Official account of the Armenian Assembly of America, Western Region Office. Follow @ARAMAC_DC and @armassembly_am.
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Armenian Assembly of America retweeted
This Veterans Day, the Armenian Assembly of America honors the Armenian American men and women who served in the United States Armed Forces.
Among them: Colonel George Juskalian, who served in three wars; Harry Kizirian, a Marine at Okinawa at 19; Sue Sarafian Jehl, who served on General Eisenhower’s staff; and Medal of Honor recipient Ernest H. Dervishian.
As the nation marks its 250th year, the Assembly is proud to celebrate their service and the generations of Armenian Americans in uniform.
Swipe to read their stories.
The history between the U.S. military and the Armenian people runs deep. Explore it through the Armenian National Institute’s digital exhibit, “The United States Military in the First Republic of Armenia 1919-1920”.
🔗 Read more: armenian-genocide.org
Armenian Assembly of America retweeted
“Unity is not the imposition of agreement. Unity is maintaining relations when we disagree.”
Armenian Assembly of America Co-Chair Talin Yacoubian emphasized the importance of sustained dialogue and resilient Armenia–Diaspora relations during the 2026 Global Armenian Summit in Yerevan.
Joining Diaspora leaders for the panel “Strengthening Connections Between Diaspora Communities and Armenia,” Yacoubian called for a relationship capable of accommodating different perspectives while preserving a shared sense of purpose.
“We don’t have to agree all the time, but I think it is very important that, even in disagreement, the conversation continues,” she said.
Yacoubian added, “Unity is not the imposition of agreement. We cannot compel agreement simply in order to have a conversation, because then it is no longer a conversation. Unity is maintaining relations when we disagree. The same standard should apply between Armenia and the Diaspora. Our connection must be strong enough to withstand difficult conversations.”
Her remarks highlighted the importance of moving beyond periodic engagement toward sustained communication, durable institutional relationships, and meaningful partnerships that continue through changing circumstances and differing viewpoints.
The summit was organized by the Office of the High Commissioner for Diaspora Affairs of the Republic of Armenia.
Watch the full discussion:
youtube.com/watch?v=bbly3eWR…
Armenian Assembly of America retweeted
The Armenian National Institute (ANI) is cited in Genocide Watch’s November 2026 Special Report, “The Armenian Genocide and international responses”:
“The Armenian National Institute states that Armenians participated in the economy and social life while living all over Türkiye, but non-Muslim populations experienced both legal and social inequalities.”
Examining the Genocide through @Genocide_Watch’s Ten Stages, the report recommends that the Turkish government formally recognize the Armenian Genocide and reject denial, and that governments and schools expand education and awareness.
Read more at genocidewatch.com
Armenian Assembly of America retweeted
Assembly Co-Chair Talin Yacoubian will be speaking at the Global Armenian Summit 2026 in Yerevan this Friday, November 7. 🇦🇲
She joins an international panel of Diaspora leaders for “Strengthening Connections Between Diaspora Communities & Armenia,” moderated by Mane Hovakimyan, alongside Javier Polatian (AGBU Uruguay), Pascal Chamassian (Missak Manouchian Movement), Hrayr Jebejian (Bible Society in the Gulf), Ruzanna Grigoryan (Armenian Unity of Latvia), and Nazar Binatlı.
Hosted by the Office of the High Commissioner for Diaspora Affairs, the Summit brings together some 800 participants from Armenia and Diaspora communities worldwide to discuss the future of Armenia–Diaspora cooperation.
📺 Watch live: globalarmeniansummit26.am — Friday, Nov 7 at 2:50 PM Yerevan / 5:50 AM ET
Armenian Assembly of America retweeted
We thank Rep. Becca Balint (D-VT) @RepBeccaB for cosponsoring H.R. 2585, the Armenian Genocide Education Act, ensuring the Library of Congress additional funding to carry out activities to support Armenian Genocide education programs.
