Author: Boshkezenian Garik

Jirair Ratevosian, gay and Armenian, shakes up Congress race with huge donation haul

Boshkezenian Garik
July 1 2023
Saturday – July 1, 2023 by Brandon Garcia

Dr. Jirair Ratevosian, a former advisor to the Biden State Department and a one-time legislative director for Rep. Barbara Lee, has announced a substantial fundraising total of $100,000 in the first month of his campaign for California’s 30th Congressional District.

Ratevosian made the announcement on Friday, underscoring the early success of his campaign. As an openly gay son of Armenian immigrants, he represents both generational change and increased diversity for a district known for its sizable Armenian-American community.

“I am truly humbled by the overwhelming support and generosity we have received in the first month of our campaign,” said Ratevosian. “This milestone reflects our supporters’ shared belief in creating opportunities for all to achieve their American dream.”

Ratevosian’s successful first month of fundraising points to the potential of his candidacy, but three of his 16 opponents (Mike Feuer, Anthony Portantino, Nick Melvoin) had already raised more than $500,000 by the March 31 Federal Elections Commission campaign finance reports, and those amounts are likely to have grown since then. Melvoin’s campaign has spent the most so far with $42,734.72 in expenditures.

His fundraising totals draw from a broad range of supporters, from small-dollar donors to larger contributors, all showing a vote of confidence in his vision for an inclusive and progressive future.

“I am ready to serve on DAY ONE,” stated Ratevosian. “I am running for Congress to bring my federal and lived experience to the table, and to bring my record of solving complex challenges to fight for bipartisan and progressive solutions for our community.”

California’s 30th Congressional District, currently represented by Rep. Adam Schiff, is located in Los Angeles County. It includes the cities of Pasadena, Glendale, Burbank, West Hollywood, Sunland, Tujunga, and Hancock Park. Schiff is vacating the seat to run for U.S. Senate. In 2022, he won the district, which leans Democratic, with 71% of the vote. The district boasts the highest number of Armenian-American voting-age citizens in the country at 14%.

Armenia’s “Stonehenge”: Predating Egypt’s Pyramids by Three Millennia

Boshkezenian Garik
Ivan Petricevic


Hidden in modern-day Armenia, an ancient enigma stands – Karahunj, also known as Armenia’s Stonehenge. With some rocks portraying odd beings with elongated heads and almond-shaped eyes, it’s an archaeological wonder that has been shrouded in mystery since its discovery.

Situated in Armenia, the site of Karahunj, also referred to as Zorats Karer or Armenia’s Stonehenge, is believed to precede England’s Stonehenge by a whopping 3,500 years and Egypt’s Pyramids by a staggering 3,000 years. This ancient expanse covers over seven hectares and boasts enigmatic carvings crafted by early civilizations thousands of years ago.

Many visitors draw parallels between this awe-inspiring ancient site and Stonehenge, due to the intriguing circular stone formations. The stones’ purpose, however, remains an unsolved riddle to archaeologists. Theories range from an astronomical observatory to a ceremonial complex, yet the lack of historical records leaves room for speculation.

Armenia’s Stonehenge, predating England’s version, consists of similar unrefined boulders arranged in two overlapping elliptical circles. Remarkably, several boulders at Karahunj feature peculiar holes, reminiscent of megalithic boulders discovered in ancient Egypt. The presence of these mysterious holes led researchers to hypothesize that they were used for astronomical observations thousands of years ago.

When dissected, the name Karahunj or Carahunge reveals its Armenian roots: “kar” translates to stone and “hunge” or “hoonch” means sound, hence “Speaking Stones”. This title reflects the stones’ unique feature to whistle on windy days, a phenomenon attributed to the number of prehistorically drilled holes under different angles.

In 2004, the site officially became the Karahunj (Carahunge) Observatory through a Parliamentary decree.

Numerous expeditions have explored this ancient site, with the most comprehensive studies conducted by Paris Herouni and Elma Parsamyan of the Biurakan Observatory. Herouni suggested that the site functioned as “a temple with a large and developed observatory, and also a university.” He further proposed that some of the stones mimic the largest star of the Cygnus constellation – Deneb.

Interestingly, some parallels have been drawn between the Karahunj (Carahunge) Observatory and Gobekli Tepe in modern-day Turkey, with suggestions that both represent the Cygnus constellation.

