PRESS RELEASE
Western Diocese of the Armenian Church
3325 N. Glenoaks Blvd.
Burbank, CA 91504
Contact: Remo Alexandri
Tel: +1 (818) 558-7474
Fax: +1 (818) 558-6333
E-mail: [email protected]
Web:
May 15, 2008
<[email protected]>
DIOCESE HONORS JEWISH WORLD WATCH FOUNDER
Burbank, CA – It was truly an auspicious occasion when, under banner of the
Kinship of Suffering, the Armenian Community and the Jewish Community joined
together to give reverence to the victims of the Armenian Genocide and
Jewish Holocaust, as well as celebrate each other’s rich culture. On
Thursday, May 15, 2008 the Western Diocese hosted a special event to honor
Rabbi Harold Schulweis, founder of Jewish World Watch, spiritual leader of
Valley Beth Shalom, and long serving advocate of social and interfaith
initiatives. Nearly 400 members of the Armenian and Jewish communities were
in attendance, as well as several dignitaries and elected officials.
The evening’s program was a rich and varied representation of the spiritual
and cultural heritage of the Jewish and Armenian peoples. A united choir was
formed with representatives of each community that performed the Israeli,
Armenian, and American National Anthems, and spiritual hymns in beautiful
harmony. Two graceful and entertaining dance groups, the Armenian Dance
Center and the Kashet Chaim Dance Ensemble, also offered several
performances during the evening.
The Master of Ceremonies for the evening was Mr. Michael Amerian, Esq., who
welcomed the evening’s guests, as well as acknowledged the planning
committee and those who worked hard realized the event. In his introductory
remarks he said of Rabbi Shulweis, "Brilliance and humility don’t frequently
find harmony within the same soul. Yet the fact he possesses these qualities
combined with a fierce sense of justice has benefitted not only the Jewish
community, but the world as a whole."
His Eminence Abp. Hovnan Derderian was then invited to offer his remarks,
"Our journey tonight proves to be a sign of victory and perseverance for the
cause of global justice. ‘Together we will not forget’ is the leading
thought. History demands justice and justice is a prerequisite for peace.
The Honorable Rabbi Harold Schulweis the founder of the Jewish World Watch
is not only a spiritual leader of the Jewish community, but a leading figure
amongst the leaders. He has a compassionate heart, whose love is the
reflection of God’s love for humanity, whose genuine respect for the victims
of the Armenian Genocide has utterly rejected all political considerations."
The Primate then presented Rabbi Schulweis with the gift of a handmade
Armenian tapestry. The Rabbi then offered his reflections on the evening to
the attendees, "What would our ancestors wish? That we together answer the
question that pursues human history from the story of Cain and Abel. ‘Am I
my brother’s keeper?’ Cain asked. We know the answer that the children of
Abel must give is ‘Yes, Dear God – we are our brother’s keepers.’ We know
from the bowels of our haunted histories that… You, God, want us to
protect Your children. You, God, want us to cry out against the myriad forms
of genocide. You, God, want us to make whole shattered lives. You, God, want
us to enlarge the meaning of our hemorrhaging ancestors lying in the
blood-soaked earth, ‘The voice of the blood of your brothers cries out unto
me.’ Two communities, yours and mine, have found each other. We must not let
go."
The Western Diocese was proud to host many esteemed guests and officials
whose attention and leadership the Armenian Community cherish. The guests
include Consul General Armen Liloyan, Supervisor Zev Yurovslasky,
Assemblyman Paul Krekorian, Hon. Wendy Greuel, Hon. Dave Golinksi, Hon.
James Bozajian, Judge Armand Arabian, Judge Zaven Sinanian, Fr. Alexei Smith
representing Cardinal Roger Mahony, and JWW Executive Director Tzivia
Schwartz-Getzug.
The event was sponsored through the generous support of the George Ignatius
Foundation, whose trustees are Michael Amerian Eqs., Walter Karabian Esq.,
and George Phillips Sr. Esq.
Full text versions of Abp. Hovnan Derderian’s and Rabbi Harold Schulweis can
be found at
jewish-world-watch-founder/.
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Photos
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Caption: Supervisor Zev Yurovslasky speaking at a private reception prior to
the event.
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Caption: Hon. Judge Armand Arabian presenting Rabbi Harold Schulweis with a
gift.
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Caption: Los Angeles City Councilmember Wendy Grueul addressing guests of a
private reception.
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Caption: Assemblymember Paul Krekorian addressing guests of a private
reception.
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Caption: Master of Ceramonies Mr. Michael Amerian, Esq.
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Caption: Consul General of the Republic of Armenian Armen Liloyan
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Caption: Rabbi Harold Schulweis
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Caption: Abp. Hovnan Derderian and Rabbi Harold Schulweiss shake hands as
onlookers, including Consul General Armen Liloyan and Assemblyman Paul
Krekorian, applaud the Rabbi’s Accomplishments
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Caption: The Kashet Chaim Dance Ensemble leading guests in a traditional
Jewish dance
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Caption: Abp. Hovnan Derderian and Rabbi Harold Schulweis presented a
traditional Armenian carpet gifted to the Rabbi.