Category: News

A meeting of Diaspora Commissioners in Yerevan on Nov. 5

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan announced that there will be an “important reference” to Armenia-Diaspora relations in the new draft constitution, adding that ultimately the goal of those ties must culminate in repatriation to Armenia.

Pashinyan was speaking at a welcoming event for Diaspora Affairs commissioners, who are in Yerevan to attend the Third Global Armenian Summit, a misnomer because not all Diaspora entities will be participating in the event.

“I would like to draw your attention to another nuance; as you are likely aware, we are currently working on the text of a new Constitution. The draft—which will undergo further refinement—will be published during the month of November. It includes a very important reference to Armenia-Diaspora relations and the purpose of those relations,” Pashinyan told the participants.

“Naturally, these relations are multifaceted; however, we deemed it essential to clearly articulate—within the draft of the new Constitution, among other places—what the ultimate goal of Armenia-Diaspora relations is. While there may be intermediate objectives, there must also be an ultimate goal,” he added.

“And we have reached the conclusion that the ultimate goal is, in fact, repatriation—for people to consider the Republic of Armenia the center of their lives and activities. It is important to us that members of the Armenian diaspora identify with the Republic of Armenia as a vital and inseparable part of their own identity—a connection that would naturally be expressed through holding citizenship of the Republic of Armenia and engaging in various activities within the Republic,” Pashinyan said.

Both Pashinyan and Justice Minister Srbui Galyan have promised that the draft of the new constitution will be publicized this month. The draft has been reviewed only by members of Pashinyan’s Civil Contract Party who were appointed to the Constitutional Reform Commission.

“We must place the development of the Republic of Armenia—the development of its state institutions, its statehood in general, and its economy—at the core of our cooperation; the Republic of Armenia must become the epicenter of Armenian life. I must note that, in essence, this process is already taking place in parallel, as we see an increasing number of representatives from the Diaspora becoming more actively involved in the development of Armenia’s economy and education sectors—areas in which we now have prominent, and even world-renowned, projects,” Pashinyan said in addressing those present.

“However, it is also crucial that we convey our message to all segments of the Armenian people, to every citizen,” he added.

The Homenetmen Central Executive Chairman, Hagop Khacherian, on Thursday announced that the organization received a $300,000 donation in memory of the late Hrair Soghmonyan.

Khacherian explained that Harout and Lena Soghomian, Zohrab and Hasmik Tejirian, as well as Jirair and Houri Zakarian made the donation in memory of their brother, Hrair Soghomonian, who in addition to being a Homenetmen member, was a benefactor who contributed to many Armenian causes and organizations.

Khacherian explained that through this contribution Homenetmen will establish the “Hrair Soghomonian Endowment Fund.” In accordance with the donors’ wishes, two-thirds of the fund’s annual proceeds will be allocated to the programs of the Homenetmen Central Committee, while the remaining one-third will support the activities of the Homenetmen Lebanon Regional Committee.

Hrair Soghomonian, who passed away in 2020, was a scout in the Homenetmen Beirut’s Hayashen District during his childhood. Subsequently, he frequently supported the activities of Homenetmen. In 2018, through a donation of $50,000, he became one of the primary sponsors of the organization’s centennial, for which he received special recognition.

The announcement of the generous donation was made during an Inter-Executive conference organized by the Homenetmen Central Executive, which kicked off on Thursday in Yerevan.

Pappas Defeats Azerbaijan-Tied Sununu in New Hampshire; 90 Percent of ANCA-Endorsed Candidates Win Called Races as House and Senate Flip, Restoring Checks and Balances

WASHINGTON – Armenian American voters left their mark on the 2026 midterm elections, imposing electoral costs on candidates who profit from Azerbaijan’s occupation of Armenian lands or carry Baku’s water in Congress, while ninety percent of the Senate and House candidates endorsed by the Armenian National Committee of America won their called races.

The ANCA’s marquee victory came in New Hampshire, where Rep. Chris Pappas defeated former Sen. John E. Sununu, who personally holds millions in a foreign company mining occupied Artsakh.

