On Oct. 17, Armenians and Assyrians from Turlock and Modesto gathered at the corner of Monte Vista Avenue and Geer Road to stand in support of Armenia, where more than 1,300 Armenian soldiers have died since late September in conflict with Azerbaijan — an explosion of war caused by decades-old tension over disputed land. Turlock Mayor Amy Bublak, Stanislaus County Supervisor Vito Chiesa and City Councilman Andrew Nosrati spoke at the event, which saw over 100 people gather and call attention to Armenian injustices. While the war ended this week following Russian and Turkish intervention, former Peace Corps Armenia Volunteer Ryan Ahari said activists’ job is far from over.

“Although the war is over, we are still raising awareness. Our work isn’t done,” Ahari said. “We want to make sure the Armenian community in Turlock knows they are being supported by their local political leaders.”