AYF Announces Community Protest in Front of Azerbaijani Consulate In Los Angeles
On Wednesday, September 30th, at 6 p.m., in light of recent attacks and aggressions from Azerbaijan, the Armenian Youth Federation Western United States invites all those who stand against Azeri aggression to voice their demands—to not just the Azeri government, but to the local, state, and federal governments of the United States and to the entire international community.
Aggression by Azerbaijan knows no bounds.
Since our last protest, Armenians across the Western United States and around the world have been targeted for hate crimes, including attacks on our schools, community centers, and misinformation online and in the political arena. We call on our compatriots to join us once more in condemning Azerbaijan for their aggression.
On the morning of September 27, 2020, Azerbaijan launched a massive military attack on civilians and civilian objects in Artsakh and Armenia.
Azerbaijan, led by a warmongering dictatorship, continues its campaign of terror against civilians. The capital city of Stepanakert was attacked for the first time since 1994. Among the reported fatalities are a woman and a child, and many more civilian structures including homes and schools continue to be targeted.
“Azerbaijan has increased its level of aggression, targeting civilians and recklessly endangering thousands of lives. We all feel the sentiment, although we were not born in the homeland, our homeland is born within us. While we cannot be on the front lines next to our brave soldiers, we will always be on the front lines in the diaspora politically and in our communities across the world. In the midst of a global pandemic, we cannot stand idly by when Azerbaijan continues its attack, —this time more intensely. As in our previous protest, we stress to everyone planning to attend to wear a face covering and to take all necessary precautions to protect themselves and the rest of the peaceful participants,” Alique Cherchian, AYF-WUS Central Executive member, said.
Aliyev’s war crimes have the full support of the Republic of Turkey. Furthermore, international organizations and media refuse to acknowledge Azerbaijan as the clear aggressor. As a result, once again the Armenian nation is left with the responsibility of bringing light to these injustices.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, face coverings and all other government-sanctioned protective measures will be required and strictly enforced.
Founded in 1933, the Armenian Youth Federation is the largest and the most influential Armenian-American youth organization in the United States, working to advance the social, political, educational, and cultural awareness among Armenian-American youth.
AYF Stages ‘Die-In’ Demonstration Outside Staples Center
LOS ANGELES—After the 113 to 109 Los Angeles Lakers victory over the Utah Jazz on April 7, fans exited the Staples Center to find a group of Armenian Youth Federation activists staging a “die-in” demonstration to raise awareness of the Armenian Genocide.
AYF members were silently sitting or lying on the ground just outside the Staples Center as thousands of attendees witnessed and held signs that brought attention to the issue of the Armenian Genocide. “We are here to educate the community of the atrocities perpetrated by Turkey during the first genocide of the 20th century, and to inform the public that proper justice, in form of restitution and reparation, has not been restored for the Armenian people,” stated Hakop Hajibekyan, co-chairperson of the AYF’s Hye Tad Committee.
Along with raising awareness, demanding restitution, and calling for reparations, the AYF has been working to advocate for the divestment of over $70 million of University of California (UC) funds from the government of Turkey. Since the movement’s inception, the Armenian National Committee of America – Western Region also began working to divest over $500 million of California State funds from the government of Turkey, to ensure that taxpayer funds are no longer used to propagate Turkey’s denialist propaganda. The movement regained momentum last week after a meeting was held within the State Assembly over the new Divestment bill, AB1320.
The AYF’s next show of activism will be at the annual March for Justice, which will take place on Wednesday, April 24, 2019 at 1:00 p.m. outside the Turkish Consulate in Los Angeles (6300 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90048). The March for Justice is hosted by the Armenian Genocide Committee (AGC), which is made up of representatives of over 20 Armenian organizations and includes over 40 coalition partners that fight for justice and against the denial of the Armenian Genocide. The AGC calls on all community members to unite in show of solidarity and collective strength at the 2019 March for Justice.
Founded in 1933 with organizational structures in over 17 regions around the world and a legacy of over eighty years of community involvement, 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.
AYF To Host 10th Annual ‘Cycle Against Denial’ Bike Rally
SANTA MONICA – The 10th annual “Cycle Against Denial” bike rally for genocide awareness will be held on Saturday, April 13 in Santa 
Monica, CA. The event will be hosted by the Armenian Youth Federation – Western United States San Fernando Valley “Sardarabad” Chapter.
