AYF Archives

The director of AYF has made a great deal of embezzlement. A criminal case has been instituted based on Karen Avagyan’s application

June 1, 2018 by administrator

The director of AYF embezzlement

YEREVAN, JUNE 1, ARMENPRESS. On May 25, a member of the Board of Trustees of the Armenian Youth Foundation, member of the Board of Trustees of the Armenian National Assembly, Karen Avagyan, received a statement that on April 6, Alexander Ter-Hovakimyan, the Executive Director of the Armenian Youth Foundation, signed on behalf of the Foundation 326,000,000 AMD loan agreement. The Information and Public Relations Department of the Investigative Committee of the RA informed “Armenpress”

Based on the application, the Yerevan Investigation Department of the Investigative Committee of the Republic of Armenia has prepared materials on the results of which a criminal case has been initiated on the case of a large amount of embezzlement, pursuant to Clause 1, Part 3, Article 179 of the RA Criminal Code.

Other necessary investigative and procedural measures are being undertaken to provide a comprehensive investigation of all the circumstances of the case, to identify the scope of the alleged offenders and provide appropriate criminal-law assessments.

Notification. Suspected or accused of a alleged offense is considered innocent until his guilt is not proven in the manner prescribed by the Criminal Procedure Code of the Republic of Armenia by a court verdict entered into force.

ԵՐԵՎԱՆ, 1 ՀՈՒՆԻՍԻ, ԱՐՄԵՆՊՐԵՍ: ՀՀ քննչական կոմիտեում մայիսի 25-ին ստացվել է Հայաստանի երիտասարդական հիմնադրամի հոգաբարձուների խորհրդի անդամ, ԱԺ պատգամավոր Կարեն Ավագյանի դիմումն առ այն, որ ապրիլի 6-ին Հայաստանի Երիտասարդական հիմնադրամի գործադիր տնօրեն Ալեքսանդր Տեր-Հովակիմյանը հիշյալ հիմնադրամի անունից ինքն իր հետ կնքել է 326.000.000 ՀՀ դրամի փոխառության պայմանագիր: Այս մասին «Արմենպրես»-ին տեղեկացրին ՀՀ քննչական կոմիտեի դեպարտամենտի տեղեկատվության և հասարակայնության հետ կապերի բաժնից

Դիմումի հիման վրա՝ ՀՀ քննչական կոմիտեի Երևան քաղաքի քննչական վարչությունում նախապատրաստվել են նյութեր，որոնց արդյունքներով այսօր հարուցվել է քրեական գործ՝ առանձնապես խոշոր չափերով յուրացում կատարելու դեպքի առթիվ՝ ՀՀ քրեական օրենսգրքի 179-րդ հոդվածի 3-րդ մասի 1-ին կետով։

Իրականացվում են անհրաժեշտ քննչական և դատավարական այլ միջոցառումներ՝ դեպքի բոլոր հանգամանքների բազմակողմանի քննությունն ապահովելու, ենթադրյալ հանցագործություն կատարած անձանց շրջանակը պարզելու և համապատասխան քրեաիրավական գնահատական տալու ուղղությամբ:

Ծանուցում. Ենթադրյալ հանցանքի մեջ կասկածվողը կամ մեղադրվողը համարվում է անմեղ, քանի դեռ նրա մեղավորությունն ապացուցված չէ ՀՀ քրեական դատավարության օրենսգրքով սահմանված կարգով` դատարանի` օրինական ուժի մեջ մտած դատավճռով:

Montebello: AYF Armenian Youth Federation Alumni Reunion Event over 650 attendees “Video”

March 12, 2018 by administrator

By Wally Sarkeesian

Montebello: AYF Armenian Youth Federation Alumni Reunion “Video” Featuring a Legendary
Onnik Dinkjian, John Berberian,Hachig Kazarian, Ara Dinkjian and George Bilezekjian

The AYF Montebello “Vahan Cardashian” Chapter AYF Alumni Reunion, took place Saturday, March 10, 2018 at 8:00 PM.

The night at the AYF Alumni! the AYF organizing such a great event with over 650 attendees! very impressive

Proceeds to benefit AYF Youth Corps.

What AYF stand for:

Knar Baghdassarian, chairperson of AYF Montebello,

For more than 85 years, the Armenian Youth Federation has served on the front lines of the fight for the Armenian Cause and a prosperous homeland. Today, building upon this proud legacy, we advocate for justice for the Armenian Genocide, peace and security for the autonomous nation of Artsakh and its people, and stronger relations between the Diaspora and our homeland—all while working within and helping actualize the strength and potential of our local communities.

