Category Archives: Events
Armenian Genocide 101: South Florida Armenians to Feature “The Cut”
As part of a program marking the 101st anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, South Florida’s Armenian Genocide Commemoration, Inc. (AGC), will feature the award-winning film ‘The Cut,’ directed by Fatih Akin.
According to IMDb, “In 1915 a man survives the Armenian genocide in the Ottoman Empire, but loses his family, speech and faith. One night he learns that his twin daughters may be alive, and goes on a quest to find them.”
The historic Armenian Genocide film stars Tahar Rahim, Simon Abkarian, and Makram Khoury.
The film will premiere in South Florida for one night only, on Sunday April 24, 2016 at Cinema Paradiso, 503 SE 6th Street, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33301. Tickets are $15, and are available online at www.101years.eventbrite.com.
Armenians united by the thousands last April, all across the country. But our work is far from done. We must not disband – we must be vigilant in our efforts to educate the world not only about the Genocide but about Armenians in general, particularly with heightened tensions in and around Armenia at this time. This film is going to be particularly poignant for Armenians because it tells the story of the past, of the loss experienced by millions – but also a story of hope, and looking forward into the future. This is the first time ‘The Cut’ has been screened in South Florida. AGC, Inc. is proud to be able to present such a powerful film to the Armenian community on April 24th,” stated Arsine Kaloustian, Florida Armenians Public Affairs Director and Chairwoman of AGC, Inc.
Armenian Church of Southwest Florida Celebrates 15th Anniversary
By Carole Meghreblian
FLArmenians Naples Contributor
On February 21, the Armenian Church of Southwest Florida (ACSWFL) celebrated the Divine Liturgy with over 100 parishioners in attendance. Sub-deacon Jack Dikranian assisted at the altar. Guest organist Louise Yardumian and 12 choir members were present to help mark the special occasion, the 15th Anniversary of the Armenian Church of Southwest Florida, with beautiful music.
The anniversary banquet, hosted by Frank and Susan Stoneson, followed at Vanderbilt Country Club. Guest speakers Oscar Tatosian, former Chairman of the Diocesan Council, Fr. Tateos Abdalian, Carole Meghreblian, Chairperson of the Parish Council, spoke about the history of the ACSWFL. Entertainment was provided by Mrs. Yardumian who played several piano selections.
ACSWFL Upcoming Events:
- Monday, March 7: Bake Sale, Lunch, and FunFest in the Church Hall: 1:00 – 5:00 pm
- Sunday, March 13: Badarak – Rev. Fr. Garabed Kochakian; Annual Lenten Luncheon to follow in Trinity Hall. Advanced reservations only.
All services are held at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 3901 Davis Blvd., Naples, Florida at 1:30 pm.
For more information about the Armenian Church of Southwest Florida, please contact Carole Meghreblian by phone (239) 348-3809 or by email carolemeghreblian@gmail.com.
In South Florida U.S. Holocaust Museum Memorial Presents Findings on Genocide and Mass Atrocities in Iraq
By Mercedes Gechidjian
FLArmenians Miami Contributor
A displaced Iraqi Christian woman prays at the home where she is staying in Erbil. Photo courtesy of Mackenzie Knowles-Coursin for The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum.
On Tuesday, February 9th and on Wednesday, February 10th, Florida Atlantic University (FAU) in Boca Raton and the University of Miami (UM), respectively, had the honor of hosting a presentation by the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum (USHMM) entitled “Exposing the Darkness: Perspectives on Mass Atrocities.” The panel discussion featured human rights experts Naomi Kikoler, Deputy Director at the Simon-Skjodt Center for the Prevention of Genocide at the USHMM, and photographer Mackenzie Knowles-Coursin. This brilliant, powerful discussion was co-hosted by FAU’s Center for Holocaust and Human Rights Education and by the University of Miami Hillel.
In 2015, Kikoler and Knowles-Cousin travelled to northern Iraq to document evidence of mass atrocities carried out by the self-proclaimed Islamic State (IS). The USHMM report found that IS has committed crimes against humanity, war crimes, and ethnic cleansing against various minority groups and perpetrated genocide against the Yezidi people.
“The event discussed previous atrocities, such as the Holocaust and crimes in Iraq, and brought forth ideas on how these atrocities could be prevented,” stated Michael Bezjian, a University of Miami Armenian Student Association (UM-ASA) member who was present at the Miami panel.
Naomi Kikoler, Mackenzie Knowles-Coursin, and Michael Bezjian
Knowles-Coursin’s work focuses on identity within the context of migration and statelessness, so his photographs documenting the Islamic State’s brutality brought to life the plight of the displaced and persecuted.
According to USHMM’s mission statement, the “Museum strives to broaden public understanding of the history of the Holocaust through multifaceted programs: exhibitions; research and publication; collecting and preserving material evidence, art and artifacts related to the Holocaust; annual Holocaust commemorations known as Days of Remembrance; distribution of education materials and teacher resources; and a variety of public programming designed to enhance understanding of the Holocaust and related issues, including those of contemporary significance.”
Florida Armenians were encouraged to attend the USHMM discussion in the hopes of raising awareness and broadening perspectives on genocide and man’s inhumanity to man.
“Growing up as an Armenian American, I’m no stranger to the stories of genocide, as they were told to me by my grandparents, who learned from their parents. Attending high school in South Florida, we learned about Nazi Germany and the atrocities that took place in the concentration camps during WWII,” stated Florida Armenians Boca Raton Chair George Sarkisian who was present at the FAU presentation.
“’Exposing the Darkness: Perspectives on Mass Atrocities’ was truly eye-opening, and really put in context the level of violence currently taking place in Iraq and Syria. The pictures and stories shared by the panelists provided a small but powerful glimpse into the lives of the people suffering at the hands of ISIS. I was especially touched by the pictures and stories of the displaced people living in camps located in northern Iraq and it feels like the history of the Armenian people a century ago may well be repeating itself today,” Sarkisian said.
