A Capacity crowd gathered at Avedissian Hall for the annual Armenian Genocide Recognition Youth Rally held by the AYF Tuesday night.
During the two-hour rally the audience experienced a flare of emotions as AYF member Lori Partamian sang "Godoradz Ankout" and a group of fifteen reenacted Siamanto’s piece "Kheghtamah."
Raffi Semerdjian–17–relayed the ANC youth message by asking the youth to work for the Armenian Cause be it through the ANC–the AYF–the ARS–the Homenetmen–or Hamazkayin.
Ardashes Kassakhian–ANC Director of Government Affairs–referring to the Turkish government’s attempts of denying the Armenian Genocide–asked the audience to assist the United Human Rights Council in its efforts of fighting the "Turkish Denial Machine."
Followed by Harout Pamboukjian’s and Razmig Mansourian’s spirit lifting performances–Vicken Sosikian delivered the AYF’s message to the Turkish government. Pointing out that those who harbor the act of genocide are guilty of genocide as well–Sosikian said that the denial days of the Turkish government will soon end with the Armenian pursuit of justice–freedom–liberty–and righteousness.
A slide show–outlining events and national heroes of the post-Armenian Genocide era–concluded the youth rally. The audience left the hall feeling motivated and renewed to take on the task of Armenian Genocide recognition.
For more information about the Armenian Youth Federation please visit www.ayfwest.org.