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ASBAREZ ONLINE
TOP STORIES
10/07/2005
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1) Catholicos Aram I Arrives in Los Angeles to Begin Historic US Visit
2) KZV Endowment Fund at $1.4 Million 25th Anniversary
3) Turkey Sentences Armenian Writer
4) Video of System Of A Down Armenian Genocide Rally Circulating Online
5) ANCA Challenges State Depratment Effort to Defeat Armenian Genocide
Legislation
6) Nine Armenian Youth from Eastern Region Join ARF Ranks
7) Documentary Photography in the Diaspora: A Conversation with Ara Oshagan
8) Over 700 Signatures Collected on Letter to Hastert at System Of A Down
Concert
9) Armenia Fund Unveils Telethon 2005 Logo--Build a New Horizon
10) ANC Professional Network Dinner Dance Draws over 600 Young Professionals
11) Hundreds of Volunteers gather for 3rd Annual AYF Little Armenia Cleanup
OUR NEXT POSTING: Due to the Columbus Day holiday, our next issue will be
posted on Tuesday, October 11.
1) Catholicos Aram I Arrives in Los Angeles to Begin Historic US Visit
His Holiness Greeted by Large Crowds at St. Garabed Church in Hollywood
LOS ANGELES--"We must live with moral values and have a purpose-driven life,"
declared His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia of the
Armenian Apostolic Church, upon his arrival in Los Angeles on Wednesday,
October 5. Greeted by large crowds who had gathered at St. Garabed Church in
Hollywood for the official welcoming and "Hrashapar" service, his arrival
marked the beginning of a historic visit to the United States, starting in
California, where His Holiness will be meeting with the community and various
public officials throughout the state. Prior to his arrival at St.Garabed
Church, His Holiness met with California State Insurance Commissioner John
Garamendi where the two discussed several issues including recent insurance
settlements for victims of the Armenian Genocide.
The Catholicos' motorcade with full dignitary police escorts arrived at St.
Garabed Church in the early evening where the city had closed off the entire
street to accommodate the overflowing crowds. The Prelates of both the
Western
Prelacy, Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, and the Eastern Prelacy, Archbishop
Oshagan Choloyan, accompanied the Catholicos. The arrival ceremony began with
the Homenetmen scouts marching band playing the US, Armenian, and Cilician
anthems while additional scouts, students from various Armenian schools,
members of the community, and residents of the area lined the streets. Also
covering the arrival were media including the Los Angeles Times and several
local TV stations.
At the beginning of the procession were Armenian clergy from throughout the
Los Angeles area and California as well as some from the eastern US, including
Archbishop Hovnan Derderian of the Western Diocese and a representative of
Cardinal Mahoney of the Catholic Church. At the entrance of the church a
welcoming ceremony was performed with the traditional blessing of bread and
salt, the release of white doves and presentation of a bouquet of flowers to
His Holiness. Also on hand were various community organization representatives
and public officials. To accommodate the overflowing crowds, a large screen
was
mounted outside the church showing the live video feed of the procession into
the church as well as the services inside.
After the initial services, Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian introduced His
Holiness during which he said, "Your presence with us today, Your Holiness,
shows the strong bridge that binds us with the Great House of Cilicia and the
Holy Catholicosate. This is a bond that is based on faithfulness and strong
collaboration." The Archbishop went on to stress that this historic visit of
His Holiness will help recommit the community to the devoted service to our
faithful people and our homeland.
His Holiness Aram I then thanked God for the opportunity to again be with his
flock and stated that "a shepherd is strengthened by his flock and the
flock is
strengthened by its shepherd." He then blessed all the clergy and faithful who
were present as well as all the community organizations and people who had
worked to make this trip possible. "Today I want to emphasize key values and
principles," said His Holiness. "My message is that you must strengthen your
belief, deepen and strengthen your faithfulness and reinforce our unity. We
must live with moral values and have a purpose-driven life."
His Holiness has a very busy itinerary which includes many different
community
events, gatherings and meetings with representatives of church bodies and
community organizations. As part of his broader mission, His Holiness will
also
be meeting with dozens of local, state and federal level public officials and
conducting interviews with the mass media including TV, radio and newspapers
throughout Los Angeles and California. His Holiness will give a major speech
before the World Affairs Council on October 14 entitled "Christianity and the
Middle East" and preside over a symposium at the University of Southern
California on October 15.
As part of his first full day's events on October 6, His Holiness had several
meetings with members of the clergy, Church committees and community
organizations including the Armenian Revolutionary Federation's western region
central committee, the regional executives of the Armenian Relief Society and
the Homenetmen. His Holiness also had a luncheon with the organizing committee
for the Los Angeles visit. His main message was "that whatever we do for God,
for the Church, for the nation and the homeland we must do with belief and
devotion so that we are successful." His Holiness conducted interviews with
the
mass media including the Los Angeles Times and a live appearance on KPCC-FM's
"Talk of the City" show with Kitty Felde. In the evening he presided over the
Homenetmen Glendale "Ararat" chapter's celebration of the Armenian alphabet.
In the coming few days he will meet with Armenian school students, pay
respects at the Armenian Genocide monument in Montebello, and bless the new
Western Prelacy building in La Cresenta on Saturday, October 8. There also
will
be a Pontifical Holy High Mass at St. Mary's Armenian Church in Glendale as
well as a Pontifical banquet in his honor on Sunday, October 9.
Giving the trip special meaning this time is the fact that it will mark the
10th anniversary of His Holiness' election to Catholicos. It also coincides
with the 75th anniversary of the Antelias Seminary, the 1600th anniversary of
the Armenian alphabet, and the 90th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide.
2) KZV Endowment Fund at $1.4 Million 25th Anniversary
SAN FRANCISCO--This November, the Krouzian-Zekarian-Vasbouragan (KZV) Armenian
School in San Francisco, CA will celebrate its 25th anniversary.
To ensure the continued success and financial stability of the only Armenian
American School in Northern California, the Finance Committee of the school
has
established the KZV Endowment Fund, which has already raised $1.4 million.
For 25 years, KZV has pursued its mission "to provide a first rate, high
quality academic education in a safe environment, while also instilling in
[the] students a sense of pride in their Armenian identity." The school has
consistently produced high scoring students and graduates who have continued
their education at some of the country's finest learning institutions.
With the help of the Endowment Fund, the KZV plans on improving and adding to
its current programs. Several new programs include Spanish classes for
grades 5
through 8, Honors classes for Algebra, and a newly wired school-wide network.
Though the entire San Francisco community has supported the efforts of the
school, major donors to the KZV Fund include Henry and Rita Khachaturian ($1
million), Jirair and Serpouhie Sarkissian ($200 thousand), Steve and Louise
Krouzian Noroian($150 thousand), and Siroun Bazigian($150 thousand).
For more information on the school or to make a donation, call (415)586-8686
or e-mail [email protected].
3) Turkey Sentences Armenian Writer
(BBC)--A journalist in Turkey has been found guilty of insulting Turkish
identity and given a suspended six-month jail sentence by a court in
Istanbul.
Hrant Dink, of Armenian-Turkish descent, wrote a newspaper column which he
argued was aimed at improving relations between Turkey and Armenia. He is the
editor of a bilingual Armenian-Turkish newspaper, Agos.
