Armenian General Benevolent Union Incorporated
55 E 59th St
New York, NY 10022

History

Established in 1906 by Bohos Nubar in Cairo, Armenian General Benevolent Union has the mission to encourage the Armenian national development in intellectual, moral and economic aspect. In the first years of its lifespan, the organisation put all of its financial resources to ensure immediate help in the distressed regions during the Genocide carried out by the Turkish government over the Armenian people (1896 - 1915). The dispatch of food, medicines, tents and clothes, the construction of orphanages, hospitals and shelters for those saved from the massacres in 1915, is the priceless contribution of “Parekorzagan” in the fight for survival of the Armenian nation.

Years after the horrible events, the benevolent organisation continues to work for the recovery of the forced disruption in the normal development of the Armenian nation. The Union engages in the process of repatriation of the survivors from the massacres, raises funds for construction of towns in Armenia, where the refugees can settle. Furthermore, AGBU builds new schools, clinics and humanitarian centres.

Nowadays “Parekorzagan” directs its efforts towards popularisation of the Armenian cultural and historic heritage and strengthening of the Armenian self-awareness in the Diaspora. Significant resources are also invested in improving the living standard in Armenia. Educational, benevolent and cultural programmes, incorporated within an annual budgetary framework of USD 28mn, represent the main activities of the organisation. The headquartrs of “Parekorzagan” is located in New York and the incumbent president is Mr. Berge Setrakian. At present the Armenian General Benevolent Union has branches in 22 countries worldwide, one of them being Bulgaria.