Presentation on Turkish Seizure of Armenian Property 4/30/12

Dear Friends, We think this event will be of interest to you, and we hope that you will be able to attend. Confiscation and Colonization: The Young Turk Seizure of Armenian Property A public presentation by author Prof. Ugur Üngör The Genocide Education Project will also give a brief presentation about its work bringing genocide education into the U.S. public schools. Hosted by: The Genocide Education Project Date/Time: Monday, April 30, 2012 at 8:00 p.m. Charge: Free of charge Location: Vaspouragan Hall at St.Gregory Armenian Church 51 Commonwealth Avenue, San Francisco, CA Online: www.genocideeducation.org/event Flyer (PDF): www.genocideeducation.org/event/ungor_flyer.pdf _________________________________________ From 1913 to 1950, successive Turkish governments subjected the eastern provinces of the Ottoman Empire to a violent policy of ethnic homogenization. Based on a decade of research on a range of unexamined records, Üngör will demonstrate that the Armenian genocide was part and parcel of this wider process. He will offer insights into the economic ramifications of the genocide and describe how the plunder was organized on the ground. He will conclude that this violent process destroyed historical regions and emptied multicultural cities, but also cleared the way for the modern Turkish nation state. Prof. Üngör is Assistant Professor of History at Utrecht University in the Netherlands and a regular contributor to the Armenian Weekly newspaper. He studied sociology and history in North America and Europe, and received a Master’s Degree in Holocaust and Genocide Studies from the University of Amsterdam. His PhD thesis, published by Oxford University Press is titled, The Making of Modern Turkey: Nation and State in Eastern Anatolia, 1913-1950. Sincerely, Armenian National Committee San Francisco Bay Area 51 Commonwealth Avenue San Francisco, CA 94118 (415) 387-3433 mail@ancsf.org www.ancsf.org

Film Screening: Khachaturian at SFPL on 4/12/12

Dear Friends,

Please join the San Francisco Public Library and the Bay Area ANC at the film screening of "Khachaturian" on Thursday, April 12, 2012 at 6:00 pm in the Koret Auditorium located on the lower lever of the San Francisco Public Library's Main Branch at 200 Larkin Street.

Filmed in 2004, Peter Rosen's award-winning documentary pays tribute to famed Armenian composer Aram Khachaturian, who was lauded for his patriotic music before being denounced in the late 1940s (along with Shostakovich and Prokofiev) for anti-Soviet "formalism." Archival film footage, interviews with family members, and readings by Eric Bogosian from Khachaturian's memoirs are featured. Musical segments include excerpts from the ballets "Spartacus" and "Gaynah" (with its memorable "Saber Dance"), and Mstislav Rostropovich performs "Cello Rhapsody."

This event is free and open to the public.

Below is a list of additional events for you to attend.

April 17, 2012 - 5:30 pm
Film Screening- Aghet: A Genocide
Co-Hosted by University of San Francisco Masters of International Studies Program
University of San Francisco, Berman Room
2130 Fulton Street, Fromm Hall, San Francisco

April 19, 2012 - All Day Event
ANCA-WR Sacramento Advocacy Day
State Capitol, Sacramento

April 22, 2012 - 2:00 pm
97th Armenian Genocide Requiem
Mount Davidson Cross
125 Dalewood Way, San Francisco

April 24, 2012 - 7:30 pm
97th Annual Genocide Commemoration
Khatchaturian Center, Saroyan Hall
825 Brotherhood Way, San Francisco

April 29, 2012 - 12:00 noon
2nd Annual Bay Area Walk Against Genocide
Lake Merritt, Oakland
Register Here

For questions, please contact the Bay Area Armenian National Committee by sending an email to mail@ancsf.org.

Sincerely,

Armenian National Committee
San Francisco Bay Area
51 Commonwealth Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94118
mail@ancsf.org
www.ancsf.org

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Hye Tad Evening 2012: Sassounian to Keynote, Local Heroes Balabanian and Tour-Sarkissian

Dear Friends,

We are pleased to announce that TV commentator, syndicated columnist, and human rights activist Harut Sassounian will be the keynote speaker at this year's Hye Tad Evening on Saturday, March 3, 2012. In addition, we will be honoring David Balabanian and Paul Tour-Sarkissian as our "Local Heroes" for their individual contributions that helped to secure the Mt. Davidson Cross where the Armenian-American community gathers to commemorate the Armenian Genocide annually.

