ARMENIAN ASSEMBLY DISCUSSES ARMENIAN GENOCIDE

San Diego, CA –  As part of the Armenian Assembly of America’s (Assembly) ongoing educational outreach regarding the Armenian Genocide, Assembly Western Region Director Yeghig Keshishian spoke to a class of freshman students at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD). Keshishian addressed the students at the request of Professor Fonna Forman-Barzilai who teaches the course, “Becoming Evil: How Ordinary People Commit Genocide and Mass Killing.” The course explores the psychological, cultural and social constructions surrounding the genocides of the 20th century. Professor Forman-Barzilai, is a faculty member at the Political Science Department and was an honored guest speaker at the 2009 April 24th Armenian Genocide Commemorative Vigil in San Diego.

Keshishian discussed the genocide of minorities, such as the Armenians in the Ottoman Empire, and provided the students with an overview of the history of the Armenian Genocide in the context of James Waller’s book about perpetrators, titled: Becoming Evil: How Ordinary People Commit Genocide and Mass Killing. Keshishian also discussed Turkey’s ongoing campaign of genocide denial and how it plays out in the United States.

“I appreciated this unique opportunity to discuss the Armenian Genocide with college students,” stated Keshishian, adding that “The Assembly appreciates Professor Forman-Barzalia’s commitment to apprise students of past genocides and for her commitment to education as an important medium for its humanizing effect on our collective humanity. California has played a leading role in genocide education and prevention and the Armenian Assembly is proud to play a positive role in this regard.”
Keshishian closed with a brief discussion of the current state of relations between the Republics of Armenia and Turkey, and noted that Armenia has consistently offered to normalize relations without preconditions.
Established in 1972, the Armenian Assembly of America is the largest Washington-based nationwide organization promoting public understanding and awareness of Armenian issues. The Assembly is a 501(c) (3) tax-exempt membership organization.

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Photo Caption:
Keshishian with Professor Forman-Barzalia