California Courier Online, October 20, 2005
1 – Commentary
TIME Prints Full-Page Letter
To Rectify Turkish DVD Flap
By Harut Sassounian
Publisher, The Califorrnia Courier
2 – Harvest Gallery Presents
expressionist Exhibit on Oct. 21
3- Building a Bridge Between Silicon Valley
And the American University of Armenia
4 – Dr. Der Yeghiyan
To Speak on Historic
Armenia Pilgrimage
5 – Lincy Foundation Donates $10,000 to
Glendale Association for the Retarded
6 – Armenian National Peace Officers’
Association to Host Gala on Oct. 30
7 – AIWA and AGBU to Honor Cecile Keshishian at Nov. 20 Luncheon
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1 – Commentary
TIME Prints Full-Page Letter
To Rectify Turkish DVD Flap
By Harut Sassounian
Publisher, The California Courier
TIME magazine came a step closer this week to properly address a major
dispute with Armenians worldwide over its distribution of a Turkish DVD
denying the Armenian Genocide.
In its June 6, 2005 issue, the European edition of TIME ran a four-page ad
placed by the Ankara Chamber of Commerce promoting tourism in Turkey. As
part of that paid ad, the magazine included a DVD insert That had a
70-minute segment that denied and distorted the facts of the Armenian
Genocide. This highly offensive material, hidden behind a couple of benign
segments on tourism in the DVD, was disseminated to half a million TIME
subscribers in a dozen European countries.
Initially, the editors of TIME did not seem to realize the grave error they
had committed by becoming accomplices to Turkish denialists. They dismissed
Armenian complaints about this hateful and hurtful Turkish DVD by simply
stating that TIME did “not endorse the views of any organization or
government.”
However, when the Switzerland-Armenia Association wrote a letter
threatening to sue TIME for violating a Swiss law against the denial of
crimes against humanity and genocide, the magazine’s managing editor, James
Kelly, wrote back stating that no one at TIME had “adequately reviewed” the
offensive segment of the Turkish DVD. He apologized profusely and
repeatedly to the Armenian community and to all its readers. Mr. Kelly said
that the DVD presented a distorted view of history that did not meet the
magazine’s
“standards for fairness and accuracy.” He added: “we would not have
distributed [the DVD] had we been aware of the content.”
The Swiss-Armenian group, however, was not satisfied with this response.
They wrote back pointing out that the magazine had not addressed the issue
of redressing the damage caused by the malicious Turkish DVD to the
descendants of the victims of the Armenian Genocide.
Meanwhile, five French organizations hired an attorney in order to pursue
their legal rights under French laws that call for the protection of “human
dignity.” Mémoire 2000, the Coordinating Council of Armenian Organizations
of France (CCOAF), the Armenian National Committee of France (CDCA),
J’Accuse, and the Movement Against Racism and for Friendship Among Peoples
(MRAP) wrote a lengthy joint letter of complaint that was published on a
whole page in the October 17 issue of TIME’s European edition.
The French organizations requested that TIME distribute free of charge an
objective DVD on the Armenian Genocide and donate the income from the
Turkish ad to non-profit organizations that advocate the truth about the
Armenian Genocide.
In an “Editor’s note” published along with the letter, TIME restated the
apology that it had expressed earlier to the Switzerland-Armenia
Association. The note added that TIME was publishing this letter “pursuant
to French law (‘droit de réponse’)” [right of reply].
The ANC of France (CDCA) stated in a press release that by printing the
letter and expressing its apology, TIME had partially acknowledged its
error. This right of reply “is the initial result of a common and long-term
initiative by the associations fighting against racism, anti-Semitism and
for the defense of the memory of the Armenian people” said Harout
Mardirossian, Chairman of CDCA. “If TIME magazine thinks that this right of
reply settles all accounts, it is sadly mistaken. TIME magazine’s response
does not redress the terrible suffering of those who saw this sordid tool
of denialist propaganda. Taking into account the most heinous content of
this DVD, our demands for redress go far beyond this simple right of reply
and we intend to attain them,” said Mardirossian.
The Chairman of CDCA reiterated the demand of the five organizations for
the magazine to disseminate free of charge to its European subscribers an
objective DVD on the Armenian Genocide, and to have TIME donate the
revenues from the Turkish ad to non-profit organizations that advocate the
truth about the Armenian and all other genocides.
By acknowledging its error, apologizing for it and publishing a full-page
letter, TIME magazine has begun to take responsibility for the pain and
suffering it has caused to Armenians worldwide.
TIME’s executives and the representatives of French and Swiss organizations
now have to sit down together and consider the proper ways to undo the
damage caused by the Turkish DVD. As has been suggested previously, one
such way would be for TIME to disseminate to its readers an accurate DVD on
the Armenian Genocide. Another possible step would be for the magazine to
donate the revenues from the Turkish DVD to non-profit organizations. It
would be wrong for TIME to profit from tainted funds belonging to
revisionists and denialists of genocide!
