The Key Component to Genocide Prevention

The Armenian Genocide

101 Years
1915-2016

On April 24, 1915 the Turkish Government and the Ottoman empire committed a terrible criminal act against humanity, tried to wipe out a whole race and culture. They killed 1.5 Million Armenians, stole our precious landmarks, churches, lands, Mount Ararat, pulled the rug right under us. The blood, flesh, bones, decapitation, tears, fears, displacing people from their homes, families, with Armenians changing their Armenian names to something Turkish so that they will not be targeted and where they will feel protected from harms way. The Turkish Government still denies and lies about ever committing Genocide against the Armenians and also still fails to recognize.

We will prevail, Justice is timeless.

This is why it is imperative to spread Genocide awareness as much as we can so that history will never repeat itself again.

In 2015, we commemorated the centennial. 100 years have gone by and this year in 2016 is the 101st. After 100 years, we will still continue to spread Genocide prevention.

Recognize, Acknowledge, Awareness, Educate, Prevent.

Those are the key components to Genocide prevention.

Not just for the Armenians, but all those in the world who have had to unfortunately, deal with Genocide in other cultures, races.

We received a lot of Global recognition last year which was incredible with all the coverage, letting people know about us, being put on the map, and addressing this very important subject.

Let us utilize the same energy we had during the Armenian Genocide 100th Centennial in 2015 and bring that same drive into 2016, to be big in numbers once again during peace demonstrations, marches, vigils, and so much more.

Why Deny Genocide?

As we are born into this world, we all come from different backgrounds, cultures, heritage, and religions. A lot of people in this world have been affected/effected by some sort of Genocide, War, and have lost our ancestors, loved ones, prominent important figures, have lost homes, villages, towns, and lands due to violent hate crimes which revolve around the jealousy of ones religion. With that being said, I always ask this question? Why deny Genocide? why hide the truth from the world and not recognize and admit wrong-doing? Race and culture discrimination should never be an issue and we should all respect each other. I do not see anything wrong with that.

As an Armenian myself, we have suffered 100 years of denial from the Turkish Ottoman Empire who tried to wipe out our Armenian’s and Armenia with 1.5 Million murdered in the hands of the Turks, but never succeed from April 24, 1915 until 1923. We just recently commemorated the centennial and it still hurts us in many ways that we cannot describe. What hurts the most is that we are being lied to day in and day out by the Turkish groups and the government. So, why deny? I think these nations who have not yet recognized the Armenian Genocide and other Genocides that have happened and are still happening now should be the bigger person’s and to make this world a better place, to make peace in the world and move forward.

I thank the countries and states of USA who have acknowledged and recognized the Armenian Genocide. I really appreciate that so much. To some better late then never. Prevention is always key and that is a huge step forward to a better tomorrow.

The further nations that have not recognized Genocide, the further problems arise and to prevent from such terrible criminal acts to humanity to happen again. Why not take the extra measures and actually make this world a better place for us all, to love each other, to live and let others live their lives happily, healthy and create memories with their loved ones. It is not fair for people to lose loved ones to crime and hate with senseless deaths that could be prevented. These leaders of the world should just recognize especially President Obama of United States as he promised us. He should not have said anything to us Armenians that he will be recognizing the Armenian genocide or else we would not have been so hurt and betrayed, but he did and that is just something that we cannot bare. He has been president for almost the whole 2 terms, and we really thought he would change his ways on the 100th commemoration, but he failed to do so. Why doesn’t he live up to his promise? I think he should be the bigger person and do it for the sake of humanity and for the sake of prevention of future genocides to occur. He would have left the end of his presidency on good terms, but unfortunately that is not the case.

Peoples lives have been cut short due to crimes and violent behavior. Those women, men, children, their families ripped apart, promising futures that were ahead of those came to an unfortunate halt. It is not only disgusting, but horrible as well. It is something so unimaginable. The blood, tears, starvation, violence, stabbing, shooting, severing heads, dismembering bodies, skeletons that flooded our soil, the human remains in our streets of our villages, the smell of death, and decomposing bodies, malnutrition, being left homeless, the cries of the innocent. Why? It does not make sense to me to this day why these things have to happen?

There is always a choice and unfortunately some people and leaders make the wrong choices that impact the rest of us. Stop the killing, stop genocides and make the future brighter and better for us all. Violence, Genocide and wars are definitely not the answer. Lets all stand against these terrible atrocities, to spread love, cheer, positivity around the world and to stop denying the Armenian and other Genocides. Lets all hold each others hands and stand together and create a new humanity of happiness, good health and prosperity.

Our Responsibility of Genocide Recognition Across the World

In the past couple of months I have been asking certain individuals if they are going to be attending the Ottawa, Canada Armenian Genocide Centennial Commemoration on April 24, 2015 from everywhere? As well as people across the world to participate in their local Genocide Centennial Events.

The response was, I went many times, some said I am not going to go, because nothing is changing and what is the point?

My response to them was, 1.5 Million Armenians were massacred, displaced from their homes, families destroyed, valuables and memories all gone, our lands were stolen, our landmarks and Mount Ararat was taken from us from Turks, and they are saying what is the point? Some are saying they are not going to go? You are not willing to sacrifice some of your time in memory of your ancestors?

Well, this is the kind of attitude and negativity that is not welcome. I get very angry when some people say those things. This is especially for those who cannot just sit and do nothing about it. Be true to your heritage, be Proud of who you are, We need to be about it, This is our Armenia, This is our Armenians, This is our Heritage, Culture and our being and existence in the world. We need to stand up against Genocide denial, we need to form unity and we have that important responsibility to prioritize, take a stand and join together to combat denial, to raise awareness. We need to take care of each other, and help each other out. This is including all races, cultures..

In the past month or so, we have gotten so much media coverage, the world knows about us now, and non-Armenians are always discussing us now. It does not matter if you are Armenian or not. This issue of Genocide is universal. All that matters is that all genocides combined that have happened needs awareness, needs recognition and we need to work hard and make sure that Genocide is never repeated. We are responsible for taking care of our Human Identity, Existence and everything else. There is no excuse and no reason in the world, that we cannot take time out of our lives and protect our every being. This is not just us, but everyone.

We have advanced so much in the world right now and this is such an awesome thing to see Armenia, Armenians and the Genocide getting so much media attention. Millions and Millions of people know about us now and that is something so incredible. Thank you to Mrs. Amal and MR. George Clooney, the Kardashians, Kanye West, Pope Francis, Countries that have recognized the Armenian Genocide, those who are on the verge of doing so, and US States that have also. Thank you to everyone who supports us and who took a stand against Genocide. That is what its all about. Love and take care of each other. Nothing is more beautiful than love, support, friendships, and unity. God bless us all and prevent from genocides from ever happening again.

Thank you Kardashian West Family and Pope Francis

What an incredible week it has been for us Armenians around the world. The Kardashian/West family made a memorable trip to Armenia which we will never forget, They also visited the Armenian Genocide Memorial to lay flowers and pay their respects to the 1.5 Million Armenians that were killed by the Turkish Ottoman Empire and our lands stolen from us, Kim then found out an elderly woman wanted to meet her, so she went and met up with her and gave her a hug. That was very nice of you Kim, Then we see that Kanye West performed in a concert for free, and then jumps into Swan Lake in Yerevan, then Pope Francis Recognizes and uses the word and term “Genocide” in his mass, then followed by Armenian Church songs and prayers.

This is huge recognition that we all needed and it was a long time coming, but we got it. With Millions and Millions of people around the world know our country of Armenia now, know who we are, know about The Armenian Genocide which occurred on April 24, 1915 and with almost 10 days to go until the Genocide’s 100th Centennial, this really made a big difference.

Thank you to Pope Francis, The Kardashians/West families, and all those across the world that helped us raise awareness and also acknowledging us and our beautiful Country of Armenia which made Kanye West smile and made him feel like home. That is something that is so incredible. What a great feeling. I am blown away by it all and how we were trending on Social Media and so many NON-ARMENIANS which have been tweeting, hashtagging, instagraming, and more. That is whats important for people to know about us. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!

Forget Me Not Flower – In Memory of The Centennial Armenian Genocide

This month of April 24, 2015 will mark the Centennial of The Armenian Genocide of which occurred 100 years ago in the year 1915. The Republic of Armenia has issued a symbol and emblem presenting the memory of 1.5 Million Armenians who were massacred and killed by Ottoman empire of Turkey. This forget-me-not-flower expresses eternal remembrance, also that evokes the past, the present and the future experiences of our Armenian people. This year the theme is forget-me-not, and this flower is the official emblem worldwide to observe this as the 100th commemoration of the Armenian Genocide. The following describes the meaning behind the flower and what it symbolizes:
THE FUTURE:
The five petals represent the five continents
where survivors of the Armenian Genocide found a new home.
The dark purple color is meant to recall the priestly vestments of
the Armenian Church—which has been, is, and will remain at the
heart of the Armenian Christian identity.