Harut Sassounian is the publisher of the The California Courier newspaper and his weekly political commentaries, translated into half a dozen languages, are reprinted in publications around the world and posted on countless websites, including the Huffington Post. As President of the United Armenian Fund, a coalition of the six largest Armenian-American organizations, he managed the procurement and delivery of over $600 million of humanitarian aid to Armenia during the past 22 years. As Senior Vice President of Kirk Kerkorian's Lincy Foundation, Sassounian administered $240 million for infrastructure projects in Armenia. From 1978 to 1988, he served as a human rights delegate at the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland and played a leading role in the recognition of the Armenian Genocide by the U.N. Sub-Commission on Prevention of Discrimination and Protection of Minorities in 1985. Sassounian has authored several volumes in English and Arabic regarding genocide and international affairs. He is decorated by the President and Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia, the heads of the Armenian Apostolic and Catholic Churches, and is the recipient of the Ellis Island Medal of Honor. Sassounian will be sharing his insights on recent developments in France and other aspects of the fight for Armenian Genocide recognition and justice.

A landmark event for the San Francisco Armenian-American community, the annual Hye Tad Evening brings together hundreds of individuals who support the ANC's efforts to advance the concerns of the Armenian-American community on a broad range of issues. Past keynote speakers have included former U.S. Ambassador to Armenia John Evans, former Foreign Minister of Armenia Raffi Hovanissian, U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer, U.S. Congresswoman Jackie Speier, Hrant Dink, and Regip Zarakolu.

We hope you will join us at Saroyan Hall, 825 Brotherhood Way in San Francisco on Saturday, March 3, 2012 for this year's Hye Tad Evening. Cocktail hour will be at 6:30 pm followed by the formal program at 7:30 pm. Tickets are $125 for adults and $75 for students. You may purchase tickets by emailing mail@ancsf.org or calling (415) 387-3433.

We look forward to hearing from you and to seeing you at Hye Tad Evening 2012.

Sincerely,

Armenian National Committee
San Francisco Bay Area
51 Commonwealth Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94118
Tel: 415-387-3433
mail@ancsf.org
www.ancsf.org

Correcting Hillary Clinton

Dear Friends,

We need to deliver a strong message to Secretary Hillary Clinton protesting her inaccurate and highly offensive statement calling the Armenian Genocide a "historical debate."

Please make a call today urging your member of Congress to co-sign a Congressional letter, led by Representatives Adam Schiff (D-CA) and Robert Dold (R-IL), asking Secretary Clinton to renounce her shameful words.

You can read Secretary Clinton's statements and the proposed letter here.

Representatives Dold and Schiff are right when they describe Secretary Clinton's outrageous statement as "much closer to that of the Turkish government than that of any other senior U.S. diplomat in recent memory."

To find out who your member of Congress is, as well as his/her contact information and a sample phone script, please click here.

Thank you!

Sincerely,

Armenian National Committee
San Francisco Bay Area
51 Commonwealth Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94118
Tel: 415-387-3433
Fax: 415-751-0617
mail@ancsf.org
www.ancsf.org

________________________________________________________________

'Correcting Hillary Clinton'

That woman, 'L'...is not a historical debate either! She may have closed her eyes to that, but the Armenian Genocide cannot be debated upon. It happened and that is a fact! I am furious at the woman's lack of sensitivity to the fact. With all her wordiness and power, I would have thought she would be the last person to have put a question mark on the event that shook and touched Armenians. Becoming diaspora all over the world, strengthening economy and prosperity where ever our destiny took us.

Please draw attention to our plight with the most respect and poignant of thoughts with the approach of our centennial. Marking the Genocide of the Armenians in 1915 as the first Holocaust of the 20th Century. Though revered by the Turks, as good businessmen they suffocated Armenians with additional tax’s. Their denial is: to give an analogy, like rubbing salt into our wounds.

Mrs. H CLINTON…We ask for your support in helping the BILL for recognition of the Armenian Genocide in 1915 by the Young Turks exactly what it deserves, ‘RECOGNITION!’

Seta

PS... OF COURSE IT'S POLITICAL!

Join Us at Hye Tad Evening 2012

THE BAY AREA ARMENIAN NATIONAL COMMITTEE cordially invites you to HYE TAD EVENING 2012 SATURDAY, MARCH 3, 2012 Khatchaturian Center, Saroyan Hall 825 Brotherhood Way, San Francisco $125 per person, $75 for students 6:30 pm – Cocktails 7:30 pm - Dinner & Program RSVP by February 29, 2012 Further information to follow. To RSVP, please email your name, address and phone number to mail@ancsf.org or call (415) 387-3433.

House Vote Tonight, Legal Action Tomorrow

Dear Friends,

Two major events concerning the Armenian Cause are taking place this week, and you can help.

Today 12/13: House Set to Discuss and Vote on H.Res.306 after 3:00pm PST
Over the next few hours, the U.S. House of Representatives will debate and vote on H.Res.306, a religious freedom measure that calls upon Turkey to return stolen Armenian, Greek, Assyrian, and Syriac church properties.