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2 – Harvest Gallery Presents
expressionist Exhibit on Oct. 21
GLENDALE -Harvest Gallery presents expressionism (with a small e), opening
on Oct. 21 in Glendale.
expressionism (with a small e) features four artists from diverse
backgrounds with works expressing their own inner observations. With
differing emphasis and styles, each shares infinite perceptions of the
world; loss, estrangement, isolation, fear, joy, hope, love and dreams.
Vera Arutyunyan attended Yerevan State University, and while her interest
in art was always apparent, she became a geologist. However, it was through
geology and her love of nature that she returned to art. Vera steeps all of
her paintings in exuberant colors and movements.
Gregory Brisson is a graduate of St. Cloud University in Minnesota and the
San Francisco Art Institute. His work is inspired by historical and
religious subjects, and his images often present animals and humans in
humorous ways. Greg recently presented his art in a solo show at The Dream
Gallery in Los Angeles.
Karyn Janowski, a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, moved to
Los Angeles in 1992. She has worked for numerous private collections and
has exhibited in Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco and Long Island. Karyn
paints in thin layers and often use the sfumato technique of blurring and
softening one tone into another.
Hrair Simitian has exhibited his paintings throughout the southern
California area, as well as in Washington D.C. and Palm Beach, FL. His art
is displayed in private collections in Moscow, Paris and Los Angeles. Hrair
believes that “art is the soul of life, which gives it color, shape and
taste~E.”
For general information about the exhibit, call Harvest Gallery at
818.546.1000 or visit
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3 – Building a Bridge Between Silicon Valley
And the American University of Armenia
OAKLAND, CA – Papken and Claire Der Torossian recently opened their home in
Saratoga, Calif., for the American University of Armenia (AUA) to host a
unique evening dedicated to promoting cooperation and communication between
Silicon Valley executives and the AUA School of Business and Management.
Dr. Rubina Ohanian, the Dean of the School of Business and Management, an
accomplished marketing solutions specialist with over 15 years of
consulting and corporate experience, was among the guests. She gave a brief
overview of the MBA program, emphasizing that the School of Business and
Management strives to provide its students with quality instruction and a
state-of-the-art curriculum to help them achieve their professional goals.
Dr. Ohanian spoke very highly of the MBA students’ aptitude and the
potential that they have to make a difference to Armenia’s future. She
invited the Silicon Valley leaders to support the University, get involved
in the future of its students. Outsourcing of successful Silicon Valley
businesses to Armenia will create job opportunities for our youth.
President Haroutune Armenian shared with the guests that AUA is an
institution of change and transformation, offering its students quality
education, technology and know-how for entrepreneurial endeavors. “As a
student-centered university, the top priority is our students, and our most
important objectives are maintaining academic excellence, becoming a
knowledge enterprise and developing regional role”, said Dr. Armenian.
This was an emotional evening for Seta Karamardian, the widow of Stepan
Karamardian, who was the founding Dean of the School of Business and
Management. “Seeing AUA Business School prosper is the realization of my
husband’s dream and vision”, said Karamardian.
Yervant Zorian, Vice President and Chief Scientist at Virage Logic
Corporation, also a member of the American University of Armenia
Corporation (AUAC) Board of Trustees, highlighted the main purpose of the
evening, which is to establish a permanent bridge between the Silicon
Valley Armenian Community and AUA, that will be beneficial to both groups
over the years to come. “AUA is one of the best fruits that the
independence of Armenia resulted in,” said Dr. Zorian. “It fully realizes
the vision of its three founders and it has been materialized with the
great patronage of AGBU”.
Dr. Zorian told the guests that he has had the chance to witness the growth
of AUA at different intervals during the past decade, and has been
impressed with the quality of its programs that Virage Logic employees in
Armenia were offered as part of their continuing education.
Many valuable ideas were exchanged, and pledges for continuous support
renewed. This will help the American University of Armenia to improve its
entrepreneurship programs to enhance the leadership and organization skills
of the students, and to prepare them for active participation in building a
brighter future for Armenia.
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4 – Dr. Der Yeghiyan
To Speak on Historic
Armenia Pilgrimage
GLENDALE – Mashdots College President Dr. Garbis Der Yeghiyan, will speak
on “Stunning Moments with History: A Pilgrimage to Western Armenia and
Cilicia, on Oct. 26, at 7:30 p.m. at the Glendale Church of the Nazarene,
411 E. Acacia Street, in Glendale.
A powerpoint presentation will incude more than 400 historic pictures
covering the following cities and sites: Moussa
Ler, Gorigos, Mersin, Beylan, Kirkkhan, Iskenderoun, Adana, Sis, Anarzapa,
Marash, Aintab, Berejik, Urfa, Garmouj, Diyarbekir, Severeg, Kharpert,
Mush, Erzurum, Kars, Ani, Pergri, Van, Akhtamar, Mt. Ararat and Bolis.
The event is organized by the Glendale Church of the Nazarene. Admission is
free.
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5 – Lincy Foundation Donates $10,000 to
Glendale Association for the Retarded
GLENDALE – Thanks to a donation of $10,000 from the Lincy Foundation, the
Glendale Association for the Retarded will continue to provide vocational
training and social adjustment for developmentally disabled adults at its
work training center.
