We stand in solidarity with the Armenian community in San Francisco.
On September 17th, 2020, our esteemed Alliance Member, the Genocide Education Project (GenEd), lost their office due to a suspected hate-based arson attack. The Armenian Cultural Center housed a Sunday school, church offices, and several organizations including GenEd. The center was a communal space for the Armenian community in San Francisco. The attack on the Armenian Cultural Center follows a pattern of increased threats and attacks against Armenian communities domestically and internationally.
“This will not deter us from our mission to teach about the history of genocides and the impact of genocide in subsequent generations. It is an example of patterns of hate that continue against victims of genocide and mass violence when perpetrators are not brought to justice.” - Roxanne Makasdjian, Executive Director, The Genocide Education Project
Following the arson attack, a third attack occurred at San Francisco’s Krouzian-Zekarian Vasbouragan Armenian school. Police reported that shots were fired at the school building. This attack occurred after the school was vandalized with anti-Armenian, pro-Azerbaijani graffiti in July.
“This week’s shooting near the Krouzian-Zekarian-Vasbouragan Armenian School in San Francisco marks the third incident of hateful violence against the Armenian community in California just this month. Thankfully there were no injuries or deaths.” ... “We all stand together to condemn these vile and hateful attacks against the community.” Adam Schiff, Representative, California’s 28th Congressional District
"Our hearts go out to ANCA, GenEd, and the Armenian community who were affected by a third attack Targeting the KZV school in San Francisco. Armenians everywhere should be able to live without fear of becoming targets of identity-based attacks. The attacks in San Francisco must be thoroughly investigated." - The Alliance Against genocide