Combating Mel Gibsonism:
Education for Jewish- Christian Understanding
Video: “”I am Joseph Your Brother.”” The film, in English, Hebrew or Italian, and Learning Resource (English only) are available for purchase for US$40 per set, From The National Centre for Jewish Film (ncjf@brandeis.edu) http://www.brandeis.edu/jewishfilm/
The best way to combat Mel Gibsonism, i.e. pre-Vatican thinking, is by careful, thoughtful and systematic educational
programs and materials. A new Learning Resource/Study Guide to accompany the award-winning film ?I am Joseph Your Brother” was produced a few months ago just for this purpose. This
new booklet is designed to enhance educational programs in Jewish-Christian relations that take place in a variety of settings. It provides a systematic and substantive survey and analysis of all
sections of the film and enables Jewish and Christian educators — formal and informal — to make use of this film as a learning resource in a wide variety of creative and educational ways.
The film was produced by Tal-El Productions of Jerusalem for the ICCI in association with the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, and was broadcast on ABC-TV throughout North America two years ago. Since then it has been screened at film festivals in the US and in Italy, and it has appeared on television in Israel. Inspired by the visit of Pope John Paul II to Israel in the year 2000, I am Joseph Your Brother assesses and reflects on the changes that have occurred in the often difficult and turbulent relationship that has existed for centuries between Jews and Christians, Judaism and Catholicism, and more recently, between the State of Israel and the Vatican. This troubled relationship centred around sensitive issues such as the Holocaust, and the many accusations made against the Jews in the past such as the blood libel.
?I am Joseph Your Brother” discusses the complex issues behind these questions and investigates the significant changes that have been made in recent decades. The changes which are explored include: the Nostra Aetate document from Vatican II (1964), recognition of the State of Israel (1994), and the We Remember document which grapples with the role played by members of the Catholic Church in the Holocaust (1998.).
?I am Joseph Your Brother” explores these controversial issues with sensitivity and insight. The film makes use of interviews which grapple with the role played by members of the Catholic Church in the Holocaust (1998).
?I am Joseph Your Brother” explores these controversial issues with sensitivity and insight. The film makes use of interviews with dignitaries, religious leaders and educators — both Jewish and Catholic. The visuals include footage never seen before from the Vatican Archives and powerful emotional moments from the Pope?s visit to Israel in March 2000, such as scenes of the Pope at the Western Wall, the holiest of Jewish religious sites, and at Yad Vashem, the Israeli national memorial to the victims of the Holocaust. I am Joseph Your Brother, a 59-minute documentary, examines what comprises the new relationship between Christians and Jews in the 21st Century: the expectations, the issues and the hopes.
Dr. Ron Kronish, is director of ICCI, which serves as the Israel chapter of WCRP, World Conference of Religions for Peace.