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ANCA ER: Congr Candidate Dr. Graber Calls on ADL to Support HRes.106

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  • ANCA ER: Congr Candidate Dr. Graber Calls on ADL to Support HRes.106

    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
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