Shared Remembrance: Jews and Armenians Commemorate Genocide and Holocaust Together

JERUSALEM, Israel — For the first time in years, Holocaust Remembrance Day in Israel will coincide on April 24 with the international day of commemoration for the Armenian Genocide. This overlap offers both Jews and Armenians a unique chance to reflect on their shared histories of suffering and resilience.

In Israel, Holocaust Remembrance Day is a solemn occasion where sirens sound, halting traffic, to honor the six million Jews killed by the Nazi regime during World War II. This day is central to Israeli identity, emphasizing remembrance and reflection.

Similarly, April 24 marks the start of the Armenian genocide in 1915, when the Ottoman Empire initiated mass deportations and killings, resulting in the deaths of over one million Armenians. Despite this shared history of trauma, the genocide is still unrecognized by many governments, including Israel.

The intertwining of these dates emphasizes a deeper kinship between the two ancient peoples. Armenians and Jews have both endured historical erasure and oppression, yet they have also demonstrated resilience and contributed significantly to global culture.

Current geopolitics complicate the relationship between Israel and Armenia. Israel maintains alliances with Azerbaijan, Armenia’s adversary, due to Azerbaijan’s status as a key oil supplier. This relationship has strained diplomatic ties, particularly following Armenia’s recognition of Palestine amid ongoing regional conflicts.

Israel’s hesitation to officially recognize the Armenian genocide stems from both political strategy and a desire to avoid relativizing the Holocaust. However, shifting dynamics in the region and growing authoritarianism in Azerbaijan present an opportunity for renewing ties with Armenia.

As Armenia pivots towards strengthening relationships with the United States and the European Union, there’s potential for Israel to support Armenia. Opening an embassy in Yerevan and acknowledging the Armenian genocide could pave the way for a more collaborative future, rooted not in political convenience but in mutual historical acknowledgment.

At this time of reflection, as Jews light candles for the victims of the Holocaust and Armenians remember their own lost, they can yet choose to foster a friendship based on shared experiences and common goals. Dr. Shmuel Lederman, who specializes in genocide studies, emphasizes that this convergence holds great promise for lasting solidarity and respect.