NOVEMBER 2, 2013 MirTHErARoMENr IAN -Spe ctator Volume LXXXIV, NO. 16, Issue 4310 $ 2.00 NEWS IN BRIEF The First English Language Armenian Weekly in the United States Since 1932 School No. 44 in Nishan Atinizian Yerevan Named for Receives Anania Armenian ‘Orphan Rug’ Is in White House Hrant Dink Shiragatsi Medal from Storage, as Unseen as Genocide Is Neglected YEREVAN (Armenpress) — Mayor of Yerevan Taron Margaryan attended the solemn ceremony WASHINGTON (Washington Post) — The of naming the capital’s school No. 44 after President of Armenia rug was woven by orphans in the 1920s and By Philip Kennicott prominent Armenian journalist and intellectual formally presented to the White House in YEREVAN — Every year, during from Istanbul Hrant Dink this week. The 1925. A photograph shows President Calvin Armenia’s independence celebrations, the Information and Public Relations Department of Coolidge standing on the carpet, which is no mere juvenile effort, but a president of the republic hands out awards the Yerevan Municipality reported that aside complicated, richly detailed work that would hold its own even in the largest to individuals in Armenia and the diaspora from the mayor, Dink’s widow Rackel Dink, par - and most ceremonial who are outstanding in their fields and PHOTO COURTESY OF THE ARMENIAN CULTURAL FOUNDATION ticipating in unveiling a commemorative plaque rooms. have contributed to the betterment of dedicated to Hrant Dink. If you can read a Armenia. Hrant Dink was assassinated in Istanbul in carpet’s cues, the This year, among the honorees singled January 2007, by Ogün Samast, a 17-year old plants and animals out by President Serge Sargisian was Turkish nationalist. This was shortly after the depicted on the rug Nishan Atinizian, co-owner of Armenia premiere of the documentary “Screamers,” in may represent the Marriott hotel, who was awarded the which he is interviewed about Turkish denial of Garden of Eden, Anania Shiragatsi medal during the cele - the Armenian Genocide of 1915 and the case which is about as far bration of the fifth anniversary of the against him under Article 301. removed as possible establishment of the Ministry of Diaspora. While Samast has since been taken into cus - from the rug’s origins Upon his arrival in the US from Turkey tody, it has since been revealed that a deep chain in the horrific events in the early 1980s, Atinizian immersed him - going high up in the government was involved in of 1915, when the self in the Armenian community in Boston the decision to assassinate Dink. and served as a link to his own culture. He fracturing and senes - has been recognized in the community as a cent Ottoman Empire leader and has received several awards for began a murderous Morocco’s Ambassador see AWARD, page 9 campaign against its Armenian population. Presents Credentials to Between 1 million and 1.5 million people Armenian President were killed or died of YEREVAN (Public Radio of Armenia) — On starvation, and others Tuesday, the newly appointed Ambassador of were uprooted from Morocco to Armenia, Mina Tounsi, presented her their homes in what credentials to President Serge Sargisian, the has been termed the president’s press office reported. first modern and sys - Sargisian congratulated Tounsi on her tematic genocide. appointment and expressed hope that during her Many were left tenure in office, she would make every effort to orphans, including Cover for invigorate bilateral relations between Armenia President Calvin Coolidge and the see RUG, page 12 and Morocco. President Serge Sargisian gives Nishan Armenian Orphan Rug Atinizian the medal. Sargisian noted that Armenia attaches great import to the deepening of her relations with the Arab world and underscored that the country actively cooperates with many Arab states in dif - Wife of Boston Mayoral Candidate Connolly Annual Najarian ferent areas. In that context, the President of Armenia stressed the importance of developing Hopes to Bring Armenian Flavor to City Hall Human Rights Lecture interstate cooperation with Morocco. Sheds Light on Human Tounsi assured Sargisian that she concurred spending time with her paternal grand - and wanted closer ties with Armenia. By Gabriella Gage mother, Mary Kassakian (maiden name Trafficking Epidemic Mirror-Spectator Staff Kondrajian,) who instilled in her an appreci - Sargisian Congratulates ation for her Armenian heritage and for the gift of family. By Alin K. Gregorian Gul on Turkey’s BOSTON — Meg Kassakian Connolly, is The Kondrajians arrived at Ellis Island Mirror-Spectator Staff more than just the wife of Boston mayoral from Sivas in 1910, narrowly missing the Republic Day hopeful, John R. Connolly; she is a clinical Genocide, amid the escalating climate of YEREVAN (Armenpress) — President Serge BOSTON — Tea, hand-woven rugs and fear — a blessing that her Sargisian of Armenia sent a message congratu - prostitutes, on the surface, seem to have grandmother did not fail to lating his Turkish counterpart, Abdullah Gul, on very little in common. However, accord - appreciate. October 28, on the occasion of Turkey’s National ing to speakers at the K. George and “She would always tell Holiday –Republic Day. Carolann S. Najarian MD Lecture on me how lucky I was to There was no word on Gul’s response. know my grandparents,” Human Rights on October 24 at Faneuil said Connolly. “There was Hall, they often involve trafficked per - a great optimism but also a sons. deep sadness that would On the demand side, keynote speaker come across when she Siddharth Kara explained, consumers would talk about it.” want to pay less and less for goods, thus INSI DE Mugerdich Kondrajian, a product made by slave labor, by defin- Mary’s father, worked hard see LECTURE, page 7 toward the “American The Connolly family, from left: Meg Connolly and her hus - Dream” while also taking Lace on band, Boston mayoral candidate John R. Connolly, with chil - time to participate in the dren, Clare, Mary Katherine and Edward building of the new Armenian-American com - Show munity blossoming in the psychologist with a passion for issues of men - Northeast. Kondrajian went on to become Page 10 tal health and immigration. She is a Harvard one of the founding members of the graduate and a soccer champ. She is a moth - Armenian General Benevolent Union’s er of three. She is also an Armenian- (AGBU) New York Chapter. American with a deep appreciation for her Meg Connolly’s paternal grandfather’s INDEX family’s heritage. family, the Kassakians, arrived years before Arts and Living ...... 10 Connolly grew up in Newton, attending the Kondrajians, and also shared the dual Armenia ...... 2 public schools, before going on to Harvard appreciation of embracing the culture of Community News...... 4 University, where she studied sociology and their new home while remembering their Editorial ...... 14 captained the soccer team. Armenian heritage. Both the Kassakian International ...... 3 She has fond memories celebrating holi - and Kondrajian families were involved in Siddharth Kara days with delicious Armenian food and see CONNOLLY, page 8 2 S ATURDAY , N OVEMBER 2, 2013 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR ARMENIA News From Armenia AGBU Young Professionals’ ‘Go Green’ Mission Promotes Economic Sustainability in Armenia Defense Minister Meets YEREVAN — In recent years, the Austrian Counterpart AGBU Young Professionals (YP) Network has focused its global initia - YEREVAN (Armenpress) — The Minister of Defense tives in Armenia on environmentally- of Armenia, Seyran Ohanian received Austrian friendly green projects to help promote Ambassador to Armenia Alois Kraut, Austria’s economic sustainability. Implemented Honorary Consul to Armenia Aram Marutyan and this year, the Pan-YP Greenhouse Military Attache of the Embassy of Austria to Project for border village Barekamavan Armenia Helmuth Fellner. During the course of the is the second collective initiative by the meeting held on October 28, Seyran Ohanian, wel- YP Network in Armenia, and builds on comed the guests and congratulated the people of the success of the YPs’ first initiative, Austria on their national holiday — the day of the the construction of a new park in Declaration of Neutrality. Khachik in 2010. During the meeting the sides held a discussion Funded and developed entirely by the on issues related to the bilateral cooperation in the YP Network, two greenhouses were field of defense. Kraut stated that Austria is ready constructed in Barekamavan this year to continue cooperation with the Ministry of to help promote economic self-sufficien - Defense of Armenia. cy and sustainability. The following six - teen YP Groups and YP Partners took Multiple generations come together to learn about farming and crop cultivation. President Hosts IAAF part by pooling their resources in one unified effort: YP Athens, YP Boston, And ABAF Delegations YP Buenos Aires, YP Greater New York, London Coordinator Ara Yeromian. Network embraced the greenhouse ini - YP Lebanon, YP London, YP Los “Thanks to the support of our London tiative in 2013. “It was amazing to see so YEREVAN (Armenpress) —Armenian President Angeles, YP Marseille, YP Montréal, YP community, who donated both online and many young Armenians from all over the Serge Sargisian received welcomed senior officials Northern California, YP Philadelphia, during our fundraising events, we will world come together to help advance from the International Association of Athletics YP Sofia, YP Tehran, YP Toronto, and make a difference in the lives of many fam - Barekamavan,” said YP Yerevan Federations (IAAF) and the Association of the YP Yerevan, as well as AGBU partner, ilies in Barekamavan. This was definitive - Coordinator Anna Aghajanian. Balkan Athletic Federations (ABAF) led by IAAF Deputy President and legendary pole vaulter Overseeing the project in Sergey Bubka. The delegation arrived in Armenia Barekamavan, YP Yerevan con - for its annual IAAF conference. ducted a thorough needs assess - During the meeting, delegation members from ment taking into account a range various countries of the world highlighted the of factors including the families’ importance of young children having opportunities size, readiness, and ability to to interact with professional athletes. commit to the project before Bubka and other officials of the two athletics fed- selecting the Abasyan and erations introduced the activities and upcoming Vihrabyan families to participate. programs of the ABAF to Sargisian. This spring, working alongside the families and agricultural spe - cialists, YP Yerevan began to Armenian Parliamentary implement the project. The greenhouses were constructed Delegation to Visit Iran on land adjacent to the families’ YEREVAN (PressTVIran) — A parliamentary delega- homes, since Barekamavan has tion from Armenia is set to pay an official visit to no communal agricultural lands. Tehran next week to discuss issues of mutual inter- Fruit trees, seedlings, and fertil - est in meetings with Iranian legislators. izer were purchased and profes - The trip comes to further boost parliamentary, sional training seminars were delivered on farming, crop culti - political, economic and cultural relations between One of the AGBU YP-sponsored greenhouses yields tomato crops in the first harvest of the vation, and sales. the two countries, said Director of the Protocol season. Office of Iran’s Majlis (Parliament) Mohammad Now, the families, relishing in Yasrebi. Leader of the Republican Party of Armenia the first harvest of the season, parliamentary faction Galust Sahakyan, who leads HAIK, in Frankfurt. ly the first of many future contributions to are assured a steady source of the Armenian team, is scheduled to sit down with Many groups who backed the pan-YP initiatives.” future income, cementing their resolve Iranian authorities, including Ali Kaeidi, the chair- Khachik Park Project in 2010 returned Barekamavan’s socio-economic devel - to remain in Barekamavan rather than man of the Iran-Armenia Parliamentary Friendship to lend their support to the opment has long been hindered by searching for opportunities elsewhere. Group. Barekamavan Greenhouse Project by steadily increasing emigration and “For years we felt that we were forgot - The Armenian lawmakers are also expected to organizing a number of special benefit ongoing tensions at the nearby border ten by everyone; we went months with - meet Iranian Majlis Speaker Ali Larijani during events such as YP Toronto’s Jingle Jam, with Azerbaijan. Located in Armenia’s out seeing anyone from outside our vil - their stay in Iran. YP Northern California’s San Francisco Tavush province, the village of 400 is lage and received no support,” shared On August 5, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani Winter Gala Weekend, YP Los Angeles’ home to a mere 33 youth, whereas, wife and mother Tamar Vihrabyan. said the Islamic Republic will seek to expand rela- Networking Mixer, YP Marseille’s decades ago, it boasted over 300. “You haven’t just given us a green - tions with Armenia. Classical Concert, and YP Buenos Nevertheless, current residents refuse house, you have given us, our village, “The relations between the Islamic Republic of Aires’ Friend Day Mixer. Other groups to abandon their homes and land on and our country hope for the future. Iran and Armenia have always been friendly, close such as YP Athens, YP Boston, YP this strategically vital outpost. We don’t have to leave to find work to and based on mutual interests, and definitely in the Lebanon, YP London, YP Montréal, YP Yet, the fertile land holds promise for feed our families now; we can stay right future, Tehran’s efforts will focus on deepening Sofia, and YP Tehran joined their peers the future—promise that AGBU support - here, protect our lands and watch our relations and improving cooperation in all sectors,” to support this year’s pan-YP initiative ers identified when they set out to devel - children grow in their ancestral home - Rouhani said in a meeting with his Armenian coun- for the very first time. op greenhouses in Barekamavan in land.” terpart Serge Sargisian in Tehran. “As part of the global YP Network, YP 2011-12. Seeing the potential for growth For more information on the Pan-YP London was proud to raise funds for such and encouraged by the positive impact of Greenhouse Project, visit British to Establish a unique and impactful project,” said YP the Khachik Park Project, the YP www.agbu.org/ypsgogreen. Architectural School in Gumri Correction GUMRI (Hetq) — It was announced this week that a A caption on the front page British-funded school of architecture will be estab- last week provided incorrect lished in the city. Gumri Mayor Samvel Balsanyan information about a fundraiser hosted Ken Brown, a member of the Bristol by the Knights of Vartan. Institution of Structural Engineers and a trustee of The Ararat Lodge of the the Architecture Centre, and American architect Knights of Vartan held a Surf, Jane Britt Greenwood this week to discuss the Turf and Cigar Evening in plans. September to benefit the Since 2009, the two have been working in the Armenian Sisters’ Academy of Kumayri Historic District. Brown and Greenwood Lexington, Mass. informed the mayor of their plan to turn a building The previous year they had into an architectural school and that volunteers held a fundraiser for the other and students from overseas will arrive in the spring Armenian day school in the of next year to work on the project. region, St. Stephen’s Armenian A view of one of the greenhouses constructed in Barekamavan, Armenia, with funds Elementary School. raised by the AGBU Young Professionals Network. S ATURDAY , N OVEMBER 2, 2013 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 3 INTERNATIONAL Georgian PM Scorns Elections His Candidate Won International News Ivanishvili left little doubt that he will cating himself to the development of By Lynn Berry remain the most influential figure in civil society in Georgia in the coming Greek Defense Ministry Georgia even after he hands over the years. prime minister’s job next month to a The election won high praise from Visits Armenia TBILISI (Associated Press) — The bil - member of his team. The tone of his international observers. lionaire prime minister of Georgia remarks suggested he sees himself less “In a positive and transparent elec - YEREVAN (Armenpress) — Armenian President should have been pleased: his candidate as an elected official and more in the tion, the Georgian people have con - Serge Sargisian hosted a delegation headed by swept a presidential election that inter - role of a wise patriarch or CEO. firmed last year’s historic transfer of Greek Minister of National Defense Dimitris national observers praised on Monday “He treats Georgia like a company power,” Joao Soares, who led the Avramopoulos on October 29. During the visit, as a step forward for democracy in this that he has taken over, built according Organization for Security and they discussed the bilateral Armenian-Greek rela- US-aligned former Soviet republic. to his desires, and then transferred the Cooperation in Europe observer mis - tions based on their strong history of bilateral Instead, Bidzina Ivanishvili denigrat - management of to his assistants, while sion, said in a statement. “This clean cooperation in the fields of politics, defense, mili- ed the losing party and the 22 percent still continuing to control it,” said Gia election following a political cohabita - tary, educational and cultural affairs. of voters who chose its candidate. He Nodia, a political scientist who heads a tion tells me that Georgia’s democracy Armenian Foreign Minister Eduard Nalbandian also reprimanded his own supporters research institute in Tbilisi, the capital. is maturing.” also met with Avramopoulos. The Greek Minister who had not listened to him and stayed Ivanishvili became prime minister a Jen Psaki, spokeswoman for the US noted the cases in history when the Armenian and home on election day, saying they had year ago when his coalition routed the State Department, said Monday that the Greek people jointly fought against foreign neglected their duties as Georgian citi - party of his bitter rival, outgoing vote “clearly represented the will of the invaders and how these events helped to forge the zens. President Mikheil Saakashvili. The bil - people” and urged “all parties to work bonds between the two countries. In the wide scolding, delivered during lionaire consolidated his political con - together constructively to promote Avramopoulos and the delegation visited the a nearly two-hour news conference, trol in Sunday’s presidential election Georgia’s political stability and strength - Tsitsernakaberd Memorial and paid tribute to the when his chosen candidate, 44-year-old en its civil society to advance its democ - memory of the Armenian Genocide victims, placing former university rector Giorgi ratic and economic development.” a wreath and flowers by the unquenchable fire and Margvelashvili, won with 62 percent of Ivanishvili has maintained the pro- honored the memory of the innocent victims with Diaspora Minister the vote. Western course set by Saakashvili dur - a minute of silence. The Greek Delegation then vis- Ivanishvili said he hoped on Saturday ing his nearly 10 years in office. With ited the Armenian Genocide Museum-Institute. Attends Celebrations to announce his choice for the next Georgia due to sign an association Dedicated to prime minister, now the more powerful agreement with the European Union Mayor of Marseille Visits post in Georgia’s new parliamentary sys - next month, his government has Armenian Community tem. The nomination would need to be stressed its commitment to European Armenia approved by parliament, which his party values. Of Berlin controls. Nodia, the political analyst, said YEREVAN (Public Radio of Armenia) — Armenian Both new Georgian leaders would Ivanishvili has demonstrated a peculiar President Serge Sargisian received a delegation BERLIN (Armenpress) — The Minister then be beholden to Ivanishvili. The understanding of democracy. headed by Senator-Mayor of Marseille Jean-Claude of Diaspora of the Republic of Armenia president-elect, speaking at Monday’s “It seems he just doesn’t want to Gaudin this week. Hranush Hakobyan participated in a news conference, said he would have no accept that the main value of democra - Sargisian said the reciprocal visits on different ceremony celebrating the 90th anniver - reason not to listen to his “authoritative cy is pluralism,” Nodia said. “He thinks levels help ensure the continuous development of sary of the Armenian community of friend.” the people should be on someone’s side, bilateral ties. The interlocutors stressed that the Berlin. Among other participants were Ivanishvili’s vast wealth and generosi - on his side.” cooperation between Armenia and France based on the Mayor of Charlotenburg- ty give him considerable clout. Nearly a During the past year, criminal charges centuries-old friendly ties between the two peoples Wilmersdorf Rainhard Nauman, repre - decade ago, when Georgia was close to have been filed against dozens of is steadily developing in all spheres — political, eco- sentatives of the Embassy of the economic collapse, he stepped in to pay Saakashvili loyalists, including several nomic and cultural. Republic of Armenia to Germany, and the salaries of government officials and former ministers. Saakashvili also is The Armenian President ascribed an important other guests. beloved theater actors. Georgians only expected to be questioned after he role to the decentralized cooperation in the devel- The Ministry of Diaspora reported in recent years learned that he had fund - leaves office next month. opment of relations between the two countries and that the event began with opening ed the construction of the new cathe - Also on Monday, a Georgian court expressed confidence that the visit of the delega- remarks delivered by leader of the dral. convicted a former defense minister, tion headed by Jean-Claude Gaudin would promote Armenian community of Berlin Vardges This year, he committed $1 billion to Bacho Akhalaia, and ordered him sent the further development and reinforcement of Alyanak. a new investment fund to stimulate the to prison for three years and nine Armenian-French cooperation. Welcoming the participants, economic development of Georgia. His months. Gaudin noted that the visit of French business- Hakobyan congratulated everyone on estimated $5.3 billion fortune is equal Akhalaia was found guilty of using men will encourage the establishment of new ties the 90th anniversary of the establish - to one-third of the economic output of excessive force to suppress a prison and attract new investments, and he said that he ment of the community and praised the the entire Georgian economy. uprising in 2006 in which seven inmates welcomed the establishment of the Armenian community’s history, its efforts, dedica - Ivanishvili said he was stunned that were killed and 22 injured. He was head Consulate General in Marseille. tion and patriotism. The minister par - the presidential candidate from of the prison system at the time. He also ticularly mentioned: “Thanks to your Saakashvili’s party, former parliament served as an interior minister in charge efforts, the Armenian community of Armenian-Language speaker David Bakradze, received as of police under Saakashvili. Berlin has Armenian Sunday schools, high as 22 percent of the vote among 23 The prosecutions have raised con - Election Campaigns cultural houses, a church and Armenian candidates. cerns in the US and Europe that centers at universities. Through your “I could not imagine it even in the Ivanishvili’s government is using the Allowed in Turkey daily efforts, you try to transmit the worst scenario,” Ivanishvili said. “And it justice system to settle political scores. Armenian language to Armenian chil - ANKARA (PanArmenian.net) — A package of showed what I was always saying, that He denies this, and his government has dren and youth, create cultural groups, reforms suggested by Turkish Prime Minister we lack political culture.” welcomed international monitors to provide them with knowledge about Recep Tayyip Erdogan allows conducting electoral The billionaire has talked about dedi - attend the high-profile trials. Armenian history and help introduce campaigns in Armenian. Before the move, usage of them to the historic Homeland with vis - any language beside Turkish during campaigns was its to the Homeland.” forbidden, according to Haber Turk. The Director of the Diaspora and Politicians in Istanbul, Hatai, Diyarbakir and Genocide Research Institute of EU Agrees to Restart Turkey Kars which are home to descendants of the 1915 Bokhumi Mihran Dabagh spoke during Genocide victims can address the voters in the event. The event also included musi - Membership Talks Next Month Armenian. cal performances by Hrachuhi Bassenz, According to the Turkish Linguistic Society’s Silva Schmeding-Farmasian and Gor LUXEMBOURG (BBC) — The European by Prime Minister Recep Tayyip assessment, Turkish population speaks 36 lan- Harutyunyan. Union (EU) says it has agreed to resume Erdogan of a series of political reforms, guages: 15 million speak Kurdish, one million and The Armenian community of Berlin membership talks with Turkey. including increased rights for Kurds. a half are Alevites, with Armenian, Arabic. Greek, was established and officially registered The EU’s European affairs ministers, Linas Linkevicius, the foreign minister Abkhazian, Georgian, Kazakh are among the lan- in 1923 and was the first Armenian meeting in Luxembourg, said the talks of Lithuania, which currently holds the guages spoken. A Western Armenian dialect, community established in Germany. In would restart on November 5, after EU presidency, congratulated Turkey on Hamshen, which has not changed in the last 200 2006, the community was renamed the being stalled for three years. the resumption of the negotiating years, is also spoken. Armenian Church and Cultural The EU had first agreed to relaunch process, which he said was overdue. Armenian news service has been operating at Community of Berlin. The community negotiations in June, but postponed the Turkey has been an associate member of TRT state channel for more than a year. has nearly 1,500 members and a center talks after members criticized Turkey’s the European Union (then the European On September 30, Erdogan unveiled a long-antic- that the members call the Armenian crackdown on anti-government protests. Economic Community) since 1963. ipated package of reforms designed “to strengthen Home. Every Friday, the Armenian Turkey first applied for full member - Turkey met the last condition for democracy and keep on track a fragile settlement Home is a nice place for members of the ship of what was then the European accession talks in 2005, but negotia - process” to end the conflict with the outlawed Armenian community and all Economic Community in 1987. tions have stalled over a range of Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK). Armenians to gather. The ministers of the 28 EU members issues, including concern over free - The most important reforms include removing The Armenian Home has an based their latest decision on a recommen - dom of speech and democracy, treat - restrictions of wearing Islamic headscarves, possi- Armenian Sunday school and a dance dation by the European Commission. ment of religious minorities, judicial bility of education in mother tongue, restoration of group and recently opened a communi - In its 2013 progress report on Turkey reform, and ongoing tensions with original names of villages, districts and provinces ty library where members of the com - published last week, the Commission Cyprus, an EU member. that existed before 1980, sweeping changes in law munity can find books for children, as had criticized as excessive the use of During that time Ankara has watched on political parties, possibility of lowering 10 per- well as Armenian literature, books force by Turkish police in dealing with other countries overtake Turkey in the cent electoral threshold in entering parliament, devoted to Armenian arts, history, lan - widespread demonstrations. queue for membership. Croatia became improving assembly freedom and other small rights guage, the Church and religion and But it recognized that Turkey had a full member of the EU in July, while for religious and ethnic minorities. encyclopedias. The community also has introduced judicial reforms. It also Serbia achieved official candidate status a church choir. praised the announcement last month earlier this year. 4 S ATURDAY , N OVEMBER 2, 2013 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR Community Ne ws