Ensure your member is cosponsored by contacting them at: aaainc.org/advocacy
Armenian Assembly of America retweeted
With the results of the 2026 midterm elections coming in, the Armenian Assembly of America (Assembly) welcomes the overwhelming re-election of Members of the Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues, congratulates Armenian Caucus Members Reps. Chris Pappas (D-NH) and Kevin Hern (R-OK) on their election to the U.S. Senate, and looks forward to working with the newly elected Members and leadership of the 120th Congress to increase awareness of Armenian issues.
Read more: armenian-assembly.org/post/a…
Armenian Assembly of America retweeted
The Armenian Assembly of America mourns the loss of Aram G. Garabedian, an Assembly trustee member since 1990, former Rhode Island state legislator, businessman, and U.S. Army veteran, who passed away on October 30, 2026, at the age of 91.
"Aram Garabedian was a champion for all, and the Armenian American community was fortunate to count him as one of our own," said Assembly Co-Chairs Oscar Tatosian and Talin Yacoubian. "As a legislator, he made Rhode Island one of the first states in the nation to require that students learn about the Armenian Genocide, and as an Assembly Trustee, he brought that same conviction to our work in Washington. He understood that civic engagement is how a community secures its voice. We extend our deepest condolences to the entire Garabedian family."
Read more: armenian-assembly.org/post/i…
Armenian Assembly of America retweeted
#INTERNSPOTLIGHT Khachatur Hayrapetyan is from Yerevan, Armenia, and is a Mathematics major with a minor in Business at the University of Washington Bothell, where he has consistently made the Dean’s List. He is a member of the Armenian Student Association at the University of Washington in Seattle. A competitive soccer player since the age of six, he played for FC Urartu in Armenia before joining Crossfire Premier in the United States, where he became an ECNL U19 National Champion. As part of the Armenian Assembly of America’s Armenia Summer Internship Program, Khachatur interned at the Armenia Securities Exchange (AMX), where his main project was a comparative analysis of ETF regulatory and listing frameworks across the Warsaw Stock Exchange, Kazakhstan Stock Exchange, and Euronext Milan, giving him firsthand exposure to Armenia’s financial markets.
“My internship at AMX was a valuable experience. My main project involved comparing ETF regulatory and listing frameworks across several international exchanges. The experience helped me strengthen my research and presentation skills in a professional environment while also deepening my understanding of financial markets. Another highlight for me was visiting Tatev Monastery and riding the Wings of Tatev. Armenia has always been home to me. This program made this summer even more special because I was able to spend time in Armenia while also gaining professional experience. I had an amazing time, met a great group of people, and made friendships that I know will last beyond the program.”
Thanks for visiting, Charlie Keyan Armenian Community School, Fresno!
It was a pleasure to host 6th graders from the Charlie Keyan Armenian Community School in Fresno, CA, at our DC headquarters!
The students and parents toured the Assembly offices and learned from Assembly leadership about Armenian-American advocacy in the nation’s capital.
We wish them a safe journey back to Fresno 📚
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Armenian Assembly of America retweeted
“According to Freedom House, Azerbaijan runs one of the world’s most brutal police states, worse than China, the Taliban’s Afghanistan, Cuba, and Belarus. The world learned a lesson when Saddam Hussein invaded Kuwait in 1990 that revanchist rhetoric matters, especially when economic downturns force dictators to look for distraction. This is why the international community must take Aliyev’s continued threats seriously.”
— Michael Rubin, Director of Policy Analysis, Middle East Forum · Letters to the Editor, Oct. 27, 2026
Freedom House’s Freedom in the World 2026 report gives Azerbaijan a Global Freedom Score of 6 out of 100 — lower than Belarus (7), Afghanistan (8), China (9), and Cuba (9).
@mrubin1971 @meforum @freedomhouse
🔗 meforum.org/letters/rethinki…
Armenian Assembly of America retweeted
The Armenian Assembly of America met with U.S. Chargé d'Affaires to Armenia David Allen in Yerevan during COP17.
Assembly Executive Director Bryan Ardouny, Immediate Past Co-Chair Anthony Barsamian, and Congressional Relations Director Mariam Khaloyan discussed strengthening U.S.-Armenia relations and the Assembly's ongoing work.
