Izraelski premijer ispričao se kršćanima

Izraelski premijer Ehud Olmert javno se ispričao zbog šale na izraelskoj televiziji koja je uvrijedila kršćane.

Satire or just plain offence, remarks by late-night talk show host on an Israeli TV comedy programme has caused outrage amongst the Christian community.

Private broadcaster Channel 10 aired "The Tonight Show" with Lior Shlein last week, with a skit depicting the Virgin Mary as a pregnant teenager and Jesus as being too fat to walk on water.

The Vatican issued a statement denouncing the broadcast as an "offensive act of intolerance".

SOUNDBITE: Samoel Habeeb Catholic Church Priest at The Nativity Church saying (Arabic):

" The heads of churches, not just the Catholic church even the Muslim brothers, have united in solidarity on this and are calling on the Pope to deal with this case and to produce a practical solution in order to make sure such an action is not repeated again."

The television station assured the Israeli foreign ministry that the segment would not be aired again.

SOUNDBITE: Israeli Foreign Ministry Spokesman Yigal Palmour saying (English)

" The host of the show in question actually apologised on air in his programme last week. I think this whole issue should be considered as a closed incident."

The row has strained already tense ties between the Vatican and Israel, especially as Pope Benedict is planning to visit Israel in May, but is now reconsidering.

Tel Aviv residents though believe satire should have it's forum in today's society.

SOUNDBITE: Ereka Walters Resident Of Tel Aviv saying (English):

"Why does everyone have such a serious attitude about it its not necessary? We are made fun of on daily basis on half of the news stations in America and all over the world, we take it in stride, you have to take things in stride and its life. If you cant laugh at yourself then what can you do, how can you live?"

SOUNDBITE: Roni Sharon Resident Of Tel Aviv saying (English):

"Jesus probably had a Jewish mother, he probably was trying to study medicine he didn't do so well so he tried to run away from her and he took the shortest way which is over the water. Anyways if any comedians wants to laugh at him, we are allowed, we are Jewish and that's the way it is"

The show's chief editor, Avi Cohen said the the satire was never meant to hurt the feelings of Christian believers.

Neena Dhaun, Reuters.