Among the numerous boulders, some boast remarkable carvings on their surfaces, depicting humanoid beings eerily reminiscent of contemporary depictions of Grey Aliens. Some figures at Karahunj exhibit elongated heads, almond-shaped eyes, and appear to be holding artifacts with wheels, adding another layer of intrigue to this already compelling site.

https://curiosmos.com/armenias-stonehenge-predating-egypts-pyramids-by-three-millennia/

Pashinyan testifies at parliament select committee on 2020 war

Boshkezenian Garik

 10:00,

YEREVAN, JUNE 27, ARMENPRESS. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan arrived in parliament for his second appearance at the parliament select committee on the 2020 war where he is expected to testify.

During the first session last week the Prime Minister made a speech at the hearing.

On June 27 PM Pashinyan will take questions from lawmakers.

Opposition factions are boycotting the hearing.

Armenia: sheep shearing festival takes place in Syunik marz with EU support

Boshkezenian Garik

The sixth ‘Sheep Shearing’ festival organised with the support of the EU was held on 10 June in Khot village of Syunik marz. 

The festival has been held in Armenia since 2014 and aims to raise awareness of the local products, traditions and culture of the Syunik region of Armenia, as well as to promote tourism in the region, boost cultural life and provide an opportunity for people involved in tourism and hospitality to generate additional income.

The five communities of Syunik marz – Goris, Tegh, Kapan, Sisian and Tatev – presented agro-food products, handicrafts, and other products.

Three beneficiaries supported by the UNDP through the EU-GAIA project also presented their products at the festival. These were the Maki Genetic Breeding Sheep Centre, and the Gyumri Leather.

The Green Agriculture Initiative in Armenia (EU-GAIA) project is funded by the European Union and co-financed by the Austrian Development Agency, and is jointly implemented by the agency and UNDP in Armenia.

Find our more

Press release

https://euneighbourseast.eu/news/latest-news/armenia-sheep-shearing-festival-takes-place-in-syunik-marz-with-eu-support/

Car with Armenian flag vandalized with references to Pride and racial slur in Glendale

Boshkezenian Garik
June 12 2023
ABC 7 Los Angeles
Story by KABC • 1h ago

Ahateful act of vandalism was discovered last Friday, just days after a violent confrontation between LGBTQ activists and a group of conservative protesters outside a Glendale school board meeting.

Police say someone scratched messages referencing Pride into a car displaying the Armenian flag.

It was parked on East Lomita Avenue near Granada Street.

The markings included a racial slur on the hood.

Police are investigating the incident as a hate crime.

Detectives say the car is undergoing forensic testing.

Anyone with information should call Glendale Police.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/car-with-armenian-flag-vandalized-with-references-to-pride-and-racial-slur-in-glendale/ar-AA1cs54M

Asbarez: New ARS Chapter Established in Florida

Boshkezenian Garik
by Contributor

 

 June 12, 2023

 

in Community, Latest, News, Top Stories

ARS of Eastern USA board member Mary Andonian administers the oath to the inaugural ARS “Sevan” Chapter members


TAMPA, Fla.—The Armenian Relief Society of Eastern USA announced the establishment of the ARS “Sevan” Chapter in Tampa, Florida. This becomes the 35th chapter under the leadership of the ARS of Eastern USA, which spans across 14 states and the nation’s capital, Washington.

New ARS “Sevan” Chapter member Diana Vartazarian receives her pin from long-time ARS member Angele Manoogian

“The ARS ‘Sevan’ Chapter is poised to make a lasting impact through their initiatives, joining hands with their fellow chapters and the ARS network to support and uplift the Armenian people in their time of need,” expressed chairperson of the ARS Regional Executive Board Caroline Chamavonian. “With our united efforts, the ARS continues to write a remarkable chapter in its longstanding history of humanitarian service.”

A special oath ceremony administered by ARS of Eastern USA regional board member Mary Andonian was held on Saturday, June 3, where new members Carolin Avedissian, Lena Kotchounian, Lucine Melikian, Lizette Nalbandian, Sarah Vartazarian and Diana Vartazarian officially joined the ranks. Also in attendance was long-time member of the region Angele Manoogian who conveyed her congratulatory remarks and provided a brief history of the ARS mission since its establishment.

