PRESS RELEASE
Date: August 28, 2007
Armenian National Committee of South Florida
931 NE 48th Street, Oakland Park, FL 33334
Contact: Albert Mazmanian
Tel: 561-628-8982
Congressional Candidate Dr. Benjamin Graber’s Calls Upon
ADL to Support H. Res. 106
FORT LAUDERDALE, FL ` Following the controversies surrounding the
Anti-Defamation League (ADL) and the historicity of the Armenian
Genocide, Dr. Benjamin Graber, Candidate for U.S. Congress Florida
District 19, Democrat, in a powerful statement, welcomed ADL’s
recognition of the Armenian Genocide, but urged them to support the
current Armenian Genocide resolution in Congress (H. Res 106).
Graber also blasted opponent Rep. Robert Wexler’s justification of
his denial by invoking the position of the ADL and other Jewish
organizations, reported the Armenian National Committee of Florida.
"We welcome Dr. Graber’s statement in response to the recent
actions that have been taken by the ADL," commented ANC of Florida
Chairman Albert Mazmanian. "The ANC of S. Florida is still
disappointed that the National ADL still opposes the Armenian
genocide legislation currently in Congress."
The Anti-Defamation League, under pressure from a national campaign
of protests initiated by the Armenian National Committee of Eastern
Massachusetts, and supported by leading voices in the Jewish
American community, reversed its longstanding policy of complicity
in Turkey’s denial of the Armenian Genocide. Unfortunately, the
National ADL still believes lobbying for legislation recognizing
this historical fact is "counter productive."
The Turkish government and the lobbying efforts of certain Jewish-
American organizations have heavily influenced politicians such as
Wexler who have notoriously opposed the Armenian Genocide
resolutions for several years. As a result, the continuous neglect
of the concerns of Wexler’s increasing Armenian constituency has
sparked an intense campaign to unseat him in the coming elections.
"Congressman Robert Wexler, who has taken the lead in Armenian
Genocide denial in the U.S. Congress, should be ashamed to use
Jewish organizations as the basis of his decision-making," stated
Graber. His statement, as a descended of Holocaust survivors and as
a moral political candidate, is welcomed with much enthusiasm by
the Armenian community in South Florida.
Citing the Scriptures for being "a light unto the nations" (Isaiah
42:6), and setting "an example of tolerance, love, respect and
conscience to all the people," Mr. Graber described Wexler’s
"illogical position" on the Armenian Genocide as "sinful."
"Most Jews in America would denounce that [Wexler’s] action as has
been so courageously demonstrated by the action in New England,"
said Benjamin Graber. Furthermore, Graber called on to the ADL to
"support H. Res. 106 in recognition of the Armenian Genocide."
The Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) is the largest
and most influential Armenian American grassroots political
organization. Working in coordination with a network of offices,
chapters, and supporters throughout the United States and
affiliated organizations around the world, the ANCA actively
advances the concerns of the Armenian American community on a broad
range of issues.
####
====================================
Graber’s full text
When Congressman Robert Wexler tried to justify denying the
Armenian Genocide he invoked the position of the ADL and other
Jewish organizations. This in my opinion was sinful. He was using
them as an excuse for his illogical position. The Jewish people
are a people of antiquity. The scriptures state that they should be
"a light unto the nations" and set an example of tolerance, love,
respect and conscience to all the peoples of the world. As the
people who have suffered the ill will of mankind since history has
been recorded it is clear that the moral fiber of The Jewish People
has been sculpted through generations of maltreatment by the
world. Despite this history, Jews are benevolent, educated,
successful and philanthropic. I am proud to be a Jew. I am proud
that the ADL has taken the position that is right, which is to
recognize the Armenian Genocide and show intolerance to any form of
genocide against any people. The Jews as a light unto the world
should take the lead in condemning this form of behavior and help
teach tolerance and love of neighbor as the Holy Scriptures
prescribe. Congressman Robert Wexler who has taken the lead in
Armenian Genocide denial in the U.S . Congress should be ashamed to
use Jewish Organizations as the basis of his decision-making. Most
Jews in America would denounce that action as has been so
courageously demonstrated by the action in New England. I commend
the Jewish Community in Boston and elsewhere for standing up for
what is right. The Armenian Genocide must be recognized .To do less
would only encourage those who wish to erase their genocidal
histories from our memory. I strongly encourage the ADL to support
H. Res. 106 in recognition of the Armenian Genocide and work side
by side with human rights activists to see the resolution pass.
-Ben Graber, M.D. Candidate for U.S. Congress Florida District 19,
Democrat.
####
Photo Caption
Ben Graber speaking at an ANC of S. Florida function in early
August