Announcement

Collapse
No announcement yet.

California Courier Online, October 6, 2005

Collapse
X
 
  • Filter
  • Time
  • Show
Clear All
new posts

  • California Courier Online, October 6, 2005

    California Courier Online, October 6, 2005

    1 - Commentary

    French Insurance Co. Agrees to Pay
    $17 Million to Genocide Heirs

    By Harut Sassounian
    Publisher, The Califorrnia Courier

    2 - NAASR Lecture Will Feature Ottoman
    Armenian Photographs in Getty Museum
    3- 'Visual Poetry of the Homeland' Photo
    Exhibit Opens at Ararat-Eskijian Museum
    4 - Westside Guild Meeting to be
    Hosted Oct. 22 at Zov's Bistro
    5 - L.A. County Supervisors
    Back House Resolutions
    6 - Catholicos Aram I to Visit Fresno, Oct. 10-12
    7 - Settlement Board Communicates
    With Claimants in NY Life Case
    8 - Montebello-Stepanakert Sister-City
    Association Hosts Inaugural Reception
    9 - UAF's 135th Airlift Delivers
    $1.8 Million of Aid to Armenia
    ************************************************** ***********************
    1 - Commentary

    French Insurance Co. Agrees to Pay
    $17 Million to Genocide Heirs

    By Harut Sassounian
    Publisher, The California Courier

    The French Insurance Company Axa agreed to pay $17 million to descendants
    of life insurance policyholders who perished during the Armenian Genocide.
    This announcement was made by Mark Geragos, a prominent Los Angeles
    attorney, during the Oct. 2 banquet of the USC Institute of Armenian
    Studies honoring Federal Judge Dickran Tevrizian.
    Geragos, along with attorneys Vartkes Yeghiayan and Brian Kabateck, had
    filed a class action lawsuit in a California federal court against Axa for
    failing to pay death benefits for the insurance policies purchased by
    Armenians in Turkey prior to the Armenian Genocide. Judge Tevrizian
    mediated the $17 million settlement which will be disbursed as follows: Up
    to $11 million for the heirs of close to 11,000 life insurance
    policyholders; $3 million for various Armenian charities; and $3 million
    for attorneys' fees.A French-Armenian charitable group will process and pay
    the claims. Anyfunds leftover after all claimants are paid would be turned
    over to the French-Armenian charity.
    The Axa settlement follows a similar agreement with New York Life
    InsuranceCompany in early 2004. New York Life agreed to pay $20 million
    which was to be disbursed as follows: Up to $11 million for the heirs of
    2,400 life insurance policyholders who perished during the Armenian
    Genocide; $3 million for nine Armenian-American charitable and religious
    organizations; $2 million for administrative expenses; and $4 million for
    attorney's fees.
    In a lengthy interview with the French Armenian magazine, Nouvelles d'
    Armenie (September 2005 issue), Yeghiayan provided several intriguing
    details regarding the activities and irresponsible conduct of L'Union
    insurance company which was purchased by Axa in 1996.
    L'Union started selling insurance policies in the Ottoman Empire in the
    1870 's and continued to do so until 1931. Simon Kayserlyan was the
    Director of the 51 offices of the firm in Turkey. According to a letter
    sent by L'Union to the French Foreign Ministry in 1922, the company had
    sold 10,899 life insurance policies by the time of the Armenian Genocide.
    In that 1922 letter, L'Union disclosed that it risked losing 42 million
    French Francs or $8 million as a result of the deaths of its Armenian
    policyholders. The letter also said that not meeting its obligations to the
    perished Armenians would tarnish the company's reputation and prestige.
    While New York Life made some attempts in the aftermath of the Genocide to
    locate and pay those entitled to receive death benefits, L'Union
    categorically refused to make any payments. In the early 1920's when
