California Courier Online, June 10, 2004

1 – Commentary
Azeri Student at American Univ.
In Bulgaria Threatens Armenians
By Harut Sassounian
California Courier Publisher
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2 – Isabel Bayrakdarian Captivates
Haigazian Auxiliary Audience
3 – St. Andrew Church
Hosts Festival in
Cupertino, June 27
4 – Registration Opens for
AGBU-AYA Summer
Basketball League
5 – Professional Society Launches
Outreach Program to Students
6 – Richard Mushegain Holds Winning
Ticket to Ararat Home’s Car Raffle
7 – Exhibit at UCLA to Feature Works
By Genocide Witness Armin Wegner
8 – Montebello Armenian Center Provides
After-School Tutoring for Students
9- Local Red Cross Chapter Honors UAF
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1 – Commentary
Azeri Student at American Univ.
In Bulgaria Threatens Armenians

By Harut Sassounian
Publisher, The California Courier

Just when Armenians were recovering from the shocking murder of an Armenian
officer who was hacked to death by an Azeri classmate in a NATO Partnership
for Peace program (how ironic?) in Budapest, Hungary on February 19, an
Azeri in Bulgaria makes vicious and racist threats against Armenians.
Rauf Zeynalov, an Azeri student at the American University in Bulgaria
(AUBG), sent on April 30th a very vicious and obscene hate mail to Karen
Vrtanesyan, the web master of , in response to an
article condemning the murder by Ramil Safarov of an Armenian officer in
Hungary. In order to spare our readers’ sensibilities, I have deleted the
crude four-letter words used by Zeynalov in the following e-mail:
“Bitch, I have seen ur (sic) some inventions (sic) in the armenianhouse.org
forum for Ramil Safarov. I wanna (sic) say that Ramil … [expletive deleted]
that bitch armenian (sic) guy in Hungary and belive (sic) me that we, all
azeris (sic) will … [expletive deleted] ur (sic) and all armenians (sic)
mom. Actually, it was ur (sic) mom who was shouting last night in the bed
of one of azeris (sic). And me (sic) … [expletive deleted] ur (sic) sister
:::::::::)))))))) (sic). She was really cool 🙂 (sic). With the wish of …
[expletive deleted] all armenians (sic). By the way we are not gays, so for
sure we will … [expletive deleted] girls and women coming to u (sic), u
(sic) will be … [expletive deleted] in other ways 🙂 … [expletive deleted]
u (sic) !!!”
Vrtanesyan informed the officials of the American University in Bulgaria on
May 17 about the hate mail sent by one of their students, Rauf Zeynalov,
using the university’s e-mail system. Vrtanesyan sent to the University a
copy of Zeynalov’s obscene and threatening e-mail.
David C. Durst, the Interim Chief Academic Officer at the American
University in Bulgaria, immediately responded to Vrtanesyan by saying: “I
have received your letter. This is a serious allegation and I have opened
an investigation of the case.”
Four days later, on May 21, Durst sent the following e-mail to Vrtanesyan:
“I write to inform you of the action the AUBG Administration has taken in
response to the serious threats and offensive language the AUBG student
Rauf Zeynalov used in violation of AUBG’s written rules governing the use
of e-mail on campus. Rauf Zeynalov will not be attending the university
during the fall semester, and before he will be allowed to return to AUBG
he will be required to convince the University Administration to its
satisfaction that he understands the severity of his misguided action and
that he will maintain respect for and work cooperatively with others of
different backgrounds and opinions upon return to the University.”
Karen Vrtanesyan should be commended for bringing the offensive e-mail of
this Azeri hate monger to the immediate attention of the American
University in Bulgaria. David Durst and the officials of AUBG should also
be commended for their prompt action.
Readers should write to David Durst (david@aubg.bg) suggesting that the
Azeri student should be expelled from the University rather than being
suspended just for one semester. Letters should also be sent to the Soros
Foundation’s Open Society Institute in Bulgaria (info@osf.bg) urging them
to rescind the scholarship they had awarded to Rauf Zeynalov for the full
cost of his educational expenses towards a Bachelor Degree at the American
University in Bulgaria.
