The ADC, Australia’s leading civil rights organisation countering hatred in all its forms, has slammed Larry David’s monologue on Saturday Night Live in which he joked about finding a date at a concentration camp. At one point, Larry David, discussing his obsession with women, wondered: “If I’d grown up in Poland when Hitler came to power and was sent to a concentration camp, would I still be checking out women in the camp? I think I would. The problem is, there are no good opening lines in a concentration camp” He then joked about approaching a fellow inmate, “‘How’s it going? They treating you OK? ‘You know, if we ever get out of here, I’d love to take you out for some latkes. You like latkes?’
Dr Dvir Abramovich, Chairman of the ADC, issued the following statement
“Once again, Holocaust exploitation and trivialisation has reached new lows. While we all appreciate the value of humour, and give comedians a lot of leeway, public figures should know better and realise that there are certain things that one should not joke about. The systemic extermination of millions of Jews and millions of others in the Holocaust is one. It is shocking that anyone, especially one who is Jewish, would think that it is appropriate to use the deaths of men, women and children in the concentration camps to generate punchlines. Comedians need to ensure that their satire, which often pushes the envelope, does not cross the line with remarks that are so deeply offensive and hurtful to Holocaust survivors who are still living with their loss and pain every day. Their suffering and hellish experiences should never be debased and degraded for the sake of cheap laughs. Such jokes diminish and dilute the real impact and meaning of the Shoah, and it is difficult to understand why the producers of SNL allowed this monologue to make it to air. We hope that the producers and Larry David see it in their heart to issue a formal apology.”
For further information please contact Dr Dvir Abramovich on 9272 5677.