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Armenian National Committee of Eastern Massachusetts
47 Nichols Avenue
Watertown, MA 02472
[email protected]
PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
August 15, 2007
Contact: Sevag Arzoumanian
Tel: 617-233-3174
WATERTOWN ENDS PARTNERSHIP WITH "NO PLACE FOR HATE"
-- Concerned by the Anti-Defamation League's
Denial of the Armenian Genocide, Town Council
Cuts Ties with Tolerance Program
WATERTOWN, MA - The Watertown, Massachusetts Town Council
unanimously voted on Tuesday, August 14, to rescind its affiliation
with the "No Place for Hate" anti-racism and tolerance promotion
program, citing statements denying the Armenian Genocide by Abraham
Foxman, National Director of the program's sponsor, the Anti-
Defamation League (ADL), reported the Armenian National Committee
of Eastern Massachusetts (ANCEM).
"The Armenian National Committee of Eastern Massachusetts applauds
the Town Council for stating clearly and unequivocally that there
is no place for Armenian Genocide denial in Watertown," stated
ANCEM chairperson Sharistan Melkonian. "We hope that this action
will prompt the ADL and its National Director Abe Foxman to rethink
their profoundly immoral policies on this issue, properly recognize
the Armenian Genocide, and put an end their efforts to prevent its
reaffirmation by Congress."
The proclamation (full text below), introduced by Watertown
Councillor-At-Large Marilyn Petitto Devaney, states: "The Town
Council has become aware that the ADL, denies the facts of the
horrific Armenian Genocide, that occurred from 1915 to 1923, in
which the premeditated, systematic and deliberate murders of more
that one and one half million Armenians from 1915 to 1923 took
place, as well as continuing to deprive the Armenian people of a
right to their history - The Town Council can not continue to join
with such an organization." The statement went on to reaffirm
Watertown's commitment to "celebrate its diversity and continue to
honor its tradition of tolerance and respect for all people for
which it has always been known."
COMMUNITY MEMBERS AND ANCEM EXPRESS CONCERNS IN PUBLIC STATEMENTS
Several Watertown residents and civil rights activists spoke
poignantly before an overflow crowd in attendance at the Council
meeting to express their concerns about local affiliation with the
ADL's genocide denial policies, moving Town Council members to take
decisive action and encourage other Massachusetts towns to follow
their example.
In his remarks to the panel, Watertown's "No Place for Hate" (NPFH)
Co-Chairman Will Twombly explained that the NPFH committee had met
with New England ADL Regional Director Andrew Tarsy and had asked
for clarification regarding the ADL's "unacceptable" position on
the Armenian Genocide, which he stated, "could not be ignored." A
proposed amendment by Twombly and the NPFH asking for a 90-day
suspension of the program, in an effort to turn the situation into
a "teaching moment" for the ADL, was not incorporated in the final
Watertown proclamation.
Project Save Director Ruth Thomasian, the only Armenian American
serving on the Watertown NPFH Committee, noted that "every member
of the 'No Place for Hate' committee was appalled by the ADL's
position on the Armenian Genocide." She went on to express
confidence that a reformed tolerance committee would "continue its
good work in the schools and in the community."
In his remarks, Tarsy highlighted the role of the ADL and its
programs that celebrate and promote diversity and fair treatment.
He went on to explain the ADL's position on the Armenian "massacres
and tragedy" ? intentionally avoiding the term "genocide" -- and
its role in pressuring Turkey to do more to "recognize and
reconcile." However, he noted that the ADL was in a difficult
position due to the Israeli-Turkey relationship and the Jewish
community in Turkey. While explaining that ADL was not opposed to
the current Congressional Armenian Genocide resolutions
(H.Res.106/S.Res.106), he made no mention of ADL National Director
Abraham Foxman's statements in the Los Angeles Times and Boston
Globe opposing Congressional adoption of Armenian Genocide
legislation.
Twombly countered Tarsy's efforts to explain Foxman's reticence to
recognize the Armenian Genocide, noting that "The ADL believes its
position is justified for the well being of the Jewish community in
Turkey. I say emphatically - the the ADL is ignoring a clear moral
imperative [by denying the Armenian Genocide]." Watertown resident
and ANCA Eastern Region Chairman Dikran Kaligian commented on
Tarsy's assertion that Foxman and the ADL have not advocated
against the Armenian Genocide resolution, stating, "When Mr. Tarsy
or Mr. Foxman say, 'We don't believe this should be in Congress'-
to say that as a person is fine and one thing- but when you say it
publicly that's lobbying."
