evangelist Pat Robertson asked "forgiveness" for suggesting that the veteran politician’s medical condition was God’s punishment for pulling Israel out of the Gaza Strip.
"Several days ago I made some remarks on [my television program] The 700 Club, which I realize now were totally inappropriate and insensitive in light of the situation," Robertson said in a videotaped message monitored by BosNewsLife.
"I have written the son of prime minister Ariel Sharon to express my apologies and to ask for his forgiveness for what I said," he added. In the letter to Omri Sharon, dated Wednesday, January 11 and seen by BosNewsLife, Robertson said he wanted to extend his "profound sympathy and condolences over the tragic illness of your father."
Robertson stressed he had "the privilege" of meeting Ariel Sharon "in his office and praying with him about a year ago," following a previous meeting in Jerusalem. He described the Israeli leader as a "gracious and gentle man" who he claimed "was carrying an almost insurmountable burden of making decisions" for his nation.
ASKING FOR FORGIVENESS
"I ask your forgiveness and the forgiveness of the people for remarks I made at the time concerning the writing of the holy prophet Joel and his view of the inviolate nature of Israel."
Robertson referred to a controversial segment of The 700 Club, aired by his Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN) the day after Sharon’s stroke, in which he suggested the prime minister was being punished for pulling Israel out of the Gaza Strip last summer.
The pullout was seen by some Evangelical groups as a retreat from a Biblical prophecy of Jewish sovereignty over the area.
"God considers this land to be his," Robertson reportedly said on The 700 Club. "You read the Bible and He says ‘This is my land,’ and for any prime minister of Israel who decides he is going to carve it up and give it away, God says, ‘No, this is mine,’" he added at the time.
STRONG "ISRAEL SUPPORTER"
Explaining his previous comments, Robertson said he had been "one of the strongest" supporters of Israel in the last three decades.
"Right now, I see looming in the distance grave threats against the nation of Israel, not only from militants in Hamas and Hezbollah and the nuclear ambitions of the leaders of the nation of Iran, but also the virulent anti-Semitism which is so frequently expressed throughout the Muslim world, Europe and the United Nations." He said he was praying for the security of Israel. "When I speak, it is always as a friend."
In a first reaction, Israel’s ambassador to the United States said his country had accepted an apology from Robertson and said he planned to speak with the Christian leader.
Israeli Ambassador Daniel Ayalon told the Jewish Telegraphic Agency (JTA) that Robertson had taken to heart the outrage over his comments. "I felt he was very sincere. He is a great friend of Israel," Ayalon said.
CHRISTIAN THEME PARK
Ayalon said he expected that Robertson will again be allowed to participate in a project to build a Christian theme park in Israel. The proposed Christian Heritage Center was to be constructed in the northern Galilee region, where the Bible says Jesus lived and taught.
The planned complex, if approved, would reportedly include studios and satellite links for live broadcasts from the area. Several Israeli officials, including Tourism Minister Abraham Hirchson, said earlier that Robertson would be excluded from the lucrative project.
Rami Levi, director of marketing for Israel’s Tourism Ministry, said the government remains "outraged" by Robertson’s remarks. But he said he wanted to separate Robertson from other evangelicals as "the Christian community around the world — the evangelical community — are our friends."
However Robertson apologies seemed to have opened the door for renewed cooperation with the evangelist, whose media empire, analysts say, is crucial for raising funds. The theme park would draw as many as 1 million visitors and generate $1.5 billion annually, according to Ministry of Tourism figures.
SOURCE OF REVENUE
Christian groups have become an important source of revenue. Evangelicals reportedly funnel millions of dollars each year to Jewish settlers in the West Bank and other areas while providing aid for those evicted from Gaza. The controversy over Robertson’s remarks came amid reports that doctors in Jerusalem’s Hadassah-Ein Kerem were increasingly concerned about Prime Minister Sharon’s failure to wake up from his induced coma.
Hadassah spokesman Ron Krumer told reporters there is no firm timeline for when Sharon should open his eyes. "This is something that differs from one patient to another," he said. Aides have however suggested that whatever happens they do not believe Sharon will be able to return to power.
On Thursday, January 12. United States President George W. Bush telephoned Acting Prime Minister Ehud Olmert to express Washington’s support for Israel at this "difficult time," the Prime Minister’s Office told BosNewsLife in a statement. "I wanted to tell you that our hearts are with Ariel Sharon, his family, his friends and the entire Israeli people. We know that this is a difficult time for you and I will do whatever I can to help," Bush was quoted as saying. (With BosNewsLife News Center and reports from Israel and the United States).
