Jews for Jesus video of Christ at Auschwitz branded ‘beyond offensive’
Community leaders have reacted angrily to a Jews for Jesus video showing Christ being sent to the gas chambers in Auschwitz by a Nazi who describes him as “just another Jew”.
The three-minute black and white film shows Jews being sent either right for work detail or left to be gassed to death.
Jesus, who appears on screen in muted colour, is seen carrying a cross on his shoulders and is sent to the left by a Nazi who sends him on his way by snarling in German: “Just another Jew.”
The Board of Deputies’ Vice President Jonathan Arkush said: “To use the Holocaust as a promotional tool for any cause is beyond offensive. This is a crass attempt to court controversy at the expense of the victims of the Holocaust, and it should be treated with the disdain that such behaviour deserves.
“This cult seeks to prey on the most vulnerable to mislead about Judaism and divide families. Its utter disregard for the welfare of those to whom they seek to appeal is transparently clear.”
The Anti-Defamation League’s Abraham H. Foxman said: “The Jews for Jesus video is a cynical abuse of the Holocaust for purposes of proselytising. It is deeply offensive not only to Jews who lost family members in the Holocaust, but also to Christians who would not want to see images of Jesus used for propaganda or shock value.”
Keep community journalism free.
Jewish News is free for everyone. No paywall. No barriers. Just trusted journalism for anyone who wants to stay connected to Jewish life in Britain.
If you value that, please support us.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help keep our journalism free and accessible to all.
Every day, we report on the issues that matter to our community. We celebrate achievements, support charities, challenge antisemitism and ensure Jewish voices are heard more widely.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help us continue to:
- Report on the stories shaping Jewish life in the UK and beyond
- Bring our community together through shared stories, events and campaigns
- Celebrate the people, culture and moments that define our community
- Support organisations doing vital work across Jewish Britain
You can make a one-off donation or become a regular supporter. Every contribution helps keep our journalism free, independent and accessible to all.
If everyone who values Jewish News gave a small amount, it would make a real difference to our future.
