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Armenian Assembly of America Presents Armenian Genocide Exhibit at Holocaust Museum of Southwest Florida
Turkish Consulate in Miami Attempts to Block Discussion of Armenian Genocide
NAPLES, FL – On Sunday, April 12, Armenian Assembly of America (Assembly) Communications Director Taniel Koushakjian presented the ‘Iconic Images of the Armenian Genocide‘ exhibit at the Holocaust Museum and Education Center of Southwest Florida to mark the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide which began on April 24, 1915.
With a capacity filled hall, Koushakjian discussed the systemic nature of the killings step by step, and presented the 20-panel exhibit highlighting details through the photographic evidence taken by eyewitnesses at the time, including American missionaries and German officers. The fourth in a series of digital exhibits released free of charge, ‘Iconic Images of the Armenian Genocide’ brings together as a single collection key images recording the brutal mistreatment of the Armenian population of the Ottoman Turkish Empire and the utter destruction of their historic communities.
In an outrageous move to impede a program on human rights education, the Turkish Consulate in Miami sent a letter trying to block discussion of the Armenian Genocide. “It is a disgrace that the Armenian diaspora chooses to identify itself with hatred of Turks, anti-Turkism in other words, as well as with outright dismissal of any chance of reconciliation and better relations between Turkey and Armenia,” wrote Ozgur Kivanc Altan, Consul General of the Republic of Turkey in Miami in the letter addressed to the Holocaust Museum of Southwest Florida. “This is disturbing, yet not surprising, as the [Armenian] diaspora sought in recent years to hijack the Holocaust in an attempt to garner support for a distorted presentation of the events of 1915,” read the Turkish complaint.
“We deeply appreciate the Holocaust Museum’s leadership in continuing the program as planned and are confident that Taniel’s presentation was well received,” said Assembly Executive Director Bryan Ardouny. “Despite cynical attempts to silence the truth, the truth will prevail,” added Ardouny.
In addition to Sunday’s program, Koushakjian also gave a presentation of the Armenian Genocide on Saturday, April 11 for a group of a dozen educators from surrounding Collier, Hendry, Lee, and Monroe counties as part of a public teacher workshop on Holocaust and human rights education at the Holocaust Museum and Education Center of Southwest Florida.
Additional photographs are available on the Assembly’s Facebook Page.
Established in 1972, the Armenian Assembly of America is the largest Washington-based nationwide organization promoting public understanding and awareness of Armenian issues. The Assembly is a non-partisan, 501(c)(3) tax-exempt membership organization.
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Photo Caption 1: Armenian Assembly Communications Director Taniel Koushakjian speaking to the audience about the Armenian Genocide.
Armenian Community of Southwest Florida Celebrates Holiday Season
By Carole Meghreblian
FLArmenians Naples Contributor
January 21, 2015
*Updated January 27, 2015
On Sunday, January 11th, the Armenian Church of Southwest Florida (ACSWFL) celebrated the Feast of the Nativity and Theophany with Rev. Fr. Karekin Kasparian. The service was held at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Naples, Florida. Leon Nigohosian served as Godfather of the Cross during the Blessing of the Water ceremony concluding the Divine Liturgy. A Christmas Dinner was held in Trinity Hall following the religious ceremony.
On February 8th, The Very Rev. Fr. Daniel Findikyan, Director of the Zorhab Center in New York will celebrate the Divine Liturgy with parishioners of the ACSWFL. The service will take place at 1:30 pm at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 3901 Davis Blvd. in Naples. The annual bake sale featuring Armenian breads and pastries will be held in the hall following the service. A luncheon will also be served.
The Armenian Church of Southwest Florida holds services in November, January, February, and March. Please mark your calendars for the following dates:
- February 8, 2015 – Badarak (Very Rev. Fr. Daniel Findikyan); Bake Sale to follow;
- February 17, 2015 – (no Badarak) Ladies & Men’s Luncheon at M Waterfront Grille;
- March 1, 2015 – Badarak (Very Rev. Fr. Aren Jebejian); Lenten Luncheon to follow;
- March 10, 2015 – (no Badarak) Picnic at Longshore Lakes, Naples, Florida.
For further information about our mission parish or to make reservations for any of the luncheons, please contact Carole Meghreblian carolemeghreblian@gmail.com.
Florida Armenians 