The comedian Jackie Mason and Jews for Jesus executive director, David Brickner entered into an agreement arbitrated by Judge Richard Berman on December 4th at the United States District Court, Southern District of New York.

Said Brickner,

When we wrote and distributed the tract, "Jackie Mason: A Jew for Jesus?" we thought that he might enjoy our sense of humor. We were saddened that he felt personally hurt. It was an easy apology to write because Mason is a folk hero among the boomer generation. He is the typical Jewish grandfather with the kind of humor that we came to appreciate in our older relatives. It was not difficult to apologize for any distress Jackie Mason felt over the tract. We certainly didn't want anyone to think less of him.

"We're very pleased with the outcome. We continue to feel that satire and humor is one of the best ways in which to proclaim the Gospel. Hearing about Jesus should make people smile.

TEXT OF THE APOLOGY

Dear Mr. Mason:

I'm writing this letter to convey my sincere apologies for any distress that you felt over our tract, "Jackie Mason, A Jew For Jesus?" To me, and most of our Jews for Jesus staff, you project an image of a loving, caring, and wise Jewish grandfather. We appreciate your broad knowledge and your feeling for all things Jewish.

While the publishing of the evangelistic tract which featured you was one of hundreds of evangelistic pamphlets we regularly write and distribute as an expression of our religious beliefs and therefore is protected by our Constitution, we are willing in the interest of ahavat yisroel and shalom to retire this particular evangelistic tract.

Please accept our sincere good wishes for a Happy Hanukkah and a happy, healthy New Year.

Sincerely yours,