AEF Supporters Raise Armenian Bar $80,000 to Help its Mission Association

GLENDALE — The Armenian Educational Celebrates Annual Foundation (AEF) held its annual fundraiser on October 13, at the home of Armen Panossian Judges’ Night and Dr. Katherine Panossian. One hundred sev - enty guests attended the fundraiser and con - LOS ANGELES — Several hundred digni - tributed to support the education of the chil - taries, public officials and guests joined the dren of Armenia. The majority of those in Armenian Bar Association on October 10 to cel - attendance were young professionals many of ebrate, honor and recognize the career and ser - whom offered to volunteer with AEF projects. vice of Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Peter Melody Petrossian, AEF Fundraising chair, Espinoza. His first column of respect was com - stated, “The extraordinary part of the evening prised of nearly 40 judicial officers from the fed - was that it was planned, executed and hosted by eral and state courts who had come to pay the future leaders of the organization. We are homage and respect to one of their own. This truly grateful to the Panossian family for host - celebration took place at Armenian Bar ing this event and for creating a platform for Association’s Annual Judges’ Night Dinner at the next generation of AEF supporters.” the Phoenicia Restaurant in Glendale, Calif. AEF will use 100 percent of the funds raised The master of ceremonies for the evening was to renovate the Darpas Village school in the Armenian Bar Association Chairman Garo B. Lori region of Armenia where 210 students Ghazarian. After welcoming remarks by attend classes that are in urgent need of repair. ArmenBar Board member Gerard Kassabian, AEF has renovated more than 180 schools in Ghazarian was introduced by Los Angeles remote villages in Armenia, Artsakh and Superior Court Judge and former Armenian Javakhk and provided aid to thousands of stu - The researchers visit the second grade class. Bar chairman Judge Zaven Sinanian. Sinanian dents. Since 2000, AEF has awarded more than recognized Ghazarian by stating that “Garo’s $960,000 in scholarships to students in the whole concept in life is to serve the community, United States, Lebanon and Armenia. For the never giving up and relentlessly fighting for past five years, AEF has been providing full Researchers From Armenia what is right in life.” He also applauded him for tuition in the form of four-year scholarships to leading the organization toward unprecedented approximately 50 students attending public uni - heights of public service and achievement, versities in Armenia and Artsakh. Visit TCA Arshag Dickranian while simultaneously serving on multiple For more information or to make a donation, fronts. Sinanian also took a few moments to contact the AEF office at [email protected] or School to Conduct Study express his heartfelt thanks to the evening’s write to Armenian Educational Foundation, guest of honor, Peter Espinoza, who was a men - tor to Sinanian when he first took the bench 600 West Broadway, Suite 130, Glendale, CA LOS ANGELES — Researchers from the Department of Diaspora Studies of the more than 10 years ago. 91204. National Academy of Sciences of Armenia — Institute of Archeology and In his opening remarks, Ghazarian stated, Ethnography visited TCA Arshag Dickranian School (ADS) on Friday, October 18, “Tonight, we thank Judge Espinoza and his col - as a part of a comparative study they are conducting of Armenians in their own leagues on the bench for their public service, and other national environments. The school was selected as a representative of for their activism, for their commitment to the NAASR Lecture to Focus the Armenian educational model in Los Angeles, where the researchers conduct - ideal that in order for our civil society to ed interviews and interacted with teachers and students. The visit was coordinat - On Armenians and progress, we must have a strong and indepen - ed through the Consulate General of the Republic of Armenia in Los Angeles. dent judiciary.” Researchers Lusine Tanajyan and Syuzanna Barseghyan arrived at ADS at 11 Assyrians in Urmia Region In a show of Armenian community unity and a.m. accompanied by Consul for Economic and Community Affairs Suren cohesion, usually reserved for April 24th com - BELMONT, Mass. — Dr. Nicholas Al-Jeloo will Vardanyants. The guests were greeted by Board Chairman George K. Mandossian, memorations, Ghazarian thanked and acknowl - give a lecture titled “Armenian and Assyrian Board Member Angine Garibyan and Principal Dr. Manoug Seraydarian and were edged the presence of Armenian Revolutionary Cooperation and Co-Habitation in Iran’s Urmia invited to briefly speak about their research project and their impressions of the Federation Central Committee Chairman Dr. Region,” on Thursday, November 14, at 7:30 p.m. Armenian community of Los Angeles. Viken Hovsepian, Armenian Democratic at the National Association for Armenian Studies Next, Seraydarian led the researchers on a tour around the School, along with League Central Committee Board member Dr. and Research (NAASR), 395 Concord Ave. Mandossian and Garibyan. The researchers’ first stop was at the second grade, Raffi Balian, Armenian General Benevolent While much information and research has where the students were taking their Armenian class. The children were very excit - Union Vice-President and World-Wide Board of enlightened understanding of Armenians from ed to see the guests and enthusiastically recited poetry in Armenian to impress Governors, Sinan Sinanian, and Armenian Isfahan, little other information exists in English them. The researchers then visited the Walter and Laurel Karabian Hall where the National Committee Western United States about Armenians living in other parts of Iran, School’s different events and student services are held. They briefly met with the Chairwoman Nora Hovsepian. even Armenians in Tabriz, a prosperous and Head of the Armenian Department Anahit Nasoyan and inquired about the Ghazarian then called upon Presiding Judge important urban community. Like the Assyrians School’s Armenian program. Next, the researchers were escorted to see the School of the Los Angeles Superior Court David who were largely based in villages throughout playgrounds, followed by the Junior High and High School sections, where they Wesley to address the rapt audience. Wesley the Middle East, the Armenians of the Urmia visited the classrooms and the Science and Computer Labs. Lusine Tanajyan and described the enormous challenges that face plain led agrarian lives for much of the 19th cen - Syuzanna Barseghyan met with the seventh-grade students while they were also the California judiciary today, noting the mas - tury and even when they moved into the city of taking their Armenian lesson and briefly conversed with their teacher Nazelie sive budget cuts that have been imposed upon Urmia, a hub of agrarian wholesale markets in see RESEARCHERS, page 5 the court system. But, despite those setbacks in wheat and raisins, they often engaged in trade funding, he explained that the California courts that involved their village roots. Intermarriage are still seen as a model for judicial excellence with local Assyrians was also very common. The across the country. He thanked the judges in Minassian family, for example, who held the attendance for maintaining the highest levels of wheat wholesale market, was married into an judicial performance in these difficult times. Assyrian family from Golphashan, one of the rich - Another very special guest for the evening est towns on the Urmia plain. was Judge Fred Rotenberg of the Los Angeles Al-Jeloo’s illustrated lecture represents a rare Superior Court currently sitting in Glendale, opportunity to learn about the inter-twined his - Calif. Rotenberg was one of the guests of honor tory of the Armenians and Assyrians of the at the Inaugural Judges’ Night of the Armenian Urmia region. Much of the information about Bar Association last year. Rotenberg thanked Armenians on the Urmia plain comes from the Armenian Bar Association for bestowing on Assyrian memoirs and histories. While the him with the public recognition for his work as church institutions remained separate and the a judge. He stated that he shares a common his - communities maintained separate languages, tory with the Armenian community in that he, there was considerable intermarriage, dual lan - like many in the audience, saw their parents guage understanding, and cooperation on and grandparents endure extreme hardship. many fronts, commercial as well as political. Rotenberg’s mother, Helen, is a Holocaust sur - Al-Jeloo is an Australian-Assyrian whose high- vivor and was present at last year’s Judges’ quality photographs have been used in art and Night event. Rotenberg stated that he under - history books about the Middle East, such as stands how these experiences impact a person’s Christoph Baumer’s The Church of the East : life and he is mindful of this in his work as a An Illustrated History of Assyrian Christianity Lusine Tanajyan and Syuzanna Barseghyan along with Pre-K and Kindergarten judge. (I.B. Tauris, 2006). He received a PhD in teachers and students In an unexpected moment during the Assyrian/Syriac Studies from the University of evening, former mayor of Pasadena presented Sydney this year and holds an MA from Leiden see ARMENBAR, page 5 University. S ATURDAY , N OVEMBER 2, 2013 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 5 COMMUNITY NEWS

