(ASBAREZ) LOS ANGELES—Armenian National Committee of America-Western Region hosted a capacity crowd of its annual gala banquet held on Sunday, October 8 at the Beverly Hilton Hotel. More than 1,000 supporters, activists, and generous donors of the ANCA-WR from throughout the country were joined by dozens of prominent Members of Congress, state, and local legislators and officials.
Community leaders celebrated ANCA-WR’s accomplishments and honored Congressman David Valadao, California State Senator Anthony Portantino, film director Terry George, Turkish Parliament Member Garo Paylan, and Documentarian Bared Maronian. A special recognition and presentation was also made to Chris Cornell, who wrote and performed the theme song for “The Promise.”
Held at the iconic Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, California, the event began at 4:30pm with cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, a silent auction, and a VIP reception with major donors and elected officials. A three-course dinner followed at 6pm with a powerful program and presentation of awards kicked off by the national anthems performed by Ivana Krikorian.
Prelate of the Western Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church, Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, conducted the invocation for the evening.
Following the prayer, 2017 ANCA-WR Gala Committee Co-Chairs Jacklin Boyadjian, J.D. and Elizabeth Gourjian, welcomed guests and thanked all those that made the inspiring evening possible. Gourjian remarked, “The work of the ANCA is constant and immeasurable. Through extremely efficient operations, and competent, knowledgeable and dedicated activists and volunteers, great milestones have been achieved. I’m humbled and privileged to represent an organization, which provides an opportunity to advance the political passion of young and talented Armenian-American activists.” Boyadjian continued, ”I would like to express my gratitude for the opportunity to serve you, and to congratulate our engaged, dedicated, and hardworking committee, whose love and passion for our Armenian community knows no bounds.”
Following Boyadjian and Gourjian, ANCA-WR Chair, Nora Hovsepian, Esq. took the stage. “As we all witnessed the horrific act of terror in Las Vegas a week ago today in which countless lives were senselessly lost, or the recent disasters in Puerto Rico, Texas and Florida which will affect those communities forever, or the loss of dozens of Armenian soldiers and civilians falling to Azeri bullets in recent months, we know that mere expressions of concern are not enough, and we must continue to soldier on,” stated Hovsepian. “For our People have lived through tragedy and survived many times before. Despite the deep scars that will forever remain in our national psyche as survivors of a mass crime, we have found strength in the Cause which propels us forward. We continue to remain focused like a laser beam on our mission, and we will not be deterred by obstacles placed in our path by anyone,” continued Hovsepian.
In her remarks, Hovsepian then moved to provide attendees with details of the organization’s accomplishments in 2017. Hovsepian noted the unprecedented success of the Divest Turkey initiative, ensuring that public funds are not used by Turkish government investment vehicles to facilitate Turkey’s ongoing denialist campaign in the U.S. once it is enacted into law. Hovsepian also highlighted the ANCA-WR’s successful efforts in gaining Genocide recognition in all 19 U.S. States in the Western Region; the diligent efforts of the ANCA-WR Education Committee and the Genocide Education Project for building upon last year’s mandates for Armenian Genocide education in the history and social studies curriculum framework and securing up to $10 million in State funding to implement them; and the diligent work of ANCA-WR activists in securing a total of $4 million of State funding for the all-important Armenian American Museum project, all with the leadership and support of legislators who championed these efforts. Hovsepian then highlighted the accomplishments of local chapters, including the ANCA-Glendale chapter’s most recent efforts in fighting genocide denialists, and using the power of grassroots activism to secure advertisement for the film Architects of Denial at The Americana at Brand. In a call to action, attendees and supporters were asked to volunteer their time, sign up as Rapid Responders, register to vote, and financially assist the ANCA-WR’s efforts by joining its monthly and annual giving programs.
The audience then viewed an inspirational and congratulatory video message from Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, who was unable to personally attend the Gala.
ANCA-WR Board Member Nareg Kitsinian, Esq., then took the stage to announce the official launch of the new monthly giving program ANCAdvocates whereby supporters can donate $15/month or more on an ongoing basis to the ANCA-WR to help its ongoing efforts by texting 41444 with the message 4anc.
Ambassador to United States from the Republic of Armenia, His Excellency Grigor Hovhannissian, then took the stage and addressed the audience. Ambassador Hovhannissian noted, “I am here to convey a sense of solidarity and gratitude to thousands of people who annually, selflessly work hours, volunteer their time and resources to promote Armenian causes. This year we celebrate the 25th anniversary of US and Armenia relations. The last 25 years we built dynamic a strong partnership and ANCA grassroots activism has played a remarkable role in bringing about a very diverse agenda that is now being transitioned from aid to trade. I appreciate ANCA’s effort in reaching that agenda with economic topics such as the tax treaty.”
Upon the conclusion of Ambassador Hovhannissian’s speech, the audience viewed a video presentation about the Armenian American Museum, and the activism in part of the ANCA-WR to make this vision a reality.
Following the video presentation, ANCA-WR Board Members Anahid Oshagan, Esq. and Berdj Karapetian presented the 2017 ANCA-WR Legislator of the Year award to California State Senator Anthony Portantino for his strong leadership and ongoing commitment to forcefully defending and advancing issues critical to Armenians worldwide. Oshagan noted that Portantino “managed to include millions in funding for teacher training and curriculum implementation. Training that will include the lessons of the Armenian Genocide…he has called on the Republic of Turkey to return confiscated church properties to their rightful congregations… the Special Committee he chairs organized the screening of the motion picture The Promise in Sacramento this past April.” Karapetian expressed gratitude to Senator Portantino, stating, “he succeeded in establishing and chairing the Senate Select Committee on California, Armenia and Artsakh Mutual Trade, Art and Cultural Exchange…he was the first elected official to call on the Americana at Brand to reverse its decision and allow public advertising for the Armenian Genocide and Human Rights Documentary Architects of Denial…and he championed the funding of $3 million to the Armenian American Museum and Cultural Center of California.”
As the applause and standing ovation subsided, Senator Portantino addressed the audience, “I’ve learned so much from each of you, certainly demand for justice for the Armenian Genocide is first among them, but there is so much more that we as your elected leaders should and must do.” Senator Portantino expressed that even recently, by watching the film Architects of Denial, he has learned more and more about the struggles and challenges of the Armenian people; “I grasp a more in-depth compression about the events of the 1990s, after the collapse of the Soviet Union and the pogroms in Baku and the brutality of the Azeris directed against the peaceful people in Stepanakert and Shushi.” Senator Portantino continued, “Without the presence of organizations like the ANCA, it is all too easy to forget these historic events and the many tests the Armenians and the Armenian -American community have had to endure to survive.” Senator Portantino then reflected on his trip to Artsakh, and shared with the audience the details of a poignant interaction he had with a member of the Artsakh Military; “I made a point to travel to the border of Artsakh with my good friend Councilman Zareh Sinanyan during our visit to Hayastan. Zareh took me to Aghdam to visit with the brave soldiers at the front. A front that shortly before our visit erupted in violence, as the Azeri forces violated a tenuous ceasefire and what sticks in my mind most and allows me to add voice and actions to not just representing my friends in this room but Armenians wherever they are in the world was when a Major in the Artsakh military held out his fist and handed me a handful of dirt and he stated ‘this is our land, we will stand on our land, and we will fight on our land, and we will die on our land.’”
After a live performance by Ara Dabanjian and Soseh Keshishian from Element Band, ANCA-WR Board Members Sako Berberian and Viken Pakradouni, Esq. presented the ANCA-WR Arts and Letters award to Bared Maronian. In his remarks, Pakradouni noted, “Mr. Maronian is probably best known for Orphans of the Genocide. The documentary tells the story of hundreds of thousands of Armenian orphans who lived through the horrors of war, the obstacles they overcame to survive and the rescue efforts of Near East Relief. Orphans of the Genocide has reached millions of viewers through national television broadcasting and satellite distribution. We are proud that working with the ANCA-Western Region through its ‘America We Thank You’ initiative, Mr. Maronian also produced a 30-minute documentary film tribute to Near East Relief.” Berberian continued, “We are honoring Mr. Maronian tonight for his body of work but especially because of his latest work – Women of 1915. Women of 1915 is a documentary focusing on the integral role that Armenian women played in their communities, the plight of Armenian women during the Genocide and their resilient survival after 1915. “
In accepting the award, Maronian expressed appreciation for the recognition. Maronian emphasized the significance of having the voices of the oppressed heard through film. Maronian then dedicated his award to his supporters and remarked, “It was only through your support, that I was able to make that voice heard, in this case the voices of the feeble orphans, and the voices of the resilient Armenian women and non-Armenian women, who despite horrific injustices helped to save a nation.”
Following Maronian’s moving acceptance speech, ANCA-WR Board Members Souzi Zerounian-Khanzadian and Nareg Kitsinian, Esq. presented United States Congressman David Valadao with the ANCA-WR Advocate for Justice Award. In his remarks, Kitsinian highlighted Congressman Valadao’s work with the HALO Trust in demining Artsakh, stating, “Congressman Valadao is working with ANCA to safe guard US aid to demine the Republic of Artsakh.” Zerounian-Khanzadian continued, “Congressman Valadao visited Artsakh, where alongside government officials and ANCA chairman Raffi Hamparian, he personally observed the HALO Trust demining program that he helped to fund.”