Through programs like AYF Youth Corps, that operate dozens of summer camps for youth in Armenia, With Our Soldiers, which contributes monetary aid and supplies to the families of fallen heroes and hundreds of Armenian soldiers, the AYF plays a role in shaping the future of our homeland. The AYF has also begun to pioneer new movements in the Armenian Cause through campaigns such as Divest Turkey, which aims to strip Turkish corporations of hundreds of millions of dollars in investments. To turn these ideas into reality, all current AYF members contribute the needed resources by paying dues of $100 dollars annually.

With the AYF Alumni Fund, we are aiming to expand our network of resources to all in our organizational family, giving former members — who more than anyone understands the importance of the AYF — an opportunity to become stakeholders in the process of our activism.

Glendale: ABC7, ANCA, AYF Community Town Hall Set for August 30

August 20, 2016 by administrator

GLENDALE—In partnership with ABC7 television news, the Armenian National Committee of America-Western Region (ANCA-WR) and the Armenian Youth Federation Western US (AYF-WUS) will host a public Town Hall on Tuesday, August 30th, at 6:30pm at the Krikor and Mariam Karamanoukian Glendale Youth Center (211 W. Chestnut St., Glendale, CA 91204). The first of its kind, the effort is aimed at cultivating a positive relationship between the news station and Armenian community members that reside in Southern California.

“We are delighted to partner with ABC7 on what will surely be a productive event aimed at facilitating dialogue between a major local news station and our community, and we are grateful to the station’s leadership for working with us and the AYF by providing a medium for our community members to express the issues that are important to them, including coverage of our community and its activities,” stated ANCA-WR Executive Director Elen Asatryan.

“ABC7 thanks the Armenian National Committee of America-Western Region and the Armenian Youth Federation-Western US for hosting our next ‘ABC7 Listens’ Town Hall meeting. For the last 11 years these meetings have provided people in communities around Southern California a unique and personal opportunity to share their stories. We are pleased to be holding this meeting in Glendale, where ABC7 is located,” said Cheryl Fair, President & General Manager of ABC7.

Station President Cheryl Fair will be joined at the Town Hall by representatives from ABC7’s News, Programming and Public Affairs Departments to meet with community leaders and residents and to hear about local issues and stories that affect the community. Information will also be available on how to access the television station for news stories, how to promote non-profit events, and how to secure job opportunities. The event will begin with a reception and registration at 6:30pm, followed by a listen-in at 7:00pm. Translation will also be provided in Armenian to community members with language barriers. As space is limited, community members are encouraged to RSVP to ABC7 at meeting@abc7.com or 818.593.7238 or ANCA-WR at rsvp@ancawr.org or 818.500.1918.

The public Town Hall is a direct result of a meeting that took place between the ANCA-WR, AYF WUS, the Armenian Bar Association and KABC–TV’s leadership following a news report on the April 24th Rally for Justice protest during which the station included a known Armenian Genocide denier on air and the cameraman was caught on tape making bigoted anti-Armenian comments. At the time, the Armenian-American community expressed its outrage by reaching out to ABC7 by phone, email and social media to register its complaints and grievance. The station took immediate action confirming that the cameraman’s services will no longer be utilized, and issuing a statement of apology following the meeting along with a promise to work closely with the community in the future.

“We are hopeful that with continued communication, we can work with our respective local news and media outlets to ensure that our community’s issues are covered accurately with respect to the hundreds of thousands of Armenian Americans living in the region,” stated AYF-WUS Chairperson Gev Iskajyan.

Founded in 1933, the Armenian Youth Federation is the largest and the most effective Armenian-American youth organization in the United States, working to advance the social, political, education and cultural awareness among Armenian-American youth.

The Armenian National Committee of America-Western Region is the largest and most influential Armenian American grassroots advocacy organization in the Western United States. Working in coordination with a network of offices, chapters, and supporters throughout the Western United States and affiliated organizations around the country, the ANCA-WR advances the concerns of the Armenian-American community on a broad range of issues.

AYF Organizes Memorial Honoring Lives of Lisbon 5

August 6, 2016 by administrator

GLENDALE—On Sunday, July 31, 2016, the Armenian Youth Federation (AYF) Glendale “Roupen” chapter organized an “Evening of Remembrance” commemorating the lives of the Lisbon 5 at the Glendale Youth Center. The event brought together the entire community at large, gathering over 150 individuals, for a memorial event composed of biographical and informational video presentations about Lisbon 5, musical performances, and keynote speaker remarks.

