Armenian Genocide Remembrance: Azerbaijan’s Aggression and the Threat to Armenian Existence
On April 24th, the Armenian Genocide will be commemorated, marking the 109th anniversary of the Ottoman Turks’ extermination of over 1.5 million Armenians. Yet, Turkey continues to deny this atrocity. For Armenian Americans, this remembrance is a stark reminder of history’s repetition, as Azerbaijan’s recent illegal war against Nagorno-Karabakh displaced over 120,000 Armenians and created a humanitarian crisis.
Azerbaijan’s aggression is seen as a continuation of the Armenian Genocide, threatening the very existence of Armenians globally. Denial of the Armenian Genocide by countries like Turkey and Azerbaijan fosters impunity for autocrats and perpetuates a cycle of violence and hate.
Azerbaijan’s president’s rhetoric and actions, coupled with the treatment of Armenian POWs and the glorification of violence, promote anti-Armenian sentiment and foster a dangerous culture of fear across the nation. This hate has manifested itself in hate crimes against Armenian Americans in the United States, highlighting the global reach of Azerbaijan’s campaign of terror.
Armenian Americans believe that holding Azerbaijan accountable is crucial to preventing further atrocities. By acknowledging the past and condemning ongoing aggression, we can honor the victims of the Armenian Genocide and safeguard the future of the Armenian people.
