CRITICS ARE GOING TOO FAR
Guest Commentary /Andrew H. Tarsy and James L. Rudolph
Newton TAB, MA
Oct 2 2007
There has been a lot of misinformation surrounding the matter of ADL
and the Armenian Genocide, a time in history that still haunts many
in the Armenian-American community. The Anti-Defamation League has
never denied the historical facts of these massacres and atrocities,
and recently referred to this chapter in history as "genocide." Yet
some continue to attack our successful community programs. We think
it is time to clarify the record and to reassert the value that ADL
brings to the people of our region.
In August, Armenian-Americans and other local activists pressed ADL
on why we referred to this dark chapter in history as atrocities
and massacres, but not as genocide. It is well known that ADL’s
New England office raised the issue with our national organization,
and that we went through a very public discussion of the issue. In a
matter of days, ADL released its "Statement on the Armenian Genocide"
using the word genocide where ADL had not done so in the past. This
change in our position was welcomed by ADL critics and partners alike.
In all of our anti-hate programs, we classify genocide as the ultimate
crime against humanity, which underscores the significance we attach
to our use of that word. It was then and remains now our belief that
ADL confronted the moral issue and did the right thing.
We had hoped that our statements and actions would clear the way
for the diverse communities of greater Boston to move forward,
better understanding one another’s differences. In recent days,
however, whether at public meetings or in encounters with friends
and acquaintances, we are hearing a consistent refrain: "You did the
right thing; why are some people still attacking ADL?"
People want to know why some activists are directing their efforts
against ADL’s No Place for Hate, a program intended to help communities
celebrate respect for differences. They are asking why with a long
record of achievement in anti-bias work, ADL’s suitability as a
community partner is being questioned and why we are getting ultimatums
about supporting a particular resolution in the United States Congress.
>From where we sit, it looks increasingly like an organized campaign to
blur the line between the moral issue of acknowledging the genocide and
the political issue of the Congressional resolution – with the many
good people who have worked with us for years caught in the middle
trying to do the right thing. The result has been the potential for
the unnecessary loss of a valuable program and partnership for several
area communities.
No Place for Hate provides a unique vehicle for communities to
organize positive local efforts to improve safety and quality of
life for residents. Prior to initiating the ADL program, nearly
half of the more than 50 participating communities had no town- or
citywide diversity or anti-bias program in place. Through No Place
for Hate, municipal leaders, educators, police officers, parents and
students have achieved meaningful results in full partnership with
ADL experts. We work very hard at the local level and take great
pride in what is accomplished in every city and town.
It is unreasonable, and ultimately harmful for communities, to
turn their backs on a program that has made such a difference for
residents. It would be wrong to do so because of a political demand
that ADL support a particular resolution before Congress over which
there have been legitimate and substantive differences of opinion
during the many years it has been under consideration.
The Anti-Defamation League has a broad local agenda in the months ahead
such as seeking stronger state action against hate crimes; advocating
for immigration reform; and helping area schools confront student
"cyberbullying," the latest form of hate and harassment. This is also a
time when dangerous forms of anti-Semitism have grown stronger around
the world. We are looking forward to moving ahead with our entire
mission, together with all of our friends and partners. It is time
for the misinformation to stop and to return the focus to the hard
work of fighting hate and promoting diversity.
Andrew Tarsy is the regional director and James Rudolph is the regional
board chairman of the Anti-Defamation League, New England Region.