The ARF "Garmir Ler” Committee and Anjar
The Sarkis Zetlian Center"
During the years extending from 1919 to 1939, the role of the ARF "G. Ler” Committee was dominant in the Armenian villages of Mousa Dagh, considering that the region had its representative in the Syrian Parliament, who assisted the Committee.
In 1939, when Mousadaghians left their homeland and belongings voluntarily while rejecting the reign of the Turkish government, Movses Der Kalousdian, along with the French government, managed to find a new homeland for Mousadaghians in the Bekaa Valley of Lebanon, called Anjar.
The ARF "Garmir Ler” Committee played a supervisory role during the relocating process of Mousadaghians and became the superintendent of Anjar since its establishment. The committee became the supporter of the municipality, the communities and the associations of the village.
During the early years of the establishment of Anjar and later during the Lebanese Civil War, the ARF "Garmir Ler” Committee managed to keep Anjar a safe environment for Anjarians and Armenians of Lebanon. Throughout the heavy bombardments during the Lebanese Civil War, more than 10,000 Armenians from Beirut and its surroundings sheltered in Anjar and received solicitude and facilities from the ARF "G. Ler” Committee.
Today the ARF "G. Ler’ Committee administers the supply of backup Electricity (Ishtirak) to the Village and the supply of drinking water to the houses. It works through subcommittees in boosting the cultural, agricultural, educational, athletic, and social aspects of the village. It also remains to be the guardian of the village in securing its safety and interests.
Anjar has become a pride to Mousadaghians around the globe and a unique town for Armenians in Lebanon. It is an important touristic area and an exceptional village.
