Eduardo Eurnekian is an Argentine businessman of Armenian origin, born on December 4, 1932 in Buenos Aires. He is considered one of the most successful entrepreneurs in Latin America. His enterprises are related to infrastructure, agriculture, energy, retail and banking, in Argentina, Armenia and other countries around the world.
Together with the International Raoul Wallenberg Foundation Eduardo Eurnekian has decided to organize a tribute to the Armenian Holocaust Saviors worldwide.
The board of the International Raoul Wallenberg Foundation at its headquarters in New York unanimously approved the initiative to pay tribute to the Armenian Christian heroes who helped Jews and others persecuted by the Nazis during the Second World War. The monument will be the first of its kind in the world and will be located in the city of Buenos Aires. So far 14 Armenians have been recognized for their rescuing of people persecuted by the Nazis and their allies. It is noteworthy to mention that in the year 301, Armenia became the first country to adopt Christianity as State religion.
“The study of Armenian history requires educating children so that the Armenian martyrdom never is forgotten. We are committed to the study and investigation of these tragic events and to the promotion of the results,” said Baruch Tenenbaum, founder of the Raoul Wallenberg Foundation.
In the capital of Argentina the announcement was made by officials of the NGO after a meeting with Buenos Aires Mayor, Mauricio Macri, and the Armenian Ambassador, Vladimir Karmirshalyan, who enthusiastically gave their approval to a plan that has no precedent. The City of Buenos Aires is a natural place for the location of this monument, with an estimated population of 130,000 descendants of Armenians.
In addition, on 21 September 2010, on the 19th anniversary of Independence of the Republic of Armenia, the Wallenberg Foundation announced the beginning of a new educational program dedicated to promote the Armenian culture, heritage, as well as the legacy of the Armenian heroes of the Holocaust. This initiative includes the production of a special website that will present news, columns and interviews in Armenian and English.
A few days after the announcement, in October 2010, Eduardo Eurnekian was named “Man of the Year” by the Armenian General Benevolent Union. The award recognized his work on behalf of the Armenian community and his trajectory in the business world. The award was presented during the 86th Anniversary Gala of the organization.
“Eduardo Eurnekian is a formidable role model. His vision goes far beyond the limits of the business scope. We must imitate him. He is a light that guides us.” Tenenbaum said.
Social Responsibility
It is known and recognized a commitment to solidarity that Eduardo Eurnekian carries out in Argentina and other countries in the world.
Soon after the devastating earthquake that struck Chile in February 2010 a solidarity festival “Argentina embraces Chile” took place in Buenos Aires.
“La Corporación América” and “Aeropuertos Argentina 2000,” companies led by Eduardo Eurnekian, delivered 300,000 food rations of high nutritional value.
Besides, “Aeropuertos Argentina 2000” together with other business factors, coordinated actions to help the community of Haiti after the Caribbean country suffered the consequences of a destructive earthquake of magnitude 7.3 on the Richter scale on January 12, 2010.
In December 2009, Eduardo Eurnekian, on behalf of “Aeropuertos Argentina 2000,” presented a new hospital in Ezeiza to the governor of the province of Buenos Aires, Daniel Scioli. The new hospital “Alberto Andranik Eurnekian” required an investment of $15 million and started to work in January 2010. Eurnekian announced at the occasion his commitment to donate a lifetime donation of $30,000 per month.
Among the many acts of social responsibility of Eduardo Eurnekian it is worth noting the inauguration of the cenotaph dedicated to those killed in the Falklands War, located at the Darwin cemetery. The work was done by Eurnekian who has been committed to the realization of this symbolic site, so dear to the people of Argentina.
