A Fiery Message from the Youth: We Determine our Future

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BY GAIANEH AVANESSIAN

LOS ANGELES — For the first time in recent history, the anniversary of the Armenian Genocide coincided with Easter, but this did not deter community members from participating in the annual April 24 protest in front of the Turkish Consulate. An estimated 5,000 people poured onto the streets to march and voice their ancestral anguish for the 1.5 million Armenians slaughtered at the hands of Ottoman Turks, as well as demand just reparations and recognition owed to the Armenian people.

“As a community and as citizens who care for human rights, we must stay unrelenting against the perpetration of genocide in all of its forms,” said Serouj Aprahamian, Executive Director of the Armenian Youth Federation. “That is why we’re here today. We are making a clear statement that we will ramp up our activism until justice is achieved for the unpunished crime of genocide committed by the Turkish government.”

As the crowd swelled, the Los Angeles Police Department was forced to close down a portion of Wilshire Blvd. in order to allow the masses of protestors to move into the street. Armenians and non-Armenians alike, of all age groups representing generations of history, marched and chanted in unison.

Javier Hernandez, a Mexican-American born and raised in Glendale, was protesting alongside his Armenian friends. “I’m here to support my Armenian friends because genocide is not just an Armenian issue, it’s a human rights issue and everyone deserves justice,” said Hernandez.

AYF member Tro Krikorian echoed the same sentiments in his speech given in Armenian, as he addressed the sea of people gathered directly in front of the entrance to the building housing the Turkish Consulate. Krikorian noted that the denial of the Armenian Genocide creates a perpetual cycle of genocide around the world that must be stopped.

Days earlier, more than 1,200 Armenian-Americans gathered in Culver City to demand that President Obama honor his promise and recognize the Genocide. The community had also urged Obama to visit the Montebello Armenian Genocide Martyrs’ Monument during his visit.

Instead, the president responded with a statement on April 23, referring to the events of 1915 as “Medz Yeghern,” once again falling short of honoring his promise to properly recognize the Armenian Genocide.

Razmig Sarkissian, an AYF member from Montebello, passionately voiced the frustration many Armenians share as a result of Obama’s unwillingness to properly refer to the crime as genocide. “We voted for change, not your indifference. Stand up and honor your pledge. Stand up and recognize genocide,” shouted Sarkissian.

Among the crowd, there was an unprecedented number of youth, ranging from 5 to 17 years old, holding up signs and exercising their right to speak, and be heard. Sarkissian addressed this crowd, specifically, as he exclaimed, “We must [keep pushing this movement forward] because we hold the pen that writes history, and the ink that floods that pen is our collective strength, our perseverance, and our relentless refusal to back down”.

The protest concluded with the Western Prelacy’s Father Bartev Gulumian leading a requiem service, addressing the uniqueness of Easter falling on April 24 and motivating the youth to continue to fight towards justice for the Armenian people.

Founded in 1933, the Armenian Youth Federation is the largest and most influential Armenian American youth organization in the United States, working to advance the social, political, educational and cultural awareness of Armenian-American youth.

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One Voice, One Cause Unites Armenians to Celebrate their Culture and Commemorate the Genocide

BY GAIANEH AVANESSIAN

GLENDALE—The Armenian Youth Federation’s “One Voice, One Cause” rally brought together community members highlighting the vibrant culture and resilience of the Armenian people a week prior to April 24 commemoration activities for the Armenian Genocide.

The event was held outside St. Mary’s Armenian Church and was filled with traditional Armenian music featuring beloved Armenian singers Harout Pamboukjian, Armen Movsisyan, Armen Aloyan, Razmig Mansourian, Harut Hagopian, Raffi Semerjian as well as a performance by Dj Bei Ru.

Local artists and photographers also displayed their work for the public. Photos from Gyumri were on display showing the destruction in the aftermath of the 1988 earthquake. The photos also showed glimmers of hope, where Armenians came together to help rebuild their ravished city.

