Fitting diplomatic price

Many of those who opposed the proposal then, first and foremost Foreign Ministry representatives, argued that diplomatic pragmatism dictates that Jews should not get in the way of such a sensitive issue dividing Turks and Armenians, which took place almost a hundred years ago and which could strain Israel's relations with Turkey and jeopardize Israel's interests.

The Foreign Ministry continues to advocate this stance today, again claiming that foreign relations with Turkey might suffer from such a debate.

There is no doubt that Israel's foreign relations should be steered sensibly and cautiously, in order to strengthen and promote Israel's interests. Naturally, diplomatic relations require of a state to sometimes withdraw or concede principles that could do it more harm than good.

But the question is - what is the limit? Can the State of Israel give up the moral foundation of its existence which cries out against any act of genocide? Should the State of Israel, for the sake of its vital connections or its relations with an ally – be part of a denial of the genocide?

Israel can't shirk moral responsibility

The Jewish nation has produced the national-Zionist movement, which has no match in terms of moral leadership in recent centuries. How can we, of all nations, forget the catastrophes that have befallen, and that still befall, other nations?

The State of Israel is an eternal memorial for "Thou shalt not forget." The terrible holocaust that has been inflicted on us has etched onto our identity - alongside the national tragedy - the sympathy, sensitivity and cry against the disasters of other people, even when this involves national embarrassment or a certain diplomatic price.

With regards to the Armenian holocaust – the discussion in the Knesset on the question of recognizing it as genocide conveys sympathy and solidarity with the ethnic tragedy, more than an accusation. The Knesset does not wish to condemn modern Turkey, but to act as Jews who are subjected to the judgment of history. We cannot, in the name of political or diplomatic wisdom, suppress such fundamental human values, which touch on the roots of our tragic existence.

This principle stood at the core of one of Menachem Begin's first decision as prime minister in 1977, to absorb hundreds of Vietnamese refugees who fled the bloodshed in their country, and provide them with a home. Begin, at the time, preferred the humane course over whatever diplomatic consequences this decision has inevitably produced.

Today we are faced with the same difficult dilemma regarding the Sudanese refugees on our southern border, when what is at stake is perhaps not political or diplomatic considerations, but certainly grave social and security ones. On the Sudanese issue as well, I believe that the State of Israel has a Jewish, moral and human obligation to be part of a regional or international task force that will provide these refugees with shelter until they can return to their homeland.

If we shirk the duty of bearing this Jewish, ethical and educational message, we will not be able to demand of the world to recognize our own holocaust. Those who deny the tragedy of one of the world's nations will eventually face a denial of their own tragedy by the world. genocide