The ARS “Sevan” Chapter becomes the second chapter in the state of Florida, standing alongside the established ARS “Sosseh” Chapter near Boca Raton, Florida. This momentous addition strengthens the ARS presence in the Sunshine State, amplifying the organization’s capacity to address the needs of the Armenian community.

The ARS of Eastern USA extends its heartfelt congratulations to the founding members of the “Sevan” Chapter and expresses gratitude to the Tampa community for their continued support and enthusiasm. With the new chapter’s establishment, the ARS reinforces its commitment to advancing humanitarian endeavors and fostering unity and solidarity among Armenians in Tampa and beyond.

Sports: Wales opening doors to diverse communities ahead of Armenia fixture

Boshkezenian Garik
Shropshire Star, Wales
June 14 2023
UK & international sportsPublished: 5 hours ago

The Dragons host Armenia in a sold out Euro 2024 qualifier on Friday.

Female football supporters from Wales’ South Asian communities will watch the national team play for the first time on Friday through a new initiative designed to create a more diverse fan base.

The sold-out signs are set to go up for Wales’ Euro 2024 qualifier with Armenia at the Cardiff City Stadium with Rob Page’s side hoping to take another step towards next summer’s finals in Germany.

Among the 33,000-plus capacity crowd will be women benefiting from a partnership between Her Game Too Cymru, Amar Cymru – the group launched in 2020 to give the South Asian community a voice in the national team – and the Football Association of Wales.

Thirty tickets were made available to women from South Asian communities to attend the game. With the offer oversubscribed, fans that missed out have been invited to a Cardiff restaurant on Monday to watch Wales’ Euro qualifier in Turkey.

Roopa Vyas is a director of Her Game Too, the campaign group run by fans to raise awareness of sexism in sport, and has followed the Wales national team at home and abroad.

“We want to show the Red Wall is the friendliest fan base around,” said Caerphilly-born Vyas, who has a Ugandan father and an Indian mother.

“I have gone to games off my own back but I know the barriers that exist and it not easy for people from Muslim, Hindu, Bengali, Somali and other communities to do that.

“Amar Cymru is a progressive group that want to get female fans to games and they came to me as they knew I went to games and could shine a light on it.

I have gone to games off my own back, but I know the barriers that exist and it not easy for some people to do that.

“Hopefully we can go back to the FAW after the game and show them it was successful.”

Shazia Zahoor, born in Cardiff of Pakistani heritage, once played for Dinas Powys Ladies alongside current Wales captain Sophie Ingle and will be among fans experiencing her first international action on Friday.

“I’ve been a football fanatic since I was 13 and wanted to play but the culture did not encourage it,” said Zahoor, who will be joined at the Wales game by her sons Ibrahim, 11, and Zakariya, five.

“Even now I would feel uncomfortable talking to my father about playing football.

“I’m thrilled to be going to a Wales game and taking my two boys. It will be lovely to see other Asian women there because it really is breaking down barriers.”

The FAW want to create a more diverse fan base and has had mascots with South Asian heritage at home games and discussed establishing prayer rooms for fans at the Cardiff City Stadium.

Members of Amar Cymru – which translates to ‘My Wales’ and resonates with the South Indian, Bangladeshi and Punjabi communities – attended a Wales match for the first time in September 2021.

Jalal Goni, the organisation’s founder, says the landscape of Welsh football has changed even in that short time.

“When Amar Cymru started in lockdown it was pre-dominantly made up of males, but Wales being at the World Cup changed things,” said Goni.

“Females were saying how we can watch it and we had an event for the USA game at the World Cup that included arts and crafts and other things for the family as well as the football.

“The World Cup opened up the stadium experience for females. We know the older generation in our communities would not support females going to a male dominated event but we are breaking that stigma down.”

Goni, who will be part of a 10-strong Amar Cymru delegation in Turkey as the group attends a stand-alone Wales away fixture for the first time, added: “There is a lot riding on it.

“Female fans will be dressed differently in head scarves and cultural dresses and we hope there will be no negative comments.

“It is a massive step but the FAW have done a tremendous job in reshaping Welsh football, certainly since Euro 2016.

“Attending Wales games has become more of a family experience and we feel we are ready for this.”

