The California Courier Online, January 11, 2018
1 – Commentary
Jewish Professor Requests Information
From Israeli Gov’t on Armenian Genocide
By Harut Sassounian
Publisher,
The California
Courier
The California
Courier
www.TheCaliforniaCourier.com
2 – Kim Kardashian Named Fifth
Most Popular
Celebrity of 2017
Celebrity of 2017
3 – Armenian-American
Rose Parade
Rose Parade
Float Takes
Home Judges Award
Home Judges Award
4 – Two Toronto Men Involved in DC
Pro-Erdogan
Brawl Still Not Arrested
Brawl Still Not Arrested
5 – World Union
of Jewish Students Recognize
of Jewish Students Recognize
The Assyrian,
Greek, Armenian Genocide
Greek, Armenian Genocide
6 – Chinese Girl in Yerevan
University
Wants to Teach
Wants to Teach
Armenian in China
7- French
Armenian Jockey Wants to
Armenian Jockey Wants to
Represent
Armenia
at 2024 Olympics
Armenia
at 2024 Olympics
8 – Armenian Bar Assn. Partners With
Glendale City
to Combat Elder Abuse
to Combat Elder Abuse
9- LA Times Columnist Allegedly
Murdered By Her Husband
10- Immigration
Scam Targeting
Scam Targeting
Syrian
Refugees in Armenia
Refugees in Armenia
******************************************
1 – Commentary
Jewish Professor Requests Information
From Israeli Gov’t on Armenian Genocide
By Harut Sassounian
Publisher, The California Courier
www.TheCaliforniaCourier.com
Prominent
Israeli scholar Yair Auron filed an official request with Israel’s Foreign Ministry on December 21, 2017
asking for all internal documents on agreements and commitments undertaken by
the State of Israel with Turkey
and Azerbaijan
not to recognize the Armenian Genocide.
Israeli scholar Yair Auron filed an official request with Israel’s Foreign Ministry on December 21, 2017
asking for all internal documents on agreements and commitments undertaken by
the State of Israel with Turkey
and Azerbaijan
not to recognize the Armenian Genocide.
The
request sent by Auron’s attorney Eitay Mack to the Foreign Ministry, states
that “official Israeli denial of the Armenian Genocide is tied to its
diplomatic and military relations with Turkey,
and in recent years to the relations with Azerbaijan.”
request sent by Auron’s attorney Eitay Mack to the Foreign Ministry, states
that “official Israeli denial of the Armenian Genocide is tied to its
diplomatic and military relations with Turkey,
and in recent years to the relations with Azerbaijan.”
Prof.
Auron’s request under Israel’s
Freedom of Information Law explains that “Turkey
has purchased from Israel
training and military systems worth billions of USD. The arms deals included
the upgrading of planes and tanks, radar and monitoring systems, missiles and
munitions.” Azerbaijan has
also purchased from Israel
close to $5 billion worth of advanced weaponry.
Auron’s request under Israel’s
Freedom of Information Law explains that “Turkey
has purchased from Israel
training and military systems worth billions of USD. The arms deals included
the upgrading of planes and tanks, radar and monitoring systems, missiles and
munitions.” Azerbaijan has
also purchased from Israel
close to $5 billion worth of advanced weaponry.
In 2011,
during Knesset’s deliberations on the Armenian Genocide, Deputy Foreign
Minister Danny Ayalon and Alex Miller, Chairman of the Knesset Education
Committee, unequivocally ruled out the possibility of Israel recognizing the Armenian Genocide in
order not harm relations with Azerbaijan
— Israel’s
“key strategic ally in the Islamic world.”
during Knesset’s deliberations on the Armenian Genocide, Deputy Foreign
Minister Danny Ayalon and Alex Miller, Chairman of the Knesset Education
Committee, unequivocally ruled out the possibility of Israel recognizing the Armenian Genocide in
order not harm relations with Azerbaijan
— Israel’s
“key strategic ally in the Islamic world.”
Prof.
Auron’s letter also quotes from several leaders of the right wing “Yisrael
Beiteinu” party stating that they will ensure that the Knesset does not
recognize the Armenian Genocide. “Yisrael Beiteinu” is led by Israel’s Defense Minister Avigdor
Lieberman. Arye Gut, a propagandist for Azerbaijan and spokesperson for the
International Israel-Azerbaijan Association, has affirmed that “Lieberman is
one of the architects of the Azerbaijani-Israeli partnership.” In an interview
with RTV-TV, Lieberman announced that the Armenian Genocide “was a theoretical,
disputed historical issue and that the lack of recognition was not necessarily
related to Turkey, but
primarily to [Israel’s]
strategic relations with Azerbaijan.”
