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Armenian National Committee of S. Florida
931 NE 48th Street , Oakland Park, FL 33334
PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release ~ 2008-01-23
Contact: Albert Mazmanian ~ 561-628-8982 |
HUNDREDS OF ACTIVISTS GATHER TO OPPOSE CONG. ROBERT WEXLER’S DENIAL OF THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE
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 Boca Raton, FL - Hundreds of activists from around the country, and from as far as Australia and Argentina, joined together in the 19th District of Florida to rally against genocide denier Cong. Robert Wexler (D-FL-19), and stand in support with democratic primary candidate Dr. Benjamin Graber on Saturday, January 12, 2008 reported the Armenian National Committee of South Florida (ANC of S. FL).
“The ANC of South Florida felt it was time to voice our concerns about Congressman Wexler. Enough is enough. It is time for change, and to elect someone who will represent Florida’s 19th District. We now have a candidate who is the right man for the job, and the Armenian and Greek communities stand by him one-hundred percent,” commented Albert Mazmanian, Chairman of the ANC of S. Florida.
The event, organized by the Armenian Youth Federation (AYF), and co-hosted by the Armenian National Committee of South Florida the Armenian Student Association (ASA), and the Cyprus Action Network of America (CANA) amounted to a great success. Also present at the rally was Dr. Benjamin Graber, the democratic primary challenger to Cong. Wexler in the 19th district, as well as his family.
For over two hours, activists held up signs and chanted “Vote Graber 2008” and “Wexler Out of Congress.” Following the rally, a program was organized with the following participants offering remarks and motivating activists to take action: Isabel Ohanian, chairwoman of the AYF Central Hai Tahd Committee; Albert Mazmanian, chairman of the ANC of S. Florida; Nikos Taneris of CANA; John Bosnitch of the Serbian community; Dr. Benjamin Graber; and Karine Birazian, Executive Director of the ANCA Eastern Region.
During his speech, Graber commented: “The world needs leaders who are fair, calm, and intelligent. The time for war should be over. A new era of peace, understanding, and cooperation amongst people and nations needs to begin. The leaders of the status quo like Robert Wexler need to retire and make room for the agents of change who will lead us into a secure and stable future. I am an agent of change, a believer in peace and a mediator of ideas. I will develop consensus and accomplish our goals. That's why I am running to be your congressman."
Several thousand Greeks and Armenians reside in Florida’s 19th District and have already begun taking action against Cong. Wexler. His past actions on the Cyprus issue as well as his denial of the Armenian Genocide have concerned several constituents and have led them to join Graber’s campaign.
The democratic primary contest between Graber and Wexler is to take place on August 26, 2008. For more information about Benjamin Graber and his campaign, please visit http://www.graberforcongress.com.
The Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) is the largest and most influential Armenian American grassroots political organization. Working in coordination with a network of offices, chapters and supporters throughout the United States and affiliated organizations around the world, the ANCA actively advances the concerns of the Armenian American community on a broad range of issues.
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Photo Captions:
Photo 1: Activists surrounding Congressional Candidate Dr. Benjamin Graber following the rally
Photo 2: (L to R) ANC of S. Florida activists Bedros Der Bedrossian, Albert Mazmanian, Dr. Benjamin Graber, and ANCA ER Director Karine Birazian
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