THE PRESENT:
The light purple petals represents the unity
of Armenian communities across the world—all of whom stand
together in this 100th year of remembrance.

ETERNITY:
The twelve trapezoids represent the twelve pillars
of the Dzidzernagapert Armenian Genocide memorial in Yerevan,
Armenia. The yellow color represents light, creativity, and hope.

THE PAST:
The black center represents the sufferings of 1915,
and the dark aftermath of the Armenian Genocide.

***for the Month of April, I will be putting Armenian Genocide banners on my Facebook and will be explaining more about the Armenian Genocide, how Turkish Ottoman Empire Failed to wipe us all out from the earth, as well as introducing to you talented and incredible artists, and more in our Armenian Community which have inspired us and lifted us all up.***

For more of a visual understanding and to see the emblem of Forget-Me-Not-Flower visit http://www.YouTube.com/EasterndDocese

Some more Armenian Genocide Centennial Websites and Links of Interest.

http://armeniangenocide100.org/en/materials/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/100th_anniversary_of_the_Armenian_Genocide

http://genocidecentennial.ca/canada-and-the-armenian-genocide/

http://repatarmenia.org/eng/forget-me-not-to-symbolize-centenary-of-armenian-genocide/

http://www.armeniansgenocide.am/en/news/15

http://www.accc.org.uk/video-explaining-the-forget-me-not-flower-symbol-of-the-armenian-genocide/

Thank you.

100th Centennial of The Armenian Genocide – Genocide Prevention

Will you be Canada’s Capital in Ottawa, Ontario on April 24, 2015?
100 years
Parliament Hill to March to the Turkish Embassy.

The Armenian Genocide Centennial
April 24 1915 – April 24, 2015

It is important that we raise as much awareness as possible, not only in attending Ottawa for the Armenian Genocide commemoration, but everywhere in the world in many communities. The Armenian Genocide began on April 24, 1915 where the Turkish Ottoman empire tried to wipe out all Armenians, they massacred and killed 1.5 million Armenians as well as stealing our lands, displacing people from their homes, stealing our Mount Ararat where Noah’s Arc took its final resting place. We must continue to spread awareness.

Social Media is a powerful tool which can transmit information instantly. raise awareness here on Facebook, re-tweets, re-blogs, go to twitter, tumblr, WordPress, create more Armenian websites, other social media outlets, go to newspapers, newscasters, broadcasters, educate NON-Armenians about the Armenian Genocide and to spread the word to finally make genocide history, not only in Armenians, but Genocide as a whole to prevent it in our world.

I am not just stating about The Armenian Genocide, but the genocides that have happened around the world and those it has affected. We’ve asked Google to doodle in Memory of the Armenian Genocide on April 24, 2015. Hopefully they will honor our wish. It is not the sole purpose of advertising, but to prove a point, to spread to the word and users of Google to stand up against these criminal acts and take it to those high up in authority across the world to put their foot down and do something good for the world and to leave a great legacy instead of being cruel to people.

It does not matter the culture, race, religion we are all in, if people have to fight for religion, then its not a religion, it is cowardly and disgusting. One thing I detest is racism, discrimination. In the end we are all the same. colour, religion, and different beliefs should not be an issue in our world, but unfortunately it is still going, ignorance is still on the rise and without spreading the word out, the world will keep going backwards. Let us eliminate Genocide, Crimes, Wars and senseless killings in our world and focus mainly on to better life by being more helpful, positive, happy, spreading love, joy, smiles and beauty around the world.

We can make this world a more beautiful and peaceful place. It is all in our hands. We make it or break it. So lets get going and Lets make it!

Creator of the Armenian Alphabet – St. Mesrob Mashtots

In 362 A.D in Taron, St. Mesrob Mashtots was born and passed away in February of 440 A.D. St. Mesrob Mashtots was a theologian in Armenians, Hymnologist, as well as a linguist. In Our Armenian culture, he is best known as for inventing and creating the 38 Letter Armenian Alphabet in 405 A.D. It was an incredible step to increasing, strengthening and establishing a bond between the Armenian Statehood, Armenians Living in the empire of Byzantine and the Armenian kingdom. It also created a sense of identity and difference in the world that prospered into a beautiful language with creating words, where we are now able to read, write, speak and express ourselves in our Armenian communities, churches, in our homes, and in our day-to-day lives.

In Armenia, we have a Library called the “Madenataran“, where his Statue and the Armenian Alphabet beside him sits, and where the most important books, scriptures and important parts of our Armenian Heritage sits in the museum within the Madenataran. In 2005 Armenian Alphabet turned 1600 years old, where then as a celebration a field with all the Letters in the Alphabet was created by the Mt Aragats.

St. Mesrob Mashtots also created the Albanian, and Georgian Alphabets.

St. Mesrob came from a village in “Hatzetgatz Kyough” (HATS-EH-GATS KYOO-GH), and passed away in Vagharshapat (Vagh-are-shahpat), then he was laid to rest in the town of Oshakan. To this very day many tourists and visitors to Armenia, visit his tomb in the church to pay homage and respects to the creator. St. Mesrob Mashtots spent most of his life devoted to Christianity, and to spread the word of God. He is known to be a big icon in the world and prominent individual, which inspired many people in the Global world history and still does to this day from hearing about his biography, what he accomplished which changed our Armenian identity and put a positive and beautiful impact in our world.

Without St. Mesrob, we would not have our alphabet, our ability to read, write and communicate with the words and our beautiful language that exists in our world. This is an example of how Turkey failed to wipe Armenians off the face of this earth during the April 24, 1915, Armenian Genocide, because to this day we continue to speak, read and write our beautiful Armenian Language. Thank you to St. Mesrob Mashtots for giving us our identity. We Armenians are forever grateful and we are so blessed to have you in our life and your legacy will live on within our hearts forever.

Links of Interest:

click this link to see the Armenian Alphabet: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Armenian_alphabet

click this link to see the Madenataran Library in Armenia – http://www.armeniapedia.org/index.php?title=Matenadaran

100 Years, 100 Reasons – Armenians Are Still Here – 1915-2015

This year in 2015 on April 24th, It will be Armenian Genocide’s 100 Year Commemoration.
The Turkish Ottoman Empire failed to wipe Armenians off the Earth and here are 100 reasons why Turkey Failed. #TurkeyFailed

1. We can Still read Armenian
2. We can still speak Armenian
3. We have 38 letters in the Armenian Alphabet
4. We are the first Adopter of Christianity in 301 A.D.
5. Our Flag is Red, Blue and Orange
6. Armenians have been Around for thousands of years and will be here forever
7. We can still write in Armenian
8. We are few in the world, but will always remain Armenian
9. We have the first church built named “Sourp Etchmiadzin”
10. We have a beautiful Country
11. The Apricot, Grapes, Pomegranates are fruits of our Nation

12. William Saroyan’s Quote “I should like to see any power of the world destroy this race, this small tribe of unimportant people, whose wars have all been fought and lost, whose structures have crumbled, literature is unread, music is unheard, and prayers are no more answered. Go ahead, destroy Armenia. See if you can do it. Send them into the desert without bread or water. Burn their homes and churches. Then see if they will not laugh, sing and pray again. For when two of them meet anywhere in the world, see if they will not create a New Armenia.”