Prof. Auron stresses that these arguments sound very similar to those who deny
the Jewish Holocaust.
Auron’s letter also quotes from several leaders of the right wing “Yisrael
Beiteinu” party stating that they will ensure that the Knesset does not
recognize the Armenian Genocide. “Yisrael Beiteinu” is led by Israel’s Defense Minister Avigdor
Lieberman. Arye Gut, a propagandist for Azerbaijan and spokesperson for the
International Israel-Azerbaijan Association, has affirmed that “Lieberman is
one of the architects of the Azerbaijani-Israeli partnership.” In an interview
with RTV-TV, Lieberman announced that the Armenian Genocide “was a theoretical,
disputed historical issue and that the lack of recognition was not necessarily
related to Turkey, but
primarily to [Israel’s]
strategic relations with Azerbaijan.”
Prof. Auron stresses that these arguments sound very similar to those who deny
the Jewish Holocaust.
As an
example of Israel’s close relations with Azerbaijan, Prof. Auron’s letter
reports that “613 trees were planted” on February 26, 2016, “at the Chaim
Weizmann (1st President of Israel) Forest, to mark ‘24 years to the Khojaly
genocide,’ in memory of 613 victims, attended by MK [Member of Knesset] Avigdor
Lieberman. Only Azerbaijan
and Turkey
mark this ‘genocide’ event. In recent years, official Israel has become a direct and
indirect supporter of the purported Khojaly genocide claim. The battle of
Khojaly took place in February 1992, in the midst of a cruel war between Azerbaijan and Armenia over the Nagorno Karabagh
province. There are several versions as to what happened there, including the
number of those who perished, but one thing is not disputed among the
international community — no genocide by its common definition took place
there.”
example of Israel’s close relations with Azerbaijan, Prof. Auron’s letter
reports that “613 trees were planted” on February 26, 2016, “at the Chaim
Weizmann (1st President of Israel) Forest, to mark ‘24 years to the Khojaly
genocide,’ in memory of 613 victims, attended by MK [Member of Knesset] Avigdor
Lieberman. Only Azerbaijan
and Turkey
mark this ‘genocide’ event. In recent years, official Israel has become a direct and
indirect supporter of the purported Khojaly genocide claim. The battle of
Khojaly took place in February 1992, in the midst of a cruel war between Azerbaijan and Armenia over the Nagorno Karabagh
province. There are several versions as to what happened there, including the
number of those who perished, but one thing is not disputed among the
international community — no genocide by its common definition took place
there.”
Prof.
Auron’s concludes his request from the Israeli government by stating: “one
suspects that not only does the State of Israel ‘trade’ in the recognition of
the Armenian Genocide, but that it has taken upon itself real commitments on this
matter, in agreements with Azerbaijan and Turkey.”
Auron’s concludes his request from the Israeli government by stating: “one
suspects that not only does the State of Israel ‘trade’ in the recognition of
the Armenian Genocide, but that it has taken upon itself real commitments on this
matter, in agreements with Azerbaijan and Turkey.”
Consequently,
Attorney Mack specifically demands that the Israel’s Foreign Ministry should
disclose the following information:
Attorney Mack specifically demands that the Israel’s Foreign Ministry should
disclose the following information:
1)
“Any documentation of agreements, understandings, commitments vis-à-vis Azerbaijan and Turkey as to the question of
recognizing the Armenian Genocide.”
“Any documentation of agreements, understandings, commitments vis-à-vis Azerbaijan and Turkey as to the question of
recognizing the Armenian Genocide.”
2)
“Any correspondence with Turkish or Azeri representatives on the question of
recognizing the Armenian Genocide.”
“Any correspondence with Turkish or Azeri representatives on the question of
recognizing the Armenian Genocide.”
3)
“Any documentation of meetings or communications between the representatives of
the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with Turkish or Azeri representatives on the
question of recognizing the Armenian Genocide.”
“Any documentation of meetings or communications between the representatives of
the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with Turkish or Azeri representatives on the
question of recognizing the Armenian Genocide.”
4)
“Decisions and position papers of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as to the
question of recognizing the Armenian Genocide, in view of Turkey and
Azerbaijan’s objection.”
“Decisions and position papers of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as to the
question of recognizing the Armenian Genocide, in view of Turkey and
Azerbaijan’s objection.”