AYF members Tro Krikorian and Sanan Shirinian each gave profound speeches which resonated with the crowd. Shirinian noted the strength, determination and courage of the Armenian people who despite having been nearly annihilated in the Genocide, are thriving today.

“Looking back on our history it is hard to deny that we have lost so much, we lost the greater part of our lands, our churches, millions of our people, so much wealth; but we have not, nor will we ever, lose our ability to survive, grow and create” said Shirinian as the crowd erupted into applause.

The AYF had set up a photo booth for remembrance where everyone was encouraged to write a message pertaining to the Genocide, and the photos were combined to make a slideshow playing throughout the event. Community members young and old wrote messages calling for the recognition of the Genocide as well as their family’s survival stories.

To further promote unity and rebirth in the community, the AYF recorded attendees saying a phrase of the famous William Saroyan quote, “Go ahead, destroy Armenia. See if you can do it. Send them into the desert without bread or water. Burn their homes and churches. Then see if they will not laugh, sing and pray again. For when two of them meet anywhere in the world, see if they will not create a New Armenia”. The video clip represents the strength and perseverance of the Armenian people today, after nearly being exterminated from the face of the Earth less than a century ago.

The impressive program ended with Harout Pampoukjian and his emotional closing with the singing of the Armenian national anthem. “Now more than ever, we are laughing again, we are singing again and we will be home again,” noted Shirinian in her speech.

“The event was altogether refreshing, both in the message of rebirth it relayed as well as in the demographics it attracted,” said AYF Central Executive member Niree Kodaverdian. “It was great to see the community at large standing together, remembering their ancestor’s strength of will and pride through music”.

Founded in 1933, the Armenian Youth Federation is the largest and most influential Armenian American youth organization in the United States, working to advance the social, political, educational and cultural awareness of Armenian-American youth.

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This Year, Resurrection and Recognition Go Hand in Hand On April 24th

BY SHOGHAK KAZANDJIAN

For the first time in a long time, Easter Sunday will fall on April 24th, the international day of remembrance for the Armenian Genocide. As in the past, the Armenian Youth Federation will hold its Annual Protest in front of the Turkish Consulate on April 24th. Armenian communities worldwide will fulfill their duty in commemorating the death of their ancestors, alongside celebrating the holy day of Easter.

In the weeks past, some concerns have been raised about this rarity, in the fear that it displays a conflict of priorities to protest on such a widely observed religious occasion. This occurrence, however, is not a conflict nor an inconvenience, but rather an opportunity to remember both the resurrection of Jesus and the martyrdom of 1.5 million Armenians who were murdered for their Christian faith.

“As Armenians we will celebrate the resurrection of Christ and demand justice for the still unpunished crime of genocide committed against us by the Turkish government,” says Anya Agopian, member of AYF-WR Central Executive. “We have a special responsibility to stand up this April 24 and voice our demand for justice for this brutal crime which was committed against us not only as Armenians, but as Christians.”

As the first nation to adopt Christianity as its official state religion, the deep connection between the Armenian culture and its faith is seen through the vast amount of churches built across historical Armenia. Today, as a result of the Genocide, these churches are in ruins, and exist only as obliterated pieces of land in illegitimate Eastern Turkey. As this April 24th coincides with Easter, Armenians will call for the just and rightful return of these sacred lands.

“Our churches have sentimental value and are important relics of our culture,” says Serouj Aprahamian, Executive Director of AYF-WR. “It is unacceptable how Turkey has let them rot over almost a hundred years, allowing them to be used as barns, stables, and generally allowing them to reach an unacceptable stage of disrepair.”

The Armenian people, alongside their homeland, have been scarred by genocide aimed at annihilating their ethnicity and religious freedom. This year, on Easter Sunday, Armenians will remember not only the Armenian Genocide, but the resurrection of Jesus Christ and his sacrifice for the same freedoms.