“Corrupt American politicians can’t get away with secretly pocketing Aliyev’s bribes – not anymore. We dragged Baku’s corruption out from the shadows and into television campaign ads, turning this dirty money into a political liability. They thought they could keep cashing in for free. On election night, the ANCA sent them the bill. The Azerbaijani petrodollars that once bought their votes now cost them votes. That’s a service to our community – and to our country,” said ANCA Executive Director Aram Hamparian.

The ANCA is already working to put Armenian American priorities before every Member of the 120th Congress, and looking ahead to the 2028 Presidential and Congressional elections. Armenian Americans can review the results and help advance the community’s agenda at the ANCA Nationwide Townhall, “Our Work Starts Now: Post-Midterm Analysis and Action.” The free townhall takes place Thursday, November 5 at 9 p.m. EST / 6 p.m. PST via Zoom. Register here.

Sending Pappas to the Senate
The Associated Press called New Hampshire’s open Senate seat, vacated by retiring Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, for Pappas by a margin of 56 percent to 42 percent. Pappas, graded “A” by the ANCA, has stood with Artsakh refugees, pressed for the release of Armenian hostages held in Baku, and backed enforcement of Section 907 restrictions on U.S. aid to Azerbaijan.

In a May 11 financial disclosure obtained by Politico, Sununu reported up to $5 million in Anglo Asian Mining stock. He also reported a stake in Sununu Holdings LLC, the company’s second-largest shareholder. His father, former White House Chief of Staff John H. Sununu, and his brother, Michael Sununu, sit on the company’s board. Azerbaijan handed Anglo Asian Mining the Kashen copper mine in Artsakh’s Martakert region in 2022, a year before Armenians were driven from the region.

ANCA National Grassroots Director Gev Iskajyan and ANCA Programs Director Michael Tatevossian pressed Sununu on those ties in a July 27 NH Journal op-ed, “Transparency is a Two-Way Street in Tight NH Senate Race.” ANCA grassroots advocacy kept the issue before Granite State voters through Election Day, and it reached the airwaves in campaign television ads.

Going Seven for Seven in the Senate
All seven ANCA-endorsed Senate candidates won their election bids. In Michigan, Dr. Abdul El-Sayed won the open seat of retiring Sen. Gary Peters, defeating former Rep. Mike Rogers.

“The Trump administration’s blank check for military aid to Azerbaijan in the face of ongoing atrocities is a blatant violation of international law. As Michigan’s next Senator, I will stand up for the peace, dignity, security, and self-determination of the Armenian people—and all people—and for international law,” El-Sayed told the ANCA during the campaign.

Sherrod Brown returns to the Senate after defeating Sen. Jon Husted in Ohio’s special election. Sens. Ed Markey (D-MA) and Jack Reed (D-RI), both graded “A+,” won reelection, as did Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ), graded “A.” Sen. Chris Coons (D-DE), graded “A-,” also won reelection and is expected to chair the Senate Foreign Relations Committee in the 120th Congress.

Bringing Real Oversight to Congress
With the House and Senate both changing hands, in the first midterm since 2006 to flip both chambers, Americans have returned to divided government, with one party in the White House and the other leading Congress. That balance restores the checks and balances at the heart of our Constitution, strengthening Congress’s hand to question, investigate, and hold the Executive Branch accountable. For Armenian Americans, the new majorities bring Congressional oversight of the Trump Administration’s Section 907 waivers and U.S. military aid to Azerbaijan. That oversight also extends to the proposed Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP) through Armenia’s Syunik province and to U.S. diplomacy on the freedom of Armenian hostages held in Baku.

Reelecting Armenian Caucus Leaders
ANCA-endorsed House candidates won fifty of the fifty-five races called so far, returning a strong bipartisan pro-Armenian bloc to the 120th Congress. Leading that bloc are Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues Co-Chairs Reps. Frank Pallone (D-NJ) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) and Vice Chair Rep. Brad Sherman (D-CA), all graded “A+.” Pallone, the founding Co-Chair of the Caucus, has led for decades on Artsakh, which he has visited multiple times, and on the full range of Armenian American concerns. Bilirakis, who has served since 2007, co-led the Azerbaijan Sanctions Review Act with Rep. Dina Titus (D-NV), another “A+” ally, who introduced the Armenian Genocide Education Act (H.R.2585). Pallone and Bilirakis also joined Rep. Gabe Amo (D-RI), graded “A+,” in leading the Lawler-Pallone-Bilirakis-Amo letter demanding enforcement of Section 907. Sherman, a senior member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, has spent three decades pressing for enforcement of Section 907, sanctions on Azerbaijan, aid for Artsakh and Armenia, Armenian Genocide education, and protection of Armenian Christian heritage.