The prosecution interpreted part of the article as an insult. A paragraph in
the article calling on Armenians to symbolically reject "the adulterated part
of their Turkish blood" was taken as offensive.
The judge ruled that Dink's newspaper column implied that Turkish blood was
dirty.
The verdict follows criminal code reforms as Turkey seeks to join the EU. The
reforms were intended to improve freedom of speech in Turkey.
The BBC's Sarah Rainsford said the judge ordered a suspended sentence as it
was Dink's first offense.
But the nationalist lawyers who brought the case were disappointed. "There
was
an obvious humiliation and result of this case should be at least two and a
half years or three years criminal charge," one said.
Dink's lawyer Fethiye Cetin said the ruling showed how little had changed
under Turkey's new criminal code, despite international and internal
pressure.
Human rights lawyers believe his case shows there are still no-go areas for
discussion here and the new laws leave substantial room for interpretation.
Dink says he will appeal the ruling. But if he cannot clear his name, he will
leave the country.
"If I'm guilty of insulting a nation," he told the BBC, "then it's a matter of
honor not to live here."
4) Video of System Of A Down Armenian Genocide Rally Circulating Online
--Two-Minute Film of the September 27th Rally Outside the Batavia, Illinois
Office of Speaker of the House of Representatives Dennis Hastert available at
www.theforgotten.org/soad
--Serj Tankian to be interviewed on Friday, October 7th on Air America Radio
10:00pm-1:00am (EST) on US Recognition of the Armenian Genocide
WASHINGTON, DC--Hundreds of thousands around the world learned about the
Armenian Genocide today--many for the first time--as a two-minute on-line
video
of System Of A Down's recent rally in support of the Armenian Genocide
Resolution began circulating across the internet, reported the Armenian
National Committee of America (ANCA).
The video features footage of the multi-platinum band's visit, along with
hundreds of their fans, to the Batavia, Illinois office of Speaker of the
House
Dennis Hastert (R-IL). At the September 27 rally, which was organized by
System
Of A Down, the ANCA, the Armenian Youth Federation and Axis of Justice, band
members Serj Tankian and John Dolmayan delivered a letter asking the
Speaker to
honor his pledge to hold a vote on legislation recognizing the Armenian
Genocide.
In the wake of the overwhelming approval of this legislation by the House
International Relations Committee on September 15, the decision to allow this
measure to move forward now rests in the Speaker's hands. He can either
schedule a vote on the House floor or, by delaying its consideration,
effectively prevent its passage. If adopted, the legislation would officially
recognize Turkey's systematic and deliberate destruction of 1.5 million
Armenians between 1915 and 1923.
To watch the video, go to: www.theforgotten.org/soad
"The Mike Malloy Show" on Air America will broadcast an interview with Serj
Tankian on Friday, October 7 regarding U.S. recognition of the Armenian
Genocide. The show, featuring guest-hosts Anthony Lappe and Paul Rieckhoff,
will air 10:00 pm to 1:00 am (Eastern U.S.) For a listing of local
stations, go
to:
<http://www.airamericaradio.com/stations>http://www.airamericaradio.com/stat
ions
To ask the Speaker to support the Armenian Genocide Resolution:
<http://www.capwiz.com/anca/mail/onecli ck_compose/?alertid=8041966>www.capw
iz.com/anc a/mail/oneclick_compose/?alertid=8041966
5) ANCA Challenges State Depratment Effort to Defeat Armenian Genocide
Legislation
"Official US recognition and Turkish acknowledgement of the Armenian Genocide
are not, as the Department argues, obstacles to improved Armenia-Turkey
relations, but
rather essential keys to progress toward the normalization of relations
between
these
two states." --Ken Hachikian
WASHINGTON, DC--The Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) today
responded formally to the State Department's efforts, in the days leading
up to
the House International Relations Committee's September 15 approval of two
resolutions recognizing the Armenian Genocide, to defeat these measures and
prevent official US recognition of this crime against humanity.
In an October 5 letter to Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, ANCA Chairman
Ken Hachikian voiced the profound moral outrage of Armenians over the
Administration's ongoing complicity in Turkey's campaign of genocide
denial. In
his two-page letter, Hachikian explained the Armenian American community's
opposition, on moral, geo-political and democratic grounds, to the State
Department's obstruction of Congressional efforts to reaffirm the Armenian
Genocide.
Hachikian said in the letter, "the Department's assertion that even House
floor debate on Armenian Genocide legislation would harm U.S. interests is
both
fundamentally undemocratic and offensive to all those elected to represent us
in our national legislature... American interests are served by the open
functioning of our democratic institutions, not by "gag-orders" - imposed by a
foreign government and enforced by our own State Department - regarding what
can and cannot be discussed by members of the U.S. Congress."
On September 15, after nearly three hours of debate, the House International
Relations Committee, voted overwhelmingly in favor of two measures (HRES 316
and HCON 195) calling for proper U.S. recognition of the Armenian Genocide and
urging Turkey to end its decades long denial of this crime against humanity.
6) Nine Armenian Youth from Eastern Region Join ARF Ranks
On September 24, nine young Armenians joined the Armenian Revolutionary
Federation (ARF) ranks in a ceremony held at the Armenian Center in Woodside,
N.Y.
Five of the new inductees are from New York, two from New Jersey and two from
Washington.
The ceremony was held with the participation of ARF Bureau Member Vicken A.
Hovsepian, ARF Eastern Region United States Central Committee members and ARF
members from the three regions.
In his remarks, Central Committee chairman Hayg Oshagan reminded the
inductees
that they are joining one of the oldest organizational units of the ARF and
that they have inherited the responsibility of preserving and continuing 111
years of relentless struggle, sacrifice, and work.
Before presiding over the oath ceremony, Hovsepian addressed the inductees
and
noted that by joining the ARF they are becoming members of a family that
strives day and night for the interests of Armenia and the entire Armenian
nation.
Hovsepian underlined that the key to the ARF's perseverance lies in the
complete devotion of its members to the ideals of the ARF and by the fact that
they keep on raising the bar of what they expect of themselves and their
organization.
It is worth noting that during the past year, two additional people joined
the
ARF in New Jersey, an additional two in Washington, two in Boston and six in
Providence. This brings the total number of new inductees into the ARF ranks
during the past year to 21.
7) Documentary Photography in the Diaspora: A Conversation with Ara Oshagan
Critics' Forum
By Adriana Tchalian
Armenian photography may be defined as photography by or about Armenians. The
description is similar to Aram Kouyoumdjian's definition of "Armenian
Theater,"
in his article of the same name in Critics' Forum. Armenian photography is
perhaps an even more difficult subject to survey, given the lack of
information
on the topic. Simply put, there is no comprehensive literature on this very
important subject. Even Armenian visual artists, including photographers
themselves, are sometimes unfamiliar with Armenian photography and Armenian
photographers. Why is that so?
Part of the problem has to do with the disconnected and dispersed state of
the
Armenian people where the centralization of information is difficult. And
though the worldwide scope of the internet has the potential to fill this gap,
that potential is yet to be fulfilled in Armenian photography.