Oskanian Responds to Column on David Phillips
In response to my column criticizing the moderator of TARC, David Phillips,
for writing a blatantly anti-Armenian commentary in the Wall Street
Journal, the Foreign Minister of Armenia, Mr. Vartan Oskanian, sent me his
reaction:
“The David Phillips article demonstrated either an alarming ignorance of
Armenia’s domestic and foreign policies and realities, or deliberate
distortion. To arrive at conclusions and make predictions based on wrong
information and inappropriate interpretations harms the international
community’s efforts to understand regional processes and developments. If
the reason was ignorance, this is unfortunate, since he had plenty of
opportunity and access to better information. If it was deliberate
distortion, this is even worse since he had cast himself in the role of
conciliator.”
I am pleased that Mr. Oskanian did respond to Phillips in a forthright
manner. After the highly offensive article that Phillips wrote in the Wall
Street Journal, he should no longer have any friends among Armenians.

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2 – Isabel Bayrakdarian Captivates
Haigazian Auxiliary Audience
PASADENA, CA – The Pasadena home of Dr. and Mrs. John Kassabian set the
background for the appearance of young Canadian-Armenian opera sensation
Isabel Bayrakdarian who captivated her audience at the May 20 benefit
luncheon of the Haigazian University Women’s Auxiliary. Bayrakdarian,
appearing in “The Marriage of Figaro” at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion
through mid-June, has received outstanding reviews.
The diva was introduced by USC Music Professor Lucina Agbabian Hubbard, a
Haigazian Auxiliary past president, who read excerpts of Bayrakdarian press
reviews from around the world. She played several selections from Isabel’s
CBC album “Joyous Light,” a collection of Armenian liturgical music, and
from her Spanish and Latin award winning CD “Azualao.”
In speaking about her personal background in music, Bayrakdarian who has
sung on stages worldwide said that “it began in the Armenian Church” where
her mother was choir director. All of her brothers and sisters were
encouraged to participate in the liturgy, either musically or on the altar.
“Music refines the soul and it has brought out good qualities in me. Music
makes you think about humanity,” she reflected.
The young soprano, a native of Zahle, Lebanon, emigrated with her family
to Canada and, after receiving a degree in biomedical engineering, attended
the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto. She commented on being
Armenian. “It’s easy to remain Armenian when you are in your homeland. It’s
difficult to remain Armenian when you are in the diaspora.” She stressed
how important it is to teach children about their heritage and language.
Displaying a unique maturity and spirituality, Isabel is grateful for being
blessed with so very much. “The least I can do,” she said “is to give back
to Him who kissed my throat when I was born. We can all do that with our
talents,” she added.
Bayrakdarian recently returned from her first trip to Armenia with a crew
from the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation to film a documentary. She
immediately fell in love with the country of her ancestors. She was
thrilled to sing at the 13th century Geghart Monastery carved into the side
of a mountain. “I totally broke down when I went to Geghart. I’m so happy I
lived to see it.”
Rev. Dr. John Khanjian, immediate past president of Haigazian University,
offered the blessing and Auxiliary President Joyce Stein MC’d the program.
Stein thanked Isabel and recognized the audience for supporting the
University which is preparing to celebrate its 50th Anniversary in 2005.
She gave an optimistic report on the University in Beirut which presently
has the highest enrollment in its history. No qualified Armenian student
has ever been turned away from Haigazian because of lack of funds.
A scholarship will be presented this year in loving memory of Evelyn
Levonian who spent many years as an active member and was a past president
of the Auxiliary. She suffered a major stroke eleven years ago and was in
declining health until her passing on May 5.
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3 – St. Andrew Church
Hosts Festival in
Cupertino, June 27
CUPERTINO, CA – St. Andrew Armenian Church of Cupertino will hold its 40th
Annual Festival on June 27 from 11 am to 6 pm on the church grounds.
Featured will be Armenian food; a large variety of favorite Armenian
pastries; a DJ as well as a live band for folk dancing; boutique booths;
games for children, and much more.
Chairman of the Festival, Vahak Awadisian, invites everyone in the San
Francisco Bay Area to join the celebration of St. Andrew’s 40th summer
event.
On his committee are Co-Chairman Ben Toker, Tamara Warren, Mike Kuzirian,
Shant Krikorian, Dr. Peter Abaci and Nubar Manoukian – all members of the
St. Andrew Parish Council, with Fr. Datev Harutyunian, Pastor, as the
Advisor.
St. Andrew Church is located at 11370 S. Stelling Road (near Rainbow Drive
– 1-1/4 miles south of De Anza College) in Cupertino.
