Thousands Gather In Little Armenia To Celebrate Armenian Independence And Culture

Hollywood, CA – The 2nd Annual Armenian Independence Day Festival became a huge success last Sunday, May 27th as crowds gathered to celebrate the first independence of the Armenian nation. The festivities began at 10:00 a.m. on Hollywood Boulevard in Little Armenia, where the street was shut down between Vermont and Alexandria. Council President Eric Garcetti and California State Assemblymembers Paul Krekorian (D-Glendale), Anthony Portantino (D-Pasadena) and Mike Feuer (D-Los Angeles), and Deputy Consul General of Armenia, Haroutioun Kojoyan attended the Annual Festival to celebrate the Armenian independence and culture alongside with the Armenian community.
Ongoing entertainment, variety of cultural displays, unique vendors and the aroma of ethnic food lured passers by to participate in the festivities. Well-known singers and performers such as Ara Shahbazian, Adiss, Anna Armenakyan, Maxim, Sahag Sisslian, Ara Sahagian, Antoine Bezdjian, Sako, VISA, Jivan Gasparyan Jr., the Knar Band, Armenian folk dancers from Alex Pilbos, and the Simon Dance Academy entertained the crowd throughout the day. The kid’s zone, which included a petting zoo, pony rides, a bouncer and rock climbing mountain, along with various carnival games, amused thousands of children.
Organizations who participated in the festival include the Armenian Relief Society, Homenetmen Armenian General Athletic Union and Scouts, United Human Rights Council, Armenian National Committee of America – Western Region, the Armenian Youth Federation – Western Region, Hamazkayin Cultural and Educational Society, and AYF Camp.
The 2007 festival was sponsored by the Armenian Cultural Foundation and cosponsored by Los Angeles City Council President Eric Garcetti, California State Assemblymember Paul Krekorian (D-Glendale), Assemblymember Kevin De Leon (D-Los Angeles), and Assemblymember Mike Feuer (D-Los Angeles). Assemblymembers Paul Krekorian, Mike Feuer and Kevin De Leon also participated in the festival by holding a coordinated mobile office during festival hours. Closet World and St. Mary’s Armenian Apostolic Church were also cosponsors of the event.
“We would like to thank our sponsors, vendors, entertainers and many volunteers who made this year’s festival another success. We look forward to celebrating this joyous occasion with the community again next year,” said Festival Committee member Sevag Garabetian.
The Annual Armenian Independence Day Festival is hosted by the Armenian Cultural Foundation and organized by the Armenian Independence Day Festival Committee. The Festival takes place in celebration of Armenia’s first independence of 1918 and thousands of years of Armenian history and culture. After 600 years of Ottoman Turkish oppression followed by the Armenian Genocide, the first independence of the Armenian was declared on May 28, 1918. The second republic of Armenia was born on September 21, 1991.
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AYF-WR Nanor Krikorian Scholarship Recipients Announced

Glendale, CA – The Armenian Youth Federation, Western Region (AYF-WR) announced the recipients of the “Nanor Krikorian Memorial Scholarship”. The recipients are, Scott Yerganian from Medfield High School, Gohar Kotcharian from Crescenta Valley High School, Nieri Avanessian from Winston Churchill High School, Armine Sargsyan from Hollywood High School, Anahid Yahjian from Clark Magnet High School, Armine Manukyan from Hollywood High School and Sevan Simonian from Mesrobian Armenian High School.
“Each year the pool of qualified applicants applying for the scholarship increase, making it difficult to choose which applicant will receive the scholarship.” said Ani Garibyan, AYF Nanor Krikorian Scholarship Coordinator.
In its fifth year, the AYF-WR has been able to assist 35 students to further their education through the Nanor Krikorian Scholarship. Each year, seven students are given a scholarship ranging from $250 to $1000. These students are chosen by not only on how well they did in their high school careers, but also by how they have contributed to their perspective Armenian communities and to Armenia.
“We are proud of the scholarship recipients and believe that they will continue to serve the Armenian Diaspora and Armenia” said Saro Haroun, chairperson of the AYF-WR Educational Council. “These students are among a greater number of educated and Armenian hearted youth” said Haroun.
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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Armenian Youth Hold Demonstration At Turkish Consulate