Part of the responsibility lies with us, the Armenian viewing public, who,
much like mainstream society, place greater value on painting than other forms
of visual art. Yet there is far more innovative work being done today in the
field of Armenian photographyand especially documentary photography.
Ara Oshagan, himself a documentary photographer, has been following Armenian
photography since the early 1990's and has collected in that span countless
names, books and articles on the subject, an unusual accomplishment. I sat
down
with him recently and had an extensive conversation about the future of
Armenian photography, and particularly documentary photography in the
diaspora.
Oshagan believes that "the most important work in documentary photography
about Armenians is being done by Armenians themselves." These include
photographers like Ara Guler of Istanbul who has created his very own
signature
"street photographs" of his beloved city and has several books to his name;
Max
Sivaslian and Antoine Agoudjian, both from France, have worked in Armenia and
Karabagh and have managed to both publish monographs of their work; Edmond Ter
Hagopian of London has done very important work in the Leninakan earthquake
region, looking at the aftermath of that catastrophe 10 years on; Hrair Hawk
Khacherian of Montreal has single-mindedly dedicated his life to photographing
Armenian subjects. Also working in Armenia and Karabagh for many years are
Robert Kurkijian and Mathew Karanian.
"Steering clear of single, catastrophic eventsin this case, the Armenian
earthquake of 1988one can find notable and important excursions by
non-Armenians into Armenian territory," explains Oshagan. Jerry Berndt, for
instance, a well-known American photographer, has now published two books that
include photographs from his multiple trips to Armenia. These projects were
wholly supported by Dr. Donald Miller of USC; Bruce Strong has published a
book
of photographs on Armenia; and John Tordai of England has worked in Armenia
and
the reclusive Bruce Haley in Karabagh.
According to Oshagan, "there are also Armenians of significant accomplishment
doing work with non-Armenian topics." These include Nubar Alexanian, the
author
of three major books, the first one on Peru by the Aperture Foundation;
Michael
Hintlian with a recent monograph on the Boston subway; Eric Grigorian, the
winner of the 2003 World Press Award Photo of the Year. And there are many
others.
Among female Armenian photographers, there is Alexandra Avakian, who is a
photographer for the National Geographic and recently published a lengthy
essay
on Armenia. Also notable is Armineh Johannes who has not only worked with
Armenians in Armenia and Karabagh but also in Georgia and Iran. Aline
Manoukian
who photographed the Lebanese Civil war for years, Sara Anjargolian with her
photos from Armenia and, Greta Torossian from Beirut, whose work is
included in
an exhibit about the Arab worldNazarwhich is currently being exhibited at the
Aperture Gallery in New York.
Oshagan also spent some time discussing his own photographic projects and the
travels associated with them. Since 1999, he has traveled to various parts of
the world, in an effort to photograph Armenian life. He is scheduled to make
yet another trip next month. According to Oshagan, "the photographs taken in
Karabagh, as well as Los Angeles, Yerevan and New York are part of a long-term
photographic project that involves the exploration and documenting of the
Armenian nation and its way of life, in a global sense." He added, "I'm
interested in exploring the lives of Armenians in the diaspora, wherever it
exists and evolves. These include Beirut, Istanbul, Syria, Haleb, and Kessab,
among others."
Despite its emphasis on diasporan communities, Oshagan's documentary
photography does not fall under the rubric of what we might call
"multiculturalism," a term that emphasizes the distinct characteristics of
different cultures and their preservation within one nation.
The Postmodern phenomenon of "transculturation"as defined by critic Fernando
Ortizis perhaps a better conceptual model for defining and understanding
Armenian documentary photography in general and Oshagan's work in particular.
Simply put, transculturation is the merging of different cultures into a new
cultural phenomenon.
A focus of the theory of transculturation is the concept of the "fetish." In
Visual Culture (1999), Nicholas Mirzoeff explains that the small wooden
figurines common in the Congo (or Kongo, modern-day Zaire), known as the
minkisi, were regarded by nineteenth-century European settlers as "primitive,"
due to the pierced nails and other sharp objects embedded in them.
Mirzoeff suggests that Europeans did not realize at the time that the
nails on
the minkisi were, in fact, derived from medieval Christian iconography brought
to Africa by fifteenth-century European missionaries. In Mirzoeff's words, the
"pierced body image was transculturatedthat is to say, the image was
acculturated in Kongo during the Christian period, deculturated as Christian
observance diminished and given neo-cultural form in the minkisi" (152).
In similar fashion, Oshagan's photographs capture the synthesis of Armenian
and mainstream (and less-than-mainstream) cultures. Oshagan's approach
seems to
recognize the fact that life within the Armenian diasporabe it within Los
Angeles, Paris, Tehran or Beirutcan no longer be identified as multicultural.
It is better described as transcultural, one that is constantly merging,
changing and giving way to new expressions.
Oshagan's equivalent of Mirzoeff's fetishes are items such as the designer
pots and pans in Burbank (2002), set aside the silhouettes of more familiar
objects in Armenian life, now amalgamated into the Armenian experience. What
was once identified as mainstream seems fused in the photograph into Armenian
life, which has in turn fashioned a "new" culture. It is the creation and
re-creation of this new culture that Oshagan captures in his work.
Oshagan's other projects include Juvies, a series on high-risk juvenile
offenders; iwitness, with photographer Levon Parian, featuring portraits of
survivors of the Armenian Genocide; UrbanScapes, photographs of Los Angeles,
Yerevan, and New York; and Traces of Identity: An Insider's View of the Los
Angeles Armenian Community.
Since 1999, Oshagan has traveled to Karabagh a number of times for an
upcoming
book publication. The photographs will be placed alongside Armenian text
written several years ago by Oshagan's father, the writer and critic, Vahe
Oshagan. According to the younger Oshagan, "there's an indirect link
between my
father's text and my photos. They compliment each other rather than
offering an
explanation." It appears that Ara Oshagan's photography will continue to
explore and produce even more opportunities for comparison and growth, both
personal and cultural.
Adriana Tchalian holds a Masters in Art History and has managed several art
galleries in Los Angeles. You can reach her or any of the other
contributors to
Critics' Forum at [email protected]. Critics' Forum is a group
created
to discuss issues relating to Armenian art and culture in the Diaspora. To
sign up for a weekly electronic version of new articles, please send an email
to [email protected].
8) Over 700 Signatures Collected on Letter to Hastert at System Of A Down
Concert
ROSEMONT, Ill.- Thousands of fans attending the System Of A Down (SOAD)
concert
on September 30 were met by ANC and AYF activists from Chicago, 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
Website and the September 27 rally held in front of Rep. Hastert's office.
Fans
commented that "Armenians deserve justice and genocide recognition." Several
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 Website.
Within three hours, over 700 petitions were signed and collected in
support of
the resolution. The activists, however, did not work alone. 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
are 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 end 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 crowd as Armenian flags were waving
high
in the air.
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.
9) Armenia Fund Unveils Telethon 2005 Logo--Build a New Horizon
Launches Thanksgiving Day Telethon
LOS ANGELES--On September 14, Armenia Fund, Inc. launched Telethon
2005--Build
a New Horizon-with a logo unveiling ceremony and reception at the Casa
Adobe de
San Rafael in Glendale, California.