Currently 38 percent of the clients served in the program are immigrant
Armenians.
“We are deeply grateful to the Lincy Foundation for providing us with
continued support,” said Carole Jouroyan, Executive Director of the
Association. “Gaining independence is a goal we all strive for in life. To
accomplish this in America is important for our clients, as well for their
families.”
The Lincy donation will support programs designed to address language,
cultural and social needs of the clients. Services include English as a
Second Language, academics, social and community skills. The program
provides work opportunities to earn money and develop self-esteem.
In addition to services, the Association owns and operates three group
homes – the Alma House, David Gogian House and Hamilton House. Clients live
in Glendale, Burbank, Hollywood, Eagle Rock and La Crescenta.
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6 – Armenian National Peace Officers’
Association to Host Gala on Oct. 30
BURBANK, Calif. – The Armenian National Peace Officers’ Association will
host its first Gala Celebration banquet on Oct. 30 at the Western Diocese’s
Nazareth and Sima Kalaydjian Hall of the Arshag and Eleanor Dickranian
Complex, 3325 North Glenoaks Blvd., in Burbank.
California State Senator Chuck Poochigian (R-14th District) will be the
keynote speaker. Robert Philibosian, former L.A. County District Attorney,
will be the Master of Ceremonies.
Association President Vahak Mardikian said the members are proud to have
two distinguished members of the Armenian-American community participate in
their first event.
Poochigian has been a dedicated public servant, having served two terms in
the State Assembly is presently is in his second term in the State Senate.
He has been named “Legislator of the Year” by law enforcement groups and
local law enforcement leaders throughout his legislative career.
Robert Philibosian was a vigorous prosecutor in the L.A. County D.A.’s
Office and served as D.A. from 1983-1984.
The Armenian National Peace Officers’ Association, established in 2993, is
the first Armenian-American law enforcement officers’ association in the
United States. Its mission is clearly stated in their logo: “Upholding the
finest law enforcement traditions in the United States.” The association
currently has approximately 120 police officers representing 22 different
federal state and local law enforcement agencies throughout the country.
One of the highlights of the banquet will be the presentation of the Hagop
:Jake: Kuredjian Scholarship Awards. This scholarship awards program was
created for qualified students in the name of Los Angeles County Sheriff’s
Deputy Kuredjian, who was tragically slain in the line of duty in 2001
while protecting the citizens of Santa Clarita, Calif.
Applications for scholarships are accepted from current high school seniors
through college seniors of Armenian heritage and cultural background. The
scholarships are in keeping with a major objective of the association, to
recruit more Armenian Americans into a career in law enforcement and to
introduce them to the various types of rewarding positions that exist
within a police department. Ten awards of $500 each will be presented at
the banquet.
For scholarship applications and more information, students should contact:
Armenian National Peace Officers’ Association, Scholarship Committee/Jake
Kuredjian Scholarship, 3436 Foorthill Boulevard, B606, Glendale, Calif.
91214.
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7 – AIWA and AGBU to Honor Cecile Keshishian at Nov. 20 Luncheon
LOS ANGELES – The Armenian Women’s International Association and the
Armenian General Benevolent Union will honor Ellis Island Medal of Honor
recipient Cecile Keshishian at a gala luncheon, Nov. 20, at 1 p.m., at The
Wishire Country Club in Los Angeles.
The Ellis Island Award is given to distinguished citizens who have embraced
American values and demonstrated service to humanity in any field,
profession or occupation, and who have advanced the traditions of their
ethnic heritage
Keshishian immigrated to the United States from Beirut, Lebanon in 1968
with her husband, Kevork, and two young children, quickly integrating into
the mainstream of American society without abandoning her Armenian
heritage.
Her volunteerism, generosity, determination, optimism and work for the
betterment of mankind, has led her to many achievements.
She founded the AGBU Girl Scout movement in Lebanon. She, along with her
husband, were among the leaders who formed the AGBU “Committee to Aid
Armenia,” raising thousands of dollars for the 1988 earthquake relief.
Keshishian is also a charter member of the Samaritans, a 24-hour teenage
suicide prevention hot line still in existence. She was also the President
of Hillsborough County, New Hampshire Medical Society Auxiliary, which
helped provide scholarships for nursing students, raising over $500,000.
In addition, she was a board member of the American Children’s Theater in
New Hampshire. Keshishian was also a delegate to the first world-wide
Armenian Women’s Convention in Yerevan. She also served as a Armenian
Missionary Association of America’s Health Committee Delegate to the White
House Conference for a Drug-Free America with President and Mrs. Ronald
Reagan.
Keshishian is also a founding member of the AIWA, 15 years ago. She was the
Registration Chair and a member of the Award Committee for the first AIWA
International Conference in London.
The honoree has requested that the proceeds from the Nov. 2o luncheon be
used to benefit AIWA scholarships for the Women’s Entrepreneur Project in
Yerevan, and also for similar programs in the United States.
The Wilshire Country Club is located at 301 North Rossmore Ave., Los
Angeles.
For more information and reservations, call: Hermine Janoyan (818) 342-4600
or Lily Balian, (310) 472-2454.
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From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress