From Hitler to Aliyev, Nothing Much Has Changed

Official Unified Young Armenians (UYA) Statement on Murder of Major Vahe Avetyan

Unified Young Armenians (UYA) condemns the heartless beating of the Armenian Armed Forces Major Vahe Avetyan which led to his death days later. We join the Major’s family and the Armenian civil society, as well as the global Armenian Diaspora in demanding justice for Major Avetyan’s death demanding all parties responsible for this tragedy to be brought to justice.

The murder of Major Avetyan was a huge loss which befell the Armenian Nation. As a nation which has survived the Armenian Genocide, we firmly believe that the Armenian state has a task of protecting the life and liberty of every single Armenian. No Armenian shall be killed in his homeland. While a civilian’s death deserves the strongest of condemnations, the murder of a soldier who is tasked with protection of our nation at a time of war is an even bigger crime. Major Avetyan was not only a soldier, but the head of the ENT Department of the Yerevan Garrison Hospital. This murder robbed the Armenian Armed Forces, the Armenian Homeland, and the Armenian Nation of a valuable and irreplaceable asset. This most heinous crime is nothing short of treason and the perpetrators need to be prosecuted and punished as such.

While we welcome the resignation of Ruben Hayrapetyan, the affluent businessmen and owner of the Harsnakar Restaurant (at which Major Avetyan was beaten to death) from the Armenian Parliament, we believe that more needs to be done. We demand a thorough, transparent, and impartial investigation into this matter. We also demand the maximum punishment for the perpetrators of this crime against the Armenian Nation.

Unified Young Armenians (UYA) remains an independent and apolitical force. We do not field candidates, either in the Diaspora or in Armenia, and make no attempt to garner cheap political points by abusing this tragedy which befell the Avetyan family and our nation. From day one, we have focused on Vahe Avetyan’s murder and have demanded justice for him and his family. Our participation in the rallies held at the Armenian Consulate in Los Angeles were not in support of one political force or another. We were there for Major Avetyan. We were there to show our outrage against the phenomenon of bodyguards daring to murder Armenian military personnel who ironically and in turn are a vital part of the system which provides protection to the same bodyguards’ families, friends, and homes against foreign aggressors.

While there have been many calls for not "politicizing” this tragedy, we refuse to remain silent and not criticize the system which allows a certain group of individuals to kill with impunity. Our condemnation is not limited to leaders or members of one political party or another. This strong condemnation is not playing politics. We hope that one day our homeland will be free of a justice system that turns a blind eye to individuals considered above the law. From the highest office of the land to the poorest laborer, everyone should be equal in the eyes of law. This includes the members of the parliament and their body guards. We will continue working to this end through educational and anti-corruption campaigns which will hopefully shine light on this evil.

For the sake of the past… For the sake of the future…

Unified Young Armenians (UYA)

Glendale’s Armenian Genocide Monument: An Unrealized Dream worth Pursuing

A call to action: We need to act for sake of the victims, the next generation, and the City of Glendale

Glendale, the second or third most Armenian-populated city in the world (after Armenian Capital Yerevan and perhaps Moscow), is considered the heart of the Armenian Diaspora. Apart from sheer numbers, this city is the hometown of many famous Americans of Armenian descent who have contributed a great amount to this country.

With the year 2015 just around the corner, and nearly a decade after City of Glendale (and it’s Armenian as well as Non-Armenian residents) were considerate and generous enough to dedicate a parcel of land to this very purpose (of immortalization of the memory of millions of victims), we still do NOT have an Armenian Genocide monument in this great City. The dedicated land is located on the cross street of Mountain Ave. and Verdugo Rd., across from Glendale Community College (GCC).

Procedurally, a committee was setup, meetings were held, a design competition was put together and its winner was declared (and awarded). And then everything stopped.

While there surely ought to be legitimate reasons for such a shortcoming, we owe it to ourselves, the memory of the victims of the Armenian Genocide, the next generations, and most importantly to the great City of Glendale to speed up this process and finally complete this so desired monument.