“Easter falling on our day of observance will be a stark reminder that the primary reason the Turkish government attempted to exterminate our people was to wipe out the Christian minority from the Ottoman Empire,” says David Arakelyan, AYF-WR Central Executive member. “We call on peace-loving people of all faiths to join us on April 24 and demand an end to all forms of religious or ethnic persecution. Only by speaking out and encouraging repentance can we ensure a more harmonious future free of genocide.”
In history, April 24th marks the beginning of a brutal campaign of extermination orchestrated by the Turkish Ottoman Empire. This was the day that the Ottoman authorities rounded up and murdered hundreds of Armenian intellectuals, cultural figures, and community leaders. It was the first step in a calculated campaign to cripple the Armenian community and open the way to their decimation.

The significance of April 24th is not only defined by its date in history. The date is a symbol that Armenians have survived, and persevered, for almost a century after the Genocide that nearly erased them. The date is a message that Turkey was, and continues to be, unsuccessful in their genocidal campaign. The date is a warning that the days of denial are numbered, and the Turkish government will soon be forced to atone for its heinous crime.

Founded in 1933, the Armenian Youth Federation is the largest and most influential Armenian American youth organization in the United States, working to advance the social, political, educational and cultural awareness of Armenian-American youth.

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AYF 78th Anniversary Celebration Rallies Community Support for Local Programs and Global Initiatives

BY GAIANEH AVANESSIAN

LOS ANGELES—The Armenian Youth Federation rallied community support for its local programs and global initiatives at its 78th annual anniversary celebration on March 26th, raising money to help send Armenian American youth to college, fuel advocacy efforts in the United States, and build summer camps for underprivileged children in Armenia.

This year’s event, a modern take on the traditional dinner dance featuring Armenian singer Harout Pampoukjian, serves as a crucial fundraiser for the AYF’s various educational and cultural programs.

Central Executive member Anya Agopian highlighted the importance of the celebration, describing it as effective way to unite the community every year around the organization and it’s mission.  Without the Barahantes, the programs of the AYF would be difficult to operate,” she explained. The Nanor Krikorian Scholarship, Haytoug Magazine and Youth Corps are just a few of the programs which benefit local Diasporan youth, as well as, youth abroad in Armenia and Artsakh.

The event attracts about 500 people annually and is the product of hundreds of hours of meticulous planning and organizing by a volunteer committee of the AYF responsible for raising the organization’s annual budget.

“Held at Casitas Studios, this year’s celebration was truly unique and it’s inspiring how the organizing committee worked tirelessly for months to plan the event but are proud that it makes a difference in the community,” exclaimed organizing committee chairperson, Maria Maadanian. “So many hours of planning and executing go into this event every year, but its reassuring to see the impact it leaves.”

Though the anniversary is a local event in Los Angeles, it attracts AYF members from across the Western United States, while its impact is felt far beyond the event itself. Attendees leave the event with great memories, as well as the awareness that they are simultaneously contributing to the preservation and advancement of their nation.

“The most important thing”, added Maadanian, “is that this event connects Armenian youth today to their past, present and future.” AYF Alumnus, Vatche Soghomonian echoed those sentiments, describing the anniversary annual event he anxiously awaits every year.

“Generations have passed but we still dance to our own traditional music and come together hoping to build a larger Armenian family,” said Soghomonian. “This event brings together hundreds of youth and provides them the opportunity to interact in a social setting, exchange memories, embrace their culture and make lifelong connections.”

Beyond the social and communal bonds this event creates are the educational programs it supports, key among them is Haytoug Magazine, the official publication of the AYF.

“Haytoug’s goals are to cover topics that are under reported in media and also provide critical analysis from the perspective of young, engaged minds,” explained Haytoug’s editor, Vache Thomassian. “We mail our quarterly publication free of charge to over a thousand subscribers and pass out thousands more to our communities. The AYF takes on this huge expense because it believes that stimulating thought is worth any expense.”

Another key initiative to benefit from the event is the AYF’s Youth Corps program, which sends groups of young diasporans to Armenia and Karabakh to run day camps for underprivileged children in Gyumri and Shushi. “Youth Corps provides an unforgettable opportunity to explore your homeland, while making a positive impact,” explained Sanan Shirinian, a Youth Corps alumnus. “With the funds raised from the AYF dance, this summer, the Youth Corps program will be able to expand, sending more youth to Armenia to impact more children than ever before.”

