Jewish museum invites Gibson to visit

The Museum of Jewish Heritage has invited actor Mel Gibson for a visit as part of his “journey of understanding” following an anti-Semitic tirade during a California traffic stop.

“I have followed with great interest the events of the past several days and take your recent public apology very seriously,” museum director David Marwell said in his August 2 letter. “In that spirit, I would like to invite you to visit the Museum of Jewish Heritage: A Living Memorial to the Holocaust.”

He added: “We hope that you will consider this offer in good faith and look forward to the opportunity of participating in your journey of understanding.”

Gibson, 50, was charged yesterday with driving under the influence of alcohol and having an elevated blood-alcohol level and an open container of liquor in his car when he was pulled over last week.

Gibson reportedly told the arresting deputy: “The Jews are responsible for all the wars in the world,” and asked him: “Are you a Jew?”

Gibson has apologised twice. In his latest statement he addressed the Jewish community, apologising for his “vitriolic and harmful words”.

Gibson has had a troubled relationship with Jewish organisations since his 2004 blockbuster The Passion Of The Christ, which some criticised for portraying Jews as responsible for the death of Jesus. Supporters say the movie followed the Gospel story.

The letter from the museum director was sent care of Gibson’s publicist, Alan Nierob, who did not immediately return a call seeking comment today.

The museum, in Lower Manhattan, teaches about the Holocaust within the context of 20th-century Jewish history.