DECEMBER 6, 2014 MirTHErARoMENr IAN -Spe ctator Volume LXXXV, NO. 21, Issue 4366 $ 2.00 NEWS IN BRIEF The First Armenian Weekly in the Since 1932 Hayastan All Mirror Annual Winter Break Armenian Fund WATERTOWN — The Armenian Mirror- Spectator will close for the Christmas Telethon Fund and New Year break at the end of December. The last issue of the year will come out on December 27 while the first Raises $12 Mil. issue of 2015 will be that of January 10.

LOS ANGELES (PanARMENIAN.Net) — The Thanksgiving Day Hayastan All- Armenian Fund telethon raised Bolivia Passes $12,399,550 in donations and pledges. The telethon, broadcast all over the US, Genocide Resolution was also shown in elsewhere. LA PAZ, Bolivia (PrensaArmenia) — On Wednesday, In conjunction with the telethon, a November 26, the national Legislative Assembly of phone-a-thon was held November 19 to Bolivia unanimously passed a resolution condemn - November 23 in European countries ahead ing “all denialist policy regarding the genocide and of the telethon. That effort collected $1.6 crimes against humanity suffered by the Armenian million in contributions and promised nation.” donations. Senator Zonia Guardia Melgar, acting chairper - Managing director Tom Garabedian pointed out that ATP is an organization that The phone effort was held under “Talent, son of the Senate of Bolivia, explained that “the gets its hands dirty…working with the people on the ground in Armenia to create Charm and Generosity” slogan this year. camaral statement was taken unanimously by both a green future Some 750 volunteers from , Marseille, the Senate and the Chamber of Deputies, with the Toulouse, and Lyon reached 60,000 approval of the Foreign Ministry.” Armenian families in the participating “We offer our full support, solidarity and com - ATP’s 20th Anniversary Boston Banquet countries to ask for their support. Fashion radeship to the Armenian people and the Kurdish model and French Red Cross ambassador people, because our State Constitution, which is Raises Money for a Greener Armenia Adriana Karembeu and Armenian French the law of laws, says no to discrimination, violation singer Patrick Fiori called for donations to of human rights and genocide,” she added. BOSTON — The Armenia Tree Project (ATP) celebrated its 20th anniversary in The unofficial translation of the full text of the Boston with an elaborate banquet in the John Joseph Moakley US Courthouse resolution reads in part: “The Plurinational on November 8. flocked to the unusu - Legislative Assembly of Bolivia ... is in solidarity al venue, making it a success both financially and with the Armenian people for the fight of their socially. The organization estimates that over 500 By Aram Arkun claims, the preservation of human rights, and the people were present, including almost 40 high Mirror-Spectator Staff establishment of truth and justice. [And] Declares school, college and graduate students sponsored its firm commitment to human rights, truth, jus - by patrons. The event raised $450,000 toward a tice, solidarity and condemnation against all denial - yearlong goal of $3 million. Poster from Armenia Fund ist policy regarding the genocide and crimes The modern-looking courthouse building with beautiful views of the water was against humanity suffered by the Armenian transformed by the Armenian presence that evening. The evening began with a nation.” cocktail reception which allowed guests to view 15 Armenian landscape paintings help implement development projects in of Arthur Hovhannisyan, most fitting for an organization devoted to the envi - the homeland. ronment, exhibited under the title “Land in Harmony.” A lecturer at the The funds raised in the telethon and First Armenian State Academy of Fine Arts, Hovhannisyan has participated in a number of inter - phone-a-thon will be used to expand and national exhibitions. The exhibit, which first appeared as a preview at the develop Tavush rural projects, to built com - Peacekeepers Arrive in Contemporary Art Gallery of the Armenian Museum of America on November 6- munity centers in Artsakh, to provide sup - 7, was curated by Zara Ouzounian-Halpin. port to Syrian Armenians and to complete Lebanon reconstruction of Vardenis-Martakert 116- see ATP, page 12 BEIRUT (Daily Star) — The first Armenian peace - kilometer road connecting Armenia with keeping contingent has arrived in Lebanon as part the Nagorno Karabagh Republic. of the Interim Force in Lebanon With funds raised during the 2013 (UNIFIL) mission. Telethon, the first phase of the project was The Armenian Embassy in Lebanon said this Supreme Spiritual Council of Echmiadzin kicked off in early 2014 and is slated to be week that the 32-strong contingent was serving in completed by year’s end. To date, crews Lebanon for the first time. have performed earthwork and installed all Responds to Patriarch of Armenia has been part of several UN peacekeep - required engineering systems and fittings ing forces since 2004, but the country has long A few days ago a letter ascribed including drainage grates and pipes, COMMUNIQUÉ OF THE SUPREME opposed sending troops to Lebanon, over concerns to the Patriarch of Jerusalem, embankments, crash barriers, and retain - for the large Armenian community in Lebanon. which included insulting language SPIRITUAL COUNCIL ing walls. Crews have also built or refur - The issue was broached during Armenian in an unacceptable style, began cir - bished a total of 17 big and small bridges, On December 1, the meeting of the President Serge Sargisian’s visit to Lebanon in culating on the Internet. As a first including abutments, along the route. Supreme Spiritual Council took place at the 2012, and Armenia has had an observer in UNIFIL step on this issue, we welcome and Currently sidewalks are being built in sec - publish the response from the Holy Mother See of Holy Echmiadzin under the in preparation for the contingent’s arrival. presidency of His Holiness Karekin II, tions of the highway that pass through Mother See of Echmiadzin in which towns and villages. the dignity deserved by the Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians. Among other issues, the meeting Last year’s telethon raised $22.661 mil - Armenian people from the high lion, of which $12.35 million was from offices of our Church is indeed responded to the letter which has been see COMMUNIQU É page 2 Russia. refreshingly reflected. Hayastan All Armenian Fund was estab - INSI DE lished in 1992 for implementation of national projects and development of infra - structures in Armenia and the Nagorno Lavash Bread Declared Intangible Karabagh Republic. The trustees’ board Aram for headed by the Armenian president includes Cultural Heritage by UNESCO prominent representatives of Armenian Tumo communities worldwide. Page 10 YEREVAN (Moscow Times) — Lavash can be consumed as a wrap for cheese, Over the 21 years of the fund’s existence, puts Armenia ahead of much of the pack meat or vegetables. It is also popular projects worth almost $236 million were with a total of four entries on the throughout the South Caucasus, and in implemented in Armenia and Karabagh. Intangible Cultural Heritage List. Iran and . The United Nations Educational, According to a note on the UNESCO INDEX Scientific and Cultural Organization website, preparation of lavash requires and appearance of [the] traditional bread as an expression of culture in Armenia.” Arts and Living ...... 10 (UNESCO) has decided to include great effort, coordination, experience Armenia ...... 2 Armenian flatbread on its intangible cul - and special skills” and ”strengthens family, The Intangible Cultural Heritage Lists, Community News...... 5 tural heritage list, recognizing the impor - community and social ties.” a daring attempt to recognize and preserve Editorial ...... 14 tance of the foodstuff to the country’s Lavash was accepted onto the list immaterial culture, have been compiled International ...... 3,4 inhabitants. on Wednesday, with the UNESCO organi - since 2008, and entries from 103 countries Lavash, a staple of Armenian cuisine, is zation saying on its site that it acknowl - are currently recognized by UNESCO. a type of soft and very thin flatbread that edged “the preparation, meaning see UNESCO, page 16 2 S ATURDAY , D ECEMBER 6, 2014 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR ARMENIA News From Armenia Very Rev. Nareg Berberian, Two