The logo and the theme "Build a New Horizon" was created by local graphic
artist Helena Gregorian. The orange and white logo features the four key
elements of Telethon 2005--agricultural development, construction of water
distribution systems, health care, and education.
Produced by Armenia Fund, Inc. since 1996, the Telethon has become a
Thanksgiving Day tradition for Armenians around the world. Through the annual
Telethons, Armenians around the world are able to participate in the
nation-building of their homeland by supporting large-scale infrastructure
development and humanitarian projects in Armenia and Karabagh.
The Telethon 2005 launch brought together representatives from all large
Armenian organizations and a number of local officials from the cities of
Glendale, La Canada, Pasadena, and Burbank as well as California State
Representatives.
Elaborating on this year's Telethon theme, the Chairperson of Armenia Fund,
Inc., Maria Mehranian said: "This year our fundraising focus will be on
Martakert, the Northern region of Karabagh that has been the hardest hit
and is
in the most need of revitalization. One of the most urgent needs for the
population of Martakert is Healthcare and that is what our focus will be in
the
US Western Region."
Among other projects such as drinking water, agricultural development and
education, this year's Telethon will raise funds for the Martakert Regional
Hospital and Ambulance System that will service 20,000 in more than 50
villages
in all five sub-regions of Martakert. Ara Aghisian, Vice Chairman of Armenia
Fund, Inc., announced upcoming Telethon 2005 events and activities including a
November 18 gala dinner at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel featuring the
President of Mountainous Karabagh Republic Arkady Ghoukasian and Armenian
Foreign Affairs Minister Vartan Oskanian.
Scheduled for Thanksgiving Day, November 24 from 8:00AM to 8:00PM (PST),
Telethon 2005 is a 12-hour, live broadcast airing in over 25 cities throughout
the United States as well as Europe, South America, the CIS and the Middle
East.
For more information on Armenia Fund, Telethon 2005, please contact Armenia
Fund at 818.243.6222 or visit the newly updated website at
www.armeniafund.org.
Armenia Fund, Inc., is a non-profit 501©(3) tax-exempt corporation
established
in 1994 to facilitate large-scale humanitarian and infrastructure development
assistance to Armenia and Nagorno Karabagh. Armenia Fund, Inc. is the U.S.
Western Region affiliate of "Hayastan" All-Armenian Fund.
10) ANC Professional Network Dinner Dance Draws over 600 Young Professionals
GLENDALE--The Armenian National Committee-Professional Network (ANC-PN) hosted
their second Annual Dinner Dance on Saturday, October 1 at the Homenetmen
Glendale "Ararat" Chapter's Baghdasarian-Shahinian Banquet Hall. The sold out
event featured an opportunity to meet and network with other young
professionals. Harout Pamboukjian kept the audience energized into the late
hours of the night with his electric brand of Armenian pop music.
"We are very proud of the ANC-PN for energizing the young Armenian
professionals of southern California with such a successful event," said Armen
Martin, Armenian National Committee of America-Western Region (ANCA-WR) Board
Member. "We view the ANC-PN as the bridge which will get the next
generation of
Armenian American leaders involved in the betterment of our community, and
successful events such as the dinner dance demonstrate that their message is
being heard."
Proceeds from the event will go to support the ANCA's effort to move the
Armenian Genocide resolutions forward in the House of Representatives.
Attendees of the dinner dance were encouraged to sign petitions urging Speaker
Hastert to take the Resolution to the floor of the House of Representatives.
Last month, the House International Relations Committee overwhelmingly
approved
legislation properly recognizing the Genocide. During the course of a
three-hour meeting, 21 Representatives on this 50-member panel spoke in favor
of HRES 316 [House Resolution] and HCON 195 [House Concurrent Resolution],
which were adopted by bipartisan majorities of 40 to 7 and 35 to 11,
respectively.
"We are excited about honoring our commitments with the proceeds from the
event. We had a capacity crowd. Anytime we can bring so many young Armenian
American professionals together, it could be considered nothing but a
success,"
said Boghos Patatian, ANC-PN Executive Committee member.
The mission of the ANC-PN is to develop the next generation of Armenian
American leaders. Our vision is to encourage the emergence of an educated and
politically active community of Armenian American professionals who
participate
at the local, state and federal decision-making levels to advance Armenian
issues. The ANC-PN seeks to accomplish its mission by offering educational and
developmental programs and services, and social activities that promote the
growth of participants as effective professionals and strong leaders.
Individuals interested in learning more about the ANC-PN are encouraged to
visit the organization's website at www.ancpn.com.
11) Hundreds of Volunteers gather for 3rd Annual AYF Little Armenia Cleanup
(Little Armenia, CA September 25, 2005) - Last Sunday, over two hundred
Armenian youth gathered in the "Little Armenia" district of Los Angeles to
volunteer for AYF's 3rd Annual Little Armenia Cleanup. Volunteers from all
over
California, including Fresno and San Francisco, helped remove thousands of
pounds of trash from Little Armenia, bringing the three year total to over
23.5
tons of trash removed by the AYF.
Organized by the Armenian Youth Federation and cosponsored by Los Angeles
City
Council member Eric Garcetti's Office, the cleanup attracted volunteers from
the public at large and community organizations such as the AYF, Homenetmen
Los
Angeles Chapter, and the ARF Badanegan Organization.
Before the clean up began, Nora Ounjian relayed the AYF Central Executive's
message to the youth. "The AYF will remain at the forefront of serving our
community and, in particular, will continue to provide our youth with
opportunities of social service," said Ounjian. Reverend Father Vicken
Vassilian [, representing his Grace Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate
of the Western Prelacy Armenian Church,] blessed both the effort of the AYF
and
the volunteers' service to the community.
Los Angeles' 13th District City Council member Eric Garcetti thanked the
volunteers for their efforts and praised the initiative of both the volunteers
and the AYF. The Council member awarded the AYF with a desktop plaque that
carries the seal of the city of Los Angeles and reads, "Little Armenia."
In the coming weeks, many more "Welcome to Little Armenia" light-post banners
will be added to the 63 that have been erected in previous years. Depicting
the
Tri-color, Sardarabad Monument, and Mount Ararat, the banners have added a
touch of Armenia to the community.
The Armenian Youth Federation would like to thank the volunteers and the
official sponsors of the Little Armenia Clean Up, without whom the event would
not have been the success that it was. Sponsors included Adin of California,
Asbarez Daily Armenian Newspaper, Horizon Armenian Television, Nor Hayastan
Daily Newspaper, USA Armenian Life Magazine, Closet World, Color Depot,
Donoyan
Insurance Agency, Sylvie's Costumes, Carpet Show, Sun Work's Tanning, Eric
Garcetti's Office and staff, and the ARF The Hollywood Karekin Njteh Gomideh,
played a fundamental role in the success of this public service effort.
The Armenian Youth Federation of Western United States strives to serve
Armenian American communities west of the Mississippi through education,
athletics, political activism, cultural activities, and social services. To
learn more about the Armenian Youth Federation please log on to
<http://www.ayfwest.org/>www.AYFwest.org.
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(c) 2005 ASBAREZ ONLINE. All Rights Reserved.