Norair and Siroun Megerdichian Armenian Bar Association Celebrates Celebrate 40th Anniversary Annual Judges’ Night

LIVINGSTON, N.J. — More than 150 fami - ARMENBAR, from page 4 up in East Los Angeles and reminded the audi - ly members, friends, Tekeyan Cultural Ghazarian with a medal of honor for his efforts ence that before Hollywood, Glendale and the Association (TCA) and Armenian Democratic in persuading the City of Pasadena to establish Valley, the origin of the first Armenian commu - Liberal party (ADL, Ramgavar) members an Armenian Genocide Memorial in Pasadena’s nity in Southern California was in East Los were invited by Lara and Avo Megerdichian Memorial Park. Paparian explained that work Angeles and Montebello. He recalled meeting to take part in a surprise celebration of the on the monument will begin on April 24, 2014, many Armenians in his childhood and men - 40th wedding anniversary of their parents, and the memorial will be consecrated on the tioned that he never thought he would ever Norair and Siroun Megerdichian, on occasion of the 100th commemoration of the visit Armenia at that time. But that trip he Saturday, October 19, at St. Mary’s Armenian Genocide on April 24, 1915. never thought he would take, he explained to Armenian Church. There were many civic leaders in attendance the guests, recently became a reality because of The couple married in their native Beirut at the gala event, among them the mayor of the outstanding work of his daughter, and in the late 1980s relocated to West Glendale, Dave Weaver, the treasurer of the City Elizabeth Espinoza. Espinoza’s daughter is a Orange, NJ. Norair Megerdichian has been of Glendale, Rafi Manoukian, member of the volunteer for the United States Peace Corp and involved in many community activities, Glendale City Council and Board of Directors of has been teaching English in the small village including the ADL and TCA. He was the the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transit of Shatin in southern Armenia for the past 17 chairman of TCA Greater New York Chapter Authority, Ara Najarian, Montebello city coun - months. Espinoza told the audience that the and a member of ADL District Committee. cilman, Jack Hadjinian, the leadership of the recent visit to Armenia by him and his wife Siroun Megerdichian was the director of Glendale Police Department led by Deputy Dyanna, far exceeded his expectations. He AGBU Camp Noubar. Chief Carl Povalitis, and Chief Jim McDonnell, urged everyone in the audience to “come to Among the guests in attendance were who is the chief of the Long Beach Police Armenia” to experience its rich history, its beau - benefactor Harry Toufayan, Henry Dimijian, Department and president of the Los Angeles ty and to aid the Armenian people to realize the chairman of TCA Greater New Yor The couple dances. County Association of Chiefs of Police. their full potential. He also explained that Hagop Vartivarian and his wife, Maria, Dr. McDonnell spoke of his background as a child while the capital of Yerevan is a major cos - Hagop Gulekjian, Haroutioun Diratzouian, of Irish immigrants and how the diversity of mopolitan city that reminded him of Mexico Vartan and Adrine Abdo of the Armenian Radio Hour of NJ as well as Mr. and Mrs. America, being a nation of immigrants, has City, he alerted the audience that life in the Shemavon Atamian. strengthened the country. Armenian villages is far different and that the The highlight of the evening was the honor - people there need assistance with infrastruc - ing of Espinoza. Ghazarian explained to the ture and other basic necessities. audience that the Judges’ Night dinner was Espinoza fondly recalled that a highlight of his originally scheduled to take place a week earli - trip was when he met and visited with Raffi K. er, but that it was delayed because Espinoza Hovannisian, the founder of the Armenian Bar would still be in Armenia at that time. Association. Ghazarian fondly recalled that Espinoza, Espinoza also recalled that during his trip to through his activism in the Chicano movement, Armenia, he learned that toasting is an important his respect for cultural diversity born of his own part of a social gathering. In keeping with that roots as a Mexican-American, his understanding grand tradition, Espinoza gave two toasts in of the cause for civil and human rights brought honor of his daughter Elizabeth Espinoza and to to the forefront by people such as Cesar Raffi K. Hovannisian. Chavez, has enriched California’s judiciary to Upon the conclusion of Espinoza’s remarks, make it truly reflective of its citizenry. Ghazarian, Armen K. Hovannisian and Edvin Ghazarian added that Espinoza has been so Minassian- presented Espinoza with an original highly respected as a member of the judiciary work of art from artist Seroon Yeretsian, elo - that California’s governors often consult quently inscribed with poetic words of gratitude Espinoza for his recommendations for new judi - for Espinoza’s life work in public service and cial appointments to the bench. Ghazarian then the promotion of civil and human rights. welcomed Espinoza to the podium to a stand - In an interview following the event, ing ovation. Ghazarian stated, “I am very proud of the Espinoza began his remarks by acknowledg - Armenian Bar Association. Once again we were ing several members of his family who accom - able to recognize and honor the best and Friends gathered to mark the anniversary. panied him to the event, including his wife, two brightest of our judicial and legal community, of his children and their spouses and a grand - like Judge Peter Espinoza. The outstanding child. He reminisced about his youth growing response from a diverse cross-section of our community to our Judges’ Night represents another major milestone for our organization and the Armenian community. We look forward to carrying on this tradition for years to come.”

Researchers from Armenia Visit TCA Arshag Dickranian School to Conduct Study

RESEARCHERS, from page 4 Kojayan and the students asking them about Armenia and their impressions when they visit - ed the homeland. As the researchers were led back to the office, they came across elementary students who welcomed them and were excited to interact with them, asking questions about the purpose of their visit. The researchers were delighted by the young Armenians in the School and charmed by their friendliness and warmth. The tour’s last stop was at the Pre- kindergarten and Kindergarten section where the researchers were pleased with the colorful environments of the classrooms and play - grounds and watched the children play and learn. After the school tour was over, the researchers met with Seraydarian in his office and interviewed him about xchool life, the activ - ities of various Armenian organizations and associations, the involvement of Armenians in the American public life, the expectations of the Diaspora from the Republic of Armenia and investing in the Republic of Armenia. Before their departure, Tanajyan and Barseghyan thanked Seraydarian for the hospitality of TCA Arshag Dickranian Armenian School. For more information visit the school’s web - site www.dickranianschool.org. 6 S ATURDAY , N OVEMBER 2, 2013 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMUNITY NEWS Holy Trinity Armenian Church Celebrates 52nd Anniversary, Honors Deacon Gregory Krikorian as ‘Parishioner of the Year’

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — “It was a very special edged with deep gratitude the four pastors of day,” stated pastor, the Rev. Vasken A. Holy Trinity he has served. He spoke of the deep Kouzouian. love for the Armenian Church and its traditions On Sunday, October 20, with a former pastor, that his parents instilled in him and stated “they Archbishop Yeghishe Gizirian presiding and are the reason I stand before you today.” Being delivering the sermon; with Guest Celebrant, the ordained a deacon in 1983, fulfilled a lifelong Very Rev. Krikor Maksoudian, son of former pas - dream to follow in his father’s footsteps. “My job tor, the late Rev. Papken Maksoudian and with now,” he stated, “is in mentoring the boys and the current pastor, the Rev. Vasken A. young adults on our Altar, and I am happy to see Kouzouian, also the son of a former pastor, the the desire and love for the Divine Liturgy and the Rev. Mampre A. Kouzouian, the Holy Trinity Armenian Church that they have in their hearts.” Armenian Church of Greater Boston celebrated Relaying a story of an “exquisite violin” only the 52nd Anniversary of the consecration of the being made exquisite if it renders “heart-moving church on Brattle Street in Cambridge, and also golden music that stirs you,” Kouzouian spoke of paid tribute to Deacon Gregory Krikorian, who Krikorian being handed that “violin” to him by was honored as Parishioner of the Year. his parents, especially his father, the late Deacon Following the Divine Liturgy, a special Khugas Krikorian who served the Holy Cross Requiem was held to observe the first anniver - Armenian Church in Lawrence Mass. He went on sary of the passing of Archbishop Torkom Deacon Gregory Krikorian, center, with Archbishop Yeghishe Gizirian and members of the clergy to explain that this “exquisite violin” that the Manoogian, Armenian Patriarch of Jerusalem. present at the banquet younger Krikorian found is called the Divine Also observed during the Requiem Service was Liturgy, and that it was “nurtured over time by the first anniversary of the Rev. Papken the late Very Rev. Oshagan Minassian in the Maksoudian’s passing. gave a brief overview of the parish’s Stewardship the deacons’ appreciation of Krikorian’s love for Lawrence parish in Dn. Greg’s earlier years, and Parishioners and family and friends of the hon - Program, and Gregory Kolligian expressed the the Badarak . Oscar Derderian III, Stephen then by Fr. Papken, Yeghishe Surpazan and Rev. oree gathered in the Charles and Nevart Talanian parish’s appreciation to three outgoing Parish Hollisian and Gregory Torosian, three young Mampre Kouzouian here at Holy Trinity. These Cultural Hall following church services for an Council members, Lt. Col. Robert G. Lang Jr., adults who serve on the altar and have been four clergymen of our church collectively taught impressive banquet that spanned the generations. Richard Sahagian and Armen Skenderian for mentored by Kirkorian, shared their heartfelt him how to play not just notes, but how to turn James Kalustian served as master of ceremonies; their service to the church. views and appreciation of his time and commit - notes into prayer, and how to play it from the Maksoudian gave the Invocation and Gregory A. In his remarks honoring the Parishioner of the ment to help them on their journey to become heart, and how proud he has made them.” Kolligian, Jr., Parish Council chairman, extended a Year, Kolligian talked of Krikorian’s 48 years of sub-deacons. A short video, prepared by Ara Rev. Vasken Kouzouian also spoke warmly of welcome. The pastor gave the toast, honoring the dedication, commitment and love to Holy Trinity Hollisian, was shown of him with the four pas - Carol Krikorian, the deacon’s wife, saying Building Committee and all who labored to build Church, not only as a deacon, but also as a tors he has served. The video also included “because she saw how much her husband loved the church on Brattle Street, and expressed the Diocesan Delegate, former Parish Council mem - remarks by another altar server, Harry Lang, his church, she joined him in his journey, step-by- parish’s appreciation to Deacon Gregory Krikorian ber, former Trinity Men’s Union chairman, and who shared his thanks to Krikorian. step, every step of the way.” for his 48 years of service on the Altar. for his years serving as choir chairman. Fellow Krikorian expressed his appreciation to The program concluded with the benediction Parish Council Treasurer, Mark Haroutunian, Deacon Armen Skenderian warmly expressed Kouzouian and the Parish Council and acknowl - by Archbishop Yeghishe Gizirian. OBITUARY Dr. Vahey Pahigian Dies DENNIS M. DEVENEY & SONS Dedicated Surgeon Cemetery Monuments Specializing in Armenian Designs and Lettering By Tom Vartabedian 701 Moody St. Waltham, MA 02543 PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Throughout his sto - (781) 891-9876 www.NEMonuments.com ried career, Dr. Vahey Pahigian never knew the meaning of retirement. Nor did he ever relinquish his medical per - sona: “A patient in need was a patient indeed.” He practiced his vocation diligently through his 93rd year before death took him October 17 at the age of 95. In the interim, he was a true friend to the GF UiNrEaRgAoL sHiaOMn E Armenian community of Rhode Island and a giant in the profession of women’s health James “Jack” Giragosian, CPC issues. Mark J. Giragosian He was the type of guy who could save your Funeral Counselors life, then laugh with you over a cup of coffee. 576 Mt. Auburn Street, Watertown, MA 02472, TEL: 617-924—0606 Beneath the veneer was a humble man who www.giragosianfuneralhome.com would never permit himself airs. Dr. Vahey Pahigian He served in the US Army as a field hospi - tal surgeon and was later named Chief of gen - eral surgery at Women & Infants Hospital. request and he honored it immediately. A pre - Telephone (617) 924-7400 Pahigian was a pioneer in breast cancer scription was quickly filled and the patient surgery in Rhode Island. recovered the next morning. “Legend has it that when he walked the cor - “So many Armenians were his patients and Aram Bedrosian ridors of hospitals, nurses would take a bow as for good reason,” Elmasian brought out. “He they passed him by,” said Steve Elmasian. “He was a small man in physical terms but an Funeral Home, Inc. told me he wanted to stay in the profession for - absolute giant of a doctor and human being. ever because he never wanted to stop caring, He will be sadly missed.” Continuous Service By The Bedrosian Family Since 1945 treating and advising his patients. That kept Pahigian was born in Lowell, Mass., son of him going until he could no longer walk.” the late Mihran and Haiganoush (Boyajian) MARION BEDROSIAN Among Pahigian’s patients was Elmasian’s Pahigian. He attended Lowell High School, 558 MOUNT AUBURN STREET PAUL BEDROSIAN mom, who faced three surgeries. Stephen the University of Rhode Island and Tufts WATERTOWN, MA 02472 LARRY BEDROSIAN Elmasian himself was also operated on by the Medical School. doctor. He was a United States Army veteran, serv - “His hands were as steady as a young intern ing in the Third Army Corps during World glued in cement,” Elmasian said. “Whatever is War II as a field hospital surgeon. Up until his Edward D. Jamakordzian, Jr. d/b/a said about this man in writing or verbally retirement in 2013, he ran his own private won’t come close to doing him justice. His one practice. regret was that in spite of saving so many lives “Having been one of Dr. Pahigian’s first Edward D. Jamie, Jr. over the years, he could not save his own emergency patients while he was an intern at wife.” Rhode Island Hospital in the early 1950s, my Funeral Chapel Pahigian was married to Elizabeth S. admiration and respect for him continued Serving the entire Armenian Community (Champlin) Pahigian, a registered nurse. through these many years,” said Anahid Any Hour • Any Distance • Any Location Together, they had two children, Beth and Varadian. “His compassion and skill as a physi - Call (718) 224-2390 Toll Free (888) 224-6088 Craig. cian is a testament to his being the best in his Elmasian recalled the time he called the doc - profession. The Karentz and Varadian families Bus. Reg. 189-06 Liberty Ave., Hollis, NY 11412 tor one Sunday night late with an emergency are very grateful to him.” Consultation Office: 217-04 Northern Blvd., (Suite 23), Bayside,NY 11361 S ATURDAY , N OVEMBER 2, 2013 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 7 COMMUNITY NEWS Annual Najarian Human Rights Lecture Sheds Light on Human Trafficking Epidemic