LOS ANGELES, CA – The Armenian Youth Federation Western Region (AYF-WR) held a protest against denial in front of the Turkish Consulate located at 6300 Wilshire Boulevard. The demonstration that has been taking place annually for decades continues to take place because the government of Turkey continues to deny that what took place in the Ottoman Empire 92 years ago was genocide.
An estimated seven thousand youth were present at the demonstration shouting slogans such as “Turkey Guilty of Genocide” and “We Want Justice”. The Los Angeles Police Department was also present for safety reasons. The demonstration ended peacefully and no arrests were made.
“Ninety percent of demonstrators were youth” said Saro Shirinian, chairperson of the AYF-WR. “The perpetrators of the Armenian genocide thought that nobody would remember what happened ninety-two years ago, yet with such a great showing of youth at this demonstration, we are proving them wrong and we are showing the current Turkish government what a powerful force both truth and justice are” said Shirinian.
The two hour demonstration ended at 6:00 PM with speeches by AYF Fresno Chapter member Arek Santikian and AYF-WR Central Executive member Berj Parseghian. In their speeches they addressed the Turkish and the United States governments, stating that the Armenian-American community will not stand idly by in the face of lies and deceit and will continue the struggle until justice is served.
“Every year more and more people come to the demonstration” said Shogher Aslanian, AYF San Fernando Valley member and organizer of the event. “The Turkish government sees the demonstration through the windows of their consulate and on television and in newspapers and I hope that they understand how powerful the Armenian youth are and I hope they realize that our struggle for justice will not end until the Turkish government comes to terms with its past” said Aslanian.
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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Armenian Independence Day Festival Set To Take Place In Little Armenia

Hollywood, CA – The Armenian Cultural Foundation (ACF) is pleased to announce that it will be hosting the second annual Armenian Independence Day Festival on Sunday, May 27, 2007 from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. in Little Armenia, Hollywood. The 2007 Festival is cosponsored by Los Angeles Council President Eric Garcetti, whose district encompasses Little Armenia.
“We are excited to provide the Los Angeles community a venue through which they can experience the Armenian culture and celebrate the first independence of the Republic of Armenia,” stated Saro Shirinian, Festival Committee Chairperson.
Last year’s festival brought a variety of vendors, diverse entertainment, performers, writers and organizations to Hollywood Boulevard, where the street was blocked off between Alexandria and Vermont. Thousands were entertained by a variety of musical and dance performances. The highlight of the festival was a special visit by Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, who joined the crowd by participating in the traditional Armenian shoorch bar and sampling Armenian cuisine.
The Annual Festival in Little Armenia is organized by the Armenian Independence Day Festival Committee in celebration of Armenia’s first independence and thousands of years of Armenian history and culture. May 28, 1918 marks the first independence of the Armenian republic after 600 years of Ottoman Turkish oppression. The republic established on this date set the foundation for today’s independent republic, which was born on September 21, 1991.
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Walk for Remembrance in Orange County

