-woman" comments. That'll last for a couple of additional news cycles.

Perhaps inappropriately, I know at least a couple of dozen women who would consider their lives complete if Mel referred to them as "sugar tits".

[Prysson]

Well said.

My sentiments on it pretty well summed up.

[presently no screen name]

He was under satanic attack that night. Right now, with his apology, he has his foot on satan's head. It will be most telling who doesn't accept his apology and still looking for their pound of flesh.

The liberals Jews hated him before The Passion and wanted him to be unsuccessful in getting it released. He won and their hatred soared. It's all a spiritual battle between good vs. evil.

[Kieri]

I'd like to see Mel donate some of his millions to a charity that provides food, supplies and comfort to the people of Israel. They are suffering right now and need both our prayers and help.