Please take a moment to call your Representative to urge him/her to vote in favor of H.Res.306.

You can find your Representative and talking points at http://www.anca.org/action_alerts/action_disp.php?aaid=51524506.

House consideration of the measure may come as early as 3:00pm PST with a vote later in the evening. House proceedings can be watched online by visitinghttp://houselive.gov/MediaPlayer.php?view_id=2&event_id=2

For minute-by-minute updates on House consideration of the matter, follow the ANCA Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/ancagrassroots.

Tomorrow 12/14: Movsesian v. Versicherung AG Lawsuit Oral Arguments at 10:00am PST
On Wednesday, December 14, 2011, the U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco will hear oral arguments on Movsesian v. Versicherung AG, a landmark lawsuit involving the return of Armenian Genocide-era insurance claims. The decision could affect the ability of U.S. States to commemorate and teach about the Armenian Genocide - affecting over 50 years of advocacy in states across the U.S.

Plaintiffs' attorneys Mark Geragos and Lee Crawford Boyd will be arguing to uphold California's law extending the statute of limitations against insurance companies that never paid out on policies dating back to the Armenian Genocide. The defendants are claiming there is a federal policy prohibiting states from passing laws, which discuss the Armenian Genocide as a genocide. If the defendants win, Armenian Genocide deniers will likely challenge every state law and resolution commemorating or discussing the Armenian Genocide as unconstitutional.

Please attend this important hearing. The date, time, and location of the hearing follow.

Wednesday, December 14, 2011
10:00am (space is limited so please arrive as early as 8:30 am)
The James R. Browning Courthouse
95 7th Street, Courtroom 1
San Francisco, CA 94103

We hope you will take action on the above issues and encourage your family and friends to do the same.

To remain informed on our activities, please like our new Facebook page at http://tinyurl.com/74w7365 and follow us on Twitter @ANC_SF.

Sincerely,

---

Armenian National Committee
San Francisco Bay Area
51 Commonwealth Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94118
Tel: 415-387-3433
Fax: 415-751-0617
mail@ancsf.org
www.ancsf.org

Please pay special attetion to this announcement! U.S. Appellate Court in SF to Hear Armenian Genocide-era Insurance Case

Dear Friends,

On Wednesday, December 14, 2011, the U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco will hear oral arguments on Movsesian v. Versicherung AG, a lawsuit involving the return of Armenian Genocide-era insurance claims. Mark Geragos will be arguing the case for plaintiffs to uphold California's law extending the statute of limitations against insurance companies that never paid out on policies dating back to the Armenian Genocide. The defendants are claiming there is a federal policy prohibiting states from passing laws, which discuss the Armenian Genocide as a genocide. If the defendants win, Armenian Genocide deniers will likely challenge every state law and resolution commemorating or discussing the Armenian Genocide as unconstitutional.

While space in the courtroom is limited, the hearing is open to the public. The courthouse opens at 8:30 am, and the proceedings will begin at 10:00 am. The location of the court follows.

The James R. Browning Courthouse
95 7th Street
Courtroom 1
San Francisco, CA 94103

Groups interested in attending the hearing should call the courthouse at (415) 355-8000.

We hope you will take advantage of this unique opportunity to witness the proceedings of this important case for the Armenian Nation. To learn more about this case, please feel free to read the following press releases.

* NINTH CIRCUIT COURT RULES CALIFORNIA LAW ON ARMENIAN GENOCIDE-ERA CLAIMS CONSTITUTIONAL -- http://www.anca.org/press_releases/press_releases.php?prid=1971
* ANCA CITES PRESIDENT OBAMA’S RESPONSIBILITY FOR COURT RULING AGAINST ARMENIAN GENOCIDE-ERA CLAIMS -- http://www.anca.org/press_releases/press_releases.php?prid=1749

Sincerely,

---

Armenian National Committee
San Francisco Bay Area
51 Commonwealth Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94118
Tel: 415-387-3433
Fax: 415-751-0617
mail@ancsf.org
www.ancsf.org

This Sunday: Meet Congressional Candidate Brad Avakian

Dear Friends,

The Bay Area Armenian National Committee, in partnership with the Armenian National Committee of America - Western Region, cordially invites you to meet Oregon Labor Commissioner Brad Avakian. Mr. Avakian recently announced his bid to run for Congress to represent Oregon's 1st Congressional District.

The event will take place on August 7, 2011 at 1:00 pm (immediately following church services) at Vasbouragan Hall located at 51 Commonwealth Avenue in San Francisco.

