May 6, 2011 - 12:59 AMT
ADL's position on Armenian Genocide immoral, activist says

Human rights activist of Needham, Massachusetts, Luder Tavit Sahagian, says he is disappointed that Clear Channel in Stoneham is providing the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) with 100 free billboards across the commonwealth to advance the group's so-called anti-bullying program.

“The ADL's immoral position on the Armenian Genocide and selective approach to fighting genocide have undermined its ability to be a voice for humanity and justice for all. That is why the Massachusetts Municipal Association and a dozen cities statewide severed ties with the ADL's "No Place for Hate" program,” Sahagian writes in MetroWest Daily News.

“With the centennial commemoration of the Armenian Genocide approaching in 2015, the national ADL must prove its commitment to human rights and tikkun olam (Hebrew for "repairing the world"). The ADL must stop lobbying on bullying Turkey's behalf and instead unambiguously recognize the Armenian Genocide and openly support a congressional resolution on this crime,” he writes.

“Clear Channel should heed its own Code of Conduct about not supporting political organizations and not, in effect, allocate funds to the highly politicized ADL. The ADL's name, logo and website on its billboards should be replaced with those of credible anti-bullying organizations. Clear Channel should also end its double standards and give Peace of Art several free billboards in years to come to commemorate the Armenian Genocide.”