Editorial: Gibson should take stand on anti-Semitism

Already among the most controversial films in history, Mel
Gibson’s “The Passion of the Christ” arrives in
theaters today. Criticism of the film includes allegations of
anti-Semitism, as dozens who have seen it say it portrays Jews as
responsible for the crucifixion of Jesus of Nazareth.

Whatever the film’s content, Gibson has not done enough to
calm the controversy.

Gibson is a member of a sect of Catholics who refuse to accept
the Vatican II reforms to the Catholic Church, which included an
apology for Catholic persecution of Jews. Gibson maintains that he
is not anti-Semitic, but has disturbingly failed to condemn
blatantly anti-Semitic comments from his father.

In a recent radio interview, his father, Hutton Gibson, said the
Holocaust was mostly fiction. He said Jews aim to take over the
world. Hutton Gibson has made such remarks in the past, but he
surprised people by launching into a tirade so near the opening of
his son’s controversial film.

Mel Gibson has yet to comment on his father’s remarks,
though he did say he acknowledges the Holocaust as one of the worst
atrocities in history.

That’s not enough. Mel should condemn his father’s
hateful and ignorant remarks.

In light of the controversy and concerns over his film, the
star’s silence is unacceptable.