2007.07.20 -- Statement Issued by Twelve Jewish Organizations in Boston in Support of the New England Chapter of ADL

Community Statement on Armenian Genocide
(Boston, August 20)

As leaders of Jewish organizations in Greater Boston, we support the decision of the New England Chapter of ADL and its Director, Andrew Tarsy to recognize the genocide perpetrated against Armenians from 1915 to 1918.

We must never forget the Armenian genocide and maintain our guard against those who deny its occurrence. We stand with them and in support of the local Armenian community, who like the Jews, have suffered greatly at the hands of others.

On so many issues, the ADL has a long history and noteworthy track record of addressing human rights affecting not only Jews, but many other communities and continues to play a critical role in building understanding and relationships among diverse communities.

While we recognize that precarious and complex political considerations may have played a part in the National ADL policy on this particular issue we, the undersigned organizations in the greater Boston area, support the Regional Office in its decision as it stands in solidarity with our local Armenian community. We urge national ADL to reconsider their position on this issue.

Signed: as of 10:30 p.m. on August 20th
(in formation)

Action for Post-Soviet Jewry
Bureau of Jewish Education
Combined Jewish Philanthropies
Congregation Kehillath Israel
The David Project
Hillel Council of New England
Jewish Alliance for Law and Social Action
Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Boston
Jewish Family Service of Metrowest
Keshet
Friends of the New England Holocaust Memorial
Russian Community Association of Massachusetts
Temple Emanu-El—Haverhill
Union for Reform Judaism, North East Council