“Cycle Against Denial” is an annual bike rally held not only to commemorate the Armenian Genocide, but to also raise awareness for all genocides in a creative and public display. This is the fourth time the event will be held in Santa Monica. In previous years, the bike rally took place in the San Fernando Valley, with the starting point being Holy Martyrs Ferrahian High School in Encino, CA.
This year, the organizers have allowed donations to be made in the name of bike rally participants, where proceeds will go toward the Armenian-American Museum. The Museum will be built in Glendale, and will include a permanent exhibition on the topic of the Armenian-American experience. This will include the history of Armenia, the Armenian Genocide, and Armenians living in the United States.
“Cycle Against Denial is a community-wide event meant to bring attention to the atrocities that were committed against the Armenian people and the genocides that have followed since,” said Harut Minasyan, a member of the organizing committee. “Riders of all ages gather in the form of a peaceful protest to inform the public of the events that occurred and to make sure that the victims that paid the ultimate price will not be forgotten. The goal of the bike rally is to demand accountability for the injustice and to highlight that such crimes against humanity will not be tolerated,” added Minasyan.
Following their registration for the “Cycle Against Denial” bike rally, participants are encouraged to ask friends, family and other potential supporters for donations. Donations can be made under the name of the participant, on the AYF-WUS website. The participant with the largest amount of donations will win a complimentary bike. Individuals interested in participating in the rally can register on the website beforehand.
If unable to register online, participants may register on the day of the rally. In-person registration begins at 11a.m, while the ride itself is scheduled to begin at 1p.m. Registration cost is $10 per person, which includes both participation and a commemorative t-shirt. Instructions and context for the event will be delivered by the event organizers before the cycling begins.
The registration table and start of the rally will be located at 1640 Appian Way, Santa Monica, California 90401, on the southern side of the Santa Monica Pier.
- Participants may bring their own bikes, and those who need to rent a bike may do so from rental locations within walking distance of the registration point. These include:
- Sea Mist Rentals: 1619 Ocean Front Walk, Santa Monica, CA 90401;
- Santa Monica Bike Center: 1555 2nd St, Santa Monica, CA 90401;
- Breeze BikeShare: Santa Monica City-hosted bike share, located at Palisades Park.
- For any questions, please feel free to email sardarabad@ayfwest.org, or visit the Facebook event page.
The Armenian-American Museum and Cultural Center of California is a developing project in Glendale, CA with a mission to promote understanding and appreciation of America’s ethnic and cultural diversity by sharing the Armenian-American experience. The Museum will serve as a cultural campus that enriches the community, educates the public on the Armenia- American story, and empowers individuals to embrace cultural diversity and speak out against prejudice.
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.
AYF Marks Women’s History Month with “Armenian Women: Breaking Barriers” Event
BURBANK—In celebration of Women’s History Month, the United Human Rights Council, a committee of the Armenian Youth Federation – Western United States and California State University, Northridge’s Alpha Gamma Alpha co-hosted “Armenian Women: Breaking Barriers” at the Burbank Youth Center on Saturday, March 9th. The program portrayed Armenian women who have made significant contributions to Armenia and the Armenian people, and served to empower young Armenian women as community leaders and organizers.
The event included presentations from three distinguished speakers. Dr. Houri Berberian, the Meghrouni Family Presidential Chair in Armenian Studies at the University of California, Irvine, began the program with introducing the lives of Armenian women during the Iranian and Ottoman empires, as well as the instrumental roles they played in the opening Armenian schools during the second half of the 19th century.
Author Sona Zeitlian told stories of three female Armenian figures who played major roles in the sociopolitical realm of the Armenian nation. Zeitlian first spoke about Armenia’s ambassador to Japan during the first republic (also recognized as the first female ambassador), Diana Abkar. She also spoke of Hripsime (Lola) Sassouni, who organized women’s groups for defense and relief work and committed herself to raise the standard of living of refugees and orphans. Lastly, Zeitlian told the story of Siran (Seza) Zarifian, the editor/publisher of Beirut’s first women’s journal, Yeridasart Hayouhi (Young Armenian Woman), who specified the need for women in decision making bodies and involvement in community social, political, and educational organizations.
After a brief intermission, the Lernazang Ensemble, a band of young artists dedicated to preserving Armenian folk music, took the audience on a journey through the villages of Western Armenia using a duduk and drum, with the was accompaniment of traditional dances that depicted the spirits of the Armenian women from those regions. They performed songs and dances to Madzoun Em Trel, Altalla, and Dasnergu Vodk (12-steps). “Lernazang Ensemble’s flawless performance captured the energy of Armenian women,” said attendee Preny Alaverdian, “The sounds of our traditional musical instruments and footwork was inspiring to hear and watch.”