ASBAREZ provides this news service to ARMENIAN NEWS NETWORK members for
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TOP STORIES
10/07/2005
TO ACCESS PREVIOUS ASBAREZ ONLINE EDITIONS PLEASE VISIT OUR
WEBSITE AT <http://www.asbarez.com/>HTTP://WWW.ASBAREZ.COM
1) Catholicos Aram I Arrives in Los Angeles to Begin Historic US Visit
2) KZV Endowment Fund at $1.4 Million 25th Anniversary
3) Turkey Sentences Armenian Writer
4) Video of System Of A Down Armenian Genocide Rally Circulating Online
5) ANCA Challenges State Depratment Effort to Defeat Armenian Genocide
Legislation
6) Nine Armenian Youth from Eastern Region Join ARF Ranks
7) Documentary Photography in the Diaspora: A Conversation with Ara Oshagan
8) Over 700 Signatures Collected on Letter to Hastert at System Of A Down
Concert
9) Armenia Fund Unveils Telethon 2005 Logo--Build a New Horizon
10) ANC Professional Network Dinner Dance Draws over 600 Young Professionals
11) Hundreds of Volunteers gather for 3rd Annual AYF Little Armenia Cleanup
OUR NEXT POSTING: Due to the Columbus Day holiday, our next issue will be
posted on Tuesday, October 11.
1) Catholicos Aram I Arrives in Los Angeles to Begin Historic US Visit
His Holiness Greeted by Large Crowds at St. Garabed Church in Hollywood
LOS ANGELES--"We must live with moral values and have a purpose-driven life,"
declared His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia of the
Armenian Apostolic Church, upon his arrival in Los Angeles on Wednesday,
October 5. Greeted by large crowds who had gathered at St. Garabed Church in
Hollywood for the official welcoming and "Hrashapar" service, his arrival
marked the beginning of a historic visit to the United States, starting in
California, where His Holiness will be meeting with the community and various
public officials throughout the state. Prior to his arrival at St.Garabed
Church, His Holiness met with California State Insurance Commissioner John
Garamendi where the two discussed several issues including recent insurance
settlements for victims of the Armenian Genocide.
The Catholicos' motorcade with full dignitary police escorts arrived at St.
Garabed Church in the early evening where the city had closed off the entire
street to accommodate the overflowing crowds. The Prelates of both the
Western
Prelacy, Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, and the Eastern Prelacy, Archbishop
Oshagan Choloyan, accompanied the Catholicos. The arrival ceremony began with
the Homenetmen scouts marching band playing the US, Armenian, and Cilician
anthems while additional scouts, students from various Armenian schools,
members of the community, and residents of the area lined the streets. Also
covering the arrival were media including the Los Angeles Times and several
local TV stations.
At the beginning of the procession were Armenian clergy from throughout the
Los Angeles area and California as well as some from the eastern US, including
Archbishop Hovnan Derderian of the Western Diocese and a representative of
Cardinal Mahoney of the Catholic Church. At the entrance of the church a
welcoming ceremony was performed with the traditional blessing of bread and
salt, the release of white doves and presentation of a bouquet of flowers to
His Holiness. Also on hand were various community organization representatives
and public officials. To accommodate the overflowing crowds, a large screen
was
mounted outside the church showing the live video feed of the procession into
the church as well as the services inside.
After the initial services, Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian introduced His
Holiness during which he said, "Your presence with us today, Your Holiness,
shows the strong bridge that binds us with the Great House of Cilicia and the
Holy Catholicosate. This is a bond that is based on faithfulness and strong
collaboration." The Archbishop went on to stress that this historic visit of
His Holiness will help recommit the community to the devoted service to our
faithful people and our homeland.
His Holiness Aram I then thanked God for the opportunity to again be with his
flock and stated that "a shepherd is strengthened by his flock and the
flock is
strengthened by its shepherd." He then blessed all the clergy and faithful who
were present as well as all the community organizations and people who had
worked to make this trip possible. "Today I want to emphasize key values and
principles," said His Holiness. "My message is that you must strengthen your
belief, deepen and strengthen your faithfulness and reinforce our unity. We
must live with moral values and have a purpose-driven life."
His Holiness has a very busy itinerary which includes many different
community
events, gatherings and meetings with representatives of church bodies and
community organizations. As part of his broader mission, His Holiness will
also
be meeting with dozens of local, state and federal level public officials and
conducting interviews with the mass media including TV, radio and newspapers
throughout Los Angeles and California. His Holiness will give a major speech
before the World Affairs Council on October 14 entitled "Christianity and the
Middle East" and preside over a symposium at the University of Southern
California on October 15.
As part of his first full day's events on October 6, His Holiness had several
meetings with members of the clergy, Church committees and community
organizations including the Armenian Revolutionary Federation's western region
central committee, the regional executives of the Armenian Relief Society and
the Homenetmen. His Holiness also had a luncheon with the organizing committee
for the Los Angeles visit. His main message was "that whatever we do for God,
for the Church, for the nation and the homeland we must do with belief and
devotion so that we are successful." His Holiness conducted interviews with
the
mass media including the Los Angeles Times and a live appearance on KPCC-FM's
"Talk of the City" show with Kitty Felde. In the evening he presided over the
Homenetmen Glendale "Ararat" chapter's celebration of the Armenian alphabet.
In the coming few days he will meet with Armenian school students, pay
respects at the Armenian Genocide monument in Montebello, and bless the new
Western Prelacy building in La Cresenta on Saturday, October 8. There also
will
be a Pontifical Holy High Mass at St. Mary's Armenian Church in Glendale as
well as a Pontifical banquet in his honor on Sunday, October 9.
Giving the trip special meaning this time is the fact that it will mark the
10th anniversary of His Holiness' election to Catholicos. It also coincides
with the 75th anniversary of the Antelias Seminary, the 1600th anniversary of
the Armenian alphabet, and the 90th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide.
2) KZV Endowment Fund at $1.4 Million 25th Anniversary
SAN FRANCISCO--This November, the Krouzian-Zekarian-Vasbouragan (KZV) Armenian
School in San Francisco, CA will celebrate its 25th anniversary.
To ensure the continued success and financial stability of the only Armenian
American School in Northern California, the Finance Committee of the school
has
established the KZV Endowment Fund, which has already raised $1.4 million.
For 25 years, KZV has pursued its mission "to provide a first rate, high
quality academic education in a safe environment, while also instilling in
[the] students a sense of pride in their Armenian identity." The school has
consistently produced high scoring students and graduates who have continued
their education at some of the country's finest learning institutions.
With the help of the Endowment Fund, the KZV plans on improving and adding to
its current programs. Several new programs include Spanish classes for
grades 5
through 8, Honors classes for Algebra, and a newly wired school-wide network.
Though the entire San Francisco community has supported the efforts of the
school, major donors to the KZV Fund include Henry and Rita Khachaturian ($1
million), Jirair and Serpouhie Sarkissian ($200 thousand), Steve and Louise
Krouzian Noroian($150 thousand), and Siroun Bazigian($150 thousand).
For more information on the school or to make a donation, call (415)586-8686
or e-mail [email protected].
3) Turkey Sentences Armenian Writer
(BBC)--A journalist in Turkey has been found guilty of insulting Turkish
identity and given a suspended six-month jail sentence by a court in
Istanbul.