It
remains to be seen if the Israeli Foreign Ministry complies with Prof. Auron’s
legal request. Both the American and British governments, which have similar
laws on requirements to disclose internal information, have responded to
similar requests from their own citizens, making public secret documents on the
Armenian Genocide. It would be understandable if certain portions of the
disclosed documents were to be blacked out by the Israeli government for
confidential reasons, to protect the identities of those providing the
information or for national security reasons.
remains to be seen if the Israeli Foreign Ministry complies with Prof. Auron’s
legal request. Both the American and British governments, which have similar
laws on requirements to disclose internal information, have responded to
similar requests from their own citizens, making public secret documents on the
Armenian Genocide. It would be understandable if certain portions of the
disclosed documents were to be blacked out by the Israeli government for
confidential reasons, to protect the identities of those providing the
information or for national security reasons.
**************************************************************************************************
2- Kim Kardashian Named Fifth
Most Popular
Celebrity of 2017
Celebrity of 2017
LOS ANGELES (Eurasia Review) – Reality TV star
Kim Kardashian who has Armenian roots is named the fifth most popular celebrity
in 2017, according to JustJared.com.
Kim Kardashian who has Armenian roots is named the fifth most popular celebrity
in 2017, according to JustJared.com.
As in past years, the platform is recapping the
most popular actors, most popular actresses, and the most popular music stars
on JJ from January-December, and provides one final list of the most popular
celebrities (which includes entertainers, actors, actresses, reality stars, and
more).
most popular actors, most popular actresses, and the most popular music stars
on JJ from January-December, and provides one final list of the most popular
celebrities (which includes entertainers, actors, actresses, reality stars, and
more).
All of the rankings posted in the recaps are
based on statistics grabbed from reader interaction via pageviews, comments,
and more.
based on statistics grabbed from reader interaction via pageviews, comments,
and more.
According to popularity, Kardashian lags behind
Angelina Jolie, Taylor Swift, Justin Bieber and Selena Gomes, at the same time
outperforming all her sister and half-sisters, Rihanna, Brad Pitt, Beyonce and
a host of others.
Angelina Jolie, Taylor Swift, Justin Bieber and Selena Gomes, at the same time
outperforming all her sister and half-sisters, Rihanna, Brad Pitt, Beyonce and
a host of others.
***************************************************************************************************
3 – Armenian-American Rose
Parade
Parade
Float Takes
Home Judges Award
Home Judges Award
Anthony Clark Carpio
Three local entrants in the 2018 Rose Parade
walked away with awards for their floats during the chilly annual New Year’s
Day parade.
walked away with awards for their floats during the chilly annual New Year’s
Day parade.
The Burbank Tournament of Roses Assn., the La
Cañada Flintridge Tournament of Roses Assn. and the American Armenian Rose
Float Assn. received awards for their impressive floats, which impressed the
thousands of parade-goers on Monday.
Cañada Flintridge Tournament of Roses Assn. and the American Armenian Rose
Float Assn. received awards for their impressive floats, which impressed the
thousands of parade-goers on Monday.
The American Armenian Rose Float Assn.’s entry,
titled “Armenia Roots,” received the Judges Award.
titled “Armenia Roots,” received the Judges Award.
The entry is a tribute to Armenian women,
whether they be a mother, daughter, grandmother or aunt, who work tirelessly to
be the foundation of their family, said Noubar Derbedrosian, a board member of
the association.
whether they be a mother, daughter, grandmother or aunt, who work tirelessly to
be the foundation of their family, said Noubar Derbedrosian, a board member of
the association.
The association went through the local Armenian
community and selected nine women who “have given back to the community”
featured as float riders.
community and selected nine women who “have given back to the community”
featured as float riders.
They were Hermine Janoyan, who has received
numerous awards for public service; Grace Stepanian, a third-year student at
Cal State Los Angeles; Telma Ghazarian Altoon, an ultra-marathon competitor;
Ramella Markarian, vice president of business development at Adventist Health
Glendale; Alina Dorian, an adjunct assistant professor at UCLA, as well as
Sylvia Minassian, Sirvard Chimayan, Alice Petrossian, and Carmen Azinian
Libaridian.
numerous awards for public service; Grace Stepanian, a third-year student at
Cal State Los Angeles; Telma Ghazarian Altoon, an ultra-marathon competitor;
Ramella Markarian, vice president of business development at Adventist Health
Glendale; Alina Dorian, an adjunct assistant professor at UCLA, as well as
Sylvia Minassian, Sirvard Chimayan, Alice Petrossian, and Carmen Azinian
Libaridian.
“There is
no one like the women in our lives — our moms, our sisters, our wives — that
will give of themselves without ask for anything in return,” he said.
no one like the women in our lives — our moms, our sisters, our wives — that
will give of themselves without ask for anything in return,” he said.
