Gibson Snips Controversial Scene From 'The Passion'

Mel Gibson is cutting a controversial scene from "The Passion of the Christ," the New York Times quoted a "close associate" as saying today.

The offending clip: The Jewish high priest Caiaphas declares, "His blood be on us and on our children."

"It didn't work in the focus screenings. Maybe it was thought to be too hurtful, or taken not in the way it was intended. It has been used terribly over the years," the source is quoted as saying.

"Jewish leaders had warned that the passage from Matthew 27:25 was the historic source for many of the charges of deicide and Jews' collective guilt in the death of Jesus," the Times said.

Foxman Spurns Gibson's Appeal

The paper, one of the ringleaders in the campaign against the movie, also listed the response of ADL director Abraham Foxman's to Gibson's recent appeal. The actor-director had written: "I hope and I pray that you will join me in setting an example for all of our brethren; that the truest path to follow, the only path, is that of respect and, most importantly, that of love for each other despite our differences."

Foxman replied Monday that "your words do not mitigate our concerns about the potential consequences of your film — to fuel and legitimize anti-Semitism."

Editor's note:
James Hirsen’s "Tales from the Left Coast" - Find out the real story behind Mel Gibson’s "The Passion," and more!
Mel Gibson fights back and talks with NewsMax Magazine – click here for new revelations

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