In her statement before the Town Council (full text below), ANCEM
representative Grace Kehetian-Kulegian explained that "We are
confident that the just resolution of this matter will deepen
Watertown's commitment to tolerance, strengthen No Place for Hate's
ability to speak with real moral clarity, and - for the sake of its
members and its own future as an organization - end the ADL's truly
unfortunate affiliation with genocide denial."
TOWN COUNCIL MEMBERS SPEAK OUT AND CAST VOTES
Prior to the vote on the proclamation, Town Council members had the
opportunity to address the audience. Each thanked the hard work of
Watertown's NPFH committee and highlighted the positive aspects of
the program; however, all were concerned with the ADL cosponsorship
in light of its denial of the Armenian Genocide.
Watertown Town Council Vice-President Mark Sideris commented that,
"the [NPFH] committtee has done a great job in the schools... I
think by Watertown withdrawing its support, it sends a message - a
clear message - that something is wrong and they [ADL] have to do
something about that..."
Councillor Stephen Corbett noted, "I really hate to lose the
program. I would like to see us reconstitute the program under our
own leadership. But I will support the proclamation. It is not
often that a town council gets put in the center of state and
national politics."
Councillor Angeline Kounelis stated, "I am of Greek heritage and
very proud. As a community we will walk together to make our lives
better and our community stronger."
Council Chairman Clyde Younger, commenting on the heartfelt
speeches made throughout the evening by Watertown residents
explained, "We haven't had this outpouring of emotion for some
years. When you come into the chamber, you never really know how
you're going to vote. You try to wait until you have all the
facts... I also will be voting in favor of this proclamation."
With Watertown, Massachusetts having one of the highest
concentrations of Armenians in the United States, the Councillors
hoped to set a precedent by highlighting the improper stance of the
ADL and, in their proclamation, urged national leaders to take up
this issue. Council Members expressed confidence that a similar
program would be developed by community members without the ADL
affiliation.
Proclamation author, Councillor-At-Large Marilyn Petitto Devaney,
promised that she would take the proclamation to other communities
and the Massachusetts Municipal Association and encourage them to
cut ties with "No Place for Hate" and the ADL.
After statements by Town Council members, Devaney introduced the
proclamation, seconded by Councillor-at-Large Mark Sideris, and it
passed unanimously (8 to 0) rescinding the town's partnership with
"No Place for Hate." A sign denoting Watertown as a "No Place for
Hate" city was removed that same evening.
Following passage of the proclamation, Devaney stated, "I believe
it was important for the town of Watertown to rescind its
membership in 'No Place for Hate' and end its affiliation with the
ADL. With this proclamation, I plan to go to the other communities
who have joined the NPFH network and urge them to sever their ties
with the ADL."
BACKGROUND
The Watertown - ADL controversy erupted in recent weeks, with
Boston area civil rights advocates, and local Armenian and Jewish
American community members expressing disappointment and outrage at
recent statements by ADL National Director Abe Foxman denying the
Armenian Genocide. Editorials and community letters in the local
Watertown Tab and Boston Globe cast a shadow on the credibility of
the anti-racism program, No Place for Hate, due to its affiliation
with the ADL.
For a full listing of the press coverage this issue has received,
visit: www.noplacefordenial.com
#####
Text of Watertown Proclamation
TOWN COUNCIL
TOWN OF WATERTOWN
ADMINISTRATION BUILDING, WATERTOWN, MA 02472.4410
(617)972-6470, FAX (617)972-6485
PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS: the Town Council on July 12, 2005 voted unanimously to
proclaim Watertown a "No Place for Hate" municipality; and,
WHEREAS: The Town Council committed to fulfill the criteria in good
faith, to join with its sponsors: the anti-defamation league, (ADL)
Massachusetts Municipal Association and other coalition members to
take specific actions to combat bias and promote respect for
people, and
WHEREAS: The Town Council has become aware that the ADL, denies the
facts of the horrific Armenian Genocide, that occurred from 1915 to
1923, in which the premeditated, systematic and deliberate murders
of more that one and one half million Armenians from 1915 to 1923
took place, as well as continuing to deprive the Armenian people of
a right to their history - The Town Council can not continue to
join with such an organization.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Town Council of the City known as
the Town of Watertown hereby rescinds its partnership of the "No
Place for Hate" co-sponsored by ADL.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Town Council of the City known as
the Town of Watertown, although it withdraws from the
aforementioned group of municipalities, hereby proclaims that
Watertown will continue to celebrate its diversity and continue to
honor its tradition of tolerance and respect for all people for
which it has always been known.
SPONSORED BY:
MARILYN M. PETITTO DEVANEY, COUNCILLOR-AT-LARGE
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the
Great Seal of the Town of Watertown to be affixed on this
fourteenth day of August, 2007.
