Category: 2023

Gus Bilirakis Champions the Armenian Genocide Education Act

Emil Lazarian
By

 Kevin Derby

 -

, 10:00 am

With Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day taking place this week, U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis, R-Fla., is championing U.S. Rep. Anna Eshoo’s, D-Calif., “Armenian Genocide Education Act.”

The bill “establishes a new program in the Library of Congress tasked with developing resources, including digital resources, to foster understanding about why and how the Armenian Genocide happened,” which “will be incorporated into curricula at schools across the country.” The proposal also “authorizes $2 million annually for the program over five years and allows the Library of Congress to supplement this funding with private donations.”

Bilirakis and other supporters of the proposal weighed in on it this week.

“Our darkest moments as a human race have come during times when those who knew better stood silently, making excuses for passivity and allowing injustice and persecution to reign. We must acknowledge the atrocities of the past so that we might hopefully prevent them in the future,” said Bilirakis. “One of the best ways to achieve this goal is through education and awareness, which is why I am proud to co-lead the Armenian Genocide Education Act again in the 118th Congress.”

“By ensuring students have access to the resources necessary to understand why and how the Armenian Genocide occurred, the Armenian Genocide Education Act preserves the legacies of the victims, combats genocide denial, and ensures that future generations learn the lessons of this dark chapter of history,” said Eshoo. “This legislation honors the memories of my ancestors and all those who perished at the hands of the Ottoman Empire.”

More than 40 House members, including Bilirakis, are co-sponsoring the proposal. The bill was sent to the U.S. House Committee on House Administration. So far, there is no companion measure over in the U.S. Senate.

“Between 1915 and 1923, 1.5 million Armenians, and hundreds of thousands of Assyrians, Greeks, Syriacs, Arameans, Maronites, and other Christians were systematically slaughtered at the hands of the Ottoman Empire,” the congressman’s office noted.

https://www.floridadaily.com/gus-bilirakis-champions-the-armenian-genocide-education-act/

Actor Joe Manganiello discusses his Armenian roots and culture

Emil Lazarian
By Alexi Chidbachian

GLENDALE, Calif. - Actor Joe Manganiello may be known for his hit roles on ‘Magic Mike’ and ‘True Blood’, but he’s now sharing the story of his family’s history, roots, and Armenian culture.  

He spoke about his family’s past in Armenia during an Armenian Genocide commemorative event at the Alex Theater in Glendale Monday night.

He told the story of his great-grandmother who survived the 1915 Armenian Genocide and moved to America.  

In 1915, 1.5 million Armenians were massacred at the hands of the Ottoman Empire (modern day Turkey). Armenians were taken from their homes, tortured, starved, and killed. The land in Western Armenia was also taken by the Ottoman Empire. His great-grandmother survived, but was sent to live in a relocation camp and was impregnated by a German officer.  

She gave birth to a German-Armenian girl, Manganiello’s grandmother, and eventually moved to Worcester, Massachusetts and married an Armenian man.

Manganiello said it’s important to share the stories of our ancestors and spread awareness of the issues.  

"I didn’t realize how underrepresented the Armenian story is out there, I didn’t realize how me telling my great-grandmother's story, just simply she survived therefore I can be here today to tell her story and say her name and have a show like Dr. Gate’s show ‘Finding your Roots’, to have the ability to have me tell her story. I didn’t realize how many of those stories haven’t been heard and how many people don’t know the story of the Armenians," he said at the event.  

April 24, 2023, marked the 108th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. To this day the Turkish government denies that the genocide occurred. In 2021, President Joe Biden became the first US president to formally recognize the Armenian Genocide.  

And even though the genocide occurred over a century ago, an ethnic cleansing of Armenians is occurring now in the region of Nagorno-Karabakh, also known as Artsakh.

"There are still atrocities happening now. It is definitely true for the Armenians; if there could have been some sort of repercussion you wonder if what happened in World War II couldn’t have been avoided," Manganiello stated.  

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"When you have a Diaspora, when you have a displacement of a group of people, it then gets kept alive through food, through culture, through language, through religion. So, the idea that my great-grandmother escaped and took that with her, I understand why it was so important for her."

Manganiello found out about his family’s past and multicultural roots through the genetics test 23 and Me. He also shared his story and learned more about it when he appeared on an episode of the PBS show ‘Finding your Roots with Henry Luis Gates’. He said the entire process took him about 10 years.  

