IS MEL AN ANTI-SEMITE?

Catholic League president William Donohue commented today on the way ADL national director Abraham Foxman has handled questions on Mel Gibson’s alleged anti-Semitism:

“Foxman is an Orwellian genius at having it both ways.  When directly asked whether Mel is an anti-Semite, he never says he is.  But then Foxman proceeds to indict him anyway.  For example, on September 19 the ADL leader was quoted by the Associated Press saying, ‘[Mel Gibson] entertains views that can only be described as anti-Semitic.’  On November 7, Foxman was quoted by Cybercast News Service saying, ‘I think he’s [Gibson] infected—seriously infected—with some very, very serious anti-Semitic views.  [Gibson’s] got classical anti-Semitic views.’

“Foxman just got back from the Breakers in Palm Beach where the ADL had an executive meeting.  He released a statement yesterday that was textbook doublespeak: ‘Is Mel Gibson an anti-Semite?  No.  He’s a true believer.  Is his anti-Semitism intentional?  I don’t believe so.’

“Now let’s see how this magisterial logic sounds when applied to Foxman.  Imagine if someone said, ‘Is Abraham Foxman an anti-Catholic?  No.  He’s a true believer.  Is his anti-Catholicism intentional?  I don’t believe so.’

“Is there any doubt that Foxman would conclude that he’s just been branded anti-Catholic?

“It’s time to stop the dance.  If Gibson is an anti-Semite, Foxman should not hesitate to call him one (and provide the evidence).  But if he’s not—if his biggest sin is that he made a movie that doesn’t sit well with Foxman—then it’s irresponsible to suggest he is.”