Day: April 5, 2024
The SavetheArQ movement (Twitter)
ARMENIAN QUARTER, OLD CITY, JERUSALEM – We are representatives of the Jerusalemite Armenian community, which includes social, charitable, youth and political clubs and associations and, of course, the SavetheArQ movement. We urgently appeal to the international community for support in safeguarding the historical Armenian Quarter at a terribly crucial moment for our community.
Recent actions by the Israeli police have added a dangerous layer to the already existential threats we are facing. Despite ongoing legal proceedings initiated by the Armenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem and the Jerusalem Armenian community seeking to nullify the illegal transaction involving the Cows’ Garden property, the Israeli police have now joined Israeli settlers to actively escalate tensions, forcefully change the facts on the ground and critically endanger our 1600-year-old presence in Jerusalem. To be clear, we declare in one united voice that any transaction regarding the Cows’ Garden is void, threatens our existence as a community and violates our property rights. The very existence of the Armenian Patriarchate and the Armenian community of Jerusalem is now under historic threat.
We implore the international community to recognize the significance of our cultural and historical heritage in Jerusalem and to stand with us in defense of our rights to exist as Armenians in Jerusalem. The Armenian Quarter is not merely a geographical location; it is a symbol of our enduring presence and identity. Any encroachment upon it not only undermines our community and Patriarchate, but it also threatens to destroy the very tapestry of the Old City.
We call upon all concerned parties—including heads of state, diplomatic missions, international organizations and advocates for human rights—to raise the public profile of this existential crisis, unite in solidarity with us and exert maximum efforts to halt further encroachments into Armenian properties and preserve the status quo in the Armenian Quarter.
We also call upon all those who care about the integrity of Jerusalem, its history and the viability of all of its communities to demand that the government of Israel order the Israeli police to cease aiding, abetting and even spearheading the company’s assault on the Armenian community, the Armenian Quarter and the seizure of the community’s precious properties.
They are armed. We are not. The rule of law—not illegal and forceful encroachment of Israeli settlers aided by the Israeli state police—must prevail. Our physical security, the pending legal processes and the status quo must be protected. Right now, all are in jeopardy because of the actions taken by the Israeli police and settlers.
The protection and preservation of our heritage are not only a duty but also a testament to the shared values of respect, tolerance and cultural diversity that must be upheld in Jerusalem.
- Save The ArQ Movement
- Jerusalem Armenian Benevolent Union
- Armenian Young Men’s Society Hoyetchmen Club
- Homenetmen Club
- Armenian Revolutionary Federation
- Armenian Democratic Liberal Party
- Armenian Relief Society
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Guest contributions to the Armenian Weekly are informative articles or press releases written and submitted by members of the community.
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Watertown, MA – St. Stephen’s Armenian Elementary School (SSAES) is thrilled to announce its highly anticipated Summer Camp scheduled to take place from July 1st to July 26th, 2024. The SSAES Summer Camp is designed to provide students with enriching experiences, educational opportunities and memorable adventures during the summer break.
Designed for children ages 2.9 years through first grade students as of 2023-2024 school year, the SSAES Summer Camp weaves Armenian language through the day to reinforce and practice Armenian language skills. The SSAES Summer Camp offers a diverse range of activities including science experiments, arts & crafts, music & movement, indoor and outdoor activities, story time, water play and more! Parents can enroll their children for one week or more. The goal of the SSAES Summer Camp is to inspire curiosity, foster creativity and promote personal growth among participants with fun experiences.
“We are excited to offer another enriching and engaging Summer Camp that combines academic enrichment with fun and memorable experiences for our students,” said Dr. Palandjian, Head of School of SSAES. “Our goal is to create a stimulating and supportive environment where students can learn, grow and make lasting memories during the summer months.” SSAES Preschool Director Mrs. Maral Orchanian reflected on previous participants’ experiences: “Over the years, we’ve seen children who initially sign up for one week have so much fun that they end up signing up for additional weeks, if space is available.”
Registration for the St. Stephen’s Armenian Elementary School Summer Program is now open. Interested parents and guardians are encouraged to contact the school. For preschool, please call Mrs. Maral Orchanian at 617-923-0501, and elementary, Mrs. Lilith Bazarbachian at 617-926-6979.
The mission of St. Stephen’s Armenian Elementary School is to provide a high-quality education, within a bilingual and bicultural environment. The school works to instill students with a sense of intellectual curiosity and inspire them to become active members in both the Armenian and broader communities throughout the world.
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Established in 1984, St. Stephen’s Armenian Elementary School is dedicated to educational excellence in an environment rich in Armenian culture. Serving students from pre-kindergarten through fifth grade, it is the only Armenian day school in New England and is accredited by the Association of Independent Schools in New England (AISNE). Accreditation by AISNE provides quality assurance that a school is meeting rigorous standards in all aspects of its operations and that it is operating in alignment with its mission.
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Donald Trump’s String of Courtroom Losses Continues https://t.co/Qa4V9PdE2U pic.twitter.com/8QoSpjjvOg
— Newsweek (@Newsweek) April 5, 2024
