It’s time to walk the talk…we can’t have it both ways

The Armenian Genocide has been a central theme in the development of the diaspora for over a century. It was clearly a unifying factor as almost all Armenian families have suffered terrible losses and have unique and personal stories. At the same time, the unpunished crime has left a dark cloud of frustration over our psyche. We have evolved from victims to survivors, activists and now canonized saints. A few weeks ago I wrote about our double-edged clan nature in this column. Our introspective nature makes it difficult to go beyond our cultural boundaries. Although integration into American society has increased our reach, we are generally an inward-looking people. There is a timeless saying: “If you want respect, you must offer it.” The generation of survivors gained respect as the main victims, driven from their homes and forced to rebuild in foreign lands. Their perseverance and tenacity ensured the eternal respect of subsequent generations and the empathy of a compassionate but distant world.

For those of us who succeeded that first generation, we have seen genocide institutionalized with specific terminology and codified into international law by the United Nations. It is a sad irony that the UN treaty is called the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide. The title is bold in its statement but hollow in practice. The convention was adopted in 1948, just a few years after Raphael Lemkin coined the term “genocide” (inspired in part by the Armenian experience), and was ratified by the vast majority of member states. The UN claims that this treaty should focus on the “prevention” and “punishment” of “crime,” but the reality is that there has been little prevention and even fewer examples of punishment. We have learned that even in the face of the most heinous crimes, consensus is difficult. If there had been prevention, we would not have been familiar with the Khmer Rouge in Cambodia, Rwanda, Darfur and Bosnia.

While Armenians have little control over the ongoing atrocities against humanity, we bear responsibility for our response. Unfortunately, our reaction was lukewarm at best and somewhat ambivalent. This is unacceptable and embarrassing. We constantly remind people of our tragedy and its unique place in history as one of the first genocides of modern times. It is also important to internalize that as a people affected by genocide, we have a responsibility to actively work to prevent genocide and to support other victims. In our demonstrations and public announcements, we are quick to proclaim phrases like “Never again” or “One forgotten genocide enables another.” Are these statements aimed only at Armenians and our tragedies or are they addressed to all of humanity? If the former, then we have learned very little about our responsibilities as human beings. If we believe in the latter, we must walk the talk because our past achievements have been distant.

For years we Armenians have heard it said that the Jewish community is responding leniently to our misfortune because it wants the Holocaust to continue to be associated with genocide. However, if this is true, then aren’t we, in some ways, guilty of the same behavior? We have an opportunity to improve our standing in the global community by pursuing our path to justice while adopting an international perspective on crimes against humanity. Give respect to gain respect. Take a stand.

There are many similarities between our two communities, yet the relationship remains somewhat mysterious. Ethnic and cultural relations in America are respectful, but Israel’s role has complicated our relationship. The American Jewish community has always played a critical role in the founding and development of the State of Israel. The current controversy over Israel’s illegal expansionist policies and the subjugation of Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank is being debated in the Jewish community and has caused divisions, but remains relatively seamless in the public eye. Apparently, their support for the State of Israel will always take precedence over all political issues.

Perhaps this is a learning opportunity for our community – an opportunity to show the difference between blatant anti-Semitism and disagreement with Israel’s policies. The Armenian community in America has developed good relations with its Jewish counterpart, yet Israel has exhibited unfortunate anti-Armenian behavior. Israel continues to refuse to officially recognize the Armenian Genocide. I would apply to Israel the same logic that I previously expressed regarding Armenians and other genocides. Jews suffered genocide and have a moral responsibility to support other victims. It is a shame to subordinate this responsibility to politics. There is no middle ground in genocide. Lack of recognition is denial.

