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AYF Completes Phase One of the ‘With Our Soldiers’ Campaign

(GLENDALE, Calif., Jan. 28, 2015) – After three years of providing treatments to the veterans of the Artsakh Liberation Movement through the “With Our Soldiers” initiative, the Armenian Youth Federation has announced the completion of the first phase of the program as of Dec. 31, 2014.  During the course of the WOS campaign, over 80 freedom fighters and members of their families have been assisted by the AYF with the funds raised from the community, donors, supporters and the various AYF chapters.

The AYF launched its “With Our Soldiers” program at the start of 2012, proclaiming that year as the Year of the Armenian Freedom Fighter (Azadamardik).  The Central Executive and local chapters organized a number of fundraising events during the course of the campaign, which allowed the specially-formed task force to partner with the Yerevan Medical Center and facilitate the treatments of veterans suffering from war-related injuries.  The “With Our Soldiers” task force periodically informed the community about the progress of its work by releasing financial reports, as well as video updates prepared by Yerkir Media in Armenia which told the stories of the veterans who were being helped by the campaign.

“It has been a truly humbling experience to work with our freedom fighters during the past three years,” said David Arakelyan, the chairman of the “With Our Soldiers” task force.  “These men have made tremendous sacrifices to give us a precious gift, an independent Artsakh, and this campaign was our attempt to express our gratitude to them and to tell their stories to our community, especially the young people, many of whom were born after the Artsakh Liberation struggle.”

The list of treatments and services provided to the freedom fighters extends from simple check-ups and consultations to complicated and expensive surgeries.  During the course of the campaign, the task force remained committed to providing care to the largest number of individuals possible with the resources available.  The timeliness and the urgency of the “With Our Soldiers” initiative to assist our veterans was confirmed by the high demand for the medical services that far exceeded the campaign’s financial capabilities.

“It was important for the AYF to show to our veterans that we stand with them and that we stand with Artsakh during these challenging times, when Azerbaijan continues to increase both its military budget and its warmongering rhetoric,” said Caspar Jivalagian, a member of the “With Our Soldiers” task force.  “Our freedom fighters have set a great example for the Armenian youth today.  We must remain committed to Artsakh and to the cause of liberation of the rest of our occupied Homeland.”

The Armenian Youth Federation has released a brochure, which is meant to serve as a report to the donors and the community at large about the work done through the “With Our Soldiers” initiative. The brochure contains information on campaign events, finances and the fedayis who have been assisted during this phase of the initiative.  This report has been mailed to the donors and supporters of the “With Our Soldiers” campaign.  It is also available in print and in digital format to all members of the community interested in learning more about the campaign and its work.  To obtain a copy of the brochure, please contact the AYF office at 818-507-1933.

The AYF has also announced that the next phase of the campaign, focusing on current and retired servicemen of the Armenian Armed Forces and their families, will be launched towards the end of 2015.

Arpa Hatzbanian, chairperson of the AYF Central Executive, has declared the organization’s intention to “recognize the brave soldiers who are currently protecting our borders and the heroes who have fallen in the line of duty while defending the right of the people of Artsakh and Armenia to live peacefully on our historic lands.”  The AYF will provide the community with details regarding this initiative in the near future.

About the Armenian Youth Federation

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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#TurkeyFailed Schedule

Here is the upcoming schedule for our #TurkeyFailed campaign, which will spotlight different achievements and aspects of the Armenian community and heritage every Thursday from 1-3pm. #100DaysofAction #AYF #ArmenianGenocide

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AYF Juniors Gather for Annual Winter Getaway

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LOS ANGELES—The Martin Luther King Jr. long weekend had an additional special meaning for some one hundred Armenian youth who gathered at AYF Camp Big Pines for their annual Winter Getaway. Organized by the Armenian Youth Federation’s Junior Central Council, the weekend attracted 75 AYF Junior member campers and about 25 AYF Senior member counselors.