Armenians Continue Others, Elevated to Rank of Bishop Protest Against Eurasian ECHMIADZIN — On November 16, , as under their guidance the charitable is no priesthood and bishopric. Dear in the Mother See of Holy Echmiadzin, ministry of the clergy become more faithful, keep praying for us, love your Economic Union during the celebration of Divine effective, as does the spiritual nourish - Church and make it as your home and Liturgy, Episcopal ordinations and con - ment provided to the faithful by the liv - dwelling, approach God and receive the YEREVAN (RFE/RL) — Dozens of opposition secrations were held: Very Rev. Nareg ing word of the Holy Bible, the lessons blessings of the Lord,” he said. activists and their supporters rallied in front of the Berberian, Primate of the Armenian and exhortations, and the administra - Berberian, (baptismal name Vasken) Armenian parliament for a second day urging law- Diocese of Brazil; Very Rev. Abgar tive functions of the Church. The was born in Beirut, Lebanon, on makers to reject a treaty on joining the Russia-led Hovakimyan, Primate of the Armenian Bishop is considered to be the tiller in October 28, 1967. He studied at the Eurasian Economic Union. The activists blocked Diocese of Canada; and Very Rev. God’s garden, as due to their service Vahan Tekeyan School in Beirut and the entrance to parliament on December 2, chanti- Vardan Navasardyan, director of the the Church blossoms and bears fruit graduated in 1981. He continued his ng “Traitors! Shame!” Christian Education Center of Mother through plentiful results. education in the Gevorkian Armenia’s parliament began debating the treaty’s See; were consecrated, ordained and After the Pontifical message, all the Theological Seminary, where he ratification on December 1. elevated in rank, by Karekin II, clergy ascended to the Holy Altar to defended his thesis titled “The study of Protesters tried to speak to lawmakers as they Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of receive “The Kiss of Peace” from the Job, by St. Gregory of Tatev” and grad - walked to parliament, often resulting in arguments All Armenians. newly ordained. Following the conclu - uated in 1987. He was ordained to the and swearing. Zaruhi Postanjian, a member of the On November 15, before the Evening sion of Divine Liturgy, the faithful diaconate in 1986 by Archbishop opposition Heritage Party’s parliamentary group, Service, the service of candidature was approached the bema, and congratu - Husik Santuryan, Grand Sacristan of said that the treaty’s ratification would affect “our held in the Mother Cathedral, during lated them on the occasion of their the Mother See. sovereignty and will be state treason.” which the bishops reaffirmed their consecration. He began his studies at St. Vladimir’s Armenian President Serge Sargisian signed the faithfulness to the Armenian Apostolic Present for the service were Orthodox Theological Seminary in agreement to join the group in October at a cere- Holy Church and Mother See of Holy Diocesan Primates of the Armenian New York in conjunction with St. mony in Minsk. Armenia is set to join Russia, Echmiadzin, and signed their oaths. Church, members of the Brotherhood Nersess Armenian Seminary, receiving Belarus, and Kazakhstan in the economic grouping On November 16, a Pontifical Divine of the Great House of Cilicia, represen - a Master of Divinity degree. He simul - when it comes into force on January 1. Liturgy was offered at the altar of St. tatives of diocesan councils and priests taneously took private piano lessons at Stephen the Protomartyr in the of the Armenian Dioceses of Brazil and Concordia College in New York. He Central Bank Says Mother Cathedral, where a public Canada, representatives of the educa - served as an acting grand sacristan of examination was made of the orthodox tion sector, benefactors, employees and the St. Vartan Cathedral in New York Reserves are Enough to faith of the candidates. Representatives students of the Christian Education City from 1991 through 1992. of the Armenian Church; scribes, dea - Center and Eurnekian Public Schools, Studying at the General Theological Maintain Stability cons, priests, bishops, as well as lay - family and friends of the ordained, and Seminary of New York with a focus on YEREVAN (ArmeniaNow) — The adjustment of the men representing different classes of numerous pilgrims. biblical studies, he earned his second exchange rate of the Armenian currency is deter- society, approached His Holiness and On November 17, according to tradi - master’s degree in Sacred Theology. In mined by the recent developments on regional and publically bore witness on behalf of the tion, Bishop Nareg Berberian, Primate July 26, 1992, He was ordained as a international financial markets and promotes candidates, after which the Divine of the Diocese of Brazil, celebrated his celibate priest at the St. Vartan export competitiveness, economic growth, creation Liturgy continued at the main altar of first Episcopal “Divine Liturgy of Cathedral by His Eminence Archbishop and maintenance of sustainable workplaces, the the Mother Catherdral. Assisting the Oath” in the Mother Cathedral of Holy Khajag Barsamian. Central Bank of Armenia said in a statement on catholicos were Bishop Sahak Echmiadzin, before the Holy Altar of As a priest, he served as the assistant November 24. Mashalyan from the Armenian Descent. In his sermon he said: “My life parish priest at St. Kevork Armenian The statement followed a significant depreciation Patriarchate of Constantinople and has been once again rejuvenated, and Church in Houston from 1992 to 1993. of the against the U.S. dollar reg- Bishop Tatev Hakobyan; primate of the again I live a spiritual revival and In 1994, he was appointed to serve as istered on the market in recent days. The average Armenian Diocese of Ukraine. Bishop renew my covenant before the Holy the parish priest at St. James Church in exchange rate of the U.S. dollar in Armenia by late Haigazun Najarian, Pontifical Legate Altar of Descent by offering a Divine Richmond, Va. That same year, he was Monday was 435 drams, while the American cur- of India and the Far East, and Primate Liturgy as a newly ordained bishop of elevated to the rank of Archimandrite rency could be purchased at around 415-420 drams of the Armenian Diocese of Australia the Armenian Apostolic Holy Church, (Vardapet) by Archbishop Barsamian. only a few days ago. and New Zealand served as the inter - in the presence of the Brotherhood During his service in Virginia, Fr. The Central Bank said it had consulted with all cessor for the candidates. members and the faithful. I assimilate Nareg continued his studies at the participants of the financial markets and found Under the singing of the hymn the Divine Liturgy to the transfigura - Union Theological Seminary and that “the current exchange rate fully reflects the “divine and celestial grace” the candi - tion of Christ, where our Lord was received a Doctor of Ministry degree. aforesaid developments and is in the range of sta- dates faced the faithful and raised their transfigured on Mount Tabor. Today During his spiritual service, he has bilization.” hands as a sign of rejection of all that the Mount Tabor is the Holy Altar for given lectures in various religious edu - is worldly. After prayers to God, the ser - us, where our meetings are held; to cational institutions and universities, vice of consecration was offered. The speak to us and inspire us. Indeed, by undertaking many religious and cul - Rena De: Syrian- three celibate priests were elevated to God’s will and by the order of His tural projects. the rank of bishop when the catholicos Holiness, we lived moments of trans - In 2000, he was the pastor of St. Armenian Singer Runs a anointed the candidates’ foreheads and figuration, and during the Divine George Church in Hartford, CT, where Pub in Yerevan the thumbs of their right hand with Liturgy we received this Episcopal he served until 2002. From 2003 Holy Chrism, following which the sym - sacred degree.” through 2013, he served as the pastor YEREVAN (ArmeniaNow) — The waves of the bols of episcopacy, the Episcopal staff The Primate of the Armenian of St. David Armenian Church of Boca sounds of jazz overwhelm the Melrose Pub. Then and ring, were presented to the newly Diocese of Brazil stressed in his Raton jazz turns into blues, sole, funk… and then a thun- consecrated bishops. remarks that he is returning to the In 2013, Karekin II, Supreme der of applause. Rena De’s voice spreads across the The Catholicos of All Armenians Diocese with great enthusiasm to con - Patriarch and Catholicos of All pub and fills the hearts of the visitors. addressed his pontificial message to tinue his service with strengthened Armenians, appointed him to serve as “Those who come here should relax, for that the the newly consecrated bishops and spirit to further strengthen the spiri - the Vicar General of the Armenian right music is very important, and of course, one said “Dear faithful, we are all now expe - tual, cultural and educational pro - Diocese in Brazil. In March 2014, he other thing – the aura of the pub is very impor- riencing great joy and happiness. The grams. On this occasion, Bishop was elected as the Primate of Brazil. tant,” the Syrian-Armenian singer says. She has sacred Episcopal ordination and conse - Narek stressed the importance of peo - Since his appointment, he has initiated been running the Melrose Pub in the heart of cration service is again Pentecost in ple’s participation in ecclesiastical ACYOA, Christian Education Program, Yerevan for five months now. our Holy Church. Paul repeatedly life. Camping Project, and are still many Born in Aleppo, she grew up in Australia and speaks of the high rank of the bishop “You are the Church, our people is more programs and activities which then moved back to . The 42-year-old Rena and the responsibility in their service, the Church. Without our faithful there will be implemented soon. said: “I came here at the end of 2013. Before that I lived a year and a half in Lebanon. I had a chance to go to Australia again, because I already have cit- izenship there. My two children also have it, but we Spiritual Council of Echmiadzin Responds to Patriarch of Jerusalem are here. My husband is still there working, but he will soon join us here in Armenia.” COMMUNIQU É , from page 1 position of patriarch, striking a blow at the oath of faithfulness to the Mother Rena was born into the family of famous singer circulating online by the Armenian the prestige of the Armenian Church and See of Holy Echmiadzin and to the Karo Daghdevirenian. “My father sang at the oldest Patriarch of Jerusalem, His Beatitude spiritual authority. He attempts to dis - Patriarch of All Armenians, which he places in Aleppo, and his generation would remem- Archbishop Nourhan Manougian. The credit the Catholicos of All Armenians, took in front of the Holy Altar of ber him well, many of them are not alive anymore… Supreme Spiritual Council in this con - the members of the Ecclesiastical Descent, beginning the realization of he sang American and European songs in Italian nection made the following declaration. Representative Assembly and those of his mission. and French, but most of his songs were in English,” “We express our concern over the let - the rank of bishop. It is unfortunate that “Be an example for the faithful Rena, whose ancestors were from Aintab and Musa ter addressed to the Catholicos of All fabricated accusations are placed into cir - through your words, behavior, love, Dagh in modern-day Turkey, says. “I inherited the Armenians in the name of the culation by the Patriarch, especially faith and purity.” (1 Timothy 4:12 ) skills of singing, I was performing with Aleppo’s Armenian Patriarch of Jerusalem about the Catholicosate transforming The Supreme Spiritual Council Big Band when I was eight. Singing was never a Archbishop Nourhan Manougian, the Patriarchate of Jerusalem into a dio - expresses its high praise and support of choice for me, but a natural status – love.” which was circulated some days ago on cese. the St. James Brotherhood for its dedi - “Here I founded the Shiver band,” Rena said. the Internet. The Supreme Spiritual Council cated service, exhorting it to continue The band was formed this October. She performed The Supreme Spiritual Council consid - exhorts Archbishop Nourhan in the same zealous manner to defend at United Nations Day at the Cafesjian Center. ers unacceptable the behavior adopted Manougian, at the threshold of the cen - the rights of Armenians to the Holy by Archbishop Nourhan Manougian. tennial of the , to Lands for the splendor of the Armenian Through vocabulary and style unsuitable consider with the sound judgment Patriarchate of Jerusalem and the Holy for a clergyman, he tarnishes the lofty expected of his lofty patriarchal status, Apostolic Church of Armenia. S ATURDAY , D ECEMBER 6, 2014 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 3 INTERNATIONAL Pope Hopes for Opening of Turkey-Armenia Border International News ROME (World Bulletin) — Pope West who automatically equated their would help the majority of Muslim Francis voiced hope late on Sunday for religion with terrorism. people,” he said. the opening of Turkey-Armenia border Francis’ predecessor, Benedict XVI, Pope urged the international commu - Armenian Cook Wins as a sign of mending ties, he reportedly caused storms of protest throughout nity to support Turkey on its response said during his flight back to the Italian the Islamic world in 2006, when he to Syrian and Iraqi refugees Gold Medal at Culinary capital Rome after his three-day visit to made a speech that suggested to many during meeting with displaced youth Turkey. Muslims that he believed Islam and children who are helped by Turkish World Cup 2014 According to a report by the Catholic espoused violence. Salezy community at Cathedral of the LUXEMBOURG (Public Radio of Armenia) — News Service, Francis praised Turkish Benedict said he had been misunder - Holy Spirit (St. Esprit Cathedral) in Armenian chef Vera Hovhannisyan won a gold President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s state - stood and apologized. ’s Harbiye neighborhood and medal and a cup at the Culinary World Cup 2014 ment in 2013 regarding the 1915 inci - The Argentine pope said it was wrong expressed gratitude to Turkey for held in Luxembourg from November 22 to 26. The dents as an “outstretched hand,” and for anyone to react to terrorism by extending a helping hand. competition featured more than 1,000 cooks from expressed his hope that the border being “enraged” against Islam. Turkey hosts an estimated 1.6 million 60 countries, as well as 105 national, regional and gates, which have remained closed over “You just can’t say that, just as you Syrian refugees. youth teams. the last two decades, would open. can’t say that all Christians are funda - emphasized that many Hovhannisyan’s twin sister, Rena Hovhannisyan, Turkey closed its border with mentalists. We have our share of them of the displaced Syrians around the joined her in the competition. The sisters present- Armenia in 1993 following the escala - [fundamentalists]. All religions have world are living in intolerable condi - ed two creations at the contest and both won gold tion of the latter’s conflict with these little groups,” he said. tions, and called for immediate assis - medals. over the Nagorno-Karabagh “They [Muslims] say: ‘No, we are not tance from the international community Both sisters have inherited the love for culinary region. this, the Koran is a book of peace, it is before it’s too late. creations from their parents and grandfather. Vera Pope Francis also said that equating a prophetic book of peace.’” Addressing the cathedral, the pope once had a pastry shop in Yerevan, and her family Islam with violence was wrong and Francis said he had made the sugges - gave advice to young people saying that continued the business after she moved to Moscow. called on Muslim leaders to issue a glob - tion of a global condemnation of terror - they should not give in to desperation Vera has won a number of international competi- al condemnation of terrorism to help ism by Islamic leaders in talks on Friday despite the difficulties and obstacles, tions. At the age of 20 she received her first gold dispel the stereotype. with Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan. and should continue to hope for a bet - medal in Malta. She is particularly known for her Francis, the leader of 1.2 billion “I told the president that it would ter future. unique cakes, but at the Culinary World Cup the Roman Catholics, told reporters aboard be beautiful if all Islamic leaders, The Salezy Christian community sisters presented compositions made of sugar. his plane returning from a visit to whether they are political, religious or based in Istanbul assists more than 600 Turkey that he understood why academic leaders, would speak out people, including displaced Syrians, Muslims were offended by many in the clearly and condemn this because this Iraqis, African Christians and Muslims. Putin Submits Armenia’s Accession Bid to EEU to Duma MOSCOW (armradio.am) — Russian President Vladimir Putin submitted the treaty on Armenia’s accession to the Eurasian Economic Union to the Russian State Duma on December 2. The agreement was signed by the presidents of Russia, Armenia, Belarus and Kazakhstan on October 10, 2014. The accord is a basic document substantiating agreements between Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan on the terms of Armenia’s acces- sion to the union and seeking to lay a legal basis for the union’s functioning. Vienna Charitable Fair Proceeds to Aid Needy Children in Armenia VIENNA (Armenpress) — Armenia’s Permanent Representative Office to Vienna’s international organizations took part in the charity bazaar on November 28-29 organized by the United Nations Women’s Guild of Vienna. All proceeds will be directed to the implementation of programs to assist needy children. The Armenian stand present- ed souvenirs, jewelry and other goods of Armenian production. Participants enjoy the Armenian festival 3,000-Year-old Settlement Reveals More Than 5,000 People Attend Armenian Elements ISTANBUL (Public Radio of Armenia) — The dis- Armenian Festival in Buenos Aires covery of a large 3000-year-old settlement in Eastern Turkey was widely reported in BUENOS AIRES (Prensa Armenia) — The “Buenos Aires half million Armenians massacred.” That’s why the organizers Turkish media, last year, PeopleOfAr reports. Celebrates Armenia” festival organized by the Armenian com - distributed pots with the Forget-Me-Not flower, the symbol of The article reports that an archaeological settle- munity drew more than 5,000 people in Belgrano, Buenos the Armenian Genocide Centenary. ment dating back to 3,000 years ago was discovered Aires, on Saturday, in the eastern Tunceli province of Turkey. November 29. Thanks to the efforts of Turkish researcher With booths where you Serkan Erdogan from Faculty of Science and could taste the typical Letters of Bitlis Eren University, and Culture and dishes such as “shish Tourism Director of Tunceli Ismet Hakan Ulasoglu, kebab” or learn about the the settlement was discovered. ancient history and cul - What the report doesn’t mention however, is ture, the residents of that there are clearly visible old Armenian Buenos Aires shared a texts inscribed on the ancient stones found at the day of shows and perfor - sight. Whether the Turkish researchers are aware mances of Armenian of this or not remains a mystery. Nevertheless the dances, as well as a pre - Armenian traces are undeniable. Tunceli province sentation of the (formerly Dersim Province) was historically part of Symphony of the City of the Greater Armenian region of Sophene (Tsopk). Buenos Aires. Later it was annexed by the Byzantine Empire and Hugo Kuyumdjian, eventually occupied by the Seljuk Turks. member of the Armenian Nonetheless the Armenian population remained Revolutionary Federation thriving up until the first world war. After the in Buenos Aires, said that tragic events of the Armenian Genocide most of the “the art and culture dis - Armenian population has vanished from Eastern played was the same that Turkey including Dersim Province. the Turkish state tried to eliminate 100 years ago, Dancers at the Buenos Aires festival along with the one and a 4 S ATURDAY , D ECEMBER 6, 2014 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR INTERNATIONAL In Turkey, the Arts Flourish, but Warily Turkey, Russia

Erdogan’s, has downplayed concerns. “On the ist Orhan Pamuk has also been tried and acquit - Look to Shake up By Rachel Donadionov contrary, there is censorship within the estab - ted on the same charges. lished circles of culture and arts,” he told a “This was always the case in Turkey but it has Gas Market Turkish newspaper this month, referring to the become worse,” Shafak added. “Critical ISTANBUL (New York Times) — At a glitter - secular elites who dominated state-run cultural thought is clearly unwelcome. Media diversity ANKARA (Associated Press) — Turkey ing dinner on an island in the Bosporus here institutions in the past. “They socially oppress and media freedom have visibly shrunk. As a and Russia are looking to shake up the last week, Ali Gureli, the chairman of those who are not from a certain ideology.” result, there is a lot of self-censorship.” energy market in southeastern Europe, Contemporary Istanbul, the city’s annual art (Celik did not reply to requests for comment for Last year, the government proposed a new after Moscow scrapped a multibillion dol - fair, told hundreds of international collectors, this article.) law that would create an 11-person council lar pipeline project that was to cross the gallery owners and artists that Istanbul had Today, as part of the government’s family val - appointed directly by the cabinet to fund the region and instead sought to create a link secured its place as a global art capital. ues push, officials at state theaters say that they arts, project by project. Now, the government to Turkey. This metropolis, pulsing with energy, money must now send plot synopses for government allocates money to cultural institutions that are Spiraling tensions between Europe and and self-confidence, seems to prove him right. approval, and that gay characters rarely appear free to use it as they wish. Although the law is Russia were behind Moscow’s decision to Galleries abound. The Istanbul Design onstage anymore. Hemlines have been lowered still in draft form, cultural figures are concerned scrap the South Stream pipeline, which Biennial is in full swing. Three new private art on ballet costumes. The Presidential Symphony that the new council would be driven more by would have traveled through many museums are in the works, including one Orchestra of Turkey last month dropped com - politics than by art. Balkan states. Countries in the region on designed by the London-based star architect positions by the classical pianist Fazil Say, who After the Turkish republic was established in Tuesday were counting the political and Zaha Hadid. The rock and jazz scenes are thriv - had been charged with insulting religion after 1923, its founder and first president, Mustafa financial cost of the shift. Kemal Ataturk, looked to the West for cultural Turkey stands to benefit from the references, and age-old Turkish traditions were prospect of becoming a major transit repressed. In 1999, Erdogan was jailed for recit - country for Russian gas. Turkish Energy ing a poem with the line “our minarets are our Minister Taner Yildiz said Tuesday his bayonets” during the time when he was mayor government will study the Russian pro - of Istanbul. Since coming to national power in posal. 2002, Erdogan’s Justice and Development Yildiz said the proposal would boost Party has cast itself as the defender of obser - Turkish aims of becoming a world energy vant Muslims and Turkey’s rural heartland and hub but said it was too early to “pro - has recently been depicting state-sponsored the - nounce a final word.” ater, ballet and opera as vestiges of the secular “It will be studied and the results of the past. After consolidating power in consecutive study will be presented to our president elections, Erdogan has begun transforming and prime minister,” Yildiz said. state institutions. In a speech in 2012, he criti - In the European countries that were cized the secular elites for their previous hold preparing for the South Stream to cross on culture. their territories, governments were assess - “Is theater in this country your monopoly?” ing the fallout of the project’s collapse. he said. “Are you the only people allowed to Hungary in particularly had been a pro - speak about arts in this country? Those days ponent of the project, clashing with are over.” the European Union, which was opposed He also said: “With privatization, go ahead to its building amid concerns of allowing and stage your theater as you desire. If funding Russia to own a pipeline on the bloc’s ter - The scene at Contemporary Istanbul, an annual event in a country that is staking a claim to being a is needed, we, as the government, will sponsor ritory. world cultural center. and support the plays we want.” Hungary’s opposition parties said But government influence could be felt even Tuesday that Russia’s decision to cancel earlier. Lemi Bilgin, 58, who was ousted as the South Stream pipeline shows Prime ing. A Turkish film, “Winter Sleep,” took the he reposted on Twitter a message that mocked director of state theaters in 2013 after he open - Minister Viktor Orban was wrong to cozy top prize at the Cannes International Film an imam. A cartoonist who made fun of ly criticized the government’s plans to change up to Moscow. The Liberal Party said it Festival this year. Erdogan in a cartoon was tried on defamation how arts funding is allocated, said the pressure was an “ugly and spectacular” failure by But beneath the surface, a different picture and other charges but later acquitted in a case has grown since 2002. the government. emerges. Artists say they are increasingly sub - that resonated as a warning to would-be critics. “First, they started asking which plays we Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter ject to state pressure or intervention, or with - Last month, several jurors of the Antalya planned to include in our repertoire,” he said. Szijjarto said the government will look for drawal of funding by the government, which is international film festival, which received pri - “Then they began suggesting plays by conserv - new options to improve its long-term sup - led by the party founded by President Recep vate and public funding, quit in protest after fes - ative playwrights,” including Necip Fazil ply of energy. Tayyip Erdogan, whose no-holds-barred capital - tival officials canceled a film about the Gezi Kisakurek, a 20th-century writer who was sym - ism has helped fuel the creative boom but Park uprising. (They later reinstated it.) CNN pathetic to the anti-Semitic forgery The whose conservative Muslim sensibility has shift - Turk, a private broadcaster, recently pixilated Protocols of the Elders of Zion and whose work in the modern sense. Beyond direct crackdowns ed the national tone after decades in which a the private parts in Rubens’s 17th-century Erdogan often quotes in speeches. on artists, cultural figures say that Mr. Erdogan secular elite ran the country. painting, “The Three Graces,” in a program Last year, the government sold two leading has set a tone in which his conservative con - Censorship is nothing new in Turkey, where about conventions of beauty, to avoid the risk theaters in Ankara, which together drew audi - stituents feel emboldened to defend their values past governments jailed critics, pulped books of fines for indecency. Public-school teachers ences of more than half a million people a year, and suppress others. and suppressed the cultures of ethnic minori - have been investigated for teaching books by to a private business group. The fate of these The creative class is anxious about where the ties, including Kurds. But today — after the June John Steinbeck and Amin Maalouf after parents sites remains unclear. “In theater, you can government’s culture policy is headed. “We 2013 protests in Gezi Park revealed the depth complained that they were inappropriate. always be subject to pressure and censorship, haven’t seen this play out yet,” said Banu of public anger at the government’s increasing - “The governing party has introduced a climate but you find a way to get around it,” Bilgin said. Karaca, a founder of Siyah Bant, an organiza - ly top-down exercise of power — cultural figures in Turkey in which the pious person is a more “But if you rip apart the institutions and take tion that monitors arts censorship in Turkey. describe a climate of anxiety and self-censorship acceptable citizen,” said Baris Uluocak, the direc - away the venues for the artist to perform, it Yet civil society has evolved. The Gezi Park because the government’s standards for what it tor of an Istanbul branch of a teachers’ union, leaves you no room to struggle, and that is the demonstrations emboldened young people considers offensive keep shifting. some of whose members have been punished for most dangerous form of oppression.” whose parents lived through military dictator - “There are these invisible boundaries,” said criticizing the government on social media. Many in the Turkish film world say festivals ships and tended to avoid protest. Under Mr. the artist Iz Oztat, 33, who was asked to remove The novelist Elif Shafak was tried in 2006 have begun avoiding potentially risky movies Erdogan, ethnic minorities have been acknowl - a mention of the Armenian genocide of 1915 in and later acquitted of criminal charges of for fear of losing government money. There is edged, if not entirely empowered. In 2008, the a booklet she wrote for an exhibition in Madrid “insulting Turkishness” for a novel, The Bastard also widespread concern after the Culture Turkish state broadcaster added a Kurdish TV last year that received Turkish government of Istanbul, that explored the killings of Ministry last year changed the ground rules to channel and Kurdish radio station, as well as funding. “You don’t know they’re there until Ottoman Armenians by Turks in 1915, which require filmmakers to give back state financing those for Arabic and other regional languages. you cross them.” She added: “That’s what’s so Turkey does not recognize as genocide. “Every if the ministry ended up giving the film in ques - “It’s easier to talk about the past now,” said oppressive. There are no rules.” writer, journalist or poet in Turkey knows deep tion an 18-and-over rating. the novelist Kaya Genc, “but it’s still problemat - For his part, Omer Celik, the minister of cul - within that words can get you in trouble,” The landscape is complex. There has never ic to talk about the present.” ture and tourism and a close confidant of Shafak said. The Turkish Nobel laureate novel - been a strong tradition of free speech in Turkey, Sebnem Arsu contributed reporting. New Zealand Writer Presents Book on Armenian Genocide

