Official account of the Armenian Assembly of America, Western Region Office. Follow @ARAMAC_DC and @armassembly_am.
Los Angeles, CA
Joined January 2011
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Thanks for visiting, Charlie Keyan Armenian Community School, Fresno!
It was a pleasure to host 6th graders from the Charlie Keyan Armenian Community School in Fresno, CA, at our DC headquarters!
The students and parents toured the Assembly offices and learned from Assembly leadership about Armenian-American advocacy in the nation’s capital.
We wish them a safe journey back to Fresno 📚
Armenian Assembly of America retweeted
“According to Freedom House, Azerbaijan runs one of the world’s most brutal police states, worse than China, the Taliban’s Afghanistan, Cuba, and Belarus. The world learned a lesson when Saddam Hussein invaded Kuwait in 1990 that revanchist rhetoric matters, especially when economic downturns force dictators to look for distraction. This is why the international community must take Aliyev’s continued threats seriously.”
— Michael Rubin, Director of Policy Analysis, Middle East Forum · Letters to the Editor, Oct. 27, 2026
Freedom House’s Freedom in the World 2026 report gives Azerbaijan a Global Freedom Score of 6 out of 100 — lower than Belarus (7), Afghanistan (8), China (9), and Cuba (9).
@mrubin1971 @meforum @freedomhouse
🔗 meforum.org/letters/rethinki…
Armenian Assembly of America retweeted
The Armenian Assembly of America met with U.S. Chargé d'Affaires to Armenia David Allen in Yerevan during COP17.
Assembly Executive Director Bryan Ardouny, Immediate Past Co-Chair Anthony Barsamian, and Congressional Relations Director Mariam Khaloyan discussed strengthening U.S.-Armenia relations and the Assembly's ongoing work.
Armenian Assembly of America retweeted
The Armenian Assembly of America mourns the passing of Osheen Keshishian, Founder and Editor-in-Chief of the Los Angeles-based The Armenian Observer.
A participant in the first Airlie conference that founded the Assembly, Keshishian remained a friend of the organization. The Armenian Observer kept Armenian Americans informed for more than 50 years and regularly featured the Assembly’s work in its coverage. In 2013, Keshishian moderated the Assembly’s “Islamized Armenians” panel before a standing-room-only crowd in Pasadena.
A well-known voice of his generation, Keshishian was a familiar figure throughout Southern California, where he was often called upon to host community events. He forged lasting connections with everyone from local officials to author William Saroyan. Deeply versed in Armenian literature, he introduced audiences to the works of Armenian writers through his public presentations, and he taught for decades at Glendale Community College, shaping generations of students.
We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and all who knew him. May his soul rest in peace.
Armenian Assembly of America retweeted
Join us for Hye Toast with the Armenian Assembly of America in Orange County, CA.
Be part of the conversation at the Armenian-owned Bayside Restaurant in Newport Beach, hosted by longtime Assembly member and Southern California Regional Council member Helen Haig.
Hear updates on the Assembly's programs, policy agenda, pro-Armenian advocacy in Congress, and ways to get involved, followed by a Q&A.
Register 🔗 wl.donorperfect.net/weblink/…
Armenian Assembly of America retweeted
Armenian Assembly Immediate Past Co-Chair and Armenia Tree Project Advisory Board Member Anthony Barsamian joined ATP and Team Telecom Armenia to mark a new phase of their partnership, which will plant trees across Armenia.
“COP17 is an important occasion to show that the conservation of biodiversity is not only a matter of environmental organizations,” said Barsamian. “Business and every citizen can become a part of real change. This initiative is an example of cooperation when everyday choices turn into a long-term investment for nature.”
📸: @ArmeniaTree
Armenian Assembly of America retweeted
#INTERNSPOTLIGHT: Joseph Barton is from Cinnaminson, New Jersey, and is a rising junior at New York University, majoring in Economics and minoring in Accounting. As part of the Assembly’s summer internship program, Joseph interned at George Mason University’s Center for Peacemaking Practice under the direction of Margarita Tadevosyan, where he conducted research on the economic and entrepreneurial situation along the Armenia-Azerbaijan border. He also interned with the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission, supporting the work of Co-Chair Representative Chris Smith (R-NJ), where he contributed directly to efforts condemning Azerbaijani human rights violations in Artsakh.
“Interning in our nation’s capital on behalf of organizations that champion human rights in Armenia and globally was a true privilege. I’m incredibly grateful for my experience working under Dr. Tadevosyan and Mr. Milosch, witnessing their commitment to a more pragmatic and just future. In addition to my internship, the Assembly’s programming complemented my summer with amazing networking and learning opportunities. Overall, I am deeply grateful for the Assembly’s internship program for bringing me closer to my Armenian heritage and to a great group of people.”
