Theater in Israel raises ire with 'Passion' plan

Theater in Israel raisesire with 'Passion' plan
JERUSALEM -- An Israeli movie theater plans to screen Mel Gibson's "The Passion of the Christ," a decision likely to raise an uproar in the Jewish state over accusations the movie is anti-Semitic.
The Tel Aviv Cinematheque is in final negotiations with Gibson's production company for a one-time showing of the film in Israel, probably in a few months, cinema manager Alon Garbuz said.
The release of the movie in the United States sparked a debate over whether Jews bore responsibility for Jesus' crucifixion. Rabbis in the United States warned that the film would fuel anti-Semitism.
Angry Jewish reaction prompted the Vatican to reiterate its stance that Jews were not collectively responsible for Jesus' persecution. Gibson has said he didn't mean to portray Jews in a damaging light and was only trying to depict the New Testament as it was written.
Palestinians have applauded the film, saying it truthfully shows Jews as the culprits, and have compared the Crucifixion to their suffering under Israeli occupation.
Garbuz said the cinematheque has been criticized for its decision to show the movie.
"I think that those who think that the film is anti-Semitic shouldn't come see it," he said. "No one has the moral duty to decide for the public what they can see."
'South Pacific' headsto the Queen Mary 2
NEW YORK -- Beyonc & eacute;, Harry Connick Jr. and Nathan Lane are among the performers lined up to belt out tunes from "South Pacific" on the world's largest cruise ship today at a fund-raiser for Katie Couric's colorectal research organization.
About 1,000 people will attend the event, which is expected to raise at least $4 million, said Couric, the co-host of NBC's "Today" show. It will take place on the Queen Mary 2, which arrived in Manhattan for the first time Friday. At 151,400 tons, the liner is three times larger than the Titanic.
"Cunard [Line] approached some people at my organization about a year ago and very generously offered to host our next event," Couric said. "At that point I thought, 'What next event?' but given their offer, I felt like I needed to plan another one."
Couric partnered with the Entertainment Industry Foundation in 2000 to found the National Colorectal Cancer Research Alliance after her husband died of colon cancer.
The number of colonoscopy screenings has increased 20 percent since the center opened, according to the center.
Nicole Kidman, Antonio Banderas, Glenn Close and Jon Bon Jovi also are expected to attend the dinner and performance of Richard Rodgers' works, which includes "Oklahoma!" and "The Sound of Music."
Mother of late princessrecuperates in hospital
LONDON -- Frances Shand Kydd, the mother of the late Diana, princess of Wales, was being treated at a hospital in Scotland after falling ill at home, a friend said.
Shand Kydd, 67, was admitted to the hospital near her home on the Argyll coast several days ago, the friend said.
She is "on the mend," her friend and Catholic priest, Father William McLean, said after visiting her. He didn't identify her illness.
Diana's mother was taken from her home on Seil Island to the Lorn and Islands District Hospital on Oban. The Daily Record newspaper said that happened last week.
Shand Kydd, who regularly attends Mass at St. Columba Cathedral in Oban, has previously said her Catholic faith helped her to deal with the grief of her daughter's death.
McLean said he hoped Shand Kydd would soon be healthy enough to be released.
Today's Birthdays
Actress Shirley MacLaine is 70. Actress-singer-director Barbra Streisand is 62. Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley is 62. Country singer Richard Sterban (The Oak Ridge Boys) is 61. Rock musician Doug Clifford (Creedence Clearwater Revival) is 59. Rock musician David J (Bauhaus) is 47. Rock musician Billy Gould is 41. Actor-comedian Cedric the Entertainer is 40. Rock musician Patty Schemel is 37. Rock musician Aaron Comess (Spin Doctors) is 36. Singer Kelly Clarkson ("American Idol") is 22.
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