Why do we owe it to the City of Glendale to finish this project as soon as possible? While the value of this monument to the Armenian residence of the City might be of educational and commemorative in nature and to a large degree symbolic, a well designed and built monument (and educational complex discussed further below) has the real potential of becoming a regional landmark which will also boost tourism to our City and revive its hospitality and food sectors which have suffered greatly in the last few years. While scale of the current project are smaller in size and projected cost, the Holocaust Memorial in Germany attracted 3.5 million visitors each year which is equivalent to about 10,000 visitors every day. That monument was called a “tourist magnet” on a national and international level. At worst, the Glendale project will boost Glendale’s tourism value on a state and national level. At best, City of Glendale will become the Human Rights capital of the region. Building of this monument will also mean creation of coveted new construction jobs in the City.

What has been missing in the previous design is an educational center. While understanding the difficulties of creating such a center, we would like to suggest the inclusion a virtual museum in form of interactive learning kiosks which will allow visitors to not only visit the site, but also learn about the Armenian Genocide. These kiosks can be wifi-enabled to connect to a number of virtual museums (example:http://www.memcosoft.com/genocidemuseum/) on the Armenian Genocide which are currently operational. While periodic maintenance would be an issue, many such kiosks are already operational without direct manpower requirement at thousands of metro stations across the world which provide route information, vend tickets and stubs, and perform many other functions.

The first question to ask is why the monument hasn’t been built almost a decade after the dedication of the land parcel?

Once this question is answered, we might be able to find ways to overcome this issue.

Financial Considerations

Some have claimed that finances are the issue keeping this project from moving forward. Of course, finances play an important part in every project, program, or event. However, considering the importance of this project both to the Armenian public at large, and to the City of Glendale and its businesses, building of such an important landmark should not be hindered by any financing issues. Just from speaking to local residents, young and old, business and labor, one can see that such a project enjoys the support of all echelons of the society. Therefore, funding will not (and SHALL NOT) be an issue. The community can fundraise for two years and begin the construction phase of the project in the third year just in time to unveil the project for the 100 years anniversary of the Armenian Genocide.

Political and Other Considerations

Some have attempted to reserve the exclusive right to monument building while others have questioned the wisdom of building a second monument while "there is already a monument in Montebello, California." Both such claims are destined to fail.

This project cannot and should not be a showdown of who can take the credit for such an important project. A decade is a long time. Now, it is up to the community, the people, and the City to move this project forward.

Secondly, such monuments and reminders of man’s inhumanity to man should be many; they should be everywhere. Having a chapter of an organization doesn’t preclude that organization from having yet another chapter. Why should having a monument preclude having a second, third, or forth one?

Timing and Location

Timing

Maybe the timing and the location is an issue for some. But, if not now, with three years remaining to 2015, then when?

With the year 2015 fast approaching, such a monument will be the greatest gift to the public at large. Be it Armenian or non-Armenian, every citizen of Glendale would benefit from having a landmark in its backyard.  Every visitor and tourist to Los Angeles would consider Glendale as a must see location in their travel itinerary. These tourists would spend money in Glendale and our businesses would also benefit. In turn, our City’s coffers would be fuller than ever.

Location

If not in Glendale, in a parcel dedicated to this very purpose near Glendale Community College (where thousands of Armenian and Non-Armenian residents visit on a daily basis), then where?

If the location is not to the liking of the naysayers of the project, they are more than able to go out and purchase another land (extra cost), obtain the necessary permits (extra cost), and yet again wait another 10 years or so. We need to move beyond holding a meeting after another meeting. It is interesting to hold them, but we need to act. Time is running out and we owe a duty to the victims, ourselves, and most importantly to the City of Glendale and its residents.

Conclusion

It is time to move beyond eloquent words and speeches. It is time to act. The Armenian Genocide monument in Glendale has the potential of being a regional landmark, one which would benefit all concerned parties. From job creation, to promoting tourism, from immortalization of victims’ memories to reaching one step further in condemning Genocides, this monument will do it all. Years after our generation is gone, this landmark will stay. It will stay and serve as a symbol of our City’s commitment to universal human rights, justice, and compassion. It will serve as the symbol of our generation’s will to stand up against oppression everywhere.