In his acceptance speech, Congressman Valadao expressed his commitment to the Armenian cause, noting, “As a member of the House of Representatives I have sought to use my position and my voice to highlight the issues facing the Armenian-American community and bring awareness to its rich history.” Congressman Valadao voiced his continued support for demining Artsakh; “Just last month with the assistance of ANCA I worked to include language in fiscal year 2018 appropriation legislation to ensure for the ongoing demining projects in Nagorno Karabakh. This funding will help to protect Armenian families who live under the very real threat of landmine accidents each and every single day.” He concluded his speech, “during my time in Congress and in my role as co-chairman in the Armenian Caucus, advancing the cause of Armenian-Americans has and continues to be one of my top priorities in Washington.”
ANCA-WR Board Member Joseph Kaskanian took to the podium to recognize the 2017 ANCA Western Region and ANCA Leo Sarkisian Internship Program participants Emily Samvalian, Shant Reganyan, Raffi Hairapetian, Hakop Mesropian, Flora Adamian, Nicholas Portnoy, Hasmik Burushyan, Isabelle Grigoryan, Adrine Keosian, Shant Eulmessekian, Shushan Gabrielyan, and Hagop Housbian.
Kaskanian opened his remarks by going through the values instilled and opportunities provided to interns and youth in the community and the critical role they play in the organization’s success and continued on to state, “This year ANCA -WR interns have continued to be leaders in the community by participating in the Leo Sarkisian Internship in DC and working with the Armenian Youth Federation, Armenian Relief Society and as well as Asbarez. We look forward to seeing what else all of you will achieve for the Armenian Cause.”
Following Kaskanian’s remarks and presentation, ANCA-WR Board Members Raffi Kassabian, Esq. and Steve Artinian presented The Promise director Terry George with the ANCA-WR Arts and Letters Award. In his remarks, Kassabian stated, “Terry George’s The Promise brought the personal stories and tragedies of the Armenian Genocide to life on the screen to the entire world. Never intimidated to speak out against genocide, Terry’s vision made film viewers experience the events of 1915 – the blood that our ancestors sacrificed at the battle of Musa Dagh, the tireless efforts of the United States in saving thousands of orphans through the Near East Relief, and the survival – the survival – of our ancestors to preserve our culture and ensure that the next generation lives to carry our cause forward.” Artinian added, “ Terry’s work embodies what America and this world cannot and will not. The power of the film can educate, motivate, and activate our community and beyond.”
Upon taking the stage, the director of The Promise stated, “Film is eternal. This story that we have told is an eternal reminder to the world of both the horror committed against the Armenian people but even more so of their strength.” As the audience cheered and applauded, George continued, “This group of refugees represented in this room, represent the very best of the world. They suffered the worst calamity, they managed to survive, they spread out around the world, and they have stood firm in their belief for justice, and not only that – they have empowered the small country to developed and to find its own way against enormous odds. And that at the heart of it is the story of our film.” George then touched on the parallel between the events of 1915, and the modern day atrocities being carried out against Christians and Yezidis in the Middle East. “While we were making the film, we watched as we were shooting, people fleeing across the desert being driven towards Aleppo- a lot of them Armenian survivors from a hundred years before. We were filming people drowning in the Mediterranean Sea, and we were watching people drown in the Mediterranean sea on the news.”
In concluding his speech, Terry George recognized his friend and colleague Eric Esrailian who was present in the room and then paid tribute to his friend, colleague, and activist, the late musician Chris Cornell. George then predicted upcoming victories for Cornell’s song The Promise, adding, “In the forthcoming awards season we will triumph.”
After a live musical performance by Raffi Semerdjian, ANCA National Chair Raffi Hamparian took the stage to introduce the night’s Freedom Award recipient – “Courage in the eye of the storm, a voice for the voiceless, a beacon of faith, a beacon of hope, a beacon of light, a beacon of justice” – Garo Paylan. As cheers erupted, and the audience rose to its feet, Paylan graciously took the stage and remarked, “102 years later and our wounds are still open, and as much as I am proud of our efforts, we weren’t able to make the people who are responsible for this crime… An unpunished crime creates new crimes and unfortunately, the crime that is genocide is still going on. 102 years ago it was the Armenians who suffered the Genocide, now it is the Kurdish people. As a Democrat, it is my responsibility to stop all those crimes from recurring by bringing awareness. I, as a human rights activist for decades, could say that I am still struggling for all crimes of human rights violations. We need to care about Armenia, Artsakh, Karabakh, but first of all we need to end the crimes against humanity.” Paylan went on to address the collective struggle to achieve genocide recognition, “ But we are still struggling. I live with millions of Turks who want to recognize the Armenian Genocide. I live with millions of Kurds who want to recognize the Armenian Genocide. And we are struggling all together.”
Paylan’s acceptance speech concluded the evening’s program, and attendees slowly exited the banquet room, feeling invigorated, energized, and motivated to continue advocating for issues of significance to the Armenian -American Community, and the Armenian Community at large.
Dignitaries, elected officials, and ANCA-WR endorsed candidates in attendance included Congress Members Judy Chu, Ed Royce, Adam Schiff, David Valadao; CA State Treasurer John Chiang; California State Controller Betty Yee; Assemblymembers Sebastian Ridley-Thomas and Tony Thurmond; California State Senator Anthony Portantino; Los Angeles County Assessor Jeffrey Prang; Los Angeles City Councilmembers Paul Koretz, Paul Krekorian and David Ryu; Los Angeles Unified School District Board Member Scott Schmerelson; Los Angeles Community College District Board of Trustees Vice President Mike Fong and Members Mike Eng and Scott Svonkin; Burbank Vice Mayor Emily Gabel-Luddy; Burbank School Board Member Dr. Armond Aghakhanian; Glendale City Councilmember Ara Najarian; Glendale City Clerk Ardashes Ardy Kassakhian; Glendale Community College Board Members Dr. Armina Gharpetian and Yvette Vartanian Davis; Glendale School Board Vice President Greg Krikorian; Glendale Unified School Board Members Nayiri Nahapetian and Shant Sahakian; City of Montebello Mayor Vivian Romero; Montebello City Council Member Jack Hadjinian; Montebello City Treasurer Ashod Mooradian; Pasadena Unified School District President Roy Boulghourjian; City of Pico Rivera Mayor Bob Archuleta; Crescenta Valley Town Council President Harry Leon; and City of Downey Mayor Pro Tem Sean Ashton.
Additional community leaders in attendance included Armenian Apostolic Church Western Diocese Primate Archbishop Hovnan Derderian’s representative Very Reverend Dajad Yardumian, Minister to the Armenian Evangelical Union Reverend Berdj Djambazian, representative of the Armenian Catholic Eparchy of North America Father Manuel Parsegh Baghdassarian, Permanent Representative to the United States from the Republic of Artsakh Honorable Robert Avetisyan, Consul to the Los Angeles from the Republic of Armenia Honorable Armella Shakaryan, Armenian Revolutionary Federation Bureau Members Hagop Der Khatchadourian and Dr. Viken Yacoubian, Chairman of the Central Committee, A.R.F. of the Western USA Daron Der Khachadourian, Chairman of the Armenian Cultural Foundation Avedik Izmirlian, Chair of the ANCA Eastern Region Steve Mesrobian, Community benefactors and the major banquet sponsor Mr. and Mrs. Varant and Hoori Melkonian, Consul General of Japan in Los Angeles and Consulate member Honorable Akira Chiba, Chair of the ANC-Canada Western Region based in Vancouver Hagop Der Hagopian, representatives of the Armenian Ramgavar Party Kevork Krikorian and Cage Tcharkutian, representatives of the Armenian Social Democrat Hunchak Party Kapriel Moloyan and Vahe Atchabahian, member of the AGBU Western District Board Talin Yacoubian, Esq., Chair of the Syrian Armenian Relief Fund Raffi Kendirjian, Chair of the Armenian Relief Society Regional Executive Silva Poladian, Member of the Homenetmen Central Executive Viggen Davidian, Chair of the Armenian Youth Federation Central Executive Raffi Senekeremian, representative of the Homenetmen Western U.S. Regional Executive Berj Bedoyan, Chair of the Western Prelacy Board of Regents Lisa Gaboudian, Chair of the National Organization of Republican Armenians Aram Gaboudian, Incoming President of the Southern California Armenian Democrats Arthur Charchian, Esq., Executive Director of the Armenian Hellenic Council Ioannis Fidanakis, Producer of The Promise Film Dr. Eric Esrailian, Assistant Director of The Promise Institute for Human Rights at UCLA School of Law Jessica Peake, Faculty Director of The Promise Institute for Human Rights at UCLA School of Law Dr. Asli Bali, Executive Director of the Armenian Legal Center for Justice and Human Rights Kate Nahapetian, Esq., Chair of the USC Armenian Studies Institute Leadership Council Charly Chailian, Chair of the Armenian Bar Association Saro Kerkonian, Chair of the Organization of Istanbul Armenians Edvin Minasian, Executive Director of The Genocide Education Project Roxanne Makasdjian, President of the Armenian Bone Marrow Registry Dr. Frieda Jordan, Executive Director of the Armenian National Committee of America Aram Hamparian, Editor of Asbarez Apo Boghigian, English Editor of Asbarez Ara Khachatourian, Judge of Los Angeles Superior Court Honorable Zaven Sinanian, Judge of Los Angeles Superior Court Honorable Greg Keosian, Commissioner of the CA Commission on Judicial Performance Pattyl Aposhian Kasparian, Chair of the City of Glendale’s community development block grant commission Zanku Armenian, Glendale Parks and Rec Commissioner Elen Asatryan, Chair of the LA Police Permit Review Panel Lara Yeretsian, Trustee of the George Ignatius Foundation Michael Amerian, Esq., ANCA-endorsed candidate for U.S. Senate from Nevada Danny Tarkanian, ANCA-endorsed candidate for Congress from Utah’s 3rd congressional district Dr. Kathie Allen, President of the Glendale Teachers Association Talene Arsenian, and Director of Bureau of Street Lighting of the City of Los Angeles Ed Ebrahimian
The corporate sponsors of the 2017 ANCA-WR Gala included: Michael Aram, Closet World, Garo Mardirossian & Associates, Inc., New York Life, Golden State Bank, Southern California Edison, Southland Disposal, CSUN, Dignity Health, Construction Group, Inc., LASOLAR Group, Martinian & Associates Inc., NASA, Allen Massihi, D.P.M., Southern California Gas Company, Sempra Energy utility, Anoush Banquet Halls and Catering, GourjianLawGroup, Marriott Armenia ,Yerevan, Martin, GotPrint.com, Vertigo, Rental Avenue, Le Style My Soirée, Kitchen 12000, The Guardian of Health, Bitter & Sweet, and Avant Garden.
