Armenians in Israel demanding Israeli broadcaster to  issue official apology for "racist and offensive statements"  

ArmInfo. The SavetheArQ movement (a movement for the protection and preservation of the Armenian quarter of Jerusalem) expresses its deep shock and strong condemnation following the disgraceful  remarks made  by a broadcaster of the Israeli Public Broadcasting Corporation Kan 11, during the live broadcast of the "Eurovision" contest held on May 15. After the  performance of the Armenian participant Parg, the  Israeli broadcaster was heard saying: "I can't believe  we gave a  whole  quarter in Jerusalem to these guys". 

"This is a disturbing, baseless, racist and offensive statement  targeting an ancient community that is an inseparable part of the  historical, religious and cultural fabric of Jerusalem. First and  foremost, we wish to clarify that the Armenian Quarter in Jerusalem  was not to anyone. It was built, preserved and cultivated  over centuries by the Armenian people, who have maintained a  continuous presence in the Holy Land - and in Jerusalem in particular  - for over 1,600 years.

This presence is globally recognized and contributes uniquely to the  spiritual, cultural and historical life of the city. The Armenian  Quarter, one of the four quarters of the Old City, serves as a symbol  of coexistence, openness and cooperation between communities and  religions. Its Armenian residents embody  values of tolerance,  respect for others and reverence for Jerusalem's historical heritage  across its many eras and diverse population. Therefore, such  statements are not only incorrect - they are offensive and dangerous,  and they harm the delicate fabric of communal life in Jerusalem,"  SavetheArQ said in a statement.

The SavetheArQ Jerusalem movement demands that the Israeli Public  Broadcasting Corporation publicly disavow the statement made and  issue an official apology to the Armenian community in Jerusalem and  to all who hold dear the values of tolerance, historical integrity  and inter-communal respect. "We will not allow broadcasters - or any  other parties - to undermine historical truth or tarnish the dignity  of an entire community and a nation," SavetheArQ  stated.