Corona Synagogue Facing Foreclosure Asks Mel Gibson For Donation, Fundraising Help

LOS ANGELES (CBS) — Will a Hollywood superstar hoping to rehabilitate his public image partner with a struggling Southland synagogue?

Board members of Congregation Beth Shalom in Corona reportedly extended a proposal to actor Mel Gibson to help them save their house of worship as a gesture that they said would refute Gibson's reputation for being anti-Semitic.

The synagogue completed the construction of its new $1.4 million facility in 2008, but quickly saw its donations plunge as the economy floundered and now faces foreclosure.

In a letter first obtained by TMZ.com, Congregation Beth Shalom president Bruce Williams asked Gibson to consider stepping in as their financial savior.

"Our proposal to you, Mr. Gibson, is since you have been cited as 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," the letter read.

"Today, Mr. Gibson, we offer you to be a Mensch and make a sizable contribution to our cause," the letter concludes.

A Gibson representative told TMZ they were unaware of the offer.

Among other projects, the Oscar-winning director has been linked to plans for a film about the life of Jewish hero Judah Maccabee.