    French-Armenian refugee centers in Paris wrote to L'Union asking to see the
    list of Armenian policyholders, the company reportedly refused, saying that
    such private information could not be divulged to outside parties.
    In 1928, the High Commissioner for Refugees of the League of Nations asked
    several insurance companies to disclose the list of their Armenian clients,
    explaining that the heirs of some insurance policyholders were children
    living in extremely destitute conditions in refugee camps and that funds
    from the insurance benefits would considerably ameliorate their situation.
    L 'Union reportedly responded by saying that it could not comply with the
    request, as it was unable to tell which of its clients were Armenians.
    Furthermore, the company made impossible demands from the families of
    perished individuals in order to avoid paying them. For example, in a June
    18, 1925 letter, L'Union told an Armenian claimant to provide a death
    certificate and a notarized document from the Turkish Consulate in Athens
    proving his relationship to the deceased policyholder. Whereas New York
    Life accepted the documents provided by the Armenian Patriarchate of
    Istanbul, L' Union refused to accept such documents, demanding that the
    survivors of the
    Genocide return to Turkey to obtain the necessary certificates from Turkish
    courts. As a result, not a single Armenian policyholder got a penny from
    this company. After 1945, the company came up with a new argument for
    refusing all requests for payment. It said that due to the 30-year statute
    of limitations, it was no longer obligated to make any payments for
    policies written prior to 1915.
    The Axa settlement has a significant advantage over the one with New York
    Life. Thanks to the efforts of the three Armenian attorneys, Judge
    Tevrizian and Axa executives, there is a clear reference to the Armenian
    Genocide in the text of the Axa settlement, whereas in the New York Life
    agreement, the Armenian Genocide is merely referred to as "the tragic
    events of 1915."
    The October issue of the French magazine, L'Expansion, reported that the
    next insurance company to be sued by the Armenian lawyers for non-payment
    of Genocide era insurance claims would be the German firm, Victoria. There
    is also talk of a lawsuit being filed against the British insurance
    company, Gresham, and various German banks that operated in Turkey and had
    taken deposits from Armenians in that country prior to the Genocide.
    The next legal step would be to sue the Turkish government for its illegal
    confiscation of the personal and real properties of Armenians in Turkey
    after the Genocide.
    ************************************************** ************************
    2 - NAASR Lecture Will Feature Ottoman
    Armenian Photographs in Getty Museum
    BELMONT, MA - Van Aroian will give an illustrated lecture on "Armenian
    Photographs in the Getty Museum," at the Center and Headquarters of the
    National Association for Armenian Studies and Research (NAASR), in Belmont,
    Mass., on Oct. 13, at 8 p.m.
    The program will provide a visual presentation and sampling of the Ottoman
    photo collection at the Los Angeles Getty Research Institute, with a focus
    on its Armenian flavor and contributions. On a fundamental level this
    collection provides investigators with a rare opportunity actually to see
    aspects of Ottoman life and culture - a presentation of a world in
    transition captured for succeeding generations.
    Aroian spent some six weeks in 1999-2001 looking through the Getty's
    Ottoman photograph collection. He first presented the results of his
    investigations into the Getty's collection in an article in NAASR's Journal
    of Armenian Studies .
    Aroian earned a BA at Boston University and MA in Middle Eastern Studies at
