Hebrew University of Jerusalem Hosts Conference Honoring Armenian Genocide Victims Despite Israeli Government’s Refusal to Recognize the Genocide

The Hebrew University of Jerusalem hosted an academic conference on Monday to honor the memory of the 1.5 million Armenians who were killed during the Armenian Genocide. The event, held in collaboration with the Armenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem, brought together church leaders, diplomats, and members of the local Armenian community for an evening of remembrance, truth, and education.

This conference sent a message of justice and solidarity. It recognized the historical truth of the Armenian Genocide, which was committed by the Ottoman Empire beginning in 1915, and called for continued awareness and recognition worldwide.

Representing the Armenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem were several high-ranking clergy: His Grace Bishop Koryoun Baghdasaryan, Reverend Fathers Vazken Alekyan, Aghan Gogchyan, and Sion Takoushyan. Kevork Nalbandian, a respected figure in the Armenian community of Jerusalem, was also present, reminding everyone of the deep roots Armenians have in the Holy Land. The Armenian Ambassador to Israel, His Excellency Arman Hakobyan, attended as well, showing that the Armenian state continues to stand firm in its efforts to gain full international recognition of the genocide.

The keynote speaker of the night was Chancellor Rev. Fr. Aghan Gogchyan, who spoke on behalf of the Patriarchate. His words were heartfelt and clear: remembering the genocide is not about revenge, but about justice, dignity, and preventing future atrocities. He reminded the audience that genocide denial is a form of violence that continues long after the killing stops.

Although the conference marked a meaningful step toward broader recognition of the Armenian Genocide, it also revealed the complex relationship between Armenia and Israel. Unlike many countries that have formally acknowledged the genocide, Israel continues to deny the Armenian Genocide—a decision influenced by its close partnership with Azerbaijan.

Israel’s relationship with Azerbaijan is characterized by deep military, intelligence, and economic cooperation. Israeli weapons and technology have helped make Azerbaijan’s military stronger, especially during recent attacks on Armenia and Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh).

The contradiction is especially clear because Israel’s national identity is based on the memory of the Holocaust. The conference at Hebrew University, though a powerful gesture of solidarity, stands in contrast to the official silence that still prevails at the state level.

The evening concluded with a reception that honored all attendees. It was a time to reflect, to connect, and to show that despite a century of denial, the Armenian people continue to speak the truth, stand with pride, and educate the world.

The Hebrew University of Jerusalem’s conference served as a powerful reminder that no campaign of denial can erase the truth of the Armenian Genocide from the historical record.

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