This article appeared in the March 25, 2004 Jewish Advocate.

In factual fantasy, author calls for exoneration of ancient Jews

By Susie Davidson

Advocate Correspondent

A fictitious work on the crucifixion might seem curiously superfluous given the enormous existing debate on varied perceptions of the truth behind the death of Christ. Yet George LeMaitre’s new book, “Crucified Under Pontius Pilate: The Partially Recovered Memoirs Of His Beloved Wife Claudia,” is a knowledgeable and worthy effort based on extensive, heartfelt research. A vascular surgeon who has authored two medical books, LeMaitre read from his novel on March 31, from 7:30-9:30 p.m. at McIntyre & Moore Booksellers, 255 Elm St. in Davis Square.

Questions of responsibility for the crucifixion, LeMaitre states, are timely, given the current climate. The answers are elusive and, at best, speculative in nature. But the book, which tells the story of the shadowy Roman ruler Pontius Pilate through his wife, Claudia Procula, exonerates the Jewish people. “This is a novel of guilt and responsibility for the death of Christ, of a cold war between two great nations, of the life of a people dominated by a great nation, of two people married for fifty years, and the intense relationship they shared,” he explains. “Pilatus and Claudia are, in a real sense, every man and every woman. Their lives, their country, their trials, their strengths and weaknesses are repeated down through the centuries.”

LeMaitre, a native of Lawrence who lives in Andover with his wife and five children, graduated from Tufts Medical School and serves as chairman of the board of an international vascular device company. His research on Christ was sparked by an interest in ancient Rome; from there, he studied the situation in the Middle East of the time, and Rome's domination of the area. “By coincidence, Rome was in a cold war status versus Parthia, an empire east of Palestine in an area which now includes Iraq and Iran,” he notes.

While researching the book, Dr. LeMaitre traveled several times to Italy, Israel, Turkey, Bethlehem, the Sea of Galilee and other areas in the Middle East. He consulted with a professor of religious studies at Yale as well as Helen Bond, an author and professor of religious studies at Edinburgh University, and an expert on Pontius Pilate.

In a submitted op-ed piece to area newspapers, LeMaitre condemned Mel Gibson's “The Passion.” “While it is impossible to say what the movie is truly all about, one thing is clear,” he said. “Gross scenes of torture, showing a battered actor covered with red-tinged fluid to resemble blood, are something we Christians do not feel is necessary. My Jewish brethren feel the same way. It will inevitably lead to greater and greater feelings of anti-Semitism.” He expressed shock at the Boston Pilot’s support of the film and called on the two million Catholics in the archdiocese of Boston to boycott it.

LeMaitre recently spoke at Temple Emanuel in Andover, where 158 members of the congregation, including Rabbi Bob Goldstein, remained for two hours with questions and discussion.

“Quite clearly, his perspective is a Christian one, though at times a bit unorthodox,” comments Dr. Andre Ungar, Rabbi of Temple Emanuel, Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey. “But his overall command of that segment of Jewish, Roman and Greek realities is truly breathtaking, and his ability to recreate Jewish attitudes, feelings, fears, and loyalties is indeed admirable. There is a generosity of spirit in evidence on every page, and I am touched by it, and very thankful for it.”

“When one reads the book, they come to know the warm relationship that blossoms between Pontius and Claudia and the ancient Jews of Judea,” he says. “I have blended fact, fiction and fantasy.”

Admission is free for “Crucified Under Pontius Pilate,” a reading by George LeMaitre, on Wednesday, March 31, 7:30-9:30 p.m. at McIntyre & Moore Booksellers, 255 Elm St. in Davis Square, Somerville, near the Red Line. Wheelchair accessible. For information call 617-629-4840 or email info@mcintyreandmoore.com. For more information on LeMaitre’s work, please visit www.pontiuspilate.net. Light refreshments will be served.