LOS ANGELES, JAN. 9, (Combined News Sources). The Sahag-Mesrob Armenian Christian School in Altadena has been completely destroyed in the California wildfires, the High Commissioner for Diaspora Affairs of Armenia Zareh Sinanyan has said.
“This is horrifying… The Sahag-Mesrob Armenian Christian School has been burnt down. I am sorry for the losses of our compatriots in Los Angeles. I have no words for my friends who lost their homes in the Pacific Palisades and Altadena/Pasadena wildfires. Even the home where I stayed a month ago is gone,” said Sinanyan, a former member of Glendale, CaliforniaSeveral fires currently raging in Southern California have impacted thousands of Armenian families and hundreds of businesses and institutions who have been forced to evacuate from their locations.
A fast-moving fire broke out in the Hollywood Hills on Wednesday night, threatening one of Los Angeles’ most iconic spots as firefighters battled to get under control three other major blazes that killed five people, put 130,000 people under evacuation orders and ravaged communities from the Pacific Coast to inland Pasadena. The Palisades fire was the most destructive in the Los Angeles history, with at least 5,000 structures burned, various news agencies reported.
A friend of the school stated: “It is beyond heartbreaking to see the damage left behind by wildfires in LA. It pains me to see family, friends & many others scramble to save their homes. One Fresno family moved from Pasadena four years ago. Them and their two daughters attended Sahag Mesrob and only have fond memories. All that stands is an Armenian cross-stone, or khachkar, giving the school and Armenian community hope.” Please visit https://www.sahagmesrobschool.org/main.php to help rebuild @sahagmesrob