Our Mission

The mission of Syrian Armenian Relief Fund (SARF) is to provide financial assistance to Syrian Armenians who are victims of the ravaging Syrian civil war. Donations are solicited through the community in Western United States, and the network of churches, political parties and charity organizations, which operate in the region.

How We Help

The assistance is sent to SyriaShdab, (http://www.syriashdab.com, Սուրիահայութեան Շտապ Օգնութեան եւ Վերականգնումի Մարմին) a Non Governmental Organization established by Armenian churches and charitable organizations in Syria that operates out of Aleppo and is dispensed throughout the country as deemed necessary by local bodies. The support is for educational institutions, nutritional needs, essential housing repairs and health care. Armenians currently living in Syria have been the primary recipient of assistance, however SARF has also teamed with Armenian Redwood Project and OXFAM to provide housing rental subsidy to Syrian Armenian refugees who have fled to Armenia. SARF operates under the 501 c(3) tax code of the Armenian Relief Society of Western United States (ARS) and as such all donations are tax deductible. An initiative is underway to make SARF an independent body.

Governing Board

Officers

Chairperson: Raffi H. Kendirjian, Community at Large
Treasurer: Meher Der Ohanessian, Western Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America
Secretary: Sona Madarian, Armenian Relief Society of Western USA (ARS)

Advisors

Catholicosate of Cilicia, Central Executive Board: Khajag Dikijian
Western Diocese of the Armenian Church: Dr. Hagop Nalbandian
Armenian Catholic Eparchy in North America: Ara Aroyan
Armenian Evangelical Union of North America: Rev. Vatche Ekmekjian
Armenian Missionary Association of America: Nora Bezdikian
Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU): Hrant Vartzbedian
Armenian Democratic Liberal (Ramgavar) Party: Hagop Nazarian
Armenian Revolutionary Federation – Western USA (ARF): Vartan Deirdeirian
Social Democrat Hunchakian Party – Western USA: Haroutioun Balian
Community at Large: Karnig Kelejian
Community at Large: Alec Hyeler