Reps. Jim Costa (D-CA), Judy Chu (D-CA), and Laura Friedman (D-CA), all graded “A+,” also return, alongside Republican allies including Reps. Chris Smith (R-NJ), Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY), and Vince Fong (R-CA).

Holding Opponents Accountable
Thirty percent of Members graded “D-” or “F” will not return in January. Five retired: Sen. Steve Daines (R-MT) and Reps. Steve Cohen (D-TN), Burgess Owens (R-UT), Darrell Issa (R-CA), and Ryan Zinke (R-MT). That share would rise to thirty-five percent if Rep. Mike Turner (R-OH), who trails by roughly 5,000 votes, loses a race the AP has not yet called.

Rep. Derrick Van Orden (R-WI) lost his seat after cosponsoring H.R.6534, Rep. Anna Paulina Luna’s (R-FL) bill to lift restrictions on U.S. aid to Azerbaijan, which the ANCA has fought nationwide at anca.org/luna. Owens was also a cosponsor. Luna holds a narrow lead in a race the AP has not called, as did fellow cosponsor Rep. Abe Hamadeh (R-AZ). In North Carolina, Rep. Virginia Foxx (graded “D”), a member of the Congressional Turkey and Azerbaijan Caucuses who voted against the 2019 Armenian Genocide resolution, trails by just 99 votes.

In Texas’ 28th District, Rep. Henry Cuellar, graded “F,” held his seat against ANCA-endorsed Webb County Judge Tano Tijerina. Cuellar is Co-Chair of the Congressional Azerbaijan Caucus. The ANCA worked closely with Tijerina from the early days of his campaign, beginning with ANCA Texas outreach and an April visit to ANCA national headquarters. Tijerina put Cuellar’s record squarely before South Texas voters, with television ads on his May 2024 federal indictment for accepting nearly $600,000 in bribes from Azerbaijani state-controlled entities. ANCA grassroots advocacy, including its long-running #ExpelCuellar campaign, kept the indictment and President Trump’s December 2025 pardon of Cuellar at the center of district news coverage. The ANCA thanks Judge Tijerina for taking on that fight.

ANCA-Endorsed Winners

U.S. Senate
Chris Coons (D-DE), Ed Markey (D-MA), Abdul El-Sayed (D-MI), Chris Pappas (D-NH), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Jack Reed (D-RI)

U.S. House
California: Tom McClintock (R-5), Lateefah Simon (D-12), Kevin Mullin (D-15), Zoe Lofgren (D-18), Vince Fong (R-20), Jim Costa (D-21), George Whitesides (D-27), Judy Chu (D-28), Luz Rivas (D-CA-29), Laura Friedman (D-30), Gil Cisneros (D-31), Brad Sherman (D-32), Ted Lieu (D-36), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-37), Hilda Solis (D-38), Linda Sanchez (D-41), Dave Min (D-47), Mike Levin (D-49)
Delaware: Sarah McBride (D-AL)
Florida: Gus Bilirakis (R-12)
Illinois: Delia Ramirez (D-3), Mike Quigley (D-5), Brad Schneider (D-10), Nikki Budzinski (D-13)
Maine: Chellie Pingree (D-1)
Massachusetts: James McGovern (D-2), Lori Trahan (D-3), Jake Auchincloss (D-4), Katherine Clark (D-5), Stephen Lynch (D-8)
Michigan: Rashida Tlaib (D-12)
Missouri: Wesley Bell (D-1)
Nevada: Dina Titus (D-1), Susie Lee (D-3), Steven Horsford (D-4)
New Jersey: Donald Norcross (D-1), Christopher Smith (R-4), Josh Gottheimer (D-5), Frank Pallone (D-6), Rob Menendez (D-8)
New York: Tom Suozzi (D-3), Grace Meng (D-6), Nicole Malliotakis (R-11), George Latimer (D-16), Paul Tonko (D-20)
Ohio: David Taylor (R-2), Warren Davidson (R-8)
Rhode Island: Gabe Amo (D-1), Seth Magaziner (D-2)
Texas: Joaquín Castro (D-20)
Virginia: Don Beyer (D-8)