Press Release: April 24, 2012 Armenian Genocide Commemoration March in Little Armenia, Hollywood

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

April 24
THOUSANDS GATHERED IN HOLLYWOOD DEMANDING THE RECOGNITION AND OVERDUE REPARATION FOR THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE

Little Armenia, Hollywood, CA, April 24, 2012 – Unified Young Armenians, Inc. (UYA) held its annual mass demonstration Tuesday in little Armenia at the intersection of Hollywood and Hobart Boulevards in Hollywood commemorating the 97th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide and protesting its continuous denial by Turkey as well as demanding a proper recognition by the US government.

Thousands, dressed in black, marched in protest in the event attended by genocide survivors, Armenian-American community and religious leaders and human rights activists, politicians and government officials.  Guest speakers included, Congressman Adam Schiff, Assemblyman Mike Gatto, City Council Member Eric Garcetti, Member of the Canadian Parliament Jim Karajianes,  Glendale Unified School District Board Member Greg Krikorian and Archpriest Fathers Viken Vasilyan and Hovsep Hacobian among others.

The protest began at 10:00 am and ended at 1:00 pm with other commemoration events and protests continuing throughout the day. 

On April 24, 1915, the Young Turks carried out their plan to annihilate the Armenian population living in the Ottoman Empire. It became the prototype for all genocides following thereafter. The mass extermination and systematic killings resulted in the massacre of 1.5 million innocent Armenian men, women, and children. For the past 97 years, this crime against humanity has gone unpunished. The descendants of the Ottoman Empire – the Republic of Turkey – refuse to acknowledge the guilt of their ancestors and continue to blackmail, bribe and lie in order to conceal the truth. 

In 1918, former President of the United States of America, Theodore Roosevelt wrote in a letter to Cleveland Hoadley Dodge: "… the Armenian massacre was the greatest crime of the war, and the failure to act against Turkey is to condone it… the failure to deal radically with the Turkish horror means that all talk of guaranteeing the future peace of the world is mischievous nonsense." The denial campaign of the Armenian Genocide by the Republic of Turkey continues. UYA demands for the recognition of the Armenian Genocide by both the United States of America and the Republic of Turkey. It seeks justice for the sake of all genocides in the past and present. 

UYA is a non-partisan, non-religious, and a non-profit grassroots youth organization. Its goal is to encourage activism among the Armenian youth, while advocating justice and human rights. It upholds the power of knowledge and education. UYA’s mission is to serve the collective good and to promote a world free of genocides. 

If you have any questions, please visit http://www.YoungArmenians.com or http://facebook.com/youngarmenians or contact UYA at818.971.5065 or 
youngarmenians@yahoo.com.

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Press Release: April 23, 2012 Candlelight Vigil in Memory of the 1.5 Million Victims of the Armenian Genocide

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

CANDLELIGHT VIGIL IN MEMORY OF THE 1.5 MILLION VICTIMS OF THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE 

Glendale, CA - April 23, 2012 - This year marks the 97th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. In commemoration of this solemn occasion, hundreds gathered near Glendale Civic Auditorium for a three-hourlong candlelight vigil organized by the Unified Young Armenians, Inc. (UYA). 

The event was attended by several city and state officials, community advocates and religious leaders. Guest speakers included  Mayor Frank Quintero, Council Members Ara Najarian, Rafi Manoukian and Laura Friedman as well as Congressman Adam Schiff, Assemblyman Mike Gatto, Glendale Unified School District Board Members Nayiri Nahabedian and Greg Krikorian and Reverend Fathers among others. 

Schiff said, "It's time for this country to recognize the undeniable fact of the genocide. It's time for our president to realize his high ideals and speak plainly about the murder of one and a half million people."

