Demand Voiced by Rabbi Israel Goldstein; California Christian Clergymen Denounce Production
The Christian sponsors and advocates of the goodwill movement, organized in various groups, societies and committees for a better understanding between Jew and Gentile, were urged to take a stand against the film, “King of Kings” as a factor likely to generate religious prejudice, by Rabbi Israel Goldstein in his sermon Friday night before the B’nai Jeshurun Congregation.
“Here is an opportunity for liberal Christians to give some evidence of their oft-expressed good will toward their fellow citizens of the Jewish faith,” Rabbi Goldstein said. “What is the use of all the Good Will conferences and resolutions, if, when a real challenge presents itself, nothing is done by the majority group to defend the object of its avowed good will against ill will? Here is a challenge to all the Good Will proponents, to carry their principle into practice. Let them plead with Mr. Cecil de Mille, their fellow Christian and fellow American, let them point out how un-Christian it is to fan the dying embers of hatred and how un-American it is to introduce an element of disunion and of cleavage; and if they are powerless to influence him directly, let them stir up public opinion, and let them visit public condemnation upon the offender. Otherwise, the Good Will program is only a phrase and a pretension.
“It is not too late to do something. “The King of Kings” has not yet reached the masses of the people. Ten times as many people as have already seen the picture, will see the picture during the next few months, when it will be released to all the towns and villages of the country.
“Before the damage becomes irreparable. the friends of American Mutuality and the spokesmen of Religious Brotherhood, should bestir themselves.”
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
