Armenian Genocide Resolution Passes Through House Foreign Affairs Committee

AYF Commends Activist Efforts of Armenian Youth
Los Angeles- The Foreign Affairs Committee of the House of Representatives today, approved a measure (H.Res. 106) which seeks to affirm the United States’ record on the Armenian Genocide by a vote of 27-21. This passage sets the stage for a full vote on the matter by the entire House of Representatives.
Overcoming opposition from an extraordinarily list of detractors, including President George W. Bush, 8 former Secretaries of State and millions of dollars deluging the offices of lobby firms from the government of Turkey, the resolution prevailed.
“By approving this resolution, the Foreign Affairs Committee has risen above outright extortion and political perversion to stand up for this human rights legislation” stated Vache Thomassian, Central Executive member of the AYF.
Acting as the vanguard of the Armenian youth on this issue, the AYF has organized countless letter writing campaigns, phone banking and demonstrations raising awareness of the importance of this resolution. Working side by side with the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA), the AYF has been able to mobilize thousands to action to voice their opinions to their elected officials.
“This by no means indicates the end of our struggle. We have to redouble our efforts to ensure a prompt and successful vote by the full House, and we look towards the Armenian youth to lead these efforts,” emphasized Thomassian.
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AYF and ANC Confront Genocide Denier Congresswoman Jane Harman

Los Angeles, CA – “With pride and patriotism, members of the Armenian Youth Federation (AYF) confronted Congresswoman Jane Harman (D-CA-36) this weekend for her immoral role in the denial of the Armenian Genocide. It was discovered this week that the Congresswoman, while publicly endorsing H. Res. 106 (the Armenian Genocide Resolution), had secretly authored a letter on October 3, 2007 urging the Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee to kill that very same bill.
“Jane Harman ought to be ashamed,” commented Vache Thomassian, a member of the AYF Central Executive. “She ought to be ashamed for her rank hypocrisy. She ought to be ashamed for her double standard on human rights. And she ought to be ashamed that as a daughter of a man who came to America as a refugee from Nazi Germany, she is now willing to turn a blind eye to genocide for the sake of political expediency. Shame on Jane Harman,” Thomassian added.
The AYF members, joined by ANC supporters, challenged Harman’s position at a public event held in Lakewood, California on Saturday, October 6, 2007. Nearly a 100 AYF members were on hand, the Armenian Americans spoke truth to power by directly confronting the Congresswoman for her hypocrisy. Specifically, the AYF members shared that her deceitful actions are profoundly immoral and fall far beneath even the most basic ethical standards that her constituents in California’s 36th Congressional District have a right to expect. With chants of “Hypocrite, Liar, Genocide Denier,” the AYF members highlighted Harman’s ethically challenged effort to defeat the Armenian Genocide resolution.
Over 1,000 human rights supporters from across Los Angeles County have contacted Harman’s offices in California and Washington, D.C. to criticize her decision to oppose the Armenian Genocide Resolution. Her constituents have called Harman to express their sharp disappointment with her betrayal to support universal recognition of the Armenian Genocide. Having learned of her secretive opposition to the Armenian Genocide Resolution, many voters in her Congressional District question Harman’s dedication to the truth. Constituents found the Congresswoman’s actions particularly troubling given her longstanding public support for this human rights legislation.
Founded in 1933, the Armenian Youth Federation (AYF) has grown to become the largest and most influential Armenian American youth organization; with chapters throughout the United States and affiliated organizations around the world. Inspired by our past and motivated by the needs of the future, the AYF actively strives to advance the social, political, educational and cultural awareness of all Armenian youth.
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AYF Encourages Community Participation During “Little Armenia” Clean-U

