Category Archives: News
University of Miami Hosts ‘Walk for Justice’ for Armenian Genocide Recognition
By Mercedes Gechidjian
FLArmenians Miami Contributor
The Armenian Student Association (ASA) at the University of Miami (UM), organized a “Walk for Justice” this past Saturday, April 23, 2016, sponsored by the Armenian Genocide Commemoration, Inc. and Florida Armenians, LLC. The walk began at 6:30PM alongside Lake Osceola at the University of Miami.
ASA invited the broader Armenian and non-Armenian community to “Walk for Justice,” to demand international recognition of the Armenian Genocide of 1915 and to condemn all crimes against humanity. Marchers were holding signs with statements such as “We Remember and Demand” and “1915 Never Again”, in addition to waving Armenian flags as they walked around the University’s historic lake. Participants had a common idea-to march for the recognition of the massacres of 1915. “It is wonderful to have a walk respecting the victims of the Genocide in our own campus,” said Max Armour, a University of Miami senior of non-Armenian descent.
The Association’s E-Board decided to celebrate the lives of their ancestors by performing and teaching Khochari to all the participants. “We want to celebrate their lives, to remember them dancing in the streets of Van and Adana,” said ASA member Guadalupe Gechidjian, “I am extremely proud of this organization and the event we were able to organize.”
Those in attendance were able to enjoy exquisite Armenian appetizers, such as dolma, lavash rolls, baklava, gata, and pockets with basturma, cooked by Sirvard Saakian, a Member of the National Registry of Food Safety Professionals in Los Angeles. In addition, participants received a free t-shirt with the Forget-Me-Not flower in commemoration of the 100+1 anniversary of the Armenian Genocide.
The UM-Armenian Student Association would like to extend a big THANK YOU to the following individuals: Reverend Paren Avedikian, Viviana Horigian, Iren and Arsen Gasparyan, and Sirvard Saakian.
Action Alert: Denounce Azerbaijan, Defend Artsakh
Florida Armenians joins the Armenian Assembly of America in urging Armenian Americans in Florida and all human rights activists to TAKE ACTION to denounce Azerbaijan’s latest attacks on Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh and to urge Members of Congress to defend the self-determination and freedom of Nagorno Karabakh, as well as its right to self-defense.
So far, the latest Azeri cease-fire violations have resulted in over 20 reported deaths, including a 12-year-old boy, and over 70 wounded. In addition, Azerbaijan continues to target villagers in the Tavush region of Armenia, including a kindergarten. This is unacceptable and Azerbaijan must be held accountable for these gross violations of human rights and international law. Further, the United States should stand with the citizens of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic in their struggle for self-determination as they defend themselves from another genocidal act.
We cannot stand on the sidelines as one of the most corrupt dictators in the world continues to blatantly violate the 1994 OSCE brokered cease-fire and takes aim at our brothers and sisters in Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh.
The United States has an important role to play and must stand in solidarity with the people of Artsakh and their right to defend themselves.
CLICK HERE TO TAKE URGENT ACTION TODAY!
Florida Armenians Mourns the Passing of Harry Keleshian (1937-2016)
Florida Armenians mourns the passing of Harry Arsen Keleshian, who passed away in Boca Raton, FL on February 27. He was 78 years old. The entire Florida Armenians team sends their condolences to the Keleshian family.
The Greenwich Time wrote a wonderful article on Harry Keleshian’s life and family background. The Time states:
Keleshian turned a small card store selling newspapers, candies and tobacco into a substantial real estate operation in central Greenwich and was instrumental in efforts to make Greenwich Avenue an attractive destination for shoppers. The son of an Armenian who survived the murderous campaign directed by Turkish forces during World War I, he felt the burden of history in personal terms, family members said.
He was active in the cause to memorialize the genocide of 1915, as well as being a prominent figure and donor in the regional Armenian community.
Keleshian was born in Bronx, NY and spent most of his life in Greenwich, CT as a small business owner, philanthropist, and local community leader. He spent his later years in Boca Raton, FL with his family.
Keleshian is survived by his wife Edna, daughter Alyssa Keleshian Bonomo, sister Deanna Stepanian, two grandchildren and a number of nieces and nephews. A son, Arsen Harry Keleshian, predeceased him.
“There are few truly kind people left in the world, and fewer still that possess the grace of humility. Harry Keleshian possessed both of these rare traits,” stated Arsine Kaloustian, Florida Armenians Public Affairs Director.
“Harry never shied away from giving of both his time and treasure to not only the Armenian community, but the community at large,” Kaloustian said. “He was always the first to walk across the room to shake a hand or give a hug to someone he hadn’t seen in ages – and that kind of energy always fills up a room. His wisdom, generosity, and dry sense of humor will be missed by all of us.”
A Memorial Service will be held at St. David Armenian Church in Boca Raton, FL on Thursday, March 24th, at 12:15 pm. Members of the community are invited to join the family for Hokejash (memorial meal) following the service in Mardigian Hall.
Memorial donations can be made to St. David Armenian Church or to the Armenian Church Endowment Fund – Memo: Harry & Edna Keleshian Endowment (to benefit St. David Church).
Checks to the Endowment Fund should be mailed to: Diocese of the Armenian Church, 630 Second Ave., New York, NY 10016.
Florida Armenians 