Wiesenthal Center Statement on Mel Gibson's Apology to Jewish Community

August 1, 2006

WIESENTHAL CENTER STATEMENT ON MEL GIBSON’S APOLOGY TO JEWISH COMMUNITY

The following is a statement by Rabbi Marvin Hier, founder and dean of the Simon Wiesenthal Center regarding Mel Gibson’s apology to the Jewish community:

"Regarding Mel Gibson’s apology today for his antisemitic comments; antisemitism and bigotry, like substance abuse and alcoholism, are long and private processes that cannot be treated in the public arena.

Antisemitism is not born in one day and cannot be cured in one day and certainly not through the issuing of a press release.

When Mr. Gibson embarks on a serious long-term effort to address that bigotry and antisemitism, he will find the Jewish community more than willing to engage and help him."

Early on, Rabbi Hier advocated that Mr. Gibson should drop plans to produce a movie on the Nazi Holocaust. "Anyone spouting the canard that Jews are 'behind all wars'--a lie touted by bigots from Nazis to Hezbollah--does not have the legitimacy to make a film about Jewish martyrdom and suffering during the Nazi era. "

Subsequently, Disney’s ABC television network said they were dropping their plans to produce the Holocaust-themed miniseries with Mr. Gibson.

For more information, please contact the Center's Public Relations Department, 310-553-9036.