⛳️⛳️ALUMNI WEEKEND 1/2 LOADING… Kick off the AYF West Alumni Weekend with our Inaugural Golf Tournament Friday, May 9 at DeBell Golf Course. The day is full of food, fun, and your favorite ungers!! VISIT FOR MORE INFO

“They can’t reveal the truth about the Dink case because it was part of state policies” - Fethiye Cetin, Lawyer of the Dink Family “Lock a man into constant fear like a dove, can you know the real pain of it, can you know it, you Ministers, Sirs? Have you ever followed the least dove? These are not easy things I am living through… That I am living with my family. I have thought of really leaving the country. Especially when the threats also targeted my close ones… Each time, in these situations, I have felt powerless” - Hrant Dink in his final article, “As Fearful as a Dove” Hrant Dink’s assassination January 19, 2007 is a testament to Turkey’s ongoing censorship against Armenians and any discussion of the Armenian Genocide. Turkish media trains its consumers to behave like weapons, making targets out of critics of Turkish inhumane societal norms. Hrant Dink still stands as a representation of Armenians everywhere who seek justice and truth, but are met with terror.

Thank you to our vigilant community, whose support enabled our AYF members to facilitate two successful Emergency Relief Centers in Pasadena and Encino. In unpredictable times, one thing remains certain — Armenians are always ready to unite. We are especially grateful to our AYF members for keeping the centers active around the clock, ensuring aid and resources reached those in need. Most of all, thank you to our heroic firefighters and emergency responders for protecting our community and easing the pain of the losses we endured. WE ARE STILL DELIVERING, CALL OR TEXT OUR HOTLINE (818) 396-7005

Aliyev, who rose to power by stepping on the homes of indigenous Armenians, dares to try the humanitarian leaders of Artsakh for made up offenses. Our leaders’ fates are not to be left in the blood-soaked hands of genocidal Azerbaijan. We call on the @UN to condemn the atrocities committed against Armenian POWs. Azerbaijan attempts to tighten its grip around Artsakh’s neck by targeting the leaders that keep our people hopeful. Our hope lives on, Artsakh lives on, and we remain focused on ensuring every Armenian is able to live freely on their indigenous land. Artsakh is not just a territory. Its spirit lives on in the resilience of its people and the way Armenians continue to live.

Karekin Njdeh’s “Tseghagron” movement, rooted in the philosophy of national preservation and self-determination, inspired the establishment of the Armenian Youth Federation (AYF) in Boston, Massachusetts, on January 14, 1933. Njdeh’s vision emphasized the cultivation of a strong Armenian identity, unity, and service to the nation. Through his leadership, the Tseghagron ideology laid the foundation for the AYF as the youth wing of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF). Now, 92 years later, the AYF continues to thrive both in the Homeland and Diaspora, committed to the supreme goal of securing a free, independent, and united Armenia.

OUR COMMUNITY RELIEF CENTERS REMAIN ACTIVE AT 📍Jivalagian Youth Center 2242 E Foothill Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91107 📍Ferrahian High School 5300 White Oak Ave, Encino, CA COME FOR FOOD, SHELTER, FIRST RESPONDER REST AREAS. OPEN 24HR 🚙 CALL OR TEXT OUR HOTLINE FOR RESOURCE DELIVERY (818) 396-7005 PLEASE USE THE HOTLINE FOR ANY ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS

Please text our hotline from any part of Los Angeles and we will arrange to deliver donated resources from our centers to you! Hotline number: (818) 396-7005 Let us know: Your name The number of people in need Your address And if you have any specific needs We thank our community for your vigilance and all of the help you have extended to us. Our Pasadena and Encino centers remain active! Text or call our hotline for any questions.