His ancestry includes African, Armenian, German, and Italian.

"So, like I said, it's been this big discovery process. But I think as an artist, what's amazing to me is that now I know. And now I can spend my time exploring all of those things and then finding ways to talk about them in different ways," he said.

His mother was Armenian, so Manganiello and his brother grew up surrounded by Armenian food, culture and language.  

"My mother was Armenian, and so, you know, that’s the food I grew up with.  I grew up with grape leaves, I grew up with lahmajoun, I grew up with sujuk and eggs, I grew up with pilaf and tabbouleh, which is not my thing, but I ate tons of it. And being around my mother, that’s what she cooked for us."

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Manganiello and his brother also used to protest in front of the Turkish Consulate.

He hasn’t visited Armenia yet but plans to visit soon with his brother due to a new project he’s working on.  

He said knowing his family’s history and sharing it with the world makes him complete and encourages all people to share their ancestor’s story and to not forget where you came from.

"I will always be proud of what my great-grandmother went through so that I could be here. I will always carry that with me, and I think that every Armenian should be proud of their ancestors and what they did so that we could all be here".  

https://www.foxla.com/news/actor-joe-manganiello-discusses-his-armenian-roots-and-culture

Yerevan takes case to UN court after Baku installs checkpoint on Lachin corridor bridge

Tambiyan Samvel
 TASS 
Russia –
On Sunday, the Armenian Foreign Ministry slammed the installation of the Azerbaijani checkpoint in the Lachin corridor as a blatant violation of the 2020 tripartite agreement

YEREVAN, April 26. /TASS/. Armenia has filed a complaint with the UN International Court of Justice after Baku set up a checkpoint in the disputed Lachin corridor, Hasmik Samvelyan, spokesperson for Armenia’s Office of the Representative on International Legal Issues, told TASS on Wednesday.

"The Armenian side has appealed to the UN International Court of Justice over the establishment of a checkpoint by Azerbaijan near the Hakari River (in the Lachin corridor, on the Armenian-Azerbaijani border – TASS), which is in violation of a relevant court ruling dated February 22, 2023," she specified.

On Sunday, the Armenian Foreign Ministry slammed the installation of the Azerbaijani checkpoint in the Lachin corridor as a blatant violation of the 2020 tripartite agreement.

https://tass.com/world/1609771

Putin expresses solidarity with Armenians in regards to Genocide Remembrance Day — Kremlin

Vicken Chmshkian
 TASS 
Russia –
The Russian president held a phone call with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan

MOSCOW, April 26. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin mentioned the Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day, observed on April 24, during his phone call with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, and expressed solidarity with the people of this country, the Kremlin press office announced Wednesday.

"The President of Russia expressed solidarity with the Armenian people in regards to the recent sorrowful date – the Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day," the press office said.

On April 24, 1915, mass executions of Armenians started in Constantinople (now Istanbul, Turkey), which lasted for several years. April 24 is a memorable date in Armenia now.

Putin, Pashinyan discuss situation in Karabakh over escalation in Lachin Corridor

Emil Lazarian
 TASS 
Russia –
The leaders agreed to continue interaction at various levels

MOSCOW, April 26. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin held a phone conversation with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, the Kremlin press service reported on Wednesday.

"The development of the situation around Nagorno-Karabakh was discussed with an emphasis on solving practical tasks of ensuring stability and security in the region. In the context of the current escalation in the Lachin Corridor, the importance of strict adherence to the entire set of fundamental agreements between the leaders of Russia, Armenia and Azerbaijan was stressed," its statement said.

The leaders agreed to continue interaction at various levels.

Earlier, the Armenian side reported the conversation.

Previously, Azerbaijan set up a checkpoint in the Lachin Corridor. The Armenian Foreign Ministry branded this as a flagrant violation of the 2020 trilateral statement.

ANCA-Western Region Meets Governor Newsom On Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day

Bedik Zaminian
by Contributor

 

 

 

in Community, Featured Story, Latest, News, Top Stories

ANCA-WR representatives met with Governor Gavin Newsom on the 108th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide


SACRAMENTO—The Armenian National Committee of America-Western Region met with California Governor Gavin Newsom in Sacramento on Monday April 24, the108th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. 

Governor Newsom has been a long-time supporter of Armenian-American issues since his time on the Board of Supervisors in San Francisco, as Mayor of San Francisco, Lieutenant Governor and finally Governor of California, where Newsom represents the voices of California’s large Armenian community. Governor Newsom has issued annual proclamations declaring April 24th as a “Day of Remembrance of the Armenian Genocide” in solemn remembrance of the 1.5 million innocent victims of this unpunished crime against humanity. 

