FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Dr. Gary Tobin: 415 386-2604
Institute for Jewish & Community Research
“The Passion of the Christ” Having Unexpected Impact:
Film and Surrounding Debate Might Be Lessening Hostility Toward Jews
SAN FRANCISCO, CA, March 15, 2004
Although 24%
of Americans familiar with Mel Gibson’s “The
Passion of the Christ” say that Jews alive at the time were most
responsible for Christ’s crucifixion, less than two percent of
Americans blame Jews of today. In fact, according to a new nationwide
poll of 1,003 randomly selected adults, a larger number say the film
has made them less likely, rather than more likely, to hold Jews and
Jewish institutions in our own time responsible for the killing of Christ.
Commented Dr. Gary Tobin, President of the Institute for Jewish & Community
Research (IJCR): “While the film may have a different impact elsewhere
in the world, so far the Passion of the Christ is not producing any significant
anti-Jewish backlash. The film and perhaps even more, the discussions
about the film, are having something of a positive effect, which is good
news. Some Jewish and Christian leaders have been understandably worried
that the film might unleash a wave of hostility toward Jews and even
erode the constructive effects of Vatican II. But this does not appear
to be happening. Their concern, however, was not unfounded given the
rise of anti-Semitism around the world, and the central theme of Christ
killing in anti-Jewish prejudice.”
Among those who have seen the film or are familiar with it, most (83%)
said the film had no impact on the extent to which they feel contemporary
Jews are to blame, two percent said “The Passion” has made
them more likely to hold Jews responsible, but nine percent said the
film has made them less likely to hold today’s Jews responsible.
The rest did not know. Of the 146 respondents who had seen the film,
80% said the film had no impact, five percent said “The Passion” has
made them more likely to hold Jews responsible, and 12% percent said
the film has made them less likely to hold today’s Jews responsible.
Dr. Tobin also noted that “the questions raised about the anti-Jewish
images in the movie helped bring the question of the role of Jews in
the death of Christ out in the open. It is better to have dialogue
and honest discussion and trust that the bond between Christians and
Jews in America is strong.”
Other findings from the survey reveal that most viewers and those familiar
with The Passion are pleased with it as artistic historical depiction:
• Sixty-four percent said it provides an accurate and thorough portrayal
of the meaning of the life of Jesus, while 13% disagreed;
• Although 16% would have preferred that the film focus more on Christ’s life and teachings and less on the immediate events preceding the crucifixion, 62% are satisfied with the film the way it is;
• Sixty-two percent said the film is true to the Gospels, but 19% think that Mel Gibson imposed his own interpretation of events that may not be accurate.
Some still hold Jews of today responsible for the killing of Christ.
Last month, an ABC News PrimeTime poll, taken before the film’s
release, found eight percent of Americans agreeing that “all Jews
today bear responsibility for the death of Jesus.” In the present
survey, less than two percent agreed that, “…Jews alive
today, or Jewish institutions that exist now, should be held responsible
for the death of Christ.” Observed Sid Groeneman, a survey consultant
who worked on the IJCR poll: “There are several possible reasons
for the difference: First, the questions were not worded the same way: ‘should
be held responsible’ seems stronger -- possibly conveying that
retribution is necessary – than the wording ‘bear responsibility
for’. Second, the polls were taken at different times – the
ABC News poll, before the film’s release; the IJCR poll, 9-13 days
after the release. There was tremendous coverage of the film in the media,
and millions had a chance to see the movie, read reviews, and discuss
it with others. Some people’s opinions about Jewish responsibility
might have changed, with fewer people blaming Jews, as the IJCR poll
suggests. Both polls produce a smaller figure than many expected.”
Already, 16% of American adults have seen the film. Of those who hadn’t
seen “The Passion” at the time the survey was conducted,
56% said they plan to see film. Combined with those who have seen the
film already, this projects to a total audience of 64% of U.S. adults,
about 135 million viewers, plus unknown additional millions under 18
who will see the movie.
The findings cited in this release come from a poll conducted for the
Institute for Jewish & Community Research, an independent research
organization devoted to the study of contemporary Jewish life that
provides social science and policy research to the Jewish community,
philanthropic organizations, and the general community. The survey
was conducted March 5-9 by ICR (International Communications Research),
a leading polling firm that does work for ABC News and the Washington
Post.
Percentage estimates based on the full sample are accurate within plus
or minus 3.1 percentage points; for estimates based on those who saw
the film or are familiar with it, the range is plus or minus 3.7 points.
As in all surveys, other factors besides the sample size can affect
the accuracy of the results.