By Maria Asatryan
Armenian News - NEWS.am presents an interview with the press officer of the Union of Armenians of Israel “Ararat” Mendel Korsunsky.
How many Armenians are living in Israel? The Armenian community of Israel has two organizations. Is there cooperation between the organizations?
The Armenian community comprises 5,000- 6,000 people if we take into account the Armenian population of Jerusalem and other cities. In fact, the Armenian community in Israel can be divided into two parts: ethnic Armenians, who lived in the Holy Land for centuries, and immigrants who came to Israel in the beginning of 90s under the repatriation law.
The Union of Armenians of Israel’s “Ararat” spares no effort into maintaining ties with the Armenian community in the Old City of Jerusalem. Every month our children go to Jerusalem where they meet with the children of the Jerusalem Armenians. In addition, they receive instruction from the priests of the Armenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem. In our view, this practice is necessary and very important for raising children as true Armenians and Christians.
The Union of Armenians of Israel together with the Patriarchate is implementing projects for the future. In early May we are planning to organize an exhibition of Armenian culture which will be held in several cities: Petah Tikva, Jerusalem and Jaffa.
How is Armenian community represented in the social and political system of Israel?
To date, the Armenian community had no effect on the political circles of Israel. In this regard, the Union of Armenians of Israel is doing everything possible to achieve our goals to change the situation. And I sincerely hope that in the near future our community will reach the success we are striving to.
What events are organized in connection with the 98th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide?
For almost ten years, we hold rallies in front of the Turkish Embassy in Israel. Thanks to our joint efforts, the number of participants, not only Armenians but other residents of Israel, including repatriates from the former Soviet Union, is growing every year.
How do you assess the relationship between the community and Armenia?
I believe there must be always relations between the historic homeland and the community. For each person, the homeland is a reminder of his past, his roots and, of course, his culture. Without the past, there is no present, moreover, no future.