Derbedrosian added that this is the third award
the association has received out of the four float entries the organization has
submitted. Last year, the group was given the Past President Award for its
float titled “Field of Dreams!” in which the entry represented the
American-Armenia experience in literature, music and science.
the association has received out of the four float entries the organization has
submitted. Last year, the group was given the Past President Award for its
float titled “Field of Dreams!” in which the entry represented the
American-Armenia experience in literature, music and science.
“This is an honor for us,” he said. “We’re a
small group of people that do this, and we’re trying to represent all of the
Armenian people, not just in Glendale, Pasadena or the L.A.
area.”
small group of people that do this, and we’re trying to represent all of the
Armenian people, not just in Glendale, Pasadena or the L.A.
area.”
The 2018 Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade
once again featured a float by the American Armenian Rose Float Assn., this
time showcasing the theme “Armenian Roots.”
once again featured a float by the American Armenian Rose Float Assn., this
time showcasing the theme “Armenian Roots.”
The float was designed by association board
member Johnny Kanounji
member Johnny Kanounji
Mary Der-Parseghian, another association board
member, said the group wanted to put together a cultural float and make it an
educational piece for the world to learn about Armenian culture.
member, said the group wanted to put together a cultural float and make it an
educational piece for the world to learn about Armenian culture.
The tournament’s official theme was “Making a
Difference” to highlight those who contribute to their communities, however
that community is defined, and never ask for recognition.
Difference” to highlight those who contribute to their communities, however
that community is defined, and never ask for recognition.
“Since this year’s theme for the tournament was
about giving back without any expectations, we thought of the Armenian woman:
the mom, the sister, the daughter who always has a commitment to their family
and community without any expectations,” she said.
about giving back without any expectations, we thought of the Armenian woman:
the mom, the sister, the daughter who always has a commitment to their family
and community without any expectations,” she said.
*****************************************************************************************************
4 – Two Toronto Men Involved in DC
Pro-Erdogan
Brawl Still Not Arrested
Brawl Still Not Arrested
OTTAWA, Canada—Two Toronto men of Turkish
origin, Ahmet Dereci and Mahmut Sami Ellialti, who were charged with assault for
attacking peaceful anti-Erdogan protesters in Washington D.C. last summer, have
not yet been arrested, reported the Armenian National Committee of Canada
(ANCC), citing a Dec. 29 Toronto Star article.
origin, Ahmet Dereci and Mahmut Sami Ellialti, who were charged with assault for
attacking peaceful anti-Erdogan protesters in Washington D.C. last summer, have
not yet been arrested, reported the Armenian National Committee of Canada
(ANCC), citing a Dec. 29 Toronto Star article.
The two men, Ahmet Dereci and Mahmut Sami
Ellialti, who were charged with assault for attacking peaceful anti-Erdogan
protesters in Washington D.C. last summer, have not yet been
arrested, reported the (ANCC, citing the Toronto Star article.
Ellialti, who were charged with assault for attacking peaceful anti-Erdogan
protesters in Washington D.C. last summer, have not yet been
arrested, reported the (ANCC, citing the Toronto Star article.
Last May, during Turkish President Erdogan’s
official state-visit to Washington, peaceful anti-Erdogan protesters, including
Canadians, were attacked by Erdogan’s security-detail, in front the Turkish
Ambassador’s residence. Dereci and Ellialti were in Washington to greet Erdogan and joined
Erdogan’s army of thugs when they brazenly attacked demonstrators.
official state-visit to Washington, peaceful anti-Erdogan protesters, including
Canadians, were attacked by Erdogan’s security-detail, in front the Turkish
Ambassador’s residence. Dereci and Ellialti were in Washington to greet Erdogan and joined
Erdogan’s army of thugs when they brazenly attacked demonstrators.
“These attacks were not only a direct insult to
the protesters and their political convictions, but also an attack on our
western values of freedom, democracy and justice,” said Shahen Mirakian,
President of the ANCC.
the protesters and their political convictions, but also an attack on our
western values of freedom, democracy and justice,” said Shahen Mirakian,
President of the ANCC.
“The fact that these two men have not yet been
arrested, simply adds insults to injury, and we find it strongly unacceptable
for our authorities to remain silent and allow alleged hate crimes to remain
unpunished,” added Mirakian.
arrested, simply adds insults to injury, and we find it strongly unacceptable
for our authorities to remain silent and allow alleged hate crimes to remain
unpunished,” added Mirakian.