Hrant Dink, of Armenian-Turkish descent, wrote a newspaper column which he
argued was aimed at improving relations between Turkey and Armenia. He is the
editor of a bilingual Armenian-Turkish newspaper, Agos.
The prosecution interpreted part of the article as an insult. A paragraph in
the article calling on Armenians to symbolically reject "the adulterated part
of their Turkish blood" was taken as offensive.
The judge ruled that Dink's newspaper column implied that Turkish blood was
dirty.
The verdict follows criminal code reforms as Turkey seeks to join the EU. The
reforms were intended to improve freedom of speech in Turkey.
The BBC's Sarah Rainsford said the judge ordered a suspended sentence as it
was Dink's first offense.
But the nationalist lawyers who brought the case were disappointed. "There
was
an obvious humiliation and result of this case should be at least two and a
half years or three years criminal charge," one said.
Dink's lawyer Fethiye Cetin said the ruling showed how little had changed
under Turkey's new criminal code, despite international and internal
pressure.
Human rights lawyers believe his case shows there are still no-go areas for
discussion here and the new laws leave substantial room for interpretation.
Dink says he will appeal the ruling. But if he cannot clear his name, he will
leave the country.
"If I'm guilty of insulting a nation," he told the BBC, "then it's a matter of
honor not to live here."
4) Video of System Of A Down Armenian Genocide Rally Circulating Online
--Two-Minute Film of the September 27th Rally Outside the Batavia, Illinois
Office of Speaker of the House of Representatives Dennis Hastert available at
www.theforgotten.org/soad
--Serj Tankian to be interviewed on Friday, October 7th on Air America Radio
10:00pm-1:00am (EST) on US Recognition of the Armenian Genocide
WASHINGTON, DC--Hundreds of thousands around the world learned about the
Armenian Genocide today--many for the first time--as a two-minute on-line
video
of System Of A Down's recent rally in support of the Armenian Genocide
Resolution began circulating across the internet, reported the Armenian
National Committee of America (ANCA).
The video features footage of the multi-platinum band's visit, along with
hundreds of their fans, to the Batavia, Illinois office of Speaker of the
House
Dennis Hastert (R-IL). At the September 27 rally, which was organized by
System
Of A Down, the ANCA, the Armenian Youth Federation and Axis of Justice, band
members Serj Tankian and John Dolmayan delivered a letter asking the
Speaker to
honor his pledge to hold a vote on legislation recognizing the Armenian
Genocide.
In the wake of the overwhelming approval of this legislation by the House
International Relations Committee on September 15, the decision to allow this
measure to move forward now rests in the Speaker's hands. He can either
schedule a vote on the House floor or, by delaying its consideration,
effectively prevent its passage. If adopted, the legislation would officially
recognize Turkey's systematic and deliberate destruction of 1.5 million
Armenians between 1915 and 1923.
To watch the video, go to: www.theforgotten.org/soad
"The Mike Malloy Show" on Air America will broadcast an interview with Serj
Tankian on Friday, October 7 regarding U.S. recognition of the Armenian
Genocide. The show, featuring guest-hosts Anthony Lappe and Paul Rieckhoff,
will air 10:00 pm to 1:00 am (Eastern U.S.) For a listing of local
stations, go
to:
<http://www.airamericaradio.com/stations>http://www.airamericaradio.com/stat
ions
To ask the Speaker to support the Armenian Genocide Resolution:
<http://www.capwiz.com/anca/mail/onecli ck_compose/?alertid=8041966>www.capw
iz.com/anc a/mail/oneclick_compose/?alertid=8041966
5) ANCA Challenges State Depratment Effort to Defeat Armenian Genocide
Legislation
"Official US recognition and Turkish acknowledgement of the Armenian Genocide
are not, as the Department argues, obstacles to improved Armenia-Turkey
relations, but
rather essential keys to progress toward the normalization of relations
between
these
two states." --Ken Hachikian
WASHINGTON, DC--The Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) today
responded formally to the State Department's efforts, in the days leading
up to
the House International Relations Committee's September 15 approval of two
resolutions recognizing the Armenian Genocide, to defeat these measures and
prevent official US recognition of this crime against humanity.
In an October 5 letter to Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, ANCA Chairman
Ken Hachikian voiced the profound moral outrage of Armenians over the
Administration's ongoing complicity in Turkey's campaign of genocide
denial. In
his two-page letter, Hachikian explained the Armenian American community's
opposition, on moral, geo-political and democratic grounds, to the State
Department's obstruction of Congressional efforts to reaffirm the Armenian
Genocide.
Hachikian said in the letter, "the Department's assertion that even House
floor debate on Armenian Genocide legislation would harm U.S. interests is
both
fundamentally undemocratic and offensive to all those elected to represent us
in our national legislature... American interests are served by the open
functioning of our democratic institutions, not by "gag-orders" - imposed by a
foreign government and enforced by our own State Department - regarding what
can and cannot be discussed by members of the U.S. Congress."
On September 15, after nearly three hours of debate, the House International
Relations Committee, voted overwhelmingly in favor of two measures (HRES 316
and HCON 195) calling for proper U.S. recognition of the Armenian Genocide and
urging Turkey to end its decades long denial of this crime against humanity.
6) Nine Armenian Youth from Eastern Region Join ARF Ranks
On September 24, nine young Armenians joined the Armenian Revolutionary
Federation (ARF) ranks in a ceremony held at the Armenian Center in Woodside,
N.Y.
Five of the new inductees are from New York, two from New Jersey and two from
Washington.
The ceremony was held with the participation of ARF Bureau Member Vicken A.
Hovsepian, ARF Eastern Region United States Central Committee members and ARF
members from the three regions.
In his remarks, Central Committee chairman Hayg Oshagan reminded the
inductees
that they are joining one of the oldest organizational units of the ARF and
that they have inherited the responsibility of preserving and continuing 111
years of relentless struggle, sacrifice, and work.
Before presiding over the oath ceremony, Hovsepian addressed the inductees
and
noted that by joining the ARF they are becoming members of a family that
strives day and night for the interests of Armenia and the entire Armenian
nation.
Hovsepian underlined that the key to the ARF's perseverance lies in the
complete devotion of its members to the ideals of the ARF and by the fact that
they keep on raising the bar of what they expect of themselves and their
organization.
It is worth noting that during the past year, two additional people joined
the
ARF in New Jersey, an additional two in Washington, two in Boston and six in
Providence. This brings the total number of new inductees into the ARF ranks
during the past year to 21.
7) Documentary Photography in the Diaspora: A Conversation with Ara Oshagan
Critics' Forum
By Adriana Tchalian
Armenian photography may be defined as photography by or about Armenians. The
description is similar to Aram Kouyoumdjian's definition of "Armenian
Theater,"
in his article of the same name in Critics' Forum. Armenian photography is
perhaps an even more difficult subject to survey, given the lack of
information
on the topic. Simply put, there is no comprehensive literature on this very
important subject. Even Armenian visual artists, including photographers
themselves, are sometimes unfamiliar with Armenian photography and Armenian
photographers. Why is that so?
Part of the problem has to do with the disconnected and dispersed state of
the
Armenian people where the centralization of information is difficult. And
though the worldwide scope of the internet has the potential to fill this gap,
that potential is yet to be fulfilled in Armenian photography.
