ZORYAN INSTITUTE OF CANADA, INC.
255 Duncan Mill Rd., Suite 310
Toronto, ON, Canada M3B 3H9
Tel: 416-250-9807 Fax: 416-512-1736 E-mail: zoryan@zoryaninstitute.org

PRESS RELEASE
CONTACT: HEROS LEASK
TEL: (416) 250-9807
DATE: June 21, 2005

SYSTEM OF A DOWN CONTRIBUTE TO GENOCIDE AWARENESS
OVER $20,000 TO ZORYAN INSTITUTE

Toronto – Los Angeles based multi-platinum-selling heavy metal band,
System of a Down, again confirmed their steadfast support of
organization’s seeking to promote genocide awareness by their recent
donation to the Zoryan Institute. In the last two years System of a
Down has contributed over $20,000 to the Zoryan Institute to help
further its mission of Genocide research, education and awareness as
part of System’s ongoing activism with regards to genocide recognition
and general awareness. The contribution comes from their third annual
benefit concert “Souls 2005” held in Los Angeles, California, which
they named “Souls” because “There are all these souls that aren’t at
rest. Their deaths have been overlooked” said the band.

The members of System of a Down, who are of Armenian descent, all lost
family members and family history to the Armenian Genocide. The band
feels compelled to support and promote organizations such as the
Zoryan Institute, which conducts historical research, produces
publications and promotes education in the field “Because so much of
[our] family history was lost in the Armenian Genocide,” said
guitarist Daron Malakian, “my grandfather, who was very young at the
time, doesn’t know his true age. How many people can say they don’t
know how old they are?”. As such, System of a Down’s annual benefit
concert, which they headline, gives proceeds to worthy non-profit
organizations that work toward prevention of future genocide or
recognition of past genocides either through educational awareness,
such as the Zoryan Institute or through political action as taken by
others.

During the first genocide of the 20th century, perpetrated by Ottoman
Turkey during World War I against its Armenian population, over 1.5
million Armenians were annihilated and hundreds of thousands deported
from their ancient homeland. April 24th was chosen as the date for the
“Souls 2005” concert as this year, it commemorated the 90th
anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. Why should System of a Down fans
be concerned about the Armenian Genocide, something that happened
nearly one-hundred years ago and far away from the US and Canada is
what many ask.

“It’s important for people to be aware of the Armenian Genocide,”
explained lead singer Serj Tankian, “Had the Armenian Genocide been
acknowledged as a Crime Against Humanity as it was, Hitler might not
have thought he could get away with the Jewish Holocaust. History
does and will repeat itself, unless we stop that cycle.” Zoryan
Institute Director George Shirinian said “We share System of a Down’s
intellectual concern about the consequences of impunity and appreciate
their continued interest and support in the work that we do. We also
appreciate the fact that System is using its celebrity status to
elevate awareness of a universal cause, which could entice individuals
to get active. Only through such understanding and awareness about the
heinous crime of genocide and gross violation of human rights may we
have a chance to make a difference. System of a Down plays a major
role in this endeavor.”

The Zoryan Institute is the first non-profit, international center
devoted to the research and documentation of contemporary issues
related to Armenian social, political and cultural life. To this end,
the Institute conducts multidisciplinary research, publication, and
educational programs dealing with Armenia, the Armenian Genocide, and
Diaspora, within a universal context.