    Harvard University. He was a fellow in Urban Geography at Clark University
    and an Urban Planner and Deputy Director of the Worcester Redevelopment
    Authority. He later joined his brother in-law, Kevork, and wife Mary
    Balekdjian Aroian in importing and retailing Oriental carpets. He is
    currently a member of the NAASR Board of Directors.
    For more information on Aroian's lecture or seminar or about NAASR, call
    617-489-1610.
    ************************************************** ************************
    3 - 'Visual Poetry of the Homeland' Photo
    Exhibit Opens at Ararat-Eskijian Museum
    MISSION HILLS, CA - The major photographic exhibition "Visual Poetry of the
    Homeland: Photographs of Vahé Peroomian and Ara Meshkanbarian" is on view
    at the Ararat-Eskijian Museum (AEM) from Sept. 25, thru Oct. 30. The
    exhibition features over 35 color and black-and-white photographs taken in
    Armenia and Karabagh by photographers Vahé Peroomian and Ara Meshkanbarian.
    The photographs on display cover a remarkable range of time periods,
    viewpoints, and subjects. They include architectural monuments such as
    Sanahin and Goshavank Monasteries, landscape images of Lake Sevan and Mount
    Ararat, as well as less-common subjects such as an elderly lady earning her
    daily bread by selling sunflower seeds or a dog resting beside the
    butcher's ax and a "Fresh Meat" sign.
    The public is invited to attend "Dialogues with the Artists: Interview and
    Reception" on Oct. 9, at 4 pm in the museum. Exhibition curator Ramela
    Grigorian Abbamontian will conduct the interview with the artists and then
    will open up the discussion to questions from the audience.
    "I'm eager to hear the conversations started by these works on display.
    They raise many issues such as the meaning of 'homeland,' photographing it
    as a Diasporan, and the ancient and modern faces of the land," says
    Abbamontian.
    Visitors at the Sept. 25 opening were impressed, both with the beauty of
    the country captured in these images, as well as with the skill of the
    photographers in recreating and interpreting it. Ray Holm and his wife
    Roxy Sadoyan-Holm were among the many visitors on Sunday. "The photographs
    are very interesting because they give a different perspective of Armenia.
    Sometimes you don't see the oak trees, but here you do," said Ray Holm.
    Another visitor from San Diego County, Ray Tafejian noted, "I'm seeing
    something I've never seen before. It's a good cross-section too because it
    includes the older, more historical areas, with modern places like the
    Central Square." Indeed, the ancient and the modern meet in these
    photographs. The photographs took other visitors back to their roots.
    Hrair Shekerjian said, "This is a wonderful exhibition, especially the
    photographs of the churches in the mist. They remind me of my Armenian
    church heritage and the images I grew up with."
    Space scientist Vahé Peroomian and aerospace engineer Ara Meshkanbarian,
    Diaspora Armenians living in Glendale, were impressed and proud of the
    country they refer to as the "open-air museum..
    The Ararat-Eskijian Museum was founded in 1993 by architect, collector, and
    Genocide survivor, Luther Eskijian. His vision to collect, preserve, and
    present Armenian culture and history has since been nurtured by devoted
    volunteers and members. "Visual Poetry of the Homeland: The Photographs of
    Vahé Peroomian and Ara Meshkanbarian" will be on view until Oct. 30, 2005,
    at AEM on Saturdays and Sunday, from 1-5pm. "Dialogues with the Artists:
    Interview and Reception" will be held on Oct 9, at 4 pm.
    The Museum is located on the grounds of the Ararat Home at 15105 Mission
    Hills Road, Mission Hills, CA 91345. (818) 838-4862.
    www.ararat-eskijian-museum.com. Free admission and parking.
    ************************************************** *************************