13. Our Armenia Capital is Yerevan
14. We can sing Armenian Songs
15. We can pray in Armenian
16. We have many churches across the world
17. We have many Armenian Community Centres across the world
18. 13 Million Armenians are living around the world
19. Armenia became independent in 1991 from the Soviet Union
20. St Gregory the Illuminator was our first Catholicos
21. We have Armenian Inventors, Innovators
22. We have So many Armenian Singers and Performers
23. Armenians are great at Chess
24. Mesrob Mashtotz, Creator of the Armenian Alphabet
25. Vartan Mamigonian – year 451 Vartanantz
26. Sassountzi Tavit – David of Sassoun
27. We have beautiful Armenian Scripture
28. Armenians have the rarest and most beautiful books in Madenataran – Library in Armenia
29. We have Khor Virap Church
30. Mount Ararat will always be ours even though The Turkish Ottoman Empire took it away from us
31. Hagop Oshakan, novelist, literary critic
32. Atom Egoyan who is a film director, producer
33. Isabel Bayrakdarian/Serouj Kradjian — Armenian Pianist, Singer
34. Cher Sarkissian — Singer “Cher”
35. Daniel Varoujan, lyric poet
36. Vahan Tekeyan, poet, political leader
37. Arshile Gorky, abstract painter
38. Hovhannes Shiraz, nationalistic poet
39. Paruyr Sevak, Eastern Armenian poet
40. Tigran the Great — Dikran
41. Charles Aznavour – Armenian singer
42. Kirk Kirkorian – Businessman and MGM Owner
43. Kev Orkian — actor, musician & comedian
44. Eric Bogosian, playwright and performance artist
45. Ken Davitian, actor
46. Robert Zildjian, founder of Sabian Cymbals
47. We have delicious Foods
48. Armenians have the best coffee
49. Andre Agassi — Tennis Player
50. Geghard Church
51. Garni Temple
52. Republic Square of Yerevan
53. Lake Sevan
54. Zvartnots Airport and Cathedral
55. St. Hripsime Church
56. Tatev Monastery
57. The Yerevan Opera House
58. Erebuni Museum
59. Sardarabad
60. Gyumri
61. Kohar Music School – Kohar Music
62. Shushi
63. Nagorna Gharabagh – Artsakh
64. The Armenian Dram — Armenia Money Currency
65. Dilijan
66. Talin City
67. Oshagan
68. Armenian Alphabet Field
69. Mamig Dadig Statue
70. Noravank Church
71. Beautiful Hills and Mountains
72. Our DOOF Kar — Our Armenia Rock
73. Rich and beautiful Agriculture
74. Hayasdan is Armenia
75. We have beautiful and rich history, that will always remain part of us
76. Armenians are Forever
77. We have Armenians in Sports
78. Jermuk Falls
79. Ararat Cognac
80. Yeraplur
81. Akhtamar
82. Armenian Cross Rocks — Khatchkars
83. The Gate to Armenia is Always Open – Welcome!
84. Mayr Hayasdan Statue — Mother of Armenia statue with a Sword
85. Beautiful Roads leading to beautiful cities and towns of Armenia
86. beautiful trees and nature
87. the skies, the ground, Armenia is natural
88. Armenian Communities of the world Come together to commemorate the Armenian Genocide
89. We Armenians get together in our communities
90. Armenians enjoy parties and get togethers
91. Ararat the Movie
92. My Uncle Rafael Movie
93. Musa Dagh
94. We feel great when we hear someone speaking Armenian in a store and just hear our beautiful language spoken
95. Armenian Folk dances are beautiful
96. Armenian Patriotic and National Songs are touching
97. Wedding attendances are large
98. Our Armenian Identity is special
99. Our hearts, minds, souls, body, physically, mentally and emotionally will always be Armenian
100. After all that we have been through from the Armenian Genocide and beyond, we are still here and will be forever.

 

There are so many other reasons.

God bless Armenia and Armenians!

Because, Turkey Failed – The Armenian Genocide 100 Year Centennial

Hashtag and Keep this going #TurkeyFailed

– We can still say our Armenian Alphabet, Because TurkeyFailed
– We can still hold our Armenia Flag high up in the air, Because TurkeyFailed
– We can still talk in our Armenian Language, Because TurkeyFailed
– We have beautiful and rich history, that will always remain part of us, Because TurkeyFailed
– Red Blue Orange, Because TurkeyFailed
– We are still here, Because TurkeyFailed
– We have our Armenian Landmarks, Churches, Community Centres, Because TurkeyFailed
– We have the greatest innovators, celebrities, musical artists, artists, and many other talents, Because TurkeyFailed
– We will always have Mount Ararat and it will be returned to us once again, Because TurkeyFailed
– Turkish Ottoman Empire wiped out more than 1.5 Million Armenians, But were still here, Because TurkeyFailed
– More than 13 Million Armenians around the world, Because TurkeyFailed
– Armenians are Forever, Because TurkeyFailed
– 100 years later, we are still here, Because TurkeyFailed

April 24, 1915, Because, TurkeyFailed

 

The Armenian Genocide Centennial

100 Years

Letter of Appreciation to Mrs. Amal Clooney – Human Rights Lawyer

Dear Mrs Amal Clooney,

It is with heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to bring up one of the biggest Crimes of the 20th century and more specifically about The Armenian Genocide which took place on April 24, 1915. The Turkish Ottoman Empire committed this crime against Armenians and tried to wipe Armenians off the face of the earth with Ethnic cleansing which they did not succeed. 1.5 Million Armenians were massacred, our lands were stolen, Mount Ararat was stolen from us and Thanks to you for addressing this matter to make this globally well known. I opened up the Toronto Star this morning and I happened to see the Article about You and about the Armenian Genocide, Freedom of Speech and human rights.

We Armenians in our communities across the world cannot thank you enough for your efforts. We love you and we are so proud of you for standing up to end this denial of The Armenian Genocide, to recognize, to support us and having our backs. It takes a lot of guts and I applaud you for it, and as I am sure a lot of us do. Thank you again Amal. It means so much to us. God bless you always. Mr. George Clooney definitely knows how to pick em. Love you both so much! I hope to meet you someday and offer my thanks to you in person. Thanks again!