Once the band concluded with their final piece, the program’s last speaker was invited to the stage. State Representative Mari Manoogian of the Michigan House of Representatives spoke about her path towards a career in politics, highlighting the challenges she faced as an Armenian democratic running for a position typically filled by republican candidates, and encouraged the need for young Armenians to become civically engaged and take part in the political process.
To close the program, the UHRC expressed words of gratitude for the contributions of all the speakers and performers. “The UHRC will continue to work on women’s rights issues both in our local communities and in the homeland,” said UHRC chairperson Hasmik Burushyan, “we will organize to bring gender equality into a growing existence.”
The United Human Rights Council (UHRC) is a committee of the Armenian Youth Federation – Western United States (AYF-WUS). By means of action on a grassroots level, the UHRC works towards exposing and correcting human rights violations of governments worldwide, and aims to foster dialogue and collaboration between peoples who share this common vision.
Founded in 1933 with organizational structures in over 17 regions around the world and a legacy of over eighty years of community involvement, 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.
AYF Orange County Hosts “Ungers Giving” Event to End 2018
Santa Ana, CA – On November 24th, The Armenian Youth Federation (AYF) Orange County “Ashod Yergat” Chapter ended 2018 by welcoming the AYF chapters across the Western United States to the Orange County Armenian Center “Ungers Giving,” an Armenian twist on the traditional American holiday.
With approximately 75 AYF members from across Southern California in attendance, the event was widely regarded as a success. Guests were treated to a classic Thanksgiving dinner featuring entrees of turkey and ham, with sides of mashed potatoes and gravy.
The event also featured an “Open-Mic Night” portion where individuals were provided a platform to showcase their musical talents. Performers featured guests Blue Kalamianand AYF members Alique Cherchian and Krista Apardian. During his set, Kalamian performed an original song along with acoustic versions of hits from multi-platinum selling Armenian rock band System of a Down. Apardian and Cherchian, of Green KARD fame, teamed up to perform classic Armenian revolutionary songs such as “Mardigi Yerke” and “Zartir Vortyag.” The crowd was enthralled and sang along to every System of a Down hit and Armenian revolutionary song. Following the aforementioned performances, guests were invited to the outside patio and treated with delicious apple and pumpkin pie while connecting over of board games such as Nardi (backgammon) and Shakhmat (chess).
The 2018 “Ungers Giving” event raised a total of $1,000. Proceeds will be used to fund programs established by the “We are Gyumri” campaign, an AYF initiative kickstarted by the “Ashod Yergat” Chapter in 2014 to support and bring attention to Armenia’s second largest city, Gyumri. “This initiative carries great significance for our chapter,” said Seto Cherchian, Chairperson of the AYF Orange County Chapter. “With the Orange County AYF being the initiator of the program, we actively support the “We are Gyumri” campaign in hopes to have a lasting and positive impact on the youth in Gyumri.”
The “We are Gyumri” campaign is responsible for the renovation of the Shirvanyan Youth Center that opened its doors in 2016. Activities in the youth center include year-long functional programs where the youth can take part in English language classes, computer classes, dance classes, arts and crafts, and more. It is also one of the main sites for the AYF Youth Corps program’s summer day camps. The “We are Gyumri” campaign also offers scholarships for residents of the Shirak region with a record of academic excellence and have chosen to pursue their undergraduate education in Gyumri.
Founded in 1933 with organizational structures in over 17 regions around the world and a legacy of over eighty years of community involvement, 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.
AYF Initiates Fundraiser to Raise Awareness, Counter Domestic Violence in Armenia
LOS ANGELES – On Friday November 30th, the United Human Rights Council (UHRC), a central council of the Armenian Youth Federation – Western United States (WUS), initiated a T-shirt fundraiser to raise awareness about and support efforts to counter recent domestic, gender-based violence in Armenia. The T-shirts are now available at www.ayfwest.org/shop.
All proceeds will go directly to Women’s Support Center and Society Without Violence – two organizations that work to address gender violence and inequality in Armenia.
On Sunday November 11th, 20-year-old Kristine Iskandaryan was confirmed to have been severely beaten into unconsciousness by her husband, 30-year-old Illarion Nunushyan with his bare hands. Following the attack, authorities arrested and interrogated the perpetrator. The following day, Iskandaryan passed away while in medical care. Following Nunushyan’s confession of the crime, he was released by police. This is the latest incident in a series of several domestic violence crimes committed against women in the past few years.
