AMERICAN HELLENIC EDUCATIONAL PROGRESSIVE ASSOCIATION latest news

AMERICAN HELLENIC EDUCATIONAL  PROGRESSIVE ASSOCIATION

NEWS RELEASE July 29, 2019 American Hellenic, American Jewish Organizations Welcome Recent U.S., Israel, Greece, Cyprus Engagement WASHINGTON -- The American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (Order of AHEPA), American Hellenic Institute (AHI), B'nai B'rith International, and Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations issued the following joint statement: "We welcome the continued development of the Israel, Greece, and Cyprus trilateral partnership with news of the 'First Economic Dialogue held between the United States and Trilateral Partners Republic of Cyprus, Greece, and Israel' on July 25 in Washington, D.C.  We applaud the United States' ongoing engagement following March's Sixth Trilateral Summit where the United States participated for the first time. "Separately, we welcome as another positive indicator that bilateral relations between Greece and Israel have not lost a step with a newly elected government in Greece as evidenced by Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias's visit to Israel early in the new government's tenure.  The July 28 visit included meetings with President of Israel Rivlin, Prime Minister Netanyahu, and Foreign Minister Katz to discuss matters pertaining to the tripartite and developments in the eastern Mediterranean, which we view as vital and timely. "We applaud the commitment to fostering peace, security, stability, and shared democratic values and ideals, in the region by all parties.  We are pleased the relationship continues to progress across all sectors. We will continue to lend our broad diaspora support and encouragement for advancing the trilateral partnership and the United States' commitment to it." Background In August 2011 and December 2012 AHEPA, AHI, B'nai B'rith International, and the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations co-organized roundtable discussions in New York City between leaders of the American Jewish and American Hellenic communities. In January 2018, the four organizations completed their third Leadership Mission to Israel, Cyprus and Greece and are planning a fourth mission in 2020.  The groundbreaking inaugural mission to the three countries took place January 2014 and led to diaspora support for the tripartite, greater understanding between our communities, and the greater recognition of our common values, intents, and aspirations. In December 2018, the organizations co-sponsored an international conference held in Jerusalem titled, "New Realities in the Eastern Mediterranean." In October 2010, AHEPA organized a groundbreaking conference on emerging relations between Greece and Israel that brought together the ambassadors to the U.S. of Greece, Israel, and Cyprus as well as representatives of their respective embassies; and representatives of Congress, diaspora groups, and academia.

From the Desk of Executive Director  Basil N. Mossaidis  July 25, 2019

This week, AHEPA Supreme President George G. Horiates was joined by AHEPA Cooley's Anemia Foundation Chair PSP Ike Gulas in Memphis, Tennessee.  PSP Gulas hosted the Supreme President as AHEPA once again presented St. Jude's Research Hospital with $10,000 to continue AHEPA's endeavor to lead the fight against Cooley's Anemia.  Ashley Trotter, an Executive with the research institution, kindly thanked AHEPA for all it has done over the years. "AHEPA's support has been there for our Cooley's researchers for decades. We thank all of the members of AHEPA, you are a shining example of a wonderful organization that does GREAT things." Cooley's Anemia, known as Thalassemia, is a fatal genetic blood disorder which affects people of Mediterranean descent. Many children diagnosed with the disease receive blood transfusions every two weeks and painful drug injections with an infusion pump every night of their lives. "AHEPA strives to help mankind- we donate to medical research for many causes and provide medical support to many institutions including the AHEPA and Evangelismos hospitals in Greece. As for our decades long battle against Cooley's Anemia, AHEPA is also proud of our partnership with Saint Jude's here in Memphis, Tennessee", noted Supreme President Horiates. Helping to find cures and reduce the suffering of children is just one of the many ways AHEPA gives back to the community.  Visit our website to donate to one of our many causes, such as finding the cure for Cooley's, and tell your friends about the good work the AHEPA is doing.  The more members we have, the more people we have to defend Hellenism and to help us make a difference!   AHEPA Stands By Cyprus L-R: Supreme Treasurer Tsivicos, Ambassador Lyssiotis, and Supreme President Horiates. WASHINGTON -- In one of the first formal acts of his administration, Supreme President George G. Horiates met with Ambassador of the Republic of Cyprus to the U.S. Marios Lyssiotis at the Embassy of Cyprus in Washington, D.C., July 16, 2019. "We conveyed our concern about recent developments in the eastern Mediterranean, and specifically, Turkey's illegal activities in Cypriot waters," Supreme President Horiates said. "AHEPA stands by Cyprus during this time described as a 'second invasion' by President Nicos Anastasiades. Our priority will be to ensure the United States remains engaged in the eastern Mediterranean and to encourage continued enhanced relations between the United States and Cyprus." He added, "We sincerely thank Ambassador Lyssiotis for his time to discuss these pressing matters." Supreme Treasurer Savas Tsivicos and Executive Director Basil Mossaidis accompanied Supreme President Horiates to the meeting. to mark the 45th anniversary of Turkey's illegal invasion and subsequent occupation of the Republic of Cyprus.