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (Armenpress) just a novel, but, as you know, the words are 1930 during Soviet Communist times, explor - countries spread their influence across North — The presentation of the book dedicated to stronger than the arms. Countries were ing the challenges of life in the Armenian vil - Africa, Europe and Asia.The heroes are ordi - the memory of the victims of the Armenian destroyed by thoughts. Though this novel lage of Arpa, which is renamed Areni in later nary people. Each of the five individuals, rep - Genocide, Origins: Discovery , written by New has been written with a contrary objective: to years. One of the villagers doesn’t know that resenting small nations or communities, plays Zealand writer Len Wicks, was held recently. bring peace to Armenia and its neighbors. As she has a secret within her of monumental a key role in the settlement of this conflict, The book also pays tribute to the memory of the book was written by a West’s representa - significance.In 1937, a single decision although one of them is sacrificing his life. the soldiers who arrived from Australia and tive, it was intended to open the hearts of the changes the past that we know today — an The former Prime Minister of New Zealand New Zealand to Gallipoli on April 25 1915 to readers of the western countries,” said alternative history. When in 1941, Japan Phil Goff wrote in his message to the writer fight against the Ottoman Turks, responsible Wicks. decided to attack the with the that the Armenian Genocide is one of the for the Armenian Genocide. Origins: Discovery is an epic story set dur - Axis allies, it caused the fall of the communist most terrible events in the human history “I was inspired by my Armenian wife and ing the greatest conflict in history. The book state. The United States did not involve in the and must not be forgotten. the visit to Armenia to write the book. This is is written in three Parts. The story starts in war, as it actually happened, and the Axis S ATURDAY , D ECEMBER 6, 2014 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 5 Community Ne ws

Cleveland Parish Marks 50th Khatchig Anniversary Mouradian

CLEVELAND, Ohio — St. Church of Richmond Heights celebrated its Makes His 50th anniversary on November 15 and 16. Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America Move (Eastern), traveled to Cleveland to take part in the weekend’s activities. On Saturday evening, November 15, the com - munity gathered for a banquet. Master of cere - By Tom Vartabedian monies Ara Bagdasarian opened the program with welcoming remarks. WATERTOWN — It wasn’t enough edit - Peter Zahirsky, the grandson of the late Dr. ing the Armenian Weekly for seven years Kegham Goekjian, who was the godfather of St. and coping with all the demands journal - Gregory of Narek Church, spoke about the ism places on one’s life. Sleepless hours. vision and legacy established by the church’s Deadlines. Circulation concerns. Where founders. the next story will originate. A busy writ - Parish Council Chair Mona Karoghlanian and ing schedule that never relaxes. Anniversary Committee Chair Cindy Russell Nor did it suffice to meander around reflected on the strong community ties at St. historic Armenia, cultivate his deep-root - Gregory Church, and looked ahead to the next ed ancestry, and remain close to his fami - chapter of St. Gergory’s history. ly in Beirut. “We are a small but mighty parish,” said the Add the pursuit of a doctorate to the Rev. Hratch Sargsyan, the parish’s current pas - From left, George R. Phillips Esq., Suzie Phillips, Elizabeth Agbabian and Honoree mix, a host of speaking engagements tor. “For 50 years, St. Gregory of Narek has Dr. Mihran Agbabian throughout the land, a second graduate opened her doors to countless Armenian fami - degree from UMass/Boston and you may lies for worship, spiritual nourishment, and cul - get an idea of the topsy-turvy life of tural life.” Khatchig Mouradian. Also taking part in the celebration were some AMAA, Haigazian There are no pretensions of grandeur of the parish’s former pastors: the Rev. Nersess Jebejian (who served at St. Gregory from 1961 to 64); the Rev. Diran Papazian (1972-85); the University Tribute to Rev. Arshag Khatchadourian (1967-72) and the Very Rev. Simeon Odabashian (1992-99). Each of the clergymen was presented with a Agbabian, Phillips plaque in appreciation of his years of service to St. Gregory of Narek Church. In addition, a Raises more than $400,000 for Outreach, Education plaque was dedicated to the entire community for their dedication over the last five decades; it BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. — For the very first time, the Armenian Missionary will be displayed in the church narthex. Association of America (AMAA) and Haigazian University co-sponsored a gala “Fifty years ago, through an act of creativity event to benefit both organizations. The Celebratory Banquet at the Beverly Hills and imagination, you built this structure, filled Hotel on November 15, 2014 honored two highly esteemed members of the com - it with your spirit of faith and dedication, and munity, Dr. Mihran Agbabian and George R. Phillips, Esq., who have supported not transformed it into a living Armenian Christian only the two organizations, but have rendered their time, expertise, and resources sanctuary,” Archbishop Barsamian said. to a multitude of worthy causes. Both honorees are former AMAA and Haigazian “Never forget that in this church, you have University Board Members. created a legacy for future generations: a bless - A program designed by the Co-Chairs Joyce Abdulian and Ken Kevorkian and ing that will only grow in years to come. You AMAA’s West Coast Executive Director Levon Filian, paid sincere tribute to the with this individual, just a man on a mis - have built a stage on which your children can be honorees and emphasized the missions of the two organizations. Filian sion to change his life, discover newer inspired, encouraged and trained, to take up announced that “when you have a good cause and a good committee plus great challenges and bring added homage to his their own places in the leadership of this parish, honorees and God’s blessings, the results are a complete success.” The invocation fellow Armenians. Wisdom and knowl - and in the service of God.” was offered by Rev. Dr. John Khanjian, former president of Haigazian University. edge have remained a work in progress. A brief film, titled “Speaking with God from The families of both honorees, who are life proponents of education and phil - It hasn’t been easy for this Lebanese the Depths of the Heart,” featured reflections anthropy, were present as Savey Tufenkian introduced Dr. Agbabian and Joyce immigrant, especially the doctorate and from parishioners. The evening concluded with Philibosian Stein, introduced Phillips. the manner in which this was pursued. live Armenian music and dancing. Tufenkian underscored Agbabian’s efforts to help Armenia after the 1988 earth - During the first two years of his studies at Also present at the banquet was Diocesan quake. Agbabian, a distinguished graduate of the American University of Beirut, Clark University, he commuted by bus, Council member the Very. Rev. Aren Jebejian Cal Tech and UC Berkeley, is an authority in seismic engineering and the found - train and taxi to get from Watertown to and the Diocese’s director of administration ing president and president emeritus of AUA. He is also a recipient of the Ellis Worcester for coursework. The occasional Jacob H. Yahiayan. Island Medal of Honor. This former Dean of Engineering at USC, and past Vice snowstorms only made it more difficult. A Deacon Ordained President of the AMAA, recalled “working with George Phillips in support of var - There was one scholarship to be had for On Sunday morning, Barsamian celebrated ious organizations, large and small,” and said he was “grateful to God and thank - genocidal studies and it went to the Divine Liturgy, with Sargsyan assisting. ful for the challenge to serve.” Mouradian During the service, parishioner Ari Terjanian Stein described Phillips, as a trusted friend and advisor and anticipated that his “Real or metaphorical, it was a typical was ordained to the diaconate. work “will continue to bear fruit.” Phillips, a graduate of UCLA and UCLA Law time in my life from 2010 to 2011,” he Originally from St. Stepanos Church in School and founder of the oldest Armenian law firm in Los Angeles, is a firm recalls. “It was a two-hour commute each Elberon, NJ, Terjanian studied at Indiana believer in education. He was named the C & E Merdinian School “Man of the way. I was blessed to be surrounded with University and moved to Cleveland two years Year” in 2007 and was also recognized as “Man of the Year” by the AGBU for his good colleagues, particularly Nanore ago to pursue a career in finance. He serves as service to the Armenian Community in So. Calif. He praised the AMAA, founded Barsoumian and Nayiri Arzoumanian the choir director at St. Gregory of Narek 96 years ago, and Haigazian University for their foundations of faith and affirmed who not only made my life easy but also Church. the Christian values underscored at Haigazian University, stressing that “every per - made me look good.” At a reception following services the commu - son can make a difference through their actions.” These days Mouradian, in addition to nity congratulated Terjanian on his ordination. A Korean War veteran, Phillips, in his response, remembered the attack on Pearl finishing his doctorate, is coordinator of He was presented with a new deacon’s stole and Harbor when he was 13 and also indicated that Armenian history seemed to be the Armenian Genocide Program at a series of books authored by Karekin I, the late repeating itself from 100 years ago. Rutgers University, a position he’s held Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Biographical videos were shown of each of the honorees, as the guests watched since 2011, undoubtedly one that’s tailor Armenians. with awe. The recipients responded generously and humbly. The audience was cap - made to fit his persona. “The word deacon is derived from the tivated by every word that the honorees offered in acceptance. He teaches history and sociology as Greek diakonos , which means servant,” Zaven Khanjian, recently-installed executive director and CEO of the AMAA in adjunct professor and is also a doctoral Terjanian said. “I derive great joy from serving Paramus, NJ, and Rev. Dr. Paul Haidostian, president of Haigazian University, candidate at the Strassler Center and a the Armenian Church.” addressed the audience of 400. On behalf of the AMAA, Khanjian saluted the hon - Calouste Gulbenkian Armenian Studies Parishioners once again emphasized the orees, “who have spent a lifetime in the service of the Lord, our people and Fellow. strong sense of community present at St. see TRIBUTE, page 8 see MOURADIAN, page 7 Gregory of Narek Church, and said the see CLEVELAND, page 8 6 S ATURDAY , D ECEMBER 6, 2014 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMUNITY NEWS Holy Trinity Dedicates Church Plaza to Garabed Baghdasar and Haiganoush Hagopian Hollisian Synergy Investments Adds Pam Adamian as Director BOSTON (Boston Business Times) — ment strategies for the portfolio. Due to her CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — “Today was the fulfill - very little. She arrived in the United States from Synergy Investments, a Boston-based real extensive background and diverse skill set, ment of a beautiful story and an immigrant’s the Village of Kutbeleh. She arrived very young estate investment and development firm, Adamian will not only increase the effective - dream. It’s a witness to her faith. It’s a witness and was single. She found work at a shoe fac - announced that Pam Adamian has joined ness and efficiency of Synergy’s Asset to what those early immigrant Armenians went tory in the Roxbury area, earning $7 per week. their Boston team as a director in the Asset Management Department, but will also help through to make it here in this new land, and it She was introduced to a young man named Management Group. foster relationships and maintain a high- reminds us from where we all came. So from Garabed Baghdasar Hollisian originally from “As we continue to grow our portfolio level of service and personal interaction her eternal life, Haiganoosh is still connected to Kharpert. They married and eventually bought with strategic and notable acquisitions, we with the firm’s respective clients. our parish. May she feel blessed today,” stated a house together. They raised their family of are pleased to welcome Pam to the firm in a “Synergy has built a solid reputation for Fr. Vasken A. Kouzouian, pastor of Holy Trinity four children in that home. The years passed director-level role,” commented Maura identifying, acquiring, and managing high- Armenian Church. and life went on. Moffatt, managing director of investments profile assets in the Greater Boston area, In a heart-warming dedication ceremony on Zevart Hollisian is the last member of the at Synergy. “Pam brings a wealth of indus - and has established itself as a major player Sunday, November 23, the parishioners of Holy family she was born into. When she came to try knowledge and valuable experience to in the real estate investment industry over Trinity Armenian Church turned out to honor Holy Trinity Church to deliver her check to the team, and will significantly increase the last 11 years,” said Adamian. “I am one of their own — Zevart Hollisian — who, in Kouzouian, she was fulfilling her mother’s wish Synergy’s overall asset management capabil - thrilled to be joining a firm with intelligent fulfilling the wishes of her mother, Haiganoush to thank God and her church for helping her ities. Her addition is a testament to our abil - leadership, a talented team, and a proven Hagopian Hollisian, donated $400,000 to Holy arrive in America and establish a new begin - ity to attract high-caliber leaders to the investment strategy. I look forward to uti - Trinity Church. In gratitude to the family, in a ning. She wanted to thank God for the success firm.” lizing my diverse skills and management way that will stand as a lasting testimony to of her children; that they each had their own As a seasoned professional with over 25 capabilities to further the success of the their generosity, the front plaza of Holy Trinity home and that each was better off than when years of real estate management experience, firm.” Church was dedicated and named the “Garabed she first arrived to America. Haiganoosh’s way Adamian brings a wealth of best practices Adamian received her Bachelor of Arts Baghdasar and Haiganoosh Hagopian Hollisian of expressing her gratitude was to donate the and expert insights that are essential to Degree in Political Science and Government Plaza.” original house on Massachusetts Avenue in managing the substantial growth of the from the University of Vermont and her Hollisian cut the ceremonial ribbon sur - Cambridge — the house that she and Garabed Synergy portfolio. Prior to joining Synergy, Master of Business Administration Degree rounded by parishioners, family and friends, raised their children in — to her parish, Holy Adamian served as Vice President of Asset from Boston University. Originally from and the granite marker, inscribed with the Trinity Armenian Church. Management at New Boston Fund for 13 Greenwich, Connecticut, she currently name of the plaza, was unveiled. The Holy Trinity Church parish is deeply years, where she was responsible for all resides in Arlington, Massachusetts, where True to so many of her generation, grateful to Zevart Hollisian and her late parents financial, strategic, transactional, and she is an active participant in her communi - Haiganoosh Hagopian came to America with for this gift. administrative aspects for notable projects ty. In addition to being a Certified including One Park Square, Waterford Apartment Portfolio Supervisor, she is a Center, and BayView Corporate Center. five-year active member of the National Pam also held management positions at TA Apartment Association (NAA) and a ten-year Associates Realty, New England Mutual Life member of the National Multi-Housing Insurance Company, and John Hancock. Council (NMHC). As a director, Adamian will be responsible Synergy was founded by David Greaney in for maximizing the performance and value 2003. Its current portfolio encompasses of Synergy’s real estate holdings and the over 3.5 million square feet across 30 prop - implementation of long-term asset manage - erties in metropolitan Boston.

