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4/1/2006
A VISION FOR THE FUTURE
AGBU Centennial
by Talia Jebejian
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Since 1906, the Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU) has made a difference in the lives of countless Armenians all over the world. While the organization has always adapted to changing times, it has steadfastly remained true to its mission of preserving and promoting the Armenian identity through humanitarian, educational, cultural and social programs.

The decision to move forward with the founding of AGBU exemplified a remarkable act of courage and conviction by a small group of noble Armenians, who, forsaking their peaceful lives, ventured into national service during one of the most turbulent periods of Armenian history. Its leaders accepted the humanitarian and patriotic work undertaken as an obligation and sacred national duty.

Understanding the philosophy and ideals behind creating AGBU requires knowledge of the political climate in Western Asia during the second half of the nineteenth century. At the time, various Armenian associations were founded in Turkey and Russia, but most were dissolved eventually, because of either insufficient public and financial support due to political affiliation or governmental orders.

The 1895-1896 Hamidian massacres of Armenians in Ottoman Turkey destroyed any remaining groups, thereby leaving no Armenian organization capable of securing immediate aid for its own people in times of disaster. The 1903 Russian edict shutting down all Armenian churches and schools, in addition to the Armeno-Azeri War of 1905, further accentuated the uncertain times in which Armenians lived. A single, sustainable foundation that could be utilized immediately when disaster occurred was no longer an ideal. It was urgently critical.

Recognizing the need for such an organization administered outside of Ottoman and Russian rule, a group of highly respected and wealthy Armenians came together under the direction of Boghos Nubar in Egypt to form a non-political philanthropic organization for the benefit of all Armenians.

The driving force behind this body was Yervant Agathon, who first approached Nubar to head the organization. Above all, however, the involvement of Nubar was vital to the operation, due to the respect bestowed upon him by both the Armenian and non-Armenian communities, and his distinguished diplomatic status in the Middle East and Europe.

From the beginning, the founders passed two important resolutions to emphasize the strong moral values intended for the organization. The first was to create an inalienable capital in order to provide a secure foundation. The second was to respect and keep intact all conditions attached to the legacies by the donors.

Thanks to these decisions, the inalienable capital has grown exponentially over the years. Equally as important, the unwavering determination to respect the wishes and conditions of all the testators inspired absolute confidence in the honesty and integrity of the founders and their successors. Naturally, therefore, benefactors and donors came forward unhesitatingly to support the organization through charitable gifts and bequests.

One hundred years later, AGBU continues to value the trust of its members and the Armenian nation, and considers this faith fundamental to the fruitful perpetuation of its vision in the centuries to come.








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