Armenian Assembly of America retweeted
Great meeting with representatives from the Armenian Assembly of America @ARAMAC_CA today. We discussed issues important to the Armenian-American community and U.S.-Armenia relations.
Armenian Assembly of America retweeted
#INTERNSPOTLIGHT: Shushanik Meliksetyan is a recent graduate of the American University of Armenia, where she earned her undergraduate degree in Business from the Manoogian Simone College of Business and Economics. Born in California and raised in Yerevan, Armenia, she brings a unique bicultural perspective and a deep commitment to strengthening U.S.-Armenia relations. As part of the Assembly’s summer internship program, Shushanik is interning with the Assembly’s Public Relations and Communications department in Washington, D.C. She is also actively involved in advocacy efforts and policy research, through which she has gained direct exposure to public service and the policymaking process.
“Growing up in Armenia, I only saw one perspective on Armenian politics and community, but spending my summer in D.C. has shown me all the work and advocacy efforts the community does to bring attention to Armenian issues. Being at the heart of it all and seeing how advocacy and lobbying work for the Armenian-American community is an experience I’m deeply grateful for. The program gave me an opportunity to understand the immense amount of work that’s done to ensure our voices are heard on Capitol Hill. Connecting with the diverse Armenian-American community, members of Congress, and congressional staff was a tremendous opportunity as a young Armenian American navigating the early stages of my career. A major highlight was meeting Senator Adam Schiff and learning firsthand about his congressional work for Genocide recognition and his ongoing support for the Armenian people.”
Armenian Assembly of America retweeted
Massis Kabob to Open First Armenian-Owned Restaurant in a U.S. Airport at Hollywood Burbank's New Terminal 🇦🇲🇺🇸
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Massis Kabob is set to open its 8th location inside Hollywood Burbank Airport's new $1.3 billion terminal. The family-run company said the location is believed to be the first Armenian-owned restaurant in a U.S. airport.
The terminal opened to travelers on Tuesday, October 13, with the first flight departing at 7 a.m. The opening comes as Massis Kabob, "The Original Kabobery," marks its 50th year in business.
The late Hacop "Jack" Baghdassarian started the company in 1976 as a single stand in the Glendale Galleria food court. The family said his goal was to bring authentic Armenian cuisine into the heart of Southern California. "Dad wanted to have something that was Armenian in this brand-new shiny mall," his son Peter Baghdassarian said in a 2024 interview with KTLA.
Baghdassarian, an immigrant with an 8th-grade education, spent years working 7 days a week to build the business. "He worked his tail off," his son Gevik Baghdassarian said. "He was the first one in and the last one out and made sure he was always there."
Baghdassarian passed away in 2017 at age 69. He is remembered as a family man and a philanthropist who donated to local schools, scholarships and community organizations.
The family still owns and operates Massis Kabob, which brothers Peter and Gevik Baghdassarian now run as they carry forward their father's legacy. On Saturday, September 3, 2022, they opened the company's first standalone restaurant, at the corner of Colorado Boulevard and Glendale Avenue in Glendale.
In 2024, KTLA described Massis Kabob as "a household name with seven locations in the Southland." The family said the Burbank location places Massis Kabob among the first to represent the Armenian community in one of the region's most prominent new gateways. The airport serves more than 6.2 million passengers a year.
Food service in the new terminal is run by Burbank-headquartered Metropolitan Culinary Services, which has provided food and beverage service at the airport since 1992. It won the new contract after the Burbank-Glendale-Pasadena Airport Authority voted 7-1 in its favor. Company President Steve Mora said its "local-first approach, offering the best of restaurants from Burbank, Glendale, and Pasadena" helped win the deal.
Massis Kabob joins Jones Coffee Roasters, Poquito Mas, West Coast Customs' SmashBurger, Perry's Joint and Flavortown by Guy Fieri among the terminal's announced vendors. The building has more than a dozen dining options.
Glendale is one of the airport's 3 owner cities through the Airport Authority. Burbank voters approved the terminal through Measure B in 2016 with 70 percent of the vote.
The 355,000-square-foot building keeps the airport's 14 gates and replaces a terminal complex whose original facilities opened in 1930.
Armenian Assembly of America retweeted
Congratulations to Emmy Award-winning actor and director Joe Manganiello on the release of his new memoir, Bloodlines 📖
Bloodlines traces Manganiello’s years-long health battle and the search for answers that led him back to his roots, including his great-grandmother, Terviz “Rose” Darakjian, a survivor of the Armenian Genocide.
