AHN – All HEadline News
Oct 19 2007
U.S. Jews Put in the Middle of Armenian Genocide Resolution
October 19, 2007 6:41 a.m. EST
Isabelle Duerme – AHN News Writer
Lexington, Mass. (AHN) — The recently-proposed resolution condemning
the Turks of genocide to the Armenians has found itself to be a cause
of a cultural and political dilemma for U.S. Jewish communities.
U.S. Jews have been reportedly struggling to find their place between
their loyalty to Israel – a key ally of Turkey – and their commitment
to fight against genocide.
"It’s hard to talk about it because there are two things or more in
conflict here," the New York Times quoted Rabbi David Lerner. He
stated on one hand the importance to Israel of Turkey’s allegiance
and, on the other hand, the subject of genocide as "a burning issue"
in the history of the Jewish people.
Members of Turkey’s Jewish community have also been reportedly
fearing for their safety, as the accusation of Turkey committing
genocide on the Armenians have further angered the Turks.
"There have been insinuations that our security and well-being in
Turkey is linked to the [resolution’s] fate," Bloomberg quoted Jewish
leaders from a Washington Times ad, calling for the resolution’s
rejection.
Turkish Foreign Minister Ali Babacan explained that Turkey’s
perception is that the Jews and the Armenians are hand-in-hand,
trying to defame the country.
The resolution proposed by U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi called for
the condemnation of Turkey for committing genocide on the Armenian
people a century ago. The resolution has ignited the anger of Turkey,
and has gathered negative comments from members of Congress.
While the resolution’s power of influence has started to fade, it has
left a stinging feeling on the Turkish government, causing the
pullout of Turkish ambassadors from Washington and the threat to
deprive the U.S of important logistical support for the Iraq war, as
reported by the New York Times.