The U.S. Senate recognition of the Armenian Genocide of 1915 is the fulfillment of the hard-fought decades-long quest of Armenian-Americans.
AGBU and Armenians across the globe breathe anew that truth has prevailed over Turkey’s persistent denials and attempts to whitewash history. We commend the efforts of our Armenian-American advocates in Washington, namely the Armenian Assembly of America and the Armenian National Committee of America, that have, day in and out, relentlessly pursued U.S. Genocide recognition against the expediencies of political and foreign policy decisions. By rallying Armenian-Americans across the nation to lift their voices in the halls of the Capitol through their representatives in Washington, they exemplified what Armenians can do when united in purpose and committed to a noble cause.
December 12, 2019 is a great day for Armenians and all humanity as the light of truth prevailed over the darkness of political cynicism and calculus.
AGBU and all Armenian-Americans owe thanks to those Members of the Senate and House who courageously stood up and spoke out for our cause over many years of dashed hopes and false starts, sticking with us until this momentous bipartisan victory was finally achieved. Though the wait for justice and recognition was too long, let us begin this Christmas season with a sense of hope that this triumph of truth sends a clear message across the globe that there is no place to hide for those who commit such hateful crimes against humanity.
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There are few Armenians alive today, even third and fourth generation Armenian-Americans, whose heritage and identity has not been shaped by, nor whose sense of justice and humanity informed by, what Armenians call Medz Yeghern, the Great Crime, perpetrated against our ancestors. With this affirmation from the United States, our global community can move forward and use our experiences and wisdom for the good of all those who are vulnerable to the destructive forces of hate.
In this spirit we invoke the message issued by His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians in response to yesterday’s vote: “Our prayer [is] that God keep all mankind in peace, free from tragedies and disasters like the Armenian Genocide, for the sake of the peaceful future of all people.”
Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU) is the world’s largest non-profit organization devoted to upholding the Armenian heritage through educational, cultural and humanitarian programs. Each year, AGBU is committed to making a difference in the lives of 500,000 people across Armenia, Artsakh and the Armenian diaspora. Since 1906, AGBU has remained true to one overarching goal: to create a foundation for the prosperity of all Armenians. To learn more visit www.agbu.org.
AGBU Press Office