Jewish leaders condemn film

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NEW YORK -- A group of Jewish leaders yesterday condemned Mel Gibson's yet-to-be-released movie, "The Passion," and sought to hinder its distribution, saying its depiction of Jesus' final 12 hours will endanger Jews around the world.

"This film can potentially lead to violence directed against the Jewish community," said Assemblyman Dov Hikind, an Orthodox Jew and Democrat from Brooklyn.

"It will result in anti-Semitism and bigotry. It really takes us back to the Dark Ages ... the Inquisition, the Crusades, all for the so-called sin of the Crucifixion of Jesus."

Mr. Hikind, who said he had seen only a seven-minute clip from the film, staged his protest with about 25 Jewish leaders and local politicians in front of the midtown offices of the Fox News Corp., the parent company of 20th Century Fox film studio, which has first rights to distribution.

In a statement released Wednesday night, FNC said that Icon, Mr. Gibson's production company, had indicated that "It has a number of alternative distribution options that it is pursuing. In light of that, Fox and Icon have agreed not to partner on this project."

Nevertheless, Mr. Hikind said he is urging all distributors to make no deals with Mr. Gibson for "The Passion."

Standing barely 20 feet from the group of about 25 was William A. Donohue, president of the Catholic League, who has seen the entire movie.

"There is no collective guilt. Anybody who teaches Jews are collectively responsible for the death of Christ is an anti-Semite bigot. But the movie doesn't do that," Mr. Donohue said.

Although it is not scheduled for release until next year's Lenten season, "The Passion" has been making headlines for months. Its critics say the movie, which Mr. Gibson has shown to various religious leaders, places responsibility for the Crucifixion on the Jews.