The Gala Committee included Co-Chairs Jacklin Boyadjian, J.D. and Elizabeth Gourjian, Anita Altounian, Anita Aslanian, Arsho Beylerian, Lina Davidian, Esq., Armine Der Grigorian, Marie Filipian, Alex Garibyan, Harry Geozian, Anita Gevorkian, Gor Gevorkyan, Edgar Hayrapetyan, Salpi Jejeian, Solair Kargodorian, Michael Kay, Vanna Kitsinian, Esq., Ani Nalbandian, J.D., Boghos Patatian, Tina Karayan Porta, Esq., Suren Seropian, Mary Simitian, Nora Tchaparian, Vahagn Thomasian, Armine Zakaryan, and ANCA-WR Board Liaisons Steve Artinian, Sako Berberian, Berdj Karapetian, and Hermineh Pakhanians.
The ANCA-WR Annual Banquet is the largest event of its kind and helps raise funds to operate the nation’s most broad-based Armenian-American grassroots and political advocacy organization. Through these funds, the ANCA-WR is able to educate the general public about the Armenian Genocide, the Republic of Armenia, Artsakh, and other vital issues of concern to the Armenian-American community.
To financially assist the ANCA-WR in its work, community members are encouraged to enroll in the ANCAdvocates program, Friends of the ANCA-WR Monthly Giving, the ANCA-WR Founders’ Circle Annual Giving, and the Support our Supporters Corporate and Business Giving programs by visiting www.ancawr.org/donate or calling 818.500.1919.
Headquartered in Los Angeles, 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.
Click here for photo coverage.
ANCA-WR Grassroots Conference Elevates Activism in the Community
(ASBAREZ) PASADENA—Hundreds of community leaders and members, scholars and activists gathered at the Pasadena Convention Center on October 6 and 7 for the 4th Armenian National Committee of America – Western Region Grassroots Conference to hear experts in law, politics, media discuss modes of advocacy in the active pursuit of the Armenian Cause.
The conference kicked off on Friday evening with an exclusive screening of the much-anticipated documentary “Architects of Denial” followed by a welcoming reception of the two-day conference that continued on Saturday, October 7 at the same location.
ANCA-WR Chair Nora Hovsepian welcomed the attendees and introduced the evening’s film as an unprecedented presentation linking the Armenian Genocide in Turkey one hundred years ago with more recent attacks on Armenians by Azerbaijan. The film was also featured in a panel discussion on the following day.
The five panels on Saturday became an interwoven narrative of the fundamentals of Hye Tahd and have audience members the opportunity to interact with panelists through question and answer sessions following their presentations.
The “ANCA On the Move: The Power of Grassroots” panel was presented by ANCA National Board Chair Raffi Hamparian, ANCA Western Region Chair Nora Hovsepian Esq., and ANCA Eastern Region Chair Stephen Mesrobian. Hovsepian opened the panel discussion by discussing the four essential prongs to the Armenian Cause: Armenian Genocide recognition, reparations, and justice; generating foreign aid and assistance to Armenia in advancing democracy and economic development; supporting the people of Artsakh in their quest for self determination and independence; and Diaspora community development on a local level.
Hamparian continued the discussion by identifying the three hallmarks of the ANCA. Hamparian highlighted the significance of volunteerism and activism noting, “The grassroots nature of our organization is the fact that we are a “gamavor panag” (volunteer army) for the Armenian Cause. Our strength doesn’t lie in a building in Washington D.C. or in Los Angeles or in New York or Boston or anywhere across the eastern seaboard. Our strength lies in the hearts, minds, and strengths of our gamavor panag.” Second, Hamparian emphasized the broad and diverse nature of the ANCA donor base as one of our grassroots strengths. Finally, Hamparian pointed out the urgency and significance of the work carried out by the ANCA, stating “We are an organization that works on content. The serious issues we deal with have serious consequences for the future of the Armenian Cause… the Republic of Artsakh, the Republic of Armenia and the Diaspora at large.” Hamparian concluded his remarks by discussing the ways in which ANCA invests in the future – through its robust internship programs, including the ANCA Leo Sarkisian program and the Hovig Apo Saghdejian Capital Gateway Program.
Mesrobian concluded the panel discussion by stating that the Eastern Region has “gone to a new level of coalition building.” Mesrobian continued “We’re now coalition partners with Greek advocacy groups, with Assyrian and Chaldean advocacy groups. When we try to pass an initiative like genocide recognition it’s not just the Armenians who are pushing this, we have Greeks, we have Assyrians and Chaldeans working alongside us. When we protest against the Turks and the Azeris, we have these other groups standing alongside us.”
ANCA-WR 2017 Grassroots Committee member, Nora Demirjian, Esq., introduced the second panel of the day called “Transnational Justice: The Road To Reparations,” and welcomed Armen Hovannisian, Esq. of the Armenian Bar Association to moderate the panel discussion. The panel was comprised of legal experts who presented thought-provoking premises on pursuing the Armenian Cause through the international legal system.
Hovannisian stressed the demand for restoration and reparations: “Genocide recognition, for many people, for many years, was the end game. But the playing field has changed. The goal posts now stretch way beyond acknowledgment and apology to encompass restorative justice in every respect.” Hovannisian continued, “It’s not enough anymore to seek solace in recognition and satisfaction in resolutions. We’re now prepared on our own and with friends and colleagues and comrades to use our professional skills and experience and our confidence and creativity to protect the historical truth and the legal consequences of our past.” The panel was co-sponsored by the Armenian Bar Association, which offered CLE credits to attorneys who participated.
Kate Nahapetian, the Executive Director of the Armenian Legal Center for Justice and Human Rights in Washington D.C. began by introducing a project on which she has been focusing, i.e., The Property Documentation Project. Nahapetian mentioned, “We came to the realization that there is not one community organization that is collecting all the property records that still exist, and it is actually more common that not that many people have deeds or bank accounts or bonds, and we think this is something essential to collect in one community based organization. Nahapetian concluded her remarks by drawing the audience’s attention to of the importance of documentation, “The more documentation we have the stronger our hand will be in negotiating.”
Asli Bali faculty director of The Promise Institute of Human Rights at UCLA School of Law and director of the UCLA Center for Near Eastern Studies, discussed the broad spectrum of ways in which reparations and restoration can be conceived, noting, “obviously land restitution is one. Other possibilities of course involve monetary reparations along the lines that are being pursued here in U.S. domestic courts and indeed around the world in many different fora.” Bali also highlighted the significance of genocide recognition: “There is the basic fact of confronting the past, the basic historical reckoning that still has not been provided to anybody’s satisfaction anywhere. Either officially by the Turkish state or indeed even through the civil society initiatives we have seen, nothing approximating societal reconciliation.” Bali continued, “An apology and official acknowledgment and understanding that modern day Turkey is the successor to and the beneficiary of the expropriation of land and wealth that occurred as consequence to the genocide – all of this is a part of the picture of what restorative justice and reparations would mean.”
Jessica Peake, the Assistant Director of The Promise Institute for Human Rights at UCLA School of Law and the Director of International and Comparative Law Program at UCLA School of Law addressed the goals and accomplishments of The Promise Institute. Peake explained that the ultimate purpose of the institute is to “train our students to become the next generation of human rights leaders allowing them to develop practical skills to document and seek accountability for human rights violations while building awareness of human rights protections to communities at risk.”
Grassroots Committee member Ayk Dikijian, Esq. welcomed Charles Mahtesian to moderate the “Politics in Action: Congress On Our Side” Panel. Mahtesian, the Senior Politics Editor at POLITICO, navigated the panel discussion to highlight a breadth of topics concerning the Armenian Community including the May 16 attacks in front of the Turkish Embassy, demining Artsakh, and liberalizing trade with Armenia. This high-powered bipartisan panel consisted of RepublicanCongressman Ed Royce, Chairman of the House of Foreign Affairs Committee and Democrat Congressman Adam Schiff, Ranking Member of the House Intelligence Committee.
