Jewish support for Armenians

Re “‘Never again’ for Armenians too,” Opinion, May 1

I agree that even as we acknowledge Turkey’s historic friendship and support for causes we care about, we as Jews must also urge that nation to acknowledge a historic wrong and move forward on “the path to political legitimacy.” But Daniel Sokatch and David N. Myers should also have named the pain that throbs so deeply in the heart of the Jewish community. Next month marks 40 years of the Israeli occupation of the West Bank and Gaza, and someday we too will be called to account for violence committed in our name.

CLAIRE GORFINKEL

Altadena

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Contrary to Sokatch’s and Myers’ assertions, the American Jewish Committee (AJC) did not line up in support of Turkey. The AJC has a formal association agreement with the Turkish Jewish community; to disregard the community’s request that its message reach Capitol Hill would have been irresponsible. Our sole intent was to assure that Congress hears the voices of our brethren. At the same time, our relationship with Turkey allows us to ask difficult questions about the past. The AJC is also proud of our strong friendship with the local Armenian community, providing humanitarian aid to Armenian earthquake victims, building relationships with religious leaders and recognizing a shared tragic experience. The AJC plays a crucial role engaging all sides through diplomacy, recognizing the need to balance the narratives of history and imperatives of U.S. national interests.

SHERRY A. WEINMAN

President, American Jewish Committee Los Angeles

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As a religious leader who lives among many Armenians, I have talked to my neighbors about the pain they feel by being denied official recognition of the losses of their families. I am also proud to be represented by Rep. Adam B. Schiff, a Jew who is fighting for truth and justice for our Armenian neighbors. As Jews, we know what it feels like to have our history denied or questioned, and we have done a valiant job in fighting anti-Semitism and Holocaust denials. It is unconscionable that Jewish organizations are helping suppress the recognition of a tragic genocide. Denying the truth only serves to prolong the pain of the millions who have suffered.

Jewish tradition teaches that truth is the very foundation of our existence. Armenians deserve their truth to be acknowledged.

RABBI JOSHUA LEVINE GRATER

Pasadena