Armenian Assembly of America

BREAKING: Artur Aleksanyan wins silver in the 97kg Greco-Roman Wrestling at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Aleksanyan is now a two-time Olympic silver medalist, adding to his gold (2016), four World Championships, and seven European titles.

This is Armenia's third medal in Paris, with gymnast Artur Davtyan winning silver and wrestler Malkhaz Amoyan winning bronze.

Today, on Assyrian Genocide Remembrance Day, we commemorate the Simele Massacre in which 6,000 Assyrian Christians were murdered by the armed forces of the Iraqi State in the town of Simele, Nineveh Plains, Iraq during the first week of August 7th, 1933.

: Raffi Nalbandian, from Fort Lee, New Jersey, is currently interning at WilkinGuttenplan, an accounting firm based in East Brunswick, New Jersey. Raffi is a rising Junior at Rutgers University and majors in Accounting.

"The Terjenian-Thomas internship program was a great opportunity to experience living in DC, to visit amazing sights, and to connect with Armenians in many different careers. I enjoyed making new Armenian friends and learned more about Armenia's culture and current events."

The Armenian Assembly of America (Assembly) Terjenian-Thomas interns volunteered with the Armenia Tree Project (ATP) for a special event at the Kennedy Center. In collaboration with Casey Trees, a nonprofit promoting urban forestry in Washington, D.C., the event featured various activities.

Interns assisted with stations such as painting, book reading, and the traditional Armenian wishing tree. They also dressed as Tchalo, ATP's mascot, to educate children on preventing forest fires. Assembly’s Grassroots Associate Bettina Saraydaroglu taught two Armenian folk dances, Karno Kochari and Khamkama, for participants to enjoy.

The Armenian Assembly of America Terjenian-Thomas interns met with Armenia Tree Project Executive Director Jeanmarie Papelian and Casey Trees Communications and Events Manager Alex Kew. Papelian and Kew discussed the intersections of advocacy in Armenian and environmental issues, highlighting their projects in canopy restoration and community planting initiatives🪴

🎉 Artur Davtyan has won Armenia’s first medal in the Paris Olympics. Competing in the Gymnastics Vault event, Davtyan scored a combined total of 14.966 to win the Silver medal. Congratulations! 👏

BEAKING NEWS: Armenia’s Artur Davtyan Wins Silver in Olympic Gymnastics • MassisPost PARIS - Artur Davtyan has won Armenia’s first medal in the Paris Olympics. Competing in the Gymnastics Vault event, Davtyan scored a combined total of

: Sabrina Ishanyan is from Newton, MA and is currently interning with Representative Jake Auchincloss (D-MA). Her work in the office includes performing legislative research, summarizing briefings and reports for staff, and handling day-to-day constituent correspondence. She is a rising senior at University of Massachussets, Amherst, where she studies history and economics.

“Interning in DC and participating in the Terjenian-Thomas internship program has been such a rewarding and fulfilling experience. The people I have met on the Hill while being directly immersed in the federal legislative process have helped guide me towards realizing my professional and personal pursuits. I am incredibly grateful to be here with the Assembly, where I have met and been empowered by my fellow Armenians to continue the fight for pro-Armenian issues.”

The Armenian Assembly of America Terjenian-Thomas Internship Class of 2024 visited the Hillwood Estate, Museum and Gardens. The interns saw the "Fragile Beauty: Art of the Ocean" exhibition which featuring paintings by Armenian painter Ivan Aivazovsky.

: Hagop Demirjian is from Chicago, IL and attends the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign with a double major in economics and political science. He is spending the summer as an intern for Congressman Bost (R-IL) in the House of Representatives. He plans to attend law school in medical malpractice law.

“My favorite aspect of the internship has been engaging in conversations with fellow Armenian Americans who share career aspirations aligned with the position and mission of the Armenian people. In these discussions, I have discovered that individuals can make meaningful contributions to Armenian community regardless of pursuing political related careers.

Being able to come to the nation’s Capital and live as history unfolds has been an unforgettable experience. I have used this opportunity to fully immerse myself into my surroundings and use this experience for my professional and personal growth. I am forever grateful for this summer because it has allowed me to make great friends and everlasting memories while utilizing my degrees in a professional setting. I have learned the importance of political change and will continue to advocate for the Armenian people.”

