Mason sues Christians
Comic's fury over religious cartoons
Jackie Mason is suing Christian evangelical group Jews For Jesus over a pamphlet spreading their message.
The handout features a cartoon caricature of the rabbi-turned-comic, and the slogan: Jackie Mason, a Jew for Jesus!?
It argues that there’s no fundamental difference between Jews and gentiles, even though that’s the basis for Mason’s comic shtick. At the end of the pamphlet, right, the cartoon Mason says: ‘No difference? There goes my whole show’.
In a complaint filed in New York State Supreme Court, Mason said the publication had harmed him in his business to ‘an incalculable degree’ and seeks $2 million in damages.
He said: ‘While I have the utmost respect for people who practice the Christian faith, the fact is, as everyone knows, I am as Jewish as a matzo ball or kosher salami.’
Jews for Jesus executive director, David Brickner added: ‘Jackie may be as Jewish as a matzo ball, but Jesus is as Jewish as chicken soup.
‘It is our hope that this issue will not have to go through the courts, but this is a matter of freedom of speech and freedom of religion. We are not claiming Jackie Mason to be a Jew for Jesus. Of course, if he's interested, we're sure Jesus would welcome him as a follower.’
Published: 26 Aug 2006