On Sunday, April 22nd, 2007, the Armenian National Committee of Orange County, in collaboration with the Armenian National Committee of America and over 20 community organizations, will hold its first annual Walk for Remembrance. The walk will be held in remembrance of the 1.5 million victims of the Armenian Genocide, increase awareness about crimes against humanity, and also serve as a fundraiser for ANCA, ANC-OC and participating community organizations. The Walk for Remembrance will bring together members of various local community organizations in a joint effort to raise awareness regarding the Armenian Genocide. The peaceful walk will take place through various central cities of Orange County, including Costa Mesa, Fountain Valley and Santa Ana. Participants will commit to walking approximately 7 miles from St. Mary Armenian Church 148 E. 22nd St. in Costa Mesa to Forty Martyrs Armenian Church 5315 W. McFadden Ave. in Santa Ana, both in remembrance of the lives lost during the Armenian Genocide, and to show their collective voice and solidarity in fighting against such crimes against humanity. The Walk will bring attention to the ongoing efforts of the ANCA to pass the Armenian Genocide resolution in Congress and help raise much needed funds for the ANC and important community organizations, said Garin Sarkissian, a member of the ANC-OC Executive Board. The entire community has come together to commemorate and to reaffirm our commitment to Hai Tad and the just resolution of the Armenian Cause. Participants of the walk should park at the Armenian center in the morning. Transportation will be provided to St. Mary Armenian Church between 10 am and 12 pm. Sunday services will be jointly conducted at St. Mary where there will be a hokehankisd for the victims of the Armenian Genocide. Participants will also begin checking in at St. Mary at 12 noon, where T-Shirts will be provided to those who register. The walk will commence at 1 pm. Once the walkers arrive at Forty Martyrs Armenian church there will be refreshmen’s provided at the Armenian Center, and the outdoor community program will begin at 6 pm followed by a candlelight vigil. Individuals interested in participating in the walk can register online at www.ancoc.kintera.org/walkforremembrance. Registran’s can create a personalized page with their individual message and fundraising goal to send out to family, friends and colleagues. Visitors to the site can sponsor walkers or make individual donations, all via the secure website. This will be an opportunity to raise funds to benefit the ANCAs continuous work in Washington D.C., ANC-OC here in Orange County, and the local participating organization designated by the participant. This is a first for the Armenian community with registran’s being able to select from a list of participating organizations to receive 25% of their collected sponsorships, said Chris Guldjian, ANC-OC Executive Board Member. This is truly a united community commemorating its national day of remembrance. Participating organizations include: ANCA, ANC-OC, ANC Professional Network, Ari Guiragos Minassian Armenian School, Armenian Eyecare Project, ARF Badanegan “Aghpiur Serop” Chapters, ARF “Armen Karo” Committee, ARS “Karni” Chapter, ARS “Sevan” Chapter, AYF “Ashod Yergat” Chapter, Axis of Justice, Forty Martyr’s Armenian Church, Forty Martyrs Ladies Auxiliary,Forty Martyrs Youth Group, Homenetmen “Sardarabad” Chapter, Hamazkayin Orange County Chapter, St. Mary ACYO,St. Mary Armenian Church, St. Mary Ladies Society, St. Mary Sunday School, Whittier Law School Armenian Student Association, Zvartnots Dance Group. The Orange County chapter of the ANC has been active for over 25 years by securing the support of local and state representatives on national and local issues of concern to the Armenian-American community. ANC-OC focuses on developing working relationships with elected officials, encouraging young Armenian-Americans to get involved in politics, educating the public about the Armenian Genocide, creating a network for Armenian professionals, and presenting a truly united front on important political and social issues. For more information about ANC-OC please visit www.ancoc.org. For more information on upcoming events and how to get involved email ANC-OC at info@ancoc.org.

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AYF announces forty-nine new members joining the AYF ranks

Pasadena, CA – The Armenian Youth Federation welcomed 49 new members into the Western Region on March 31, 2007 at the Pasadena Armenian Center.
All new members completed an intensive educational program, including information on Armenian history, current events and activism.
On behalf of the Central Executive, Saro Shirinian, chairman of the AYF Western Region, first congratulated the members for successfully completing the educational program and then, emphasized the importance of an individuals’ role within the societal standards today and to become active in furthering the Armenian Cause in general.
Thereafter, Shirinian introduced Unger Mourad Topalian the “Gnkahayr” of the evening to lead the oath ceremony. Topalian 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. Topalian then proceeded with the oath ceremony.
“Let this oath ceremony not be the one day you all pledge for the following, however live as though you renew this pledge everyday and strive to help Armenia regain its nostalgic identity once more,” said Saro Haroun, Education Director of the AYF. “We seek to reach out and hopefully double our numbers come around this time next year.”
After the ceremony, current AYF members as well as ARF members congratulated each new member and had the opportunity to interact.
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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AYF-WR Now Accepting “Nanor Krikorian” Scholarship Applications

