Oxford investigates anti-Jewish party theme

Ads for party called on invitees to bring a "fit [attractive] Jewish girl" and come in appropriate "Jewish guise."

By JONNY PAUL, THE JERUSALEM POST, LONDON
oxford 88 (photo credit: )
oxford 88
(photo credit: )
The University of Oxford has promised to investigate a report about a party that took place on its campus that was deemed offensive to Jewish students. Members of the squad of the Oxford University Rugby Club last week hosted a party which called on invitees to bring a "fit [attractive] Jewish girl" and come in appropriate "Jewish guise." In a statement, Oxford said, "The university is currently investigating a report about inappropriate and unacceptable behavior by two or three students. We cannot comment directly on the case, as we have yet to establish the facts." The university said it "very strongly condemns racial stereotyping. The university reaffirms its commitment to promoting good race relations and condemns any form of religious discrimination." One Jewish student said, "No one would have dreamed of organizing an evening of 'Bring a fit Asian.' People may think this type of behavior is almost expected of rugby players, but it needs to be stamped out." Following a number of complaints to campus chaplain Rabbi Aaron Katchen, the Student Union got involved and the organizers agreed to change the theme. However, it was reported that a couple of students turned up in offensive outfits that included the use of moneybags, beards and side-locks. "It was an insensitive thing to do and enhances a feeling of vulnerability among Jewish students in a university which is normally extremely supportive to Jewish students," another Jewish student at the university said. Last year, the captain of the rugby team at the University of London's School of Oriental and African Studies was forced to apologize to fellow students after inviting students to an "English party." The rugby team was accused of racism after sending out an invitation to the event, promising "no bongos, shisha pipes or Arabic music." However, the team said it was only trying to make a joke out of how so many social events at the university had ethnic and multicultural themes.