maximum reverse voltage applied to a resistor-LED configuration

Consider the simple circuit below:

^{simulate this circuit – Schematic created using CircuitLab}

LED datasheet: link

Does the applying of a reversed 36 volts to this circuit damage the LED? Knowing that the maximum current that could flow into the LED is 36V/2kOhm = 18mA (the LED can withstand 30mA forward current)

The maximum reverse voltage is 5V. Does that mean that the LED will actually blow if I applied say only a reversed 5.1V on the input?

And in case the circuit is that sensitive to reverse voltage, what are the simplest way to protect this circuit from a reverse voltage?

EDIT: I actually tested the LED and it doesn't seem to be damaged by applying 30V in reverse(applied for several minutes). Also I connected an ammeter to measure the reverse current (Fluke 87V with uA accuracy) and it shows absolutely no current flow. So what's the deal ?