Jackie Mason suing Jews for Jesus
Comedian files lawsuit against missionary group for using his name and likeness in a pamphlet, saying he's 'as Jewish as a matzo ball or kosher salami'
The USD 2-million lawsuit seeks the immediate destruction of the pamphlet, which members of the missionary group have been handing out at various points around New York City.
"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," the 75-year-old comedian said in documents filed in state Supreme Court in Manhattan.
Founded in the 1970s, Jews for Jesus practices Judaism but regards Jesus as the Messiah.
'Pamphlet good-natured'
The pamphlets feature an image of Mason next to the words "Jackie Mason... A Jew for Jesus!?" with information inside that outlines the similarities between Jews and Christians.
"The pamphlet uses my name, my likeness, my `shtick' (if you will), and my very act, which is derived from my personality, to attract attention and converts," Mason said in an affidavit.
Susan Perlman, a spokeswoman for Jews for Jesus, said the pamphlet was "good-natured."
"Shame on him for getting so upset about this," she said Friday.
Mason has starred on Broadway and in films including "Caddyshack II."
