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
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
AYF’s 100 Days of Action to Count Down to Genocide Centennial
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.
Generations of AYF Celebrate Alumni Reunion
MONTEBELLO, Calif.—Over 700 guests gathered on Saturday, Nov. 22, in Montebello for the much-anticipated Armenian Youth Federation Alumni Reunion.
The AYF Alumni Reunion took place in Montebello’s Bagramian Hall and featured The Kef Time Band, as well as musical and dance performances by current AYF members and alumni.
“The community will be talking about this for months,” said Dr. Armen Chalian, ARF “Dro” Gomideh chairperson. “Events like this keep the Armenian spirit alive, and after this one, it’s running on all cylinders.”
The reunion was organized by the AYF Montebello “Vahan Cardashian” Chapter as a celebration of the local chapter’s 56-year history and as a tribute to the larger AYF organization’s 81 years of worldwide service and action for the Armenian people and cause.
“The committee has been working on this event for more than eight months and the hard work definitely paid off,” mentioned Nicole Felikian, chairperson of the AYF Montebello chapter. “We are ecstatic that everyone had such a great time at the dance.”
The AYF Montebello “Vahan Cardashian” Chapter will be donating part of the proceeds from the event to AYF Camp and the AYF Youth Corps program, the latter of which is celebrating its 20th anniversary.
AYF Camp has been active for over 40 years and established its current location, Camp Big Pines, in 1977. Throughout its history, AYF Camp has offered a genuinely rewarding experience by serving as a place for Armenian youth to make new friends and memories of a lifetime. AYF Camp is the largest and oldest Armenian summer camp program in the Western United States. In 2012, AYF Camp expanded to include a day camp in Los Angeles, spanning four weeks throughout the summer.
The AYF Youth Corps program began in 1994 after a ceasefire agreement was reached in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. Commencing with nine volunteers in the newly liberated region of Artsakh, volunteers helped rebuild schools and orphanages in war-torn villages. In 2008, the program transitioned to a day camp for underprivileged youth in Armenia modeled after AYF camp. To date, some 200 Youth Corps volunteers from the United States have participated in the program, impacting thousands of young Armenians in the homeland. Spanning a five week period throughout the summer months, day camp locations currently include Gyumri, Proshyan, Martuni and Stepanakert in Artsakh, and for the first time in 2014, the border village of Baghanis.
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.
Thirty-Five New Members Join the AYF Ranks
GLENDALE, Calif. – Thirty-five Armenian Youth Federation – Juniors joined the ranks of the AYF on Saturday during an oath ceremony that took place at the Glendale Youth Center.
The AYF – Western United States, along with the Juniors Central Council and the AYF Glendale “Roupen” Chapter, held an educational workshop the same morning for the 35 young activists that transferred to the AYF.
“The JCC body is so proud of the 35 AYF Juniors that have worked so hard to be here today,” said Saro Shirinian, chairperson of the JCC.
During the workshop, the Juniors transfers received a hands-on educational regarding AYF and ARF history, as well as a review of important dates and events. The workshop was organized by the AYF Central Executive and led by the Central Executive.
The transfers were then faced with a teambuilding and leadership challenge where they were given the opportunity to work and compete with one another. Aram Kaloustian, youth advisor to the AYF, concluded the workshop with a brief educational on the subject of what it is to be an Unger within the organization.
Upon completion of the educational workshop, Dr. Talar Chahinian administered the oath ceremony for the 35 bright and eager transfers. Chahinian welcomed the new members to the organization, recounting her days as an AYF member.
“It is always such an amazing feeling to watch such a large group of juniors take their AYF oath,” said Hrache Novruzyan of the AYF CE. “The group of AYF Juniors we had transferring this year are all very active in their respective communities and shared fresh new ideas with us throughout the educational workshop. I can say with confidence that our future is in good hands.”
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 Condemns Azeri Attack on Artsakh Helicopter
GLENDALE, Calif. — The Armenian Youth Federation – Western United States expresses its outrage with the reprehensible actions of the Azerbaijani government in its unprovoked attack of an Armenian helicopter. The attack once again demonstrates an instance of incessant and belligerent ceasefire violations against the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic.
We strongly condemn the actions of the Azeri government, which undermines the efforts of the people of Arstakh to live peacefully in their homes, without the constant threat of sniper-fire, kidnappings and rocket attacks. Further, we are disappointed by the OSCE Minsk Group Co-chairs for failing to forcefully condemn Azerbaijan for its continual acts of aggression. The status quo of false parity on behalf of the OSCE Minsk Group is unacceptable — the Aliyev regime must be stopped.
As the Armenian Youth Federation mourns the loss of our fallen soldiers, we urge the international community to pursue sanctions on the government of Azerbaijan, and we urge our local activists to contact their elected officials in order to expose Azerbaijan’s human rights violations. (Email your Congress member now)
We stand with the peaceful people of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic and reaffirm their undeniable right to security and independence.
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 Alumni Reunion Set in November
The legendary Kef Time Band is getting back together in Montebello this November for the much-anticipated Armenian Youth Federation Alumni Reunion, an event which boasts nearly 1,000 attendees spanning the 80-year-long, nationwide network of the AYF and the broader Armenian community.
The AYF Alumni Reunion will take place on Saturday, Nov. 22, in Montebello’s Baghramian Hall. The event will feature Kef Time Band members Richard Hagopian, Hachig Kazarian, Jack Chalikian, Ed Derderian and Jason Sadoian.
The reunion is organized by the AYF Montebello “Vahan Cardashian” Chapter as a celebration of the local chapter’s 56-year history and as a tribute to the larger AYF organization’s 81 years of worldwide service and action for the Armenian people and cause.
The Kef Time Band is a long-time community staple, having gained fame in the 1960s and 1970s. They have performed for over 30 years at events drawing 500-1,000 people at “kefs” across the United States from Los Angeles to Cape Cod, Mass., Hartford, Conn., and Detroit.
They are regarded by many as America’s favorite Armenian-American dance band, integrating rhythms and modes from the Near East and Armenian homeland with jazz-inspired solos. Their music reflects its members’ unique experiences as the sons of Armenian immigrants growing up in America.
In addition to the “kef” celebration, the weekend presents an enormous opportunity for learning and growth for the AYF organization. With 80 years of institutional memory in one room, the “Vahan Cardashian” Chapter plans to host informal events over the course of the weekend where youth and alumni can sit together and share their organizing experiences.
“This is a chance for both young organizers and alumni to learn from one another,” explained Harout Achekian, another AYF Montebello member. “The youth can learn how things were done in the AYF, and the alumni can see how things are being done in the AYF.”
To purchase tickets for the AYF Alumni Reunion via PayPal, visit tinyurl.com/k3oh8ga. Tickers may also be purchased by e-mail at vahan.cardashian@ayfwest.org or by telephone at 323-482-5053.
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.