Glendale City Council Member Friedman said, "I would love for there to be a day when we'd no longer have to implore the united states government to recognize the Armenian Genocide and that day will come. I want one day not to hear speakers demand recognition from the Turkish government and one day that will happen. I want one day not have to wonder why the Armenian Genocide, the first genocide of the 20th Century is not taught to children in our public schools across this nation."

President of Unified Young Armenians Aroutin Hartounian said, "The memory of the victims of the Armenian Genocide will live in our hearts, in our minds, and most importantly, will be reflected in our actions. Our fight will go on.” UYA demands for the recognition of the Armenian Genocide by both the Unites States of America and the Republic of Turkey. It seeks justice for the sake of all genocides in the past and present. 

UYA is a non-partisan, non-religious, and a non-profit grassroots youth organization. Its goal is to encourage activism among the Armenian youth while advocating justice and human rights. It upholds the power of knowledge and education. UYA’s mission is to serve the collective good and to promote a world free of genocides.

If you have any questions, please visit http://www.YoungArmenians.com or http://facebook.com/youngarmenians or contact UYA at 818.971.5065 or 
youngarmenians@yahoo.com

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April 23, 2012 Armenian Genocide Commemoration Candlelight Vigil (Glendale, CA)

CANDLELIGHT VIGIL IN MEMORY OF THE VICTIMS OF THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE

Dedicating a Night of Remembrance to the Victims of the Armenian Genocide 

Glendale, CA, April 23, 2012 – In honor of the 1.5 million victims of the Armenian Genocide, Unified Young Armenians, Inc. (UYA) has organized a candlelight vigil. This night will stand as a testimony that after so many years, the Armenian-American community will always uphold the memory of their massacred ancestors.

It will take place on Monday, April 23, 2012, at 7:00PM, in Glendale, CA, in the parking area of the Glendale Civic Auditorium’s, located at: 1401 North Verdugo Rd. Many guest speakers have confirmed to be present that evening, including key political figures currently serving in the City of Glendale.

This year marks the 97th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. During one of the darkest episodes of the human race, 1.5 million innocent Armenian men, women, and children living in the Ottoman Empire were mercilessly raped, annihilated, and murdered. Most of the survivors were left as orphans and with no choice but to build their lives away from their homeland, in many countries around the world, including the United States of America. The community congregates on the eve of the Armenian Genocide to commemorate their slaughtered ancestors with a candlelight vigil.

The President of Unified Young Armenians, Aroutin Hartounian, states: “The memory of the victims of the Armenian Genocide will live in our hearts, in our minds, and most importantly, will be reflected in our actions. Our fight will go on.” UYA demands for the recognition of the Armenian Genocide by both the Unites States of America and the Republic of Turkey. It seeks justice for the sake of all genocides in the past and present.

UYA is a non-partisan, non-religious, and a non-profit grassroots youth organization. Its goal is to encourage activism among the Armenian youth, while advocating justice and human rights. It upholds the power of knowledge and education. UYA’s mission is to serve the collective good and to promote a world free of genocides.

April 24, 2012 Armenian Genocide Commemoration March in Little Armenia, Hollywood (Los Angeles)

http://YoungArmenians.com

DEMANDING THE RECOGNITION AND OVERDUE REPARATION FOR THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE

Unified Young Armenians Organize Annual Demonstration for Recognition of the Armenian Genocide and Demanding the Overdue Reparations

Little Armenia, Hollywood, CA, April 24, 2012 – The first genocide of the 20th Century, the Armenian Genocide, remains unrecognized by the United States of America and the Republic of Turkey. Unified Young Armenians, Inc. (UYA) has organized its annual mass demonstration, in participation with leaders of the Armenian-American community and the general public.

On April 24, 1915, the Young Turks carried out their plan to annihilate the Armenian population living in the Ottoman Empire. It became the prototype for all genocides following thereafter. The mass extermination and systematic killings resulted in the massacre of 1.5 million innocent Armenian men, women, and children. For the past 97 years, this crime against humanity has gone unpunished. The descendants of the Ottoman Empire – the Republic of Turkey – refuse to acknowledge the guilt of their ancestors and continue to blackmail, to bribe, and to lie in order to conceal the truth.