WE ARE NOW ACCEPTING DONATIONS FOR THOSE AFFECTED BY THE EATON AND PALISADES FIRES. Please drop off your donations at: Jivalagian Youth Center 2242 E Foothill Blvd Pasadena, CA 91107 We are taking: BOTTLED WATER BLANKETS FIRST AID KITS SOAP SHAMPOO DEODORANT SALINE SOLUTION TOOTHPASTE TOOTHBRUSH HAND SANITIZER DIAPERS FORMULA WET WIPES PAPER TOWELS PORTABLE CHARGERS PET FOOD & WATER FEMININE HYGIENE PRODUCTS NEW OR LIGHTLY USED CLOTHES

HOT MEALS ARE AVAILABLE for those who have suffered the consequences of the Eaton Fire. Please visit the Jivalagian Armenian Center to for food, shelter, clean water, and masks. 2242 E Foothill Blvd Pasadena, CA 91107 United States

DID YOU KNOW that while the Armenian Apostolic Church celebrates Christmas on January 6, the Armenian Apostolic community of Jerusalem’s Armenian Quarter celebrates Christmas Day on January 19. While most churches and governments use the Gregorian Calendar, created in 1582, the Armenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem maintains the old Julian Calendar. The two calendars have a difference of 12 days, explaining the gap between Christmas in the Armenian Quarter and the rest of the Armenian Apostolic Church. Jerusalem’s Armenian community often commemorates the holiday with a procession towards Bethlehem’s Church of the Nativity. The local clergy and Homenetmen scouts lead the procession to the church before Christmas Day Mass. However, despite the upcoming celebrations, the Armenian Quarter and identity in Jerusalem is under threat. Armenians and other Jerusalem Christians are treated as second-class citizens by the Israeli government and radical elements of the population. In 2023, land disputes arose over the Cow’s Garden, a garden located within the quarter.

While the world focuses on a 2025 filled with peace and joy, Azerbaijan's New Year's resolution is preparing for war and the destruction of the Armenian nation with President Aliyev importing weapons from Israel on New Year's Eve. As Armenians, we cannot afford to sit and wait while Azerbaijan has its eyes on Syunik.

139 years ago today, Karekin Njdeh was born. A devoted member of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF), Njdeh played a pivotal role in Armenia’s national liberation struggle and revolutionary activities. His leadership extended through the First Balkan War and World War I, cementing his place as one of Armenia’s most influential figures. Njdeh’s contributions were not limited to the battlefield. In the early 20th century, he was invited to the United States to mobilize Armenian communities and cultivate a unified youth movement. Touring the country, Njdeh inspired hundreds of young Armenians to rally around the cause of their homeland. His impassioned speeches and charismatic leadership laid the foundation for the Armenian Youth Federation (AYF), which he helped establish. Nearly nine decades later, Njdeh’s legacy endures. His vision for a united and empowered Armenian youth remains at the heart of the AYF, whose members continue to honor his call to action in their pursuit of justice and national preservation.

The AYF-WUS wants to thank everyone that made 2024 a successful year in supporting and connecting with our community and Homeland. Here is a quick little recap of our year in our organization. Happy New Year!

RT @301arm: David Vardanyan, the son of Ruben Vardanyan, has revealed that his father, the former State Minister of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karaba…

RT @ANCA_DC: 2024 was an unprecedented year for ANCA youth programs - with over 100 students and recent grads participating in our DC inter…

SAVE OUR CHRISTIANS.

Today, we remember the victims of the devastating Spitak Earthquake of December 7, 1988—a tragedy that claimed thousands of lives and left lasting scars on our nation. For many, the effects are still deeply felt, from the loss of loved ones to the ongoing struggles of rebuilding. As we honor the victims and support those still carrying this weight, we are reminded of the resilience and strength of our people.

🇸🇾 🇹🇷 A NATION INITIALLY BUILT ON TERROR CAN ONLY EVER THRIVE ON TERROR As demonstrated by horrific events carried out from Western Armenia, to Artsakh, to Syria — the dictatorships that cling tightly to their forefathers’ Pan-Turkic dreams attempt to actualize them by continuously perpetrating terror in the region. #Turkey’s recent actions in #Syria are no surprise, as Erdogan seeks to consolidate power and expand the Turkish sphere of influence.

The @UN has allowed Azerbaijan to showcase its terrorism by inviting global powers to their country, “remodeled” by colonizer hands. COP29 was anything but a showcase of climate solutions — It was an attempted showcase of efforts toward the erasure of Armenians.

The @UN wants you to think humanitarian justice is their priority. What they don’t want you to know is that they overlooked Azerbaijan’s continuous reputation for crimes against humanity for the sake of “climate change” publicity.