AGBU Press Office
55 East 59th Street
New York, NY 10022-1112
Phone: 212.319.6383, x118
Fax: 212.319.6507
Email: press@agbu.org
Website:

PRESS RELEASE

Friday, January 12, 2006

Lebanon District Marks AGBU Centennial With Opening of Medical Center

On November 7, 2006, AGBU Lebanon District inaugurated a new medical
center in Antelias, in commemoration of AGBU’s 100th anniversary. With
the opening of this facility and sponsorship of three cultural events
this past fall, AGBU Lebanon revived the centennial spirit that was
temporarily muted by the country’s 34-day war this past summer.

The medical center, outfitted with state-of-the-art equipment thanks
to the generosity of the Al-Walid Bin Talal Humanitarian Foundation,
will bring much-needed healthcare services to the region’s population,
which includes a large Lebanese Armenian community.

Covered by national media, the ribbon-cutting ceremony was attended by
a number of distinguished guests, including Her Excellency Leila
Solh-Hamadeh, Lebanon’s former Minister of Industry; the Mayor of
Antelias, Eli Abu Jaoude; and members of the AGBU District, Education,
Armenian Youth Association, Veterans, Women’s and Asbeds Committees
were all also in attendance, along with a group of leading Armenian
officials and educators.

After a warm welcome by AGBU leaders, Solh-Hamadeh, who performed the
ceremonial ribbon cutting, was greeted by two young women in historic
Armenian costumes offering the traditional Armenian greeting of bread
and salt, along with flowers. Solh-Hamadeh expressed her appreciation
to the Armenian community, especially AGBU, during her dedication
speech. Highlighting the organization’s work for the Lebanese
community in the fields of education and healthcare services, she
commented, "Philanthropy is one of the most magnanimous human feelings
and customs. I am glad that your organization is accomplishing this,
bringing joy to many, for the past hundred years, here and elsewhere."

As part of the opening ceremony, guests were offered tours of the
facility and an opportunity to meet with the medical personnel.

Also in the month of November, to strengthen ties between the local
community and its peers in Armenia, the Armenian Ambassador to Lebanon
Vahan Ter Ghevondian (November 15, 2006) on the occasion of Armenian
Independence and Yerevan State University’s Professor of Armenian
Studies Samuel Mouradian (November 20, 2006) were invited to Beirut by
the Lebanon District to participate in special gatherings.

Founded in 1906, AGBU has played a pivotal role in preserving and
promoting the Armenian identity and heritage for a
century. Headquartered in New York City with an annual budget of $36
million, AGBU is today’s largest Armenian non-profit annually serving
400,000 Armenians in 37 countries through educational, cultural and
humanitarian programs.

For more information on AGBU Lebanon District, please email
agbu@cyberia.net.lb or call the AGBU Demirdjian Center at (961)(4)
522-842.

For more information on AGBU and its worldwide programs, please visit