The Israeli alliance with breakaway Azerbaijan has resulted in the deaths of Armenians and the loss of territory and is contrary to the interests of a peaceful Armenia. The issue of the Cows’ Garden patriarchal property in East Jerusalem is a convergence of many aggressive behaviors. The original transaction was illegal and at least reflects the incompetence of the patriarchy in managing these sacred properties. While the deal was eventually canceled and is being litigated in Israeli courts, the aggressive behavior of the Jewish developer, authorities and illegal settlers has forced the Armenian community into a defensive position to fend off the land grabbers. Physical attacks on Armenian clergy to forcibly confiscate property are clear attempts to circumvent due process and the rights of the Armenian community. These are serious breaches of trust. The Armenian community in America should make it clear to the Jewish community here that we will not accept Israel’s behavior toward Armenians. It is a clear example of the disconnect between false claims of anti-Semitism and Israel’s abusive policies toward Armenians.

It is vital to our political survival that Armenians shed outdated prejudices and join the modern world. The Kurds are among the most mistreated and betrayed people in the Middle East. The Kurds, spread across several nations, particularly Syria, Iraq, Iran and Turkey, were resilient and courageous, yet many Armenians still refer to the Hamidian massacres and genocide. Many Kurds have apologized for the crimes of their ancestors, and Syrian Kurds in particular have been active in defending the rights and lives of Armenians. During the campaign against the scourge of ISIS, the Kurds were ground forces allies of the United States. The alliance of US Air Force and brave Kurdish forces liberates large areas from ISIS terrorists. Many Kurds died defending US interests and others were massacred by invading Turks on the northern Syrian border. There was little reaction from the Armenian community in the United States. The Turks have killed hundreds of Kurds in southeastern Turkey and destroyed the elected political structure of Kurdish mayors and officials. The Syrian Kurds are the US’s allies and have defended the Armenians, yet we maintain old values ​​or remain silent.

The Israeli oppression of the Palestinians is another missed opportunity. The killing of thousands of civilian Palestinians in Gaza while forcing them out of “safe zones” and denying them basic human rights is a disgrace. How can we as Armenians call Artsakh a genocide and not apply the same standard to what is happening in Gaza and the West Bank? The Palestinians in the West Bank have been staunch friends of the beleaguered Armenian community. They both suffer the wrath of an oppressor who would like to see them go. As livelihoods are threatened and the Christian population declines, holy sites could become protected museum sites with a limited clerical presence. Why are Armenians so silent about the massacres of Palestinians? We should have compassion for the Jews killed by Hamas. It is unacceptable. What about the nearly 50,000 Palestinians killed, living in a virtual prison in conditions you wouldn’t wish on anyone? As we advocate for the rights of small nations, the rights of Palestinians must not be forgotten. Every nation, including Israel, has this right, but no nation can deny this right to others. Our concern begins with the God-given rights of all people.

By communicating openly and transparently on important issues, we can increase the quality and respect of our relationships with other communities. Is it better for us to reserve our views on Israeli politics and let informal and emotional criticism guide our thinking? Perhaps our Jewish friends would appreciate a direct and honest perspective. The Kurds opened the doors in Diyarbekir a few years ago and saved the Armenians in Syria. Isn’t it time to update our thinking? Isn’t that in our interest? Armenians should act as humanitarians in the Palestinian crisis and not as politicians. We have little to add politically. Armenia has taken the bold step of recognizing Palestine. Can the diaspora at least offer humanitarian empathy?

The world is in constant change. Relationships are dynamic and those with static views can be left in the dark. As Armenians, we have an inherent responsibility to fight injustice. It is also in our interest to expand our thinking. We expect the support and empathy of others, but are slow to offer our support. The intersection of our values ​​and interests with other tragedies requires us to stand up for the oppressed. Our silence limits our impact. We must never blur the lines between right and wrong.

Stepan Piligian grew up in the Armenian community of Indian Orchard, Massachusetts, in St. Gregory Parish. As a former member of the AYF Central Board, he is active in the Armenian community. He is currently a board member of the Armenian Heritage Foundation. Stepan is a retired executive in the computer storage industry and lives in the Boston area with his wife, Susan. For many years he volunteered as a teacher of Armenian history and contemporary issues to the young generation and adults in schools, camps and churches. His interests include the Armenian diaspora, Armenia, sports and reading.