NORTH CHELMSFORD, Mass.—David Boyajian, long an advocate for civil rights among Armenians, will be formally recognized by the Lowell “Aharonian” ARF Committee on Oct. 4.
Boyajian will be singled out for his untiring efforts with the Anti-Defamation League’s (ADL) denial of the Armenian Genocide and efforts to prevent its acknowledgement.
The recognition is part of a celebration surrounding the establishment of a New Independent Republic and will take place on Oct. 4 at 1 p.m. at the Sts. Vartanantz Armenian Apostolic Church, at 180 Old Westford Road.
A dinner will precede the program. There is no admission charge.
Boyajian has written a number of investigative articles and commentaries for Armenia media outlets throughout the United States, Europe, Middle East, and Armenia. His articles have also been published in non-Armenian papers throughout Massachusetts, such as the MetroWest Daily News, Waltham Daily News Tribune, Newton Tab, and Watertown Tab. Many of his articles are archived online at www.Armeniapedia.org.
His activism has led Armenian Americans and others to condemn the ADL’s hypocrisy and to urge communities throughout Massachusetts to disengage from the “No Place for Hate” (NPFH) program, an alleged anti-bias program sponsored by the ADL.
The issue quickly became international news, raised public awareness about the Armenian Gernocide, prompted principled Jews to denounce the ADL’s misguided policies, and increased tensions between Turkey and Israel.
To date, at least 14 Massachusetts communities have severed ties with NPFH.
Last year, the Newton Tab and USA Armenian Life newspapers named Boyajian among their Top 10 Newsmakers of 2007. The Massachusetts Governor’s Council and Watertown Town Council have each honored Boyajian for exposing the ADL’s genocide denial. And the Knights of Vartan awarded him their Humanitarian Award earlier this year.
The Lowell ARF was established in 1895 and ranks as the first organized Gomideh in America.
A well-deserved tribute to Boyajian, and a reminder to ALL gomidehs and conscientious Armenians to continue confronting the ADL — an organization that STILL toils to prevent justice for the Armenians!
David,
Should invigorate others to complement his activist positions.
Hye, over the years we have been dedicated to our Hai Tad – steadfast in our efforts to keep our covenant with all those lost to our nation; and keeping our covenant as well, with our survivors, those who shall have lived all the days of their lives with the unforgettable vile memories of a Genocide. Manooshag
Leave it to the Lowell ARF, who has always been at the forefront of Armenian activism, to honor others for their activism. Bravo. Today more than ever, those in power try to delegitimize and marginalize activists who speak truth to that very same power. To brave activist Armenians like Mr. Boyajian, we say MORE POWER to you.