Celebrating decades of dedication to Armenian education

Boshkezenian Garik
 Alexandra O’Neil Local Spotlight, Community News, Diaspora 0

Houry Boyamian has been a centerpiece of St. Stephen’s Armenian Elementary School in Watertown, Massachusetts for the past 35 years. A strong advocate for Armenian education, Boyamian has supported the thriving  of the language and culture in the only Armenian day school in New England. After three and a half decades of service, she is retiring this June. Her role as principal will be filled by Garine Palandjian, Ph.D.

Houry Boyamian receiving her high school diploma from Principal Simon Vratsian, Nshan Palandjian Djermaran

Growing up in Beirut, Boyamian studied at Nshan Palandjian Djemaran, at which her father Karnig Panian was vice principal. “I remember very well how he interacted with the students…he was the kindest man, but he was also very firm,” she reminisced recently in a conversation with the Weekly. “He had high expectations for himself and for others. He had a lot of integrity, and he loved his students.” Boyamian noted that “he was a great influence on me,” and this influence is seen in her work. 

Houry Boyamian’s high school graduation from Nshan Palandjian Djemaran in Beirut. Boyamian’s father Karnig Panian is pictured third from the left in the first row and Principal Simon Vratsian is fifth from the left. Boyamian is fourth from the right in the second row.

However, Boyamian did not always intend to follow in her father’s footsteps. She studied pharmacy in college, graduating in 1970 from St. Joseph University in Lebanon, and worked for Harvard Community Health Plan after moving to the United States during the Lebanese Civil War in 1986. It was only after school board representatives approached her that she decided to pursue a career in education. She accepted the role at St. Stephen’s in 1988, received her masters in education in 1994 from UMass Boston and set on a lifelong path of service to the Armenian community in Watertown. 

Houry Boyamian’s 1994 graduation from UMass Boston with her masters in education

“I did this because Armenian education is so important for the perpetuation of our culture, heritage and language,” Boyamian remarked. 

This mission has motivated and guided Boyamian in her role as she encountered various challenges over time. In recent years, St. Stephen’s has flourished despite the teacher shortage, sharing space with sister organizations, and the COVID-19 pandemic. During that difficult year, Boyamian shared that “we had a very good health committee…we made everything possible for in-person education.” 

Additionally, the administration is cautious with spending in hopes of keeping tuition low for families. “We do not spare funds when it comes to education, to the students, but on the other hand we are very cautious…In the administration, we wear different hats.” Through this budget, St. Stephen’s can be a school “for every Armenian who desires to give to their children Armenian education.” 

After her retirement, Boyamian hopes that St. Stephen’s will work towards establishing a middle school, and one day, a high school. “Why not?” asked Boyamian. “We have many on the west coast; we should have one here on the east.” 

With these challenges and hopes in mind, St. Stephen’s will continue to thrive under the leadership of Garine Palandjian. Boyamian praises Palandjian: “She cares about everything Armenian, and I’m very pleased and very happy that a young woman has decided to come and serve Armenian education.” Boyamian wishes her “a lot of success and a bright future.” 

Palandjian will be working closely with a second generation of St. Stephen’s students. Boyamian shared that the passing down of Armenian education is her “biggest joy, when I see alumni students bringing their children to St. Stephen’s.” This year, for the first time, a child of an alumni will graduate. 

What keeps families coming back to St. Stephen’s? “I have noticed that those children who know their language, who know their history, they are more confident in life. They know where they came from,” said Boyamian.

Houry Boyamian pictured in the center with alumni at the 35th anniversary gala for St. Stephen’s Armenian Elementary School

As a 35-year career at St. Stephen’s comes to a close, Boyamian continues to put her students first. “I am so busy that I’m not thinking about my retirement,” she confesses. “I’m just getting ready for the closing of the school, the graduation ceremonies, and all of the events that take place in June.” With the year’s end quickly approaching, she anticipates missing the people most, though she plans to remain local and stay in touch. The students, teachers and parents have made her role at St. Stephen’s a rewarding one.   

“I have come to school every day with the happiness of doing something worthwhile. I never regretted one day for taking this many responsibilities, and I did it with real pleasure and fulfillment.


Armenpress: Azerbaijan opens fire on the vehicle transporting Armenian servicemen. the Armenian side has no losses

Boshkezenian Garik

 21:35, 9 June 2023

YEREVAN, JUNE 9, ARMENPRESS.  At 6:30 p.m. on June 9, the units of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces opened fire on the vehicle transporting the servicemen of the Armenian Armed Forces in the direction of Kakhakn, ARMENPRESS was informed from the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Armenia.