LECTURE, from page 1 Kara said that those battling trafficking should the Armenian Genocide in Ottoman Turkey cer - Incredibly, he said, in Massachusetts it was not tion, will be cheaper than one made by a regular learn cooperation techniques from traffickers tainly endured. a crime to exploit another being for commercial workforce. “We as consumers prefer lower prices who link across the world and create networks “It is not an easy subject to think about. It is gain. It was a crime that did not exist. and capitalize on a low-wage, unregulated mar - that are “brutally efficient.” the heinous form of exploitation, slavery,” said Massachusetts was the 47th state in the US to ket,” he said. He then spoke at length about the economics Najarian. “It is slavery in our midst.” put a trafficking law in its books and passed a The industries that use slave or trafficked of trafficking, using his background in finance to “People have to educate themselves to unmask law that juveniles should not be prosecuted for labor include frozen shrimp, tea, coffee, hand- show how lucrative it is and thus why it is so this monster,” she continued. It is often danger - prostitution. The law, he said, “gave us a woven carpets, rice, potato, corn, granite and prevalent. ous work. roadmap of what to do next in Massachusetts.” limestone, apparel and sporting goods. “There are immense profits and they contin - She recalled that her father, in whose memory He went on to say, “This is not a woman’s The speakers at the podium by turns scared, ue to grow,” he said. the endowed public program of the Armenian issue; this is our issue,” to great applause. horrified and encouraged the audience, speaking “The early definition of slavery focuses on Heritage Foundation, the sponsor of Armenian Sheriff Peter Koutoujian, who was welcomed about the incredible prevalence of trafficking [the aspect] exercising power over someone Heritage Park on the Greenway lecture series warmly by the audience, said as a society “we both near and far. because you legally owned them,” he said. In the was founded, would speak about women who must promote greater awareness on this issue. Kara spoke about his experiences witnessing modern context, he explained, it is still the same. trafficking both in the US and in far corners of What is not the same, he said, is the price of the earth. He suggested that trafficking should slaves. Whereas when in the 18th century the be called what it is: slavery. Kara, who has writ - price of a slave from Africa was about $5,000, ten extensively on the subject, teaches a course today a trafficed person is worth about $400. on it at Harvard Kennedy School. “You get a new slave when you have chewed Kara linked trafficking, be it for sexual, labor up the other one,” he said. or organ harvesting, to the world economy, say - There are more than 2.5 billion people who ing it was “the dark underbelly of globalization.” live on $2.50 or less a day. Those are people who “Slave trading is the same thing as human traf - often face social instability, bias against the ficking. The purpose is the same” as those who female gender and political unrest. All these fac - enslaved Africans 500 years ago, he noted. tors combined create the ideal condition for traf - The topics the former investment banker fickers to swoop in, Kara explained. addressed were not easy to listen to but the audi - Kara said there are three steps in the business ence was transfixed. “I will never forget the first model of trafficking: acquisition, movement and trafficked sex slave I met. She was 14. She exploitation. Even when freed, those who have looked to me like she was already dead,” he said. been enslaved often suffer so much because of That incident was 13 years ago and “thousands the stigma of what they have done, that they end of miles away. It [the encounter] convinced me up being trafficked again and again. that I have to dedicate my life” to exposing and Children bear a huge brunt of the slave mar - eradicating sex trafficking. ket, be it for sexual or labor purposes. Her story is not unique. Kara said this past He showed a photo of young children in summer she met a girl who had been trafficked Southeast Asia at a loom, weaving a carpet. They here in the US from Mexico, promised a cleaning work 16-17 hours a day and receive just enough The speakers gathered at a reception after the lecture at the Millennium Bostonian Hotel. job. Women and girls like her from Mexico as sustenance and rest in order to keep going. Some well as Guatemala and other central American of the rugs their little hands create are sold at countries, have to pay large sums for them, in Macy’s or Neiman Marcus, he said. would take poison rather than be forced into a To combat trafficking, we must all become edu - this case $800, in order to come here. Once they Similarly, he explained, Bangladesh has harem or work as sex slaves in Turkey. cated and remain vigilant.” arrive, almost all of their salary is garnered by become a gigantic exporter of tea, but the peo - She said the subject, therefore, is one that is Turning to Kara, he thanked him for bearing the traffickers and thus they are in a cycle in ple picking the tea leaves are often descendants important to her as “an Armenian, as a woman witness to so many painful sights involving traf - which they cannot pay back the traffickers to of tea-leaf pickers from the 1860s imported from and as a citizen of the world.” ficking around the world, in order to shed light gain their freedom. India, continuing the cycle of enslavement. Another speaker, Cherie Jimenez, the founder on the issue. “It must be something you carry If they don’t cooperate, they are threatened and executive director of the EVA (Education, with you,” he said. with death or rape. The girl in San Diego told Links to Armenians Vision and Advocacy Center) Project, entranced Koutoujian paid tribute to Clara Barton, “who him after her escape that every day she had The program was opened by Dr. Carolann the audience by her first-person account of living right here, in this hall, spoke to help ease the prayed for release from the hell in which she sur - Najarian, who said that trafficking of children or in the world of sexual servitude. plight of the Armenians.” He segued into the vived. “I knew God had sent me to hell, but I did women for sexual purposes was certainly some - “I was caught up for many years in the indus - Armenian Heritage Park, saying that the park not know why,” she had told him. thing that some Armenians who died or survived try,” said the petite blonde, shocking many in the was “constructed so that people would not for - audience. “It is an industry built on gender get” the atrocities the Armenians faced in the inequality,” with women “reduced to a commod - Ottoman Empire. ity to be used.” Next, quoting She said her ultimate goal is to shut down the Martin Luther King Jr., prostitution industry, but in the meantime, she he said, “Injustice any - said, the Swedish model of commitment to gen - where is a threat to jus - der equality should be followed in the US. tice everywhere.” Right here in Boston, she said, there are many He said about 27 vulnerable women who are easily victimized. million people around “There is a culture that creates the image of the world have been v¬£¯¨ women and girls as commodities. We should trafficked, with 87 per - acknowledge prostitution in all its forms,” she cent younger than 25. said, including pornography. “The question is A WELCOME SERVICE FOR THE Speaker Liam Lowney, executive director of what can we do to ARMENIAN PATRIARCH OF the Massachusetts Office for Victim Assistance, combat human traf - JERUSALEM thanked Jimenez for her efforts. “She has been a ficking? The first step Sheriff Peter Koutoujian leader in this.” is we have to identify He went on to say, “My ‘aha’ moment hap - them,” Koutoujian pened in Cambridge Superior Court,” where a said. young girl had been arrested as a prostitute in Signs of trouble he pointed out include an Belmont. employee that lives with an employer, who when His Eminence Archbishop Khajag Barsamian When she was arrested 12 years ago, the questioned answers in a rote, scripted way. Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern) young girl was labeled a criminal — a juvenile “Reach out to your legislators,” he urged. prostitute — rather than what she was, a traf - “Until 10-12 years ago, no one knew what I was Cordially Invites the Faithful of the New England Region to a ficked child. talking about,” he said, with regard to human “She was arrested by Belmont police who trafficking. HRASHAPAR SERVICE OF WELCOME released her to her ‘uncle,’ who took her to Kara concurred, urging increased resources to Honoring the Visit to the Boston Area of Georgia. She called the Belmont detective from combat trafficking, cleansing the supply chains, His Beatitude Archbishop Nourhan Manougian Georgia, who helped bring her back to protecting the vulnerable and increasing the 97th Armenian Patriarch of Jerusalem Massachusetts,” he recalled. She was 16 and penalties for those who are convicted of the because of the detective’s efforts, she had trust - crime. With the Participation of the ed him and thus was able to flee an abusive sit - The days of slavery, he stressed, are not over. Clergy of the New England Region, uation and turn her life around. “This is not the case. We all know especially Ecumenical Dignitaries, and Civic Leaders “She did not identify herself as a victim. She now.” He suggested pointing the light on it, as Friday, November 1 at 7:30 PM was funny, smart and determined,” he said, qual - “sunshine is the best disinfectant.” St. James Armenian Church ities which ultimately helped her reclaim her life, He added, “You are all becoming agents of 465 Mount Auburn Street, Watertown, Mass. but which did not help her be identified as a vic - change.” tim of trafficking and pimps. “She needed a place Also present at the event were two persons Reception and Program to follow in the to live, education, mental health and a job,” he tasked with helping trafficked persons day or St. James Armenian Church, Charles Mosesian Cultural and Youth Center, Keljik Hall said. Now, he said, she has received her GED and night, Det. Sgt. Dona Gavin of Boston Police and has two children. “I am truly honored to know Julie Dahlstrom, director of the Boston For more information call (617) 923-8860 her and her success is due to her only,” he said. University School of Law’s new Human Lowney praised the work of then Rep. Peter Trafficking Clinic, and managing attorney at Koutoujian, calling him the “go-to guy” for victim Lutheran Social Services. assistance and Attorney General Martha Coakley To report a suspected case of trafficking call for drafting legislation on trafficking. 888-373-7888. 8 S ATURDAY , N OVEMBER 2, 2013 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMUNITY NEWS Wife of Boston Mayoral Candidate Connolly Hopes to Bring Armenian Flavor to City Hall

CONNOLLY, from page 1 Edward (Teddy), 4, (named after her the rug business. Kapriel Kassakian hailed Armenian uncle, Edward, who died of pan - from Istanbul originally and in 1906 was creatic cancer shortly after Teddy’s birth) and involved in the groundbreaking and founding Mary Katherine (MaryKate), 2 months, of Holy Cross Armenian Church in Union named after Meg’s beloved grandmother. City, NJ. Clare Connolly is already in the Boston Given the history of her family’s involve - school system. ment in developing the Armenian community “Improving the opportunities and quality in the Northeast, it is no surprise Meg of education for all people in the city, espe - Connolly feels especially grateful for the cially children who are under-served is a huge installation of the Armenian Heritage Park passion of his as shown by his work on the and the Genocide Memorial. City Council and his work as a teacher,” his “I’m so proud that Boston has a park that wife said. remembers the Armenian Genocide. I was John Connolly had worked as a teacher at the Boston Renaissance Charter School and a school in New York’s Lower East Side. “John has a real personal investment in the city as a parent with children grow - ing up here,” she added. Meg Connolly praised her husband’s independence of thought. “He got into this race before Mayor Menino, whom we have a great respect for, announced his departure. I think that shows a real dedication to his vision and his ideas and ability to make difficult deci - sions and take a stand. He is not bogged down by outside interests or union interests. He isn’t owned by anyone.” Meg Connolly stressed her commitment to commu - nity mental health, issues of trauma facing the immi - grant population and the trickle-down effects of expo - sure to violence. “I would welcome a role as a psychologist taking a huge interest in the inter - Kassakian family portrait after leaving Istanbul at the turn of the century. Meg Connolly’s grandfa - section of mental health and ther, Zareh Kassakian, is pictured at left as young boy. public health, the experi - ence of the diverse range of A young Mary Kondrajian, pictured left, paternal grandmother immigrants coming to our city of Armenians in the Greater Boston area and public health at Harvard University, who has of Meg Connolly. The Kondrajians arrived at Ellis Island in and their varied experiences. I those in Armenia. I would be really interest - worked to curb the smoking epidemic in 1910. would be extremely commit - ed in bringing together a trade delegation to Armenia, a leading public health issue there. ted to making sure that our see how we might come together and visit Voters in Boston go to the polls on city is as warm and welcoming Armenia to understand their needs: social, November 5. really grateful to know that Councilor as possible taking real time to listen and physical, mental health, public health, med - [Michael] Ross had advocated strongly for learn of their experiences whether it be hous - ical facilities and infrastructure of the coun - that park and I thanked him. It’s very mean - ing, jobs, educational opportunities, mental try.” ingful to myself and my family that it is being health service and public health services,” She is not the only member of the family acknowledged and presented in such a beau - she noted. with ties to Armenia. She said, if her husband tiful way. I’m going to have a place to take my She added that with her background she is elected mayor, she would also work with children to help them to learn and under - could “bring a real dedication to the interests John’s uncle, Greg Connolly, a professor of stand what happened when they are old enough,” said Connolly. Bringing Heritage Park to fruition was in large part due to a strong working relation - ship between Mayor Tom Menino and the Greater Boston Armenian community. It is exactly this kind of relationship and open willingness to work with others that Meg Connolly said her husband John, will fos - ter if elected mayor of Boston. “John will absolutely continue this relationship and take an interest in the issues that matter to his constituents,” she said. She also sees other overlaps between her husband’s vision and the issues important to Armenians in the area. “Armenians bring so much to the Greater Boston community. … Entertainment Fridays So many people in the community contribute and Saturdays in different ways because of the values they came here with and because they understand the struggles and are very grateful for what they have because of their history. [Armenians] value education so highly, social justice and generosity,” she said. Advertize in the “The love of education is one reason that I believe John would resonate well with the Armenian community. Education is huge for Groundbreaking of Holy Cross Armenian Church, Union City, New Jersey in 1906, Meg Connolly’s MIRROR him as well.” paternal great-grandfather, Kapriel Kassakian, attended as a founding church member. The couple has three children: Clare, 5, S ATURDAY , N OVEMBER 2, 2013 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 9 COMMUNITY NEWS John Ohanian Receives International Trade / Broker of the Year Award