    4 - Westside Guild Meeting to be
    Hosted Oct. 22 at Zov's Bistro
    LOS ANGELES - The next meeting of the Westside Guild of the Ararat Home
    will be held at Zov's Bistro in Orange County on Oct. 22.
    Internationally acclaimed, Zov Karamardian has been lauded as "The First
    Lady of Food" by OC Metro Magazine.
    As a child, Zov spent time in the family kitchen helping her mother and
    grandmother cook Armenian dishes. Karamardian was born in Israel and spent
    several years in the Middle East before coming to U.S. with her family.
    It was during these first years in California that Zov discovered the
    talents of Chef Julia Child. Ms. child became an inspiration for the
    young Zov who went on to open a catering business from her home. Not
    long after, in 1987, she decided to open a restaurant with the blessing
    of Gary, her husband. Soon the mom and pop operation grew to be the
    award-winning Zov's Bistro in Tustin.
    Her Bistro & Bakery Cafe is open six days a week and serves breakfast,
    lunch and dinner to over 1200 patrons a day. Zov teaches classes at her
    restaurant as well as at Sur La Table, a national culinary chain. She was
    thrilled when she was invited to be a volunteer instructor of culinary
    arts to local high school students.
    Zov and Gary continue the family tradition by adding to the roster, their
    son Armen who is general manager and their daughter Taleene, the director
    of catering and special events.
    The Karamardian family has raised money for culinary scholarships and
    non-profit organizations. They are graciously underwriting the cooking
    demonstration and lunch on the 22nd which means the Westside Guild can fund
    the Ararat Home in a greater way.
    An integral part of the afternoon will take place after lunch when Zov
    signs her newly released cookbook, "ZOV: Recipes and Memories from the
    Heart." The book includes some favorite recipes which she cooked when she
    was invited to the prestigious James Beard House in New York. She has a
    special way to roast Rack of Lamb with Pomegranates, to cook Golden Lentil
    Soup, to grill sumac coated Chicken kebab and to combine eggplant and
    avocado with cilantro.
    Working on the committee is Diana Hekemian, Andrea Fehring, Marilyn
    Bradbury, Joan Agajanian Quinn and Barbara Poladian.
    Space is limited so guests are asked to make their early reservations with
    Louise Arklin at 818-368-3463.
    ************************************************** *************************
    5 - L.A. County Supervisors
    Back House Resolutions
    LOS ANGELES - Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich announced that the Los
    Angeles County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved his motion
    supporting House Resolution 316 and House Concurrent Resolution 195,
    recognizing the Armenian tragedy of 1915-1923 as genocide, and enhancing
    genocide awareness.
    HR 316 seeks to ensure that the foreign policy of the United States
    reflects appropriate understanding and sensitivity relating to human rights
    and ethnic cleansing associated with the Armenian Genocide.
    Also approved by a 35-11 vote was HCR 195 by Cong. Schiff that commemorates
    the Armenian Genocide of 1915-1923 and urges the Turkish government to
    acknowledge the culpability of the Ottoman Empire and establish
    rapprochement with the Republic of Armenia and the Armenian people.
    The Board of Supervisors will send letters in support of HR 316 and HCR 195
    to the leadership of the House, the U.S. Senate, and the California
    Congressional delegation.
    ************************************************** *************************
    6 - Catholicos Aram I to Visit Fresno, Oct. 10-12
    FRESNO - Catholicos Aram I will begin his three-day Pontifical visit to
    California's Central Valley on Oct. 10 with a 5 p.m. Hrashapar and Acha
    Hampouyr at the Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church where he will be
    welcomed by Pastor, Rev. Vahan Gosdanian, and the Board of Trustees.
    At 6 p.m., the Pontiff will meet with Holy Trinity Youth Group/Sunday
    School and local Armenian students at the Church's gymnasium.
    Catholicos Aram I will visit the Fresno City Hall at 8:30 a.m., the
    following morning, and meet with various officials. At 9:45 a.m., he will
    travel to the Armenian Community School at 1444 Wishon Ave. Later that
    morning, the Armenian religious leader will visit the Fresno Pacific
    University, 1717 S. Chestnut Ave.
    The Pontifical Banquet will be held the evening of Oct. 11 at the Holy
    Trinity Church Hall.
    On Oct. 12, the Catholicos will visit a farm (North and Clovis), following
    by an 11 a.m. trip to the California Armenian Home. Before his departure,
    the Pontiff will visit the First Armenian Presbyterian Church, 430 S. First
    Avenue.
    The public is invited to attend all events. Admission charge for the
    Pontifical Banquet at Holy Trinity is $50; 25 and under, $25. Advance
    purchase of tickets is required.
    For additional information, contact the Holy Trinity Church at (559)
    486-1141.
    ************************************************** ************************
    7 - Settlement Board Communicates
    With Claimants in NY Life Case
    LOS ANGELES - The Armenian Insurance Settlement Fund Board this week sent
    letters and questionnaires to close to 4,000 claimants in the Marootian v.
    New York Life Insurance class action case. The letters and questionnaires