GF UiNrEaRgAoL sHiaOMn E James “Jack” Giragosian, CPC Mark J. Giragosian Funeral Counselors 576 Mt. Auburn Street, Watertown, MA 02472, TEL: 617-924—0606 www.giragosianfuneralhome.com Dedication Ceremony conducted by Fr. Vasken A. Kouzouian

OBITUARY DENNIS M. DEVENEY & SONS Former Primate of Brazil Archbishop Cemetery Monuments Datev Gharibian Dies Specializing in Armenian Designs and Lettering SAO PAULO, Brazil — On November 26, Archbishop Datev Gharibian died here after 701 Moody St. Waltham, MA 02543 developing renal failure following a kidney (781) 891-9876 www.NEMonuments.com transplant. He was 77, and one of the senior Members of the Brotherhood of the Mother See of Holy Echmiadzin. Serving as the primate of the Armenian Diocese of Brazil since 1980, Gharibian left his Telephone (617) 924-7400 primate position last year due to health prob - lems. His death is a great loss to the Armenian Aram Bedrosian Apostolic Church and her faithful children. Archbishop Datev Gharibian (baptismal name was Hovhannes) was born on April 15, 1937 in Funeral Home, Inc. Aleppo, Syria. He entered the St. James Continuous Service By The Bedrosian Family Since 1945 Theological Seminary of the Patriarchate of Jerusalem and graduated in 1963. MARION BEDROSIAN He was ordained a celibate priest by the 558 MOUNT AUBURN STREET PAUL BEDROSIAN Patriarch of Jerusalem Archbishop Yeghishe WATERTOWN, MA 02472 LARRY BEDROSIAN Derderian and given the priestly name of Datev. From 1966 to 1980, Gharibian served the Armenian Church in Argentina as the spiri - tual pastor to the Armenian faithful Edward D. Jamakordzian, Jr. d/b/a of Cordoba. In 1980 he was elected to serve as Archbishop Datev Gharibian the Primate of the Armenian Diocese of Brazil. In 1984, he was consecrated as a bishop by Edward D. Jamie, Jr. then Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All He had received the order the “St. Lazarus Armenians, Vazken I. In 1993 he was elevated the Great Cross” and an honorary diploma from Funeral Chapel to the rank of archbishop. the Universidade de Sao Paulo, Brazil. Serving the entire Armenian Community Any Hour • Any Distance • Any Location Call (718) 224-2390 Toll Free (888) 224-6088

ADVERTISE IN THE MIRROR-SPECTATOR Bus. Reg. 189-06 Liberty Ave., Hollis, NY 11412 Consultation Office: 217-04 Northern Blvd., (Suite 23), Bayside,NY 11361 S ATURDAY , D ECEMBER 6, 2014 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 7 COMMUNITY NEWS California Gang Member Sentenced to 32 Years in Federal Prison

LOS ANGELES (Santa Clarita Valley and runners to deposit and cash hundreds of of felony grand theft for his role in a 2004 mented members and hundreds of associates — Signal) — A leader of the Armenian Power thousands of dollars in fraudulent checks debit card fraud scheme. is responsible for violent criminal acts, includ - gang, who was convicted at trial of 57 counts drawn on the accounts of elderly bank cus - “No community is safe from the defendant ing murders, attempted murders, kidnappings, for his role in a racketeering conspiracy that tomers and businesses. — not the members of his own Armenian- robberies, extortions and witness intimidation. included extortion, bank fraud, and a sophisti - Darbinyan also organized and operated a American community and not the members The Armenian Power cases were investigated cated credit and debit card skimming scheme, sophisticated debit card skimming operation of the multiple communities throughout by the Eurasian Organized Crime Task Force, was sentenced early in November to 32 years in targeting customers of 99 Cents Only Stores Southern California that he has victimized which is comprised of the FBI, the Glendale prison. across Southern California. This expansive through his widespread fraud schemes,” pros - Police Department, the Los Angeles Police Mher Darbinyan, 39, of Valencia, was sen - scheme involved the installation and use of ecutors wrote in a sentencing memorandum Department, the Burbank Police Department, tenced by US District Judge R. Gary Klausner, skimmers to steal thousands of customers’ filed with the court that recommended the the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department, Internal who described the defendant’s string of crimes debit card numbers and PIN codes. 32-year sentence. Revenue Service — Criminal Investigation, US as “heinous.” Evidence presented during a trial earlier Darbinyan was among 90 individuals charged Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Darbinyan — who was also known as this year also showed that Darbinyan con - in 2011 in two indictments targeting Armenian Homeland Security Investigations, and the US “Hollywood Mike” and “Capone” — was a leader spired to extort money from a member of the Power. To date, 87 individuals have been con - Secret Service. The Huntington Beach Police of Armenian Power, a gang responsible for Armenian community by threatening vio - victed (two defendants are fugitives, and prose - Department and Beverly Hills Police extortion, firearms offenses, fraud and identity lence against the victim and his family mem - cutors dismissed charges against one defen - Department provided assistance. theft throughout the Los Angeles area. Among bers. Additionally, on two separate occasions, dant). According to evidence presented during The cases are being prosecuted by the United other offenses, Darbinyan operated a sophisti - Darbinyan possessed firearms and ammuni - the Armenian Power trials, the street gang — States Attorney’s Office and the Organized cated bank fraud scheme that used middlemen tion after having previously been convicted which is believed to have more than 250 docu - Crime and Gang Section in the Criminal

Armenian scholars. Prof. Matthew Jendian Jendian is the recipient of several honors, including the 2012 President’s Award of Excellence presented by the University Advisory Board at Fresno Receives Trailblazer Award State in recognition of integrity, lead - ership and commitment to the univer - FRESNO — Dr. Matthew Ari Jendian was hon - owner of the California Advocate Les Kimber, sity and community; the 2008 ored along with eight other community leaders community advocate Chue April Vue, and “Provost’s Award for Faculty Service”; at the third Annual Trailblazers for Prosperity posthumous recognition for Fresno Police the 2007 “Social Action Award” from Awards Luncheon by the Southeast Fresno Sergeant Salvador Mosqueda. Temple Beth Israel; and the 2007 Community Economic Development Each of the recipients was introduced by “Amigo Award,” presented by Vida en Association (SEFCEDA) on November 12, at KFSN-ABC 30 News Anchor Graciela Moreno El Valle to a non-Latino individual or the Fresno Fairgrounds. who served as master of ceremonies, and Organization that has worked tireless - Each year the Board of Directors of SEFCE - SEFCEDA Board President Dr. Nellie Neri and ly on behalf of the Latino community. DA nominates and selects individuals that have CEO Jose Leon Barraza presented the awards. He was nominated for the 2009 opened the trails for the prosperity of future Several of Dr. Jendian’s former students were Dr. Matthew Jendian receives a Trailblazers for Prosperity “California Campus Compact Cone generations and for the benefit of others. in attendance to honor and congratulate him, Award from SEFCEDA CEO Jose Leon Barraza. Award” for Excellence & Leadership in Recognized for their leadership in Education including Estela Acebedo-Gonzalez (Graduate cultivating Community Partnerships and Training, this year’s recipients were: in Student in Social Work), Kelvin Alfaro and has written and received national addition to Jendian, Dr. Katherine Flores, (Program Officer at Fresno Regional Brenda Noriega (Hispanic Ministry Coordinator and federal grants to develop curricula that Retired Counselor Diana Rodriques, Sunnyside Foundation), Bertha Dominguez (Education at the Roman Catholic Diocese of Fresno), and engage university students in capacity-building High School Principal Tim Liles, Roosevelt Director at UC San Francisco), Raymundo Jose Ramirez (Urban Planner Associate at work with Community Benefit Organizations High School Principal Bryan Wells, founder- Gonzalez (Hospitality Manager at Fleming’s), Sigala, Inc.). (CBOs) in Central California. Jendian is a tenured full professor and chair Jendian has served as a board member for of sociology at California State University, several CBOs including Nonprofit Leadership Fresno and founding director of Fresno State’s Alliance (formerly American Humanics, Inc.), Humanics Program. Humanics@FresnoState Buchanan Babe Ruth Baseball Association Inc., transforms lives and perspectives on leadership Fresno Nonprofit Advancement Council, Fresno and philanthropy and positively impacts indi - Housing Alliance, and Relational Cultural viduals, organizations, and communities. Institute and as an external evaluator with local He was born and raised in Fresno and and multinational CBOs, including Porterville received his Bachelor of Arts in sociology and College and the Armenian General Benevolent minor degrees in psychology and Armenian Union. Studies from Fresno State (1991) and his PhD Jendian is a lifetime member of Alpha Kappa from USC (2001). He wrote Becoming Delta International and an ordained Deacon of American, Remaining Ethnic (LFB Scholarly the Armenian Church. He and his wife, Pam, Publishing, 2008) and was honored in Menk , an reside in Clovis with their sons, Joshua and encyclopedia of biographies of prominent Nicholas.

Khatchig Mouradian Makes His Move

MOURADIAN, from page 5 at his grasp of the Turkish language and his Two new courses explore the darkest side of ability to get around difficult places. Author the 19th and early 20th century empires in col - Chris Bohjalian is another favorite traveling laboration with The Genocide Education companion. Project which does yeoman’s work in our com - Asked what his two favorite sports in the uni - munity. No harm in mentioning the courses: verse were, the answer was stoic — rocks! One “Amending Atrocities” and “Imperialism and near the fortress overlooking Palu and the Mass Violence.” other in Moks, surveying the mountainous ter - Mouradian has visited Historic Armenia more rain of Van. Standing alone is the island of than 10 times since 2010, something that has Gdouts on Lake Van. impacted his outlook on life tremendously. “There is precious little in life that makes me Close friend George Aghjayan says he is amazed happier than being with friends and loved ones in these places,” he confirms, “I enjoy having tea with the locals, listening to their stories and Seeking Advertising dancing with the waters.” As for role models, nobody would replace his Representative own mother in that category, pointing to the woman’s resiliency, dedication and love as The is Armenian Mirror-Spectator extreme qualities. seeking a part-time advertising sales Put a chess board in front of him and be pre - representative, starting immediately. pared for a game of intellect. He taught chess to Salary will be based on commission his youngest sisters (Suzanne and Knarik) in only. Hours are flexible. the late 1990s and both girls upstaged their brother, winning championships in Lebanon If interested in the position, contact and throughout the Arab World. Knarik went Hasmik Saroyan at 617-924-4420 or one better, winning a men’s title against some email resume and contact information to of the world’s finest players. [email protected] He was succeeded at the Armenian Weekly by Barsoumian. 8 S ATURDAY , DECEMBER 6, 2014 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMUNITY NEWS

Papazian, Very Rev. Jirayr Tashjian and Deacon Cleveland Parish Marks 50th Anniversary Nersess Jebejian. The church’s godfather, Kegham K. Goekjian, suggested naming the house of worship “St. CLEVELAND, from page 5 Building a Dream August of that year. A little more than a year Gregory of Narek Armenian Church” in honor anniversary celebration was an opportunity to The first Armenian parish was organized in later, on April 12, 1964, the new church was of the 10th-century Armenian monk who renew their commitment to upholding the Cleveland in 1911-12. The community did not consecrated by Archbishop Sion Manoogian, authored the Book of Lamentations , a master - Armenian faith and heritage. own a permanent sanctuary, and for many years the late Primate of the Eastern Diocese, with piece of Armenian mystical poetry. “On this joyous occasion I congratulate Der services were held only a few times a year at var - the assistance of the Very Rev. Vasken The church’s cultural hall was dedicated in ious churches in Kebreslian, Rev. Arnak Kasparian, Rev. Diran April 1972. the area. It was not until 1950 that a cam - paign was launched to collect funds for a new church and cultural hall. The present seven-acre property was pur - chased in April 1958, and two years later the com - munity welcomed Vasken I, the late Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of Clergy and altar servers at St. Gregory of Narek Church. All Armenians, who blessed the newly acquired property Hratch and all of my brothers and sisters at St. and encouraged the community to complete Gregory of Narek Church,” Odabashian said. “May the construction project. this anniversary be an opportunity for further The groundbreaking ceremony was held on growth, spiritual renewal, and Christian zeal.” March 11, 1962, and construction began in AMAA, Haigazian University Tribute to Agbabian, Phillips