Juniors between the ages of 8 and 16 enjoyed classic AYF Camp activities including “steal the bacon,” “butt volleyball,” “wacky olympics,” “scavenger hunt,” and song competitions.

“We even strived to make the educational presentations fun and engaging for the campers,” said Sylva Khayalian, who oversaw all pre-camp preparations.

ARF Central Committee member Vache Thomassian presented Operation Nemesis to the older group of campers, which included 12-16 year olds; while AYF alumnus, Vicken Sosikian, conveyed the story of Talaat Pasha’s assassination to the 8-12 year old group by breaking down the song commonly known as “Kini Lits.”

“We wanted to facilitate learning throughout the weekend and not just during educational presentations,” said Khayalian. “From the song competitions, to the cabin discussions to the Scavenger hunt we ensured that all campers were learning and interacting throughout the weekend.”

Founder and director of Element Band, Ara Dabandjian, showcased a wide variety of Armenian musical instruments to all campers by providing a brief history and playing familiar songs with each.

“I noticed a hint of maturity and pride as she told her brother that she considers AYF Camp her second home,” said camper parent Pattyl Aposhian Kasparian. “It wasn’t until I overheard her singing the sweet words ‘Yerp chi mnoom yelk oo djar, Khentern en kdnoum hnar’ that I was able to identify the root of the change; maturity and pride coupled with the burden of righteousness and indomitable courage.”

“The AYF Junior Winter Getaway was a perfect opportunity to strengthen the bond between AYF Seniors and Juniors, helping us face this historic year with a genuine and unified strength,” said AYF activist Sanan Shirinian who co-directed the weekend with AYF alumnus Garen Kirakosian. “The greatest success for me was witnessing how deeply the AYF Seniors cared for our Junior members,” said Kirakosian.

“The counselors were so much fun and funny, I had such a great time with all the cool activities,” said 10 year old camper Kareen Manuelian. “My favorite part of the weekend was the singing and song competition – I can’t stop singing since I’ve been back.”

“Our goal was to provide a fun and interactive environment where we can all learn and grow,” said JCC chairman, Saro Shirinian. “By having one counselor for every three campers, by making educational activities fun and fun activities educational, by ensuring safety and fostering comradery; we believe we accomplished our goal,” said Shirinian. “We are grateful to the AYF Seniors, the AYF Camp Board, Sardarabad Bookstore and all the parents who entrusted us with their children.”

“This long weekend reaffirmed my hope for the newest generation of Armenian Community organizers dedicated to justice,” said counselor Razmig Sarkissian. “Justice for us is no different than the justice championed by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.; while the causes may be a bit different the goal [justice] is the same,” said Sarkissian.

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UCLA Student Body Passes Resolution Calling for Divestment from Turkey

Westwood, Calif. — The University of California, Los Angeles student body government on Tuesday night unanimously voted to divest $72.6 million dollars worth of University of California bonds and investments in the Republic of Turkey for their crimes in and the continued denial of the Armenian genocide.

The resolution, titled “A Resolution to Divest from the Republic of Turkey to End the Perpetuation of the Armenian Genocide”, passed with a vote of 12-0-0 around 10:00 p.m. at Kerckhoff Hall in UCLA.

The resolution is part of a larger initiative (#DivestTurkey) spearheaded by the Armenian Youth Federation — Western United States — a grassroots community organization dedicated to justice– calling on institutions to divest from the Republic of Turkey.

“The #DivestTurkey initiative began in order to connect and provide resources for university students and activists on campuses across America to divest all holdings in the Republic of Turkey’s government until reparations for the Armenian Genocide are met and until genocide is no longer a profitable venture,” said Gev Iskajyan, a member of the AYF Central Executive board. “The Armenian Students’ Association at UCLA was the first organization to accept this call for divestment from the community and successfully presented this resolution.”

The resolution passed with overwhelming support from UCLA’s general student body and official UCLA student organizations.

“Tonight demonstrates the Armenian community is not alone in its fight for justice and reparations for genocide,” explained Razmig Sarkissian, an AYF member and UCLA alumnus.