In 2019, Newsom signed AB1320, the Divestment from Turkish Bonds Act into law, to divest public funds from Turkish government-owned investments and securities in response to Ankara’s enduring denial of the Armenian Genocide. 

Newsom also allocated $8 million for the Armenian American Museum in the California budget, allowing for Armenian cultural preservation in California. 

Gov. Gavin Newsom with ANCA-WR Chair Nora Hovsepian, Esq, ANCA-WR Board Members Lina Davidian, Esq. and Hermineh Pakhanians, and ANCA-WR Government Affairs Director Ruben Karapetian

“The ANCA Western Region has endorsed Governor Newsom for each of his elections and is grateful for the dedication he has consistently shown to the Armenian-American community. We look forward to continuing our close collaboration and further cultivating our friendship with him as we work to advance all aspects of the Armenian Cause,” stated ANCA-WR Chair Nora Hovsepian, Esq. who was joined in the meeting by ANCA-WR Board Members Lina Davidian, Esq. and Hermineh Pakhanians and ANCA-WR Government Affairs Director Ruben Karapetian. 

Various issues were discussed in the meeting ranging from the current crisis in Artsakh and Armenia, the lack of accountability which has allowed Azerbaijan and Turkey to continue with their genocidal plans against the Armenian People, the escalation of anti-Armenian hate crimes in California, the importance of properly counting Armenian-Americans in the U.S. Census, the importance of Armenian Genocide education especially through the Governor’s Council on Holocaust & Genocide Education, and a host of other issues facing the Armenian community. 

Preceding the meeting, ANCA Western Region representatives participated in the Senate and Assembly sessions where resolutions introduced by Senator Anthony Portantino and Assemblymember Laura Friedman, who reaffirmed the State’s recognition and remembrance of the Armenian Genocide and highlighted the fact that the current crisis in Artsakh with Azerbaijan’s inhumane blockade of the Lachin Corridor is a continuation of the same genocidal intent which has existed for over a century.

The Armenian National Committee of America-Western Region is the largest and most influential Armenian American grassroots advocacy 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 ANCA-WR advances the concerns of the Armenian American community on a broad range of issues.

Asbarez: In Brazen Move ‘Welcome to Azerbaijan’ Sign Posted at Illegal Lachin Checkpoint

Eduard Nalbandian
by Asbarez Staff

 

 

 

in Armenia, Artsakh, Featured Main, Latest, News, Top Stories

A "Welcome to Azerbaijan" sign is posted at the occupied Hakari Bridge near the illegal checkpoint at Lachin Corridor


All Supplies to Artsakh are Halted

In a brazen move, a “welcome to Azerbaijan” sign was posted on Monday at the occupied Hakari River bridge ahead of the illegal checkpoint established by Azerbaijan on Sunday, which has cut off all humanitarian supply deliveries to Artsakh, according to officials.

Despite reports of ongoing negotiations between the Russian peacekeeping contingent and Azerbaijani representative, the sign reading “Attention! You are entering the territory of the Republic of Azerbaijan!” was installed.

The commander of the Russian peacekeeping forces Andrey Volkov is personally engaged in the negotiations, which are heading into the third day.

In a rebuke to Baku, the Russian Defense Ministry on Monday said that, “as a result of the unilateral and not-agreed-upon actions on April 23, 2023, the Azerbaijani side has blocked traffic through the Lachin corridor in the area of the observation post of the Russian peacekeeping contingent No. 1.”

With the installation of the illegal checkpoint, Azerbaijan has effectively tightened the chokehold around the people of Artsakh, with Artsakh’s State Minister Gurgen Nersisyan reporting a stoppage of all humanitarian assistance, which was being brought in by Russian peacekeepers and the International Committee of the Red Cross.

The ICRC reported that it was forced to cancel a scheduled transport of 28 patients from Artsakh to Armenia because of the checkpoint, adding that among the sick were an expectant mother whose unborn baby will need heart surgery upon being born and a nine-year-old child suffering from leukemia.

Since the Artsakh blockade began 135 day ago on December 12, the ICRC has transported 337 patents to Armenia.

Nersisyan, the Artsakh State Minister, said that the transport of rations covered by government-issued coupon has also been halted and added the government will extend the validity of the coupons beyond the specified dates.