Still Too Close to Call
Young Kim (R-CA-40)

GLENDALE — Massis Kabob, the beloved family-owned Southern California restaurant chain, celebrated a remarkable milestone: 50 years of serving generations of families and communities across Los Angeles. To mark the occasion, the restaurant hosted a special 50th Anniversary Community Festival on Sunday, November 1, at its flagship Glendale location at 301 S. Glendale Ave.

The celebration brought the community together to honor five decades of Armenian culinary tradition. Festivities included an ice cream truck, fresh churros, traditional Armenian coffee, a live DJ, mariachi performances, face painting and a live performance by legendary Armenian singer Harout Pamboukjia, offering entertainment for guests of all ages.

For co-owner Gevik Baghdassarian, the anniversary was an opportunity to reflect on the restaurant’s journey and express his gratitude to the people who made it possible throughout its five-decade history.

“Los Angeles has been incredibly good to our family, and we have so much love and appreciation for the communities that have supported us for the past 50 years,” said Gevik Baghdassarian.

“Massis Kabob has always been about family, and our customers have truly become part of our extended family. This celebration is our way of giving back and saying thank you to everyone who has welcomed us into their communities, shared meals with us and helped us reach this incredible milestone,” he added.

Massis Kabob’s story began in 1976, when the late Hacop Baghdassarian opened the original restaurant as a single stand in the Glendale Galleria food court. His vision was to introduce authentic Armenian cuisine to the heart of Southern California while creating a welcoming place where families and communities could come together over a shared meal.

What began as a modest family business has grown into a beloved Southern California restaurant chain, earning the loyalty of generations of customers while remaining true to its Armenian roots. Today, Massis Kabob is led by brothers Peter and Gevik Baghdassarian, who proudly carry forward their father’s legacy and the values that have defined the company for 50 years: family, hospitality, tradition and community.

“Reaching 50 years is something we are incredibly proud of, but we know we didn’t get here alone,” said Peter Baghdassarian. “Every customer who walked through our doors, every employee who has been part of our team and every community that has supported us has helped write the Massis Kabob story. We want this celebration to be for them.”

A New Chapter at Hollywood Burbank Airport
Alongside its anniversary celebration, Massis Kabob also marked another significant chapter in its history with plans to open its eighth location inside the newly unveiled terminal at Hollywood Burbank Airport — believed to be the first Armenian-owned restaurant in a U.S. airport.

The new restaurant is situated in the main hall of Hollywood Burbank Airport’s brand-new $1.3 billion passenger terminal, which officially welcomed its first travelers on October 13, 2026. This expansion marks a major milestone for Massis Kabob and the Armenian-American community as the family-owned restaurant brings its authentic cuisine and hospitality to one of Southern California’s most prominent transportation gateways, introducing Armenian culinary traditions to travelers from around the world.

For the Baghdassarian family, this milestone represents the continuation of a dream that began in 1976. As Massis Kabob celebrates 50 years as a beloved Los Angeles staple, the family looks toward the future while remaining true to the values that built its legacy: authentic Armenian cuisine, warm hospitality and a commitment to bringing people together.

NEW YORK CITY — The Children of Armenia Fund will host its 23rd Annual Holiday Gala, “Honoring Heritage. Building Tomorrow,” on Saturday, December 12, at Cipriani 25 Broadway in New York City. Bringing together philanthropists, community leaders, and advocates from across the Armenian diaspora, the evening will celebrate Armenian heritage, recognize distinguished honorees, and raise critical funds to expand opportunities for children and families in rural Armenia.

Building on the momentum of last year’s landmark Gala, which raised over $8 million, this year’s event will highlight COAF’s expanding impact and its ambitious vision for the future, including the development of a second COAF SMART Center in Armavir and plans for additional centers in Armenia’s southern Syunik region. 

