BY RAZMIG SARKISSIAN

The El Rey Theatre will be sold out Saturday April 24th as various Armenian bands including Viza, Element, The Dirty Diamond, and R-Mean join together for the “Silence the Lies, Rock the Truth” benefit concert, scheduled to start at 8:00pm.

“Music is our way of connecting with people and being able to get a message across to a wide range of audiences – especially human rights activists as it’s the commemoration of the Armenian Genocide,” explained Chris Daniel, Viza’s percussionist. “It’s the least we could do to give back to the people back home and for us to create not just an artistically powerful night but an experience of unity through our music.”

This year’s “Silence the Lies, Rock the Truth” concert will provide financial assistance to two important benevolent projects. The Armenian Relief Society’s “Armenia-Artsakh Orphan Project” and “the Bird’s Nest Orphanage” in Lebanon both provide vital support and assistance to needy Armenian children abroad.

“The donation of the money is both symbolic and practical in its importance,” Chris added, “It is a gesture of solidarity and support – something to help them get through difficult times and show everyone we do not forget those that need us.”

Through the various instruments he plays, Chris carries on his Armenian culture and history through his music. “I’d have to say speaking and connecting with the younger generation of Armenians feels fulfilling to me because I feel like I’m doing the great deed of what my elders had done for me. We as the youth and future leaders of our generation, we carry on our culture and history.”

Viza, formerly known as Visa, is a mix of Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, Eastern European and Latin cultures. A nine person band, Viza demands the attention of its audience mixing joyous times with educating individuals about the past that they have not forgotten.

By Arpa Hatzbanian

During the Armenian Genocide, my ancestors–the people of Musa Dagh–were one of the only groups who were able to fight back and defend themselves. Today, like my ancestors, I choose not to be an observer to atrocities and oppression. For me, working tirelessly to resist the same injustice which my forebears died for is not a choice, but a duty.

My maternal ancestors originated from Musa Dagh, a mountainous region on the Mediterranean coast. During the Armenian Genocide, the people of Musa Dagh were exiled from their homes and given only eight days to evacuate. They gathered all their weaponry and food, embarking on a climb to the mountaintops. The villagers protected themselves against the 200-person Turkish special army, because they were more experienced in the mountainous terrain. Although victorious in resistance, they soon ran out of living necessities and were forced to leave the mountains. They were saved by a French ship, who heard their plea for help. Despite promises that they would one day return to their homes, they never did.

Everyday is an ongoing struggle within the Armenian community. At times our own government gives up on our Cause because it is a difficult inner conflict to overcome. We are constantly faced with the choice to either accept the pain and let it slowly ware off, or work vigorously day in and day out for recognition. It is my personal choice to take the more difficult route, and work for my Cause rather then let the memory of my ancestors be forgotten and ignored.

In order to fight for recognition of the Armenian Genocide, I work yearlong within effective organizations such as the Armenian Youth Federation (AYF) and the Armenian National Committee (ANC) in informing the world about the atrocities of 1915 and the crimes still being committed by the Turkish government.

Recently, I have helped with the AYF’s annual April 24 protest in front of the Turkish Consulate. Thousands gather yearly in Los Angeles, to show that the Armenian people have not given up. Also, I work with the United Human Rights Council (UHRC), to help prevent other human rights violations from happening around the world today.

The struggle of my ancestors has encouraged me to fight for justice. When I look at my grandmother and the pain that will never go away, I am inspired to use that pain as a muse to work even harder against injustice.

As an Armenian, I am obligated to work for my Cause. But, as global citizens, we are all obligated to work for a more peaceful and stable world for our future generations to live in.

You too can demand justice and honor the memory of our fallen.  Here are details to the April 24 protest at the Turkish consulate.

U.S. Republican Senate candidates Tom Campbell and Chuck DeVore both said they believe the Armenian Genocide should be recognized during a town-hall debate on March 30 at Brandman University in Irvine, California.

During the townhall, the two candidates were asked where they stood on the issue by members of the Armenian Youth Federation’s Orange County ‘Ashod Yergat’ chapter.

The two candidates where asked whether they agreed that the Ottoman Turkish government committed a genocide against the Armenian people by AYF member Nora Goudikian, who’s question and the candidates’ responses were covered by Fox News in their nightly broadcast of the event.

In response to her questions, DeVore and Campbell agreed that history cannot be changed and that the genocide did actually occur. Both candidates spoke about of the modern day necessity for recognizing the crime and stressed that both of them are very well aware of the Armenian people and their concern over Turkey’s ongoing denial of the genocide.

Below is footage from the townhall covering both candidates’ responses to Gourdikian’s question.

Below is coverage of the town hall from Fox 11 News. The Armenian Genocide is mentioned 1 minute into the segment.