Armenian National Committee – Western Region
104 North Belmont, Suite 200
Glendale, California 91206
Telephone: (818) 500-1918
Facsimile: (818) 246-7353
PRESS RELEASE
June 19, 2009
Contact: Haig Hovsepian
Tel: (818) 500-1918
ANC-WR participates in Jewish World Watch’s 2009 Walk for Darfur
Los Angeles, CA — On Sunday, June 7th the Armenian National
Committee-Western Region (ANC-WR) joined Jewish World Watch (JWW) for its
2009 Walk for Darfur. Nearly two dozen ANC interns and volunteers joined
over 2000 anti-genocide activists for the three-mile walkathon which started
and finished at the Los Angeles Pierce College Farm Center.
`It was important for the ANC to be here today with our friends in the
anti-genocide community. Working together only makes our message stronger,’
said Aida Dimejian, a member of the ANC-WR Board of Directors who
participated in the walkathon and spoke at the event culmination. `We all
must do our part to support one another as we work to raise awareness about
and end the cycle of genocide.’
Over $125,000 was raised and the event was covered by local television and
newsprint media. The donated funds will go to support Jewish World Watch’s
humanitarian and educational programs. Also showing their support for the
event was the Armenian Youth Federation-Western Region which donated over
850 bottles of water for the event.
Since its establishment in 2004, JWW has been a proud and active sponsor in
raising awareness about global genocides by educating the community and
rising up against acts of inhumanity. From rallies and concerts promoting
peace in Darfur to raising awareness and remembrance of past genocides,
including the Armenian genocide, JWW continues their mission started by
founder Rabbi Harold M. Schulweis of Valley Beth Shalom.
Rabbi Shulweis welcomed the walkathon participants upon their return the
Farm Center. Los Angeles City Council Member Dennis Zine and City
Controller Wendy Greuel as well as student activists and community leaders
from Los Angeles addressed the crowd including Dimejian.
`This morning, I walked in the memory of the 1.5 million victims of the
Armenian Genocide perpetrated by Turkey. I walked for all victims of
genocide. We are today sending a message to the world, the message that we
can no longer bear witness to the mass slaughter that is taking place in the
Darfur region of Sudan. For too long the world has bore witness to too many
genocides,’ Demejian remarked.
In 2007 Dr. J. Michael Hagopian and Dr. Richard Hovanissian were honored by
JWW for their work documenting the history of the Armenian Genocide. Since
then, JWW has hosted screenings of Hagopian’s `Voices from the Lake’ as well
as the anti-genocide documentary `Screamers,’ in which the ANC-WR also
participated.
The Armenian National Committee – Western Region is the largest Armenian
American grassroots community organization in the Western United States.
Working in coordination with a network of offices, chapters, and supporters
throughout the Western United States and affiliated organizations around the
country, the ANC-WR works to promote understanding regarding issues of
concern to the Armenian American community.
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