The protest will begin at 10:00 AM at the intersection of Hollywood and Hobart Boulevards. Among the participants will be genocide survivors, politicians, human rights activists, government officials, and intellectuals. Prominent members of the community have been invited to participate and to speak at the closing ceremony, which will take place at 12:00 PM.

In 1918, former President of the United States of America, Theodore Roosevelt wrote in a letter to Cleveland Hoadley Dodge: "… the Armenian massacre was the greatest crime of the war, and the failure to act against Turkey is to condone it… the failure to deal radically with the Turkish horror means that all talk of guaranteeing the future peace of the world is mischievous nonsense." The denial campaign of the Armenian Genocide by the Republic of Turkey continues. UYA demands for the recognition of the Armenian Genocide by both the United States of America and the Republic of Turkey. It seeks justice for the sake of all genocides in the past and present. 


UYA is a non-partisan, non-religious, and a non-profit grassroots youth organization. Its goal is to encourage activism among the Armenian youth, while advocating justice and human rights. It upholds the power of knowledge and education. UYA’s mission is to serve the collective good and to promote a world free of genocides.

UYA Launches New Program: Youth League - Aiming to have a stronger, smarter, and organized next generation!

Unified Young Armenians (UYA) [in conjunction with Main Event Sporting Club] is excited to announce its new program: Youth League. It aims at creating stronger, smarter, and organized Armenian youth.

You would learn how to fight and defend yourself from some of the most well known fighters of the Community. You will learn Armenian history in an exciting way  during your training! Learn about Fedayis of Artsakh and the challenges they faced. Also find out about current events taking place involving Armenia and Armenians.

It is not scouts, it is not pioneers! We won't waste time on teaching you how to knot a knot. We won't teach you how to start a fire with a stick. We would train you to be stronger, smarter, and more disciplined young Armenians.

Space is limited! Only 20 guys from 12 to 18 will be enrolled in the starting class! So come out and learn about this exciting program on Sunday, February 12, 2012, at 10:00 am at the Main Event Sporting Club located at: 747 Salem Street, Glendale, CA!

Unified Young Armenians (UYA) have organized a protest at the Azeri Consulate for the 24th Anniversary of the Sumgait Massacres

Los Angeles, CA. February 27, 2012 – Pogroms, beatings, and ethnic cleansing of Armenians in Azerbaijan escalated to inconceivable measures 24 years ago, on February 27, 1988, in Sumgait. UYA has organized a protest to mark the anniversary of the Sumgait massacres and call for an end to Azerbaijan's state sponsored campaign of hatred targeting populations of Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh Republic.


On Monday, February 27, 2012, at 10:00 AM, UYA has planned a protest at the Azerbaijan Consulate, located at: 11766 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90025. 

The Sumgait tragedy and its bloody repetitions in Azerbaijan, lasting through the years of 1988 to 1991, led to the disappearance of 450,000 inhabitants living in an established Armenian community in Azerbaijan. It stimulated the military aggression against the Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh from 1992 until 1994, as the latter pushed for peaceful demands for self-determination.

Dozens of Armenians were killed, majority of whom were set on fire alive, after being beaten and tortured. Hundreds of innocent people recieved injuries of varying severity. Women, among them minors, were raped.

In his address to the Supreme Council of the Nagorno Karabakh Autonomous Region, a leader of the Communist Party of Azerbaijan, Mr. Hidayat Orujev, stated days before the massacre of Armenians in Sumgait: "If you do not stop campaigning for the unification of Nagorno Karabakh with Armenia, and if you do not sober up, 100,000 Azeris from neighboring districts will break into your houses, torch your apartments, rape your women, and kill your children." This same Orujev is currently the Chairman of the State Committee for Work and Religious Organization for the Republic of Azerbaijan.

UYA is a non-profit grassroots youth organization. It is non-partisan and non-religious. UYA’s goal is to encourage activism among the Armenian youth, while advocating justice and human rights. It upholds the power of knowledge and education. UYA’s mission is to serve the collective good and promote a world free of genocides.