The Coalition to Stop Violence Against Women, a group dedicated to prevention, fair trials, and adoption of preventive legislation related to domestic violence in Armenia commented on the incident. “The absence of clear mechanisms regarding cases of domestic violence and the lenient attitude towards the person committing the violence, contribute to the continuation of this violence and atmosphere of impunity. The time has come to acknowledge that violence is not a private nor a family matter; domestic violence and systemic femicide are crimes which society must no longer tolerate,” read the group’s statement.
“Through this fundraiser, our aim is to implement awareness about this ongoing issue in Armenia and we hope to provide financial support to organizations that combat cruel outcomes like domestic violence,” said Hasmik Burushyam, current co-chair of the UHRC. “Moreover, we want to work to prevent these violent crimes from existing”, she said.
The fundraiser is a part of the AYF UHRC’s “Project Ser” (in Armenian, ‘Ser’ means both love and gender), a campaign to raise awareness about gender, sexuality, and LGBT issues. Project Ser strives to make gender equality and inclusivity a reality and a practice in communities and organizing spaces.
The t-shirt depicts a woman’s profile in the shape of Armenia and Artsakh, with a purple-colored ribbon. This design was originally publicized in 2011, as part of efforts to raise awareness about domestic violence in Armenia. Specifically, Zaruhi Petrosyan was beaten to death in her Yerevan home by her husband mother-in-law in 2010, prompting The Coalition to Stop Violence Against Women to be created. Also in response, the UHRC organized a march in Little Armenia, Hollywood to demand an end to domestic violence.
With a staff of 15 professionals, Women’s Support Center is working on preventing and responding to domestic violence (DV) with a particular focus on men’s violence against women who are or were in an intimate relationship. The organization is a full-service domestic violence center and also engage in advocacy work to create systemic change for victims of DV.
Founded in 2001, Society Without Violence has implemented projects that focus on empowering women, increasing public awareness and participation on various issues impacting women, promoting social activism, increasing female leadership skills and contributing to the formation of women human rights defenders’ institutional system. The organization’s mission is to educate and empower girls and women, promote gender equality, advocate for women’s representation and participation in all levels of decision making and peace building processes.
The United Human Rights Council (UHRC) is a committee of the Armenian Youth Federation – Western United States (AYF-WUS). By means of action on a grassroots level, the UHRC works towards exposing and correcting human rights violations of governments worldwide, and aims to foster dialogue and collaboration between peoples who share this common vision.
Founded in 1933 with organizational structures in over 17 regions around the world and a legacy of over eighty years of community involvement, 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.
Apply to AYF Youth Corps 2019 Today!
GLENDALE—The application for the 2019 Armenian Youth Federation Youth Corps summer program is now available!
AYF Youth Corps is a six-week program in Armenia, which consists of five weeks of hosting summer camps for youth ages 9-16, and one week dedicated to exploring the treasures of Armenia and Artsakh.
“AYF Youth Corps was truly an experience of a lifetime. Being able to not only see my homeland but to live in it, and genuinely interact with it is incredible,” said Patil Derhagopian, a 2017 AYF Youth Corps participant. “When I think of Armenia and Artsakh I no longer imagine seeing typical tourist sites, but rather I remember the faces of my campers and co-counselors and the amazing time we spent together. There’s not a day that goes by where I don’t think about my experience and how much I’ve grown as an Armenian because of it.”
AYF Youth Corps participants get the opportunity to go on excursions to landmarks in Armenia and Artsakh including Dzidzernakapert, Temple of Garni, Geghard Monastery, Sardarabad Memorial, Tatev Monastery, and more. The program participants run camps in various regions of Armenia and Artsakh and get a chance to visit the Armenian community in Javakhk, Georgia during their time volunteering.
During the summer camps, AYF Youth Corps participants lead children in learning English, Armenian History lessons, patriotic songs, arts and crafts, and other aspects of Armenian culture. Participants have the amazing opportunity of living with a host family in the cities where they conduct camps.
AYF Youth Corps provides a unique and hands-on opportunity for Armenians from the homeland and the diaspora to build bridges and create everlasting memories.
The deadline to submit an application is March 1, 2019, Apply today!
Founded in 1933 with organizational structures in over 17 regions around the world and a legacy of over eighty years of community involvement, 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.
