Benazir Bhutto

Benazir Bhutto was many things: a political icon, a symbol of democracy, and, ultimately, a tragic figure. A Harvard and Oxford alumna, she was clearly well-educated, well-traveled, and well-intentioned. What she was not, however, was Jewish. Not even a little bit.

Her family, the Bhuttos, were a powerful and prominent political dynasty in Pakistan. Her father, Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, also served as Prime Minister. The family’s roots tracing back through Sindh to what is now India. Nowhere in that lineage, as far as we can tell, is there a menorah in the window or a gefilte fish recipe.

While her commitment to democracy and her fight against authoritarianism are commendable, and certainly kvell-worthy achievements for anyone to claim, she was, in every measurable way, a devout Muslim. Thus, we must regretfully inform you that Ms. Bhutto, despite her many accomplishments, does not add to our tribe's numbers.