    will allow those claimants who have already submitted a timely claim the
    opportunity to provide additional evidence substantiating their claims.
    "These questionnaires will give all claimants a chance to document their
    claims fully, so that the Board will have all of the information it needs
    to assess the claims," said Parsegh Kartalian, staff director of the
    Settlement Fund Board.
    The Marootian case was filed in US District Court by the heirs of Armenians
    who had purchased life insurance from New York Life in the Ottoman Empire
    prior to 1915. The heirs contended that when the policyholders were
    murdered by Turks during the Armenian Genocide, NY Life did not pay the
    policy benefits to the victims' heirs. Last year, lawyers for the heirs
    and lawyers for NY Life agreed to a settlement of the class action suit.
    Under that settlement, NY Life agreed to pay up to $11 million to the heirs
    of the policyholders, together with $3 million to specified Armenian
    charities, and $4 million for attorneys' fees and $2 million for
    administrative expenses.
    The settlement agreement also provided for creation of an independent
    Settlement Fund Board, which is responsible for evaluating all of the
    individual claims for payment by the heirs. This independent panel is not
    associated with the lawyers for the heirs or New York Life, and instead
    reports directly to the U.S. District Court. Appointed by the State
    Insurance Commissioner John Garamendi, the Settlement Fund Board consists
    of three members of the Armenian community of Southern California: attorney
    and law professor Berj Boyajian; attorney and Burbank Board of Education
    President Paul Krekorian; and physician and health care activist Viken
    Manjikian. Board members serve without salary and volunteer their time to
    ensure that each claim is evaluated fairly and independently.
    In June 2005, the Settlement Fund Board opened an office in Los Angeles and
    hired claims analysts, led by staff director Kartalian. The Board's staff
    has been engaged in sorting, classifying and organizing the nearly 4,000
    claim files that had been received as of the claims deadline, and
    organizing the initial communication with the claimants. The staff will
    then make initial evaluations of those claims, based on the supplemental
    evidence provided by the claimants, and make recommendations to the Board.
    The Board ultimately will make the final decisions on each of the claims,
    and will distribute the funds after the entire claims review and evaluation
    process is completed and after approval of the US District Court.
    The Board is making periodic written reports to the Court to ensure that
    the public and all interested parties are fully informed of the process.
    All of the financial accounting records relating to the Board and its
    functions are filed with the Court and are available for review by the
    public.
    AISF Letters and Questionnaires are posted on the AISF website
    ArmenianInsuranceSettlementFund.com. All documents and complete
    questionnaires must be sent to the Armenian Insurance Settlement Fund Board
    Office at: 900 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 614, Los Angeles, California
    90017, and post-marked no later than November 7, 2005.
    If the mailing address or contact information has changed, claimants are
    urged to call the AISF Office immediately to update their records. If they
    do not, all future correspondence will be sent to the address written on
    the notice of claim form. AISF will not be responsible for any lost or
    undeliverable mail.
    ************************************************** ************************
    8 - Montebello-Stepanakert Sister-City
    Association Hosts Inaugural Reception
    MONTEBELLO, Calif. - With a flourish, the Montebello-Stepanakert
    Sister-City Association held its inaugural reception, Sept. 25 at
    Montebello City Hall. The Sunday afternoon event provided not only Armenian
    delicacies, wine, dance and music, but also food for thought for the more
    than 120 community members who attended.
    Raising funds for the upcoming projects planned by the non-profit
    Sister-City Association was the objective of the event, organizers said,
    but the goal was not monetary.
    "We wanted the participation of not only Armenian-Americans, but of the
    general population of the city," said Serge L. Samoniantz, the Committee
    Chairman, and the MC for the reception. "We succeeded beyond our
    expectations."
    Joining Montebello City Mayor Bill Molinari were Councilpersons Bob Bagwell
    and Norma Lopez-Reid - both active members of the Sister-City Committee,
    along with Police Chief Garry Couso-Vasquez - and several other officials,
    including district representatives from U.S. Congresswoman Grace
    Napolitano, and State Assemblyman Ron Calderon.
    Also supporting the event with their presence were two Armenian-American
    councilmen of neighboring cities: Kirk Cart-zian of Downey, and Martin
    Semonoff of Brea.
    Before the brief program began, the guests mingled, viewed the extensive
    display of photos and rugs from Stepanakert, and tasted the Armenian
    delicacies offered in the foyer of the Montebello City Hall.
    Samoniantz opened the program by acknowledging the officials present, and
    explained the reasons and purpose of the Montebello-Stepanakert Sister City