Part of the responsibility lies with us, the Armenian viewing public, who,
much like mainstream society, place greater value on painting than other forms
of visual art. Yet there is far more innovative work being done today in the
field of Armenian photographyand especially documentary photography.
Ara Oshagan, himself a documentary photographer, has been following Armenian
photography since the early 1990's and has collected in that span countless
names, books and articles on the subject, an unusual accomplishment. I sat
down
with him recently and had an extensive conversation about the future of
Armenian photography, and particularly documentary photography in the
diaspora.
Oshagan believes that "the most important work in documentary photography
about Armenians is being done by Armenians themselves." These include
photographers like Ara Guler of Istanbul who has created his very own
signature
"street photographs" of his beloved city and has several books to his name;
Max
Sivaslian and Antoine Agoudjian, both from France, have worked in Armenia and
Karabagh and have managed to both publish monographs of their work; Edmond Ter
Hagopian of London has done very important work in the Leninakan earthquake
region, looking at the aftermath of that catastrophe 10 years on; Hrair Hawk
Khacherian of Montreal has single-mindedly dedicated his life to photographing
Armenian subjects. Also working in Armenia and Karabagh for many years are
Robert Kurkijian and Mathew Karanian.
"Steering clear of single, catastrophic eventsin this case, the Armenian
earthquake of 1988one can find notable and important excursions by
non-Armenians into Armenian territory," explains Oshagan. Jerry Berndt, for
instance, a well-known American photographer, has now published two books that
include photographs from his multiple trips to Armenia. These projects were
wholly supported by Dr. Donald Miller of USC; Bruce Strong has published a
book
of photographs on Armenia; and John Tordai of England has worked in Armenia
and
the reclusive Bruce Haley in Karabagh.
According to Oshagan, "there are also Armenians of significant accomplishment
doing work with non-Armenian topics." These include Nubar Alexanian, the
author
of three major books, the first one on Peru by the Aperture Foundation;
Michael
Hintlian with a recent monograph on the Boston subway; Eric Grigorian, the
winner of the 2003 World Press Award Photo of the Year. And there are many
others.
Among female Armenian photographers, there is Alexandra Avakian, who is a
photographer for the National Geographic and recently published a lengthy
essay
on Armenia. Also notable is Armineh Johannes who has not only worked with
Armenians in Armenia and Karabagh but also in Georgia and Iran. Aline
Manoukian
who photographed the Lebanese Civil war for years, Sara Anjargolian with her
photos from Armenia and, Greta Torossian from Beirut, whose work is
included in
an exhibit about the Arab worldNazarwhich is currently being exhibited at the
Aperture Gallery in New York.
Oshagan also spent some time discussing his own photographic projects and the
travels associated with them. Since 1999, he has traveled to various parts of
the world, in an effort to photograph Armenian life. He is scheduled to make
yet another trip next month. According to Oshagan, "the photographs taken in
Karabagh, as well as Los Angeles, Yerevan and New York are part of a long-term
photographic project that involves the exploration and documenting of the
Armenian nation and its way of life, in a global sense." He added, "I'm
interested in exploring the lives of Armenians in the diaspora, wherever it
exists and evolves. These include Beirut, Istanbul, Syria, Haleb, and Kessab,
among others."
Despite its emphasis on diasporan communities, Oshagan's documentary
photography does not fall under the rubric of what we might call
"multiculturalism," a term that emphasizes the distinct characteristics of
different cultures and their preservation within one nation.
The Postmodern phenomenon of "transculturation"as defined by critic Fernando
Ortizis perhaps a better conceptual model for defining and understanding
Armenian documentary photography in general and Oshagan's work in particular.
Simply put, transculturation is the merging of different cultures into a new
cultural phenomenon.
A focus of the theory of transculturation is the concept of the "fetish." In
Visual Culture (1999), Nicholas Mirzoeff explains that the small wooden
figurines common in the Congo (or Kongo, modern-day Zaire), known as the
minkisi, were regarded by nineteenth-century European settlers as "primitive,"
due to the pierced nails and other sharp objects embedded in them.
Mirzoeff suggests that Europeans did not realize at the time that the
nails on
the minkisi were, in fact, derived from medieval Christian iconography brought
to Africa by fifteenth-century European missionaries. In Mirzoeff's words, the
"pierced body image was transculturatedthat is to say, the image was
acculturated in Kongo during the Christian period, deculturated as Christian
observance diminished and given neo-cultural form in the minkisi" (152).
In similar fashion, Oshagan's photographs capture the synthesis of Armenian
and mainstream (and less-than-mainstream) cultures. Oshagan's approach
seems to
recognize the fact that life within the Armenian diasporabe it within Los
Angeles, Paris, Tehran or Beirutcan no longer be identified as multicultural.
It is better described as transcultural, one that is constantly merging,
changing and giving way to new expressions.
Oshagan's equivalent of Mirzoeff's fetishes are items such as the designer
pots and pans in Burbank (2002), set aside the silhouettes of more familiar
objects in Armenian life, now amalgamated into the Armenian experience. What
was once identified as mainstream seems fused in the photograph into Armenian
life, which has in turn fashioned a "new" culture. It is the creation and
re-creation of this new culture that Oshagan captures in his work.
Oshagan's other projects include Juvies, a series on high-risk juvenile
offenders; iwitness, with photographer Levon Parian, featuring portraits of
survivors of the Armenian Genocide; UrbanScapes, photographs of Los Angeles,
Yerevan, and New York; and Traces of Identity: An Insider's View of the Los
Angeles Armenian Community.
Since 1999, Oshagan has traveled to Karabagh a number of times for an
upcoming
book publication. The photographs will be placed alongside Armenian text
written several years ago by Oshagan's father, the writer and critic, Vahe
Oshagan. According to the younger Oshagan, "there's an indirect link
between my
father's text and my photos. They compliment each other rather than
offering an
explanation." It appears that Ara Oshagan's photography will continue to
explore and produce even more opportunities for comparison and growth, both
personal and cultural.
Adriana Tchalian holds a Masters in Art History and has managed several art
galleries in Los Angeles. You can reach her or any of the other
contributors to
Critics' Forum at [email protected]. Critics' Forum is a group
created
to discuss issues relating to Armenian art and culture in the Diaspora. To
sign up for a weekly electronic version of new articles, please send an email
to [email protected].
8) Over 700 Signatures Collected on Letter to Hastert at System Of A Down
Concert
ROSEMONT, Ill.- Thousands of fans attending the System Of A Down (SOAD)
concert
on September 30 were met by ANC and AYF activists from Chicago, 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
Website and the September 27 rally held in front of Rep. Hastert's office.
Fans
commented that "Armenians deserve justice and genocide recognition." Several
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 Website.
Within three hours, over 700 petitions were signed and collected in
support of
the resolution. The activists, however, did not work alone. 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
are 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 end 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 crowd as Armenian flags were waving
high
in the air.
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.
9) Armenia Fund Unveils Telethon 2005 Logo--Build a New Horizon
Launches Thanksgiving Day Telethon
LOS ANGELES--On September 14, Armenia Fund, Inc. launched Telethon
2005--Build
a New Horizon-with a logo unveiling ceremony and reception at the Casa
Adobe de
San Rafael in Glendale, California.
