Rabbi Seeks Pope's Help To Prevent 'Passion' Fallout

A leading Israeli rabbi is calling on Pope John Paul II to step in and prevent anti-Semitism that could spring from the movie "The Passion of The Christ."

Rabbi Yona Metzger is one of two chief rabbis in Israel. He's written Pope John Paul II, saying the film's graphic depiction of Christ's torture and death could spark anti-Jewish sentiment.

To prevent that, the rabbi wants the pope to clarify that neither the Jewish people nor the Jewish nation killed Jesus.

Meanwhile, one Israeli lawmaker is calling for more than clarification about the movie. He is pushing for Israel to ban the film entirely.

Producer and director Mel Gibson has long defended his epic movie about the last 12 hours of Christ's life, saying it is about forgiveness and love. He denies it is anti-Semitic in any way.

Film Makes $24M First Day

Gibson's controversial film is still stirring debate a day after the "The Passion of The Christ" debuted to sold-out crowds nationwide.

According to the Exhibitor Relations, Inc., the film took in $23.6 million Wednesday, far above the $15-20 million distributor Newmarket Films estimated. The film also earned $3 million in advanced revenues from private screenings book by church groups.

Gibson personally financed the $25 million film.

The film was originally to open on 2,000 screens, but Newmarket expanded the release to 2,800 screens last week. By Wednesday's opening, the total number of screens showing the film grew to 4,643 in 3,006 theaters nationwide.

Meanwhile, Jewish leaders continue to express concerns about the film, although one leading New York rabbi finds "The Passion of The Christ" inspiring in some ways.

Rabbi Brad Hirschfield of the National Jewish Center for Learning and Leadership said the movie conveys "a beautiful message" in a powerful way.

But, Hirschfield is upset that Jews in the film shout in Aramaic, "His blood be upon us and our children" -- a Bible verse most Christians view as referring to the blood that brings forgiveness -- even though the line isn't translated for the audience.

Abraham Foxman, the president of the Anti-Defamation League who has been one of the most vocal Jewish leaders about the film, said he doesn't think "The Passion of The Christ" is anti-Semitic.

Foxman did say, however, that the film amplifies the ancient blood libel that the Jews killed Christ depicting them as a bloodthirsty mob.

A former Roman Catholic priest who charges that church history is full of anti-Semitism says he was deeply offended by "The Passion of The Christ."

James Carroll said Gibson's film is "an overwhelmingly negative portrait of Jews and the Jewish people."

But he's even more offended by the graphic depiction of Jesus' scourging and crucifixion.

Carroll called it "obscene" and "sadistic" -- complaining that the audience virtually watches Jesus get "skinned alive."

But others who viewed the film on its opening day say the horrible suffering made them realize how much Jesus had suffered to save them from their sins.

Audiences Respond To 'The Passion'

Across the country, moviegoers walked out of the theater in tears, some saying the movie strengthened their Christian beliefs.

In Arkansas, the depiction of Christ's torture and death was so intense it caused one person to pass out.

In Kansas, 57-year-old Peggy Law Scott collapsed during an early morning screening and died at a hospital, although the cause of death isn't known. A local television station, KAKE-TV reported that Scott collapsed during the movie's bloody crucifixion scene and physicians in the audience attempted to revive her with CPR.

Not all members of the general public are praising the film. One film professor in Nebraska said it was too violent -- and too stylized -- like an action/adventure picture.

As for charges of anti-Semitism, some say the movie gives a clear message of love and forgiveness. But others insist the violence could easily inflame anti-Jewish sentiments.