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SOADFans: System of a Down Contribute Over $20,000 For Genocide Awareness |
Posted by JP on Wednesday, July 06, 2005 - 05:47 AM
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Toronto - Los Angeles based multi-platinum-selling heavy metal band, System of a Down, again confirmed their steadfast support of organization’s seeking to promote genocide awareness by their recent donation to the Zoryan Institute. In the last two years System of a Down has contributed over $20,000 to the Zoryan Institute to help further its mission of Genocide research, education and awareness as part of System’s ongoing activism with regards to genocide recognition and general awareness. The contribution comes from their third annual benefit concert “Souls 2005” held in Los Angeles, California, which they named “Souls” because "There are all these souls that aren't at rest. Their deaths have been overlooked" said the band.
System of a Down
(From left to right: Daron Malakian,Serj Tankian,John Dolmayan and Shavo Odadjian )
The members of System of a Down, who are of Armenian descent, all lost family members and family history to the Armenian Genocide. The band feels compelled to support and promote organizations such as the Zoryan Institute, which conducts historical research, produces publications and promotes education in the field "Because so much of [our] family history was lost in the Armenian Genocide," said guitarist Daron Malakian, "my grandfather, who was very young at the time, doesn't know his true age. How many people can say they don't know how old they are?". As such, System of a Down’s annual benefit concert, which they headline, gives proceeds to worthy non-profit organizations that work toward prevention of future genocide or recognition of past genocides either through educational awareness, such as the Zoryan Institute or through political action as taken by others.
During the first genocide of the 20th century, perpetrated by Ottoman Turkey during World War I against its Armenian population, over 1.5 million Armenians were annihilated and hundreds of thousands deported from their ancient homeland. April 24th was chosen as the date for the “Souls 2005” concert as this year, it commemorated the 90th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. Why should System of a Down fans be concerned about the Armenian Genocide, something that happened nearly one-hundred years ago and far away from the US and Canada is what many ask.
"It's important for people to be aware of the Armenian Genocide," explained lead singer Serj Tankian, "Had the Armenian Genocide been acknowledged as a Crime Against Humanity as it was, Hitler might not have thought he could get away with the Jewish Holocaust. History does and will repeat itself, unless we stop that cycle.” Zoryan Institute Director George Shirinian said “We share System of a Down’s intellectual concern about the consequences of impunity and appreciate their continued interest and support in the work that we do. We also appreciate the fact that System is using its celebrity status to elevate awareness of a universal cause, which could entice individuals to get active. Only through such understanding and awareness about the heinous crime of genocide and gross violation of human rights may we have a chance to make a difference. System of a Down plays a major role in this endeavor.”
The Zoryan Institute is the first non-profit, international center devoted to the research and documentation of contemporary issues related to Armenian social, political and cultural life. To this end, the Institute conducts multidisciplinary research, publication, and educational programs dealing with Armenia, the Armenian Genocide, and Diaspora, within a universal context.
Source: <A HREF=>http://www.zoryaninstitute.org/
ZORYAN INSTITUTE OF CANADA, INC.
255 Duncan Mill Rd., Suite 310
Toronto, ON, Canada M3B 3H9
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Comments
fritz
06.07.05, 10:40
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They are such nice guys.. I love them!
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Deka
06.07.05, 10:47
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I love too....the best band
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nunurbiznaz
06.07.05, 11:58
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i think its great there so proud of there heritage and they want other people to know.
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rehab
06.07.05, 12:59
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Thats so cool. I'm really proud of them.
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ZAk
06.07.05, 14:26
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only 20.000 ? I thought they gonna put more, I mean Serj was gonna buy a 890.000 house and im sure all of them are rich fucks as well but meh
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[EgoBrain]
06.07.05, 15:06
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20,00 is still a lot of money
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ArmenianPrincess
06.07.05, 15:07
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well dont forget that serj also has the axis of justice thingy goin on aswell so thats prob why they didnt donate a huge sum, but 20 000 is still a lot conciderin that organisations like these only influence a small circle of people who are willing to donate anything.
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RestlessWhisper7
06.07.05, 15:45
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That shows how committed they are to their culture and promoting awareness of such a horrible event in history.
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Sevan
06.07.05, 16:40
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20,000 isnt a big deal
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Sevan
06.07.05, 16:41
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but its something
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Moonette
06.07.05, 17:35
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Aww, how sweet of them! ^_^
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ZAk
06.07.05, 18:01
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ofcourse 20,000 is something but I still think they could give more..
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mohqas
06.07.05, 19:12
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well , first i thought that all this political crap they sing was to get more fans , but they are broving day after day that they mean it , they are really gr8 , and zak , i think 20000 is quite enough , they can help 2000 families in my area for a whole year !!
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NINGirl
06.07.05, 19:52
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I wouldn't call it "political crap".
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Lanthiriel
06.07.05, 20:33
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It is great that they force the Armenian genocide into the light. It should be discussed and known about. I red about it. It is not pleasant reading too put it mildly. I think this makes the band even more great. It is the best and most original band out there (my opinion offcourse) and I love that there is more to them than just music!
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cozmachina
06.07.05, 21:49
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I understand ZAk, but just like mohqas says, they can help with just $20,000. The thing is, why should they be the only ones to even care about it? It can happen anywhere, and it shouldn't only be System that takes on a role - it should be for everyone to work hard for. In order to recognize such a thing as genocide (and other injutices), it is the beginning to an end. Humanitarianism should be worldwide.
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247xSOADfreak
06.07.05, 23:58
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hey money is money and for such a small org. theyll take w/e they can. im really proud of SOAD.
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SystemofaDownisHot
07.07.05, 00:20
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I agree with ZAk, it's cool that they're giving money but when I saw $20,000 I was like that's it? But it's still more than any of us are doing. And they probably don't wanna put it all in one place. There are other charities that probably need their money too. And I don't know any other bands kind enough to donate any money at all!
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