The most recent Syrian Armenian Relief Fund (SARF) HyeAID 3 concert at the Alex Theatre in Glendale, California, was held on April 29 and raised one more $100,000 for Syrian Armenians, according to Asbarez.

SARF had sent the earlier $100,000 to help the Armenians who were displaced from their ancestral homes in Kessab, within days of the attack on March 21.

The concert started with medley of Aram Khachaturian’s music, with Armen Aharonian on the piano, accompanied by his orchestra. Artist-broadcast journalist Nune Avetisyan opened up the concert by reciting poetry by Vahan Tekeyan “Gantsrevé Dghas” (My son it’s raining – in reference to crying). She also made opening remarks thanking the audience for supporting SARF and the volunteer artists, by their attendance, and quoted poet Parouyr Sevak to show the determination of the Armenian people throughout history with “We exist, we shall prevail and multiply.”

SARF Executive Committee chairperson Zaven Khanjian said: “What’s happening in Syria is the latest chapter of the annihilation of our race that started with the heinous crime of the Young Turks in the Ottoman Empire a century ago. This time, not only under the watchful eyes of the world, but the direct involvement and encouragement of some.”

The program continued with alternating performances of songs, instrumental music and dance, with a dash of poetry.