5th Annual Clean-Up Effort Aims To Beautify Street Of Hollywood
Los Angeles- The Armenian Youth Federation of the Western United States announced today that preparations are well underway for the 5th annual “Little Armenia Clean-Up”; scheduled to take place on Sunday, October 7th. The clean-up, entitled “AYF Gives Back to Little Armenia,” is a large scale beautification effort undertaken in the “Little Armenia” district of Hollywood.
The clean-up effort, co sponsored by Los Angeles City Councilmember Eric Garcetti and co-organized with the joint efforts of the Rose and Alex Pilibos Armenian School, St Garabed Armenian Apostolic Church, ARF Karekin Njdeh Gomideh and Homenetmen Los Angeles Chapter, aims to beautify the streets of this region of Hollywood. Over five hundred participants are anticipated to gather at 8:30 am at 1615 N. Alexandria Ave. in Hollywood to kick off the event with statements from community organizations and elected officials. The participants will then split into groups in order to canvas the area and remove litter from city streets and sidewalks, remove graffiti, uproot weeds and plant trees. In past years the City of Los Angeles Sanitation Department estimated that more than 23,000 pounds of trash were removed as a result of volunteers’ efforts. Additionally, in conjunction with the clean-up and in cooperation with local businesses, the AYF also plans to erect about 40 “Welcome to Little Armenia” light post banners throughout the area.
The event was first organized as a way to give back to the local community and the City of Los Angeles in appreciation of the city’s designation of the Little Armenia neighborhood. Little Armenia is home to a large Armenian population has historically been a way-station for Armenians immigrating to the Los Angeles area. “The Armenian- American community is honored to have an area of Los Angeles designated as Little Armenia and the AYF feels it is our duty as Armenian-Americans and Angelinos to reciprocate this gesture” said AYF Central Executive member Shant Melkonian.
The AYF counts on the support of the Armenian American community to make this event a success. Those who are interested in volunteering or contributing to this event should email AYF@AYFwest.org or call our offices at 818.507.1933
Founded in 1933, the Armenian Youth Federation (AYF) has grown to become the largest and most influential Armenian American youth organization; with chapters throughout the United States and affiliated organizations around the world. Inspired by our past and motivated by the needs of the future, the AYF actively strives to advance the social, political, educational and cultural awareness of all Armenian youth.
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AYF and ANC Join Together In Letter Writing Initiative To Congress

Los Angeles, CA – Armenian Youth Federation (AYF) members from across the Western United States are writing letters to their elected federal representatives to urge them to pass the Armenian Genocide Resolution (H. Res. 106). The letter writing campaign is being coordinated with the Armenian National Committee – Western Region and local ANC chapters across the region.
“We are proud that AYF members are playing a key role in promoting awareness of the genocide resolution among House and Senate members,” remarked AYF Central Executive Chairperson Caspar Jivalagian. “AYF members have been engaged in advancing the Armenian Cause for 74 years, since our organizations founding in 1933. I am proud of the intellect and energy our AYF members are putting into this letter writing campaign to Congress and other efforts related to the Armenian Cause,” he added.
The AYF letter writing campaign has engaged all 12 chapters of the AYF Western Region, from Orange County, California to Houston, Texas; mobilizing over 300 members to collect and personally author correspondence to Members of Congress. The ANCA in Washington, DC is working to ensure that all of these letters are hand delivered to Congressional offices on Capitol Hill. Members of local AYF chapters have been active in encouraging community members to write to their Representative, demanding passage of the Armenian Genocide Resolution. Focused efforts have especially been made by the San Francisco “Rosdom” chapter, writing to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and the Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Rep. Tom Lantos.
“The ANC-WR and our family of local chapters are impressed with the work of individual AYF members in making this Congressional letter writing campaign a complete success,” commented ANC-WR Executive Director Andrew Kzirian. With content rich letters that reveal a deep understanding of the governmental process in our nation’s capital, these AYF members reflect the best of a new generation of Armenian American leaders.”
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AYF Annual Convention Sets Goals And Direction; Elects New Central Executive

Delegates from across the Western Region gather
to discuss new fiscal year.
Glendale, CA – The AYF Garo Madenlian Public Affairs Office is pleased to report on the successful completion of the thirty-fourth annual Convention of the Armenian Youth Federation Western Region. Delegates from the AYF’s 12 chapters convened at AYF Camp, during Labor Day weekend, for a four-day conference to review events of the past year and to set the groundwork for the activities of the new fiscal year.
Joined by representatives from the ARF Badanegan Central Council, AYF Camp Management Board, as well as ARF Western Region Central Committee member Aram Kaloustian and ARF Bureau representative Vicken Hovsepian, the Convention discussed topics of interest including, increasing member and community activism, establishing new means of outreach to a wider Armenian community, coalition building with other human rights organizations and increasing ties of assistance to our homeland. Lisa Baltajian, from the Phoenix “Kedashen” Chapter, stated that, “Coming to Convention allows the AYF membership to actively participate in guiding the new fiscal year.” She further noted that, “Exchanging ideas and constructive dialogue with AYF members from all the chapters allows us to brainstorm and plan strategically what we will put our efforts towards.”
The Convention concluded with the election of the 2007-2008 AYF Central Executive. The seven person body consists of members from across California and will serve to govern the administrative and organizational aspects of the AYF. The body will consist of the following members: Caspar Jivalagian, Vache Thomassian, Shant Melkonian, Knar Kitabjian, Ara Malakian, Tro Krikorian and Harout Jarchafjian. Speaking on behalf of the newly elected body, Caspar Jivalagian said, “We are excited and reinvigorated to get back to work and look forward to a very fruitful and rewarding year.”
Founded in 1933, the Armenian Youth Federation (AYF) has grown to become the largest and most influential Armenian American youth organization; with chapters throughout the United States and affiliated organizations around the world. Inspired by our past and motivated by the needs of the future, the AYF actively strives to advance the social, political, educational and cultural awareness of all Armenian youth.
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AYF Burbank “Varak” Chapter Organizes Centralized Educational

