But Chouraqui need not blush too much. The same week that his film debuted in New York, US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice stated during a visit to Bethlehem that the city was a model for reconciliation between the three great monotheistic faiths. Given the fact that Muslims have already driven out most of the Christians from this city - and have besieged the Jewish shrine of the Tomb of Rachel and rendered it a battle zone - it's hard to conceive of a more misleading statement.

Like the characters in O Jerusalem, Rice is said to have meant well.

But as students of history know, myths like these are the stuff of genuine tragedy.

The writer is executive editor of the Jewish Exponent in Philadelphia and a regular Post contributor. jtobin@jewishexponent