WASHINGTON, March 24 (UPI) -- Mel Gibson's movie "The Passion of the Christ" has actually lessoned anti-Jewish feelings, a poll indicated.
"The film and perhaps even more the discussions about the film are having something of a positive effect," said Gary Tobin, president of the Institute for Jewish Community Research, which conducted the survey.
"Some Jewish and Christian leaders have been understandably worried that the film might unleash a wave of hostility toward Jews ... but that does not appear to be happening," he told CNSNews.com, a Christian online service.
Only 2 percent of a sample group of 1,003 American adults blamed the Jews for Christ's crucifixion. On the other hand, 9 percent declared after watching the film they are even less likely to hold today's Jews responsible for Jesus' death.
A majority of 83 percent said the film had no impact whatsoever on the extent to which they feel contemporary Jews should be blamed.