Burbank, CA – The AYF Burbank “Varak” Chapter hosted a centralized educational on July 22nd entitled “Wildlife in Armenia” given by unger Kevork Babayan. Several chapters attended the educational to learn more about the natural biodiversity present within Armenia and its surrounding regions.
The educational started off by introducing the Caucasus Ecoregion as a whole. The varying topography of the region, which includes the Greater and Lesser Caucasus Mountain Ranges, the Southern Caucasian Uplands, and the Transcaucasian Depression, allows for the diverse grassland steppe, marsh, forest, and alpine ecosystems. This variation of habitat is what makes the Caucasus a “hotspot,” meaning it has a higher level of plant and animal diversity compared to the neighboring regions of Europe and the Near East.
Also highlighted in the educational were the various protected areas found within Armenia. Sevan National Park, as well as Khosrov, Dilijan, and Shikahogh State Reserves, are the most vital for habitat and species protection. Maps of the reserves were used to show their respective locations.
The final half of the educational introduced some of the diverse animal life found with Armenia. Various images depicted species such as the Armenian Rock Lizard, Syrian Brown Bear, Armenian Gull, Pallas’s Cat, Sevan Trout (Ishkhana Tsoog), and Armenian Mouflon. A species of significance was the Nearer Asian or Caucasus Leopard with only about 5-8 individuals found in Armenia as well as 5-7 estimated in Karabakh.
The lecture, along with questions from those attending, helped expose members to some of the biodiversity found within Armenia.
Founded in 1933, the Armenian Youth Federation (AYF) has grown to become the largest and most influential Armenian American youth organization; with chapters throughout the United States and affiliated organizations around the world. Inspired by our past and motivated by the needs of the future, the AYF actively strives to advance the social, political, educational and cultural awareness of all Armenian youth.
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Armenian Youth Federation Announces Large Scale Clean Up of Little Armenia

Los Angeles – The Armenian Youth Federation Western Region announced Monday that it has begun the planning and organization of its annual large scale clean up of Little Armenia, entitled “AYF Gives Back to Little Armenia” set for Sunday, October 7, 2007.
The clean up, now in its 5th year, is co-sponsored by Los Angeles City Council President Eric Garcetti’s office and co-organized with the joint efforts of the Rose and Alex Pilibos Armenian School, St Garabed Armenian Apostolic Church, ARF Karekin Njdeh Gomideh and Homenetmen Los Angeles Chapter. Efforts to beautify the streets of this district of Hollywood will begin at 9:00 a.m. with an opening ceremony, including remarks by Councilmember Garcetti as well as with the blessings of Reverend Father Vicken Vassilian.
Last year the AYF Little Armenia Clean Up attracted hundreds of volunteers who, according to the City of Los Angeles Sanitation Department, collected more than 23,000 pounds of trash. In conjunction with the clean up and in cooperation with local businesses, the AYF also was able to erect about 40 “Welcome to Little Armenia” light post banners throughout the area.
“It is an honor for the Armenian American community to have an area of the city of Los Angeles named after our homeland,” said Vache Thomassian member of the AYF-WR Central Executive. “Keeping the streets of Little Armenia beautiful is our responsibility as Armenians and as Angelinos.”
The AYF counts on the support of the Armenian American community to make this event a success. Those who are interested in volunteering or contributing to this event should email AYF@AYFwest.org or call our offices at 818.507.1933
Founded in 1933, the Armenian Youth Federation (AYF) has grown to become the largest and most influential Armenian American youth organization; with chapters throughout the United States and affiliated organizations around the world. Inspired by our past and motivated by the needs of the future, the AYF actively strives to advance the social, political, educational and cultural awareness of all Armenian youth.
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AYF Youth Corps Participants Arrive In Yerevan

