Mel Gibson - Jewish Community Angered By Mel Gibson's Attachment To New Biopic

Gibson recently signed on to produce a film about celebrated Jewish warrior Judah MACcabee, who defeated the Greek-Syrian armies in the second century B.C. and inspired the Hanukkah celebration.

But leaders of the Anti-Defamation League are seething at the prospect of Gibson making the movie - because just five years ago he was embroiled in a major scandal after allegedly hurling anti-Semitic remarks at a police officer as he was being arrested for drink driving.

And the civil rights group bosses have taken aim at Warner Bros. movie executives for allowing the Braveheart star to produce and perhaps direct such a meaningful film.

Releasing a statement to Tmz.com, the organisation says, "As a hero of the Jewish people and a universal hero in the struggle for religious liberty, Judah MACcabee deserves better. It would be a travesty to have the story of the MACcabees told by one who has no respect and sensitivity for other people’s religious views."