Youth Corps is a major focus for the organization this year, said Shirinian, stressing the challenge to funding the establishment of multiple camps in Armenia in the summer of 2011. Among the many fundraisers being organized throughout the year is a unique campaign to sell limited edition, retro posters of Harout Pampoukjian designed by professional illustrator and AYF alumnus Sako Shahinian and autographed by the legendary artist himself. This unique piece of art is $60, with proceeds benefiting the Youth Corps Program. To purchase an exclusive poster, visit here.

Founded in 1933, the Armenian Youth Federation is the largest and most influential Armenian American youth organization in the United States, working to advance the social, political, educational and cultural awareness of Armenian-American youth.

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April Commemorations Coinciding with Easter Give Armenians Renewed Vigor

LOS ANGELES—April is a month of solemn remembrance and resolve for Armenians throughout the world. This year, with the international day of commemoration of the Armenian Genocide falling on Easter, it is also a time of perseverance, rebirth and renewal of the Armenian Cause.

As the greater LA area is home to nearly half a million Armenians, the Armenian Youth Federation has taken the initiative to mobilize the community in commemoration of the Armenian Genocide, through music, art, and various forms of concerted action.

“We feel that alongside commemorating our ancestors who perished in 1915, we must also come together and celebrate the fact that we are still here, and that we continue to exist as a people, and as a nation,” says David Arakelyan, AYF-Western Region Central Executive member. “Our existence today, shows that the government of Turkey has failed, and will continue to fail, in their attempt to exterminate the Armenian people.”

In this spirit, the AYF has organized a unique event, titled “One Voice. One Cause,” for the Armenian community to come together, promote unity, and celebrate culture through music and art. The event, set to take place on April 17th at St. Mary’s Armenian Church in Glendale, is free for the public and features celebrated Armenian artists, such as Harout Pamboukjian, Armen Aloyan, and Bei Ru.

On April 24th, the AYF will also be organizing its Annual Protest in front of the Turkish Consulate of Los Angeles. The demonstration, a symbolic focal point for the community, represents the relentless struggle of all Armenians to gain proper recognition and restitution for the Genocide.

“Easter falling on our day of observance will be a stark reminder that one of the key reasons the Turkish government attempted to exterminate our people was our Christian faith and the desire to never relinquish it,” said Anya Agopian, a member of the AYF-WR Central Executive. “We call on people of all faiths to join us on April 24 and demand an end to all forms of hate against any religious or ethnic group; to demand restitution for the thousands of churches which were plundered and desecrated during the Genocide; and to encourage repentance.”

Following this year’s April 24 protest, the AYF is once again teaming up with Serjical Strike and the Armenian National Committee in hosting the third annual, “Silence the Lies, Rock the Truth!” benefit concert at the El Rey Theater in Los Angeles.

“This special event is meant to unite all human rights advocates as one voice in demanding an end to the perpetration of genocide throughout the world,” said Andrew Kzirian, member of the band VIZA. “The Armenian Genocide is sadly a tragic historical example of the numerous hate crimes that continue to this very day, and we want people to come together to put an end to that.”

This year’s concert will benefit the Armenian Relief Society’s “Sosse” Kindergartens and the Orran charity in Armenia, which provide vital support and assistance to underprivileged Armenian children abroad. Performances by VIZA, Capital Cities, Zulal, Armenian Public Radio, R-Mean & Bei Ru are set to electrify the anticipated sellout crowd.

The benefit concert concludes a month filled with Genocide events throughout the world in a unified effort to commemorate history, and pay respect to innocent victims. By organizing these highlighted events, the AYF continues to stay at the forefront, taking the Armenian Cause one step forward and rallying a community that has been plagued with the memory of Genocide for nearly a century.

Founded in 1933, the Armenian Youth Federation is the largest and most influential Armenian American youth organization in the United States, working to advance the social, political, educational and cultural awareness of Armenian-American youth.

