JEWS WANT TO PARTICIPATE IN DECISION MAKING

A1+
[02:23 pm] 24 September, 2007

"We have received no congratulation from the RA authorities on this
great holiday. Despite the authorities’ indifference, we are punctual
tax-payers and RA citizens," Rima Varjapetyan, the head of Jewish
community in Armenia, told A1+.

A few days ago the community celebrated Rosh Hashanah -Jewish New Year
in Armenia. One of the popular practices of the holiday is Tashlikh
("casting off").

They walk to flowing water, such as a creek or river, in the afternoon
and empty their pockets into the river, symbolically casting off
their sins.

On the whole, the Jewish community is content with the country’s
attention to national minorities.

"We would like to participate in decision makings and various actions
in Armenia. Unfortunately, so far we have been denied participation,"
Rima Varjapetyan said.

The Jews support Armenians in everything, especially in the recognition
of the Genocide. In this regard they even came into conflict with
the Jewish community of Azerbaijan.

"They attempt to support Azerbaijan in view of the Karabakh conflict
resolution and intervene in its recognition. But I am more than
convinced that they do it forcibly, against their will," says the
head of Jewish community in Armenia

According to Ms. Varjapetyan the two communities had better undertake
a peacekeeping mission to promote dialogue between the two countries.

It is due to mention that the Armenian Jewish community is comprised
of 300 members. Most of them live in Yerevan, Vanadzor and Gyumri. The
community has carried out different cultural programmes over the past
16 years.