Free Republic

The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today welcomed the election of German Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger as the new pope, Benedict XVI. Under his leadership in Germany and Rome, the Catholic Church made important strides in improving Catholic-Jewish relations and atoning for the sin of anti-Semitism. Cardinal Ratzinger has been a leader in this effort and has made important statements in the spirit of sensitivity and reconciliation with the Jewish people. Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National director, issued the following statement: "We welcome the new Papacy of Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger. From the Jewish perspective, the fact that he comes from Europe is important,...

The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) mourns the passing of Pope John Paul II, whose compassion, leadership and understanding forever changed the history of the Catholic Church's relations with the Jewish people. Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director, issued the following statement: Pope John Paul II's moral inspiration and leadership was a shining light to the world. Throughout his lifetime the Pontiff defended the Jewish people, both as a priest in his native Poland and for all the years of his Pontificate. In word and deed, John Paul II worked tirelessly to repair the Church's painful 2,000 year history with the Jewish...

Anyone who took offense at Mel Gibson’s "The Passion of the Christ", with its depiction of Jewish leaders condemning Jesus, should get ready soon to be offended all over again. Gibson, it is reported, has his heart set on doing a movie version of the story commemorated by Hanukkah. His text will be the novel "My Glorious Brothers" by Howard Fast. Ironically, this book is a sentimental favorite with the older-generation Jewish audience that also tends to be the main financial supporter of Gibson’s primary antagonist, the Anti-Defamation League, which led the drive to condemn "The Passion" as anti-Semitic. The...

County to rename rural road BY PAM EASTON Associated Press Writer BEAUMONT, Texas - Bowing to criticism that the name Jap Road was insensitive, Jefferson County commissioners voted Monday to rename the nearly century-old rural road. Commissioners listened to about three hours of testimony from nearly four dozen people, alternating between those who wanted to retain the name and those who favored a change, before voting 4-1 to seek a new name. County Judge Carl Griffith put two people who live along the 4.3-mile road in charge of a committee to come up with a new name and deliver their...

TESTING THE FAITH Mel Gibson working with Jewish leaders ADL rep screens 'The Passion,' breaks confidentiality agreement Posted: August 14, 2003 10:25 a.m. Eastern By Joseph Farah © 2003 WorldNetDaily.com Faced with rising criticism of his unreleased movie, "The Passion," by the Anti-Defamation League, Mel Gibson is working with other Jewish leaders to "develop a strategy alongside this film to build bridges of understanding between various faith communities," says a statement by his marketing and media representatives released to some 300 people who have seen the film by special invitation. The move comes after Gibson's Icon Pictures invited representatives of...