Sincerely,

Talin Orfali

Articles in relative to Mrs. Amal Clooney’s Representing Eloquently about The Armenians, Human Rights, Freedom of Speech and the Armenian Genocide:

Horizon Weekly
http://www.horizonweekly.ca/news/details/60540

Time Magazine – Online Edition
http://time.com/3687958/amal-clooney-turkey-armenian-genocide/

Daily Mail UK
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2929573/Amal-Clooney-takes-genocide-denying-politician-Human-rights-lawyer-leads-fight-Turkish-MP-prosecuted-calling-death-1-5-million-Armenians-international-lie.html

Thank you to Mrs. Amal Clooney for taking the stand to stand up for Armenians and Representing The Armenian Genocide.

100th Centennial of The Armenian Genocide – Genocide Prevention

Will you be Canada’s Capital in Ottawa, Ontario on April 24, 2015?
100 years
Parliament Hill to March to the Turkish Embassy.

The Armenian Genocide Centennial
April 24 1915 – April 24, 2015

It is important that we raise as much awareness as possible, not only in attending Ottawa for the Armenian Genocide commemoration, but everywhere in the world in many communities. The Armenian Genocide began on April 24, 1915 where the Turkish Ottoman empire tried to wipe out all Armenians, they massacred and killed 1.5 million Armenians as well as stealing our lands, displacing people from their homes, stealing our Mount Ararat where Noah’s Arc took its final resting place. We must continue to spread awareness.

Social Media is a powerful tool which can transmit information instantly. raise awareness here on Facebook, re-tweets, re-blogs, go to twitter, tumblr, WordPress, create more Armenian websites, other social media outlets, go to newspapers, newscasters, broadcasters, educate NON-Armenians about the Armenian Genocide and to spread the word to finally make genocide history, not only in Armenians, but Genocide as a whole to prevent it in our world.

I am not just stating about The Armenian Genocide, but the genocides that have happened around the world and those it has affected. We’ve asked Google to doodle in Memory of the Armenian Genocide on April 24, 2015. Hopefully they will honor our wish. It is not the sole purpose of advertising, but to prove a point, to spread to the word and users of Google to stand up against these criminal acts and take it to those high up in authority across the world to put their foot down and do something good for the world and to leave a great legacy instead of being cruel to people.

It does not matter the culture, race, religion we are all in, if people have to fight for religion, then its not a religion, it is cowardly and disgusting. One thing I detest is racism, discrimination. In the end we are all the same. colour, religion, and different beliefs should not be an issue in our world, but unfortunately it is still going, ignorance is still on the rise and without spreading the word out, the world will keep going backwards. Let us eliminate Genocide, Crimes, Wars and senseless killings in our world and focus mainly on to better life by being more helpful, positive, happy, spreading love, joy, smiles and beauty around the world.

We can make this world a more beautiful and peaceful place. It is all in our hands. We make it or break it. So lets get going and Lets make it!

Ask Google to Doodle in Memory of 100th Anniversary of The Armenian Genocide – April 24, 2015

In about 4-5 Months from now the Armenian Genocide will mark its 100th Anniversary commemoration on April 24, 2015. On April 24, 1915 a crime was committed by the Turkish Ottoman Empire where 1.5 million Armenians and more were massacred, where the Turks tried to wipe out the whole Nation of Armenia. They also stole our land and our Mount Ararat. To raise awareness of The Armenian Genocide and also other Genocides we want Google Doodle to change its Google Image search photo for April 24, 2015.

The purpose of the Google doodle is to raise awareness on the prevention of Genocides and as well as raising awareness on recognition of Genocides not just for Armenian’s, but for the community of the world.

Social Media is a powerful tool which can get us there and to help spread awareness of important issues of this world which can be preventable with just spreading the word out and focusing on changing the world for the better by doing great things and to improve our world.

Take a vote on which design you think is best for the doodle here:

http://www.boredpanda.com/my-take-2-on-the-google-campaign/

to sign the petition and to make this happen please click here:
https://www.change.org/p/set-armeniangenocidedoodle-on-april-24-googledoodles

You can also join the 43,000+ people on Facebook on Google doodle event here:
https://www.facebook.com/events/896252793719359/

The doodle team is always excited to hear ideas from users – they can email proposals@google.com with ideas for the next Google doodle. The team receives hundreds of requests every day so we unfortunately can’t respond to everyone. But rest assured that we’re reading them.

Please share this amongst your family and friends and to spread the word around as much as possible.

Thank you.