Mr. Avakian has proudly served as Oregon Labor Commissioner since 2008. Prior to becoming Labor Commissioner, Mr. Avakian served in the Oregon State Senate and the Oregon House of Representatives. Mr. Avakian is an attorney practicing in the area of civil rights.

We hope you can make it to this special event as Brad Avakian campaign to become the next Congressman of Armenian descent.

RSVP to mail@ancsf.org or call (415) 387-3433.

Light Refreshments will be served. This is a free event.

Sincerely,

---

Armenian National Committee

San Francisco - Bay Area

51 Commonwealth Avenue

San Francisco, CA 94118

Tel: 415-387-3433

Fax: 415-751-0617

mail@ancsf.org

www.ancsf.org

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Will we see you on March 19?

Dear Friends,

The Bay Area Armenian National Committee’s Hye Tad Evening is just one week away, and we hope you will join us for this year’s program. Following are the details.

Saturday, March 19, 2011
Saroyan Hall, 825 Brotherhood Way, San Francisco
$125 per person, $50 for students
6:30 pm - Cocktails
7:30 pm - Dinner & Program

Our special guests will be Dr. Hayk Demoyan, Director of the Armenian Genocide Institute-Museum in Yerevan, and California State Assemblymember Khatcho Achdjian. We welcome our distinguished guests and look forward to their especially informed and unique perspectives. In the interim, we thought you would be interested in reading Dr. Demoyan’s latest article entitled “Turkey Attempts Genocide of Karabakh Armenians”, which can be found athttp://asbarez.com/94045/turkey-attempts-genocide-of-karabakh-armenians/.

To RSVP or to receive more information regarding Hye Tad Evening, please call us at (415) 387-3433 or email us at mail@ancsf.org. We hope you will join us on March 19.

Sincerely,

---

Armenian National Committee
San Francisco - Bay Area
51 Commonwealth Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94118
Tel: 415-387-3433
Fax: 415-751-0617
mail@ancsf.org
www.ancsf.org

Meet Tsvetana Paskaleva in SF‏

Dear Friends,

The Bay Area Armenian National Committee is proud to cosponsor an evening with journalist and documentary filmmaker Tsvetana Paskaleva on Saturday, January 22, 2011 at 7:30 pm. The event will be held at St. John Armenian Church, which is located at 275 Olympia Way in San Francisco. Please see the event flyer at http://ancsf.org/files/TsvetanaPaskalevaInSF_7-jan-2011.pdf.

The program will include a keynote address by Tsvetana Paskaleva followed by the screening of two of her films on the Nagorno-Karabagh War – “My dears, living and dead” 1993 and “Soldiers of the Land” 1994. A Q&A session and reception will conclude the evening’s program.

Admission is $15 for adults and $7 for students. For tickets and details contact:

Naiyry Sarkiss 415-661-1142, nsarkiss@sbcglobal.net
Ara Markosian 408-218-6481, ara.markosian@gmail.com

This event is being cosponsored by St. John Armenian Church of San Francisco, AGBU, SF Bay Area ANC, IGEFA, and St. Andrew Armenian Church of Cupertino. We look forward to your attendance.

---

Armenian National Committee
San Francisco - Bay Area
51 Commonwealth Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94118
Tel: 415-387-3433
Fax: 415-751-0617
mail@ancsf.or
www.ancsf.org

URGENT: Please Contact Your Representative ASAP‏

Dear Friends,

If you are a constituent of Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi, please call (202) 225-0100 and urge the Speaker to schedule H.Res.252, the Armenian Genocide Resolution, for a full House vote immediately.

Otherwise, please visit www.anca.org to contact your member of Congress to ask her/him to urge the Speaker to schedule an immediate vote on H.Res.252. You are also welcomed to call the Speaker directly as above.

The ANCA drive to generate calls to Speaker Pelosi and to individual Members of Congress in support of an immediate vote on the Armenian Genocide Resolution has generated an overwhelming grassroots response from all 50 states.

Tens of thousands of Armenian Americans have been joined by genocide-prevention advocates in making the case for the adoption of this human rights measure.

The Armenian American response has been unprecedented in size, scope and depth, bringing together young and old, from first generation families to fifth generation descendents of the first Armenian immigrants. Those participating represent the full the diversity of our community – politically, socially, and culturally – featuring energetic activism by those with roots across the Armenian homeland and diaspora, but united in a common commitment to U.S. recognition of the Armenian Genocide, an end to Turkey’s denials, and a truthful and just resolution of this still unpunished crime against the Armenian nation.

With the end of this Congressional session rapidly approaching, the time to act is now. Please make the call today and urge your family and friends to do the same.

---

Armenian National Committee
San Francisco - Bay Area
51 Commonwealth Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94118
Tel: 415-387-3433
Fax: 415-751-0617
mail@ancsf.org
www.ancsf.org