TRIBUTE, from page 5 humanity. We bow to the legacy of their service and place them on a pedestal of honor as role models for us all.” He clearly remembered his family’s journey to the US from the Middle East as a direct result of war and unrest. He spoke compassionately about the AMAA and its “mission of rescue.” Haidostian emphasized the impor - tance of being positive examples to the world. He called Haigazian “constructively unique” and thanked everyone in the room for supporting the University. The printed program contained greetings from the co-chairs, biographies of the honorees, and congratulatory messages from Dr. From left, Banquet Co-Chair Joyce Abdulian, Dr. Mihran Joe Zeronian, president of the Agbabian and Savey Tufenkian AMAA, who thanked “all those who are in attendance this evening,” Dr. Ani Darakjian, Chair of the Armenian Evangelical Union of North America, Haigazian University Board of Trustees, and the on behalf of the AEUNA and its Acting Minister, Trustees of the Stephen Philibosian Rev. Hendrik Shanazarian, praised the guests of honor for their dedication and commitment. Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, who had just arrived from Armenia, brought greetings from the Western Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church and expressed his congratulations to the worthy honorees and organi - zations. Certificates were presented to the recipients whose wives, Elizabeth Agbabian and Suzie Phillips, are founding/continuing members of the Haigazian University Women’s Auxiliary of LA and the AMAA Child and Orphan Care Committee. The event raised more than $400,000 for important outreach and educa - From left, George R. Phillips, Esq., Joyce Philibosian Stein and tional programs. Banquet Co-Chair Ken Kevorkian Founded in 1918, the AMAA is committed to excellence in all of its worldwide projects, including Foundation, plus the appreciation lists of spon - Haigazian University and the new state-of-the- sors, supporters, and committee members. art Avedisian School and Community Center in A beautiful musical program featured the clas - Yerevan. sically trained voice of Soprano Julia Metzler, Haigazian University, established in Beirut in who selected arias from Purcell, Strauss and 1955, offers over a dozen programs and Hovhaness, and was accompanied by Victoria bestows BA, BBA, BS, MA, and MBA degrees. Simonian. The American and Armenian anthems Believing that education never stops, Haigazian were presented by Kerbabian. University also offers classes through its Center Rev. Ron Tovmassian, moderator of the of Continuing Education. S ATURDAY , DECEMBER 6, 2014 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 9 COMMUNITY NEWS Jack Hadjinian is Montebello’s Armenian Assembly, ANCA Discuss First Armenian-American Mayor Armenian-American Issues at MONTEBELLO , Calif. (Contra Costa Times) Councilwoman Vivian Romero called the — Councilman Jack Hadjinian was elected evening special. Columbia University mayor Tuesday, November 26, becoming the “It was truly a historic moment,” Romero first Armenian-American to be selected to that said. “Here we are in 2014 and we’ve never had NEW YORK — Last week, the Armenian Society of Columbia University in New York position. a Armenian mayor,” Romero said. “It also is the City hosted a panel discussion titled “The Armenian Lobby: Challenges and Nearly 800 were present at the meeting held 100th anniversary of the Armenian genocide. Opportunities.” The discussion brought together the Armenian Assembly of America in Bagramian Hall at the Holy Cross Armenian That makes it even more special.” (Assembly) and the Armenian National Apostolic Cathedral. Many public officials from Southern Committee of America (ANCA), the two California attended the meeting, including By Taniel Koushakjian Armenian advocacy groups in Washington, Sheriff-elect Jim McDonnell who swore in DC. Hadjinian as mayor, and Los Angeles City Haik Ter-Nersesyan, president of the Councilman Paul Krekorian. Armenian Society, opened the discussion and welcomed the audience. He introduced the “It’s a great moment for you and your family panel and served as the evening’s moderator. and a great moment for Armenian-Americans ANCA Eastern Region Director Armen Sahakyan began with an overview of the cur - everywhere,” Krekorian said. rent legislative priorities of the Armenian American community, namely the US reaffir - Also present was Archbishop Moushegh mation of the Armenian Genocide, US assistance to Armenia and Nagorno Karabagh Mardirossian, who is prelate of the Armenian (Artsakh), US assistance to Christians in the Middle East particularly those in Syria, Apostolic Church of America. He delivered the assistance to the Javakh region of Georgia, and stopping the aggression of Azerbaijan invocation at the meeting. President Ilham Aliyev against the people of Artsakh. Sahakyan talked about the latest Hadjinian said he was “humbled and grate - challenges facing Armenia, the South Caucasus region, and Armenian American efforts ful” to be named mayor. to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide in 2015. “As a native resident of Montebello whose Assembly Communications Director Taniel Koushakjian provided an overview of the roots go back three generations, my love and challenges and opportunities facing the Armenian American community. He took the commitment to the growth and prosperity of audience through the Assembly’s 42-year history, discussing the past challenges of the Montebello has grown even deeper,” he said. Armenian Assembly and its accomplishments. Koushakjian talked about the founding “My inspiration comes from my family,” he fathers of the Assembly and the launch of the first internship program for Armenian stu - said. “It was in this city that my grandfather dents of Armenian descent, known today as the Assembly’s Terjenian-Thomas Summer and uncles all purchased their first homes to Internship Program in Washington. experience the American dream.” Koushakjian highlighted the role of the Assembly prior to Armenia’s independence, such as assistance provided during the 1988 earthquake in Gumri. He noted that “the Jack Hadjinian As mayor, Hadjinian said he wants the coun - cil to get along. “We don’t always agree on the issues, but we “Today is a historic day,” said Araksya can agree that we are passionate about the Karapetyan, a Fox 11 news anchor. “I’m so good will of the city,” he said. “Next year will proud as an Armenian to be standing before require some tough decisions to be made. We you. This is not just a big day. It’s an important must work together for benefit of the city.” day for all Armenians living in America.” The council in the next year is expected to Hadjinian, who was elected to the Montebello have decide on a proposed housing develop - City Council in 2011, succeeded Bill Molinari as ment in the Montebello hills as well how to pro - mayor. Councilman Art Barajas was elected vide relief for blockages caused by trains on mayor pro tem. four streets in south Montebello.

ArmenianHeritagePark.org

From left, Stepan Atamian, Taniel Koushakjian, Haik Ter-Nersesyan, Armen Sahakyan and LivingLegacy Aram Balian Assembly was founded 19 years before the Third Republic of Armenia was established following the fall of the Soviet Union,” adding that “As the region evolved, so too, has the Armenian Assembly.” & Tribute “The anti-Armenian pogroms in Baku, Sumgait and Kirovabad, Azerbaijan between 1988-1991, the declarations of independence by Armenia and Nagorno Karabagh, and the 1991-1994 NK War brought a new set of challenges to ,” Koushakjian said. At the same time, Armenia’s independence brought new opportunities, reminding the audience that “now that Armenia was an independent state, Armenian Americans were well positioned to advocate for US foreign assistance, and Armenia quickly became the largest per-capita recipient of US aid in the former Soviet Union.” Koushakjian then steered the discussion to more recent efforts to advance Armenian issues on Capitol Hill. “While many of the challenges in the beginning of the Assembly’ tenure were tragic, life-or-death moments for Armenians around the world, the legisla - tive efforts of the Assembly continued in parallel,” he said. Koushakjian highlighted the role of the Armenian Assembly during the 1991 Senate debate on the Armenian Genocide resolution, championed by then Senate Majority Leader Robert Dole (R-KS). Support Armenian Heritage Park’s He also touched on the importance of Section 907 of the Freedom Support Act, signed into law in 1994, which bars US military assistance to Azerbaijan until they cease aggres - Ongoing Care and Maintenance sive actions towards NK and lift their blockade on the country. Also, having worked on successful passage of the genocide resolution in the House Foreign Affairs Committee TWO WAYS TO SUPPORT: in 2007 and 2010, Koushakjian talked about the history of the Genocide bill since it first passed Congress in 1975. Outright Gift Finally, Koushakjian turned toward the future of Armenian-American advocacy efforts Online : ArmenianHeritagePark.org and the current challenges and opportunities faced by the community. He shared his By Mail : Check , payable to Armenian Heritage belief that “challenges to Armenian advocacy groups present renewed opportunities.” He Foundation , to Armenian Heritage Foundation, concluded by calling on the audience to engage with their peers on Armenian American 25 Flanders Road, Belmont, MA 02478 issues and to call them to action in the coming weeks and months. “It is up to each and All supporters will be acknowledged in the every one of us to play some role and I am confident that together we can be success - Commemorative Book . ful in our advocacy efforts and overcome the challenges we face.” The panel was then opened up for questions from the audience. Both Sahakyan and Estate Planning Koushakjian shared their organization’s activities and approaches to addressing issues We ask what you inform the Foundation in writing such as Armenians in Syria, energy resources in the South Caucasus, the recent down - if you have included the Park in your will or estate ing of an Armenian helicopter in Karabagh by Azerbaijan, and united efforts to com - plans, so that you may receive an invitation to join memorate the Armenian Genocide centennial in the US. The level of insight and depth the Legacy Society of Giving . of understanding exhibited by the Armenian Society members and the general audience If you have a question or would like to arrange a visit, please call made for a lively discussion. Jim Kalustian 781.643.7758; Charles Guleserian, 617-484-6100; Haig “We are very thankful to Taniel and Armen for being here today and having their pro - Deranian 617-489-9465; Walter Nahabedian 781-891-7249; Astor fessional input on matters of importance to the Armenian American community,” Ter- Guzelian 781-326-5764 ; George Elanjian 781-888-2227 or Barbara Tellalian 617-803-8785 Nersesyan said. 10 S ATURDAY , D ECEMBER 6, 2014 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR Arts & Living

Essay About Movses German Group Launches Initiative for Worldwide Gulesian Included in Reading for Armenian New Time Capsule Genocide on April 21, 2015

BOSTON — Amid a large crowd of onlookers BERLIN — Among the numerous initiatives and media, the newly restored lion and unicorn launched to commemorate the centenary of statues were lifted back by crane to their right - the Armenian Genocide is a reading of ful position on the 300-year-old historic Old Armenian literary works on a grand scale. State House in Boston, early Sunday morning, Organized by two cultural institutions in November 22. A hundred years from now, Germany, the initiative will honor the memo - Bostonians will have the same opportunity to ry of Armenian intellectuals rounded up and step back in time in much the same way as killed on April 24, 1915, by presenting public when the time capsule from 1901 was discov - readings of their works and those of later ered hidden within the statue of the lion’s head writers. On November 20, at the this September when the lion and unicorn were Bundespressekonferenz in Berlin, Dr. Rolf taken down for restoration. Hosfeld, director of the Lepsiushaus, and Among the items in the new sealed copper Ulrich Schreiber of the International box placed in the statue of the lion is an essay, Literature Festival Berlin, presented the ini - “Old State House Lion & Unicorn: An tiative to representatives of the international Unfolding Story,” about Movses Gulesian, fabri - press. The call issued by the organizers, reads cator of the copper 1901 statues, written by as follows: “The International Literature Don Tellalian, AIA. Prior to his retirement this Festival Berlin (ilb) and the Lepsiushaus year, Tellalian headed the Old State House’s Potsdam are calling for a worldwide reading Restoration Team during the past eight years. A on April 24, 2015, the day that marks 100 photo of the team is also included in the time years since the beginning of the Armenian capsule. Genocide. In the essay, published by the Armenian “Several hundred Armenian intellectuals — Mirror-Spectator on August 15, 2014 and in poets, musicians, parliamentary representa - the current Bostonian Society blog, On King tives and members of the clergy — were Street, Tellalian shares with the public the life arrested in Constantinople (today Istanbul) and contributions of Gulesian. It is an almost on April 24, 1915, and deported to the storybook saga of a penniless yet hardworking Turkish interior where most of them were immigrant, who fled Marash and would thrive murdered. It was the start of a crime against and achieve substantial fortune in late 19th-cen - Artist Michael Aram, managing director of Tumo Marie Lou Papazian, and AGBU humanity. The extermination of the tury Boston. Vice-President and founder of Tumo Sam Simonian. Armenians during World War One was the Among the other items selected for inclusion first systematically planned and executed in the new time capsule are: genocide of modern times. More than a mil - •2013 Boston Marathon medal and biogra - lion Armenians in the died phy of donor Gregory Soutiea Michael Aram Hosts during this genocidal campaign. •Letters from Boston journalists from the “The events took place before the eyes of Boston Globe, Boston Magazine and Program to Support Tumo the whole world and were clearly document - Boston.com ed by German, Austro-Hungarian, Italian, •Photographs of Boston Mayor Martin American, Scandinavian, Armenian and Walsh, former Mayor Thomas Menino and Center in Karabagh Ottoman sources as well as by a great num - Governor Deval Patrick with Prime Minister of ber of historical research projects. As early as NEW YORK — On Tuesday, November 18, artist Michael Aram hosted a holiday August 1915, the New York Times reported shopping event at his flagship store in New York to announce a new partnership on a methodically planned program of ethnic between the Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU) and the Tumo Center for cleansing and extermination which was Creative Technologies, bringing the Tumo Centers to additional locations, starting unprecedented in history up to that time. The with a center in Nagorno-Karabagh, Tumo x AGBU Nagorno-Karabagh Center. German Reich’s government, which was Tumo is a state-of-the-art facility that offers Armenian youth access to learning allied to the Ottoman Empire, reached the resources, digital media and leading professionals in the fields of media and tech - same conclusions without undertaking any - nology. Aram kicked off the fundraising efforts by contributing 30 percent of sales thing against what was happening. that day to this project. “The Turkish political world denies the Initiating this large scale effort, Joseph Oughourlian, AGBU Central Board mem - Armenian Genocide up to the present day, ber and co-founder of Amber Capital Investment Management, pledged $150,000 to although the facts have been known for more support the Tumo Center in Nagorno-Karabagh. Oughourlian has been closely than a hundred years. The Indian writer involved with development in Nagorno-Karabagh, both personally and professional - Arundhati Roy has spoken publicly about ly, for many years. this scandal on many occasions, including at “Seeing firsthand how critical it is to invest in Nagorno-Karabagh for its success and the 2009 International Literature Festival strength, I am sure that the center will have an outstanding impact on thousands of chil - Berlin. A great number of Armenian voices dren who would not have had these opportunities otherwise,” said Oughourlian. were silenced in 1915 and in the years there - Through its partnership with AGBU, the Tumo Center plans to expand its reach after. Since then, others have become loud throughout Armenia and Nagorno-Karabagh and touch the lives of thousands more and have spoken out against forgetting, in the years to come. To date, more than 10,000 children and young adults have among them an increasing number of voices experienced the center’s high-quality, hands-on program, which includes workshops, from the democratic Turkish civil society. In teamwork and mentorship as well as training in animation, digital media, web remembrance of the victims and in associa - design and game development. tion with the demand for international recog - Sculptor and art restorer Robert Shure removes The event featured a meet-and-greet with Aram, Tumo founder and AGBU Vice nition of the genocide, we are calling for a the time capsule from a lion statue that orna - President Sam Simonian and managing director of Tumo Marie Lou Papazian, during worldwide reading on 24 April 2015, with lit - ments Boston’s Old State House. which Aram announced that he will design a special edition houseware item which will erary texts from Armenian authors, among include the collaboration of students participating in Tumo classes in Armenia along them Siamanto, , Yeghishe Charents, , Hovhannes Shiraz, Paruyr England David Cameron, in Boston with interns from AGBU’s New York Summer Internship Program. This item will come Sevak, Hakop Mntsuri, Silva Kaputikian and •Tickets from April 20, 2012 Fenway Park out next year, in time for the Genocide Centennial, and 100 percent of proceeds from its Hrant Dink.” Centennial Boston Red Sox game, donated by sales will benefit the Tumo x AGBU Nagorno-Karabagh Center. Since the first signatories Rolf Hosfeld, Peter Loring “I am delighted to have the opportunity to contribute to Tumo’s pioneering Konrad Kuhn, Ulrich Schreiber and Hasmik •Limited-edition David Ortiz bobblehead, vision for Armenian education. I know the critical role education can play in trans - Papian endorsed the call, more than 400 oth - donated by the Boston Red Sox forming a society and Tumo is very much at the forefront of this effort. We’re excit - ers from 65 countries have added their •Boston Globe , dated October 10, 2014, with ed to collaborate with students and the Internship Program to create something names. Among the signatories are Nobel story about discovery of 1901 time capsule very special for the public,” said Aram. Prize winners Elfried Jelinek, Mario Vargas •Letter from Brian LeMay, Bostonian Aram is an American-born artist who works primarily in metal. Aram’s pieces, Llosa, John M. Coetzee, Herta Müller, Orhan Society president and executive director ranging from tableware to furniture, are entirely handmade and are made using age- Pamuk, as well as Elif Shafak, Alberto •Photographs of Boston’s central artery old traditional techniques. The handmade quality of his work allows it to shift Manguel, Breyton Breytenbach and John 2003, and Rose Kennedy Greenway, 2013 between the realms of fine and decorative art. Aram is also a member of the Tumo Ashbury. (before and after the Big Dig). Center’s board of advisors. As the organizers stated at the press conference, Visitors may now view the 1901 Time “We at Tumo are honored to have the backing of people like Michael Aram and their hope is that readings will take place in many, Capsule items on display at the Old State Joseph Oughourlian. Their commitment to equipping Armenian youth with the many different cities throughout the world on April House, which include photos of Gulesian, as skills they need to become the next generation of critical thinkers and creators is 21, 2015. Individuals and organizations interested well as other political news and photos of the really overwhelming,” said Simonian, the founder of the Tumo Center. in joining the initiative should contact period. [email protected]. S ATURDAY , D ECEMBER 6, 2014 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 11