The event began with a moment of silence, honoring the lives of the five martyrs. Following the moment of silence, opening remarks were presented by Glendale “Roupen” Chapter executive member, Patil Derderian, who emphasized the significance of Lisbon 5’s act, how the Lisbon 5 paved the way to worldwide recognition of the Armenian Genocide, and how it continues to unfold into new grounds of recognition in furtherance of our cause.

After a biographical video on Ara, Simon, Setrag, Sarkis and Vache, Krisdapor Arabian and Greg Hosharian performed the Lisbon 5 song in honor of the lives of the Lisbon 5. A factual video footage covering the “act” followed the performance.

Lastly, Dr. Viken Yacoubian, ARF Bureau member and keynote speaker, emphasized the idea of premeditated sacrifice for the benefit of the nation as a whole. He continued to explain how the deliberate, conscious and intentional death and sacrifice of Lisbon 5 immortalized them and their act, as they did not die in vain but rather for a cause.

“It is important to note and affirm that the Lisbon 5 men did not act upon fury, nor was it the last moments of despaired lives. On the contrary, their supreme message to us all, be it a devoted Armenian or otherwise, became the spirit of our national interests toward a colossal dream,” said Yacoubian. “No one is bigger than that dream; no sole person is an owner of that dream. ‘It is only our people,’ they [Lisbon 5] said, ‘who are the rightful owners of that dream,’” he continued.

The event was brought to a close with AYF Juniors’ performance of “Verkerov Lee,” joined by the entire community.

The AYF stands with and honors the lives of Lisbon 5, the five young individuals who gave their lives for our ancestors, for our purpose, our voice and our Cause, a Cause we continue to unite for in furtherance of our demands.

Founded in 1933, the Armenian Youth Federation is the largest and the most influential Armenian- American youth organization in the United States, working to advance the social, political, education and cultural awareness among Armenian-American youth.

AYF’s ‘With Our Soldiers’ Campaign Reports to Community on Progress

July 7, 2016 by administrator

GLENDALE—For the past two months, the AYF’s ‘With Our Soldiers’ campaign has been actively fundraising and distributing financial assistance to the families of fallen soldiers in Armenia and Artsakh. In the spirit of accountability, the campaign has provided periodic updates to the community on its fundraising efforts and the work done on the ground in Armenia.

The task force, appointed by the AYF Central Executive to administer the campaign, has published a report on its progress during the past two months. According to the information provided by the WOS initiative, as of June 30, 2016, the task force has raised over $105,000 and provided assistance to the families of 63 fallen soldiers in Armenia and Artsakh. As a reminder, the campaign allocates a $1,000 payment to each family and an additional $250 for each child of a fallen serviceman.

The breakdown of the numbers of families reached in each region of Armenia and Artsakh is included below:

In Armenia, a total of 39 families of fallen soldiers were assisted, with the following breakdown: Armavir (7 families), Yerevan (7), Gegharkunik (6), Kotayk (6), Ararat (5), Shirak (4), Lori (3), and Aragastotn (1)
In Artsakh, a total of 24 families of fallen soldiers were assisted, with the following breakdown: Hadrut (9), Stepanakert (6), Martuni (3), Martakert (2), Shushi (2), Kashatagh (1), Askeran (1)
A total of $76,500 has been distributed in aid as of June 30, 2016, with $33,000 allocated to families in Artsakh and the remaining $43,500 in Armenia.

As of July 4th, funds were being allocated to another 13 families in the Syunik province of Armenia. A total of $14,500 has been earmarked for the families of soldiers and volunteers from this region, who were killed during the Four Day War.

In addition to the monetary assistance provided to the families of fallen soldiers, the AYF’s ‘With Our Soldiers’ initiative has also coordinated the shipment of $480,000 worth of supplies and medication for the wounded soldiers and servicemen protecting Artsakh. The breakdown of those items is provided below:

Medication – $160,000

Wheelchairs/Mobility-related items – $100,000

Sleeping bags – $80,000 (totaling 2,000 sleeping bags made in the US)

First Aid Materials – $30,000

Other Supplies – $80,000

In addition, a $30,000 donation was secured through the Carolan Foundation, which was directed toward securing 2,000 more sleeping bags manufactured by Desi LLC located in Echmiadzin (Vagharshapat), Armenia.