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South Bay AYF Educating the Community: Armenian Genocide Museum

By Armen Karapetyan

Torrance, Ca- April 14, 2011 the Armenian Youth Federation, South Bay “Potorig” chapter, educated the community about the Armenian Genocide by creating a museum, the Armenian Genocide Museum.

More than 100 community members, both Armenian and Non-Armenian, came to observe and learn about the Genocide. “It’s amazing that until 2011, with all of my schooling, that love of history that I have, I have never
even heard of the Armenian Genocide. Today, I was asked by my school, as a school project, to come and see the Armenian Genocide Museum and was shocked to have never known anything about it. All though it is sad, I am grateful to know about this injustice and hope that America eventually acknowledges this tragedy.  God bless the Armenian people,” said David S, a community member who attended the event. Many more felt the same way as they toured each section of the Museum.

 

The Museum featured a miniature model of the Genocide Monument in Armenia, Tsitsernakaberd, in the middle of the room along with three different exhibits. The first was The Timeline Room, which outlined important dates leading up to the Genocide, during the Genocide, and post Genocide. After observing this room, Cristal Plaint, a student at a local high school, had this to say, “Horrified by how they were treated. How can people be so cruel and then pretend that this never happened?” A wall was also dedicated in the room to all the countries that have already acknowledged and accepted the genocide.  The second was The Monument Room, which showed and described all the monuments dedicated to the Armenian Genocide throughout the world. The final room was The Artists Room, which included Armenian authors, poets, singers and song writers, who have expressed their feelings about the Armenian Genocide. A wall was also dedicated to Genocide survivors and their stories. “This event brings light to this tragedy that happened to the Armenians,” said Lorenzo Gonzalez, also a student at a local high school.

When asked about this event, Sonig Mouradian, a South Bay AYF chapter member had this to say, “What happened in 1915 will never be forgotten and it is something that everyone in this world should know about. We are hoping that by educating our community they will educate their friends and family so that this becomes a chain. We strive to continue educating our community about the Armenian Genocide by organizing this Museum every year.” The Chapter hopes that they can one day inspire The Museum of Tolerance, located in Los Angeles, to have a permanent exhibit about the Armenian Genocide.

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April 24 Protest at Turkish Consulate

Join the Armenian Community of Southern California in a Unified Protest against the Denial of the Turkish Government on the 96th Commemoration of the Armenian Genocide.

APRIL 24TH AT 4 PM
IN FRONT OF THE TURKISH CONSULATE ON WILSHIRE BLVD.

Unified we will make our voice heard throughout the world!!

BUS LOCATIONS: BUSES WILL LEAVE AT 2 PM SHARP

Pasadena:
Pasadena Armenian Center
2242 E. Foothill Blvd.
Pasadena, CA

Hollywood:
Pilibos Armenian School
1615 N. Alexandria Ave
Los Angeles, CA

Glendale:
St. Mary’s Church
500 South Central Ave.
Glendale, CA

Valley:
Ferrahian Armenian School
5300 White Oak Ave.
Encino, CA

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The Pot Calling the Kettle Black, Glendale Edition

by William Bairamian

Euphemisms have always played a part in racism. For those disposed toward cowardice, subtle overtures of a perceived enemy have allowed segregationists to convey their message to the like minded without saying what the masses think. This has been happening in Glendale, and throughout the Los Angeles area, for at least a decade, and now it has come to a silent fever pitch.

Last week, Zanku Armenian artfully examined the state of politics in the City of Glendale. This week, his observations were put on public display. In the Crescenta Valley Weekly, John Drayman, who is running for re-election to the Glendale City Council, attests that “On April 5th some are hoping that you won’t vote”. Wait, I’ve heard that somewhere before.

I wonder, are these the same people that Mr. Drayman’s supporter, Gerri Cragnotti, a popular Glendale real estate agent, was referring to when she sent out an invitation for select Glendalians to come meet Mr. Drayman and Dave Weaver, another council candidate, at her home? That message read, “Maybe certain special interest groups, groups that win by absentee ballots, may not want you to go to the polls to vote on Tuesday April 5?”