This year’s Gala will recognize extraordinary individuals whose contributions to philanthropy, culture, and the Armenian community reflect COAF’s commitment to creating lasting change.

Pamela Avedisian and her late husband, Edward Avedisian, will be honored with COAF’s Empowering a Generation Award in recognition of their extraordinary generosity and longstanding commitment to advancing opportunities for Armenia’s children. Among COAF’s earliest and most dedicated supporters, the Avedisians have helped strengthen transformative initiatives that provide young people and families in rural communities with access to education, essential services, and pathways to a brighter future. Their philanthropic legacy continues to inspire generations of Armenians.

Sev Ohanian, the Academy Award-nominated and Golden Globe-winning producer and screenwriter, will receive COAF’s Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing his accomplishments in the entertainment industry and his commitment to celebrating and elevating Armenian identity. Known for his work on critically acclaimed films including “Sinners,” “Judas and the Black Messiah,” and “Creed III,” Ohanian has emerged as an influential voice in contemporary filmmaking while remaining deeply connected to his Armenian heritage.

“Our Annual Gala is a powerful reminder of what we can accomplish when the Armenian community comes together around a shared vision,” said Dr. Garo H. Armen, Founder and Chairman of COAF. “As we honor individuals whose achievements and generosity inspire us, we also look ahead toward the future — bringing transformative opportunities to more children and families across rural Armenia. The continued support of our community makes that vision possible.”

The Gala will feature moving stories from young people whose lives have been transformed through COAF’s programs, musical performances by talented young artists from Armenia, and special guest appearances celebrating the enduring connection between Armenia and its global diaspora.

The evening will be co-hosted by Araksya Karapetyan, Emmy Award-winning anchor of “Good Day LA,” and Haig Boyadjian, COAF’s Vice President of Development.

For over more than two decades, COAF’s Annual Holiday Gala has brought together distinguished figures from philanthropy, entertainment, and the Armenian community, becoming a signature celebration of collective impact and commitment to Armenia’s future. Last year’s event at The Plaza featured Emmy and Tony Award-winning actress and COAF Ambassador, Andrea Martin; actor and COAF Board Member, Joe Manganiello; Armenian comedian, Kev Orkian; and Grammy Award-winning Motown legend, Thelma Houston. Honorees included the Tacorian Family of Los Angeles who received the Empowering a Generation Award for their advocacy and support of COAF over the years. Notable guests from previous Galas include Leonardo DiCaprio, Vanessa Williams, Steve Martin, Gloria Gaynor, and more. 

Since 2003, COAF has worked to strengthen rural communities through comprehensive initiatives in education, healthcare, child and family services, and economic development.

Central to this mission is the innovative COAF SMART Center model, which provides children and youth with access to free, high-quality educational programming and opportunities often unavailable in rural communities.

Established in 2018, COAF’s flagship SMART Center in Lori serves approximately 2,000 students weekly from surrounding communities, offering 19 programs including technology, languages, arts, science, and sports.

Building on the success of the Lori Center, COAF is advancing the development of its second SMART Center in Armavir, with an anticipated opening in 2028. The organization is also planning future expansion into the Syunik region, with proposed SMART Centers in Goris and Kapan.

Together, these efforts represent a long-term vision to bring the benefits of the SMART model to children and families across Armenia, regardless of where they live.

The Gala serves as COAF’s main fundraising vehicle of the year, and all contributions made support the organization’s efforts in expanding its SMART initiative. COAF aims to eventually expand the SMART Center model to each region of Armenia, allowing their team to reach children in more villages. Proceeds from the Gala will support the organization’s mission to transform rural communities and expand access to the opportunities that enable children and families to thrive. 

Visit the website for Gala tickets, sponsorship opportunities, or to make a donation in support of COAF’s mission.

The Children of Armenia Fund is a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing rural communities in Armenia through education, healthcare, social services, and economic development. Since its founding in 2003, COAF has impacted over 150,000 lives across seven regions of Armenia. Through its innovative SMART Centers and holistic community initiatives, COAF equips youth with the tools, skills, and resources needed to thrive in a globalized world. 

Learn more at online.