Jews Protest Mel Gibson Movie In New York

Jewish protestors made their feelings about Mel Gibson's controversial new movie The Passion known in New York yesterday morning (28AUG03) by protesting outside the offices of NEWS CORPORATION.

The organisation owns film studio 20TH CENTURY FOX, the company most likely to pick up the rights to the project, which focuses on the final 12 hours of Jesus Christ's life.

Gibson has been attacked by religious leaders for the graphic film, and Jewish elders are worried the movie's scenes of hatred towards Christ will ignite violence against the followers of Judaism.

Politicians joined in the protest in Manhattan, with Democrat DOV HIKINS (corr) stating, "This film is dangerous for Jews all over the world. This film can potentially lead to violence directed against the Jewish community.

"This film will result in anti-Semitism, bigotry. It really takes us back to the Dark Ages, plain and simple."

Hikins told protestors he had seen a clip of the film, admitting, "I saw a mob of Jews yelling for the crucifixion of Jesus. It was enough to scare the daylights out of me."