Israeli TV Commentator Makes Offensive Remarks on Armenian Quarter of Jerusalem While Covering Eurovision
During the live broadcast of Eurovision 2025, following Armenia’s performance, an Israeli Public Broadcasting Corporation commentator on Channel 11 made deeply offensive remarks undermining Armenia’s historical presence in Jerusalem. The Armenian community’s 1,700-year-old legacy in the Holy City of Jerusalem is not up for cheap insults or revisionist comments.
The following is the official condemnation statement by the SavetheArQ (Save the Armenian Quarter) Movement in Jerusalem regarding the racist Eurovision commentary made by Israeli broadcaster ch. 11:
“ARMENIAN QUARTER, OLD CITY, JERUSALEM — May 16, 2025 — The SavetheArQ Movement of Jerusalem expresses its deep shock and strong condemnation following the disgraceful remarks made by a broadcaster of the Israeli Public Broadcasting Corporation — ch. 11 — during the live broadcast of the Eurovision Song Contest held yesterday.
Immediately after Armenia’s performance, a ch. 11 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 ‘given’ 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 among 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 shared life in Jerusalem.