Van Krikorian, Co-Chair of the Armenian Assembly of America, met with Westchester County Executive George Latimer and the Armenian community at St. Gregory The Enlightener Armenian Church in White Plains, New York.

The Armenian Assembly of America Terjenian-Thomas Internship Class of 2024 spoke with Max Cherry, a strategic communications expert. Cherry develops communication strategies for corporate reputation, government affairs, and crisis management. He shared how strategic communications can be applied to the geopolitical landscape in Armenia.

A grandson of one of the founding members of the Armenian Assembly, Dr. Haikaz M. Grigorian, Cherry is an avid participant in the Assembly’s advocacy. Thank you, Mr. Max Cherry, for sharing your knowledge!

The Armenian Assembly of America Armenia Internship Class of 2024 enjoyed their third week in 🇦🇲

After a productive day at their internship placements, interns met with Mary Asatryan, Assistant to Human Rights Defender of Artsakh.

The interns visited the Tsitsernakaberd Memorial, dedicated to the 1.5 million Armenian Saint Martyrs perished during the Armenian Genocide.

The interns also explored Sasunik village and toured the Armenia Wine Factory.

The Christian Post: "The European Centre for Law & Justice (ECLJ)’s report lists the eradication of “churches, monasteries, khachkars [cross-stones] and other cultural artifacts that tell of the faith and culture of the Armenian people.”

There are now 500 sites under Azerbaijan’s control, with 6,000 Armenian monuments, the report states. Foreign observers are banned from the sites, but satellite surveillance has revealed the destruction."

Read: https://www.christianpost.com/news/azerbaijan-destroying-armenian-churches-heritage-sites-report.html

The Armenian Assembly of America Terjenian-Thomas Internship Class of 2024 met with Intern Alumnus Robert George. Working as a Data Consultant at Booz Allen Hamilton, Mr. George gave insights on government contracting and how he uses technical knowledge to support stakeholder relationships.

Thank you, Mr. George, for your insights to our internship class! We are grateful for your knowledge and expertise on career development.

: From Yerevan, Armenia, Lili Mkrtchyan is an Armenian National Institute summer intern in Washington, D.C. Lili's work at the Institute includes creating web pages for the archives of important digital documents, researching relevant topics, and accessing and retrieving resources from the web. She has also actively participated in lobbying efforts, including the introduction of Rep. Adam Schiff's letter about protecting Armenian heritage in Nagorno-Karabakh. Lili is currently pursuing her studies at Cornell University, where she majors in Information Science and Cognitive Science.

“Being in Washington, D.C. is an incredible opportunity that allows me to immerse myself in the heart of U.S. politics and advocacy. The city’s vibrant energy and the chance to meet with a wide range of professionals and policymakers have been invaluable. Working with the Armenian National Institute has given me a platform to contribute to causes that deeply resonate with me and my heritage. I am thankful for the chance to work with dedicated individuals and to learn more about the paths available for my future career. This experience has not only impacted me personally but also holds significance for my community and family back in Armenia, as we strive to represent and protect our heritage.”

Join the Armenian Tree Project on Friday, August 2nd at 6:00 pm 🎞️ at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., for a special collaboration with Casey Trees for a Summer Movie Night🍿

Bring your friends and family for planter pot painting, woodworking demonstrations and more while learning about ATP's Community Tree Planting program🪴

Register here: https://www.kennedy-center.org/whats-on/millennium-stage/2024/08-august/seuss-the-lorax/

The U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee approved a series of measures this week, including the Fiscal Year 2025 State Foreign Operations Bill, calling for $65 million in assistance for Armenia.

Read more:

Senate Appropriations Committee Calls for $65 Million in Aid to Armenia Assembly Terjenian-Thomas Internship Class of 2024 withSenator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), a member of theSenate Appropriations CommitteeWashington, D.C. - The U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee approved a series of measures this week, including the Fiscal Year 2025 State Foreign Operations Bill, cal...

: The U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee approved a series of measures this week, including the Fiscal Year 2025 State Foreign Operations Bill, calling for $65 million in assistance for Armenia.

