Critics are going too far

Guest Commentary /Andrew H. Tarsy and James L. Rudolph

Tue Oct 02, 2007, 12:45 PM EDT

Newton –

Newton – 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.

Source: lumnists/x751581792