Armenian Assembly of America retweeted
The Armenian Assembly of America mourns the passing of Osheen Keshishian, Founder and Editor-in-Chief of the Los Angeles-based The Armenian Observer.
A participant in the first Airlie conference that founded the Assembly, Keshishian remained a friend of the organization. The Armenian Observer kept Armenian Americans informed for more than 50 years and regularly featured the Assembly’s work in its coverage. In 2013, Keshishian moderated the Assembly’s “Islamized Armenians” panel before a standing-room-only crowd in Pasadena.
A well-known voice of his generation, Keshishian was a familiar figure throughout Southern California, where he was often called upon to host community events. He forged lasting connections with everyone from local officials to author William Saroyan. Deeply versed in Armenian literature, he introduced audiences to the works of Armenian writers through his public presentations, and he taught for decades at Glendale Community College, shaping generations of students.
We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and all who knew him. May his soul rest in peace.
Armenian Assembly of America retweeted
Join us for Hye Toast with the Armenian Assembly of America in Orange County, CA.
Be part of the conversation at the Armenian-owned Bayside Restaurant in Newport Beach, hosted by longtime Assembly member and Southern California Regional Council member Helen Haig.
Hear updates on the Assembly's programs, policy agenda, pro-Armenian advocacy in Congress, and ways to get involved, followed by a Q&A.
Register 🔗 wl.donorperfect.net/weblink/…
Armenian Assembly of America retweeted
Armenian Assembly Immediate Past Co-Chair and Armenia Tree Project Advisory Board Member Anthony Barsamian joined ATP and Team Telecom Armenia to mark a new phase of their partnership, which will plant trees across Armenia.
“COP17 is an important occasion to show that the conservation of biodiversity is not only a matter of environmental organizations,” said Barsamian. “Business and every citizen can become a part of real change. This initiative is an example of cooperation when everyday choices turn into a long-term investment for nature.”
📸: @ArmeniaTree
Armenian Assembly of America retweeted
#INTERNSPOTLIGHT: Joseph Barton is from Cinnaminson, New Jersey, and is a rising junior at New York University, majoring in Economics and minoring in Accounting. As part of the Assembly’s summer internship program, Joseph interned at George Mason University’s Center for Peacemaking Practice under the direction of Margarita Tadevosyan, where he conducted research on the economic and entrepreneurial situation along the Armenia-Azerbaijan border. He also interned with the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission, supporting the work of Co-Chair Representative Chris Smith (R-NJ), where he contributed directly to efforts condemning Azerbaijani human rights violations in Artsakh.
“Interning in our nation’s capital on behalf of organizations that champion human rights in Armenia and globally was a true privilege. I’m incredibly grateful for my experience working under Dr. Tadevosyan and Mr. Milosch, witnessing their commitment to a more pragmatic and just future. In addition to my internship, the Assembly’s programming complemented my summer with amazing networking and learning opportunities. Overall, I am deeply grateful for the Assembly’s internship program for bringing me closer to my Armenian heritage and to a great group of people.”
Armenian Assembly of America retweeted
Great meeting with representatives from the Armenian Assembly of America @ARAMAC_CA today. We discussed issues important to the Armenian-American community and U.S.-Armenia relations.
Armenian Assembly of America retweeted
#INTERNSPOTLIGHT: Shushanik Meliksetyan is a recent graduate of the American University of Armenia, where she earned her undergraduate degree in Business from the Manoogian Simone College of Business and Economics. Born in California and raised in Yerevan, Armenia, she brings a unique bicultural perspective and a deep commitment to strengthening U.S.-Armenia relations. As part of the Assembly’s summer internship program, Shushanik is interning with the Assembly’s Public Relations and Communications department in Washington, D.C. She is also actively involved in advocacy efforts and policy research, through which she has gained direct exposure to public service and the policymaking process.
