Queen Rania Visits the Armenian Relief Society

(Office of Her Majesty, Press Department, Amman) Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah paid a visit today to one of the oldest societies in Jordan, the Armenian Relief Society, in Jebel Al Ashrafieh in Amman.

Established in 1946, the facility aims at preserving the cultural identity of Jordan’s Armenians, improving the educational, social, health and welfare of the community as well as encouraging citizens to be more involved in public service and other local organizations that support local communities.

The society also provides humanitarian aid to families in need and scholarships to students regardless of their ethnic origin or religious affiliation.

Upon her arrival, Her Majesty met with the society's board members including Vice Chairman Ms. Arsineh Jambazian who briefed the Queen on the different services the society provides to empower the Jordanian community and women in specific. She expressed the community’s pride in its Jordanian identity and Hashemite leadership.

Queen Rania then met with members of the society’s general assembly and congratulated the women on the occasion of International Women's Day, which was marked last Friday. She also added that Jordan is rich because of its diversity and the people who live in it, and the Armenians are part and parcel of the broader Jordanian family.

Her Majesty added that this society is very unique, and is well known for its high level of commitment and professionalism.

Board member Ms. Aline Banayan gave a presentation about the history of the Armenian community in Jordan.

Other women shared their own stories and explained how they started their social work.

Her Majesty also watched a performance by ARAZ, a junior and youth Armenian folklore dance group which was established in 2007 as a way to preserve the cultural identity of the Armenians in Jordan. The group today consists of about 47 members.

Before ending her visit, the Queen checked on some products and handicrafts as well as some traditional dishes and desserts made by members of the Armenian Relief Society.