For information, call (408) 257-6743 during business hours.
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4 – Registration Opens for
AGBU-AYA Summer
Basketball League
PASADENA, Calif. – The AGBU San Fernando Valley and AGBU Pasadena Chapters,
in conjunction with the AGBU Southern California Central Sports Committee,
welcome and encourage parents to register their boys, ages 10-12 years old,
for the 2004 AGBU-AYA Summer Basketball League.
Team practices will be held from July 10 to Sept. 18, at both the Pasadena
and San Fernando Valley AGBU locations. Team practice days and times for
the AGBU Basketball League will be determined shortly. Actual basketball
games will be held within the aforementioned date period on Saturday at
both locations.
The registration fee is $125 per athlete. Registration forms must be
completed in their entirety. Please include a copy of the athlete’s birth
certificate. Completed applications must be mailed by the June 25, 2004
deadline to either one of the following addresses:
AGBU Valley Chapter, Attn: Summer Basketball League, 6844 Oakdale Ave.,
Canoga Park, CA 91306 or AGBU Pasadena Chapter, Attn: Summer
Basketball League, 2495 E. Mountain Ave., Pasadena CA 91104.
All registered athletes must attend the initial tryout/draft between 1-3:30
pm on July 10, at either the AGBU Manoogian-Demirjian School’s gymnasium in
Canoga Park, or at the AGBU Pasadena gymnasium.
For further information, contact the AGBU Pasadena Center at (626)
794-7942, or the AGBU San Fernando Valley Center at (818) 313-9449 or via
email at info@agbuca.org
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5 – Professional Society Launches
Outreach Program to Students
LOS ANGELES – The Armenian Professional Society (APS) has embarked on an
educational “Student Outreach Program” (SOP) to encourage college education
and familiarize Armenian high school students with the various professions
available to them.
The first SOP presentation was conducted on May 25, at Armenian Mesrobian
School in Pico Rivera. In light of the limited number of Armenian men and
women entering the field of engineering, the subject of the presentation
was “A Career in Engineering.”
APS’ 2nd vice president, Ronnie Nazeley, a graduate of USC with a BS degree
in Chemical Engineering, made the presentation to approximately 50 high
school students, in English and Armenian.
The presentation discussed the various engineering disciplines and the
required curriculum. The presentation dealt with the employment options
upon graduation and the various industries available to engineers, such as
aerospace, petrochemical, power generation, defense, automobile, and
computer. The presentation along with the Q&A session lasted for about 35
minutes and it was well received by the Mesrobian students.
Future presentations will be available in the fields of art, architecture,
finance, medicine and law. Schools interested in a presentation may
contact the APS at P.O. Box 1944, Glendale, CA 91209-1944 or by email at
apsla@yahoo.com.
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6 – Richard Mushegain Holds Winning
Ticket to Ararat Home’s Car Raffle
MISSION HILLS, Calif. – The Ararat Home of Los Angeles held the drawing of
their “Put a Mercedes in Your Garage or $50,000 in Your Bank,” raffle on
May 29 at the Mission Hills campus.
The winning ticket was 997 and was purchased by Richard Mushegain, who
decided to receive the cash prize rather than the car.
Over 300 people were in attendance to observe the raffle ticket drawing
made by Edward Abrahamian, a 100-year-old resident of the Ararat Nursing
Facility.
“Since all of the 1500 tickets were sold, the event was a tremendous
success,” said Board Chairman Robert Taylor. “Without the support of the
Lady Auxiliary and the Guilds as well as the Board Trustees and the
Armenian community, we could not have done it.”
During the Sunday afternoon event, Cong. Brad Sherman (D-27th District),
presented to the Ararat Home an American Flag flown over the Capitol in
Washington, D.C. on April 24, 2004. A member of the Congressional Caucus on
Armenian Issues, Cong. Sherman has been very supportive of Armenia, Nagorno
Karabagh and other Armenian-related issues in Congress.
The Mercedes dealer in Encino, John Steigler, who helped support the
Raffle, presented his remarks of support of the Armenian community to the
attendees.
Wine and mezzas were provided by Arut’s catering.