He warned that four villages around Shushi were under the most serious threat as the checkpoint, coupled with the Azerbaijan’s breach of the line-of-contact earlier this month, have effectively cut those communities, which are currently surrounded.

The Artsakh Information Center reported late on Tuesday that due to efforts of the local administration and the Russian peacekeeping force it became possible to “somewhat restore” the supply of humanitarian goods disrupted in recent days.

Whitinsville breaks ground for new Armenian Heritage Monument

Diana Dabaghian
 Victoria Waterman Community News 0

Pictured from left to right State Rep. David K. Muradian, Jr., Timothy Wickstrom, Board chair of UniBank, Michael Welch, CEO of UniBank, Jim Tusino, Guaranteed Builders Inc., Charles Ampagoomian, Jr., Northbridge Board of Selectmen member, Russell Collins, Northbridge Board of Selectmen chair, His Eminence Archbishop Anoushavan Tanielian, Rev. Fr. Aram Stepanian and Rev. Fr. Mikael Der Kosrofian (Photo: Danold Ampagoomian)

WHITINSVILLE, Mass.—Like many things, the Armenian Heritage Monument in Whitinsville started as a single thought: how great it would be to come together every Memorial Day to remember, honor and pray for the souls of the immigrants who survived the Armenian Genocide of 1915 and were welcomed to Whitinsville to build new lives.  

They suffered, they sacrificed and they survived making today possible for Armenian Americans who now enjoy life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness in this great state and country we all call home. Many worked in the Whitin Machine Works and were an integral part of the labor pool, helping to build the local economy.

The groundbreaking ceremony for the Armenian Heritage Monument was held on Tuesday, April 18 at Pine Grove Cemetery in Whitinsville. Highlighting the event was the site blessing by His Eminence Archbishop Anoushavan Tanielian, Prelate of the Eastern Prelacy of US, joined by Rev. Fr. Mikael Der Kosrofian and Rev. Fr. Aram Stepanian of Soorp Asdvadzadzin Armenian Apostolic Church.

Rev. Fr. Aram Stepanian, His Eminence Archbishop Anoushavan Tanielian and Rev. Fr. Mikael Der Kosrofian during the site blessing for the monument (Photo: Danold Ampagoomian)

“We are blessed for having a shared vision with community supporters and leaders for this monument to be erected in a special place where the majority of Armenians from Whitinsville have been laid to rest,” stated Rev. Fr. Der Kosrofian.

This monument will consist of a khachkar (stone cross) from Armenia which will be placed in the center and embraced by three pillars. These pillars represent the Holy Trinity, and on each will be engraved the forget-me-not flower, expressing the theme of eternal remembrance. The base of each pillar will be rough cut to represent the hardships and suffering of our survivors. As the pillars ascend, the roughness will transform into a smooth finish, symbolizing the life we enjoy today.

Distinguished members of the community State Rep. David K. Muradian (9th Worcester District), UniBank CEO Michael Welch and Board chair Timothy Wickstrom, Northbridge Board of Selectmen chair Russell Collins and member Charles Ampagoomian, Jr., and Jim Tusino of Guaranteed Builders, Inc. were also in attendance.

Monument watercolor rendering by Yeva Der Kosrofian

  •  Bio
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Victoria (Atamian) Waterman is an aspiring author who was born in Rhode Island. Growing up in an immigrant, bilingual, multi-generational home with survivors of the Armenian Genocide has shaped the storyteller she has become. She is a trustee of Soorp Asdvadzadzin Armenian Apostolic Church and chair of the Armenian Heritage Monument in Whitinsville, MA.


AW: Armenians’ Allies

Zhanna Nahapetian
 Talar Keoseyan Opinion 0

April 24 is a heavy and somber day for Armenians. Every year, it brings up emotions and a longing to be seen and have our stories heard. This year was even more painful with the atrocious blockade of Artsakh and the disingenuous words of politicians to appease us only on this day. We marked 108 years today since our ancestors were victimized and brutally forced to leave their ancestral homeland. The world turns a blind eye and has a deaf ear when it comes to Armenians. Every single Armenian has a story from their grandparents or great-grandparents that still causes enormous sadness and a renewed fight for justice.

