Israeli Chief Rabbi: I Recognize Armenian Genocide Fact

PanARMENIAN.Net - Israeli Chief Rabbi Yona Metzger recognizes the Armenian Genocide in Ottoman Turkey in early past century. November 22 Metzger visited the Memorial to victims of the first genocide in the 20th century - Tsitsernakaberd in Yerevan. "One cannot do without tears when recalling what happened to Armenians in Turkey," he stated. Answering a question why Israel has not joined the countries that have officially acknowledged the Armenian Genocide, the Chief Rabbi stated, "as a clergy representative I recognize the fact of the genocide, the rest depends on the political and international relations." A memorial candle was lit in the Genocide Museum, wreaths were laid and Y. Metzger offered a service. IN his words, he holds a ceremony like that in Israel in the memory of the Holocaust victims. In his turn Knesset Member Yuri Shtern said he was sure that Turkey will itself soon recognize the Armenian Genocide. "I personally recognize that historical fact. Thus, Turkey will soon recognize the Armenian Genocide - one must not deny something that is his history," the Israeli MP stated, reported IA Regnum.