ALBANY, N.Y. — On October 16, Leosons Fiberall, a laxative formula. This acquisition lished to “build a bridge between manufactur - Overseas Corporation was honored at the Tech expanded the company’s business model from ers of pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals and spe - Valley Global Business Network 2013 solely international trade to also include domes - cialty drugs to consumers in the Middle East International Trade banquet. Companies at this tic distribution of its products. and Africa.” Headquartered in Albany, and with event were awarded for their accomplishments Ohanian, general manager and president of affiliate offices in Dubai Healthcare City, Dubai, in international trade, conducting business Leosons, said of receiving the award, “We are as well as Los Angeles, California, which are overseas or support for international trade in proud of our growth and success at Leosons. managed and operated by Ohanian. the Tech Valley (Upstate) New York Region. Our recent acquisition of the N’Ice and Fiberall The Tech Valley Global Business Network is a At this event Leosons received the 2013 brands has broadened our existing sales and partnership among the Albany-Colonie International Trade / Broker of the Year distribution reach and has brought scale to our Regional Chamber, Chamber of Schenectady Award. Leosons Overseas Corporation is a fam - business. After 30 years of distributing US County, Rensselaer County Regional Chamber, ily-owned business that has been owned and goods we are very honored to accept this Chamber of Southern Saratoga County, operated by John L. Ohanian since 1984. award.” Saratoga County Chamber and the Center for Ohanian, a native of Lebanon, moved his family Leosons Overseas Corporation was estab - Economic Growth. to Albany during the Lebanese civil war. Leosons is an international trade company which distributes various US-made over-the counter (OTC) pharmaceutical products to Nishan Atinizian Receives Anania Shiragatsi more than 30 countries throughout the Middle East, Africa and Asia. Medal from President of Armenia John L. Ohanian In 2012, Leosons purchased two national AWARD, from page 1 including the Nishan and Margrit Atinizian brands, N’Ice Sugar Free Cough Lozenges and his efforts. Since 1982, he has been a support - Senior Center in Gumri, which provides a warm er of the Armenian Sisters’ Academy and has and safe environment, meals and fellowship to served on its executive council in the past. In the 200 seniors who depend on the soup appreciation of his commitment to the school, kitchen and senior center. he was awarded the Armenian Sisters’ Academy During his visit to Armenia in October, he Humanitarian Award. Currently, he serves on a participated to the Annual Investors Forum in number of boards, including the Fund for Yerevan and presented his ideas to the partici - Armenian Relief (FAR) and the Armenian pants from all over the world, regarding effec - Library and Museum of America (ALMA) and is tive and helpful investment strategies in active in other organizations, including the Council of Armenian Executives and the Knights of Vartan. Atinizian’s faith and deep religious beliefs have fostered his involvement in area churches. He served as a Parish Council member of the St. James Armenian Church, where the Atinizian Media Center can be found, sup - From right to left, Leo Ohanian, vice president of Leosons; John Ohanian, president of Leosons; Rita ported initiatives at the Ohanian, office manager and Isabel Kubikian, business developer Diocese and the Mother See of Holy Echmiadzin. As a result of his deep commitment and financial aid to the Diocese of the Nishan Atinizian, President Serge Sargisian and Margrit Atinizian Armenian Church of America and Holy Echmiadzin, he received the St. Gregory the Armenia. During that forum, the Minister of Illuminator Medal and Pontifical Encyclical, Diaspora Hranush Hagopian awarded Atinizian from Catholicons of All Armenians Karekin II with a certificate of appreciation for his invest - for his dedication and service, the highest ment in the country. honor in the Armenian Church. He has been As well as being devoted to Armenian orga - generous to other religious causes, including nizations, Atinizian has incorporated his financial assistance for the building and com - greater Massachusetts community in his altru - pletion of the Holy Cross Armenian Catholic istic work. He received the Paul Harris Award Church in Belmont, which houses the Nishan from the Rotary Club of Cambridge, , as well as and Margrit Atinizian Hall. a citation from the Massachusetts Senate and AGBU HYE GEEN Atinizian travels frequently to Armenia and House of Representatives for his many contri - has initiated several investments there. In 2004, butions to the educational, cultural and reli - he spearheaded Armenian-American investors gious establishments of the Armenian- in the acquisition of Armenia Marriott Hotel in American community of Massachusetts. Lastly, AGBU Hye Geen 20th Anniversary Yerevan, of which he is a co-owner. He is also in 2005, Atinizian was awarded the Ellis Island the founder of the very first mortgage company Medal of Honor. Celebration Continues in the country, appropriately named First He is married to Margrit Atinizian and has Mortgage Company. His most recent endeavor two children, Carolyn Atinizian Yardemian, an is the development of a community of residen - attorney, and Arthur Atinizian, vice president tial homes in Gumri, called the “Gumri City and CFO of UpFront Consultants, an Internet Armenian Diaspora in the Center.” He continues to support numerous marketing firm. He has a granddaughter, US vs. the Middle East orphanages, schools and other projects there, Bianca Yardemian. November 2, 2013 AGBU Pasadena Center 2495 East Mountain St., 11:00 a.m.

Speakers: Tamar Kevonian Publisher of Mosaix Magazine , on Gender Inequalities in the Armenian Community of Los Angeles

Guest speaker Baydzig Arabian-Kalaydjian Executive director of the Boston-based Tekeyan Cultural Association Board of Directors, on the Changing Armenian Diaspora and replicating the success of the Middle Eastern communities

Summing up by Sona Zeitlian Nishan Atinizian addresses the Investors’ Forum in Yerevan. 10 S ATURDAY , N OVEMBER 2, 2013 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR Arts & Living

Pianist Tigran Hagopian Design Hamasyan Gives Competition Honors Jazz an Armenian Late Friend, His Twist Love of Animals BIRMINGHAM, Mich. — Celebrating 25 years, the Hagopian World of Rugs/College By John Lewis for Creative Studies Student Rug Design Competition takes on a special meaning through a collaboration with The Michigan LONDON (Guardian) — Somewhere, there is Animal Adoption Network. home-movie footage of a 3-year-old Tigran For the 25th competition Hagopian is ask - Hamasyan at his childhood home in rural ing students to create a design in honor of Armenia. He is listening to Black Sabbath’s their friend and family member Ken Snow Paranoid and freaking out on a toy guitar. whom they lost to cancer earlier this year. “That was my childhood ambition,” he laughed. Describing Snow as a man who lived his life “Still, to this day, if I could become a killer gui - with integrity and who embraced Ghandi’s tar player in a couple of years, I’d quit playing message “The greatness of a nation and its the piano and start learning now. I’d love to moral progress can be judged by the way its front a thrash metal band!” animals are treated,” Edmond Hagopian indi - Thankfully, thrash metal’s loss has been cated that Snow worked with the Michigan jazz’s gain. At the age of 26, this tiny, impish Humane Society and the Michigan Animal Armenian-American is the hottest pianist in Adoption Network to create and support jazz, selling out arenas and earning fervent resources for abandoned animals; feeding praise from the likes of Chick Corea, Brad them, finding them permanent homes, mak - Mehldau and Herbie Hancock (the latter ing available low-cost vaccinations, support - declared: “Tigran, you are my teacher now!”). ing shelters and providing hands-on rescue But Hamasyan isn’t even sure if he makes jazz efforts. His hard work and dedication knew music. “I suppose it’s jazz in the sense that I’m no bounds and his imprint is indelible. He improvising,” he said. “But the language I try to did this in addition to running a successful use when I’m improvising is not bebop but business as a way of giving back to the com - Armenian folk music.” Lena Gorginyan at the exhibition munity and to be an inspiration to others to Hamasyan has an omnivorous musical diet. open their hearts and find a way to make a He devours traditional songs from Armenia, difference in their communities. Scandinavia and India, and has studied classical Students are asked to create a design that music to a high level (he has suggested a bud - encompasses his love of animals and the spir - ding jazz pianist would be better off playing One-Day Lace Exhibit ituality of his ideals of volunteerism, giving Bach or Chopin than studying bebop), while his back and making a difference. The idea is to iPod playlist is that of the 20-something hipster convey to the students that by giving back. — J Dilla, Flying Lotus, Radiohead, Sigur Rós, Dazzles with Intricate Marie Skladd, president of the Michigan Skrillex and a heavy dose of thrash metal. But the music he makes doesn’t really sound like any of the above. We met after he’d played Designs to a sold-out 2,000-seat theatre in Toulouse, where his 90-minute set lurched from delicate, impressionistic versions of eastern orthodox NEW YORK — For centuries, Armenian women have painstakingly made intricate hymns to bursts of electronica; from Keith lace designs which have been treasured by family members and passed down Jarrett-like meditations to full-on jazz-rock. through the generations. Some are so delicate and fragile that they are preserved “I get into different types of music and really with the utmost love and care, only to see the light of day when shown to admiring immerse myself in each one and then move on,” viewers. he said. “But I try to retain that intensity when - On Sunday, October 13, under the auspices of St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral and ever I revisit any particular music.” In the past cathedral dean, the Very Rev. Mamigon Kiledjian, an exhibition of the wondrous lace 18 months alone he has collaborated with creativity of master needlework artist Lena Indian percussionist Trilok Gurtu, Tunisian oud Gorginyan was on view. Never before had player Dhafer Youssef, dubstep collective LV, By Florence Avakian attendees been treated to the harmonious, oddball hip-hop producer Prefuse 73, along creative and unique patterns, more than 40 with fellow Armenian-American Serj Tankian laceworks — some as large as five feet by from prog-metal outfit System of a Down. three feet — that were exhibited in this one-day show. Hamasyan was born in Gumri, near There were crosses, khachkars, churches, flowers, doves of peace, coasters, shawls, Armenia’s border with Turkey. Neither of his tablecloths as well as mystical and poetic designs, all created from Gorginyan’s heart The students at the College for Creative Studies parents were musicians (his father was a jewel - and spirit. “One should not only see the nature, but also experience it,” she has writ - er, his mother a clothing designer), and he grew ten. “I have strived for a harmony in heart and mind. Until now, I wonder and fail up listening to his father’s heavy rock collection to explain what invisible mysterious spirit has guided me to create symbolic patterns, Animal Adoption Network (MAAN), and — Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, Deep Purple the existence of which I was never aware of before.” Director of the Michigan Humane Society, and Queen. By 3, he was picking out pop Welcoming the more than 200 attendees at the exhibition, event organizer Angela and a close friend of Snow, will speak at a melodies on the family piano; from 6 he attend - Kazarian, a specialist in the art of needlework, pointed out that though there are presentation at the school and encourage stu - ed a specialist music school. “We can be grate - many types of needle-laces in the world, Armenian needle-lace “is very original and dents who are interested to volunteer as he ful to the old Soviet Union that we had classical differs from the needle-works of other nations. It is unique in its technique, orna - did. She will present opportunities for them education systems in place,” he said. ment patterns, and especially, in the order of its exclusive arrangement along the to do so. The collaboration will also help to “Everybody had a piano in their house, whether lace.” highlight the good work of the non-profit they were musicians or not.” By the age of 9 he Kazarian explained that the different themes of Gorginyan’s creations “expand MAAN and The Michigan Humane Society began to immerse himself in jazz, and even beyond the boundaries of decorative-applied art and state a new reality.” Also unique and encourage community support for these guested as a singer with a local big band. He is the fact that no one before tried to make khachkars in lace. “Using the eternity entities. said, “I was this weird, talented kid who sang a symbol and Armenians’ fascination with flowering and rebirth, she created a new Once the designs are submitted, interior couple of standards and a Beatles song, Oh genre in the history of lace. Khachkars had always been ‘needlework’ on stone. She designers from the local design community Darling .” created that needlework on lace,” she said. will act as judges and select the top three As a young teenager, he moved on from Attending the exhibition, Dr. Helen C. Evans, the Mary and Michael Jaharis designs. The first-place design will be made bebop to experiment with Armenian folk music. Curator for Byzantine Art at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and a well-known spe - into a rug and displayed during the annual “My idea was to try to weave these folk cialist on Armenian illuminated manuscripts, related that women working on lace Student Exhibition in May. Scholarship melodies into jazz improvisations,” he said. “My are one of the memories of her first visit to Armenia in the early 1980s. Awards are presented by Suzanne Hagopian first attempts were terrible! The challenge is “I was so fascinated with the bobbins hanging from the lace being made by the to the winning students on the opening night that folk music is modal, with no chord women guards in the National Museum that I remember their work as much as I of the annual exhibition. In addition, changes. So you are trying to find harmonies remember the antiquities that I saw then,” she said. Hagopian makes an annual gift to the school. for a music that’s not supposed to have har - She pointed out that equally important is that these works of Gorginyan depict Hagopian, a name known throughout the monies. That’s tough.” Few Armenian jazz khachkars, “a lasting symbol of Armenia. Their monumental stone forms are evoked Detroit area for more than 75 years for musicians had tried this; instead Hamasyan was here in exquisite lace-works, she said, and invited all to come to the Metropolitan Oriental and area rugs and the Original inspired by classical composers Avet Terterian see LACE, page 11 Hagopian Cleaning Services, is committed to see JAZZ, page 13 encouraging interest in the textile arts. S ATURDAY , N OVEMBER 2, 2013 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 11 ARTS & LIVING New Book Teaches Toddlers about Church