Addressing the recent attacks by Erdogan’s bodyguards on peaceful protestors in Washington D.C., Chairman Royce discussed his direct reaction to the infringement of constitutional rights of U.S. citizens: “I introduced a resolution in the House. That resolution called for an end to diplomatic immunity for those Turkish security personnel that participated in this. It condemned the attack, called for their conviction, and it called upon our State Department to take a series of steps in the future.” Congressmen Royce and Schiff addressed the significance for bipartisan support for demining in Artsakh and identified ways in which trade with Armenia can be improved and strengthened. In his remarks, Congressman Schiff addressed the dangers of failing to hold Azerbaijan accountable for its ongoing aggression and violation of human rights: “We saw not too long ago a fierce eruption of violence provoked by Azerbaijan and a terrible loss of life that could happen anytime. Azerbaijan has been making money hand over fist for many years in its petroleum industry. It has put that money into its military, and there is a growing concern over the capability of the Azerbaijani military compared to Armenia’s military and Artsakh self defenses… All of that spells enormous risk to that region and the world beyond it.”
Both congressional leaders reaffirmed their commitment to seeking justice for the Armenian Genocide, promoting peace and self-determination for the people of Artsakh, and supporting a Millenium Challenge Account grant to promote scientific STEM education in Armenia.
Grassroots Committee member, Nyree Tognozzi Apik introduced the “Film and the Arts: The Power of the Big Screen” panel which was moderated by ANCA Executive Director Aram Hamparian.
Hamparian was the first to note, “Change comes to Washington, change doesn’t come from Washington and that’s why projects like this are so important.” The panel included Montel Williams, the Executive Producer of Architects of Denial, and Screenwriter of Architects of Denial, Robert Corsini. An inspirational speaker, Williams began the panel by approaching the audience in order to create a more intimate connection, “One denied [genocide], is the reason why they still exist. You [the audience], applauding for the movie, is applauding for the issue being recognized.” Williams added, “We are this close to the 50 genocides taking place right now on this planet, turning into three to four hundred. One denied.” Corsini, in turn, expressed the challenges of acquiring interviews from key witnesses such as Sibel Edmonds, Julian Assange, and Abdullah Demirbas, and expressed the significance of advocacy through the arts and giving a voice to the voiceless through the power of film.
The final and much anticipated panel, A Profile in Courage, was introduced by ANCA-WR Board Member Joseph Kaskanian. The panel, which was moderated by Grassroots Conference Committee member and Asbarez English Editor, Ara Khachatourian, featured Garo Paylan, Armenian Member of the Turkish Parliament.
Paylan started in his opening remarks, “In these dark winters, we need romantic politicians.” Paylan noted during his last visit to the U.S over a year ago, that he felt more optimistic, but that optimism was fading with recent developments including the unjust imprisonment of opposition leaders, crackdown against media and minorities, and the silence of the world in condemning such human rights abuses. Paylan went on, “From western powers and from the Trump administration, no criticism is coming for this nationalist coalition. Our president [Erdogan] is an opportunist leader and is taking full advantage of the workd’s silence.” Paylan explained that many Turks and Kurds are working alongside Armenians in Turkey to achieve recognition of the Armenian Genocide. However, he noted that these efforts were futile in the face of a fascist and nationalist government which continues to destroy democracy in Turkey.
At the end of each presentation, the panelists received a framed picture from their individual speeches donated by Serop and Arsho Beylerian as parting gifts on behalf of the Grassroots organizing committee.
The 2017 ANCA-WR Grassroots Conference was generously sponsored by Closet World’s Mr. and Mrs, Varant and Hoori Melkonian, who were also the major sponsor for the ANCA-WR Annual Gala Banquet on October 8.
Excited participants, panelists and organizers came together for a mixer organized by the ANCA-WR Professional Network, which served as a fitting conclusion to the event.
The dynamic two-day ANCA-WR biennial Grassroots Conference was the fourth in a groundbreaking series of informative and inspirational lectures, workshops and seminars which brings together artists, academics, legal experts, and political officials with hundreds of activists from all over the world to explore issues related to the Armenian Cause and to develop and promote new avenues of leadership and civic engagement.
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.
Աւելի Քան 1000 Հոգի Տօնեց Հայ Դատի Յանձնախումբին Իրագործումները
(ԱՍՊԱՐԷԶ) ԼՈՍ ԱՆՃԵԼԸՍ.- Կիրակի, Հոկտեմբեր 8ի երեկոյեան, «Պեվըրլի Հիլթըն» պանդոկին մէջ տեղի ունեցաւ Արեւմտեան Ամերիկայի Հայ Դատի յանձնախումբի տարեկան ձեռնարկը, որուն ներկայ էր աւելի քան 1000 հոգի, ներառեալ՝ դաշնակցային, նահանգային ու տեղական պաշտօնատարներ, հայկական կազմակերպութեանց պատասխանատուներ ու ղեկավարներ, բարերարներ ու համակիրներ:
Ներկաները միասնաբար տօնեցին Հայ Դատի նախորդ տարուան իրագործումները եւ հետեւեցան շարք մը հետաքրքրական ելոյթներու ու ներկայացումներու, որոնք ուրուագծեցին Հայ Դատի ապագայ գործունէութիւնը։
Այս տարուան ձեռնարկին ընթացքին, ըստ նախորդ տարիներու սովորութեան՝ մեծարանքի արժանացան Հայ Դատի ջատագովման աշխատանքին մէջ նկատառելի ներդրումներ ունեցած անձնաւորութիւններ:
Մեծարեալներն էին՝ քոնկրեսական Տէյվիտ Վալատաօ («Արդարութեան Ջատագով»), Քալիֆորնիոյ նահանգային Ծերակոյտի անդամ Էնթընի Փորթանթինօ («Տարուան Օրէնսդիր»), բեմադրիչ եւ արտադրող Թերի Ճորճ («Արուեստ եւ Գրականութիւն»), Թուրքիոյ խորհրդարանին մէջ քրտական Ժողովուրդներու ժողովրդավարական կուսակցութեան հայազգի անդամ Կարօ Փայլան («Ազատութիւն» մրցանակ) եւ վաւերագրական ֆիլմերու բեմադրիչ Պարէտ Մարոնեան («Արուեստ եւ Գրականութիւն»)։
Նաեւ, յարգանքի յատուկ տուրք մատուցուեցաւ հանգուցեալ երաժիշտ Քրիս Քորնըլին, որ հեղինակած ու կատարած էր Հայոց Ցեղասպանութեան նուիրուած «Խոստում»ը ֆիլմին գլխաւոր երգը:
Արեւմտեան Ամերիկայի Հայ Դատի տարեկան ձեռնարկին մասին ամբողջական լրատուութիւնը կարդալ մեր Հինգշաբթի, Հոկտեմբեր 19ի թիւին մէջ։
Հերթական Բացառիկը
(ԱՍՊԱՐԷԶ, 10 Հոկտեմբեր) Ամերիկայի Հայ Դատի յանձնախումբի տարեկան ճաշկերոյթներէն իւրաքանչիւրը կարելի է բնութագրել իբրեւ բացառի՛կ երեւոյթ: (Ձեռնարկի թղթակցութիւնը կը հրապարակենք յառաջիկային)
Բացառիկ են՝ քաղաքային, նահանգային եւ դաշնակցային ընտրեալ պաշտօնատարներու ներկայութեամբ, որ ամերիկահայութեան քաղաքական ազդեցութեան ապացոյց մը կը հանդիսանայ:
Բացառիկ են՝ Հայ Դատի նոր զինուորագրեալները յանձնառուներու շարքին միացնելու իբրեւ առիթ:
Բացառիկ են՝ հաւատարմութեան ու հետեւողականութեան դրսեւորումներով:
Բացառիկ են՝ թարմութեան ու խանդավառութեան նոր աղբիւրներու յայտնաբերումով:
Բացառիկ են՝ սերունդներու յաջորդականութեան երաշխիքներով, որոնցմէ ամէնէն անհերքելին իրե՛նց՝ երիտասարդներուն շեշտաւորուած ներկայութիւնն է:
Բացառիկ են՝ Հայ Դատի ջատագովներու ճշգրիտ գնահատումով, անոնց ներդրումի՝ ըստ արժանւո՛յն դրուատումով:
Այստեղ հերթական է յանձնախումբի գործունէութեան տարեկան զեկոյցը, որ սակայն, դարձեա՛լ բացառիկ է իր ամբողջականութեամբ: Ի՞նչ ծրագիրներ իրականացան եւ որո՞նց ներդրումով:
Բացառիկ են նաեւ՝ Հայ Դատի խօսնակներու ելոյթներուն անկեղծութեամբ. այսքա՛ն կրցանք իրականացնել, որովհետեւ մեր հնարաւորութիւնները՝ մարդկային ուժի ու նիւթական մեր միջոցները, չէին թոյլատրեր աւելին իրականացնել: Ուրեմն, եթէ չենք բաւարարուած, ապա ամէն ճիգ պէտք է թափենք՝ աւելի՛ մեծ թիւով կամաւոր ներգրաւելու, աւելի մեծ պիւտճէով աշխատելու հնարաւորութիւն ստեղծելու: Անկարելի բաներ չեն ասոնք, այլ կը պահանջեն նոր գաղափարներ, գործելու նոր եղանակներ, աշխատանքի նոր դաշտեր:
Հայ Դատի յանձնախումբը, նոր եւ համաժողովրդական մասնակցութիւն ապահովող միջոցներ փնտռելու ճամբուն վրայ, անցեալ Կիրակի երեկոյեան ձեռնարկին ներկայացուց ամսական 15 տոլար դրամահաւաքի նոր ու դիւրին դրութիւն մը, որ անմիջապէս ունեցաւ 200է աւելի արձանագրուողներ: Այս յատուկ դրութիւնը կը ներկայացնենք վաղուան թիւով:
An Interview with Garo Paylan at ANCA-WR Grassroots Conference
(ASBAREZ, October 10) Garo Paylan, an Armenian member of the Turkish Parliament representing the People’s Democratic Party (HDP) was interviewed on Saturday by Asbarez Editor Ara Khachatourian at the 2017 Armenian National Committee of America-Western Region Grassroots Conference, which took place at the Pasadena Convention Center.
«Ուրացման Ճարտարապետները»՝ «Օսքար»ի Թեկնածու Դառնալու Հաւանական Ֆիլմերու Շարքին
(ԱՍՊԱՐԷԶ, 10 Հոկտեմբեր) ՓԱՍԱՏԻՆԱ.- Հայոց Ցեղասպանութեան մասին պատմող «Ուրացման Ճարտարապետները» վաւերագրական ֆիլմը «Օսքար» մրցանակի թեկնածու դառնալու վարկաւորում ստացած է. այս մասին յայտարարեց ֆիլմը արտադրողներէն Մոնթել Ուիլեըմզը, Արեւմտեան Ամերիկայի Հայ Դատի յանձնախումբին կազմակերպած խորհրդաժողովին ընթացքին։
Արդարեւ, ֆիլմը մէկն է այն 159 վաւերագրական ֆիլմերէն, որոնք ընտրուած են աւելի քան 26,000 ֆիլմերու ցանկէն եւ հաւանականութիւնը ունին «Օսքար»ի թեկնածու դառնալու։
Տին Քէյնի եւ Մոնթել Ուիլեըմզի արտադրած սոյն ֆիլմին մէջ Ցեղասպանութեան մասին փաստերը կը ներկայացուին վերապրողներու եւ մասնագէտներու կողմէ, ինչպէս նաեւ լուսարձակի տակ կ՛առնուին Ցեղասպանութիւնը ուրանալու համար Անգարայի ջանքերը եւ Ցեղասպանութեան շարունակութիւնը համարուող ատրպէյճանական սպանդները։
Ֆիլմին մէջ նաեւ համեմատութիւններ կը կատարուին Հայոց Ցեղասպանութեան, Հրէական Ողջակիզման եւ անցեալի ու ներկայի զանգուածային ջարդերուն միջեւ:
Յիշեցնենք, որ ֆիլմին անդրանիկ ցուցադրութիւնը տեղի ունեցաւ մայրաքաղաք Ուաշինկթընի մէջ, իսկ ներկայիս կը ցուցադրուի Հարաւային Քալիֆորնիոյ մէջ։
ANCA-WR Grassroots Conference Elevates Activism in the Community
(ASBAREZ) PASADENA—Hundreds of community leaders and members, scholars and activists gathered at the Pasadena Convention Center on October 6 and 7 for the 4th Armenian National Committee of America – Western Region Grassroots Conference to hear experts in law, politics, media discuss modes of advocacy in the active pursuit of the Armenian Cause.
The conference kicked off on Friday evening with an exclusive screening of the much-anticipated documentary “Architects of Denial” followed by a welcoming reception of the two-day conference that continued on Saturday, October 7 at the same location.
ANCA-WR Chair Nora Hovsepian welcomed the attendees and introduced the evening’s film as an unprecedented presentation linking the Armenian Genocide in Turkey one hundred years ago with more recent attacks on Armenians by Azerbaijan. The film was also featured in a panel discussion on the following day.
The five panels on Saturday became an interwoven narrative of the fundamentals of Hye Tahd and have audience members the opportunity to interact with panelists through question and answer sessions following their presentations.
The “ANCA On the Move: The Power of Grassroots” panel was presented by ANCA National Board Chair Raffi Hamparian, ANCA Western Region Chair Nora Hovsepian Esq., and ANCA Eastern Region Chair Stephen Mesrobian. Hovsepian opened the panel discussion by discussing the four essential prongs to the Armenian Cause: Armenian Genocide recognition, reparations, and justice; generating foreign aid and assistance to Armenia in advancing democracy and economic development; supporting the people of Artsakh in their quest for self determination and independence; and Diaspora community development on a local level.
Hamparian continued the discussion by identifying the three hallmarks of the ANCA. Hamparian highlighted the significance of volunteerism and activism noting, “The grassroots nature of our organization is the fact that we are a “gamavor panag” (volunteer army) for the Armenian Cause. Our strength doesn’t lie in a building in Washington D.C. or in Los Angeles or in New York or Boston or anywhere across the eastern seaboard. Our strength lies in the hearts, minds, and strengths of our gamavor panag.” Second, Hamparian emphasized the broad and diverse nature of the ANCA donor base as one of our grassroots strengths. Finally, Hamparian pointed out the urgency and significance of the work carried out by the ANCA, stating “We are an organization that works on content. The serious issues we deal with have serious consequences for the future of the Armenian Cause… the Republic of Artsakh, the Republic of Armenia and the Diaspora at large.” Hamparian concluded his remarks by discussing the ways in which ANCA invests in the future – through its robust internship programs, including the ANCA Leo Sarkisian program and the Hovig Apo Saghdejian Capital Gateway Program.
Mesrobian concluded the panel discussion by stating that the Eastern Region has “gone to a new level of coalition building.” Mesrobian continued “We’re now coalition partners with Greek advocacy groups, with Assyrian and Chaldean advocacy groups. When we try to pass an initiative like genocide recognition it’s not just the Armenians who are pushing this, we have Greeks, we have Assyrians and Chaldeans working alongside us. When we protest against the Turks and the Azeris, we have these other groups standing alongside us.”
ANCA-WR 2017 Grassroots Committee member, Nora Demirjian, Esq., introduced the second panel of the day called “Transnational Justice: The Road To Reparations,” and welcomed Armen Hovannisian, Esq. of the Armenian Bar Association to moderate the panel discussion. The panel was comprised of legal experts who presented thought-provoking premises on pursuing the Armenian Cause through the international legal system.
Hovannisian stressed the demand for restoration and reparations: “Genocide recognition, for many people, for many years, was the end game. But the playing field has changed. The goal posts now stretch way beyond acknowledgment and apology to encompass restorative justice in every respect.” Hovannisian continued, “It’s not enough anymore to seek solace in recognition and satisfaction in resolutions. We’re now prepared on our own and with friends and colleagues and comrades to use our professional skills and experience and our confidence and creativity to protect the historical truth and the legal consequences of our past.” The panel was co-sponsored by the Armenian Bar Association, which offered CLE credits to attorneys who participated.
Kate Nahapetian, the Executive Director of the Armenian Legal Center for Justice and Human Rights in Washington D.C. began by introducing a project on which she has been focusing, i.e., The Property Documentation Project. Nahapetian mentioned, “We came to the realization that there is not one community organization that is collecting all the property records that still exist, and it is actually more common that not that many people have deeds or bank accounts or bonds, and we think this is something essential to collect in one community based organization. Nahapetian concluded her remarks by drawing the audience’s attention to of the importance of documentation, “The more documentation we have the stronger our hand will be in negotiating.”
Asli Bali faculty director of The Promise Institute of Human Rights at UCLA School of Law and director of the UCLA Center for Near Eastern Studies, discussed the broad spectrum of ways in which reparations and restoration can be conceived, noting, “obviously land restitution is one. Other possibilities of course involve monetary reparations along the lines that are being pursued here in U.S. domestic courts and indeed around the world in many different fora.” Bali also highlighted the significance of genocide recognition: “There is the basic fact of confronting the past, the basic historical reckoning that still has not been provided to anybody’s satisfaction anywhere. Either officially by the Turkish state or indeed even through the civil society initiatives we have seen, nothing approximating societal reconciliation.” Bali continued, “An apology and official acknowledgment and understanding that modern day Turkey is the successor to and the beneficiary of the expropriation of land and wealth that occurred as consequence to the genocide – all of this is a part of the picture of what restorative justice and reparations would mean.”
Jessica Peake, the Assistant Director of The Promise Institute for Human Rights at UCLA School of Law and the Director of International and Comparative Law Program at UCLA School of Law addressed the goals and accomplishments of The Promise Institute. Peake explained that the ultimate purpose of the institute is to “train our students to become the next generation of human rights leaders allowing them to develop practical skills to document and seek accountability for human rights violations while building awareness of human rights protections to communities at risk.”
Grassroots Committee member Ayk Dikijian, Esq. welcomed Charles Mahtesian to moderate the “Politics in Action: Congress On Our Side” Panel. Mahtesian, the Senior Politics Editor at POLITICO, navigated the panel discussion to highlight a breadth of topics concerning the Armenian Community including the May 16 attacks in front of the Turkish Embassy, demining Artsakh, and liberalizing trade with Armenia. This high-powered bipartisan panel consisted of RepublicanCongressman Ed Royce, Chairman of the House of Foreign Affairs Committee and Democrat Congressman Adam Schiff, Ranking Member of the House Intelligence Committee.
