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Robertson apologizes for remarks on Sharon
Associated Press
Published January 13, 2006
TEL AVIV, Israel - Christian broadcaster Pat Robertson has sent a letter apologizing for suggesting Ariel Sharon's massive stroke was divine punishment for pulling Israel out of the Gaza Strip.
Robertson's comments drew widespread condemnation from other Christian leaders, President Bush and Israeli officials, who canceled plans to include the American evangelist in the construction of a Christian tourist center in northern Israel.
In a letter dated Wednesday and marked for hand delivery to Sharon's son Omri, Robertson called the Israeli prime minister a "kind, gracious and gentle man" who was "carrying an almost insurmountable burden of making decisions for his nation."
"I ask your forgiveness and the forgiveness of the people of Israel," Robertson wrote.
Sharon, 77, suffered a devastating stroke Jan. 4 and remained hospitalized Thursday in critical but stable condition.
The day after Sharon's stroke, Robertson suggested he was being punished for pulling Israel out of the Gaza Strip last summer. The pullout was seen by many evangelical groups as a retreat from biblical prophecy of Jewish sovereignty over the area.
"God considers this land to be his," the Virginia Beach, Va., evangelist said on his TV program, the 700 Club. "You read the Bible, and he says "This is my land,' and for any prime minister of Israel who decides he is going to carve it up and give it away, God says, "No, this is mine."'
Despite the apology, it was doubtful Robertson would be brought back into the fold of the proposed Christian Heritage Center in the northern Galilee region, where tradition says Jesus lived.
Rami Levi, director of marketing for Israel's tourism ministry, said the government remains "outraged" by Robertson's remarks.
Israel's tourism minister, Abraham Hirchson, said Wednesday that Robertson's help was no longer welcome.
Levi said groundbreaking on the center could come early this year and the first buildings could be finished within two years.
[Last modified January 13, 2006, 01:47:08]
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