Chhange's Statement on H.Res. 296
October 30, 2019
Chhange congratulates the U.S. House of Representatives for its overwhelming bipartisan support for House Resolution 296 – Affirming the United States record on the Armenian Genocide. Introduced on April 8, 2019 and co-sponsored by Representatives Chris Smith (NJ-4), Frank Pallone (NJ-6), Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5), Albio Sires (NJ-8), and Donald Norcross (NJ-1), the bill officially recognizes and remembers the Armenian Genocide, rejects denial of the Armenian Genocide, and encourages “education and public understanding of the facts of the Armenian Genocide....” Its passage is an important milestone for the United States.
Chhange is pleased to note Representative Smith cited Chhange’s permanent exhibit Journeys Beyond Genocide: The Human Experience, including testimony from Armenian Genocide Survivor Arakel Hovanessian, in his remarks supporting the passage of H.Res. 296.
The Armenian Genocide began in 1915 and victimized nearly two million Armenians living in the Ottoman Empire through deportation, dispossession, and destruction of life. The facts of this Genocide have been buried and denied for decades. Yet, the Armenian people and culture continue to flourish in Armenia and the Diaspora. Yesterday’s vote and the resulting resolution recognize the Armenian Genocide on behalf of the victims, survivors, and their surviving generations.