"We welcome the Senate Appropriations Committee support for the Armenian people," stated Assembly Congressional Relations Director Mariam Khaloyan. "The inclusion of not less than $65 million in aid to Armenia is much needed as Armenia continues to address major needs after the 2020 war and the influx of over 100,000 Armenians for Artsakh who were driven from their ancestral homeland as a result of Azerbaijan’s genocidal policies," Khaloyan continued.

: Originally from Farmington, Connecticut, David Babigian is a rising senior at Seton Hall University, pursuing a B.S. in International Relations and a double minor in Legal Studies and Spanish. In D.C., David works for Schoening Strategies, a lobbying firm that focuses on the federal estate tax. Through direct lobbying and working with Congressional candidates, Schoening Strategies promotes legislation in Congress that advances the elimination of estate tax. Following his internship, David will finish his last year at Seton Hall and plans to apply to law schools this coming fall.

“Washington, D.C. is an incredibly unique and intriguing city. It offers many opportunities for students of all kinds, but especially for pre-law students such as myself. It has been amazing to connect with many notable people in this city, and specifically with the Armenian community here. I am thankful to the Armenian Assembly for allowing me to have this opportunity, and I encourage other young Armenian scholars to take part in the Terjenian-Thomas internship program.”

The Armenian Assembly Terjenian-Thomas Internship Class of 2024 had the honor of meeting with Senator Van Hollen (D-MD).

The interns expressed their gratitude for his support and discussed their enthusiasm for the passage of the Armenian Protection Act (S.3000).

Thank you, Senator Van Hollen, for your continued advocacy on pro-Armenian issues.

📣 Support the passage of the Armenian Protection Act in the House by taking action at action.aaainc.org

The Congressional Armenian Staff Association (CASA) hosted the Armenian Assembly Terjenian-Thomas Interns for a lunch and panel discussion on developing careers in public service as Armenian Americans.

Thank you, CASA, for fostering a strong group on Capitol Hill to voice pro-Armenian issues🇺🇸🇦🇲🤝🏼

The Armenian Assembly of America's Armenia Internship Class of 2024 met with Congressional Relations Director Mariam Khaloyan.

During the meeting, Mariam shared insights on the latest policy developments and advocacy efforts to strengthen U.S.-Armenia relations.

The interns also had the opportunity to discuss their upcoming projects and receive guidance on effective advocacy.

The Terjenian-Thomas Internship Class of 2024 at the Armenian Assembly of America met with Grigor Sargsyan at the World Bank.

As the Principal Portfolio Manager and Head of the Global Fixed Income at Asset Management and Advisory, Sargsyan shared insights on the global financial industry and how Armenia can strengthen its economic prospects.

Thank you, Mr. Sargsyan, for sharing your story with our interns!

The Armenian Assembly of America Armenia Internship Program Class of 2024 enjoyed their second week in 🇦🇲

Over the weekend, they explored Khor Virap, the Areni-1 Cave, and the Noravank Monestary. They explored TaTever on the Aerial Tramway and the Tatev Monastery. The interns also visited the Shaki Waterfall in Syunik, as well as attended the Science Internship Program Annual Conference at the American University of Armenia.

To learn more about our internship programs, visit aaainc.org/students

The Armenian Assembly of America Terjenian-Thomas Internship Class of 2024 toured the Capitol, guided by fellow interns. They explored the main sites, learning about the building's rich history and its impact on U.S. policy and governance🏛️

Take action to support pro-Armenian issues: action.aaainc.org

On the 50th anniversary of Turkey’s invasion and occupation of Northern Cyprus, the Armenian Assembly of America, along with its members, Board of Trustees and staff, stands in solidarity with the peace-loving people of Cyprus.

We join our Hellenic brothers and sisters in mourning all Greek-Cypriots who lost their lives, and solemnly remembering those who are missing or became refugees as a result of Turkey’s occupation of the island.

The Armenian Assembly Terjenian-Thomas Interns spoke with Bryan Ardouny, Executive Director of the Armenian Assembly, and Dr. Rouben Adalian, Director of the Armenian National Institute, discussing their work with the respective organizations throughout the decades.

Ardouny and Dr. Adalian discussed the importance of Armenian advocacy and provided knowledge to the interns on ways to successfully advocate for pro-Armenian issues, as well as how the Assembly works to strengthen relations between the 🇺🇸 and 🇦🇲.