CARTOON VIOLENCE SPREADS

KABBALAH FOLLOWERS CLASH WITH POLICE OVER BLASPHEMOUS
MADONNA CARTOON: HUNDREDS INJURED


Angry mobs in Istanbul destroyed
property and assaulted police



Violence was especially heavy in the
UK where Madonna is revered as the
patron saint of Kabbalah.


Madonna and Clark spoof
ignited the protest

(SOUR GRAPES GAZETTE)

A third day of unprecedented violence by followers of the ancient Jewish mysticism known as "kabbalah" has resulted in thousands of injuries and arrests.

The protest began when an Internet spoof site published a cartoon of cultural icon and Kabbalah missionary MADONNA. Although the cartoon was published months ago, kabbalahists, who are supposed to be slow to wrath and anti- violence, attempted to ignore it. However, mass distribution of the spoof via the Internet stirred up repressed resentment, resulting in mass demonstrations and rioting.

"Posting such images is idolatry as expressed in the Zohar, the ancient text discussing what God is. It is utter sacrilege and the idolators must be punished," said Los Angeles protest leader Yehuda Adlerstein. Several red-string-wearing B-list celebrities joined Adlerstein in setting fire to a Louis Vuitton store at the Beverly Center in Los Angeles.

Kabbalah, also known as" cabala" is, according to encyclopedia.com, an "esoteric system of interpretation of the Scriptures based upon a tradition claimed to have been handed down orally from Abraham. Beyond the specifically Jewish notions contained within the kabbalah, some scholars believe that it reflects a strong Neoplatonic influence, especially in its doctrines of emanation and the transmigration of souls."

In recent years. Kabbalah has enjoyed a growing popularity among Hollywood's elite such as Demi Moore, Ashton Kutcher and Lindsey Lohan as well as pop stars like Mick Jagger and Britney Spears.

Protests have now spread to thirteen countries and have resulted in over three billion dollars in property damage.

Oprah Winfrey expressed dismay at the events, saying that she felt deceived and that "I am sure glad I didn't pay the $26 bucks to buy one of those little red strings."