Is American Casino Tycoon Kirk Kerkorian a "Jewish' Armenian?

joepilsudski · 01.11.2007, 21:54

I have been researching the history of Las Vegas casinos/gambling, and was curious about Mr.Kirk Kerkorian...
There is no readily available information about his parentage currently available online, other than a Wikipedia entry stating that he is an Armenian immigrant...maybe a Forum member could help shed some light on Mr.Kerkorian...Is there a Jewish community in Armenia, and is Mr.Kerkorian Jewish?

Sevana · 02.11.2007, 03:41

Just Google search K. Kerkorian and you will find pages and pages of info about him , Kirk is not an immigrant as he was born in Fresno California .
Why do you even ask if he is Jewish , do you think a rich Jew will spend so many millions on Armenia ? not a cent . and yes there is a small Jewish community in Armenia.

Hrach_Techie · 02.11.2007, 10:00

Kirk Kerkorian is an American with Armenian ancestry
http://www.forbes.com/lists/2005/54/NINP.html
Yes, there are jews in Armenia

Quote:

The Jewish community of Armenia dates back almost 2,000 years.

http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/...w/armenia.html
my grandma on my mother's side was also Jewish but I identify myself as Armenian. There are many such families over here with Jewish ancestry. what's so curious about jews and Kirk? can you explain?

Malina · 02.11.2007, 14:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hrach_Techie

my grandma on my mother's side was also Jewish but I identify myself as Armenian. There are many such families over here with Jewish ancestry. what's so curious about jews and Kirk? can you explain?

Bravo!!!!!!!!!

joepilsudski · 03.11.2007, 20:06

You are correct...the Wikipedia site actually said that Kerkorian's parents were immigrants...my curiosity was aroused by noting that almost all of the casino/gambling industry is run by people of Jewish descent, with the
exception of Kerkorian and two Lebanese brothers who own another large complex...there are quite a few Lebanese of Jewish descent, and I have read a few articles claiming that Kerkorian was also Jewish...so I just wanted to get some more information, and thought that an Armenian forum would be a good place to get it.