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Student organization co-sponsors included Armenian Dance Group, Alpha Epsilon Omega, Alpha Gamma Alpha, Armenians for Health Advancement, Hidden Road Initiative and Samahang Pilipino. Student organization endorsers included Bengali Students Association, Indus, Jewish Voice for Peace, Native Roots, Samahang Pilipino, Sikh Student Association and Students for Justice in Palestine.

“[#DivestTurkey] is about reaffirming student agency because students were not consulted in the decision to invest in the Turkish government,” said Mikael Matossian, president of the Armenian Students’ Association at UCLA. “This is a proactive step in the ethical direction, of an Armenian student-led coalition calling on our student government to take a stand against funding genocidal regimes.”

“The AYF plans to expand the #DivestTurkey initiative, working with several colleges and universities in order to introduce similar resolutions in the coming weeks and months,” said Iskajyan. Campus organizations and interested individuals can contact Divestment@AYFwest.org.

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

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100 Days of Action Begins

Over the past 100 years, the Republic of Turkey’s government, through denial and suppression, has led a full-fledged assault against recognition and reparations for their crimes during the Armenian Genocide. The Armenian Genocide that started in 1915 was not a byproduct of war, it was not a western form of relocation, but instead, a systematic and tactfully planned effort by the Young Turk regime to annihilate the Armenian people. Today, January 14, the Armenian Youth Federation will begin the 100 Days of Action leading up to the centennial of the Armenian Genocide.

It is most appropriate to begin the 100 Days of Action on the 82nd anniversary of the AYF’s founding. With a legacy of over 80 years of community involvement, the AYF stands prepared to play a leading role in the preservation and advancement of the Armenian people and cause. The generations before us were willing to die on their feet rather than live on their knees. As the continuation of the Armenian people and inheritors of a legacy of activism, the AYF assures the community that we understand the duty bestowed upon us, and we will continue to fight against the challenges that are put forth. Knowing full well that our people’s future rests in the hands of an active Armenian youth, we realize the sacrifices our ancestors made for us. This, in turn, has sparked a passion in each of us to work willingly and tirelessly for something that is much greater than ourselves.

For nearly 100 years, we as Armenians have seen the Republic of Turkey’s government push a politically motivated campaign of denial. History has been carefully and intentionally excluded from textbooks, social media and the memories of the people of Turkey. Denialists funded by Turkish lobbyists have been touring the world, spreading their lies about our history.

We as Armenians have been taught about the forced hardships that were brought forth on our grandparents, great grandparents and ancestors. We have heard their aching cries as they spoke of the atrocities that took place in their homes, on our indigenous lands. They have taught us of the six historically Armenian regions of Van, Erzerum, Kharpert, Bitlis, Dikranagerd and Sepastia-Sivas, which have been stripped of their native inhabitants by virtue of the Armenian Genocide.

We as Armenians have put our faith and hope in the hands of our “fearless” American leaders. We have allowed for them to make their way into office with their empty promises. We have patiently waited year after year for justice while hoping that one day one of our so-called leaders would carry out their promise and recognize this genocidal crime against humanity as a moral and ethical obligation.

We as Armenians are done waiting and are tired of asking. This genocide is not any less significant than the ones that are taking place today.  The pursuit of moral and material justice does not have a timeline; it does not have an expiration date. It is founded upon the truth that the Republic of Turkey’s government and American politicians have been hiding from for nearly 100 years. It is our time to fight back and demand what is right.

Over the next 100 days, we will be educating, we will be making classroom presentations, we will be working with school districts and museums in order to teach the public about the history that has been left out of textbooks. We will also be organizing divestments, boycotts and protests in order to make sure our demands are heard.

Over the next 100 days, we will be introducing to the world the stories that we were told as kids. We will be sharing the painful truth that took years for our great grandparents to finally speak of. We will be establishing a relationship between our community and the scholars, writers, artists, politicians and religious figures that were slaughtered in April of 1915. We will share their stories and make sure that they will never be forgotten. Most importantly, we will show the world that the attempt at annihilating the Armenian people was not a success. We will spend the next 15 weeks spotlighting our history, our achievements, our organizations, our projects, our Armenian centers around the world and our beautiful language and culture, proving to the world that TURKEY FAILED because WE SURVIVED!

