SYDNEY: The extended Kortian Family in Sydney, Australia has donated approximately AU$35,000 (US$25,000) to Lebanon's United Armenian College from funds bequeathed to them by the late Mrs Sarah (nee Kortian) Matossian of Kessab, Syria, as part of continuing Armenian-Australian fundraising efforts to rebuild the Armenian community of Beirut.

The Armenian-Lebanese community was suffering under severe financial hardship before being dealt the devastation that has followed the Beirut Blast of 4th August 2020.

The donation of US$25,000 (AU$35,000) is being donated to the United Armenian College in honour of Mr and Mrs Vahan and Sarah Matossian and Mr and Mrs Hagop and Makrouhi Kortian.

Speaking on behalf of the extended Kortian family in Australia, Dr Tro Kortian said: "The Beirut Armenian community has an important place in the Diaspora and in our hearts.  Our parents met and were married there, each contributing their part in that community before migrating to Australia, and my brothers and I were all born there."

Mrs Makrouhi Kortian added: "Whilst we know there are very immediate relief needs, which thankfully governments and communities around the world are helping to provide, we also think that financial assistance to rebuild and repair our Armenian schools in Beirut sends an important message in support of that community’s future, as it rebuilds and resumes its critically important place in our Diaspora."

The Kortian Family in Australia has been liaising with his Eminence Archbishop Shahe Panossian, Primate of the Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of Lebanon in relation to this assistance.

This significant donation is part of continuing efforts to fundraise for the Armenians in Lebanon with the joint #BachigsForBeirut campaign on Facebook surpassing $65,000 in recent days.

Click here to donate by credit card.

Or direct transfer to:
Account: Armenian Relief Society of Australia
BSB: 062-295
Account Number: 10425848