NEW YORK — It’s a familiar scenario: a family and sacred, but alive! As a child, I would sit attending church and the little ones get restless, between my two grandmothers — both Genocide naturally enough. A few parishes stock pews with survivors — while my parents sang in choir and Christian activity books and children’s picture my brothers served on the altar. I loved the fact Bibles or have some available as families walk in. that our church is interactive, and this is what I After receiving repeated requests for toddler wanted to convey to the children. We worship resources about the Armenian Church, the actively — crossing ourselves, kneeling, bowing, Diocesan Christian Education department sharing the good news with others that Christ is responded with a book for the youngest wor - among us! I grew up in the church, singing in the shippers: When I Go To Church . choir as a teenager, getting married and raising Sized for children’s small hands, the book is a family there, and then serving within my also made of thick coated cardboard to with - church with its various outreaches to the needy stand the curiosity and energy of a toddler. Its 15 of our community. The appeal of this project — pages feature simple bilingual text lines describ - and I hope it’s apparent in my illustrations — was ing what children experience in church — pray - to be able to share the love of our Armenian Members of Aradzani Dance Group ing, lighting candles, singing, receiving Holy Church and its richness with families every - Communion and more. Best of all, children will where.” be entranced by the illustrations of Anush Perhaps the biggest challenge of the project Movsesian Avejic. was the attention to detail and the need for accu - Aradzani Dance Group Travels to This is Avejic’s first project for the Diocese. racy. In the Armenian liturgy the priest and dea - She grew up in California inspired by her family’s cons are clothed a certain way, and church altars love for the Armenian Church; she attended and buildings have a very distinctive look; people Historic Armenia Through Dance church as a child, sang in the choir and held var - are crossing themselves and receiving Communion in a prescribed manner. BAYSIDE, N.Y. — The Aradzani Dance Group will have a premier showing of “There is reason and meaning excerpts from its second two part instructional dance DVD titled “A Trip Through behind everything that is done in Historic Armenia Through Dance II” on Sunday November 17, at 1 p.m. at The our Badarak — the way the censor is Armenian Church of The Holy Martyrs Auditorium at 209-15 Horace Harding held, how the priest holds the hand Expressway. cross — all of these things had to be The first part of the two-part DVD is a presentation of dances from four regions taken into consideration and fine- of pre-1915 Historic Armenia. It includes video and slide footage of each town vis - tuned by a clergyman before the ited followed by a performance of dances from that particular town. The first part illustrations were done.” Finalizing also includes an interview with Sason Demirjian a native of Arkhund Village of the pencil drawing was the hardest Sasun. While Sason is giving information about his native village video footage part — each one took quite a few from the village will be presented. The second (instructional) part of the DVD sketches and roughs before it was explains the steps of each dance presented in the first part. considered finished. As challenging The dances presented on this DVD are endangered and are from the following as it was though, it was truly a labor towns and villages of pre-1915 Historic Armenia: of love and a joy to watch the draw - Parstr Hayk: Gamakh, Gerjanis, Yerznga, Kghi, Terjan, Papert, Sper, Garin, ings grow to the final stage of laying Basen, Alashgerd. down the color. Gars: Gars Regardless of her contribution, Vaspouragan: Van, Ardamed Village, Hayots Tsor villages of Khorkom and Avejic is delighted that such a book Ankegh, Shadakh, Moks is being published. “Children need to Daron: Sghert, Paghesh, Sasun, Mush. feel connected to their church family. The DVD will be available in a number of libraries including The Library of When parents bring their children to Congress and The National Library of Armenia. church, they begin to understand The DVD can be purchased from several internet sites and from the following bookstores: Illustrator Anush Movsesian Avejic that there is something greater than themselves. Setting aside time for Massachusetts: ArmenianVendor.com, St. Vartan Bookstore at the Diocese of The weekly worship at church becomes Armenian Church, The Armenian Church of The Holy Martyrs Bookstore, Bayside, Abril Bookstore in Glendale. ious executive offices in the ACYO. Later she the norm, and children grow up with a sense of belonging to God and His family.” The Aradzani Dance Group is an ethnographic dance group whose objective is joined the Diocesan Camp committee, organiz - to preserve and perpetuate songs and dances of pre-1915 Historic Armenia. The ing and running Armenian church-centered pro - Ideal for placing in the pews, or for Sunday School and Armenian School, it is, as well, a per - group has a repertoire of 120 dances. This two-part DVD is part of Aradzani’s ongo - grams for the children of the Diocese. She taught ing project of documenting all of the dances in its repertoire for future generations. at the St. Gregory Hovsepian School, helping it fect gift for baptisms, name days, birthdays, and to achieve full accreditation. Currently, she is a Christmas. The book is available from the member of the St. Peter Armenian Church and Diocese’s St. Vartan Bookstore. Youth Ministries Center in Glendale, where she is one of the directors of the “In His Shoes” mis - sion (launched by her brother, Fr. Vazken Movsesian), providing outreach to the local com - One-Day Lace Exhibit Dazzles with Intricate Designs munity and working on projects of global respon - sibility for the Armenian Church. LACE, from page 10 Avejic received her degree in graphic Museum to see the Armenian stone khachkars. design/illustration and her first love is illustrat - One, from Geghard, belongs to the United ing children’s books (specializing in pen and ink, Nations as Armenia’s gift to the world body, watercolor and colored pencil media). Her plea - and is now housed at the Metropolitan while sure in creating beautiful things was the impulse the U.N. is being renovated. The other, a mon - behind her own line of jewelry — Pomegranate & umental khachkar, is on loan to the Eye — which often features the Armenian Metropolitan from Armenia for several years. “It pomegranate motif. has interlaces that can remind you of lace,” she She was very excited about illustrating When explained, and called Gorginyan’s work “excep - I Go To Church from the beginning: “I really feel tional.” very passionate about our spiritual journey and Born in 1930 in Odzun village in Lori, love our church, viewing it as not only beautiful Gorginyan studied at the Yerevan State Pedagogical University, majoring in physics and mathematics. For 51 years, she taught physics and astronomy in high schools in Yerevan and Shamlugh, receiving many honors and prizes, including the title of “Honored Teacher of the Republic of Armenia”. Children examine one of Lena Gorginyan’s masterpieces. In 1975, she started lacemaking, and in 2009 was awarded the title of “National Expert of Embroideries” at the Ministry of ognized and complimented Gorginyan’s uniqueness.” Culture. In both 2009, and 2012, her artistry, among them, poet and writer And playwright Samvel Khalatyan has writ - exquisite work was exhibited at Yerevan’s Metakseh who calls the needlework “fascinat - ten, “Mrs. Gorginyan is a worthy heir of her Folk Art Museum, as well at the 2012 monu - ing and amazing. The beauty and richness of Armenian ancestors who cherished the tradi - mental exhibition dedicated to the “500th these pieces are like non hand-made monu - tions of creativity and highly artistic taste of Anniversary of Armenian Printing” at the ments dedicated to the eternal Armenian spir - lacemaking. Each of her pieces has an impor - Yerevan History Museum. it. They are deeply emotional and amaze the tant spiritual value incorporating music, elegy Many notable citizens of Armenia have rec - viewer with their delicacy, rich patterns and and silent eloquence.” 12 S ATURDAY , N OVEMBER 2, 2013 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR ARTS & LIVING Armenian ‘Orphan Rug’ Is in White House Storage, as Unseen as Genocide Is Neglected

RUG, from page 1 of an event that might include the rug, it established by the United Nations. Independent The status of the rug remains ambiguous. It the more than 100,000 children who were became clear that the rug wasn’t going to scholars have eviscerated the first of these was last taken out of storage in 1995 and is assisted by the US-sponsored Near East Relief emerge from deep hiding. claims, demonstrated the bad faith of the sec - reported to be in good condition. But a White organization, which helped relocate and protect “This week I spoke again with the White ond (the treatment of the Armenians was egre - House spokesman declined to answer questions the girls who wove the “orphan rug.” It was House curator asking if there was any indica - gious) and grappled seriously with the legal par - about whether it might ever be seen again, if made in the town of Ghazir, now in Lebanon, as tion of when a loan might be possible again but ticulars, especially the difficulty of proving the the climate is simply too politicized for the rug thanks for the United States’ assistance during he has none,” wrote Taylor in the letter. Efforts “intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a nation - to be exhibited. the genocide. to contact Heffern through the embassy in the al, ethnical, racial or religious group, as such.” And the Smithsonian is distancing itself from There was hope that the carpet, which has Armenian capital of Yerevan were unsuccessful, But few seriously argue that the events weren’t Taylor. “Dr. Taylor put this together on his own, been in storage for almost 20 years, might be and the State Department referred all questions genocidal. nobody knew about it, certainly senior leader - displayed December 16 as part of a to the White House. Samantha Power, for example, uses the term ship didn’t know about it,” says Randall Smithsonian event that would include a book Last week, the White House issued a state - “Armenian Genocide” throughout her land - Kremer, who handles public affairs for the launch for Hagop Martin Deranian’s President ment: “The Ghazir rug is a reminder of the mark 2002 book on genocide, A Problem From National Museum of Natural History, where Calvin Coolidge and the Armenian Orphan close relationship between the peoples of Hell. Power was appointed by Obama to serve Taylor is employed. Rug . But on September 12, the Smithsonian Armenia and the United States. We regret that as US ambassador to the United Nations, and Taylor says he doesn’t want to speculate scholar who helped organize the event canceled it is not possible to loan it out at this time.” was confirmed in August. about why the White House won’t lend the it, citing the White House’s decision not to loan That leaves the rug, and the sponsors of the But the president’s language has been more object, and he says he isn’t an expert on the tor - the carpet. In a letter to two Armenian event, in limbo, a familiar place for Armenians. circumspect. As a candidate, he said, “The tured politics of the region. It was the rug, its American organizations, Paul Michael Taylor, Neither Ara Ghazarians of the Armenian Armenian Genocide is not an allegation, a per - iconography, its status among Armenians and director of the institution’s Asian cultural histo - Cultural Foundation nor Levon Der Bedrossian sonal opinion or a point of view, but rather a its history that intrigued him, especially after ry program, had no explanation for the White of the Armenian Rugs Society can be sure if the widely documented fact supported by an over - hearing Armenians discuss it during a 2012 House’s refusal to allow the rug to be seen and event they had helped plan was canceled for the whelming body of historical evidence. America visit to Armenia. said that efforts by the US ambassador to usual political reason: fear of negative reaction deserves a leader who speaks truthfully about “We’re not afraid of doing Armenian exhibi - Armenia, John A. Heffern, to intervene had also from Turkey, which has resolutely resisted label - the Armenian genocide and responds forcefully tions,” he says. “I would love to do one.” been unavailing. ing the events at the end of the Ottoman to all genocides.” But in his most recent presi - Although the White House can offer no Although Taylor, Heffern and the White Empire a genocide. But both suspect it might dential proclamation honoring April 24’s explanation about why the rug is off limits to House curator, William G. Allman, had dis - have been. Armenian Remembrance Day, he used the the American people, Der Bedrossian is opti - cussed during a January meeting the possibility “Turkey is a very powerful country,” says Der Armenian term “Meds Yeghern” — “great mistic that it might someday see the light of Bedrossian, whose organization was planning calamity” — while avoiding explicit mention of day. to fund a reception for the event. genocide. “Rug weaving is a metaphor for me: We can And it’s a sign of the Obama administration’s U.S. government officials and the make peace weaving together,” he says. “We are Review: Charles Aznavour dismal reputation in the Armenian-American Smithsonian have been reluctant to address a patient. I tend to believe in miracles. Someday community that everyone assumes it must be controversy that is often dismissed as just it will come.” Performs at the Royal yet another slap in the face for Armenians seek - another intractable historical dispute. Although ing to promote understanding of one of the Armenian musicians performed at the Schiff, Valadao Urge White House to Albert Hall darkest chapters in 20th-century history. Smithsonian Folklife Festival in 2002, a Reverse Decis ion Aram Suren Hamparian, executive director of Smithsonian spokeswoman says the institution US Representatives Adam Schiff (D-CA) and the Armenian National Committee of America, hasn’t taken up the subject of the genocide, a David Valadao (R-CA) are urging their By Neil McCormick says the president has had “a very negative remarkable omission of scholarship concerning Congressional colleagues to join them in co- reception across the board in the Armenian an important ethnic group in the United States signing a letter urging the White House to LONDON (Daily Telegraph) — On stage at world, and that includes both Democrats and and one of the last century’s most critical and reverse its decision to block the public display the Royal Albert Hall, Charles Aznavour had a Republicans.” The principal emotion is pro - notorious historical events. (Even Adolf Hitler of the rug. confession to make: he was using a found disappointment. As a candidate, and sen - supposedly referred to the Armenian genocide The Congressional letter campaign comes in teleprompter to remind him of the lyrics. He ator, Obama spoke eloquently about the in a quote that is also disputed by some schol - the wake of the reports that the White House, has, he points out, better excuses than most Armenian Genocide, risking the ire of Turkey ars: “Who, after all, speaks today of the annihi - after agreeing to lend the rug for an exhibition performers: “It is difficult sometimes to come and Turkish organizations. But since taking lation of the Armenians?” he asked in a speech at the Smithsonian Institute, organized in coop - from a concert in Italy and remember to sing in office, says Hamparian, Obama has avoided the just before Germany invaded Poland in 1939.) eration with the Armenian Cultural Foundation English.” word, making more general statements about In Power’s book, the author notes the power and Armenian Rug Society, mysteriously and This, his mock modest gesture suggests, is a Armenian suffering. Critics of his silence point of “Turkish objections” to prevent official U.S. abruptly announced it would not make this his - joke: the Armenian-born French chanson star to the geopolitical importance of Turkey in a recognition of the genocide. As a presidential toric artwork available for display. has been deftly switching between five lan - region made only more complex by the Arab candidate, Obama said in a statement that he In their letter, Valadao and Schiff, who are guages without prompting for his entire career. Spring and a brutal civil war in Syria. “stood with the Armenian-American community the lead sponsors of the Armenian Genocide His real excuse, he reveals with a shrug, is that The word genocide is a flash point in the in calling for Turkey’s acknowledgment of the Resolution (H.Res.227), note: “The Armenian in “two months, I’m going to be 90 years old.” ongoing animosity between Turkey, Armenia Armenian Genocide.” But April’s presidential Orphan Rug is a piece of American history and Small, dapper, with fluid movements and a and the Armenian Diaspora. Turkish resistance proclamation finessed the delicate situation by it belongs to the American people. For over a rich, expressive voice, it almost seems conde - to accepting the historical facts of the saying, “I have consistently stated my own view decade, Armenian American organizations have scending to say that Aznavour looks and Armenian genocide has included wholesale of what occurred in 1915, and my view has not sought the public display of the rug and have sounds amazing for his age. Particularly since denial that the events took place, an effort to changed,” suggesting he strongly supports a requested the White House and the State he has always seemed old. He wrote his first contextualize them as the fallout of a compli - truth he no longer has the courage to utter. Department grant their request on numerous song in 1941 and by the time his fame spread cated, violent period, and semantic argument Calls and e-mails to the Turkish Embassy in occasions. Unfortunately, Armenian Americans from the Continent to Britain in the 1970s, his based on the 1948 legal definition of genocide, Washington weren’t returned. have yet to have their requests granted.” sets were filled with elegant lyrical ballads grap - pling with nostalgia, regret and the relentless passage of time. You could say he has grown into the songs, and the conclusion of Yesterday When I Was Young is delivered with such devastating, wist - Sponsor a Teacher in Armenia and Karabagh 2013 ful pathos it is faintly mind-boggling to consid - er that it was written in 1964, when Aznavour was just 40. Something has been lost along the way, but Since its inception in 2001, TCA’s ‘Sponsor not too much. With a trembling hand and a lack of suppleness in the lower timbre that sees him a Teacher’ program has raised over $563,000 flattening out some of those beautiful melodies, he no longer has the commanding vigor that and reached out to 4,440 teachers and once made What Makes A Man A Man such an electrifying showstopper. school workers in Armenia and Karabagh. He rose to the occasion with a beautiful higher register, but rushed through She , and for a moment seemed bored with his biggest hit. The £ performance was hampered by the flatness of the sound, clattering drums and a bland mush of key - K Yes, I want to sponsor teachers in Armenia and Karabagh to continue boards at times overwhelming the nuance of his helping them to educate the children, our future leaders. I would like to have vocal. I know the Albert Hall’s unusual propor - the teacher’s name and address. tions present acoustic challenges, but the venue K $160 K $ 320 K $ 480 K other $ has been around even longer than Aznavour and ————————— you would think professional sound engineers Name would have worked it out by now. Address The fantastic quality of Aznavour’s songs and City State Zip code the sheer charisma of his presence hold the cen - Tel: ter. His audience proved as devoted as teens at a One Direction concert. When he threw a cloth Make check payable to: Tekeyan Cultural Association – Memo: Sponsor a Teacher 2010 into the front rows at the end of La Bohème , Mail your check with this form to: there was an unbecoming scrum, with a beard - TCA Sponsor a Teacher ed white-haired gent scrabbling on the floor in 5326 Valverde, Houston, TX 77056 a tug of war with a bountiful woman in a red dress. Further proof, perhaps, that music keeps Your donation is Tax Deductible. you young. S ATURDAY , N OVEMBER 2, 2013 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 13 ARTS & LIVING CC AA LLEENNDDAARR