GLENDALE – The Armenian Youth Federation Western Region Garo Madenlian Public Affairs Office announced that the participants of the 2007 AYF Youth Corps program arrived in Armenia on Friday.
The 15 participants, from all over the America, will stay in Armenia and Karabagh during their 45 day trip. Most of their time will be spent renovating a youth center and teaching English and computing to schoolchildren in Stepanakert, the capital of Karabagh. The group members will live life amongst their brethren in our homeland and will see Armenia in a profound way. Participants will have a chance to meet government officials and local Armenian youth in an effort to assist them in the rebuilding process following their liberation struggle and in order to experience life as they do. “I feel very fortunate to be able to participate in a program that not only includes education but also hands on work,” said participant Sose Thomassian.
The Youth Corps program will culminate with participation in the ARF Bureau Youth Jamboree which will take place from August 9th to August 16th. The eight-day Jamboree will serve as a remarkable opportunity for Western Region AYF members to meet AYF members from around the globe, in Armenia.
The AYF Youth Corps program was created after the Karabagh cease-fire in 1994. “Now in its 13th year, it continues to serve our cause by connecting Diasporan youth with their homeland in a meaningful and compelling manner; not simply as a tourist,” stated AYF Central Executive member and Youth Corps alumni Vrej Haroutounian
Founded in 1933, the Armenian Youth Federation (AYF) has grown to become the largest and most influential Armenian American youth organization; with chapters throughout the United States and affiliated organizations around the world. Inspired by our past and motivated by the needs of the future, the AYF actively strives to advance the social, political, educational and cultural awareness of all Armenian youth.
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Armenian Youth Organizes Educational Seminar

The Armenian Youth Federation “Garo Madenlian Public Affairs Office” announced Tuesday that on the weekend of April 27 – 29the AYF Western Region held its Annual Educational Seminar at AYF Camp. Participants from eight chapters gathered at AYF Camp to attend the event. The overall aim of the weekend was to convey various new topics currently involving Armenia and Armenians, simultaneously encouraging the members to offer their feedback and opinions.
The director for the weekend was Unger Hovig Saliba, who oversaw the daily events and helped bring together members from all participating chapters, encouraging them to get to know one another and share their ideas.
Saturday morning began with exercise and the raising of the Armenian and ARF flags. After breakfast, the members received their first educational from Unger Hovig Saliba. Unger Saliba who spoke about the life and work of Hrayr Marookhian as well as the history of the Tebi Yergir ideology.
The members received a special educational given by one of our own members, Unger Babken Dergrigorian. He spoke to the participants about the recently passed dual citizenship law in Armenia, as well as updated the participants about the resolution in respect to the Armenian Genocide currently in the United States House of Representatives.
Followed was a presentation by the AYF-WR Central Executive about its Youth Corps program, The program allows young Armenians to spend approximately five weeks in Armenia and Nagorno-Karabagh supplying the manpower to villages where residents are attempting to rebuild their lives. Aside from supplying real, positive assistance to our brethren in Armenia, participants will experience the homeland in the most meaningful way. Their hard work will become one more building block in the progress of our nation.
Throughout the remainder of the day, members received several opportunities to socialize with fellow members and partake in various activities. Among them, a game of Armenian taboo, where members have their partner guess the word on their card without using the word itself or any additional words listed on the card.
Dr. Viken Yacoubian joined our seminar and gave a very interesting and different approach to activism, speaking about the psychology as to why people are active and the difference between an activist and one who is active, the members then participated in a motivating and heated discussion.
A truly inspirational and deeply saddening slide show presentation was conducted and discussed by Unger Hovan Tashdjian, the presentation was about his recent trip to Western Armenia and the participants were able to compare and contrast what once was remarkable Armenian land marks and the current remains of our destroyed churches and buildings, the foul treatment our cultural artifacts on Turkish soil.
The AYF-WR once again had a very special oath ceremony welcoming new AYF members later in the evening, Ung Viken Yacoubian was introduced the “Gnkahayr” of the evening to lead the oath ceremony. Yacoubian explained that the AYF is a great channel through which young active Armenians can voice their opinion and actually make a difference. In addition, by becoming an AYF member, one must have respect, determination, and a strong dedication towards the organization. Unger Viken then proceeded with the oath ceremony.
Late in the evening, the participants enjoyed a night of khorovadz, and very special singing by Unger Viken. Prepared by the participants themselves, the dinner and songs was yet another opportunity for members to mingle and socialize.
The following morning, the members took part in an educational/discussion about Western Armenia prepared by Unger Aram Kaloustian. Instead of the usual genocide recognition topics the Unger made the participants think about what we are to do if it is recognized and our lands are returned…what then?
The 2007 Educational Seminar proved to be a huge success. Along with receiving important information about relevant topics, participants had the chance to get to know members from other chapters. The participants can now forward the important information they received at this year’s Seminar to their fellow chapter ungers. The AYF looks forward to another successful Seminar next year and hopes that even more members will have the opportunity to attend.
The Armenian Youth Federation (AYF) is the largest and most influential Armenian American youth organization. With chapters throughout the United States and affiliated organizations around the world, the AYF actively advances the concerns of Armenian American youth on a broad range of issues.
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