99th Anniversary of Armenian Genocide to Take Place in Ottawa, Canada – April 24th, 2014

The 99th Anniversary on the Commemoration of the Armenian Genocide is quickly approaching next month on April 24th, 2014. To Canadian-Armenian community and more, Lets make our attendance in Ottawa, Ontario Canada in front of the Parliament Hill, The March to The Turkish Embassy a successful one with thousands of people, Lets crowd and fill the park by the Turkish Embassy, lets make the march there a huge one. Lets stand tall, voice ourselves even louder.

We need to get out there in the public eye and raise awareness about the Armenian Genocide. Not just getting together in Armenian Community Centres to commemorate, but must take a stand outside Like of course Ottawa, Queens Park, and in front of the Media eyes, gain as much Television, Social Media Awareness, get these news casters to the scene, get us on Television, and make us well known. That is how we are going to let people know what happened. We have many Armenians in Media. Lets get this Rolling…. I have never seen our Ottawa commemorations air on our TV’s and Broadcasting Corporation Channels. Something must be done about that.

The Turkish Ottoman Empire Killed 1.5 Million Armenians, and tried to wipe us all off from the Earth on April 24, 1915, but could not succeed. They also stole our lands and our Mountain Ararat – Also Known as Mount Ararat.

Please make prior arrangements from now to attend the commemoration. It is important and something we all should participate in and do our best. Lets help each other and join each others hands and lets go to OTTAWA, CANADA. Canada’s Capital….

Please see your local Cambridge, Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, Laval and other Armenian communities to gain more information on Buses, and times, so on and so forth. Lets make this year a big number in attendance. We can do this.

My Motherland & Beautiful Armenia & Its History

Today, I am going to talk to you about My Motherland and Beautiful Armenia.  Armenia is located between Europe and Asia. We have an incredible history of people and things. Our Alphabet has 38 letters and it was invented by one of our great inventors Mesrob Mashtotz (MES-ROB, MASH-TOTZ). We have a library called Madenataran and our important books of history are kept there and a statue of our Mesrob Mashtotz is just outside. Our very first Pontiff/Pope of Armenia was St Gregory the Illuminator, in Armenian we say (Sourp Krikor Lousavorich). He was falsely imprisoned in a hole for 13 years under this church called Khor Virab (KHO-R VEERAB), and from this Church Monastery you can see the Mount Ararat which was once Armenia’s Property and I still think to this day it is still ours. It is where the Noah’s Arc came to rest. Mount Ararat was stolen from Armenia and it’s lands from the Turkish Government. in April 24, 1915, The Armenian Genocide happened and 1.5 Million Armenians were killed and massacred by the Turkish Ottoman Empire, and which they stole our lands and property. Since then we have commemorated and paid our respects to those brutally murdered in Armenian Communities around the world. In Armenia we have the Armenian Genocide Memorial, and its called Dzidzernagapert (D-ZID-ZER-NAGA-PERT). Every year on April 24th, All of Armenia’s Schools, Workplaces would be closed and everyone would go to the Memorial to place flowers all around the Eternal Flame which has never stopped. The Turkish government still fails to recognize their crimes against Armenia and its been an ongoing struggle for the Armenians, but we sure will not give up and we will continue to protest every year until justice is served for our people who’s lives we lost. I have friends whose families in the past have been through the Genocide. There are still Survivors to this day, but Very few left in the world. Armenia’s Capital city is Yerevan. It is located in the heart of Armenia.

Our Armenia flag has 3 colours, Red, Blue and Orange. Armenia has so many different types of produce and food. Armenia’s national fruit is the Apricot (Dziran) (D-ZEE-RAN), and as well as the Pomegranate. We also have the freshest Cherries, Grapes and Watermelons.  Armenia has a beautiful lake called Sevan. I remember going there a couple of times, to swim and take in the beauty of Armenia. We have incredible monasteries and churches such as St Etchmiadzin, St Mary, Haghardzin, St Hripsime, Garni, Geghard, Saghmosavank, and so much more. We have incredible Cafes, and restaurants, we have incredible fashion stores, Armenian Cognac and different types of Liquor Factories, Kotayk Beer, Coca Cola Bottles written in Armenian letters, Wonderful tasting Ice creams. Armenia is beyond rich in History.

