YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 27, ARMENPRESS: Ahead of the centennial of the Armenian Genocide, the Armenians of the world and their friends are going to commemorate the innocent victims of the Great Genocide on April 24. Armenpress had a talk with the famous Israeli scientist, expert of Holocaust and Genocide Studies, racism and modern Jewish studies, the associate professor of the Open University of Israel Yair Auronabout his views to reach recognition of the Armenian Genocide by Israel.  

- I tell about it everywhere and not only there (smiling). I teach “Armenian Genocide and General Genocide” at the Open University of Israel. Every year we have 4500 students, which is a great number and there is a textbook on the Armenian Genocide included in the educational program. This is one of the versions. Besides, we have initiated a public petition, asking the government to recognize the Armenian Genocide. We hope to submit it by April 24. Though I have little doubts about it but we have a great number of signatures. I have a great belief towards the education and invest my efforts in this area.

- Certainly, by means of the television, newspapers and academic literature, people now know more than they used to in the past. You know, when Israeli people learn about the Armenian Genocide, the vast majority of them identify them with you. The thing is that in the past they did not know about the Genocide, like as they do not know anything about the Nagorno Karabakh conflict. Though when they know, they are with you.

- No, maybe later but not now. The government pursues disgusting interests and, unfortunately, it would not recognize the Armenian Genocide. It is unacceptable for me, though, this is the reality. Though in Israel there are parties, which support the Armenian Cause, but the government refuses to accept that fact. Maybe, in case of availability of some conditions, the parliament recognizes the Armenian Genocide, but the government will not do it.