Famous pro-Armenian activist in Israel Yaron Weiss calls Armenia and Artsakh “Heaven” and claims there is no justification for Israel that has not recognized the Armenian Genocide so far. He spoke about these and other topics in an interview with press attaché of “Noyan Tapan” Armenian culture center Mendel Korsunksy. Armenian News-NEWS.am presents the full text of the interview.
Yaron, first of all please tell a little bit about you.
I live in a small town in the north part of Israel, married with four children, tourist guide in Armenia & Georgia during the tourist season. For living working in a large Telecom company.
In my spare time I advise backpackers who plan a trip to Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh, as well as trying to promote issues such as recognition of the Armenian Genocide and preventing the sale of weapons by Israel to Azerbaijan.
You have traveled a lot to both Armenia and Artsakh, what are your personal experiences from those countries?
For me Armenia and Artsakh are Heaven. The Armenian hospitality is one of the best in the world. The landscapes in Armenia are stunning: rich culture and fascinating history. All this makes Armenia one of the most attractive countries in the world with great potential for tourism.
I would like to know how and when you began to be interested in the matter of the Armenian Genocide.
After my visit to Armenia and reading a lot of academic researches and books on the subject, I felt shame that my country does not recognize the Armenian Genocide. The Jewish people who survived the Holocaust must recognize the crimes that took place against other nations. There is no justification that the government of Israel hasn't yet recognized the Armenian Genocide. So I am working to change this reality.
President of Israel Reuven Riblin has recently refused to sign a petition for the recognition of the Armenian Genocide by the state of Israel even though he was always supporting the cause, I would like to know your opinion on this matter.
I was disappointed to hear that Reuven Rivlin the President of Israel refused to renew his signature on a petition calling for recognizing the Armenian genocide. I believe he did it out of the pressure of political elements. But I have a feeling he will still surprise us in the future and his refusal to sign now is part of a political tactic.
On the 99th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide the 24th of April 2014, in front of the Turkish embassy in Tel-Aviv, during your speech you addressed the Israeli government to stop supplying weapons to Azerbaijan, please address this matter.
According to reports in the world press, it seems that Israel is one of the largest arms suppliers of Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan is one of the few countries in the world that declares openly they need weapons for attacking a neighboring country. Armenia is not threatening Azerbaijan. Since I completely sympathize with the Armenian people, I can't accept the fact that my country arms the greatest enemy of Armenia. The Israeli people don't know the truth about it. So therefore we have to tell them about it.
Yaron, what are your wishes to the Armenian people?
Armenian people have always been considered educated and hard-working people. Armenia is a nation of builders. I believe that in the near future Armenia will begin a period of prosperity and will return its former glory.
