Harvard student calls MK Livni 'smelly'
Harvard student asks MK Tzipi Livni why she is so smelly, causing uproar. Harvard Jewish Law Students Association: 'Idea Jews can be identified by their smell is anti-Semitic, revolting.'
The absurd transcript of what happened follows:
STUDENT: OK, my question is for Tzipi Livni, um, how is it that you are so smelly?
(panel looks confused)
STUDENT: Oh, it’s regarding your odor.
MODERATOR: I’m not sure I understand the question.
STUDENT: I’m question (sic) about the odor of Tzipi Livni, very smelly
The Harvard Jewish Law Students Association wrote a sharp condemnation of the Palestinian's remarks, saying that they evoked a classic anti-Semitic stereotype.
"We are writing to condemn what we view as blatantly anti-Semitic rhetoric," the article said, continuing "We demand a public apology to Ms. Livni, the Jewish students of HLS, and Harvard Law School at large. Further, we demand respectful behavior from students at our events in the future."
The letter then decried what it considered an anti-Semitic attack, saying, "Discussions about Israel cannot devolve into ad hominem attacks against Jews. A quick Internet search will show that the stereotype of 'the Jew' as 'smelly' or 'dirty' has been around since at least the 1800s. The Nazis promoted the idea that Jews 'smell' to propagandize Jews as an inferior people. The idea that Jews can be identified by a malodor is patently offensive and stereotypes Jews as an 'other' which incites further acts of discrimination. The fact that such a hate-filled and outdated stereotype reemerged at Harvard Law School is nothing short of revolting."
The incident was further decried by the president of the Middle East Law Students Association, Sahand Moarefy, in a statement on the Harvard Law Record: "I deplore any attack on individuals based on their race, religion, or cultural heritage."
After pressure, Husam apologized for his statements, claiming that he had no idea that accusing Jews of malodor was anti-Semetic and saying that he would never call someone a "smelly Jew."
Meanwhile, MK Tzipi Livni herself commented on the event, saying that she's happy with the results.
"A chain reaction has led to this remarkable result, whereby the University leadership was encouraged to release a public statement which denounces anti-Semitism and which prohibits these types of remarks."