The logo and the theme "Build a New Horizon" was created by local graphic
artist Helena Gregorian. The orange and white logo features the four key
elements of Telethon 2005--agricultural development, construction of water
distribution systems, health care, and education.
Produced by Armenia Fund, Inc. since 1996, the Telethon has become a
Thanksgiving Day tradition for Armenians around the world. Through the annual
Telethons, Armenians around the world are able to participate in the
nation-building of their homeland by supporting large-scale infrastructure
development and humanitarian projects in Armenia and Karabagh.
The Telethon 2005 launch brought together representatives from all large
Armenian organizations and a number of local officials from the cities of
Glendale, La Canada, Pasadena, and Burbank as well as California State
Representatives.
Elaborating on this year's Telethon theme, the Chairperson of Armenia Fund,
Inc., Maria Mehranian said: "This year our fundraising focus will be on
Martakert, the Northern region of Karabagh that has been the hardest hit
and is
in the most need of revitalization. One of the most urgent needs for the
population of Martakert is Healthcare and that is what our focus will be in
the
US Western Region."
Among other projects such as drinking water, agricultural development and
education, this year's Telethon will raise funds for the Martakert Regional
Hospital and Ambulance System that will service 20,000 in more than 50
villages
in all five sub-regions of Martakert. Ara Aghisian, Vice Chairman of Armenia
Fund, Inc., announced upcoming Telethon 2005 events and activities including a
November 18 gala dinner at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel featuring the
President of Mountainous Karabagh Republic Arkady Ghoukasian and Armenian
Foreign Affairs Minister Vartan Oskanian.
Scheduled for Thanksgiving Day, November 24 from 8:00AM to 8:00PM (PST),
Telethon 2005 is a 12-hour, live broadcast airing in over 25 cities throughout
the United States as well as Europe, South America, the CIS and the Middle
East.
For more information on Armenia Fund, Telethon 2005, please contact Armenia
Fund at 818.243.6222 or visit the newly updated website at
www.armeniafund.org.
Armenia Fund, Inc., is a non-profit 501©(3) tax-exempt corporation
established
in 1994 to facilitate large-scale humanitarian and infrastructure development
assistance to Armenia and Nagorno Karabagh. Armenia Fund, Inc. is the U.S.
Western Region affiliate of "Hayastan" All-Armenian Fund.
10) ANC Professional Network Dinner Dance Draws over 600 Young Professionals
GLENDALE--The Armenian National Committee-Professional Network (ANC-PN) hosted
their second Annual Dinner Dance on Saturday, October 1 at the Homenetmen
Glendale "Ararat" Chapter's Baghdasarian-Shahinian Banquet Hall. The sold out
event featured an opportunity to meet and network with other young
professionals. Harout Pamboukjian kept the audience energized into the late
hours of the night with his electric brand of Armenian pop music.
"We are very proud of the ANC-PN for energizing the young Armenian
professionals of southern California with such a successful event," said Armen
Martin, Armenian National Committee of America-Western Region (ANCA-WR) Board
Member. "We view the ANC-PN as the bridge which will get the next
generation of
Armenian American leaders involved in the betterment of our community, and
successful events such as the dinner dance demonstrate that their message is
being heard."
Proceeds from the event will go to support the ANCA's effort to move the
Armenian Genocide resolutions forward in the House of Representatives.
Attendees of the dinner dance were encouraged to sign petitions urging Speaker
Hastert to take the Resolution to the floor of the House of Representatives.
Last month, the House International Relations Committee overwhelmingly
approved
legislation properly recognizing the Genocide. During the course of a
three-hour meeting, 21 Representatives on this 50-member panel spoke in favor
of HRES 316 [House Resolution] and HCON 195 [House Concurrent Resolution],
which were adopted by bipartisan majorities of 40 to 7 and 35 to 11,
respectively.
"We are excited about honoring our commitments with the proceeds from the
event. We had a capacity crowd. Anytime we can bring so many young Armenian
American professionals together, it could be considered nothing but a
success,"
said Boghos Patatian, ANC-PN Executive Committee member.
The mission of the ANC-PN is to develop the next generation of Armenian
American leaders. Our vision is to encourage the emergence of an educated and
politically active community of Armenian American professionals who
participate
at the local, state and federal decision-making levels to advance Armenian
issues. The ANC-PN seeks to accomplish its mission by offering educational and
developmental programs and services, and social activities that promote the
growth of participants as effective professionals and strong leaders.
Individuals interested in learning more about the ANC-PN are encouraged to
visit the organization's website at www.ancpn.com.
11) Hundreds of Volunteers gather for 3rd Annual AYF Little Armenia Cleanup
(Little Armenia, CA September 25, 2005) - Last Sunday, over two hundred
Armenian youth gathered in the "Little Armenia" district of Los Angeles to
volunteer for AYF's 3rd Annual Little Armenia Cleanup. Volunteers from all
over
California, including Fresno and San Francisco, helped remove thousands of
pounds of trash from Little Armenia, bringing the three year total to over
23.5
tons of trash removed by the AYF.
Organized by the Armenian Youth Federation and cosponsored by Los Angeles
City
Council member Eric Garcetti's Office, the cleanup attracted volunteers from
the public at large and community organizations such as the AYF, Homenetmen
Los
Angeles Chapter, and the ARF Badanegan Organization.
Before the clean up began, Nora Ounjian relayed the AYF Central Executive's
message to the youth. "The AYF will remain at the forefront of serving our
community and, in particular, will continue to provide our youth with
opportunities of social service," said Ounjian. Reverend Father Vicken
Vassilian [, representing his Grace Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate
of the Western Prelacy Armenian Church,] blessed both the effort of the AYF
and
the volunteers' service to the community.
Los Angeles' 13th District City Council member Eric Garcetti thanked the
volunteers for their efforts and praised the initiative of both the volunteers
and the AYF. The Council member awarded the AYF with a desktop plaque that
carries the seal of the city of Los Angeles and reads, "Little Armenia."
In the coming weeks, many more "Welcome to Little Armenia" light-post banners
will be added to the 63 that have been erected in previous years. Depicting
the
Tri-color, Sardarabad Monument, and Mount Ararat, the banners have added a
touch of Armenia to the community.
The Armenian Youth Federation would like to thank the volunteers and the
official sponsors of the Little Armenia Clean Up, without whom the event would
not have been the success that it was. Sponsors included Adin of California,
Asbarez Daily Armenian Newspaper, Horizon Armenian Television, Nor Hayastan
Daily Newspaper, USA Armenian Life Magazine, Closet World, Color Depot,
Donoyan
Insurance Agency, Sylvie's Costumes, Carpet Show, Sun Work's Tanning, Eric
Garcetti's Office and staff, and the ARF The Hollywood Karekin Njteh Gomideh,
played a fundamental role in the success of this public service effort.
The Armenian Youth Federation of Western United States strives to serve
Armenian American communities west of the Mississippi through education,
athletics, political activism, cultural activities, and social services. To
learn more about the Armenian Youth Federation please log on to
<http://www.ayfwest.org/>www.AYFwest.org.
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