“Growing up in Armenia, I only saw one perspective on Armenian politics and community, but spending my summer in D.C. has shown me all the work and advocacy efforts the community does to bring attention to Armenian issues. Being at the heart of it all and seeing how advocacy and lobbying work for the Armenian-American community is an experience I’m deeply grateful for. The program gave me an opportunity to understand the immense amount of work that’s done to ensure our voices are heard on Capitol Hill. Connecting with the diverse Armenian-American community, members of Congress, and congressional staff was a tremendous opportunity as a young Armenian American navigating the early stages of my career. A major highlight was meeting Senator Adam Schiff and learning firsthand about his congressional work for Genocide recognition and his ongoing support for the Armenian people.”
Armenian Assembly of America retweeted
Massis Kabob to Open First Armenian-Owned Restaurant in a U.S. Airport at Hollywood Burbank's New Terminal 🇦🇲🇺🇸
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Massis Kabob is set to open its 8th location inside Hollywood Burbank Airport's new $1.3 billion terminal. The family-run company said the location is believed to be the first Armenian-owned restaurant in a U.S. airport.
The terminal opened to travelers on Tuesday, October 13, with the first flight departing at 7 a.m. The opening comes as Massis Kabob, "The Original Kabobery," marks its 50th year in business.
The late Hacop "Jack" Baghdassarian started the company in 1976 as a single stand in the Glendale Galleria food court. The family said his goal was to bring authentic Armenian cuisine into the heart of Southern California. "Dad wanted to have something that was Armenian in this brand-new shiny mall," his son Peter Baghdassarian said in a 2024 interview with KTLA.
Baghdassarian, an immigrant with an 8th-grade education, spent years working 7 days a week to build the business. "He worked his tail off," his son Gevik Baghdassarian said. "He was the first one in and the last one out and made sure he was always there."
Baghdassarian passed away in 2017 at age 69. He is remembered as a family man and a philanthropist who donated to local schools, scholarships and community organizations.
The family still owns and operates Massis Kabob, which brothers Peter and Gevik Baghdassarian now run as they carry forward their father's legacy. On Saturday, September 3, 2022, they opened the company's first standalone restaurant, at the corner of Colorado Boulevard and Glendale Avenue in Glendale.
In 2024, KTLA described Massis Kabob as "a household name with seven locations in the Southland." The family said the Burbank location places Massis Kabob among the first to represent the Armenian community in one of the region's most prominent new gateways. The airport serves more than 6.2 million passengers a year.
Food service in the new terminal is run by Burbank-headquartered Metropolitan Culinary Services, which has provided food and beverage service at the airport since 1992. It won the new contract after the Burbank-Glendale-Pasadena Airport Authority voted 7-1 in its favor. Company President Steve Mora said its "local-first approach, offering the best of restaurants from Burbank, Glendale, and Pasadena" helped win the deal.
Massis Kabob joins Jones Coffee Roasters, Poquito Mas, West Coast Customs' SmashBurger, Perry's Joint and Flavortown by Guy Fieri among the terminal's announced vendors. The building has more than a dozen dining options.
Glendale is one of the airport's 3 owner cities through the Airport Authority. Burbank voters approved the terminal through Measure B in 2016 with 70 percent of the vote.
The 355,000-square-foot building keeps the airport's 14 gates and replaces a terminal complex whose original facilities opened in 1930.
Armenian Assembly of America retweeted
Congratulations to Emmy Award-winning actor and director Joe Manganiello on the release of his new memoir, Bloodlines 📖
Bloodlines traces Manganiello’s years-long health battle and the search for answers that led him back to his roots, including his great-grandmother, Terviz “Rose” Darakjian, a survivor of the Armenian Genocide.
Bloodlines is now available from @AvidReaderPress @simonschuster @JoeManganiello
Armenian Assembly of America retweeted
At the 2026 APRI Forum in Yerevan, the Assembly’s Armenia Country Director Armen V. Sahakyan sat down with Luiza Ayvazyan, Head of Office at the Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE) in Armenia, for a fireside chat on "Armenia–U.S. Relations 3.0." The conversation focused on the economic and commercial dimensions of the partnership and on the role of the Armenian-American community in advancing it.
Our thanks to APRI Armenia for convening this discussion and for inviting us to take part.
Watch the full session 🔗 apri.institute/video-gallery…
