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An Open Letter to the New England Community
The following is the text of an advertisement appearing in various community newspapers across the New England region from August 22-24, 2007, including the Watertown Tab & Press, Arlington Advocate, Belmont Citizen Herald, Somerville Journal, Newton Tab, and the Boston Jewish Advocate.
In light of the heated controversy that has surrounded the Turkish-
Armenian issue in recent weeks, and because of our concern for the
unity of the Jewish community at a time of increased threats against
the Jewish people, ADL has decided to revisit the tragedy that befell
the Armenians.
We have never negated but have always described the painful
events of 1915-1918 perpetrated by the Ottoman Empire against the
Armenians as massacres and atrocities. On reflection, we have come
to share the view of Henry Morgenthau Sr. that the consequences
of those actions were indeed tantamount to genocide. If the word
genocide had existed then, they would have called it genocide.
We have consulted with Nobel Laureate Elie Wiesel and other
respected historians who acknowledge this consensus. We hope that
Turkey will understand that it is Turkey’s friends who urge that nation
to confront its past and work to reconcile with Armenians over this
dark chapter in history.
Having said that, we continue to firmly believe that a Congressional
resolution on such matters is a counterproductive diversion and will
not foster reconciliation between Turks and Armenians and may put
at risk the Turkish Jewish community and the important multilateral
relationship between Turkey, Israel and the United States.
Glen S. Lewy
Anti-Defamation League
National Chair |
Abraham H. Foxman
Anti-Defamation League
National Director |
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