Category Archives: Armenian Genocide

City of Miami Beach Officially Recognizes the Armenian Genocide

Miami Beach City Commissioner Mark Samuelian

MIAMI BEACH, FL – On Wednesday, December 11, 2019, the City of Miami Beach, Florida passed a resolution officially recognizing the Armenian Genocide, reported FLArmenians.com.

The resolution was introduced by Miami Beach City Commissioner Mark Samuelian and passed unanimously.

“I am extremely proud of my Armenian heritage, and happy to have visited Armenia this summer and seen the wonderful countryside and its people. I commend the U.S. House of Representatives for condemning and recognizing the Armenian Genocide and proud of the City of Miami Beach for adopting this resolution,” Mark Samuelian said in a statement to FLArmenians.com. “In addition, I congratulate the Armenian Genocide Committee, Inc. (AGC) for its efforts in commemorating the Armenian Genocide here in South Florida. This is a significant step in honoring the history of the Armenian people and their contributions,” Samuelian said.

In 2017, Samuelian became the first Armenian American elected official in Miami-Dade County history.

“The City of Miami Beach is the first city in Miami-Dade County to officially recognize the Armenian Genocide, and I know I speak for the thousands of Armenian Americans in Miami-Dade when I say ‘Thank You’ to Commissioner Samuelian, Mayor Gelber, and the entire City Commission on this historic occasion,” stated AGC Chairwoman Arsine Kaloustian. “As the Armenian American community in South Florida continues to grow, AGC will continue to build on our accomplishments and expand Armenian Genocide awareness, education, and affirmation in the Sunshine State,” Kaloustian said.

A copy of the resolution is available here.

Posted in Armenian Genocide, General Update, News, Politics

BREAKING NEWS: Armenian Genocide Resolution Today in the US Senate

Dec 5

Posted by Florida Armenians

Armenian Genocide Resolution in the Senate:

Senators Bob Menendez (D-NJ) and Ted Cruz (R-TX) will request Unanimous Consent to consider the Armenian Genocide Resolution, S.Res.150. Tune in to C-SPAN at approx. 1:00 p.m. EST to watch the Senate Floor live.

Florida Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) is a cosponsor of S. Res. 150. However, Senator Rick Scott (R-FL) is NOT. Call Sen. Rick Scott’s DC Office NOW (202) 224-5274 and urge him to cosponsor the bill and to vote YES should it come up for a vote!

Now is the time to call your Senators and urge them to support S.Res.150!

Quick Facts about the Armenian Genocide Resolution in the Senate:

Senator Bob Menendez introduced the Armenian Genocide Resolution, S.Res.150, on April 9, 2019.
Including Senator Menendez, a total of 29 Senators have co-sponsored the resolution. Who else has co-sponsored?
Following the historic and overwhelming bipartisan vote in favor of H.Res.296 in the House of Representatives, the the Armenian American community pressed for passage of the stand-alone Senate resolution on the Armenian Genocide.
On November 13, Senator Bob Menendez requested Unanimous Consent to consider S.Res.150. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) objected, following a meeting earlier that day with Turkish President Erdogan at the White House. Florida Senator Rick Scott was also in the Oval Office meeting with Erdogan.
On November 21, Senator Bob Menendez requested Unanimous Consent again to consider S.Res.150, and was joined by Senator Ted Cruz. Senator David Perdue (R-GA) objected, citing “ongoing diplomatic relations with Turkey.” Senator Menendez vowed not to relent.
Today, December 5, Senators Bob Menendez and Ted Cruz will once again request Unanimous Consent to consider S.Res.150 at approximately 1:00 PM EST.

Have questions? Please email us at flarmenians@gmail.com or connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Posted in Armenian Genocide, Politics

Armenian Genocide Commemorative Events in Florida

Apr 27

Posted by Florida Armenians

Tampa, FL

On Wednesday, April 24th, St. Hagop Armenian Church of Pinellas Park, FL hosted a commemoration of the 104th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide.

Parishioners gathered for the remembrance of the Holy Martyrs of the Armenian Genocide. “It was a truly moving evening,” stated Rev. Fr. Hovnan Demerjian, pastor of St. Hagop Armenian Church. Mallory Maslar, St. Hagop Parish Council Vice-Chair, organized the commemorative event with the events committee.

An Armenian Genocide Exhibit from the Florida Holocaust Museum was also on display with the assistance of George Kamajian. Michael Shahnasarian and his wife Jean, who chairs the events committee, provided the fellowship. Photography provided generously by Teresa Haidarian and video by Art Ekizian.