‘This is a monumental step’

U.S. Rep. Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) marked an historic Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day and recognized 106 years since the beginning of the massacre of 1.5 million Armenians by the Ottoman Empire, which began April 24, 1915.

For the first time, the United States will formally and unequivocally declare that these atrocities were indeed an act of genocide.

“By coming together to commemorate this atrocity, we not only mourn the lives lost, but we continue to rededicate ourselves to recognizing and speaking out against genocide around the globe and ensuring that we stand united in condemning hatred and violence,” Gottheimer said. “Today, for the first time, the sitting President of the United States has formally declared the truth. This is a monumental step, paved — I know — by those willing to speak out and fight for that rightful recognition.

“And I want to recognize the many generations of leaders, represented by those here today, who played a part in making that happen, in speaking truth to power and standing up for what is right,” the congressman added. “As we continue to see a rise in acts of hate and targeted violence against ethnic and religious minorities around the world, it’s vital that we not conceal or be bystanders to evil.”

Gottheimer marked Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day at the Montvale, NJ plaque honoring the genocide victims, first installed in April 2019. Gottheimer was joined by local officials, members of North Jersey’s Armenian-American community and the Armenian National Committee of New Jersey.

Two years ago, with the help of tireless activists and community, Congress achieved the historic passage of Congress H. Res. 296 — a resolution Gottheimer cosponsored — affirming the United States’ recognition of the Armenian genocide.