The Armenian side has no losses.

AW: Senators Padilla and Rubio launch bi-partisan bill condemning Azerbaijan’s Artsakh blockade; Demanding Aliyev sanctions

Boshkezenian Garik

`

June 8, 2023 ANCA ANCA News 0

WASHINGTON, DC – Senators Alex Padilla (D-CA) and Marco Rubio (R-FL) teamed up to introduce anti-blockade legislation today, backed by the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) and supported by a wide array of American civil society coalition partners, increasing US pressure on Azerbaijan to end its nearly six-month long blockade of 120,000 Christian Armenians in their indigenous Artsakh homeland.

The measure is similar to H.Res.108, a bipartisan resolution spearheaded by Congressional Armenian Caucus co-chair Frank Pallone (D-NJ) and the Armenian Caucus leadership, which currently has 88 cosponsors.

The Senate introduction – which is supported by Senate Foreign Relations Committee chairman Robert Menendez (D-NJ), who is an original cosponsor of the measure – is timed with the next round of US-mediated Azerbaijan-Armenia peace talks, scheduled as early as next week in Washington, DC.  The measure specifically calls for US sanctions against Azerbaijani officials responsible for the Artsakh blockade and ongoing anti-Armenian human rights violations and urges the Biden Administration to stop all military aid to Azerbaijan by fully enforcing Section 907 sanctions.

“Armenian and allied Americans thank Senators Padilla, Rubio and Menendez for enforcing concrete costs and real-world consequences on Azerbaijan over its six-month-long blockade of Artsakh – starting with the immediate cut-off of all US military aid to Baku,” said ANCA executive director Aram Hamparian. “American taxpayers should not be asked to subsidize the armed forces of an authoritarian regime that neither needs nor deserves US support.”

Armenians and allied Americans can voice support for the Padilla-Rubio Anti-Blockade measure by visiting https://anca.org/resolution.

“Azerbaijan’s blockade of the Lachin Corridor—the only road connecting Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh) to Armenia—is inhumane and unacceptable,” said Senator Padilla, upon introduction of the measure. “This blockade has created a humanitarian crisis, rendering the 120,000 Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh without access to food, medicine and other basic necessities. Our resolution would make it clear that the United States must take action to hold Azerbaijan accountable.”

Rep. Pallone welcomed the Senate introduction of the measure, stating, “I stand with my colleagues today in condemning Azerbaijan’s ongoing blockade of Artsakh. It’s clear that Azerbaijan’s blockage of the Lachin Corridor is coordinated and intended to shut off the only supply route for much of Artsakh’s food, medical supplies and transport, and other essential goods. We stand united in telling Azerbaijan to end this intentional humanitarian crisis.”

In addition to clearly and unequivocally condemning Azerbaijan’s six-month blockade, the resolution would place the US Senate on record in favor of five practical remedies to the worsening humanitarian crisis in Artsakh caused by Azerbaijan’s blockade of food, medicine and other vital necessities:

(1) Encourages the United States Government and the international community to petition the United Nations Security Council, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe and other appropriate international bodies to investigate any and all war crimes committed by Azerbaijani forces against Armenian civilians;

(2) Calls for the deployment of international observers to the Lachin Corridor and Nagorno-Karabakh to explore opportunities for more effective and sustainable guarantees of security and peaceful development.

(3) Calls on the President to immediately suspend any US new, current or pending military or security assistance to Azerbaijan and to fully enforce Section 907 of the FREEDOM Support Act;

(4) Supports US sanctions under existing statutory authority against Azerbaijani officials responsible for the blockade of Nagorno-Karabakh and other well-documented human rights violations committed against Armenians in the region, such as the targeting of civilian infrastructure and the destruction of historic, cultural and places of worship of great significance to Armenians;

(5) Supports efforts by the United States, the European Union and the international community to provide humanitarian assistance to victims of Azerbaijani aggression in Nagorno-Karabakh.

The full text of the resolution is available here.

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The Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) is the largest and most influential Armenian-American grassroots organization. Working in coordination with a network of offices, chapters and supporters throughout the United States and affiliated organizations around the world, the ANCA actively advances the concerns of the Armenian American community on a broad range of issues.