AIWA San Francisco Celebrates Armenian Women Preserving Cultural Heritage

OAKLAND, Calif. — On Saturday, November Homeland Development Initiative Fund (HDIF) women in Armenia, a grant from the IBM of Europe, certain arrogance would seem to be 15, the Armenian International Women’s in pursuit of offering professional training Corporation each year enables AIWA SF to pro - justified, but Arev is a proof that greatness can Association (AIWA) San Francisco affiliate once opportunities to female business owners com - vide educational and professional development exist in a humble soul”. again held a memorable event at St. Vartan ing from 10 regions of Armenia to participate in workshops in the Bay Area, aiming to promote Being the daughter of a renowned sculptor Armenian Church here, bringing together its wide range of professional seminars focused on the personal, educational and professional Benik Petrosyan and a violinist and an art members that continually have supported the accounting/business taxation, financial man - growth of women and youth in the community. world socialite Alice Adamyan, Petrosyan was young organization over the last three years. agement, and marketing/media relations. In The president concluded her speech with the exposed to the world of art since childhood. Laura Dirtadian, an AIWA SF Executive addition, AIWA SF continues to support the announcement of her stepping down from the She became famous in Armenia with her inno - Committee member, was mistress of ceremonies growth and development of the Women’s role at the end of the year after serving as the vative solutions and unique colors when design - and kept the attendees’ spirits up throughout Entrepreneurship Program (WEP), an umbrella founding president of AIWA SF for three years, ing TV studios, concert halls and cooperating the event with her welcoming and personal way project for AIWA, led by the American introducing and welcoming her successor, with Coca Cola, Schwazkopf and others. Her of conducting the evening. University of Armenia, designed to teach busi - Christine Soussa Sagahtelian, who had joined breakthrough came in 2005 when she opened The president of the affiliate, Gaiane ness management skills to women the affiliate in Spring of 2014, serving as the her first exhibition featuring plexiglass paint - Khachatrian, welcomed the guests and briefly entrepreneurs in the country. organization’s Vice President of External ings using real gold and silver leaves mixed updated the affiliate’s supporters on AIWA SF’s The President highlighted that since its incep - Affairs. “AIWA has been an incredible journey technique. There were many exhibitions that ongoing initiatives and future plans. She high - tion AWIA SF had a vision to address the health - for which I am truly grateful,” Khachatrian followed not only in Yerevan but also in , lighted the organization’s continued efforts of care improvement through knowledge advance - remarked. “As our dedicated team worked hard Beirut, Moscow, Monaco, Belarus and most empowering the disadvantaged teenage girls of ment in rural Armenia, where the need is always to empower women in Armenia and in the Bay recently in Fresno, where Petrosyan donated Mer Hooys program at the Nakashian greater. Despite the challenges that the young Area, I, myself have been empowered in so two of her artworks to the Holy Trinity Church Children’s Support Center in Yerevan, through organization faced initially, that vision had final - many ways as a result of my association with of Fresno. offering them after school educational pro - ly became a reality. Three doctors serving on the the organization. AIWA helped me better Petrosyan’s paintings have been described as understand my own environment, my own rela - bright, luminous, rich in color, infinitely free tionships, the community that I am part of, and and spacious, with mystical inner warmth and interestingly, my own culture, for which I have full of sensuality, sometimes daring and if developed greater appreciation”. She then gloomy still with the anticipation of light and emphasized that an individual commitment to creation beyond. Her paintings divulge new team effort was the key in making AIWA SF shades with the changing reflection of light as work as an organization and succeed, along the sun rises and sets but the positive energy with the tremendous support of the strong invested by the artist never fades. community in the Bay Area. The special evening was closed with gifted The event’s honorary guest, Grace Lilit Pipoian’s stunning performance filling the Andounian, the principal at Krouzian Zekarian room with magical tunes and creating nostalgic Vasbouragan Armenian School in San mood for the audience. Francisco, who was accompanied by her family To learn more about AIWA, visit and friends, expressed her appreciation to the www.aiwainternational.org. To get involved executive team of AIWA SF for the recognition, with the AIWA SF affiliate, send an email to and highlighted the importance of preserving [email protected]. on a foreign land through the only Armenian school in the Bay Area. As the evening progressed, Lory Tatoulian, a guest comedian from Los Angeles, filled the Members of the San Francisco affiliate of the Armenian International Women’s Association (AIWA) room with laughter, appearing in a role of an Talk Focuses on Armenian woman, highlighting the characteris - tics of “Tantigeen” through her humorous skit. Armenian, Pontic grams focused on English language, computer executive committee of AIWA SF, Doctors Ani The highlight of the evening was the breath - science, and comprehensive health education Tajirian, Hasmik Arzumanyan and Kohar Der taking artwork called “Love” created by talent - And Assyrian for teens at risk. In 2014 the organization Simonian, travelled to Armenia in October to ed artist, Arev Petrosyan, who generously expanded its reach by offering after school carry out a pilot project in collaboration with donated her inspiring painting to AIWA SF to English classes to youth at Dsegh Village the Children of Armenia Fund (COAF). The pro - be auctioned at the special event, the proceeds Genocides School, as well as to children with special needs ject was designed to carry out health education of the sales to go to support the affiliate’s ini - MISSION HILLS, Calif. — Ararat-Eskijian at Bridge of Hope in Dilijan, and the staff mem - sessions for the medical field professionals in tiatives in Armenia. “I met Arev this summer in Museum will present an illustrated talk titled bers working at the center. Along with the edu - the Baghramian and Talin regions of Armenia. Armenia, and after I learned about her accom - “Considering Genocide Testimony: Three Case cational opportunities offered to the Armenian “Our trip was a success and left all three of us plishments and fame, I couldn’t help thinking Studies from the Armenian, Pontic and Assyrian youth in the country, AIWA SF also continues actively encouraged to remain engaged in work - what a humble person she is,” remarked Mrs. Genocides” by Paul R. Bartrop, PhD, Professor of to empower professional young women in the ing to improve health care delivery and educa - Marine Gouchian, the AIWA SF’s Treasurer, History Director, Center for Judaic, Holocaust, country through creating employment oppor - tion in Armenia,” remarked Kohar Der who presented the young accomplished artist and Genocide Studies, on December 7 at 4 p.m. at tunities for them to teach in these programs. Simonian, AIWA SF Executive Committee mem - and the generous contributor. “When you the Ararat-Eskijian Museum/Sheen Chapel, In its efforts to help young women ber, who serves as Assistant Clinical Professor in learn that someone won a competition amongst 15105 Mission Hills Road. entrepreneurs develop strong business skills to both the departments of Family and Community 160 artists around the world and her creation This presentation considers the values and lim - be able to create, grow and sustain their busi - and Obstetrics and Gynecology at UCSF. of stained-glass art embellishes the itations that can be derived from the use of sur - nesses, AIWA SF continues to partner with the In addition to advancing the welfare of Parliamentary Assembly building of the council vivor testimonies, as explored through the lens of three separate accounts: those of Sevly Krikorian, “Papayiannis,” and Father Joseph Naayem, respec - tively from the Armenian, Pontic, and Assyrian Genocides. Each of these is taken from the Sponsor a Teacher in Armenia and Karabagh 2014 author’s new book, Encountering Genocide: Personal Accounts from Victims, Perpetrators, and Witnesses. It will be argued that survivor tes - timonies play the most crucial role in forming our Since its inception in 2001, TCA’s ‘Sponsor understanding of what life is like in situations of genocide. Testimonial accounts, by virtue of their a Teacher’ program has raised over $563,000 special status as first-hand narratives written by people who lived through barbaric treatment at and reached out to 4,440 teachers and the hands of their persecutors, are our primary link to the perpetrators as viewed from the vic - school workers in Armenia and Karabagh. tims’ perspective. Bartrop is recognized as one of the world’s leading scholars of the Holocaust and genocide. £ He is professor of history and director of the Center for Judaic, Holocaust and Genocide K Yes, I want to sponsor teachers in Armenia and Karabagh to continue Studies at Florida Gulf Coast University, Fort helping them to educate the children, our future leaders. I would like to have Myers, Fla. In 2011-2012 he was the Ida E. King the teacher’s name and address. Distinguished Visiting Professor of Holocaust and Genocide Studies at Richard Stockton College, K $160 K $ 320 K $ 480 K other $ ————————— New Jersey. Name His latest works are titled Experiencing Address Genocide: Personal Accounts from Victims, City State Zip code Perpetrators, and Witnesses (2014) and Tel: Genocide: The Basics (2014). His major current projects are “An Historical Dictionary of Genocide Make check payable to: Tekeyan Cultural Association – Memo: Sponsor a Teacher 2014 in Film, and Resisting the Holocaust: Upstanders, Mail your check with this form to: Partisans, and Survivors,” and a four-volume encyclopedia of genocide, Modern Genocide: The TCA Sponsor a Teacher 5326 Valverde, Houston, TX 77056 Definitive Resource and Document Collection , due for publication by the end of this year. Your donation is Tax Deductible. Admission is free. A reception will follow the program. 12 S ATURDAY , D ECEMBER 6, 2014 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR ARTS & LIVING ATP’s 20th Anniversary Boston Banquet Raises Money for a Greener Armenia

ATP, from page 1 After Fr. Dajad Davidian gave the opening prayer, attorney Ara Balikian took over as mas - ter of ceremonies. Co-chair of the 20th Anniversary Committee Nina Festekjian spoke first and pointed out that

Event co-chairs Nina Festekjian and Nicole Babikian Hajjar despite Armenia’s multitude of other problems, environmental issues cannot be neglected. Armenians must work together to improve it, as “a green Armenia is a healthy Armenia.” Co- chair Nicole Babikian Hajjar concurred in her heartfelt talk. After praising Carolyn Mugar’s vision and mission for ATP, she concluded, “if I have one wish for ATP, it is that the organiza - Armenia’s ambassador to the United Nations bestowed a special honor on Carolyn Mugar and ATP on behalf of the Armenian government tion keep its forward looking direction. I hope ATP will further enhance its reach, especially among our youth, riding on the wave of social and orchestrated by chef Seta Dakessian com - referred to the negative connotations of trees 1990s when Armenians, in order to survive, media to touch the young with its message, to pleted the auction. The auction netted $35,000. for many Armenian families like his own which were forced to cut down trees, and stressed the inspire them and involve them in its mission, Keynote speaker actor David Alpay, famous had lost members through hangings in the sustainability of ATP’s work from 1994. He said because they are the true seeds of a better and among Armenians for his role in Atom Egoyan’s Armenian Genocide. Yet his travel to Armenia forcefully that Armenia was not a Disneyland — a greener Armenia.” “Ararat,” gave a moving personal talk. He turned him into a witness for the importance of that it was a real country with real problems, To drive the point home, organizers then the work ATP was doing. He saw that trees are and that ATP has been working to help solve played a video titled A “Plant a Tree, Plant also symbols of strength, beauty and life. Alpay these problems for two decades. Hope,” by CivilNet. A live auction followed. posited an analogy: “ATP helps prevent the ero - Mugar, in response to all the prior speakers, Hovhannisyan’s 2010 oil painting, “Starry Night,” was the highlight of the auction. Nine other of his paintings were also sold separately to guests at fixed prices there and at the pre - view. The auction also included a Boston sports package with two premium seats to games of the New England Patriots, Boston Celtics, Boston Bruins, and Boston Red Sox. A week stay at the Marriott Armenia Hotel with special tours organized by ATP, and a gourmet dinner Actor David Alpay for 10 catered by the ATP Executive Committee

RECIPES Holiday Rice: The Sequel Armenian Holiday Mushroom, Celery and Walnut Pilaf

