Day: May 7, 2024

Hosted by the ARS “Ani” chapter in Providence, Rhode Island, a “Hye Tea” event on May 4 offered an enlightening afternoon on one aspect of life in Armenia. The event was held in the Aramian Auditorium at Sts. Vartanantz Church. Ani Jilozian, Fulbright scholar and women’s rights advocate, comprehensively discussed her work with the Women’s Support Center (WSC) in Yerevan and the evolution of its outreach in Armenia since 2010. The presentation was facilitated by Lenna Garibian, WSC board member, who works to further the achievements and support of the center. 

Ani Jilozian and Lenna Garibian of the Women’s Support Center

How safe are women in Armenia? The answer is both surprising and disturbing. The topic of domestic abuse in Armenia was taboo within the culture up until relatively recently. Yet, as presented by Jilozian, who is the director of development for the WSC, while she has witnessed progress, legislative and cultural obstacles have been slow to address the needs of abuse victims.  

Jilozian has mobilized resources for the center, led gender-based violence programming and published research studies examining gender-based violence, women’s sexual and reproductive health and rights, and gender politics in Armenia. 

Jilozian’s experience with the WSC started in 2010 with counseling and advocacy for victims of domestic abuse. The need for a physical shelter for asylum from perpetrators soon became evident. The murder of Zaruhi Petrosyan by her husband that year particularly highlighted the need for more protection. It became clear that domestic abuse could not be contained as a “private family matter” and required political will to address the problem.  

In 2013, the center in Yerevan was established, with a second one in 2016. Now there are 11 centers in regions outside Yerevan. “To date, the Women’s Support Center has provided domestic violence services to over 5,000 women and children throughout Armenia,” Jilozian said. 

Social, legal, cultural and political hurdles remain. Awareness has been raised about the issue, but procedures for protecting women and children are still not totally standardized. Perpetrators are not easily thwarted. They often get a light fine instead of meaningful punishment and have continued access to the victim.

Lenna Garibian and Ani Jilozian with ARS “Ani” “Hye Tea” organizers Jean Goshgarian Michael, Linda Kamajian, Karen Pilla and Alice Simonian Buratti

Currently, 24 WSC team members provide legal, psychological, economic and vocational counseling to those who seek services. A 24-hour hotline provides emergency counseling. Goods such as clothing, appliances, school supplies and hygiene kits are always made available to families.  

There is more work to be done, as the precarious political situation in Armenia has given rise to increased pressure on families. Recently, however, in a positive development, the WSC supported legislation to standardize procedures in handling abuse cases through robust amendments to protect survivors. The WSC has also seen an increasing number of women open to seeking support and help in abusive situations in recent years.   

Garibian explained that the WSC receives support from the Armenian government, Tufenkian Foundation, AGBU, AIWA and World Vision Armenia, among others. The center has established global connections with legal, women’s rights and international organizations. Learn more at womensupportcenter.org.

The ARS “Ani” Chapter was happy to host the “Hye Tea” event. Jilozian and Garibian were energized and engaging speakers with firsthand information on an important Armenian topic.

Guest gathered in the Sts. Vartanantz Church Aramian Auditorium for the ARS “Ani” Chapter’s “Hye Tea”

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LEGACY – One word. One hundred years. One gala. 

The Hyortiks enthusiastically planned the Legacy Gala celebrating their 100th anniversary, an epic event that unfolded last Saturday, May 4, 2024, at The Inn At New Hyde Park in New York.

Nearly 500 guests across the region, the community and within the AYF/ARF organization arrived excited for a Hyortik homecoming reunion. The Gala commenced with a delightful cocktail hour, hosted in the Tuscany room of the venue, where attendees reveled in the company of decades old and new friends. After the cocktail hour, attendees were ushered into the grand ballroom, where the evening’s program unfolded. 

Current AYF-YOARF New York “Hyortik” Senior and Junior members

Emcee and Gala committee member Armen Caprielian extended heartfelt appreciation to all present, setting a warm tone of welcome and camaraderie. He then invited to the stage Hyortik member Anahit Indzhigulyan to sing the Armenian and American anthems, followed by Nargiz Mkrtchyan, who sang the Artsakh anthem. 