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7- Exhibit at UCLA to Feature Works
By Genocide Witness Armin Wegner
LOS ANGELES – A photo exhibition entitled “Armin T. Wegner & The Armenians
in Anatolia: 1915-1916” will take place at UCLA from June 13 to July 3, at
the Kerckhoff Grand Salon on Westwood Plaza.
The exhibition is produced by the Armin T. Wegner Society of USA in
cooperation with the Narekatsi Chair at UCLA, supported by German archives,
as well as Sybil Stevens and Mischa Wegner for Wegner family.
Initiated by Dr. Pietro Kuciukian, the exhibition was held in over 80
locations in Italy, which led to the ultimate recognition of the Armenian
Genocide by the Italian government.
Armin T. Wegner was a German intellectual, expressionist writer and poet,
civil rights advocate, anti-war activist, photojournalist, and eyewitness
to the Armenian Genocide.
He served as a medical nurse in the Turkish army during WWI. As a personal
caretaker of Field Marshal von der Goltz, he traveled with him along the
Baghdad railroad in Mesopotamia, where he witnessed the Armenian Genocide.
Disobeying orders which were intended to stifle news of the massacres, he
gathered information on the Genocide – collected notes, annotations,
documents, letters and took hundreds of photographs in the Armenian
deportation camps – visible proof of the first systematic genocide of the
twentieth century. At the request of the Turkish Command, Wegner was
eventually arrested by the Germans and was recalled to Germany. His
photographs were confiscated and destroyed, however, he managed to smuggle
some emulsions in his belt with images from the Armenian Genocide.
On June 13, at 4 p.m., the award winning film, “Destination Nowhere: The
Witness,” a documentary by Carlo Massa, will be screened at the Kerckhoff
Grand Salon. Guest speaker will be Armin T. Wegner’s son, Mischa Wegner.
Seating is limited, so please RSVP by e-mailing your name and number of
attendees to ATW@USA.net.
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8 – Montebello Armenian Center Provides
After-School Tutoring for Students
MONTEBELLO, Calif. – Starting May 25, After School Tutoring will be
provided free at the Montebello Armenian Center for Armenian students of
all grades, announced a spokesperson for the AYF Vahan Cardashian Chapter.
The chapter, along with the Center Executive Committee, has provided a
state-of-the art computer facility for homework, projects, and research
papers by students from Armenian or public schools. There is no charge for
the use of the facility.
Computer hardware includes four Dell 4600 PCs, color printers, and
scanners. Software provided include Word, Excel, PowerPoint, FrontPage,
Encyclopedia Encarta, and Armenian Language.
Free tutoring subjects include Math, Sciences, History, English, Armenian,
and more.
Students are invited to make use of the facilities every Tuesdays,
Wednesdays and Thursdays from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
The Montebello Armenian Center is located at 420 W. Washington Blvd., in
Montebello.
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9 – Local Red Cross Chapter Honors UAF
By Darleene Barrientos
News-Press
GLENDALE — When the local Armenian-American community rallied to collect
medical and school supplies for Armenia, it gave the local Red Cross
chapter a valuable learning experience.
Now, the Glendale-Crescenta Valley Chapter of the Red Cross paid back the
favor by giving the United Armenian Fund its annual Good Neighbor award.
The award was presented at the chapter’s annual meeting June 2 at the
Glendale Hilton. The meeting celebrated the chapter’s 87 years of service
in the community.
The UAF helped pay for the two shipments the Red Cross gathered last year,
helped the Red Cross figure out what would benefit Armenia and assisted the
chapter’s fundraising efforts, said Ron Farina, the chapter’s executive
director.
Their assistance was invaluable because it was the first time the chapter
had undertaken such a project, he added. The UAF led a fund drive and
helped pay for the shipments of 20 pallets of surgical prep trays and 35
chests of school supplies that were flown to Armenia.
“They gave us guidance on what we should look for and how we should conduct
fundraising in the Armenian community,” Farina said.
The chapter collected nearly $5,000 from local Armenian Americans in
Glendale.
“They provided great insight and expertise in what we haven’t been in
before,” assistant chapter manager Irena Efremian said. “They guided us
from A through Z — they were very diligent in explaining what we could do
and not do.”
Receiving the Clara Barton Award was outgoing board member Mary Ann
Plumley, for her outstanding service and dedication of working with the
local Realtor Board and community in promoting Red Cross activities.
Donald A. Huffsmith Jr. was installed as the Red Cross chapter’s incoming
chairman.
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