Many of the men involved in the brawl had arrest
warrants issued in their name but not all have been brought to justice by law
enforcement, including Dereci and Ellialti. Reports indicate that no Canadian
law enforcement agency has been contacted regarding the case of the two men.
warrants issued in their name but not all have been brought to justice by law
enforcement, including Dereci and Ellialti. Reports indicate that no Canadian
law enforcement agency has been contacted regarding the case of the two men.
While investigations are still underway and
Dereci and Ellialti’s whereabouts are unknown, some information revealed by the
Toronto Star suggests that the two men are now outside of Canada, fleeing prosecution.
Dereci and Ellialti’s whereabouts are unknown, some information revealed by the
Toronto Star suggests that the two men are now outside of Canada, fleeing prosecution.
“We call upon our government to work closely
with law enforcement agencies in the United States and take all steps
necessary to bring these men to justice,” Mirakian said.
with law enforcement agencies in the United States and take all steps
necessary to bring these men to justice,” Mirakian said.
*************************************************************************************************
5 – World Union
of Jewish Students Recognize
of Jewish Students Recognize
The Assyrian,
Greek, Armenian Genocide
Greek, Armenian Genocide
SYDNEY, Australia (Assyrian International News
Agency) – The World Union of Jewish Students (WUJS) has formally recognized the
Armenian Genocide at its 44th World Congress in Israel, after a Jewish-Australian
advocate, Ariel Zohar was among the key speakers for the motion, reported the
Armenian National Committee of Australia (ANC-AU).
Agency) – The World Union of Jewish Students (WUJS) has formally recognized the
Armenian Genocide at its 44th World Congress in Israel, after a Jewish-Australian
advocate, Ariel Zohar was among the key speakers for the motion, reported the
Armenian National Committee of Australia (ANC-AU).
Zohar, who was key behind the recent Victorian
Young Labor motion recognizing the Armenian Genocide, was joined in his
advocacy of this historic motion by Aaron Meyer and Yos Tarshish.
Young Labor motion recognizing the Armenian Genocide, was joined in his
advocacy of this historic motion by Aaron Meyer and Yos Tarshish.
ANC-AU Executive Director Haig Kayserian thanked
the WUJS on this important statement for human rights.
the WUJS on this important statement for human rights.
"We thank Ariel Zohar and his colleagues at
the World Union of Jewish Students Congress for passing a motion that does not
only recognise the genocide committed against the Armenians, Greeks and
Assyrians of the Ottoman Empire, it also 'condemns' and 'rejects' any 'attempt
to deny, distort, or ignore the historical reality of this genocide',"
Kayserian said.
the World Union of Jewish Students Congress for passing a motion that does not
only recognise the genocide committed against the Armenians, Greeks and
Assyrians of the Ottoman Empire, it also 'condemns' and 'rejects' any 'attempt
to deny, distort, or ignore the historical reality of this genocide',"
Kayserian said.
"This sends a strong message to the
governments of Israel, and
others like Australia,
that human rights are not there to be bargained for diplomatic gain, no matter
the circumstance," he added.
governments of Israel, and
others like Australia,
that human rights are not there to be bargained for diplomatic gain, no matter
the circumstance," he added.
The motion reads as follows:
This
Congress notes…
Congress notes…
That between
1915 and 1923 millions of Armenians, Pontian Greeks and Assyrians were murdered
at the hands of the Ottoman Caliphate.
1915 and 1923 millions of Armenians, Pontian Greeks and Assyrians were murdered
at the hands of the Ottoman Caliphate.
The tragic
crime was undisputedly carried out with the genocidal intention of eliminating
these Christian communities. This was a premeditated and systematic execution
of an estimated 2-3 million civilians; not a legitimate act of war.
crime was undisputedly carried out with the genocidal intention of eliminating
these Christian communities. This was a premeditated and systematic execution
of an estimated 2-3 million civilians; not a legitimate act of war.
This
Congress believes…
Congress believes…
That it is
incumbent upon us as a Jewish organization to fight all forms of racism.
incumbent upon us as a Jewish organization to fight all forms of racism.
This
Congress resolves…
Congress resolves…
To condemn
and reject any attempt to deny, distort, or ignore the historical reality of
this genocide.
and reject any attempt to deny, distort, or ignore the historical reality of
this genocide.
To recognize
the importance of remembering and learning from this genocide, and to join the
Armenian, Pontian Greek and Assyrian communities in honoring the innocent
people who fell victim to this crime.
the importance of remembering and learning from this genocide, and to join the
Armenian, Pontian Greek and Assyrian communities in honoring the innocent
people who fell victim to this crime.
On his Facebook page, Zohar wrote: "Today
is another important milestone in our activism history."
is another important milestone in our activism history."