The ‘With Our Soldiers’ campaign expresses its gratitude to all of our donors and sponsors for their contributions and commitment to our brave servicemen defending Artsakh and the families of our fallen heroes. Special thanks go to Global USA Shipping Company, Universal Service Exchange Inc, the owner of Olympic Pharmacy Hakob Basmajyan and San Francisco-based businessman Erik Marutian for the key role they played in making the delivery of vital supplies to Armenia and Artsakh a reality.

Additionally, the task force is appealing to Armenian-Americans urging them to make monetary contributions and donations of goods to the campaign (see flyer below for details). Donations can be made online, at www.withoursoldiers.com, or by check, payable to the Armenian Youth Federation (mail to 104 N. Belmont St. #313, Glendale, CA 91204). We remain confident that with continuous support from our friends and our community, we will be able to reach out to the remaining families of our fallen soldiers and provide the necessary aid to our wounded servicemen.

The AYF’s ‘With Our Soldiers’ campaign, originally launched in 2012, was restarted in the aftermath of the Four Day War with the aim of providing assistance to the families of the fallen soldiers. To learn more about the campaign or to make a donation today, you can visit www.withoursoldiers.com.

Founded in 1933, the Armenian Youth Federation is the largest and most influential Armenian American youth organization in the world, working to advance the social, political, educational and cultural awareness of Armenian youth.

Protest interrupts Armenian Genocide denier’s speech at UChicago

April 27, 2016 by administrator

211177 A group of activists held a protest on Monday, April 25 during a lecture in Chicago entitled, “Turks and Armenians: Nationalism and Conflict in the Ottoman Empire,” which featured genocide denier Justin McCarthy, The Armenian Weekly reports.

Prior to the start of the lecture, members of the University of Chicago Armenian Students Association (ASA), together with Students for Justice in Palestine, the UChicago Hellenic Students Association, and the Armenian Youth Federation (AYF), handed out flyers to attendees condemning the event.

At the beginning of McCarthy’s talk, protesters placed red tape over their mouths, held up banners, and conducted a silent protest by standing in unison and turning their backs to the lecturer. They then staged a mass walk-out in protest of McCarthy’s denial of the Armenian Genocide.

“The University of Chicago has a long history of protecting the right to free speech. But in the case of the Armenian Genocide, the historical facts are clear and genocide denial should not be tolerated by any degree,” Daron Bedian, a member of the UChicago ASA, told the Armenian Weekly.

According to Bedian, while several groups—including the Armenian National Committee of Illinois (ANC-IL)—sent e-mails to the university urging that the event be canceled, McCarthy’s talk was allowed to take place.

Bedian said that the university surely would not allow a neo-Nazi to spread Holocaust denial on campus, and that “the university must then explain allowing an Armenian Genocide denier to speak.”

CANADA: Armenian AYF Canada Organizes Day of Activism in Ottawa Armenian Genocide

April 24, 2016 by administrator

Ottawa – Members of the Armenian Youth Federation of Canada have gathered in Ottawa today prior to the official commemoration day of the 101st Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide to raise awareness about the cause.
Earlier during the day, more than 100 activists gathered at the busiest intersections of Canada’s capital, distributing over 2,000 informative fliers about the Genocide and the Turkish government’s ongoing policy of denial.

At 6:00 PM, the activists, tied to each other with rope, depicting a typical deportation march, marched down Sussex Dr. while reading historic accounts of the Genocide. The march concluded at the the CF Rideau Centre, where the participants staged a mass die-in to draw the public’s attention, who were provided with further information.

The activism is scheduled to continue throughout the night. The group plans on holding a candlelight vigil at the Turkish Embassy at 8:00 PM, the same location where thousands of Canadians will gather on Sunday, April 24th to protest against the Turkish government.

AYF rallies outside U.S. Azeri embassy to mark Baku massacres

February 27, 2015 by administrator

Armenian Youth Federation (AYF)

Members, alumni, and supporters of the Armenian Youth Federation (AYF) braved sub-freezing temperatures today (Feb 27) outside the Azerbaijani Embassy in Washington, DC to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Baku massacres, condemn Baku’s ongoing anti-Armenian aggression, and call for freedom and security for the independent Republic of Nagorno Karabakh, AYF reports.

“Armenians in the Greater Washington Area – like our sisters and brothers across America and around the world – share a core commitment to championing Artsakh’s freedom and confronting Azerbaijan’s aggression,” said AYF “Ani” Chapter Chairwoman Sevan Simonian. “We were proud today to stand up for our community’s values – even against the hateful tirades of pro-Aliyev counter-protesters.”

