There are anti-Armenian sentiments in Israel, so host made immoral remarks — Setrag Balian

It was a big mistake, there was considerable uproar, but it eventually subsided, Setrag Balian, founder of the Jerusalem “Save the ArQ” movement, told Alpha News, referring to an incident in which an Israeli host insulted Armenia’s Eurovision contestant.

“Of course, without the participation of the ‘Save the Arq’ no media outlet or TV company would have reacted, as similar cases have occurred in the past. The important thing is that we received an apology—albeit somewhat half-hearted and tinged with irony—but we got one,” added Setrag Balian.

He further recalled that, shortly after issuing the apology, Israel made another statement declaring Azerbaijan as its “blood brother.”

“That is, it is clear that in geopolitical terms Israel and Azerbaijan are close, but I cannot directly say that this was a broader plan. In general, Israel pursues an anti-Armenian policy, there are anti-Armenian sentiments here, and, taking advantage of this, the host made an immoral remark,” Setrag Balian said, while also emphasizing that the Armenian community has had no prior issues with Kan 11, the TV channel where the host is employed.