Cross-Purposes

Ben-Jhou-Bey is a 39-year-old Frenchman who makes a living in cabarets by eating fire and piercing his body with swords. He also claims the world's crucifixion record--15 days. "I crucify myself," he explains, "to prove that one does not feel pain if he sets his mind to it." He puts nails partially through his hands and feet, and an assistant completes the task. With Easter approaching, Ben-Jhou-Bey made plans for a crucifixion in Jerusalem's Independence Park. When he showed up with his 11-ft, by 7-ft. pine cross, however, Israeli police interfered. "Crucifixion is not allowed in Jerusalem," a police officer intoned gravely. "We had problems with one crucifixion. We don't want another."

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