"WUJS will now be formally calling on
governments of Israel, Australia and others to join a growing list of 28
countries around the world to formally
recognize the sufferings and injustice of the Armenians and other minorities at
the hand of the then Ottoman Empire (modern day Turkey).".
governments of Israel, Australia and others to join a growing list of 28
countries around the world to formally
recognize the sufferings and injustice of the Armenians and other minorities at
the hand of the then Ottoman Empire (modern day Turkey).".
*****************************************************************************************************
6- Chinese Girl in Yerevan
University
Wants to Teach
Wants to Teach
Armenian in China
By Aida Hovhannisyan
YEREVAN (News.am)
– Kexin Liu from China has
been in Armenia
for 1.5 years now, on a student exchange program; she will study Armenian in
order to later teach it in her country.
– Kexin Liu from China has
been in Armenia
for 1.5 years now, on a student exchange program; she will study Armenian in
order to later teach it in her country.
Kexin, 23, said that she initially had come to Armenia
to study Russian. But then she changed her mind and enrolled in the Faculty of
Philology of the Khachatur
Abovyan Armenian
State Pedagogical
University. She is a
first-year Master’s student and says although Armenian is a very difficult
language, she is studying hard.
to study Russian. But then she changed her mind and enrolled in the Faculty of
Philology of the Khachatur
Abovyan Armenian
State Pedagogical
University. She is a
first-year Master’s student and says although Armenian is a very difficult
language, she is studying hard.
“I knew nothing about Armenia; I didn’t even know where
it was on the map. I searched it on the web, liked Armenia, and decided to
come,” Kexin said, “It’s interesting in
Armenia; people [here] want to know at least two foreign languages; it’s not
like that in China.
it was on the map. I searched it on the web, liked Armenia, and decided to
come,” Kexin said, “It’s interesting in
Armenia; people [here] want to know at least two foreign languages; it’s not
like that in China.
“I even think that I will return to China after the end of the program, but then
I’ll come back to Armenia
to deepen my knowledge.”
I’ll come back to Armenia
to deepen my knowledge.”
Also, Kexin is gradually getting accustomed to Armenia
and Armenian traditions and culture. She says she feels very well in Yerevan.
and Armenian traditions and culture. She says she feels very well in Yerevan.
Kexin had traveled to Artsakh several months
ago, and she was very impressed by its nature.
ago, and she was very impressed by its nature.
“I have a girlfriend living in Stepanakert; I
visited her,” she noted. “Artsakh is very beautiful; I liked it a lot.”
visited her,” she noted. “Artsakh is very beautiful; I liked it a lot.”
*****************************************************************************************************
7- French
Armenian Jockey Wants to
Armenian Jockey Wants to
Represent
Armenia
at 2024 Olympics
Armenia
at 2024 Olympics
GENEVA, Switzerland
(PanArmenian.net) – French Armenian jockey Sevan Malakian is
interested in representing Armenia
at the 2024 summer Olympics.
(PanArmenian.net) – French Armenian jockey Sevan Malakian is
interested in representing Armenia
at the 2024 summer Olympics.
On December 7, Malakian, the young son of the
great director Henri Verneuil ("Mayrig"), won the Jockey Club
International Show Jumping in Geneva,
an event that welcomes every year the best riders in the world.
great director Henri Verneuil ("Mayrig"), won the Jockey Club
International Show Jumping in Geneva,
an event that welcomes every year the best riders in the world.
In particular, the French rider won the Credit
Suisse Jockey Club Award.
Suisse Jockey Club Award.
In an interview with the French magazine
Nouvelles d’Arménie, Malakian expressed a wish to "represent Armenia on the international show jumping scene
and take it to the 2024 summer Olympic Games in Paris."
Nouvelles d’Arménie, Malakian expressed a wish to "represent Armenia on the international show jumping scene
and take it to the 2024 summer Olympic Games in Paris."
*******************************************************************************************************
8- Armenian Bar Assn. Partners With
Glendale City
to Combat Elder Abuse
to Combat Elder Abuse
GLENDALE
– In late 2017, the administration of a prominent Los Angeles-area Armenian
high school alerted the public that a group of youths, pretending to
be students from the school, had entered apartment buildings
and approached homes with the intent to target and
swindle the elderly. These young impostors claimed to be Armenian school students
and concocted a scheme of abject dishonesty in which they fabricated a sales
pitch that they were collecting much-need funds for the betterment of
their school library.
– In late 2017, the administration of a prominent Los Angeles-area Armenian
high school alerted the public that a group of youths, pretending to
be students from the school, had entered apartment buildings
and approached homes with the intent to target and
swindle the elderly. These young impostors claimed to be Armenian school students
and concocted a scheme of abject dishonesty in which they fabricated a sales
pitch that they were collecting much-need funds for the betterment of
their school library.