NOVEMBER 16 — Second annual Mer Doon Benefit CONNECTICUT Dance, 7:30 p.m. to 1 a.m., Charles Mosesian Cultural and Youth Center, 465 Mount Auburn Street, Watertown. NOVEMBER 23 — Holiday Fair 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Holy Featuring John Berberian, Bob Mougamian, Mal Resurrection Armenian Church, 1910 Stanley St., New Barsamian and Bruce Gigarian. Mezza, dessert table and Britain. Featuring Armenian food and pastries, vendors for more. Tickets: $40 adult, $30 student; for tickets and holiday shopping, Kitchen Cafe, Santa appearance from table reservations, please call Mark at 617-256-5358. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Admission is free. For more info, con - DECEMBER 6 — Anniversary celebration by Lowell tact the church office at 860-223-7875. “Aharonian” Gomideh, 6:30 p.m., St. Gregory Church, North Andover; dinner and program honoring 50-year MASSACHUSETTS members Steve Dulgarian and Joe Dagdigian; remember - ing the 25th anniversary of the earthquake in Armenia; NOVEMBER 1 and 2 — 57th Annual St. Stephen’s soloist Nina Hovsepian, accompanied by Mary Barooshian; Bazaar, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., 47 Nichols Ave., Watertown. donation, $20 adults, $10 students. Open to the public; lamb, losh and chicken kebab, DECEMBER 6 AND 7 — Trinity Christmas Bazaar, Friday, Armenian pastries, gourmet food, harvest store and silent 3-9 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Holy Trinity & live auctions. Armenian Church, 145 Brattle St., Cambridge. NOVEMBER 7 — Avak luncheon, noon, Jaffarian Hall, St. DECEMBER 15 — Erevan Choral Society and Orchestra- Gregory Church, 158 Main St., North Andover, speaker, Christmas Holiday Concer t, 7 p.m., Church Sanctuary, Dr. Edward Khantzian, clinical professor of psychiatry Holy Trinity Armenian Church 145 Brattle St., Cambridge. at Harvard Medical School, “Impressions of a Keynote Save the date, details to follow. Visit to Armenia.” NOVEMBER 8 and 9 — Annual Autumnfest Bazaar On November 16, the Second annual Mer sponsored by the Armenian Church at Hye Pointe, Doon Benefit Dance will take place from NEW HAMPSHIRE 110 Main St., Haverhill, Friday 12-8 p.m. and Saturday, 12- 7:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. at the Charles NOVEMBER 3 — Ararat Armenian Congregational 7 p.m. Lamb, losh and chicken kebab and kheyma. Dinner Mosesian Cultural and Youth Center, 465 Church Celebrates 100 Years: 1913-2013. Join the his - served all day. Pastry table, Armenian cuisine, gift basket Mount Auburn Street, Watertown, Mass. toric Armenian American community of Southern NH for raffles and raffles for cash and prizes. For more info, visit The event will feature John Berberian, a celebration lunch at Tuscan Kitchen restaurant, 67 Main our new website www.hyepointearmenianchurch.org or Bob Mougamian, Mal Barsamian and St., Salem; 1 p.m. For tickets and sponsorship opportuni - call 978-372-9227. Bruce Gigarian, as well as Mezza, a ties, contact [email protected]. NOVEMBER 10 — “The Art of Madeline and Eunice dessert table and more. Tickets are $40 Kolligian” opening reception. 3 to 5 p.m. Armenian for adults and $30 for students. For tick - RHODE ISLAND Library and Museum of America, Inc. (ALMA), 65 Main ets and table reservations, please call St., Watertown. Contemporary Art Gallery (3rd floor). Mark at 617-256-5358. NOVEMBER 9 and 10 — Sts. Sahag & Mesrob Armenian Free Admission. For more info. [email protected], (617) Church, Providence, 83rd Annual Armenian Food Fair 926-2562. and Bazaar, Saturday, 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., and NOVEMBER 10 — St. Stephen’s Ladies Guild presents Sunday, noon to 6 p.m., Egavian Cultural Center, 70 “The Gamavor Story,” performed by the Way We Were NOVEMBER 16 — Armenian Women’s Welfare Jefferson St. Authentic Armenian food and pastries, Take- Ensemble of New York/ New Jersey, 2 p.m., St. Stephen’s Association (AWWA) 38th Annual Luncheon Auction, out food booth. Armenian Market featuring traditional Church Hall, Elton Ave., Watertown. Tickets: $20 Burlington Marriott, Burlington; 11 a.m. silent auction Armenian favorites. Activities for children. Daily & scratch advanced purchase, $25 at the door, $10 children under and bidding; Guest auctioneers Al Kaprielian and Cindy ticket raffles. Silent auction, Penny social, TV room for 12. For tickets, contact Mary Derderian at Fitzgibbon; $60 per person, Visa and MasterCard accept - football. Cash, Check, Visa and MC accepted. Free admis - [email protected] or 781-762-4253; make checks ed. For reservations and info, contact: awwaauc - sion – everyone welcome. FREE valet parking. Call 401- payable to St. Stephen’s church. [email protected]. 272-7712 or visit www.armenianfoodfairri.com

Tigran Hamasyan Gives Jazz an Armenian Twist Virtuosity and Versatility Mark Mazmanian JAZZ, from page 10 Quartet’s Performance in Midwest and Arno Babajanian, who “took Armenian inal variation on the familiar melody of folk music into insane territory.” By David Luhrssen Fiddler on the Roof . The torrid flamenco At 16, he left to study in California. “There rhythms of Malaguena by Cuban composer are probably more Armenians there than in Ernesto Lecuona provided lively contrast. Armenia,” he joked, where he has lived ever GREENFIELD, Wis. — The Mazmanian The Mazmanians responded to an audience since. He quickly made connections on the Family took its audience on a musical world request by performing a medley of Irish jigs. LA jazz scene, recording his first album tour with Armenia as the home base. At their Much of the evening, however, was rooted when he was only 18. His fifth and latest, October 26 concert at St. John “Shadow Theatre,” features a varied lineup, the Baptist Armenian Church mixing Hamasyan’s piano and wordless here, the quartet journeyed vocals with touches of baroque, jazz-rock across Eastern Europe, to and electronica. One Armenian folk song, Spain via Cuba, to Ireland and Drip , is transformed into juddering dubstep, the US, but their repertoire’s another, Pagan Lullaby , resembles Sigur heart and soul was rooted in Rós . But, if the settings are expansive, the the Armenian homeland. melodies are simple and direct. Leading the San Francisco “I’ve been stripping away layers of com - Tigran Hamasyan ensemble was violinist Greg plexity with each album,” he said. “You can Mazmanian, a veteran musician play a bunch of fast stuff or write a compli - who has performed with the cated melody, but the musical part of that is Hamasyan has spent much of the past San Francisco Symphony to make it flow naturally.” He will often do year back in Armenia, which has made him Orchestra along with Frank that by singing along with himself as he all the more fascinated by its traditional Sinatra, Tony Bennett and Ray solos, in the style of Keith Jarrett or Glenn music. “Folk is like the first form of expres - Charles. He acted as the Gould. “Singing along can help to make your sion. Nowadays, if you’re a musician, you’re evening’s host and humorous improvisation sound natural,” he said. supposed to be cool or special or some - icebreaker in brief introduc - Sometimes you can hear him beat-boxing thing,” he said. “But, back in the day, every - tions for each piece on the pro - The Mazmanian Family Quartet while he plays, or singing rhythmic patterns body was a musician. Every action, every gram, and leading his three in the style of an Indian tabla player. He will ceremony, was accompanied by music. You grown children through the often deliberately restrict himself to a small watch women churning butter and there’s a selections. Ida anchored the quartet on piano in Armenian traditional music, especially the range, soloing within the space of a single folk song that accompanies each movement with siblings Eddy and Rose joining their melodies collected at the turn of the 20th octave. “When I solo I tend not to think of in that process. You go to parts of rural father on violin. century by Komitas Vartabed and transmuted myself as a pianist. In my head, I’m playing a Armenia and you see people singing and The Mazmanians fused virtuosity and into art songs. After a standing ovation, the violin or a guitar, say. Often it’s all about just harmonizing, spontaneously. It’s amazing, entertainment in a program that included Mazmanians concluded their concert with a finding a sound and sticking in that register.” like watching the birth of music itself.” Gypsy music, a rendition of the jazz standard rousing encore of Aram Khachaturian’s Take Five as never heard before and an orig - Sabre Dance . 14 S ATURDAY , N OVEMBER 2, 2013 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMENTARY

THE ARMENIAN COMMENTARY Mirror ‘Georgian Dream’ Comes True

and the parliament representing the majority. Spectator By Edmond Y. Azadian Although the West qualified the process as maturing democ - racy, the president and the prime minister exchanged openly-bit - ter barbs with each other until the October 27 presidential elec - tion, where Mr. Ivanishvili’s handpicked candidate, Giorgi The presidential election in Georgia is not only significant for Margvelashvili, won 67 percent of the votes against David the Georgians, but also for its neighbors in Armenia and the Bakradze’s 20 percent, while Nino Burjanadze trailed in third Established 1932 entire region. place with 10 percent of the votes. She was a former Saakashvili Georgian Dream is a political coalition put together by the ally who had turned against him during the 2008 war with An ADL Publication Georgian billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili to unseat President Russia, openly advocating a policy of rapprochement with the Saakashvili and his United National party ruling for the last 10 Kremlin. Her 10-percent vote may also denote the measure of years. Russia’s popularity in Georgia. EDITOR Mikheil Saakashvili came to power through the Rose Georgia’s constitution was changed to leave a ceremonial role for Alin K. Gregorian Revolution, which ousted President Eduard Shevardnadze and the president, except for being commander in chief of the armed set Georgia on a new political course. It was a time when politi - forces, concentrating all executive powers in the hands of the prime ASSISTANT EDITOR cal activists, funded and trained by the Soros Foundation, minister, to be elected after Mr. Ivanishvili retires in 2014. The name Gabriella Gage fomented political upheavals in the former Soviet republics with of the next prime minister still remains a mystery. ASSOCIATE EDITOR the avowed purpose of promoting democracy, but in fact, were The new president is a colorless academic with scant experi - Aram Arkun reorienting the policies of those countries towards the West. ence in politics. He fits exactly Mr. Ivanishvili’s image of a leader. The following year, Ukraine was “democratized” through the Indeed, the billionaire politician vowed to eliminate from ART DIRECTOR Marc Mgrditchian Orange Revolution. Georgian politics the “superman” rulers, which Saakashvili tried The US-trained Saakashvili placed his country in a path firm - to portray. ly heading towards the West and NATO and in the process, he The NATO, PACE and EU representatives qualified the elec - antagonized his northern neighbor, Russia, to a point that in tion as transparent and fair. They all found the elections moving SENIOR EDITORIAL COLUMNIST: 2008, war broke out between the two and Georgia lost two Georgia towards a Euro-Atlantic sphere. Edmond Azadian regions — Abkhazia and South Ossetia — to Russia. The leaders of the Georgian Dream Party plan to have a bal - CONTRIBUTORS: That full decade of rule was marked by mixed results — the anced policy; while moving towards European integration, they Florence Avakian, Dr. Haroutiune economy was developed, rule of law was established and cor - will try to mend fences with Moscow. Arzoumanian, Taleen Babayan, Prof. ruption almost uprooted. But the campaign, which had start - Western powers rushed to congratulate the victory of the Vahakn N. Dadrian, Diana Der ed to bring democracy to the country, experimented with new president. As of this writing, no message was issued by Hovanessian, Philip Ketchian, Kevork changes at the expense of harsh rules — excessive cases of the Kremlin. Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov wished that the Keushkerian, Sonia Kailian-Placido , detentions, torture and this time corruption by the new new administration would have an improved relation with Harut Sassounian, Mary Terzian, Hagop administration. Moscow. Vartivarian, Naomi Zeytoonian During the election campaign, Ivanishvili noted that tax col - Armenia has become a hostage to the hostility and the rivalry CORRESPONDENTS: lection mechanisms became very efficient only to be able to mis - between Moscow and Tbilisi. To measure the level of rancor and appropriate the collected taxes. the grudge harbored by the Georgian president, it suffices to Armenia - Hagop Avedikian Boston - Nancy Kalajian Under Saakashvili, the Georgian government’s relations with read about the exchange of insults between Mr. Saakashvili and Philadelphia - Lisa Manookian Armenia were very unfriendly — if not outright hostile. This Vahakn Chakhalian, an Armenian activist in the Javakhk region, Berlin - Muriel Mirak-Weissbach Georgia always voted against Armenia and with Azerbaijan at the jailed by the government for expressing autonomy aspirations for Contributing Photographers: UN, despite the fact they are the only Christian nations in this Javakhk Armenians. Jacob Demirdjian, Harry Koundakjian, Jirair Islamic ocean. Saakashvili’s last hurrah was his speech at the UN During the presidential campaign, Saakashvili visited an Hovsepian last September, making unsavory remarks about Armenia’s join - Armenian Church in Akhalkalak, where he faced Chakhalian. ing the Customs Union with Russia. Saakashvili also conspired The latter said, “You took four and a half years of my life.” with Azerbaijan to isolate Armenia in all regional developments Saakashvili called Chakhalian and a few others “bandits,” “sepa - — oil and gas lines were routed through Georgia to deny Armenia ratists” and “criminals.” He boasted about having expelled the The Armenian Mirror-Spectator is published weekly, except two weeks in July, by: access to those energy resources. Russian military base from that Armenian-populated province There were four main reasons that shaped the Georgian poli - (which was providing security and jobs to area Armenians) and Baikar Association, Inc. cy regarding Armenia: he enforced the Georgian language to assimilate the young gen - 755 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA 02472-1509 • The Tbilisi government perceived Armenia as Russia’s van - eration, while forbidding the importation of textbooks from Telephone: 617-924-4420 guard in the region. Armenia. FAX: 617-924-2887 • Armenia, already blocked by two hostile neighbors — Turkey Saakashvili’s policy was two-pronged: while assimilating the www.mir ror spectator.com and Azerbaijan — would not react to Tbilisi’s actions in order not young generation of Armenians, he impoverished the province to E-Mail: editor@mirrorspectator .com to compromise a third border access with the world. Against all force many Armenians to leave, which they did and he was able For advertising: [email protected] provocations by Tbilisi, Armenia soft-pedaled its Georgian policy to quell the autonomy aspirations. • The restive Armenian region in Javakhk would be agitating Mr. Ivanishvili thus far has made contradictory statements for autonomy, therefore Armenia had to be punished for about Armenians in Georgia, since coming to power. But the Javakhk’s political aspirations and majority of the Armenians voted for his candidate, perhaps out SUBSCRIPTION RATES : • Georgians have always been jealous of the Armenians who of spite toward Saakashvili’s policies, and also with the hope that built their capital, Tbilisi, and handed it over to them on a silver some change could be brought in to improve the economy of the platter. province. U.S.A. $80 a year Of course the 2008 war with Russia further complicated the If and when relations normalize between Moscow and Tbilisi, relations between the two nations. But a revolution, which had transit trade and movement of people and goods will be facili - Canada $125 a year started with roses, had begun to serve only thorns to the tated with the outside world. Other Countries $190 a year Georgian people, when Mr. Ivanishvili came into the picture. As far as confiscated Armenian Churches in Georgia and the Ivanishvili’s Georgian Dream Coalition soundly defeated tacit discrimination against Armenians are concerned, only Saakashvili’s United National Movement Party last year, occupy - patience and non-violent resistance will help. ing a comfortable lead in the parliament with 85 seats. That © 2011 The Armenian Mirror-Spectator The Georgian presidential election promises positive changes began a year of French-style cohabitational politics, with a lame- Periodical Class Postage Paid at Boston, MA for the region, hopefully with some dividends also going to duck president representing the opposition and a prime minister and additional mailing offices. Armenia. ISSN 0004-234X POSTMASTER : Send address changes to The Armenian Mirror-Spectator, P.O. Box 302, Watertown, MA 02471-0302 Other than the editorial, views and opinions expressed in this newspaper do not necessarily Notice to Contributors eflect the policies of the publisher. The welcomes articles, commen - and a daytime telephone number. Armenian Mirror-Spectator taries and community news from our readers. In order to assure — Deadline for submission of all articles and advertising is noon the accurate and timely publication of articles submitted, please on the Monday of the week of publication. note the following policies: — Photos will be published without charge at the discretion of the — All articles submitted should be typed, double (or triple) editors and art director. Photos will be returned only if a self- Copying for other than personal use or spaced and printed in a type size large enough to be clearly leg - addressed and stamped envelope is included. internal reference is prohibited without ible (10 point or larger). Submissions that do not conform to — The will publish only one article about an upcoming orga - express permission of the copyright M-S owner. Address requests for reprints or these specifications will be assigned lowest priority. nizational event. For major special events, exceptions may be back issues to: — Articles sent by fax are acceptable, and e-mail submissions are made only by special arrangement with the editors. Baikar Association, Inc. encouraged. — Telephone numbers, ticket prices and other details (at the dis - 755 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA 02472-1509 — All submissions should include the name of a contact person cretion of the editors) will not be included in press releases. S ATURDAY , N OVEMBER 2, 2013 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 15 COMMENTARY The Two Sisters of Diyarbakir

debilitated. She always found that surge of vitality when - ters — ages 90 and 87 — were peerless in their dancing By Tom Vartabedian ever it came time to do a solo or lead a line dance. mode. It attracted a beeline finally as other octogenari - As immigrants, the family sacrificed their means in the ans took to the floor. A celebrated fraternity of lifelong new world. The teenaged sisters became young entrepre - friends joined in the music. hey were young and exuded innocence. They neurs in Davis Square, operating a confectionary store It was not the Club Omar Khayyam or any other were born and raised in Dikranagert before the together with extreme diligence, helping their parents Oriental hotspot, but rather their very own kef time Ottoman Turks ran roughshod over their land. with whatever meager income they could raise. soiree. The year was 1915 and they watched in hor - The scars and emotion of having survived an onslaught When asked about her longevity, she would wink an T ror as members of their family were put to did nothing to extinguish their spirit. When Ojen hus - eye and say, “Join a health club and hang around people death outside their door. band opened a coffee shop, you usually found Vergeen young enough to be your grandchildren. That’ll keep you Vergeen Hekimian was the dancer, who could beguile helping behind the counter. young and fit.” any crowd in her village and later in what we call the They took their families to Revere Beach and visited Ojen did just that. At 90, she was the oldest regular at Diaspora. Ojen Hekimian took the back seat, comfortably their departed together at the cemetery each Memorial Healthworks Fitness Club in Cambridge. And drove her - remaining in the background. Day. One’s joy was another’s pleasure. In sorrow, they self to the gym. Together, they were the two Hekimian sisters of would grieve together. At age 95, Vergeen was reluctantly taken from her Diyarbakir. Eventually both became widowed and lived a mile home and placed inside a Haverhill nursing home. A few Ojen Hekimian escaped the brutality by hiding in a well apart. They would visit one another with diligence. Being months later, Ojen was transferred to a similar facility a before taking refuge with a Kurdish family. Vergeen three years ahead, Ojen upheld her role as the “big sis - mile or two away. Hekimian was corralled with thousands of others on their ter.” She was the designed driver. One week Ojen would visit Vergeen and another week, harrowing trek toward persecution. They infused the language and heritage into their chil - they traded places. They would sit and talk about the bad Fortunately for them, the sisters survived along with dren, gave them a spiritual presence as Armenian times in Turkey and the good times in their adopted land. their mother Vartouhi Hekimian before being reunited in Catholics and kept the embers burning to a fine ethnic They would chat and smile about their children and Marseilles and eventually set up residence in Greater glow. When Ojen buried a son, Vergeen was right by her their grandchildren. On occasion, Ojen would remind Boston. The story of these two young girls is the story of side offering solace. Vergeen about her dancing. their people as we approach the 100th anniversary of the The dancer danced, bum leg and all. The wallflower was “You could always excite the crowd,” she would say. Armenian Genocide. an admiring spectator. It was that way for 90 years. “Bad leg and all, you put on a show.” They settled first in Newton Upper Falls and later At Vergeen’s birthday party, she rose from her seat and “You weren’t a bad dancer yourself,” Vergeen retorted, Somerville, raising their families and cultivating a took to the dance floor. The Roger Krikorian Band was “when you wanted to be. After all, how many people 90 lifestyle that kept their proud heritage intact. At hant - entertaining at the Karoun Restaurant in Newton. Roger years old can even leave their chair?” esses and other cultural soirees, the applause usually was a dear family friend and knew Vergeen’s penchant for Vergeen preceded her sister in death. She was my aunt. rang loud and clear for Vergeen Hekimian. dancing. But this was a switch. It was Ojen who took to Ojen was a month shy of her 99th birthday when she fol - Despite her limp, up she rose to dance, twirling her the floor first for a rare occasion. She was the birthday lowed in repose as the last remaining Genocide survivor arms and body to the rhythm of her music. A permanent girl and wasn’t going to be upstaged on this day. in Haverhill. I was proud to have her for my mother. injury to her leg had left the woman handicapped but not You had to be there to see this spectacle. The two sis - Together, they were the two sisters of Diyarbakir. How Turkey Betrayed Israel and the US

close ties to the United States and, until a few spy ring working for Israel. Since then there Last March, during President Obama’s visit to By Frida Ghitis years ago, a good friend of Israel. have been several reports of executions in Iran Israel, he arranged a telephone call in which The well-connected Washington Post writer of men charged with spying for Israel. Netanyahu apologized to Erdogan for opera - David Ignatius reported the shocking news that The story comes just days after a Wall Street tional mistakes in response to the flotilla. A new report has sent a jolt through the Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan Journal report that American officials believe Relations, however, remain very tense, and world of spies and spy-handlers, with revela - gave Iran the names of as many as 10 Iranians Turkey’s powerful spymaster, Hakan Fidan, the latest news will only make them worse. tions of a major betrayal by a key ally of the who were spying for Israel. The spies had been handed Iran crucial intelligence collected not Former Mossad chief Danny Yatom charac - United States and the West. That ally is Turkey, traveling to Turkey for meetings with officers of just by Israel but also by the United States. terized Turkey’s reported revelations of the spy a member of NATO, a candidate for member - the Mossad, Israel’s intelligence agency. If the reports are correct, Turkey is not just network as “unheard of” in the annals of intel - ship in the European Union and nation with In 2012, Tehran announced it had found a failing in its duties as a NATO ally; it is also act - ligence. ing as an enemy of the United States and its Although personal and commercial links European allies, members of NATO. If the alle - between Israel and Turkey continue, relations LETTERS gations are true, Ankara undermined a cam - between the two governments are unlikely to paign focused on what is probably the most return to normal anytime soon. What is less important of all strategic concerns for the West: clear is what will happen to ties between preventing Iran from developing nuclear Washington and Ankara. Using Social Media to Combat Turkey weapons. According to Ignatius, American officials Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu have known that Erdogan and Fidan had To the Editor: engage Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Linkedin denied the Washington Post report, saying it exposed the Israeli spies, viewing the incident Reading your recent commentary titled and other available social media to influence was part of a campaign to discredit his country. as “an unfortunate intelligence loss.” “Turkey Revamps its Image” by Edmond Y. and direct mass feelings in the best way of serv - And Mustafa Varank, a close adviser to Washington did not complain to Turkey, and Azadian, your senior editorial columnist, I feel ing Erdogan’s policies. This approach will, Erdogan, blasted the story as “incoherent,” President Obama has maintained particularly compelled to rush and bring the level of his therefore, become an incredibly influential tool tweeting that, “The intelligence world operates warm relations with Erdogan. analysis from the normal soliloquy based on in his hands and serve his purposes. according to agreements.” Turkey is uniquely positioned at the hinge time-worn practices to today’s reality of social One of these purposes will, undoubtedly be Indeed, relations between intelligence agen - between East and West, and Washington wants media and their power in our global society. to support his candidacy for Turkey’s presiden - cies unfold on a different level from the normal to secure Turkish cooperation in dealing with Mr. Azadian may not be aware that while cy but, more sinister for us Armenians, social ups and downs of political life. That was the the many challenges in the region, including Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan was blaming media in various languages will certainly be case as relations between Israel and Turkey the civil war in Syria and the conflict with Iran. social media for the huge demonstrations in used in 2015 to influence global communities deteriorated in recent years, but ties between Still, it is troubling that US policymakers would Gezi Park (Taksim Square), his advisors were and world opinion about the Armenian spies continued to function. ignore a government’s actions so clearly against diligently analyzing the power of social media Genocide thwarting our efforts to commemo - Israel and Turkey developed close intelli - US interests. and how they had been used to have many rate this tragic historical event of Turkish inhu - gence links in the first decade of the Jewish In the spy world, however, Turkey’s behavior thousands of demonstrators communicate and manity. state’s existence. The relations had survived the is likely to leave its mark. Yatom wondered gather in that square to demonstrate against So, instead of following the age-old practices profound acrimony that marked relations aloud, “Who is going to trust them now? Who Sultan Erdogan and his governing practices. of Armenian columnists such as Mr. Azadian between the two countries since Erdogan and is going to share sensitive information with Turkey’s prime minister proved to be a high - telling other Armenians what is happening in his Islam-based Justice and Development Party them?” ly intelligent and nimble politician, however, Turkey, maybe we should just make the leap to (AKP) rose to power. Erdogan endeavored to In the end, relations between nations are and once he realized the “power of the medi - the 21st century and use our own very able raise his country’s profile and increase its influ - based on shared interests. Turkey, it seems, has um,” he made a complete about face and decid - young Armenian men and women involved with ence. A key element of his strategy included ful - judged that hurting Israel is so important that ed to use this powerful weapon of social media social media to use their knowledge and abili - minating against Israel in public forums and it justifies undermining its allies. As long as that to his advantage. Last week, the Press in ties to countermand Turkey’s future domina - championing the Palestinian cause. is the case, its interests diverge from America’s, Turkey announced the government was hiring tion of cyberspace and look for creative ways of Relations stretched to the breaking point in and the closeness between the two govern - some 6,000 young men and women to dedicate getting our message to the millions of social 2010 when Israeli forces boarded a Turkish ments is not justified. themselves in developing the internet’s social media users around the world. It’s the right boat, part of a flotilla trying to break the Gaza (Frida Ghitis writes about global affairs for media and communicate Erdogan’s and time! blockade. Nine Turks were killed in the clashes. the Miami Herald. This column originally Turkey’s message to the world. — Miran P. Sarkissian The US administration worked to repair the appeared in the October 21 edition of that These young people have instructions to Bloomfield Hills, Mich. deep rift between two key Middle East allies. newspaper.) 16 S ATURDAY , N OVEMBER 2, 2013 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR