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Armenian Youth Federation-YOARF Eastern US
80 Bigelow Ave
Watertown, MA 02472
Tel. (617) 923-1933
Fax (617) 924-1933
www.ayf.org
Press Release
For Immediate Release ~ October 6, 2005
Contact: Sossi Essajanian
(617) 923-1933
[email protected]
AYF, ANC Collect Over 700 Signatures on Letter to Hastert at System of
a Down Concert ROSEMONT, Ill.? System of a Down's (SOAD) quest for
genocide recognition continues while Armenian Youth Federation (AYF)
members and alums in Chicago educated the band's fans on the ongoing
battle for recognition of the Armenian genocide.
Thousands of fans attending the concert on September 30 were met by
Armenian National Committee (ANC) and AYF activists Karine Birazian,
Sona Birazian and Nairee Hagopian, working to collect petitions
addressed to Speaker of the House, Rep. Dennis Hastert urging him to
"do the right thing" and bring the Genocide resolution to the House
floor for a vote.
Many fans are already aware of the resolution-thanks to System of a
Down's Web site and the September 27 rally held in front of
Rep. Hastert's office -commented that "Armenians deserve justice and
genocide recognition." Several fans came up to the table looking for
more information on the Genocide, while others stated that they
already sent a Web fax to Rep. Hastert through System of a Down's Web
site.
Within three hours, over 700 petitions were signed and collected at
the concert in support of the resolution. The activists did not work
alone however; Armenians from the community and several SOAD fans
dedicated time that evening to help collect signatures as well.
"Being a part of this event was incredible. I was shocked that so many
people were already aware about the resolution," said Chicago AYF
member Karine Birazian. "We are so grateful that System of a Down has
given us and other Armenians the opportunity to volunteer at their
concerts and promote genocide recognition. I truly believe that
recognition of the Armenian genocide is in our reach and will be
achieved in our lifetime," she said.
At the closing of the concert, lead singer Serj Tankian announced on
stage that he promised his 97-year-old grandfather that he will
continue working for genocide recognition. Loud cheers came from the
crowds and Armenian flags could be seen waving high.
Many of the Armenian activists and SOAD fans present at the concert
were also at the successful rally held in front of Rep. Hastert's
office in Batavia, Ill., on September 27. The two hour rally, led by
band members Tankian and John Dolmayan, called upon Hastert to bring
the Genocide resolution to a vote.
Founded in 1933, the Armenian Youth Federation (AYF) serves as the
youth organization of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation
(YOARF). The AYF stands on five pillars that guide its activities:
education, political awareness, fellowship, athletics and
culture. Moreover, the AYF promotes a fraternal attitude of respect
for the diversity of ideas and individuals amongst its
membership. Unity and cooperation are essential traits that allow
members of the organization to work together and realize its
objectives.
80 Bigelow Ave
Watertown, MA 02472
Tel. (617) 923-1933
Fax (617) 924-1933
www.ayf.org
Press Release
For Immediate Release ~ October 6, 2005
Contact: Sossi Essajanian
(617) 923-1933
[email protected]
AYF, ANC Collect Over 700 Signatures on Letter to Hastert at System of
a Down Concert ROSEMONT, Ill.? System of a Down's (SOAD) quest for
genocide recognition continues while Armenian Youth Federation (AYF)
members and alums in Chicago educated the band's fans on the ongoing
battle for recognition of the Armenian genocide.
Thousands of fans attending the concert on September 30 were met by
Armenian National Committee (ANC) and AYF activists Karine Birazian,
Sona Birazian and Nairee Hagopian, working to collect petitions
addressed to Speaker of the House, Rep. Dennis Hastert urging him to
"do the right thing" and bring the Genocide resolution to the House
floor for a vote.
Many fans are already aware of the resolution-thanks to System of a
Down's Web site and the September 27 rally held in front of
Rep. Hastert's office -commented that "Armenians deserve justice and
genocide recognition." Several fans came up to the table looking for
more information on the Genocide, while others stated that they
already sent a Web fax to Rep. Hastert through System of a Down's Web
site.
Within three hours, over 700 petitions were signed and collected at
the concert in support of the resolution. The activists did not work
alone however; Armenians from the community and several SOAD fans
dedicated time that evening to help collect signatures as well.
"Being a part of this event was incredible. I was shocked that so many
people were already aware about the resolution," said Chicago AYF
member Karine Birazian. "We are so grateful that System of a Down has
given us and other Armenians the opportunity to volunteer at their
concerts and promote genocide recognition. I truly believe that
recognition of the Armenian genocide is in our reach and will be
achieved in our lifetime," she said.
At the closing of the concert, lead singer Serj Tankian announced on
stage that he promised his 97-year-old grandfather that he will
continue working for genocide recognition. Loud cheers came from the
crowds and Armenian flags could be seen waving high.
Many of the Armenian activists and SOAD fans present at the concert
were also at the successful rally held in front of Rep. Hastert's
office in Batavia, Ill., on September 27. The two hour rally, led by
band members Tankian and John Dolmayan, called upon Hastert to bring
the Genocide resolution to a vote.
Founded in 1933, the Armenian Youth Federation (AYF) serves as the
youth organization of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation
(YOARF). The AYF stands on five pillars that guide its activities:
education, political awareness, fellowship, athletics and
culture. Moreover, the AYF promotes a fraternal attitude of respect
for the diversity of ideas and individuals amongst its
membership. Unity and cooperation are essential traits that allow
members of the organization to work together and realize its
objectives.