Understandably, many elderly Armenians responded
to what they believed to be genuine calls for financial assistance and handed
over their money for what they thought was a good cause.
to what they believed to be genuine calls for financial assistance and handed
over their money for what they thought was a good cause.
To help bring these deceitful acts to an end,
the Armenian Bar Association moved swiftly and contacted Onnig Bulanikian,
Director of the City of Glendale’s
Community Services and Parks Department. The Armenian Bar proposed partnering
with the Department's Senior Services Division to present to the
senior-citizen community a series of "Know Your
Rights" lectures so that they may be made aware of and in a better
position to protect themselves from such and other deplorable attempts of
abuse.
the Armenian Bar Association moved swiftly and contacted Onnig Bulanikian,
Director of the City of Glendale’s
Community Services and Parks Department. The Armenian Bar proposed partnering
with the Department's Senior Services Division to present to the
senior-citizen community a series of "Know Your
Rights" lectures so that they may be made aware of and in a better
position to protect themselves from such and other deplorable attempts of
abuse.
“The elderly members in our community are an
especially vulnerable segment of the population who, unfortunately, sometimes
find themselves to be the victims of abuse and financial scams designed to take
advantage of them,” said Saro Kerkonian, Chairman of the Board of the Armenian
Bar Association. “Working with Glendale city officials, we identified the areas
of greatest need and developed a program to educate the elderly and their
caretakers to heighten awareness of the issues and take steps which will
protect them from falling prey to the unscrupulous who seek to take advantage
of our senior citizens,” added Lucy Varpetian, Armenian Bar Association Member
and Senior Assistant City Attorney for the City of Glendale.
especially vulnerable segment of the population who, unfortunately, sometimes
find themselves to be the victims of abuse and financial scams designed to take
advantage of them,” said Saro Kerkonian, Chairman of the Board of the Armenian
Bar Association. “Working with Glendale city officials, we identified the areas
of greatest need and developed a program to educate the elderly and their
caretakers to heighten awareness of the issues and take steps which will
protect them from falling prey to the unscrupulous who seek to take advantage
of our senior citizens,” added Lucy Varpetian, Armenian Bar Association Member
and Senior Assistant City Attorney for the City of Glendale.
To accomplish the goals of the partnership, two
primary objectives were set into place:
First, the City of Glendale’s Community Services and Parks Department
translated into Armenian a detailed informational brochure, which explains the
various forms of abuse that the elderly can be subjugated to, provides tested
methods which the elderly can implement to avoid becoming victims, and also
provides references to social service agencies which can assist once an act or
acts of abuse take place. The brochure
will be disseminated throughout the City of Glendale, at locations such as the public
social service centers, libraries, City Hall, and other similar
public-gathering venues.
primary objectives were set into place:
First, the City of Glendale’s Community Services and Parks Department
translated into Armenian a detailed informational brochure, which explains the
various forms of abuse that the elderly can be subjugated to, provides tested
methods which the elderly can implement to avoid becoming victims, and also
provides references to social service agencies which can assist once an act or
acts of abuse take place. The brochure
will be disseminated throughout the City of Glendale, at locations such as the public
social service centers, libraries, City Hall, and other similar
public-gathering venues.
The second manner in which the elderly will be
served through this program is by way of public forums where noted experts in
the field will speak about the subject of elder abuse and financial scams
directed at the elderly. The first two
presentations will be taking place on January 17, at 10:30 a.m. at the Adult Recreation
Center located at 201 E. Colorado St., Glendale, CA 91205 (presented in Armenian). The second lecture which will be presented in
English will be held on February 8, at 10:30 a.m. at the Sparr Heights
Community Center located
at 1613 Glencoe Way, Glendale.
served through this program is by way of public forums where noted experts in
the field will speak about the subject of elder abuse and financial scams
directed at the elderly. The first two
presentations will be taking place on January 17, at 10:30 a.m. at the Adult Recreation
Center located at 201 E. Colorado St., Glendale, CA 91205 (presented in Armenian). The second lecture which will be presented in
English will be held on February 8, at 10:30 a.m. at the Sparr Heights
Community Center located
at 1613 Glencoe Way, Glendale.
LA Deputy District Attorney and active Armenian
Bar member, Amy Ashvanian, who has successfully prosecuted numerous defendants
accused of elder abuse, will impart her years of prosecutorial expertise to
attendees at these first two events.
Admission to the events is free of charge. For more information, please
call (818) 548-3775.
