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“Never Again” Rings Hollow Again
I hate to be on such a self-hating kick, but the American Jewish community’s tepidity in supporting the Armenian community in their quest to get the Armenian genocide recognized by the United States is disgraceful. Yes, Turkey is a friend. No, it’s not one at any cost. There are certain things we cannot compromise on, and the willingness of groups like the ADL to barter away its principles does not speak well of its actual commitment to opposing genocide wherever, whenever.
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9 Responses to ““Never Again” Rings Hollow Again”
yeah, you’re really on a roll.
when did ‘never again’ refer to genocide in general and not specifically efforts targeting Jews? you may wish otherwise, but the ADL was formed to protect the interests of Jews, not the world as a whole. and it’s very understandable – and fine by me – that a group that views itself as being besieged in this world would choose to not alienate one of the few friends it has.
rallying around victims of a long-ago genocide is a nice high minded principlebut for most people, protecting themselves and their loved ones takes priority.
Abe did an about-face. ADL just reversed it’s stance.
ADL Press release
IHT article
Ynet link
Definately over the top there Steve.
So your saying that the ADL should disband? After all, Auschwitz was a long-ago genocide wasn’t it?
No the ADL should not disband, as they exist to look out for jews today, and not as some librarian of the past.
Are you serious? “Never again” was never meant to mean anything except genocide against the Jews?
Nobody I have ever seen quoting “never again” has taken that position, and for excellent reason.
Once again, your perspective on Judaism is not one that I (nor anybody in my synagogue) would find recognizable. I feel fortunate that it also is a distinct minority view, as Idiosyncrat pointed out, the ADL has partially reversed its position under strong grassroots pressure from the Jewish community (I wouldn’t say they’ve completely turned about, as they still oppose the congressional resolution. But its a start, and it shows the strength and direction of mainline Jewish opinion on the issue).
Also, from the ADL website, it seems you’re wrong about them being formed solely as provincial advocates for Jews and Jews alone:
“The immediate object of the League is to stop, by appeals to reason and conscience and, if necessary, by appeals to law, the defamation of the Jewish people. Its ultimate purpose is to secure justice and fair treatment to all citizens alike and to put an end forever to unjust and unfair discrimination against and ridicule of any sect or body of citizens.” (ADL Charter, October 1913)
“ADL is perhaps best known as America’s preeminent organization fighting anti-Semitism and all forms of bigotry, prejudice and discrimination.” (ADL: Civil Rights Division)
These are not just words. The ADL has consistently intervened in situations whose linkage to the direct safety of the Jewish community is tangential, at best, but pose threats to the core values and commitments of Judaism. For example, in 2007, the ADL filed amici briefs supporting the Seattle and Louisville desegregation plans (the Parents United case) and opposing the Congressional “partial-birth abortion” ban (Gonzalez v. Carhart).
Like most Jews, both I and the ADL recognize that hatred and bigotry anywhere, towards anyone, threatens Jews. The Armenian genocide is, ironically, a case in point, as Hitler saw that Turkey got away with its brutal slaughter and reasoned he would pay no cost for similar actions towards the Jews (“who today remembers the Armenians”, he was quoted as saying). But even if we had literally no bodily stake in the conflict, the ADL’s Jewish commitments would still oblige it to act, because part of being Jewish means not tolerated injustice perpetuated by anyone, against anyone, for any reason. We are committed to Tikkun Olam, and that cannot admit to a stance of neutrality or detachment when the issue is genocide denial.
yeah, I sure all the jews who contribute money and support the ADL are doing so with the idea of their money going to protect, for example, people in Darfur. your views, while nice and idealistic, just aren’t shared by the majority. sure, they may say they agree with you in public, but deep down….
David Harris represents the AJC, a Jewish organization with responsibilities that overlap with the ADL.
Some commenters need to go educate themselves, as most Jewish non-profits serve the general community.
Here are a few of them:
ADL: http://www.adl.org/
AJC: http://www.ajc.org/
AJWS: http://www.ajws.org/
JDC: http://www.jdc.org/