Tweet
Armenian Youth Federation - Western Region
104 N. Belmont,
Suite 206
Glendale, CA 91206
Tel. (818) 507-1933
Email: [email protected]
PRESS RELEASE
April 30, 2008
Contact: Ishkhan Boghossian
ARMENIAN YOUTH FEDERATION - WESTERN REGION
ORGANIZES PROTEST IN FRONT OF TURKISH CONSULATE
Courtesy of Asbarez - www.asbarez.com
Author: Allen Yekikian
WATCH VIDEO CLIP - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3DbRhN0-DPNF0
Los Angeles, CA- The Armenian Tricolor waved with determination on the
steps of the Turkish Consulate in Los Angeles on Thursday as thousands
of Armenian-Americans came out to demand justice and recognition in
protest of 93 years of Turkey's denial of the Armenian Genocide.
"93 years, no more tears," was shouted by an estimated 15,000 people
as they marched united along the perimeter of the consulate, located
on the corner of Wilshire blvd and Crescent Heights on Los Angeles's
historic miracle mile.
"93 years ago, the perpetrators of the Genocide tried to wipe the
Armenian Race off the face of the earth," Jivalagian exclaimed. "All
of us standing here today are living proof, that the goals and desires
of the Turks failed," he added.
The protest featured speeches in both Armenian and English. California
Assembly member Paul Krekorian took the podium to talk about the
relevance of genocide recognition for America, while AYF Educational
Committee Chairman Saro Haroun and AYF Chairman Caspar Jivalagian
followed with inspiring speeches about the youth's steadfast
commitment to continue the struggle for recognition.
Krekorian, who represents the largest Armenian community outside of
Armenia, told the thousands gathered of his own personal connection
with the Genocide, about his ancestor who was brutally murdered in
Kharpert on June 1915.
"But it is important, not just for our community, but for all
Americans, to commemorate the anniversary of one of the greatest
crimes in human history," stated Krekorian. "Only when Turkey
confesses to their crimes will our people have peace, and Turkey's
soul be saved, and only then can the world community have any hope of
preventing atrocities like the Genocide from happening now and in the
future," he added.
This year's protests were held against the backdrop of intensified
activity by the Turkish government to prevent the United States House
of Representatives from finally recognizing the Genocide.
The annual April 24 protest in front of the consulate has become a
uniting force over the past decade for the community's youth, which
having grown up in America, identify the event as one that helps
connect them to their people's history.
Founded in 1933, the Armenian Youth Federation (AYF) has grown to
become the largest and most influential Armenian American youth
organization; with chapters throughout the United States and
affiliated organizations around the world. Inspired by our past and
motivated by the needs of the future, the AYF actively strives to
advance the social, political, educational and cultural awareness of
all Armenian youth.
###
Photo caption: Members of the Armenian American Community protesting
at Turkish Consulate on April 24, 2008.
104 N. Belmont,
Suite 206
Glendale, CA 91206
Tel. (818) 507-1933
Email: [email protected]
PRESS RELEASE
April 30, 2008
Contact: Ishkhan Boghossian
ARMENIAN YOUTH FEDERATION - WESTERN REGION
ORGANIZES PROTEST IN FRONT OF TURKISH CONSULATE
Courtesy of Asbarez - www.asbarez.com
Author: Allen Yekikian
WATCH VIDEO CLIP - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3DbRhN0-DPNF0
Los Angeles, CA- The Armenian Tricolor waved with determination on the
steps of the Turkish Consulate in Los Angeles on Thursday as thousands
of Armenian-Americans came out to demand justice and recognition in
protest of 93 years of Turkey's denial of the Armenian Genocide.
"93 years, no more tears," was shouted by an estimated 15,000 people
as they marched united along the perimeter of the consulate, located
on the corner of Wilshire blvd and Crescent Heights on Los Angeles's
historic miracle mile.
"93 years ago, the perpetrators of the Genocide tried to wipe the
Armenian Race off the face of the earth," Jivalagian exclaimed. "All
of us standing here today are living proof, that the goals and desires
of the Turks failed," he added.
The protest featured speeches in both Armenian and English. California
Assembly member Paul Krekorian took the podium to talk about the
relevance of genocide recognition for America, while AYF Educational
Committee Chairman Saro Haroun and AYF Chairman Caspar Jivalagian
followed with inspiring speeches about the youth's steadfast
commitment to continue the struggle for recognition.
Krekorian, who represents the largest Armenian community outside of
Armenia, told the thousands gathered of his own personal connection
with the Genocide, about his ancestor who was brutally murdered in
Kharpert on June 1915.
"But it is important, not just for our community, but for all
Americans, to commemorate the anniversary of one of the greatest
crimes in human history," stated Krekorian. "Only when Turkey
confesses to their crimes will our people have peace, and Turkey's
soul be saved, and only then can the world community have any hope of
preventing atrocities like the Genocide from happening now and in the
future," he added.
This year's protests were held against the backdrop of intensified
activity by the Turkish government to prevent the United States House
of Representatives from finally recognizing the Genocide.
The annual April 24 protest in front of the consulate has become a
uniting force over the past decade for the community's youth, which
having grown up in America, identify the event as one that helps
connect them to their people's history.
Founded in 1933, the Armenian Youth Federation (AYF) has grown to
become the largest and most influential Armenian American youth
organization; with chapters throughout the United States and
affiliated organizations around the world. Inspired by our past and
motivated by the needs of the future, the AYF actively strives to
advance the social, political, educational and cultural awareness of
all Armenian youth.
###
Photo caption: Members of the Armenian American Community protesting
at Turkish Consulate on April 24, 2008.