‘Passion’ coming to Israel theater

Jerusalem — An Israeli movie theater plans to screen Mel Gibson’s “The Passion of the Christ,” a decision likely to raise an uproar in the Jewish state over accusations the movie is anti-Semitic.

The Tel Aviv Cinematheque is in final negotiations with Gibson’s production company for a one-time showing of the film in Israel, probably in a few months, cinema manager Alon Garbuz said.

The release of the movie in the United States sparked a debate over whether Jews bore responsibility for Jesus’ crucifixion. Rabbis in the United States warned the film would fuel anti-Semitism.

Garbuz said the cinematheque had been criticized for its decision to show the movie.

“I think that those who think that the film is anti-Semitic shouldn’t come see it,” he said. “No one has the moral duty to decide for the public what they can see.”

Big ship site of big-name benefit

New York — Beyonce, Harry Connick Jr. and Nathan Lane are among the performers lined up to belt out tunes from “South Pacific” today on the world’s largest cruise ship at a fund-raiser for Katie Couric’s colorectal research organization.

About 1,000 people will attend the event, which is expected to raise at least $4 million, said Couric, the co-host of NBC’s “Today” show. It will take place on the Queen Mary 2, which arrived Thursday in Manhattan for the first time.

Couric partnered with the Entertainment Industry Foundation in 2000 to found the National Colorectal Cancer Research Alliance after her husband died of colon cancer.

Taiwan may spurn Chan movie

Taipei, Taiwan — Jackie Chan’s next movie should be banned in Taiwan because of the actor’s remarks about last month’s presidential election, a senior ruling party lawmaker said.

At a news conference in Shanghai last month, the action star called Taiwan’s disputed election “the biggest joke in the world.”

“We want to propose a motion at the legislature to ask the government to ban showings of Jackie Chan’s new movie,” Parris Chang, a senior member of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party, said Thursday.

Chan’s latest Hollywood film, “Around the World in 80 Days,” is set to open in June on the island.

Queen takes a birthday ride

London — To celebrate her 78th birthday, Queen Elizabeth II appeared to her subjects in one of her favorite poses — on horseback.

In an official photograph released Wednesday to mark the occasion, the monarch is pictured with her daughter, Princess Anne, and granddaughter Zara Phillips.

Buckingham Palace said the three royal horsewomen were photographed over the Easter weekend at Windsor Castle west of London. The queen is seated on her favorite homebred mare, Tinkerbell, while Anne, 54, rides Peter Pan and Zara, 22, is on Tiger Lily.