CLYDE L. YOUNGER, COUNCIL PRESIDENT
======================================= ==============
ANCEM Statement at Watertown Town Council Meeting
August 14, 2007
Presented by ANCEM Representative Grace Kulegian
I rise today to briefly offer the Armenian National Committee's
views on an issue of profound meaning to the Armenians of Watertown
- and to all of our town's residents who share our commitment to
tolerance, respect for diversity, and ? ultimately - to creating a
world without discrimination and genocide.
Like all of you, we regret that the controversy over the Anti-
Defamation League and No Place for Hate has reached this point.
But we could not remain silent in the face of such blatant
hypocrisy on a core issue of our common morality - in the face of
those who preach tolerance but practice divisiveness and denial.
We had hoped to resolve this issue based on our shared values.
But for the sake of our town, for the sake of No Place for Hate,
and on behalf of the many kind and decent members of the ADL, we
have taken a principled stand for the truth.
We did not invite this controversy - sparked by the hateful words
spoken on behalf of the ADL, by one its misguided officials Abraham
Foxman.
Words far outside the proud tradition of the ADL and entirely alien
to noble legacy of the American Jewish community as a powerful
voice for truth and justice.
Words that have grown more offensive and insulting with each new
interview and article.
Words that echo the denialist rhetoric of the Turkish government.
Hypocritical words that strike at the very heart of the ADL's
credibility, that undermine No Place for Hate's ability to make a
difference, and, sadly, stain Watertown's reputation as a town that
fosters diversity.
Although, we did not begin this conflict, we are committed to
seeing this difficult issue through.
We are confident that the just resolution of this matter will
deepen Watertown's commitment to tolerance, strengthen No Place for
Hate's ability to speak with real moral clarity, and - for the sake
of its members and its own future as an organization - end the
ADL's truly unfortunate affiliation with genocide denial.
This is an issue that demands action - clear and decisive action by
the Council.
On behalf of Watertown's Armenian community - and our century-long
history of service and sacrifice for our town - we call upon the
Town Council to dissociate itself from the ADL until such time
that:
The Anti-Defamation League, through its National Director, Mr.
Foxman, openly and unequivocally acknowledges the Armenian Genocide
and supports congressional affirmation of this crime against
humanity.
Thank you.
#####
47 Nichols Avenue
Watertown, MA 02472
[email protected]
PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
August 15, 2007
Contact: Sevag Arzoumanian
Tel: 617-233-3174
WATERTOWN ENDS PARTNERSHIP WITH "NO PLACE FOR HATE"
-- Concerned by the Anti-Defamation League's
Denial of the Armenian Genocide, Town Council
Cuts Ties with Tolerance Program
WATERTOWN, MA - The Watertown, Massachusetts Town Council
unanimously voted on Tuesday, August 14, to rescind its affiliation
with the "No Place for Hate" anti-racism and tolerance promotion
program, citing statements denying the Armenian Genocide by Abraham
Foxman, National Director of the program's sponsor, the Anti-
Defamation League (ADL), reported the Armenian National Committee
of Eastern Massachusetts (ANCEM).
"The Armenian National Committee of Eastern Massachusetts applauds
the Town Council for stating clearly and unequivocally that there
is no place for Armenian Genocide denial in Watertown," stated
ANCEM chairperson Sharistan Melkonian. "We hope that this action
will prompt the ADL and its National Director Abe Foxman to rethink
their profoundly immoral policies on this issue, properly recognize
the Armenian Genocide, and put an end their efforts to prevent its
reaffirmation by Congress."
The proclamation (full text below), introduced by Watertown
Councillor-At-Large Marilyn Petitto Devaney, states: "The Town
Council has become aware that the ADL, denies the facts of the
horrific Armenian Genocide, that occurred from 1915 to 1923, in
which the premeditated, systematic and deliberate murders of more
that one and one half million Armenians from 1915 to 1923 took
place, as well as continuing to deprive the Armenian people of a
right to their history - The Town Council can not continue to join
with such an organization." The statement went on to reaffirm
Watertown's commitment to "celebrate its diversity and continue to
honor its tradition of tolerance and respect for all people for
which it has always been known."
COMMUNITY MEMBERS AND ANCEM EXPRESS CONCERNS IN PUBLIC STATEMENTS
Several Watertown residents and civil rights activists spoke
poignantly before an overflow crowd in attendance at the Council
meeting to express their concerns about local affiliation with the
ADL's genocide denial policies, moving Town Council members to take
decisive action and encourage other Massachusetts towns to follow
their example.