PREP AND COOK TIME: About 1 hour. Bring mixture to a full boil; reduce heat From left, Zivart Balikjian, Alice Saraydarian, Carolyn Mugar, Tom Garabedian and Garo Armen Yield: Makes 6 servings to medium low; cover and cook until rice (COAF Founder) or bulgur is tender and liquid is fully INGREDIENTS absorbed, about 20-22 minutes. 2 cups long grain white rice or medium Remove pan from heat; mix in the pars - sion of soil. Isn’t it also in a way helping to fight thanked the ATP staff and called for the audi - coarse bulgur, rinsed ley or baby spinach with a fork, cover the erosion of a nation?” He concluded: “It is ence to challenge itself and keep its hands dirty, 1 cup onions, diced again and let stand for 5 minutes before nation-building in its most sacred form.” so to speak. She said, “ATP has the capacity to 2 stalks celery, diced serving. The popular musician Lilit Pipoyan, visiting be an even greater agent of change for 1/2 pound fresh crimini or button mush - Serves 4-6. from Armenia, sang several songs in the first Armenia’s future.” rooms, cleaned and diced For more of Datian’s recipes, go to: musical portion of the evening’s program, and ATP Managing Director Tom J. Garabedian 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced or mashed http://search.myrecipes.com/search.ht reminisced about having to 4 ½ cups fresh or canned chicken, lamb ml?Ntt=datian or http://www.thearmenia burn tree branches in the or turkey broth nkitchen.com. early 1990s. She thanked 1/2 cube unsalted butter and 2 table - Christine Vartanian Datian is a native of ATP supporters for bringing spoons olive oil Fresno, California, and resides in Las back those lost trees. 1 1/2 teaspoons sea salt or salt of choice Vegas, Nevada. She has worked in Attorney Anthony 1/2 teaspoon black or white pepper Fresno, San Francisco, Reno, and Las Barsamian then called up 1/2 teaspoon crushed rosemary, dried Vegas in advertising, marketing, gaming, fellow ATP board members mint, and paprika and government subcontracting, and has Nancy Kricorian and Julia 1/2 cup walnuts, finely chopped served as a copywriter and technical writ - Mirak, who congratulated Juice of 1/2 lemon and 1 teaspoon finely er. She is a graduate of California State ATP for its work over the grated lemon zest University, Fresno (CSUF), and holds a past two decades. Dash of allspice Master of Arts Degree (MA) in News Barsamian praised the 1/4 cup chopped flat-leaf parsley or fresh Editorial Journalism from CSUF. vision and work of Carolyn baby spinach (to taste) The recipe the Mirror- Mugar and her late hus - Spectator published last week is also fea - band, John O’Connor, who PREPARATION tured in the November 2014 New York he said coined the phrases In a large sauce pan, add the onions, Times Vegetarian Blog for Thanksgiving “Armenian by choice — Folk musician Lilit Pipoyan performed several songs. celery and garlic and sauté in the butter (http://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/10 ABC” and “the fun is in the and olive oil for 10 minutes, tossing fre - 16976-armenian-rice-pilaf-with-raisins-and- fight.” He also introduced quently. Add the mushrooms, toss, and almonds) the ATP staff visiting from Los Angeles and gave the closing remarks, thanking all those cook for a few minutes longer. Also go Yerevan, as well as the Boston ones. He called who made the evening possible as well as the Mix in the rice or bulgur and the broth; to: http://cooking.nytimes.com/6886169 on Armenia’s Ambassador to the United dedicated staff and supporters of ATP. The long add the salt, pepper, spices, walnuts, 2-nyt-cooking/445045-wells-vegetarian- Nations Zohrab Mnatsakanyan to present but productive evening then winded down with lemon juice, zest and allspice. thanksgiving Mugar with the medal of the first degree of the the Armenian/jazz/blues fusion music of Black Republic of Armenia. Sea Salsa Band, a 10-piece world-music group The ambassador reminisced about the early led by Dan Teager (Tergukasian). S ATURDAY , D ECEMBER 6, 2014 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 13 ARTS & LIVING CC AA LLEENNDDAARR

American, Latin & Continental tunes. Children dine, are FLORIDA supervised and entertained with activities in adjacent JANUARY 3, 2015 — Armenian Assembly of America – room with Santa. As in other years, the midnight Times Waterstone Resort & Marina, Boca Raton, FL. To Square countdown will be televised. Adults $70, Children RSVP or for more information please contact Carol 12-7 & under $25, Children under 6 are free. For reser - Norigian at [email protected]. vations contact any of the following: Church Office 201- 567-5446 e-mail: [email protected]; Ani: 201-767-3846 e-mail: [email protected]; Talar: 201- MASSACHUSETTS 240-8541e-mail: [email protected]; Maral: 845-729- DECEMBER 6 — Lowell Gomideh anniversary celebra- 1888 e-mail: [email protected]. Everyone is urged tion, 6 p.m., St. Gregory Armenian Church, 158 Main to make an early reservation as space is limited. St., North Andover; dinner, entertainment, program, Payments are due in advance and may be mailed to St. speaker, David Boyajian, “The Survival of Armenia: Thomas Armenian Church, P. O. Box 53, Tenafly, NJ, Dangers and Opportunities;” admission, $20 adults, $10 07670. students. Details, Tom Vartabedian, (978) 373- 1654 or [email protected]. NEW YORK DECEMBER 7 — The Greater Worcester Armenian Chorale and Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church DECEMBER 6 AND 7 — Holiday Food Bazaar organized present “A Christmas Concert,” Sunday, at 1:30 p.m., by the St. Peter Women’s Guild, in Albany. Free admis - Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church, 635 Grove St., On Sunday, December 7, the Greater sion and parking for this event at 100 Troy-Schenectady Worcester. Free admission. Collation before concert at Worcester Armenian Chorale and Road, Watervliet. Delicious food to eat in, take our or 12:30 p.m. Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic take home for your freezer, such as dolma, porov kufte, DECEMBER 14 — Erevan Choral Society and Orchestra, Church will present a Christmas con - madzoono kufte, choreg, khurabia, rojig and so much more. St. Peter Women’s Guild Armenian Cookbook will Christmas Holiday Concer t, 7 p.m., Holy Trinity cert. The concert will take place at Armenian Church of Greater Boston, 145 Brattle St., also be available for $20 plus shipping. Call 518-274- Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic 3673 for more information. Cambridge. A festive program of Sharagans , with Church, 635 Grove St., Worcester. soloists Narine Ojakhyan and Kate Norigian, with David DECEMBER 7 — 8th Annual ANC Eastern Region Admission is free and a collation will Gevorkyan on Duduk. US premier of Ave Maria by Aram Banquet, Ritz-Carlton Battery Park, NY. Freedom Satyan. Conducted by Konstantin Petrossian. be served before the concert, starting Award Honoree: former Manhattan District Attorney at 12:30 p.m. For more information, Robert Morgenthau and the Morgenthau family; Vahan NEW JERSEY contact the church. Cardashian Award Honoree: ANCA activist Alice Movsesian. Tickets $250. For reservations and informa - DECEMBER 6-7 — St. Thomas Armenian Apostolic tion, visit www.anca.org/erbanquet or 917.428.1918. Church of Tenafly, 174 Essex Drive, will hold its annual Food Festival and Holiday Bazaar. Saturday Saturday at 4 p.m. followed by Santa Claus at 5:30 p.m. RHODE ISLAND 12-9 p.m. and Sunday 12-6 p.m.Kef Time at St. Thomas! On Sunday, 2-4 p.m., a professional caricaturist. In addi - Enjoy delicious traditional Armenian foods for lunch, din - tion, raffles valued at more than $5,000 in prizes. For DECEMBER 7 — The Armenian Historical Association of ner & desserts throughout both days in our spacious more information please call the Church Office or to pre- Rhode Island (AHARI) presents “Discovering Your church halls with lively Armenian music! All foods home - order foods: Manti, Boreg, Soo Boreg, Kufteh- St. Armenian Roots: Learn How to Research Your Rhode made by ladies of church! The menu will include Shish, Thomas Church Office, 201-567-5446 or E-mail: Island Ancestors,” Special ancestry presentation by Chicken & Luleh Kebabs! Pilaf, Boregs, Yalanchee, [email protected] Ambassador William Andreas Brown, MA and PhD from Harpoot Kufteh, Manti & Kataif, Baklava, Choreg, Simit, DECEMBER 31 — St. Thomas Armenian Apostolic Harvard University, in Far Eastern languages and history, more.... Everything is available to eat in or Take Out! Church of Tenafly will host a New Year’s Eve cele- 1:30 p.m. Ambassador Brown has researched and Additional attractions include a Dried Fruit, Nuts booth bration Dinner Dance in beautifully decorated and ele - indexed Armenian births, marriages and deaths in with Rojig from California! WINE TASTING, Vendors gant church halls. The festivities will include a huge hors Providence from 1889 to 1940. Special guest, former Booths, Boutiques with Christmas items, Gift Baskets & d’oeuvres buffet, followed by a full dinner, Viennese librarian at the Providence Public Library, Margaret Chinese Auction, Tavloo & Chess Tournaments ; a White Table, free champagne, hats and noisemakers. Soft Chevian, will speak on what ancestry research tools are Elephant Sale; Armenian Bookstore & Gifts and Music drinks are included and outside liquor is permitted. Music available at the Providence Public Library and how best to throughout both days. Special Children’s Entertainment by will be provided by DJ Allen who plays a large variety use them. Hanoian Hall of Sts. Sahag and Mesrob features “Patchote” the Clown and face painting on of different styles of music including Armenian, Armenian Church, 70 Jefferson St., Providence.

There is divided opinion since its occurrence as to whether “The importance of acknowledging guilt of a crime against Geoffrey Robertson it could be called a “genocide.” It is widely believed that some humanity, even as long as a century later, is that denialism one million Armenians were killed during this period. But emboldens others to think they can get away with mass mur - Turkey, justifying the actions of its predecessor in govern - der of civilians whenever it is expedient in wartime. Declares Massacre ment, the Ottoman Empire, is adamantly against the use of the G- word. ‘Genocide’ Robertson, who served as the first president of the UN War Crimes Court in Sierra Leone, feels that an admis - By Elaine Fry sion to the Armenian Genocide would “give hope that both Armenia and Turkey could move on.” He cannot see SIDNEY, Australia (The West Australian) — Eminent why there should be a problem with human rights lawyer and QC Geoffrey Robertson’s latest this positive step. “Modern Turkey is a book, An Inconvenient Genocide, draws attention to an different nation [than the Ottoman important issue that still needs to be addressed: the recogni - Empire]. The actions of the past are tion of the massacre of about one million Armenians on the not a reflection of the modern Turkish eve of the Gallipoli landings as “genocide.” nation. It is possible for nations to rise “Truth is important - it is important to tell it if people are above the crimes of the past.” still suffering from a lie — and Armenians are still suffering In his book, Robertson presents one from the world’s failure to do something about the genocide of the great hypotheticals — “Whether Geoffrey Robertson that had taken place in 1915,” Robertson says. the Holocaust would have happened, Next year will be the centenary of both the Armenian geno - had the International Criminal Courts cide and the Gallipoli landings. Robertson feels that these sig - promised at Versailles and Sevres for the Kaiser and his gen - “International law sets a bottom line: whether Sunni or nificant anniversaries, on consecutive days, April 24 and 25 erals and for Talaat and his accomplices eventuated in 1921. Shia, Hindu or Christian, whether Chechen, Tamil or Bengali respectively, should be the perfect opportunity for all nations At least Hitler would not in 1939 have said, “Who now or an indigenous people striving for independence, the delib - to acknowledge, and for Turkey to admit, that the Armenian remembers the Armenians?” erate destruction of any part of that race or religion by those genocide had taken place and for atonement to be made. Well, thankfully, Geoffrey Robertson does. As he puts it, in control of a state cannot be countenanced.” 14 S ATURDAY , D ECEMBER 6, 2014 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMENTARY

