Armenia’s Jews hope Israeli recognition of Ottoman genocide will jumpstart bilateral ties

Armenia's small Jewish community is experiencing a significant revitalization, fueled in part by an influx of Russian and Ukrainian Jews displaced by the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. This demographic shift has injected new life into a community that was previously dwindling.

The burgeoning Jewish population in Yerevan, the capital, is fostering a vibrant social scene, exemplified by a recent Shabbat dinner attended by both Jews and Muslims. Organized by "Yerevan Jewish Home," a social network founded by Russian-born journalist Nathaniel Trubkin, these gatherings welcome newcomers and strengthen community bonds. The influx has reportedly boosted Armenia's Jewish population tenfold, bringing in as many as 2,000 individuals and injecting vitality into a community that had largely consisted of pensioners.

This resurgence in Jewish life is occurring against a backdrop of thawing diplomatic relations between Armenia and Israel. Historically, ties have been strained due to Armenia's close relationship with neighboring Iran and Israel's reluctance to recognize the Ottoman massacre of 1.5 million Armenians during World War I, a move that would offend Turkey. Additionally, Israel's extensive weapons sales to Azerbaijan, Armenia's adversary in the Nagorno-Karabakh region, created further resentment.

However, recent developments suggest a potential shift. Following the signing of a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan, urged by U.S. President Donald Trump, Israel's Cabinet unanimously passed a resolution on June 29 recognizing the 1915 Armenian genocide. This declaration is expected to be ratified by the full Knesset, making Israel the 36th country to officially acknowledge the genocide. "The Jewish community here is happy that Israel has finally recognized this genocide," Trubkin stated, signaling a positive turn in bilateral relations.

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The Jewish community here is happy that Israel has finally recognized this genocide.