Addressing the recent attacks by Erdogan’s bodyguards on peaceful protestors in Washington D.C., Chairman Royce discussed his direct reaction to the infringement of constitutional rights of U.S. citizens: “I introduced a resolution in the House. That resolution called for an end to diplomatic immunity for those Turkish security personnel that participated in this. It condemned the attack, called for their conviction, and it called upon our State Department to take a series of steps in the future.” Congressmen Royce and Schiff addressed the significance for bipartisan support for demining in Artsakh and identified ways in which trade with Armenia can be improved and strengthened. In his remarks, Congressman Schiff addressed the dangers of failing to hold Azerbaijan accountable for its ongoing aggression and violation of human rights: “We saw not too long ago a fierce eruption of violence provoked by Azerbaijan and a terrible loss of life that could happen anytime. Azerbaijan has been making money hand over fist for many years in its petroleum industry. It has put that money into its military, and there is a growing concern over the capability of the Azerbaijani military compared to Armenia’s military and Artsakh self defenses… All of that spells enormous risk to that region and the world beyond it.”
Both congressional leaders reaffirmed their commitment to seeking justice for the Armenian Genocide, promoting peace and self-determination for the people of Artsakh, and supporting a Millenium Challenge Account grant to promote scientific STEM education in Armenia.
Grassroots Committee member, Nyree Tognozzi Apik introduced the “Film and the Arts: The Power of the Big Screen” panel which was moderated by ANCA Executive Director Aram Hamparian.
Hamparian was the first to note, “Change comes to Washington, change doesn’t come from Washington and that’s why projects like this are so important.” The panel included Montel Williams, the Executive Producer of Architects of Denial, and Screenwriter of Architects of Denial, Robert Corsini. An inspirational speaker, Williams began the panel by approaching the audience in order to create a more intimate connection, “One denied [genocide], is the reason why they still exist. You [the audience], applauding for the movie, is applauding for the issue being recognized.” Williams added, “We are this close to the 50 genocides taking place right now on this planet, turning into three to four hundred. One denied.” Corsini, in turn, expressed the challenges of acquiring interviews from key witnesses such as Sibel Edmonds, Julian Assange, and Abdullah Demirbas, and expressed the significance of advocacy through the arts and giving a voice to the voiceless through the power of film.
The final and much anticipated panel, A Profile in Courage, was introduced by ANCA-WR Board Member Joseph Kaskanian. The panel, which was moderated by Grassroots Conference Committee member and Asbarez English Editor, Ara Khachatourian, featured Garo Paylan, Armenian Member of the Turkish Parliament.
Paylan started in his opening remarks, “In these dark winters, we need romantic politicians.” Paylan noted during his last visit to the U.S over a year ago, that he felt more optimistic, but that optimism was fading with recent developments including the unjust imprisonment of opposition leaders, crackdown against media and minorities, and the silence of the world in condemning such human rights abuses. Paylan went on, “From western powers and from the Trump administration, no criticism is coming for this nationalist coalition. Our president [Erdogan] is an opportunist leader and is taking full advantage of the workd’s silence.” Paylan explained that many Turks and Kurds are working alongside Armenians in Turkey to achieve recognition of the Armenian Genocide. However, he noted that these efforts were futile in the face of a fascist and nationalist government which continues to destroy democracy in Turkey.
At the end of each presentation, the panelists received a framed picture from their individual speeches donated by Serop and Arsho Beylerian as parting gifts on behalf of the Grassroots organizing committee.
The 2017 ANCA-WR Grassroots Conference was generously sponsored by Closet World’s Mr. and Mrs, Varant and Hoori Melkonian, who were also the major sponsor for the ANCA-WR Annual Gala Banquet on October 8.
Excited participants, panelists and organizers came together for a mixer organized by the ANCA-WR Professional Network, which served as a fitting conclusion to the event.
The dynamic two-day ANCA-WR biennial Grassroots Conference was the fourth in a groundbreaking series of informative and inspirational lectures, workshops and seminars which brings together artists, academics, legal experts, and political officials with hundreds of activists from all over the world to explore issues related to the Armenian Cause and to develop and promote new avenues of leadership and civic engagement.
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.
Հայ Դատի Խորհրդաժողովին Քննարկուեցան Պահանջատիրութեան Առնչուող Շարք Մը Հարցեր
(ԱՍՊԱՐԷԶ) ՓԱՍԱՏԻՆԱ.- Արեւմտեան Ամերիկայի Հայ Դատի յանձնախումբին կազմակերպած խորհրդաժողովը տեղի ունեցաւ Հոկտեմբեր 6-7ին, Փասատինայի «Convention Center»ին մէջ, ի մի բերելով քաղաքականութեան, իրաւագիտութեան, արուեստներու եւ լրատուամիջոցներու մարզերէն մասնագէտներ, որոնք քննարկեցին Հայ Դատին ու պահանջատիրութեան առնչուող շարք մը հարցեր:
Խորհրդաժողովի առաջին օրը նուիրուած էր Հայոց Ցեղասպանութնենէ մինչեւ մեր օրերը երկարող հակահայ սպանդները եւ զանոնք ուրանալու թրքական ու ատրպէյճանական փորձերը հետաքրքրականօրէն իրարու կապող «Ուրացման Ճարտարապետները» վաւերագրական ֆիլմի ցուցադրութեան։ Երեկոյին բացումը կատարեց Արեւմտեան Ամերիկայի Հայ Դատի յանձնախումբի ատենապետ իրաւաբան Նորա Յովսէփեան։
Շաբաթ օր տեղի ունեցան հինգ քննարկումներ, որոնցմէ առաջինը նուիրուած էր Հայ Դատի պահանջատիրական պայքարին եւ յատկապէս անոր մէջ մեր ժողովուրդին ունեցած դերակատարութեան։ Քննարկումին մասնակցեցան Ամերիկայի Հայ Դատի յանձնախումբի ատենապետ Ռաֆֆի Համբարեան, ինչպէս նաեւ Արեւմտեան եւ Արեւելեան Ամերիկայի Հայ Դատի յանձնախումբի ատենապետներ Նորա Յովսէփեան եւ Ստեփան Մեսրոպեան։
Յովսէփեան խօսեցաւ Հայկական Հարցի գլխաւոր չորս ճիւղերուն մասին՝ Հայոց Ցեղասպանութեան ճանաչում եւ հատուցումներու ապահովում, Արտաքին օժանդակութեան ապահովում՝ Հայաստանի ժողովրդավարացաման եւ տնտեսական բարգաւաճման ի նպաստ, Արցախի ժողովուրդին ինքնորոշման եւ անկախութեան պայքարին աջակցութիւն, եւ Սփիւռքի համայնքներու հզօրացում։
Իր կարգին, Համբարեան կեդրոնացաւ Հայ Դատի պայքարին համար կենսական հանդիսացող «կամաւորներու բանակ»ին տարած յոյժ կարեւոր աշխատանքին վրայ։ Ան կարեւոր համարեց նաեւ Հայ Դատի նուիրատուներուն ներդրումը, ինչպէս նաեւ՝ Հայ Դատի վարժողական ծրագիրները, որոնք կ՛երաշխաւորեն Հայ Դատի պայքարին շարունակականութիւնը։
Վերջապէս, Մեսրոպեան խօսեցաւ Միացեալ Նահանգներու արեւելեան շրջանին մէջ յոյներու, ասորիներու եւ քաղդէացիներու հետ վերջերս սերտացած համագործակցութեան մասին, որուն շնորհիւ աւելի ազդու կը դառնան Թուրքիոյ եւ Ատրպէյճանի դէմ քայլերը։
Ապա, խորհրդաժողովի կազմակերպիչ յանձնախումբի անդամ իրաւաբան Նորա Տէմիրճեան ներկայացուց «Անդրազգային արդարութիւն. Դէպի հատուցումներ» խորագրուած Բ. քննարկումին մասնակիցները եւ սոյն քննարկումը համակարգող իրաւաբան Արմէն Յովհաննէսեանը՝ Հայ իրաւաբաններու միութենէն։
Յովհաննէսեան շեշտեց, թէ Հայոց Ցեղասպանութեան ճանաչում ապահովելը վերջակէտ մը պիտի չըլլայ Հայ Դատի պայքարին, այլ անկէ ետք պէտք է սկսիլ վնասուց հատուցումեր ապահովելու աշխատանքին, որուն համար իրաւագէտներու մասնակցութեան ապահովումը կենսակա՛ն է։
Իր կարգին, Արդարութեան ու մարդկային իրաւանց հայկական իրաւական կեդրոնի գործադիր վարիչ Քէյթ Նահապետեան խօսեցաւ կեդրոնի նպատակներուն եւ ցարդ տարած աշխատանքին մասին՝ կեդրոնանալով յատկապէս Հայոց Ցեղասպանութեան օրերուն հայերէ բռնագրաւուած կալուածներուն առնչուող փաստաթուղթերու արխիւ մը պատրաստելու ջանքին վրայ, որուն նպատակն է ամուր հիմքերու վրայ դնել վնասուց հատուցումներ ապահովելու աշխատանքը։