In his remarks to the panel, Watertown's "No Place for Hate" (NPFH)
Co-Chairman Will Twombly explained that the NPFH committee had met
with New England ADL Regional Director Andrew Tarsy and had asked
for clarification regarding the ADL's "unacceptable" position on
the Armenian Genocide, which he stated, "could not be ignored." A
proposed amendment by Twombly and the NPFH asking for a 90-day
suspension of the program, in an effort to turn the situation into
a "teaching moment" for the ADL, was not incorporated in the final
Watertown proclamation.
Project Save Director Ruth Thomasian, the only Armenian American
serving on the Watertown NPFH Committee, noted that "every member
of the 'No Place for Hate' committee was appalled by the ADL's
position on the Armenian Genocide." She went on to express
confidence that a reformed tolerance committee would "continue its
good work in the schools and in the community."
In his remarks, Tarsy highlighted the role of the ADL and its
programs that celebrate and promote diversity and fair treatment.
He went on to explain the ADL's position on the Armenian "massacres
and tragedy" ? intentionally avoiding the term "genocide" -- and
its role in pressuring Turkey to do more to "recognize and
reconcile." However, he noted that the ADL was in a difficult
position due to the Israeli-Turkey relationship and the Jewish
community in Turkey. While explaining that ADL was not opposed to
the current Congressional Armenian Genocide resolutions
(H.Res.106/S.Res.106), he made no mention of ADL National Director
Abraham Foxman's statements in the Los Angeles Times and Boston
Globe opposing Congressional adoption of Armenian Genocide
legislation.
Twombly countered Tarsy's efforts to explain Foxman's reticence to
recognize the Armenian Genocide, noting that "The ADL believes its
position is justified for the well being of the Jewish community in
Turkey. I say emphatically - the the ADL is ignoring a clear moral
imperative [by denying the Armenian Genocide]." Watertown resident
and ANCA Eastern Region Chairman Dikran Kaligian commented on
Tarsy's assertion that Foxman and the ADL have not advocated
against the Armenian Genocide resolution, stating, "When Mr. Tarsy
or Mr. Foxman say, 'We don't believe this should be in Congress'-
to say that as a person is fine and one thing- but when you say it
publicly that's lobbying."
In her statement before the Town Council (full text below), ANCEM
representative Grace Kehetian-Kulegian explained that "We are
confident that the just resolution of this matter will deepen
Watertown's commitment to tolerance, strengthen No Place for Hate's
ability to speak with real moral clarity, and - for the sake of its
members and its own future as an organization - end the ADL's truly
unfortunate affiliation with genocide denial."
TOWN COUNCIL MEMBERS SPEAK OUT AND CAST VOTES
Prior to the vote on the proclamation, Town Council members had the
opportunity to address the audience. Each thanked the hard work of
Watertown's NPFH committee and highlighted the positive aspects of
the program; however, all were concerned with the ADL cosponsorship
in light of its denial of the Armenian Genocide.
Watertown Town Council Vice-President Mark Sideris commented that,
"the [NPFH] committtee has done a great job in the schools... I
think by Watertown withdrawing its support, it sends a message - a
clear message - that something is wrong and they [ADL] have to do
something about that..."
Councillor Stephen Corbett noted, "I really hate to lose the
program. I would like to see us reconstitute the program under our
own leadership. But I will support the proclamation. It is not
often that a town council gets put in the center of state and
national politics."
Councillor Angeline Kounelis stated, "I am of Greek heritage and
very proud. As a community we will walk together to make our lives
better and our community stronger."
Council Chairman Clyde Younger, commenting on the heartfelt
speeches made throughout the evening by Watertown residents
explained, "We haven't had this outpouring of emotion for some
years. When you come into the chamber, you never really know how
you're going to vote. You try to wait until you have all the
facts... I also will be voting in favor of this proclamation."
With Watertown, Massachusetts having one of the highest
concentrations of Armenians in the United States, the Councillors
hoped to set a precedent by highlighting the improper stance of the
ADL and, in their proclamation, urged national leaders to take up
this issue. Council Members expressed confidence that a similar
program would be developed by community members without the ADL
affiliation.
Proclamation author, Councillor-At-Large Marilyn Petitto Devaney,
promised that she would take the proclamation to other communities
and the Massachusetts Municipal Association and encourage them to
cut ties with "No Place for Hate" and the ADL.
After statements by Town Council members, Devaney introduced the
proclamation, seconded by Councillor-at-Large Mark Sideris, and it
passed unanimously (8 to 0) rescinding the town's partnership with
"No Place for Hate." A sign denoting Watertown as a "No Place for
Hate" city was removed that same evening.