    program. He noted that the program had been initiated by the San Gabriel
    Valley Chapter of the Armenian National Committee, with the encouragement
    and assistance from the Montebello Armenian Center, as well as the
    financial support of the local ARF "Dro" Gomideh.
    Detailing the composition of the Sister-City Committee, he observed the
    diversity and the breath of support it had secured from the local community
    in the short time it had been in existence. "That's the object of this
    sister-city project: bring the community together for the common good."
    Over 24 volunteers from all walks of life participate in the monthly
    meetings at the Montebello Armenian Center.
    Samoniantz also noted the long and proud history of Armenians in
    Montebello, and highlighted the fact that in the mid-sixties, Montebello
    was the first, and so far, the only city in the United States, in which a
    monument to the 1915 Armenian victims of the Turkish Genocide was erected
    on public land. "Montebello became an inseparable part of the Armenian map
    then, and the city has justly earned the appreciation of all Armenians for
    what it has done."
    Mayor Molinari read and presented the Committee with a proclamation from
    the city, and in a pleasant and unexpected surprise, made a personal
    contribution of $500 to the Sister-City Committee.
    Following the Mayor's presentation, Montebello businessman Nazareth
    Sadorian, the chairman of the non-profit Association, spoke of the great
    strides Armenians have made in the city, and their numerous contributions
    to local charities and institutions. He also said that the Sister-City
    affiliation will allow greater interaction between the city and Armenians
    in Stepanakert, broadening the bond between the two.
    Also invited to speak was Raffi Hamparian, board member and former chairman
    of the Armenian National Committee, Western Region. In his brief yet
    powerful address, Hamparian underlined the need for the community to keep
    their involvement with each other and the nation at large.
    The sister-city affiliation will allow for cultural, educational, health
    care and business opportunities between the people of Montebello and the
    residents of Stepanakert, who are recovering from their long struggle for
    independence from Azerbaijani rule.
    Music was provided by Greg Hosharian, and selected female performers from
    the San Fernando Valley 'Nairy" Hamazkayin Chapter presented three short
    Armenian dances to the guests.
    At the end of the program, three carpets made by the Stepanakert Rug
    Factory were auctioned off, with the spirited assistance of Councilperson
    Norma Lopez-Reid. The carpets were donated to the Sister-City Committee by
    Hovig Mahseredjian, owner of Hye Keer, of Reseda, Calif. He privatized the
    Rug factory in 1999, the first such privatization in Karabagh, and now
    provides employment for 50 families in the area.
    Capping off the program, Samoniantz invited all the guests to attend the
    Montebello City Council meeting on Oct. 26, starting at 7 p.m., where the
    councilmembers will formally vote for the affiliation with the City of
    Stepanakert.
    ************************************************** **********************
    9 - UAF's 135th Airlift Delivers
    $1.8 Million of Aid to Armenia
    GLENDALE - The United Armenian Fund's 135th airlift arrived in Yerevan on
    September 30, delivering 1.8 million of humanitarian assistance.
    The UAF itself collected ($712,
    000) of medicines and medical supplies for this flight, almost all of it
    donated by the Catholic Medical Mission Board.
    Other organizations which contributed goods for this airlift were:
    Mekhitarist Congregation of Armenian Fathers ($684,000); Nork Marash
    Medical Center ($86,000); Shushi Music School Society ($43,000); Armenian
    American Cultural Association ($43,000); Foundation Semra ($33,000) and
    Fund for Armenian Relief ($32,000).
    Also contributing to this airlift were: Howard Karagheusian Commemorative
    Corp. ($23,000); Armenian Missionary Association of America ($20,000);
    Armenian General Benevolent Union ($13,000); Western Diocese of the
    Armenian Church ($12,000) and AmeriCares ($12,000).
    Since its inception in 1989, the UAF has sent $415 million of humanitarian
    assistance to Armenia on board 135 airlifts and 1,237 sea containers.
    The UAF is the collective effort of the Armenian Assembly of America, the
    Armenian General Benevolent Union, the Armenian Missionary Association of
    America, the Armenian Relief Society, the Diocese of the Armenian Church of
    America, the Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America and the
    Lincy Foundation.
    For more information, contact the UAF office at 1101 North Pacific Avenue,
    Suite 301, Glendale, CA 91202 or call (818) 241-8900.
    ************************************************** *************************
    **
    The California Courier On-Line is a service provided by the California
    Courier. Subscriptions or changes of address should not be transmitted
    through this service. Information in that regard should be telephoned
    to (818) 409-0949; faxed to: (818) 409-9207, or e-mailed to:
    [email protected]. Letters to the editor concerning issues
    addressed in the Courier may be e-mailed, provided it is signed by
    the author. Phone and/or E-mail address is also required to verify
    authorship.
Working...
X