Bloodlines is now available from @AvidReaderPress @simonschuster @JoeManganiello
Armenian Assembly of America retweeted
At the 2026 APRI Forum in Yerevan, the Assembly’s Armenia Country Director Armen V. Sahakyan sat down with Luiza Ayvazyan, Head of Office at the Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE) in Armenia, for a fireside chat on "Armenia–U.S. Relations 3.0." The conversation focused on the economic and commercial dimensions of the partnership and on the role of the Armenian-American community in advancing it.
Our thanks to APRI Armenia for convening this discussion and for inviting us to take part.
Watch the full session 🔗 apri.institute/video-gallery…
Armenian Assembly of America retweeted
#INTERNSPOTLIGHT: Patil Chloe Vartanian is a rising junior at the University of Southern California, pursuing a B.A. in Philosophy with aspirations of a career in law and public policy. As part of the Assembly’s summer internship program, Patil is interning in Washington, D.C. with both Meduni and the Armenian Assembly of America. At Meduni, a healthcare nonprofit dedicated to expanding access to quality healthcare in Armenia, she supports initiatives that strengthen the country’s healthcare system and foster international medical collaboration. At the Armenian Assembly, she contributes to advocacy efforts that promote Armenian-American interests and advance U.S.-Armenia relations through public policy and civic engagement.
“Being Armenian American means carrying the strength, resilience, and history of my community while embracing the opportunities I’ve been given in the United States. This internship has given me the incredible opportunity to represent both identities on Capitol Hill, where I’ve learned how advocacy and public service can create meaningful change. It’s been an inspiring experience that has strengthened my passion for pursuing a career in law and public policy.”
Armenian Assembly of America retweeted
#BREAKING: Bipartisan Resolution Honors Armenia's Natural Heritage and Recognizes Armenia Tree Project (ATP) Ahead of COP17
Read more: armenian-assembly.org/post/b…
Armenian Assembly of America retweeted
BREAKING: 101 Members of Congress Urge Secretary Rubio to Support Section 907 of the FREEDOM Support Act.
Read the letter at aaainc.org
Armenian Assembly of America retweeted
To mark the 35th anniversary of Armenia's independence, the Armenian Assembly of America welcomed Seda Galstyan, Head of the Department of New and Modern History at the History Museum of Armenia, for a lecture on the First Republic of Armenia (1918–1920) and its legacy for the statehood restored in 1991.
More than 25 Birthright Armenia volunteers and alumni joined the program, which included a visit to the historic balcony–now part of the Assembly's Yerevan Office-where the First Republic's declaration of independence was read in 1918.
Armenian Assembly of America retweeted
Armenian Assembly of America Executive Director Bryan Ardouny with Armenian Bar Association Treasurer Mesrop Khoudagoulian at the ABA's Annual Judges' Night and Awards Dinner in Los Angeles.
The Assembly congratulates this year's honorees and thanks the @ArmenianBarAssn for its decades of work strengthening our community's voice in the law and public service.
Armenian Assembly of America retweeted
The Armenian Assembly of America joined TUMO in Los Angeles for its 15th Anniversary Gala.
(L-R) Varuj Babikian, AAA Co-Chair Talin Yacoubian, AAA Co-Chair Oscar Tatosian, AAA Board Member Valina Agbabian, AAA Director of Development and Membership Mary Jo Bazarian, and AAA Executive Director Bryan Ardouny attended the celebration.
Congratulations to TUMO on this milestone.
Armenian Assembly of America retweeted
Aravot: "Celebrating a Legacy: Armenian-American Life Through the Lens of the 20th Century,” which opened in Yerevan, features 50 photographs selected from the collection of historian Hayk Demoyan. They tell the story of the lives, activities, and contributions of Armenian Americans to various sectors of the United States in the 20th century.
According to Armen Sahakyan, Director of the Armenian Assembly of America's Armenia Office, the exhibition aims to present both the overall contribution of the Armenian-American community and the stories of individuals.
"We show the contribution of the general community, how they have integrated into everyday American life, but also the success stories of individuals who have contributed and continue to contribute to the development of their homeland, the Republic of Armenia, by making investments. Similar programs will be ongoing, through which we will try to increase awareness on both sides," he said.”
Read more: aravot.am/2026/09/29/1583354…
🚨TAKE ACTION: Urge Congress to sign the bicameral letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio regarding the continued waiver of Section 907 of the FREEDOM Support Act and U.S. military assistance to Azerbaijan.
🔗 aaainc.quorum.us/campaign/17…
