Checkmate- ADL Reverses Stance- It's Genocide

The ADL headquarters has just released a statement that they are indeed calling the Armenian Genocide by its proper term. However, they still will not back the Congressional Bill supporting the Armenian Genocide resolution. While the Armenian community does not need the blessing of the ADL to validate the historical integrity of the Armenian Genocide, it is a small step in making self-proclaimed human rights organizations accountable.

The obvious view here is that Abe Foxman and Glen Lewy, the two heads of the National Anti-Defamation League (ADL) were caught in a checkmate. They lost support from their own Jewish community, the greater public, and the press. Thus, the ADL had no where else to turn. Granted, their Turkish "Sugar Daddy", Abdullah Gul will be none too happy. It shows the power and effectiveness of grass roots activism in that a small community of local Armenians put the game into play, got the media on-board, and then showed the hypocrisy involved.

Kudos to the Boston area Armenians, Joey Kurtzman of Jewcy, and all activists who pushed for the ADL to begrudgingly accept and acknowledge history.

Statement from Abraham Foxman, ADL Headquarters:

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.

I have consulted with my friend and mentor Nobel Laureate Elie Wiesel and other respected historians who acknowledge this consensus. I 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.

I can't wait to see what Round Two will bring...