Feb 12, 2004 / 22:00 pm
Two weeks before the release of Mel Gibson's film, Rabbi Daniel Lapin, well known radio host and president of Toward Tradition, has released a statement, saying that not all Jews are against “The Passion of the Christ.”
The film sparked controversy last year when the Anti-Defamation League viewed a rough-cut of the film and declared that it was anti-Semitic. Since then, many Jewish organizations have joined in and have either boycotted the film or urged theatres not to screen it, warning that the film will incite violence against Jews.
“Those Jewish organizations that have squandered both time and money futilely protesting Passion … can hardly be proud of their performance,” said Lapin, adding that instead of helping the Jewish community, “they have inflicted lasting harm.”
“By selectively unleashing their fury only on wholesome entertainment that depicts Christianity, in a positive light, they have triggered anger, hurt, and resentment,” said the host of the Toward Tradition Radio Show.