Tunisian Lawmaker Apologizes for Offending Jews With Derogatory Word
by Algemeiner Staff
A Tunisian lawmaker has apologized for offending Jews at a parliamentary meeting, an Arabic language media outlet reported earlier this week.
According to the Nessma TV report — which was highlighted by the popular pro-Israel Elder of Ziyon blog on Wednesday — MP Abu al-Hanaa used the phrase “hashakim Jews” during a legislative debate. In Arabic, “hashakim” precedes an objectionable word.
After being condemned for her words, al-Hanaa said she was sorry for what she called a “slip of the tongue.”
“I respect all religions,” she said.
At its peak before World War II, Tunisia’s Jewish population totaled around 100,000. Less than 2,000 Jews remain in Tunisia today.