Նաեւ, Քալիֆորնիոյ համալսարանի Լոս Անճելըսի մասնաճիւղի Իրաւագիտութեան բաժանմունքին մէջ գործող մարդկային իրաւանց «Խոստումը» հիմնարկի վարիչ Ասլի Պալի արտայայտուեցաւ վնասուց հատուցում ապահովելու աշխատանքը իրականացնելու համար տարբեր մօտեցումներու մասին, միաժամանակ աւելցնելով, որ հոն հասնելու համար՝ Հայոց Ցեղասպանութեան պաշտօնական ճանաչում ապահովելը եւ ներկայ Ցեղասպանութենէն մեծապէս օգտուած Թուրքիոյ ներկայ իշխանութիւնները Ցեղասպանութեան պատասխանատու դարձնելու ջանքերը կենսակա՛ն են։
«Խոստումը» հիմնարկի վարիչի օգնական Ճեսիքա Փիք տեղեկութիւններ տուաւ հիմնարկի նպատակներուն եւ ցարդ տարած աշխատանքին մասին՝ շեշտելով, որ անոր գլխաւոր նպատակը պիտի ըլլայ մարդկային իրաւանց մարզի ապագայ ղեկավարներ պատրաստելը։
Հայ Դատի քաղաքական գործունէութեան նուիրուած յաջորդ քննարկումին համար, խորհրդաժողովի կազմակերպիչ յանձնախումբի անդամ իրաւաբան Այգ Տիքիճեան բեմ հրաւիրեց նիստը համադրող Չարլի Մահտեսեանը, որ հեղինակաւոր «Փոլիթիքօ»ի աւագ քաղաքական խմբագիրներէն մէկն է։ Քննարկումին մասնակցեցան Ներկայացուցիչներու տան Արտաքին յարաբերութեանց յանձնախումբի ատենապետ Էտ Ռոյս եւ Հետախուզական հարցերու յանձնախումբի բարձրաստիճան անդամ Էտըմ Շիֆ։ Քննարկումի նիւթ դարձան ամերիկացի խաղաղ ցուցարարներու վրայ Էրտողանի թիկնապահներուն առաջնորդած Մայիս 16ին յարձակումին հակադարձելու համար որդեգրուած քայլերը, Արցախի ամբողջական ականազերծումը ապահովելու համար ամերիկեան նիւթական աջակցութիւն երաշխաւորելու ջանքերը եւ Հայաստան-Միացեալ Նահանգներ առեւտուրը զարգացնելու համար տարուող աշխատանքները, ինչպէս նաեւ շեշտուեցաւ, որ հայկական դիրքերու վրայ ատրպէյճանական յարձակումները խստօրէն չդատապարտելու ամերիկեան կեցուածքը սկսած է քաջալերելու Պաքուն, որ շարունակէ յարձակումները եւ մարդկային իրաւանց ոտնակոխումները։ Քոնկրեսականները նաեւ յայտարարեցին, թէ նեցուկ կը կանգնին Հայոց Ցեղասպանութեան ճանաչման, Արցախի ժողովուրդին ինքնորոշման իրաւունքին եւ Հայաստանի մէջ գիտութեան, արհեստագիտութեան, ճարտարագիտութեան եւ ուսողութեան (STEM) դասաւանդման համար՝ «Հազարամեակի մարտահրաւէրներ» հիմնարկէն յաւելեալ աջակցութիւն ապահովելու Ամերիկայի Հայ Դատի յանձնախումբի ջանքերուն։
Այնուհետեւ, խորհրդաժողովի կազմակերպիչ յանձնախումբի անդամ Նիրի Թոկնոզի Ափիկ ներկայացուց «Ֆիլմ եւ արուեստներ. Մեծ պաստառի ուժը» խորագրուած քննարկումին մասնակիցները՝ «Ուրացման Ճարտարապետները» ֆիլմի գործադիր արտադրող Մանթել Ուիլեըմզն ու ֆիլմի բեմագիր Ռապըրթ Քորսինին, ինչպէս նաեւ սոյն քննարկումը համադրող եւ Ամերիկայի Հայ Դատի յանձնախումբի գործադիր վարիչ Արամ Համբարեանը։
Համբարեան շեշտեց նման ծրագիրներու կարեւորութինը՝ նշելով. «Փոփոխութիւնները Ուաշինկթըն կու գան. Ուաշինկթընէն փոփոխութիւններ չեն գար»։ Իր կարգին, Ուիլեըմզ կեդրոնացաւ ոճիրներու ուրացման ունեցած բացասական հետեւանքներուն վրայ՝ շեշտելով, այնքան ատեն որ ցեղասպանութիւն մը կ՛ուրացուի, ցեղասպանութիւններու առաջքը կարելի պիտի չըլլայ առնել։ Քորսինի կեդրոնացաւ այս ֆիլմի արտադրութեան դիմագրաւած դժուարութիւններուն վրայ, յատկապէս ակնարկելով Սիպիլ Էտ-մընտզի, Ժիւլիէն Ասանժի եւ Ապտուլլահ Տեմիրպաշի հետ հարցազրոյցներ ապահովելու ջանքերուն։
Վերջին նիստը՝ «Քաջութեան օրինակ» խորագրուած, նուիրուած էր Թուրքիոյ խորհրդարանին մէջ քրտամէտ Ժողովուրդներու ժողովրդավարութիւն կուսակցութեան հայազգի երեսփոխան Կարօ Փայլանին։ Փայլանի հետ զրոյցը առաջնորդողն էր «Ասպարէզ»ի անգլերէն բաժինի խմբագիր Արա Խաչատրեան, որ նաեւ խորհրդաժողովի կազմակերպիչ յանձնախումբի անդամներէն էր։ Քննարկումի մասնակիցները ներկայացուց Արեւմտեան Ամերիկայի Հայ Դատի յանձնախումբի վարչութեան անդամ Ճոզէֆ Քասքանեան։ Փայլան իր ներկայացումը սկսաւ ըսելով. «Նման մութ ձմեռներու ընթացքին հարկաւոր են վիպական քաղաքական գործիչներ»՝ աւելցնելով, որ տարի մը առաջ Միացեալ Նահանգներ կատարած իր այցելութեան ընթացքին աւելի լաւատես էր, սակայն այդ լաւատեսութիւնը սկսած է նուազելու յատկապէս Թուրքիոյ կառավարութեան ընդդիմացողներու եւ այլախոհներու բանտարկութեան, լրատուամիջոցներու եւ փոքրամասնութեանց դէմ հալածանքի սաստկացման եւ Թուրքիոյ մէջ մարդկային իրաւանց նման ոտնակոխումներու հանդէպ միջազգային անբաւարար դատապարտումին պատճառներով։
«Արեւմտեան ուժերէն եւ Թրամփի վարչակարգէն ոչ մէկ յատկանշական քննադատութիւն կայ ազգայնամոլներու այս համախմբումի հասցէին։ Մեր նախագահը (Էրտողան) պատեհապաշտ ղեկավար մըն է, որ կը շահագործէ աշխարհին այս լռութիւնը», ըսաւ Փայլան, ապա յայտնեց, թէ Թուրքիոյ մէջ շատ թուրքեր եւ քիւրտեր եւս իրենց ձայնը միացուցած են Հայոց Ցեղասպանութեան ճանաչման պայքարին, սակայն այս փորձերը ցարդ ապարդիւն են՝ ազգայնամոլ ու ամէն քայլափոխի ժողովրդավարութեան վնաս հասցնող Թուրքիոյ կառավարութեան ցուցաբերած կեցուածքին պատճառով։
Քննարկումներուն իւրաքանչիւր մասնակցող ներկայացումներուն աւարտին ստացաւ շրջանակուած իր լուսանկարը, որ նուէրն էր Սերոբ եւ Արշօ Պէյլերեաններուն։
Խորհրդաժողովի հովանաւորներն էին «Քլոզեթ Ուորլտ»ի սեփականատէրեր՝ տէր եւ տիկին Վարանդ եւ Հուրի Մելքոնեանները, որոնք նաեւ գլխաւոր հովանաւորներէն էին Հոկտեմբեր 8ին կայացած Հայ Դատի տարեկան ձեռնարկին։
‘ANCA Serves As The Defender Of The Armenian Nation And Its Cause,’ Says Nora Hovsepian
(ASBAREZ) Editor’s Note: The Armenian National Committee of America-Western Region hosted its annual banquet on October 8 at the Beverly Hilton Hotel with more than 1,000 in attendance. During the banquet, Nora Hovsepian, Esq., the chairwoman of the ANCA-WR board of directors, presented the accomplishments of the organization and its future plans. Below is the complete text of her remarks.
Welcome to the ANCA Western Region’s 2017 Annual Gala Banquet!
On behalf of our Board of Directors, which I am so privileged to lead, I would first like to thank each and every one of the 1000-plus attendees here for supporting our organization and for helping us advance our Cause – a Cause which belongs not just to us, but to every single Armenian across the globe; a Cause which requires passion, activism and participation; a Cause which we pursue as David against Goliath every day; a noble Cause which seeks justice in an often unjust world.
As we all witnessed the horrific act of terror in Las Vegas a week ago today in which countless lives were senselessly lost, or the recent disasters in Puerto Rico, Texas and Florida which will affect those communities forever, or the loss of dozens of Armenian soldiers and civilians falling to Azeri bullets in recent months, we know that mere expressions of concern are not enough, and we must continue to soldier on.
For our People have lived through tragedy and survived many times before. Despite the deep scars that will forever remain in our national psyche as survivors of a mass crime, we have found strength in the Cause which propels us forward. We continue to remain focused like a laser beam on our mission, and we will not be deterred by obstacles placed in our path by anyone.
The ANCA is the most influential and most effective organization pursuing our Cause anywhere in the worldwide Armenian Diaspora. And especially here in the Western Region, the hub of the largest Armenian community anywhere outside of Armenia, we are the only organization fueled by grassroots strength. We organize and mobilize our communities; we advocate in the halls of government; we prepare our youth through our impressive internship programs to become future leaders; we build coalitions; and we make the collective voice of our community heard at every level.
Let me give you just a few examples so you can see what I mean:
Seeking justice for the Armenian Genocide, I am proud to say that our Divest Turkey initiative, originally spearheaded on student campuses statewide by the AYF, has now cleared the California State Assembly and is pending in the State Senate, ensuring that public funds are not used by Turkish government investment vehicles to facilitate Turkey’s ongoing denialist campaign in this country.
