AYF Burbank Varak

10/28/2019

While prepares to vote on a historic resolution to recognize the , here are some things you can do to show your support!

Link: anca.org/call

10/11/2019

As a result of Trump Administration’s recent decision to pull the U.S. military out of northern Syria, Turkey’s President Erdogan has embarked on a bloodthirsty mission to invade and ethnically cleanse the Kurdish, Armenian and other minorities of the region. Mindful of the continuing consequences of the Armenian Genocide, it is clear that Erdogan is undertaking a similar policy. Recent reports of Turkey’s bellicose provocations within Cypress’s waters are additionally concerning.

THIS SUNDAY AT 12PM, The Armenian Youth Federation, in collaboration with the Kurdish Community of Southern California and the ANCA-WR, has organized a protest in front of the Turkish Consulate in order to put a stop to Turkey’s genocidal policy against the Kurdish, Armenian, and other minorities.

https://www.facebook.com/events/928526897516649/?ti=icl

10/05/2019

The AYF Glendale “Roupen” Chapter finds the editorial cartoon below divisive and fallacious. Armenians have been residing in the city of Glendale for several decades and have contributed a great deal to the city. Instead of implicitly attacking specific groups, we recommend highlighting them and noting the significant developments they have made for the betterment of the city.

Juxtaposing an Artsakh Street sign with the headline, "I miss the old Maryland Avenue," implicitly targets Glendale’s ethnic Armenian community. Mentioning restaurants that have long since closed is a crude attempt at masking the xenophobic intent of the cartoon.

For those uninformed on what Artsakh is and its significance to both Armenian and American culture, it would serve them well to educate themselves first before drawing racist caricatures. Artsakh is an independent republic that has continually fought for not only its sovereignty, but its very existence. The name and history hold a significant place in the hearts of Armenian-Americans, and evoke our most cherished American values — freedom, self-determination, and independence.

As the city celebrates the one-year anniversary of the renaming of this street, and in light of the incident last week when the Armenian Council on Aging building was vandalized with messages stating “Death to Armenians” and “Leave now,” it is extremely distasteful and unacceptable that the Glendale News-Press could be this tonedeaf and contribute to the perpetuation of racism in the city. These racist undertones are already evident in some of the comments under the Facebook post of this political cartoon, as people have begun to allude that Glendale was lost to an “invasion” years ago.

Jokes and satire have their place, but every satirical piece carries a message. With this cartoon, the Glendale News-Press bolsters a message of returning Glendale to the days before the diverse population made its mark. The Newspress should be reminded that in those “long gone” days, Glendale played host to avowed white supremacists and racists, and that “in the past” is exactly where that history should stay. Such a cartoon is absolutely unacceptable for a newspaper with the stature of the Glendale News-Press (acquired by the Los Angeles Times) to publish, a newspaper that is supposed to also represent the tens of thousands of Armenian-American residents of the city.

While folks may be deprived of Tony Roma’s and Chuy’s — all to no fault of the renaming — they do not need to be deprived of culture, acceptance, and the understanding that our collective diversity is what makes us all, including the city of Glendale, great.

04/17/2019

Thank you to everyone who joined us tonight to commemorate the Armenian Genocide 🇦🇲 Special thanks to the City of Burbank and Congressman Adam Schiff for their constant support!

04/17/2019

10/13/2018

Happiest birthday to our Alumna Lilit, who has been helping at our meetings since her transfer to AYF Seniors.

10/06/2018

As young Diasporans, it is our responsibility to be well-informed about the issues faced in our Homeland. Check out our breakdown to keep up with recent developments.

08/01/2018

Children’s Summer Fest this Friday starting 4:00pm, at ACF Burbank Youth Center.

Special performance by Children's singer MAGGIE TUNE!

07/21/2018

Burbank members visiting AYF in Yerevan, Armenia! #ՀԵԴ