YEREVAN (Yerkir) – The Armenian Revolutionary Federation in Armenia has established a fund to provide assistance to the Armenian community of Syria, which is currently facing extreme hardship as a result of what many call a civil war.
To unveil the effort, which is called “Help Your Brother,” ARF Bureau and ARF parliamentary bloc member Vahan Hovannesian and chairwoman of the Hamazkayin Armenian Educational and Cultural Association Lilit Galstyan held a press conference on Tuesday.
Hovannesian explained that the target of the unrest in Syria has become Aleppo and warned of Turkey’s destructive role in perpetuating the unrest there. He explained the fund has been established as an extension of a helping hand to those in need in Syria. The assistance is directed to Armenian who have remained in Syria and are weathering war-like conditions. Hovannesian said that the effort has already been under way and plans to send the first plane load of supplies by the end of the month are on target.
Hovannesian also highlighted the role the people of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic have played in the Syrian-Armenian relief effort.
Galstyan called on all facets of society, regardless of their political affiliation, to come together and assist in this important initiative. The supplies being sent in the first shipment, she explained, include medical supplies, food and basic necessities.
Galstyan explained that a series of projects are being planned to enlarge the scope of the fund’s activities, among them a concert in October, the proceeds of which will be allocated to this project.
“This is truly an open undertaking and we are open to all ideas on how best to assist those in need now,” said Galstian.
“This is a public initiative, this is not a partisan initiative and it should not be made partisan,” added Hovannesian, who added that the ARF’s flexible structure on the ground and its ties with the Armenian Church will enable an effective distribution of supplies and aid.