A small group of staff and supporters of the Azerbaijani Embassy staged a counter-protest, repeatedly chanting the name “Ramil Safarov,” in an apparent attempt to intimidate those gathered for the AYF vigil. Safarov is the admitted and unapologetic axe-murder who killed Armenian Lieutenant Gurgen Margaryan during a NATO peace-training exercise in Hungary. In 2012, after serving only a fraction of his sentence in Hungary, Safarov was extradited to Azerbaijan, where he was immediate pardoned, promoted and praised Safarov, a moved that was broadly condemned worldwide, including by President Obama.

Following the vigil, Fr. Sarkis Aktavoukian of Soorp Khatch Armenian Apostolic Church led the DC community members in prayer in memory of the victims of the Baku, Sumgait, Kirovabad and Maragha massacres and all those who lost their lives during the Artsakh liberation movement.

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GLENDALE, AYF’s 100 Days of Action to Count Down to Genocide Centennial

January 10, 2015 by administrator

GLENDALE, Calif—The Armenian Youth Federation – Western United States has announced the 100 Days of Action, a campaign to mark the centennial of the Armenian Genocide. The 100 days will begin on Jan. 14, the anniversary of the founding of the AYF, and will conclude on April 24, the day marked as the start of the Armenian Genocide.

The AYF will host daily actions throughout the 100 days, including weekly social media campaigns, boycotts and divestment, political lobbying, tactical demonstrations, cultural displays, and educational forums. The 100 Days of Action will culminate with a march leading to the Turkish Consulate in Los Angeles on April 24.

“The 100 Days of Action are meant to involve the local community in actions that facilitate the advancement of the Armenian Cause,” said Arpa Hatzbanian, chairperson of the AYF Central Executive. “We urge the community to participate in the actions and support our efforts.”

Information about each day’s action will be available on ayfwest.org and across social media outlets (@ayfwest). Those who wish to participate can contact the AYF at 818-507-1933 or ayf@ayfwest.org.

Montebello AYF Hosts Free Monthly Armenian Cultural Classes

June 17, 2014 by administrator

MONTEBELLO, Calif.—The smell of homemade Armenian manti filled Armenian Mesrobian School’s kitchen last Tuesday night, when the Armenian Youth Federation’s (AYF) Montebello “Vahan Cardashian” chapter kicked off its first cooking class of the year, which will soon be joined by the launch of folk dancing classes later this month.

“Cooking Armenian dishes together is a great way to learn something new and bond in a social, cultural and educational way,” said Nick Cabraloff, a cooking class participant and member of AYF Montebello.

He and others learned how to make manti, a meat and dumpling dish found in many eastern cultures, with a distinctly Armenian variant since the 13th century that is smaller in size and cooked as opposed to steamed.

“I was delighted to see such interest about Armenian cooking and the eagerness of the participants in attempting to learn the intricate process of making Manti,” said Mariam Samoniantz, a Montebello Armenian community member and former Mesrobian educator who volunteered to teach the first class and provided her personal manti recipe.

The recipe along with all the cooking instructions were made available to attendees and will also be shared on social media.

The Armenian cooking classes will return Tuesday, July 1 at 7:30pm at Mesrobian, joined by Armenian folk dancing classes starting Saturday, June 21 at12pm, at the Montebello Armenian Center (moredetails below).

The dance classes will be led by Armenian youth who are currently studying traditional Armenian folk dances and shourj par. The selection of dances that will be introduced have been restored in their ethnographic form due to the folklorist work done by Karin Traditional Song and Dance Ensemble (and many others who have worked to preserve Armenian ethnographic dances). Background on the traditional folk movements and meanings will also be discussed and explored.

Both classes are proudly offered by AYF Montebello free of charge to all participants as a service to the Armenian community.
The AYF Montebello chapter aims to provide a fun and accessible way to keep Armenian culture thriving in the Montebello Armenian community, and strongly believes culture is a means of resistance against the constant threat of assimilation and erasure of the Diasporan Armenian identity.

Classes are open to individuals of all ages in the Armenian community, as well as individuals of different backgrounds who want to learn, appreciate and continue the long history of Armenian culture.

Armenian cooking classes
When: Every first Tuesday of the month
Next class: Tuesday, July 1 at 7:30pm (Cooking dish to be announced)
Where: Armenian Mesrobian School Cafeteria (8420 Beverly Rd, Pico Rivera, CA)

Armenian folk dance classes
When: Every third Saturday of the month
Next class: Kickoff will be Saturday, June 21 at 12pm
Where: Armenian Center (420 W. Washington Blvd., Montebello, CA)

Individuals interested in signing up or inquiring further can email vahan.cardashian@ayfwest.org.

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