Florida Congressional Candidate Calls on ADL to Support Genocide Resolution

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla.-- Following the controversy 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."
Graber's full textWhen 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.