An open letter to Mel Gibson
by Rabbi Justin David
October 6, 2008
Rabbi David is the spiritual leader of Congregation B'nai Israel in Northampton, MA.
This "Open Letter" was written while Mel Gibson was in Amherst and Northampton
directing his latest film, "Edge of Darkness"
Dear Mel,
Welcome to Northampton. I hope you’re enjoying our town for its charm and its eclectic mix of people. But there’s actually something about Northampton and the Pioneer Valley you have probably overlooked, something more essential than the charming brick facades along Main Street and the critical mass of once and former hippies. You see, we are a community that celebrates its diverse inclusion of cultures and sensibilities. And you, Mel, have what we might call a “bigotry problem.”
As a rabbi, I was particularly disturbed by your reaction to the controversies surrounding your blockbuster film, “The Passion of the Christ.” At the time, you were well aware of the problem raised by your Shylockian depiction of Temple priests, with their hooked noses and suspiciously anachronistic prayer shawls, calling for the murder of God incarnate. There were other, classic Jew-hating images throughout the movie, but this was the most obvious. And yet, when pressed on the late night talk shows, you dismissed the charge of anti-Semitism with a wave of the hand. We wanted to believe you, Mel, but your arrogance made us doubtful.
I am afraid to say that our suspicions were confirmed when, pulled over by the LAPD a couple of years ago, you launched into a drunken, anti-Semitic rage. True, you apologized, but I have to say, your declaration was rather superficial, something along the lines of “booze makes you say the darndest things.” Well, maybe, but we all know that alcohol simply lowers the inhibitions against saying what we really feel.
The truth is, Mel, I’m not so concerned about your anti-Semitism. In America, we Jews can do what we want. I’m much more concerned about what your anti-Semitism represents. It doesn’t take much to uncover that you have a long history of unapologetic homophobia, and you have treated criticisms of racism in your film “Apocalypto” with the same disregard as those leveled at “The Passion.” As the film “Borat” makes clear, all hatred is linked, whether it be anti-Semitism, racism, homophobia, misogyny, xenophobia, or any part of this sorry catalogue. A slur toward one group is an arrow aimed at everyone.
So, Mel, you can’t simply come to the Pioneer Valley and get a free pass. This is a place where we take thoughtful steps to be mindful of what’s important to our neighbors. In my son’s public school, the principal lights a candle at the Winter assembly, honoring the range of faiths and practices in our midst. Our Gay Pride celebration has the feel of a Main Street, U.S.A. parade, with people of all ages and sensibilities enjoying a good time. We are not perfect, but we work hard to understand that, as citizens in a pluralistic society, we have a responsibility to promote a civic ethos of true understanding and respect.
If you really want to feel like you’ve been part of our community, Mel, do something about the hatred that festers within you. In the Jewish calendar, this time of the year is one of reflection and atonement. For starters, I would welcome you to join us for services at any of our local synagogues for Yom Kippur, this Wednesday evening and Thursday, where you can get a healthy reminder of the importance of introspection and making amends. Then, when you get back to LA, find a rabbi or a therapist and arrange to speak with him or her about your actions, your words and your feelings. I think you will find the process liberating and healing. When the time is right, you can issue a statement that shares what you have done to change your perspective and understand the world outside yourself. If you are sincere, an appreciative public will come to view you with a new sense of respect, a measure of worth infinitely more substantial than box office receipts.
So, Mel, welcome to Northampton. I hope you enjoy our setting, our restaurants and our vibe. But don’t just skip town when you’re done. Take some time to appreciate what we’re about, and by doing so, consider the changes we all want you to make.
B’shalom, in peace,
Rabbi Justin David
Related article:
"The Passion of the Christ" and Jewish Pain
