Journalist and filmmaker Simcha Jacobovici is suing anthropologist Joe Zias, who in recent years has been doing his utmost to disprove his provocative theories on early Christianity.
By Nir Hasson HAARETZ ISRAEL
Simcha Jacobovici. Photo by Maya Levin /
What is the scientific likelihood that the tomb of Jesus and his family is in the Jerusalem neighborhood of Talpiot? Is it possible that the original nails used in the crucifixion have been discovered in another cave, in the capital’s Abu Tor neighborhood?
These questions have recently crossed the desk of Petah Tikva District Court Judge Jacob Shienman in the libel suit brought by journalist and filmmaker Simcha Jacobovici. The latter has frequently shaken up the archaeological world with provocative theories about early Christianity. He is suing anthropologist Joe Zias, formerly of the Israel Antiquities Authority, who in recent years has been doing his utmost to disprove Jacobovici’s theories.
Zias has managed to persuade two senior Israeli archaeologists, who gave expert opinions defending Zias against the filmmaker. Jacobovici, for his part, says he has no problem with criticism of his work, but that Zias’ critiques have deteriorated into personal defamation and caused him massive financial damage.
Jacobovici, known for his TV series “The Naked Archaeologist,” became famous in recent years for three films he made about the earliest days of Christianity, one of which was done with producer James Cameron (“Titanic” and “Avatar” ). The films combine elements of archaeological research with Hollywood-style historical reconstructions and provocative scientific interpretations.
In his first film, “The Lost Tomb of Jesus” (2007), Jacobovici claimed that an ancient burial cave found during construction in Talpiot is the original tomb of Jesus and his family. The thesis was based on names inscribed on the small burial containers for bones, called ossuaries, found in the cave, and on statistical calculations that there could not have been another family in Jerusalem with names identical to those found on the containers.
What ever outcome of this case may be the announcement by Promised Messiah (as) will previal that Tomb of Jesus is in Kashmir. Day is approaching fast when every one will accept it. Inshallah