I am proud to report also that after decades of persistent advocacy, all 19 States in the Western Region have now officially recognized the Genocide, including Wyoming, and now the most elusive State of Texas, being a stronghold of Turkish and Azeri influence and causing a leader of Turkish denialism in the State to publicly lament that it was a combination of apathy in the Turkish-American community and effective activism led by the ANCA in the Armenian-American community that resulted in this humiliating defeat for Turkey’s interests. We wear this as a badge of honor.
And after our ANCA-Eastern Region — whose chair Steve Mesrobian is with us today – recently secured recognition by Iowa, we are left with only three: Indiana (which Steve says is soon to come), Mississippi and Alabama, where the groundwork is being laid. So stay tuned.
I am proud to report also that we secured tangible and measurable results through the diligent efforts of our ANCA-WR Education Committee and the Genocide Education Project, whose representatives are with us tonight. This year, they started an annual tradition of honoring educators who implement Genocide education in public schools. Building upon last year’s mandates for Armenian Genocide education in the history and social studies curriculum framework, we secured up to $10 million in State funding to implement them. And we are especially grateful to local superintendents and school board members and educators, many of whom are with us tonight individually and through the United Teachers of LA, who have gone to great lengths to ensure that this mandate is implemented in the classroom and not just left on paper.
And I am proud to report that as a result of diligent advocacy by the ANCA-WR, we were able to secure a total of $4 million of State funding for the all-important Armenian American Museum project which will solidify our presence in the cultural fabric of this country for generations to come.
And all of this was accomplished because we mobilized our grassroots through Town Halls, Action Alerts and Rapid Responder initiatives, because we cultivate, maintain, and expand our efforts in the halls of government and because our friends in the State legislature, especially tonight’s Legislator of the Year award recipient Senator Anthony Portantino, recognize our strength and the just Cause we pursue and refuse to bow to pressure by Turkish and Azeri lobbyists working against us.
For Armenia and Artsakh, our ongoing relentless advocacy for federal funding in support of de-mining and economic development has also produced tangible results, as millions of dollars have been allocated with the help of our friends in Congress who hear not only from our DC office, but also from their constituents at a local level.
Our efforts to educate and encourage elected officials to make unambiguous statements of support by traveling to Artsakh despite Azeri government threats to blacklist them from visiting Baku have resulted in three recent visits by Congressmember David Valadao, tonight’s Advocate for Justice award recipient, and Congressmembers Tulsi Gabbard and Frank Pallone. We applaud the courage of their convictions and thank them for their unwavering support.
Recognizing that each elected official who is endorsed by the ANCA has the ability to serve as our voice in government, we have many friends from both sides of the aisle. Joining us tonight are ANCA-endorsed candidates, Republican candidate for U.S. Senate from Nevada, Danny Tarkanian, and Democratic candidate for U.S. Congress from Utah, Dr. Kathie Allen, both with Armenian heritage, and both of whom will undoubtedly champion our Cause in Washington DC once elected. And supporting those candidates and others are the highly effective National Organization of Republican Armenians and the Southern California Armenian Democrats, whose representatives are also with us tonight. We thank you all for being here.
And our local chapters throughout the region, most of which are represented here today, have been active as well. Since you may not be aware of what happens on the ground, here are some examples of true grassroots activism with tangible results:
Our Dallas and Houston chapters were instrumental in activating their communities to secure Armenian Genocide recognition in Texas.
Our Seattle chapter and its leader Vana Tavitian who is with us tonight, succeeded in convincing a Middle Eastern business to change its logo depicting Talaat Pasha.
The former chair of our New Mexico and current co-chair of our Phoenix chapter Angela Heisel who is with us tonight, used her considerable expertise as a public relations strategist to stop the trend of absurd praises of Azerbaijan in the State Senate.
Our ANCA Executive Director Aram Hamparian, participating with our friends in the Kurdish community in a protest against visiting Turkish President Tayip Erdogan, was quick enough on his feet to videotape the brutal attack by Erdogan’s security forces on peaceful American protesters in Washington DC, providing his footage to news media outlets all over the world and exposing the dictator’s shameless exportation of such tactics onto American soil. This evidence led directly to a unanimous condemnation of these tactics in Congress, 19 federal indictments against the perpetrators, and weapons sanctions against both Turkey and Azerbaijan for their ongoing human rights abuses, complementing the courageous efforts of our Freedom Award recipient and modern-day Armenian hero, founding member of the progressive HDP Party, and current member of the Turkish Parliament, Garo Paylan, as he so bravely fights against a hostile environment within Turkey to end the Turkish regime’s onslaught against Armenians, Kurds, Jews, and other minorities in the country.
Our Glendale chapter’s leadership of a community-wide outcry against the Americana’s denial of an ad for “Architects of Denial” as being “too political,” led to a prominent display of the ads on the Americana wall and opened doors for cultivating a constructive relationship with Caruso Affiliated, whose representatives are here tonight.
Our Pasadena chapter led a delegation of City officials on a sister-city trip to Armenia, cultivating the connection between our Diaspora communities and the Homeland on a local level.
Our local chapters and activists in Colorado, Nevada, Idaho, Utah, Arizona, Texas and California all traveled to their State Capitols to advocate for Armenian Genocide education, recognition of Artsakh, and their communities’ needs and expectations to make their collective voices heard.
Through our grassroots mobilization, political relationships, and advocacy through the arts, we were able to work with tonight’s award recipient Terry George, Eric Esrailian, and the producers of the unprecedented feature-length film “The Promise” to screen it in various State Capitols and Washington DC and to fill theaters with avid moviegoers who have long-awaited seeing our story up on the big screen. And we thank Eric for joining us here tonight as well.
Working with Bared Maronian to disseminate his historical masterpiece “Orphans of the Genocide,” we were able to use our contacts to secure long-playing presentations on public television outlets nationwide, bringing in tens of millions of viewers to learn about our story and how the American Near East Relief effort succeeded in rescuing hundreds of thousands of genocide survivors, most of whom went on to establish our communities in the Armenian Diaspora which we all serve today.
We are currently working with the producers of the new documentary film “Architects of Denial” to bring attention to this groundbreaking film which so ably connects the dots between Turkey’s perpetration of the Armenian Genocide over 100 years ago with Azerbaijan’s ongoing attempt to perpetuate this genocidal plan in modern times. And I am happy to repeat the breaking news that executive producer Montel Williams reported at our Grassroots Conference yesterday that out of over 26,000 documentary film submissions to the Oscars, only 159 were qualified, and “Architects of Denial” is one of them!
So you see, the ANCA serves as the defender of the Armenian Nation and its Cause throughout the United States, but it can only be effective with your support. You are expressing that support through your attendance tonight, as we celebrate our victories together and acknowledge the collaboration of our distinguished honorees. Hundreds of community activists expressed their support by attending our fourth ANCA-WR Grassroots Conference this weekend, where they learned about way to advocate for the Armenian Cause, and we are grateful to have several of our distinguished panelists attending tonight, including Democratic leader Congressman Adam Schiff who joined his Republican colleague Congressman Ed Royce on stage to discuss how they work together to help promote our Cause.
You express your support when you sign up for our Rapid Responders initiative, implement our Action Alerts, join our annual and monthly giving programs, register to vote through HyeVotes and then actually vote for our endorsed candidates, join our local chapters, and sign up to volunteer for committees and projects. And I hope you will express your support in massive numbers tonight as we fully mobilize for our innovative new ANCAdvocates program which you will hear more about in just a few minutes.
I want to close by thanking our amazing, energetic and passionate Banquet Co-Chairs Jacklin Boyadjian and Elizabeth Gourjian, who showed such effective leadership over a large committee of dedicated volunteers, each of whom devoted their time, expertise and talent to the success of this Banquet. Job well done to each and every one of you!
I also want to thank our ANCA-Western Region staff for its diligent hard work every single day, going above and beyond the call of duty, never treating their job as just a job, working with passion and conviction, and sacrificing so much toward the advancement of our Cause.
And I especially want to thank each of our donors tonight, who give so generously to help facilitate our efforts.
We have an unprecedented number of corporate sponsors this year, all of whom are listed in your programs, and we are truly grateful for their support as they join the ANCA family.
I also want to thank Garo Mardirossian, the Chraghchian family, the Sepetjian family, the Ghailian family, the Sarian family, the Manjikian family, Walter Karabian and the George Ignatius Foundation, the Shirvanian family, the Karapetian family, and most poignantly of all, the family of our dear benefactor Hacop Baghdassarian, whose loss a few weeks ago was a loss not just for his immediate loved ones, but for our entire community as well. We will miss him deeply and thank his wife and children for continuing his legacy with their support, especially in their time of grief.
And last but definitely not least: I want to thank Varant and Hoori Melkonian. You have consistently been our most ardent supporters and our backbone, not only in your generosity but in your counsel and advice, in serving as such a shining example of what it means to be community benefactors, in never saying no, and in everything you do not only for the ANCA but for the Armenian community at large. You are so deserving of this recognition and the countless other acknowledgements that have been bestowed upon you, including this year’s prestigious Ellis Island Medal of Honor. We are so proud of you for that and are so grateful for your generous role as the major sponsor of this year’s ANCA-WR Banquet.
So enjoy your evening, and starting tomorrow, I hope to see you in the trenches every day as we all work together to advance the Armenian Cause!