When I was a child., I began to learn a lot about my culture, heritage, history, Alphabet, to learn how to speak it, to read and write Armenian, my parents sent me to Armenian Saturday School. When I graduated grade 8 in 1999, and it was the first year from the Armenian Saturday school trip that we embarked on a trip to our Motherland Armenia on July 21st, 1999. We flew with Air Canada to Paris, France Charles De Gaule Airport, where we toured Paris for a good 10 hours, then we headed back to the Airport to take Armenian Airlines (Which is now Armavia) right to our Motherland Armenia. I will never forget the feeling when I landed on Armenia’s Soil. I kissed the ground and I felt so different being there. All around me are Armenian Letters, Armenian Speaking people, and everything I learned in school came right before my eyes. It was an incredible journey and experience of a lifetime and I will never forget it. At times when I was in Armenia, I felt very homesick with my first time taking a trip without my parents as beforehand all the traveling was done with my parents. My cousins also had come with me and it was a great experience. To this day, I still remember everything so fresh in my mind ,and everything was incredible. After Armenia, we took Armenian Airlines to Frankfurt Germany, where we were there for 6 hours. Then we flew Lufthansa back to Toronto, Canada where our families were waiting anxiously for us in the waiting area of the Airport.

I had arrived to Toronto, but my luggage was left behind in Germany. I had so many things and souvenirs I had packed in my luggage and I got so upset. About a few days later, my luggage was found and later brought back to Toronto on another flight. All my things were safe and nothing was broken thankfully because I had packed them very well and I had already become an experienced and good packer. I have kept my boarding passes, tickets and everything from my Armenia trip and I have created a Special Armenia box with everything in it. Later than I began to join Armenian clubs, youth committees and trying to do everything I can to keep my Heritage alive and to this day, I still do. I love being Armenian and I am a proud to be one. If you have the chance and if your making travel plans, make sure Armenia is on your list. In terms of getting a visitors Visa, you can get it right from Armenia’s Airport called Zvartnotz. You do not need any special vaccinations, shots to enter Armenia. It is very safe and clean. Armenia people are so friendly and helpful and they will accommodate your every need.. Visit Armenia. Its beautiful. for more information and if you want to know more, search the internet and you will find photos, history, background and so much more.

Shunoragalem (SHEN-ORA-GAL-EM) in Armenian means Thank you.

The Armenian Genocide of April 24, 1915 – 98 Years Later

The Armenian Genocide has been a constant struggle in the Armenian Community around the world for the past 98 years. As the 98th Anniversary approaches in April, I feel the need to talk to you about it today. The Armenian Genocide happened on April 24, 1915 until about 1923. Crimes committed against humanity of Armenians by Ottoman Turkey. 1.5 Million Armenians were massacred, murdered, and taken out of their homes, deported, made people walk through the desert and when they get tired or fall, the Turkish Ottoman empire sees them and kicks them down, women were raped, slaughtered, decapitated, stabbed, shot and so much more. The Turkish Ottoman Empire tried to wipe all the Armenians off the globe, but could not succeed. 98 Years later the scar is still there and will never go away in the Armenian Community. They tried to wipe a Christian Nation, but they could not. This issue has been a constant struggle in the world in terms of recognition and acknowledgement that these criminal acts did happen and Turkey has yet to admit their crimes against humanity.

Many Turkish journalists, and ordinary people in Turkey are urging the government to finally recognize the Armenian Genocide and now there is a movie called Genex coming out on the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide on April 24, 2015. The movie will include Leonardo DiCaprio, Natalie Portman, Paul Giamati, Al Pacino, and so many more. Brought to you in part by Sevada the directors of the film.

Annually we take buses to go to Ottawa, Ontario, Canada in Canada’s Capital to Thank Canada for continuously supporting and recognizing the Armenian Genocide and being by our side during this pain we have all felt. Even though we were not alive on those times, we all feel it and we are all affected by it as they are our ancestors and family members from that time. Every year we have dignitaries, politicians come and speak in front of the Parliament and every year we do our commemorations differently, Then we march to the Turkish Embassy to talk to the Turkish Ambassador to stop denying the Armenian genocide and come forth and admit their crimes. We will never stop until Justice has been served for our people. We hope that history will never repeat itself.

Last year Google had announced that the search term of the Armenian Genocide was on the top 10 search trending lists of the world and the Armenian Genocide raised awareness of so many people outside of Armenians in the world. A lot of people now know what happened to us and it is important to us to let as many people know about it as possible. Raising awareness not only About the Armenian Genocide, but all the other Genocides in history combined. The Genocide is something so horrible. It means to try to wipe a race out of the world which is not a great thing. Racism and hate does not get anybody anywhere in life. All it creates are problems and more hate. The world needs to learn to live and let live and to love one another and leave countries alone, and help each other out. God Rest all the victims souls who had to be subject of Hate crimes and Genocide. Lets all work together to stop hate crimes altogether and not repeat history ever again.