Following passage of the proclamation, Devaney stated, "I believe
it was important for the town of Watertown to rescind its
membership in 'No Place for Hate' and end its affiliation with the
ADL. With this proclamation, I plan to go to the other communities
who have joined the NPFH network and urge them to sever their ties
with the ADL."
BACKGROUND
The Watertown - ADL controversy erupted in recent weeks, with
Boston area civil rights advocates, and local Armenian and Jewish
American community members expressing disappointment and outrage at
recent statements by ADL National Director Abe Foxman denying the
Armenian Genocide. Editorials and community letters in the local
Watertown Tab and Boston Globe cast a shadow on the credibility of
the anti-racism program, No Place for Hate, due to its affiliation
with the ADL.
For a full listing of the press coverage this issue has received,
visit: www.noplacefordenial.com
#####
Text of Watertown Proclamation
TOWN COUNCIL
TOWN OF WATERTOWN
ADMINISTRATION BUILDING, WATERTOWN, MA 02472.4410
(617)972-6470, FAX (617)972-6485
PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS: the Town Council on July 12, 2005 voted unanimously to
proclaim Watertown a "No Place for Hate" municipality; and,
WHEREAS: The Town Council committed to fulfill the criteria in good
faith, to join with its sponsors: the anti-defamation league, (ADL)
Massachusetts Municipal Association and other coalition members to
take specific actions to combat bias and promote respect for
people, and
WHEREAS: The Town Council has become aware that the ADL, denies the
facts of the horrific Armenian Genocide, that occurred from 1915 to
1923, in which the premeditated, systematic and deliberate murders
of more that one and one half million Armenians from 1915 to 1923
took place, as well as continuing to deprive the Armenian people of
a right to their history - The Town Council can not continue to
join with such an organization.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Town Council of the City known as
the Town of Watertown hereby rescinds its partnership of the "No
Place for Hate" co-sponsored by ADL.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Town Council of the City known as
the Town of Watertown, although it withdraws from the
aforementioned group of municipalities, hereby proclaims that
Watertown will continue to celebrate its diversity and continue to
honor its tradition of tolerance and respect for all people for
which it has always been known.
SPONSORED BY:
MARILYN M. PETITTO DEVANEY, COUNCILLOR-AT-LARGE
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the
Great Seal of the Town of Watertown to be affixed on this
fourteenth day of August, 2007.
CLYDE L. YOUNGER, COUNCIL PRESIDENT
======================================= ==============
ANCEM Statement at Watertown Town Council Meeting
August 14, 2007
Presented by ANCEM Representative Grace Kulegian
I rise today to briefly offer the Armenian National Committee's
views on an issue of profound meaning to the Armenians of Watertown
- and to all of our town's residents who share our commitment to
tolerance, respect for diversity, and ? ultimately - to creating a
world without discrimination and genocide.
Like all of you, we regret that the controversy over the Anti-
Defamation League and No Place for Hate has reached this point.
But we could not remain silent in the face of such blatant
hypocrisy on a core issue of our common morality - in the face of
those who preach tolerance but practice divisiveness and denial.
We had hoped to resolve this issue based on our shared values.
But for the sake of our town, for the sake of No Place for Hate,
and on behalf of the many kind and decent members of the ADL, we
have taken a principled stand for the truth.
We did not invite this controversy - sparked by the hateful words
spoken on behalf of the ADL, by one its misguided officials Abraham
Foxman.
Words far outside the proud tradition of the ADL and entirely alien
to noble legacy of the American Jewish community as a powerful
voice for truth and justice.
Words that have grown more offensive and insulting with each new
interview and article.
Words that echo the denialist rhetoric of the Turkish government.
Hypocritical words that strike at the very heart of the ADL's
credibility, that undermine No Place for Hate's ability to make a
difference, and, sadly, stain Watertown's reputation as a town that
fosters diversity.
Although, we did not begin this conflict, we are committed to
seeing this difficult issue through.
We are confident that the just resolution of this matter will
deepen Watertown's commitment to tolerance, strengthen No Place for
Hate's ability to speak with real moral clarity, and - for the sake
of its members and its own future as an organization - end the
ADL's truly unfortunate affiliation with genocide denial.
This is an issue that demands action - clear and decisive action by
the Council.
On behalf of Watertown's Armenian community - and our century-long
history of service and sacrifice for our town - we call upon the
Town Council to dissociate itself from the ADL until such time
that:
The Anti-Defamation League, through its National Director, Mr.
Foxman, openly and unequivocally acknowledges the Armenian Genocide
and supports congressional affirmation of this crime against
humanity.
Thank you.
#####