So it would seem that he would make an unusual target for a donation . . . from a synagogue.

But that is exactly what happened when Congregation Beth Shalom in Corona, California, tapped him up.

The congregation's president sent him a letter asking for help to prevent the synagogue from losing its building.

The letter, according to a Hollywood gossip site, said: "Our proposal to you, Mr Gibson, is since you have been cited as an Anti-Semitic, and have denied those allegations, what better way to prove to all your fans and the nay sayers than to endorse and help raise funds for our cause."

It went on to explain that the synagogue was grappling with a $1.6 million loan and the effects of the economic downturn on its members.

It concluded: "Mr Gibson, we offer you to be a Mensch and make a sizable contribution to our cause."

And the result? A representative for Gibson told the gossip site that he was not aware of the request!

Drew to join 'the tribe'?

TO WED: Will and Drew

ACTRESS Drew Barrymore has made a name for herself off-screen as well as on for her hell-raising behaviour.

So she's better keep her partying in check if rumours that she is converting to Judaism are true.

The American is engaged to Jewish Will Kopelman and wants to convert for him.

The couple are due to marry later this year in what is now expected to be a religious ceremony.

Drew has also apparently being helped by Jewish actor Adam Sandler.

Let's hope she gets the part . . .

Peach of a Jewish interest

MUSICIAN Thomas Cohen announced his engagement to TV presenter Peaches Geldof recently. And while he is Jewish, she isn't. But it seems that Peaches is more into Judaism than her fiancé is.

For British-born Thomas revealed this week that he isn't circumcised, doesn't want their future child - due in April - to be circumcised and isn't sure whether he wants a Jewish wedding ceremony.

But Peaches, whose paternal grandfather was Jewish, has a Star of David necklace and even knows which celebrities are Jewish.

Thomas wondered whether actor Dustin Hoffman was Jewish . . . much to Peaches' bemusement.

Seeing red over a black tomato

THEY'VE done it again! Yep, those clever Israeli scientists have developed a crossbreed tomato that is red on the inside - but black on the out.

And they say it may even be more nutritious - the unique pigment is concentrated in antioxidants and vitamin C, which boosts the immune system.

A great story that will definitely ripen in time.

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