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.
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 