Caprielian then took the podium to weave a historical centenary narrative of the Hyortiks. The guests had a moment of reflection to honor the past while embracing the promise of the future. Gala committee co-chair Isabel Hagobian delivered a message as a member of the AYF-YOARF Central Executive and on behalf of the AYF-YOARF New York Hyortik Chapter. Her words resonated with a sense of pride and unity, highlighting the collective effort and growth within the Armenian community that define the Hyortik spirit. Fellow Gala committee co-chair Annette Givelekian, chairperson of the ARF NY Armen Garo Gomideh, presented a message on behalf of the NY ARF, illuminating the significance of this centennial milestone, invoking cherished memories and emphasizing the commitment of ARF advisors and AYF members to preserving Armenian heritage and continuously supporting the Armenian cause with resilience towards future work. 

Click to view slideshow.

Gala committee member Arpy Coherian introduced the pillars of the AYF, which paved the way for the recognition of five distinguished honorees, each embodying one of these pillars. Current Hyortik Senior Chapter president Juliet Hagobian and recent Hyortik Junior transfer Aris Givelekian presented the awards to the honorees, and Coherian, having known them all since childhood, introduced them with brief descriptions of their impact as Hyortiks through the decades. Legacy Pillar honorees were Peter Jelalian (athletic), Alice Movsesian (political), Peter Bonjuklian (social) and Nvair Kadian Beylerian, daughter of the late Sosy Krikorian Kadian (cultural, awarded posthumously). They all humbly accepted their awards, offering reflections on their experiences as Hyortiks. Vahe Habeshian (educational) was unable to attend the event but was present in spirit to celebrate this honor.

Then, the Nor Yeraz Dance Ensemble of Hamazkayin NY took to the dance floor. The dancers, all of whom are Hyortik members, performed two beautiful dances to the resounding applause by the guests. This surprise performance served as a testament to the resilience and vitality of the Armenian youth. 

Nor Yeraz Dance Ensemble of Hamazkayin NY

Rev. Fr. Mesrob Lakissian from St. Illuminator’s Cathedral and Rev. Fr. Nareg Terterian of St. Sarkis Church offered the invocation before dinner. Elie Berberian and DJ Kidbibz then launched the music for the evening. 

The Hyortik Legacy Gala Committee extends gratitude to the ARF Armen Garo Gomideh, sister organizations, St. Sarkis Church and St. Illuminator’s Cathedral for supporting the formidable Hyortik chapter for the past 100 years. Mostly, special thanks to the 500 guests who came to celebrate: We are Hyortik!

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Hrair Baronian, Ani Tchaghlasian, Zaven Khanjian, Rev. Joseph Garabedian and Tony Vartanian

Recently, members of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation Eastern USA (ARF-EUSA) Community Relations Committee met with leaders of the Armenian Missionary Association of America (AMAA). The meeting was held to introduce the AMAA members to the Community Relations Committee, which has been formed to engage with key leaders and organizations in the region by establishing consistent dialogue and a framework to identify opportunities for collaboration.

The meeting was held at the AMAA headquarters in Paramus, New Jersey. Participating were ARF-EUSA Central Committee chair Ani Tchaghlasian, ARF-EUSA Community Relations Committee members Hrair Baronian and Tony Vartanian, AMAA Executive Director/CEO Zaven Khanjian and pastor of the Armenian Presbyterian Church in Paramus Rev. Joseph Garabedian.

The warm and open dialogue in the meeting reflected the friendship between the individuals present, as well as the mutual respect for each organization’s efforts on behalf of the Armenian people and nation.

The conversation focused on learning about both organizations’ priority programs for 2024 at both the local and regional levels, as well as key initiatives related to Armenia and Artsakh. Khanjian reported on the various projects the AMAA is working on in Armenia, with a focus on their efforts on behalf of the refugees from Artsakh. ARF-EUSA participants focused on activities across the region and efforts for Artsakh Armenians through the ACAA Artsakh Fund. Both organizations are prioritizing humanitarian initiatives for the displaced Armenians of Artsakh.

Community Relations Committee members additionally presented the ARF’s plans, through the ACAA Artsakh Fund, to identify other programs that enable employment and integration of Artsakh Armenians in Armenia. 

The ARF-EUSA Community Relations Committee members and AMAA representatives also discussed ways to collaborate in the region. On a local level, the leadership from both organizations agreed to work towards an event in the New Jersey area in support of the key programs they identified.

The meeting concluded with collaborative sentiments between the organizations. The AMAA leadership expressed that the mission of the committee aligned with establishing a successful working relationship and dialogue in the region.

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