Cloaked in ambiguity and doublespeak, the messages don’t arouse suspicion to the casual onlooker but to their constituents, they serve as an effective fear mongering tactic to suggest that there is some Armenian conspiracy that non-Armenians do not vote.

There are few, if any, “special interest groups” that are more engaged in the empowerment of voters in the Glendale area than the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA). And, because a part of the ANCA’s voter registration efforts aim to help elderly, incapacitated voters, these individuals are registered, and vote, by absentee ballots, primarily because they cannot go to the polls because of their disabilities. This has been shamefully twisted into an ironic rallying cry that “special interest groups”, like the ANCA, who has registered thousands of new voters, are interested in people not showing up to the polls.

But Ms. Cragnotti was right. There are people in the city that do not want their fellow citizens to vote and their names are John Drayman, Dave Weaver, and Frank Quintero.

In 2008, these three members on the City Council voted for an ordinance that effectively made it more difficult for non-English speaking (which, in Glendale, means Armenian) voters to apply to vote absentee.

The effects of this measure were real. In 2007, the percentage of Armenians in Glendale that voted by absentee ballot was 70%. In 2009, after the measure was passed, that number fell to 62%. The three councilmen who voted for passage of this measure, Messrs. Weaver, Drayman, and Quintero, certainly achieved their objective of temporarily lessening the strength of the most powerful voting group in our fair city.

For all the bemoaning of the complaints against him, Mr. Drayman has curiously taken to projecting his troubles unto others – when he’s not curbing voter access, that is. He has made tacit suggestions, in meetings like the one at Ms. Cragnotti’s home, that Ardy Kassakhian, the City Clerk of Glendale, possibly the most upstanding of all Glendale city officials, has been remiss in his duties, with nary a factoid to support his hyperbolic discharge.

It might come as a surprise, then, that while he’s taking shots at Mr. Kassakhian in both public and private, Mr. Drayman is under investigation for criminal activity. It is he, after all, who was cited in the Los Angeles Times, as having work done on his condo by not one, but six, subcontractors for a firm that defrauded the City of Glendale out of millions of dollars.

This is not even something that Mr. Drayman rejects. He simply says that he did not know. It must have been, then, the merest of coincidences that six different subcontractors, all of whom were associated to a company whose services he had dedicated millions of taxpayer dollars to, were the same six doing renovations on his condominium.

Mr. Drayman is adept at deflecting any exposure of his transgressions. Either by trying to focus the attention on someone else by making baseless claims or by smugly ridiculing allegations against him as though they were incredulous. Well, one can only claim for so long that their character precludes them from such misdemeanors while establishing a steady track record of them.

All this ruckus simply underscores the success of the Armenian-American community in becoming politically engaged and active – they vote in higher numbers than any other group in Glendale. But for some reason, cynical people like John Drayman, Dave Weaver, and Gerri Cragnotti, have a problem with this. They have a problem with (certain) Americans exercising their right to vote. They have some inexplicable problem with the same people whom they underhandedly defame. They have created a false conspiracy to serve their own interests.

April 5 is Election Day. Some people don’t want you to vote – and some of those people are running for re-election to another four year term. It takes five minutes to vote. Should the Armenian-American community have to take another four years of attempts to marginalize and disparage them? You decide.

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One Voice, One Cause; Commemoration Through Music and Art!

Join the Armenian Youth Federation on April 17th as we honor our community’s unity, struggle, and perseverance as well as Commemorate the 96th Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide.

DATE:

April 17th, 2011
TIME:

6:30 PM

LOCATION:

Outdoors at St. Mary’s Armenian Church
500 S. Central Ave. Glendale, CA 91204

Performances by

– Harout Pamboukjian

– Armen Aloyan

– Armen Movsisyan

– Razmig Mansourian

– Harut Hagopian

– Raffi Semerjian

– Bei-Ru

Armenians United will NEVER be divided!!

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