The Armenian Youth Federation Western Region (AYF-WR) is now accepting applications for the “Nanor Krikorian” Scholarship.
All high school seniors of Armenian decent who will be attending a college or university are encouraged to apply for the scholarship. The scholarship not only looks at how well the student did in their high school career, but it also focuses on community service and extra curricular activities that help benefit the Armenian community.
Seven applicants will receive a scholarship totaling $3,500.
“The scholarship is now in its fifth year of existence and each year the amount of applications received has increased” said Saro Haroun, chairperson of the AYF-WR Central Educational Committee.
The scholarship is named after a young AYF activist, Nanor Krikorian, whose life was cut short by cancer.
You may download the application by visiting www.ayfwest.org. The deadline is April 1, 2007
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AYF Hold Vigil Condemning Dink’s Murder

LOS ANGELES–The Armenian Youth Federation–Western Region mourned and condemned the brutal murder of Armenian journalist Hrant Dink. In his memory, the AYF-WR held a candlelight vigil on Tuesday in front of the Turkish Consulate in Los Angeles with hundreds of youth activists in attendance. Hrant Dink, the editor-in-chief of the Armenian-Turkish language weekly Agos newspaper, was shot to death in broad daylight last Friday after leaving his office in Istanbul. Dink was not only an outspoken critic of the treatment of Armenia’s living in Turkey, but also an adherent of free speech and an advocate for proper recognition of the Armenian Genocide. “This is an act of true terrorism. The use of violence to silence the voice of freedom in Turkey is a disturbing insight into the ultra nationalistic environment looming within Turkey,”stated AYF-WR Central Executive member Berj Parseghian. Dink, although respected and well known by the international community, was resented by some in Turkey and referred to as a “traitor”. He was convicted last year of insulting the Turkish state and identity because of commen’s he made regarding the Armenian Genocide. Dink’s murder is the latest assertion of Turkey’s continued refusal to come to terms with its past and its inability to conform to one of the most important elemen’s of democracy — freedom of expression. “Mr. Dink was a human rights activist who was killed for speaking the truth. He fought for the Armenian cause and is a hero who will never be forgotten,”said AYF member Sose Thomassian. The shocking murder comes less than two weeks after the conclusion of the Fast for Remembrance. Earlier this month, young activists of the AYF-WR and the United Human Rights Council, organized a five-day water only fast in front of the Turkish Consulate to raise awareness of the denial of the Armenian Genocide.

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Armenian Youth Federation Condemns Assassination of Journalist Hrant Dink

Youth Activists to Hold Candlelight Vigil in Memory of Armenian Hero
LOS ANGELES, CA – The Armenian Youth Federation – Western Region (AYF-WR) mourns and condemns the brutal murder of Armenian journalist Hrant Dink. In his memory, the AYF-WR will hold a candlelight vigil on Tuesday, January 23, 2007 at 8 p.m. in front of the Turkish Consulate located on 6300 Wilshire Blvd. in Los Angeles.
Hrant Dink, the editor-in-chief of the Armenian-Turkish language weekly AGOS newspaper, was shot to death in broad daylight last Friday after leaving his office in Istanbul. Dink was not only an outspoken critic of the treatment of Armenians living in Turkey, but also an adherent of free speech and an advocate for proper recognition of the Armenian Genocide.
“This is an act of true terrorism. The use of violence to silence the voice of freedom in Turkey is a disturbing insight into the ultra nationalistic environment looming within Turkey,” stated AYF-WR Central Executive member Berj Parseghian.
Dink, although respected and well known by the international community, was resented by some in Turkey and referred to as a “traitor”. He was convicted last year of insulting the Turkish state and identity because of comments he made regarding the Armenian Genocide. Dink’s murder is the latest assertion of Turkey’s continued refusal to come to terms with its past and its inability to conform to one of the most important elements of democracy – freedom of expression.
“Mr. Dink was a human rights activist who was killed for speaking the truth. He fought for the Armenian cause and is a hero who will never be forgotten,” said AYF member SosÈ Thomassian.
The shocking murder comes less than two weeks after the conclusion of the Fast for Remembrance. Earlier this month, young activists of the AYF-WR and the United Human Rights Council, organized a five-day water only fast in front of the Turkish Consulate to raise awareness of the denial of the Armenian Genocide.
For more information, contact the AYF-WR office by calling (818) 507-1933.
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