Bar member, Amy Ashvanian, who has successfully prosecuted numerous defendants
accused of elder abuse, will impart her years of prosecutorial expertise to
attendees at these first two events.
Admission to the events is free of charge. For more information, please
call (818) 548-3775.
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9- LA Times Columnist Allegedly
Murdered By Her Husband
LOS ANGELES, CA (City News Service) – A 75-year-old man who allegedly gunned down
his wife — a Sunday Los Angeles Times columnist — in what may have been a
failed murder-suicide will be in court later this month on a murder charge.
his wife — a Sunday Los Angeles Times columnist — in what may have been a
failed murder-suicide will be in court later this month on a murder charge.
Thomas Foster pleaded not guilty Jan. 4 to a
murder charge stemming from the Dec. 28 death of his 67-year-old wife, Donie
Vanitzian, according to the District Attorney's Office. The couple had been
married for 35 years.
murder charge stemming from the Dec. 28 death of his 67-year-old wife, Donie
Vanitzian, according to the District Attorney's Office. The couple had been
married for 35 years.
Vanitzian was a longtime Los Angeles Times
contributor who wrote a weekly column on homeowners associations for the Sunday
Business section. paper reported. She is identified in the column as an
arbitrator and mediator.
contributor who wrote a weekly column on homeowners associations for the Sunday
Business section. paper reported. She is identified in the column as an
arbitrator and mediator.
Police responding about 5:30 p.m. to the
couple's home in the 4200 block of Corinth
Avenue in Mar Vista
found Vanitzian dead and Foster unconscious on the floor.
couple's home in the 4200 block of Corinth
Avenue in Mar Vista
found Vanitzian dead and Foster unconscious on the floor.
Authorities said Foster apparently tried to
commit suicide after shooting his wife, but it was unclear how. ABC7 reported
he may have tried to overdose.
commit suicide after shooting his wife, but it was unclear how. ABC7 reported
he may have tried to overdose.
Foster — being held on $3 million bail — is
due back in court Jan. 18 at the Airport Branch Courthouse.
due back in court Jan. 18 at the Airport Branch Courthouse.
He faces 50 years to life in prison if
convicted, prosecutors said.
convicted, prosecutors said.
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10- Immigration
Scam Targeting
Scam Targeting
Syrian
Refugees in Armenia
Refugees in Armenia
YEREVAN (Targeted News Service) – The U.S.
Embassy in Armenia issued
the following statement:
“U.S. Embassy Yerevan wishes to alert Syrian refugees in Armenia of an ongoing attempted immigration
fraud. Several Syrian families seeking to relocate to the United States from Armenia have fallen victim to a
scam which consists of an individual promising relocation and refugee travel
document services from U.S. Embassy Yerevan in return for a fee paid to this
U.S.-based individual.
“Please note that U.S. Embassy Yerevan does not
process any refugee travel documents. The perpetrators of this fraud may
provide official-looking documentation, but it is fraudulent. We urge anyone
interested in relocating to the United
States to be vigilant for such immigration
scams. We encourage potential fraud victims to approach UNHCR.
process any refugee travel documents. The perpetrators of this fraud may
provide official-looking documentation, but it is fraudulent. We urge anyone
interested in relocating to the United
States to be vigilant for such immigration
scams. We encourage potential fraud victims to approach UNHCR.
“For additional information and counseling on
refugee protection or documentation in Armenian, contact UNHCR Armenia. UNHCR
has drop in hours every Monday and Thursday, from 3-5pm at 14 Petros Adamyan Street, Yerevan.
refugee protection or documentation in Armenian, contact UNHCR Armenia. UNHCR
has drop in hours every Monday and Thursday, from 3-5pm at 14 Petros Adamyan Street, Yerevan.
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California Courier Online provides viewers of
the Armenian News News Service with a few of the articles in this week's issue of The
California Courier. Letters to the
editor are encouraged through our e-mail address, [email protected]. However,
authors are requested to provide their names, addresses, and/or telephone
numbers to verify identity, if any question arises. California Courier
subscribers are requested not to use this service to change, or modify mailing
addresses. Those changes can be made through our e-mail, , or by
phone, (818) 409-0949.
the Armenian News News Service with a few of the articles in this week's issue of The
California Courier. Letters to the
editor are encouraged through our e-mail address, [email protected]. However,
authors are requested to provide their names, addresses, and/or telephone
numbers to verify identity, if any question arises. California Courier
subscribers are requested not to use this service to change, or modify mailing
addresses. Those changes can be made through our e-mail, , or by
phone, (818) 409-0949.
******************************************************************************************************