AYF members Nareg Kuyumjian and Jibid Melkonian

I attended the April 24 Rally for Humanity organized by the Armenian Youth Federation (AYF) Western Region. The AYF has always been near and dear to my heart. This group of young activists made me so proud. I spoke with AYF members Jibid Melkonian and Nareg Kuyumjian. Nejdeh’s spirit is alive and well. These youth were so passionate and so impactful with their calls for justice. The Turkish Consulate was handed demands for recognition, reparations and restitution. “We don’t have the luxury of being passive,” Melkonian stated. 

Rob Komoto showing solidarity

I also noticed several non-Armenians and wanted to know why they were there. I spoke with Rob Komoto, who said he wanted to support the Armenian community. He said he learned about what had happened to the Armenians back when he was in college in the 70s. He said he took a two-day course and said he couldn’t believe that he had never been taught about the Armenian Genocide. He felt compelled to come out and stand up for humanity. Mr. Komoto held a sign throughout the rally stating, “Humanity Over Politics.”

Ashley Sayad, Assyrian ally

Another strong supporter was Ashley Sayad, who was draped in the Assyrian flag. She felt she had to be at the rally because people need to acknowledge and recognize what happened to the Armenians, the Assyrians, the Greeks, the Yazidis, the Lebanese and Christian Syrians. She stated that her great-grandmother was Armenian from Iran. She said the more acknowledgement, the less likely horrific events like systematic annihilation of minorities will happen. Sayad said that we all have to band together to prevent future genocides.

It was heartwarming to see different ethnicities who truly care for humanity, standing up against discrimination and genocide. Collectively, we can do so much more.

  •  Bio
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Talar Keoseyan is a mother, educator and writer. Talar’s book called Mom and Dad, Why Do I Need to Know My Armenian Heritage? is available on Amazon. Tigran’s Song is available at Abril Bookstore. She has been an educator for 25 years and resides in Los Angeles, CA. She can be reached at


https://armenianweekly.com/2023/04/24/armenians-allies/?fbclid=IwAR1LWQOdV6baB8cwBSuhX19XD3LijSvD849kjfRLJfDlkWL3OOPprzZKtKI

Hamazkayin “Sardarabad” Dance Ensemble takes center stage

Ani Basmajian
 Guest Contributor Diaspora 0

Hamazkayin “Sardarabad” Dance Ensemble

CHICAGO, Ill. — On a crisp March evening, where the snow flurries quietly dusted the streets, the Hamazkayin “Sardarabad” Dance Ensemble presented “Sea to Sea.” The highly anticipated performance encompassed the best of traditional and contemporary dance, under the expert guidance of artistic director and choreographer Hrachya Kostanyan and instructor Sahak Zakarian, who together led a talented group of 47 dancers, ranging from 5 to 35 years old.

The evening’s Mistress of Ceremony was Armine Papazian.

When the curtains opened, the dancers took center stage in traditional daraz, performing “Sardarabad” and “Berd” — a medley of steps and sway with a double tier performance, full of energy and tradition. 

Dancers perform “Berd”

In the months leading up to the “Sea to Sea” performance and with the community fundraising efforts, the dance group was adorned with brand new costumes, all hand made in Armenia. The traditional Armenian costumes were designed with highly ornamented aprons and gowns, as well as gold embroidered vests and headpieces.  

Over 500 people marveled at the variety of traditional Armenian dances, including “Uzoundara,” a bride’s dance with Ani Papazian and “Menk enk mer sarere” (We are our mountains), a contemporary dance. The program also featured Armenia’s Marat Kosyan on the dhol.

A highlight of the evening was a tribute to Kilikia, as dancers dressed in white performed with candles in hand in memory of the Armenian Genocide. 

A highlight of the evening was a tribute to Kilikia

Kostanyan started his career as a dancer for the main troupe of the State Dance Ensemble directed by the legendary Vanoush Khanamarian. Kostanyan studied cultural education at the Armenian State Pedagogical University in Yerevan. He has been a member of the International Dance Council UNESCO since 2015. In 2017, Kostanyan was awarded a gold medal by the Ministry of Culture of Armenia for developing the art of dance in the US.

Zakarian, for his part, has been a member of the dance group since his childhood. He has been an active member of the Armenian Youth Federation (AYF) and Homenetmen in many capacities as well as an assistant instructor working with young dancers. He studied art at the Art Institute of Chicago.

Both Zakarian and Kostanyan worked long hours with the group to master the choreography of 32 traditional Armenian dances.  

The evening concluded with a full ensemble performance of “Vaspurakan,” which brought the audience to its feet.