Over the next 100 days, we are calling all Armenians in all communities to action. We are not waiting for today’s political figures or tomorrow’s presidents to step into office and use their empty promises as a tactic for their own political gains. Instead, we are starting a movement. This is our history. Those were our ancestors that were massacred. This is our time to show the world that 100 years is nothing but a number. No matter how long it takes, we will create the justice we deserve.

This is our moment.
This is our movement.
This our destiny to shape, together.

IN REVOLUTIONARY SPIRIT,
ARMENIAN YOUTH FEDERATION
WESTERN UNITED STATES

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Aurora Mardiganian: Genocide Survivor

Today, January 12, marks the birthday of Aurora Arshalouys Mardiganian, a survivor of the Armenian Genocide. Mardiganian was an Armenian-American author and actress. She was born in 1901 and raised in the city of Harput in the Ottoman Empire. After witnessing the murder of most of her family during the genocide, she was kidnapped and sold as a slave. Eventually, she was able to escape to Tiflis (Tblisi, Georgia), where she stayed in Hovanes Toumanyan’s home. From there, she went to St. Petersburg at the same time the Bolshevik Revolution was occurring. She then made her way to Norway, and finally to the United States with the help of the Near East Foundation. When she arrived in New York, she was approached by a young screenwriter who helped her write and publish her memoir titled Ravished Armenia. The narrative was used for a film script that was created in 1919, in which Aurora played herself. Mardiganian admits that as much as the film tried to portray her stories, the horrors she had faced were alleviated in the film because they could not show such horrific things. Mardiganian became a spokesperson for the victims of the genocide. She lived the rest of her life in Los Angeles, where she passed away in 1994 at the age of 93.

During the 100 Days of Action, Tuesdays are going to be dedicated to survivor stories like Aurora Mardiganian’s. Social media campaigns with the hashtag #TurkeyFailed will follow on Thursdays throughout the 100 days. Together, these two actions will demonstrate our people’s resilience, courage and bravery. Survivor stories illustrate the atrocities and pain our ancestors endured in the first half of the twentieth century. They demonstrate the past generations’ will power and determination to maintain their Armenian identity and preserve their language and culture. Most importantly, these stories prove that we survived and we flourished. Our mere existence is a testament to Turkey’s failure. Its failure to erase us. Its failure to cover it up. Because we prevailed. We’re still here 100 years later, and we’re ready, we’re standing, and we’re mobilized.

The 100 Days of Action will begin in just 2 days. We ask that you join our movement and support our efforts to make our voices heard.

For more information on the 100 Days of Action, click here.

— Dikran Khodanian and Alik Ourfalian

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AYF’s 100 Days of Action to Count Down to Genocide Centennial

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GLENDALE, Calif — The Armenian Youth Federation – Western United States has announced the 100 Days of Action, a campaign to mark the centennial of the Armenian Genocide. The 100 days will begin on January 14, the anniversary of the founding of the AYF, and will conclude on April 24, the day marked as the start of the Armenian Genocide.

The AYF will host daily actions throughout the 100 days, including weekly social media campaigns, boycotts and divestment, political lobbying, tactical demonstrations, cultural displays, and educational forums. The 100 Days of Action will culminate with a march leading to the Turkish Consulate in Los Angeles on April 24.

“The 100 Days of Action are meant to involve the local community in actions that facilitate the advancement of the Armenian Cause,” said Arpa Hatzbanian, chairperson of the AYF Central Executive. “We urge the community to participate in the actions and support our efforts.”

Information about each day’s action will be available on www.ayfwest.org and across social media outlets (@ayfwest). Those who wish to participate can contact the AYF at 818-507-1933 or ayf@ayfwest.org.

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

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