COMMENTARY Mirror Armenian Politics in Yerevan Taxicabs

We don’t know where that process will lead us. War is inevitable.” Spectator By Edmond Y. Azadian Most Armenians, however, are confident that should war erupt, Azerbaijan will lose more territories. During my visit to Yerevan, the most topical news was the shooting down of the If you think the Armenian parliament is the most contentious unarmed military helicopter by the Azeris over the no-man’s forum for political debates, try the Yerevan taxicabs and their land on the Karabagh-Azerbaijan border. As the debate raged, most informed and astute drivers. Many of my columns, over the cabbies ridiculed the Organization for Security and EstablEisshteadbl1is9h3e2 d 1932 time, have been sparked by my discussions with cab drivers who Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) chairmen, who were nitpicking have sharp opinions on world affairs, but especially on Armenia’s by stating that there is no definition of the no-man’s land An ADL Publication An ADL Publication domestic affairs. between Karabagh and the Azeri forces. The Azerbaijani army Armenia’s news outlets are mostly introverted and myopic gen - continued firing near the downed helicopter in order to block erally. They dwell on trivia, amplifying them and feeding the read - Armenia from approaching the crash site. Finally a commando ers and viewers what they present as valuable news rather than raid was able to recover the helicopter debris and the remains of EDITOR Alin K. Gregorian the fluff it is. the Armenian pilots. The cabbies in Yerevan were jubilant: “You Of course, there are also the well-organized and generously see how our boys recovered the helicopter” one said, while ASSISTANT EDITOR funded outlets which are extensions of foreign agencies and they another added, “Make no mistake. Retaliation will come soon Aram Arkun serve their own masters. They characterize Armenia within the and it will be devastating. Let Azeri families learn what it means perspectives of what the owners of those agencies would like to to lose a son in the army.” ART DIRECTOR Marc Mgrditchian see. Armenians, no matter how proud they are when it comes to the The local outlets have their own heroes and villains, which army fighting the enemy, complain about corruption in it ranks. have nothing in common with objective news reporting. “My son is drafted into the army. We are proud that he will The alternative is the news and commentary provided by cab - defend our homeland. But his superiors are corrupt. Whatever bies. They are more genuine and spontaneous, if not always reli - food I supply to my son, it will go to his superiors. Otherwise, SENIOR EDITORIAL COLUMNIST: able. They provide the raw news and sincere comments. They they will mistreat him. Don’t you hear now and then that a Edmond Azadian reflect the unfiltered and uncensored opinion of real people. One draftee has committed ‘suicide?’ Why would a young man com - can sense the true pulse of the nation through them. I have mit suicide? It is all lies.” CONTRIBUTORS: always been fascinated by how these cabbies generate and One of the cabbies told me a joke about Russia’s President Florence Avakian, Dr. Haroutiune process news in their minds and they announce their views with Vladimir Putin. When in Yerevan, he happened to pass by a man - Arzoumanian, Taleen Babayan, Diana such resolute authority that one feels like one has to surrender. sion on a mountain top, a palace rumored to have a river running Der Hovanessian, Philip Ketchian, Kevork Keushkerian, Harut Sassounian, As soon as you jump in a gas-fueled Yerevan cab, no matter through it and an ornate chapel for the family next to it. Hagop Vartivarian, Naomi Zeytoonian how short the ride may last, you are engaged in a political dis - “Who does the mansion belong to?” Putin is said to have asked cussion or discourse — as the case may be — even if you are not his hosts. CORRESPONDENTS: in the mood for having a conversation. You don’t need to solicit “It belongs to Dodi Gago,” was the response. Armenia - Hagop Avedikian your driver’s opinion; it will come out voluntarily and loqua - “What does ‘Dodi’ Gago mean?” Boston - Nancy Kalajian ciously. “It means ‘crazy’ Gago.” Philadelphia - Lisa Manookian During the early years of independence, the mood was always “Well, if crazy people live in such a mansion, I could imagine Berlin - Muriel Mirak-Weissbach festive. The discussions were held in a positive path and the visi - how well off the wiser people should be in this country.” Contributing Photographers: tor was even reassured that the freezing cold and the darkness He came to see that one of those “wiser” people is your cab dri - Jacob Demirdjian and Jirair Hovsepian would soon come to an end and that the country would resume ver, a former university professor, or the homeless guy who its normal course. spends the night sleeping on the street. Of course, there were always some sharp remarks or solemn Dodi Gago is the nickname of Gagik Zaroukian, an oligarch The Armenian Mirror-Spectator is published advice to this and that leader but the overall mood remained who aspires to become Armenia’s next president. There are leg - weekly, except two weeks in July and the first upbeat. ends about his extravagant lifestyle among the people. One of the week of the year, by: As the years have passed, the cab drivers have entered a more legends is that Mr. Zaroukian entertains his guests at his private Baikar Association, Inc. defiant mood. Those were the war years in Karabagh and zoo by feeding live donkeys to his pet lions. 755 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA 02472-1509 Armenians had scored a victory over the much-stronger forces of This is the irony in Armenia; the zoo animals are better fed Telephone: 617-924-4420 Azerbaijan. The pictures of bearded war heroes decorated almost than most of the citizens. FAX: 617-924-2887 every taxicab in Yerevan. One of the cabbies came out with some good news. I thought My trip this November found most of the cab drivers silent. It after all, everything is not dark and pessimistic. He said, “Most www.mir rorspectator.com was as if they were biting their tongues not to utter a word — pos - Yerevanites are enjoying better living conditions now.” The news E-Mail: editor@mirrorspectator .com itive or negative. They would answer only if you teased them into turned out to be bittersweet news or a double-edged sword, as he For advertising: [email protected] a conversation What struck me was that the pictures of war completed his comments: “Our Russian friends are offering jobs, heroes were either replaced by pictures of the Virgin Mary and accommodation and citizenship to Armenian families. Many are Jesus or removed altogether. happy to be able to feed their families and they emigrate to The change was an indication that people have resigned them - Russia. That relieves the pressure here off unemployment ranks, selves to the deteriorating situation, or they have placed their and the remaining people have more resources in finding jobs.” SUBSCRIPTION RATES : fate in the hands of the Lord — their destiny as well as the des - Yerevan cabbies are the most law-abiding citizens in the coun - tiny of the country. try. They observe all the traffic regulations religiously because One elderly cab driver posed a question testing my knowledge the police look the other way when they notice a luxury car vio - U.S.A. $80 a year of the city, but he answered his own question without waiting for lating every possible law. The police can easily recognize to whom my reply. those luxury cars must belong. They can even identify the own - Canada $125 a year “Do you see this building? This is the Palace of Justice. But ers by their special vanity license plates. Other Countries $190 a year there is no justice in this country. The moment the government On the other hand, God forbid a cab driver makes the slightest passes a law, they [the authorities] are the first ones violating mistake, as he will receive a ticket that will cost his entire 20- that law.” hour-day’s pay. But the Russians are most of the times the butt of the jokes or Driving in Yerevan is hazardous. Your life is in danger every © 2014 The Armenian Mirror-Spectator sarcasm, because of the people’s frustration. “They treat us in a minute. The cab drivers stoically endure the hardship to put food Periodical Class Postage Paid at Boston, MA cavalier manner. They control Armenia’s economy and they keep on their family table. Sometimes they direct a sharp remark to a and additional mailing offices. raising the price of heating gas,” one driver said. Many families reckless driver or extend advice for good behavior. ISSN 0004-234X have their homes or apartments connected to the gas distribu - But they continue life under harsh conditions, providing their tion system, but they cannot afford to pay the utilities. They fares with the latest news or commentaries. either burn wood or their old books or freeze in the winter cold. Next time you need the latest news or commentaries on Many of the cab drivers have fear in their eyes: These Onions Armenia’s domestic politics or foreign affairs, hop into a cab. You POSTMASTER : Send address changes to The [Armenians’ deprecation for the Russians] are arming the Azeris. will be well informed. Armenian Mirror-Spectator, 755 Mount Auburn St., Watertown, MA 02472 Other than the editorial, views and opinions expressed in this newspaper do not necessarily reflect the policies of the publisher. For Your Internal

Copying for other than personal use or News of Armenia internal reference is prohibited without express permission of the copyright owner. Address requests for reprints or back issues to: Log on to www.AZG.am Baikar Association, Inc. In English, Armenian, Russian and Turkish 755 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA 02472-1509 S ATURDAY , D ECEMBER 6, 2014 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 15 COMMENTARY

consideration of this proposal. Most probably, Tuncel’s real masterminds of the massacres who had fled the country. intent is to raise the issue of the Armenian Genocide and After German refusal, they were tried in absentia and sen - other mass killings in Parliament, regardless of the out - tenced to death. come. The mere submission of such a resolution would cre - To reinforce her proposal with historical and legal prece - ate a national uproar inside the Parliament, the media, and dents, Tuncel may want to submit to the Turkish My Turn Turkish denialist circles. Tuncel must be aware that she is Parliament a copy of the 1918 parliamentary motion and running the risk of having her parliamentary immunity lift - discussion on the Armenian Genocide, which was referred By Harut Sassounian ed and being prosecuted for bringing up banned subjects to at the time as “Armenian deportations and massacres.” under Article 301 of the Turkish Penal Code. She should also submit a copy of the guilty verdicts issued While welcoming Tuncel’s daring and bold proposal, by Turkish Military Tribunals. Finally, Tuncel should Turkish Parliament Will Hide the Armenians, Turks, Kurds, and others should not forget remind the Parliament of the historic admission Kemal Truth Should it Block the that this would not be the first time the Turkish gov - Ataturk made in an interview published in the Los Angeles ernment has taken up the deportation and massacre of Examiner on August 1, 1926: “These leftovers from the for - Genocide Resolution Armenians. On November 4, 1918, immediately after the mer Young Turk Party who should have been made to collapse of the Young Turk regime and before the found - account for the lives of millions of our Christian subjects Last week, a Turkish Parliamentarian submitted a pro - ing of the Republic of Turkey by Kemal Ataturk in 1923, who were ruthlessly driven en masse from their homes and posal to the Grand National Assembly of Turkey, seeking the Ottoman Parliament considered a motion on the massacred.” Would any Turkish Parliamentarian dare to condemnation of the Armenian Genocide, a series of atroc - crimes committed by the Committee of Union and call the Father of Modern Turkey a liar? ities and other acts of state terrorism. Progress (CUP): “A population of one million people Should the Turkish Parliament block Tuncel’s resolution In this document, Sebahat Tuncel, member of pro- guilty of nothing except belonging to the Armenian and prevent its consideration, it would expose the Erdogan Kurdish Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP), requests that nation were massacred and exterminated, including government’s fear of facing the truth and concealing the President Erdogan acknowledge and apologize in even women and children.” The then Minister of Interior guilt of its predecessors! Regardless of the end result, this Parliament for the Armenian Genocide, massacres of Fethi Bey responded by telling the Parliament: “It is the proposal is an unexpected positive development on the eve Dersim, Marash, Sivas, and Chorum, mass hangings after intention of the government to cure every single injus - of the Armenian Genocide Centennial and provides some the September 12, 1980 military coup, and other Crimes tice done up until now, as far as the means allow, to consolation to descendants of the victims of more recent Against Humanity resulting from state terror. make possible the return to their homes of those sent Turkish atrocities. The proposed resolution also demands that the Turkish into exile, and to compensate for their material loss as The introduction of Tuncel’s proposal to the Turkish President visit one of the sites of the mass killings, repeat far as possible.” Parliament coincided with the unanimous recognition of his apology in public, and declare April 24 to be an official A Parliamentary Investigative Committee proceeded to the Armenian Genocide by Bolivia’s Senate and Day of Mourning. Within a year, the Parliament is to form collect relevant documents describing actions of those Parliament. Significantly, this acknowledgment was a Truth Commission and make public all documents in responsible for the Armenian mass killings and turned achieved on its own merits, without any Armenian lobby - state archives regarding these crimes. Moreover, moral and them over to the Turkish Military Tribunal. CUP’s leading ing efforts, which negates the standard Turkish claim that material restitution should be provided to descendants of figures were found guilty of massacring Armenians and countries recognizing the Armenian Genocide do so under the victims. hanged or given lengthy prison sentences. The Military pressure from local Armenian communities. Hardly any It is expected that the Turkish Parliament would reject Tribunal requested that Germany extradite to Turkey the Armenians live in Bolivia!

becoming an energy hub for Europe, even if the rapprochement South Stream deserves the name of the “Tsar Pipeline,” he Putin’s Pipe Dream with Moscow threatens to move Ankara even further from said. Brussels. And for the European Union, Putin’s withdrawal Less clear is the scope of Turkey’s deepening energy rela - amounts to a victory for the rule of law as well as a win in the tionship with Moscow. Putin and Miller said Russia hope to ship South Stream Pipeline Becomes tug of war for influence over former Soviet bloc states in about 63 billion cubic meters of gas to Turkey through a new Casualty of Ukraine Crisis Central and Eastern Europe. pipeline, with most of that earmarked for re-exportation to “Putting South Stream in question is a big deal,” said Europe. Turkish officials said talks have only just begun and Russian strongman Vladimir Putin threw in the towel on his Andreas Goldthau, an energy expert at Harvard University’s nothing is finalized. $40-billion pet pipeline project on Monday, a sign that Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs. After Russia If Ankara and Moscow can reach agreement on gas pricing, a European resistance to Moscow is slowly wrenching the energy waltzed into Ukraine early this year, EU officials put South new pipeline route, and how to resolve ongoing disruptions in weapon from Putin’s hand. Stream in the crosshairs and have blocked its final approval on Russian gas supplies, it could offer Russia a backup plan to By pulling the plug on the South Stream pipeline, meant to the grounds that it would violate EU competition rules. South Stream. bypass Ukraine and supply Europe with natural gas across the “Putin is showing recognition of a new reality, where the EU “If Turkey realizes its ambitions to establish a regional trad - Black Sea, Putin seemed is able to exert external power vis-à-vis dominant suppliers such ing hub, then increasing supplies from Russia to Turkey in the to acknowledge that as Russia,” he said. long term may just turn out to be an alternative supply route By Keith Johnson European sanctions all “If Putin indeed considers canceling the South Stream pro - for Gazprom to Europe,” said Tim Boersma, an energy expert but torpedoed the finan - ject, then I would hope that those gray-suited Brussels bureau - at the Brookings Institution. cial prospects of the mas - crats pop the corks — big time.” For now, South Stream’s fate most clearly illustrates the sive project while continued pushback from the European Actually, like many others, the gray-suited bureaucrats are growing divide between EU member states drawn toward Union and some key member states, such as Bulgaria, sealed its still figuring out whether South Stream is really dead or just on Brussels and those leaning toward Moscow. doom. life support. EU officials said next week they will discuss, as Hungary has repeatedly bucked the European Union and In a lightning visit to Turkey on Monday, December 1, to planned, the construction of the pipeline, even though Russia moved ever closer to Putin and Moscow, especially when it announce talks on fresh energy cooperation, Putin abruptly says it is no longer on the table. Some individual European comes to Russia’s energy ambitions in Europe. In November, in conceded that South Stream is virtually dead. “We feel Russia countries that would have been on the receiving end of South defiance of Brussels, the Hungarian parliament approved South cannot continue implementing this project under the existing Stream, such as Austria, are also trying to read the tealeaves. Stream’s construction, even though the pipeline would do little circumstances,” Putin said, blaming European foot-dragging for And Turkish officials insist they have not reached a final agree - to alleviate the country’s energy woes. the pipeline’s demise. “So we are forced to reconsider our par - ment regarding an alternate pipeline. Bulgaria, in contrast, where South Stream was to have ticipation in this project.” Alexey Miller, the head of gas giant But for Gazprom, South Stream’s commercial logic was emerged from the Black Sea, has repeated - Gazprom, later reiterated that South Stream is off the table: always a stretch, even in good times. It is a massively expensive ly blocked construction. The Bulgarian government backed EU “The project is closed,” he told reporters. project meant to provide extra export capacity to an already concerns over South Stream’s legality, even though nixing the Instead, Russia hopes to expand an existing pipeline and fully supplied market desperately trying to wean off Russian pipeline could cost the Balkan country $400 million a year in build a new one the same size as the apparently ill-fated South energy. Now, in the wake of US and European financial sanc - badly needed gas-transit revenues. Stream to ship gas to Turkey. But despite Putin’s grandstand - tions that have poleaxed the Russian economy and Gazprom’s Just days before Putin’s surprise announcement, Bulgarian ing, Russia and Turkey have not finalized the new energy deals, ability to secure financing, it looks more a pipe dream than officials criticized Russia’s attempts to tighten its energy stran - including the expanded pipeline and a discount on Russian gas. pipeline. glehold on former satellite states, especially by undermining Turkey’s energy minister described Monday’s visit as only “the “Under these market conditions, construction of excessive Europe’s search for gas resources. first step” in talks about closer energy ties with Russia. export capacity was not a good idea,” said Mikhail Korchemkin, That kind of public pushback, the Belfer Center’s Goldthau For Russia, the likely cancellation of South Stream hurts its head of energy consultancy East European Gas Analysis. He said, was a Bulgarian signal meant for Brussels and efforts to further isolate Ukraine while still dominating the likened South Stream to other oversized but ultimately failed Washington: “We don’t side with Russia.” European energy market. Turkey, if negotiations proceed apace, projects that have littered Russian history, including the never- (This commentary originally appeared in could move one step closer to realizing its long-held dream of used “Tsar Cannon“ and the never-rung “Tsar Bell.” Financial Times on December 2.)

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BOSTON — Gonca Sönmez-Poole has inter - of Michigan, Ann Arbor. Her research focuses Workshop on Armenian-Turkish Scholarship viewed several scholars and community activites on the comparative analysis of history, politics, (WATS), an unprecedented program that on Turkish-Armenian relations. The first inter - gender and collective violence. Her last book, brought together Armenian and Turkish acade - view is with Fatma Müge Göçek. The first part of titled Denial of Violence: Ottoman Past, Turkish mics in a series of workshops starting in 2000. this in-depth interview appears this week. Present and the Collective Violence against the What was the biggest challenge for you and Born, raised and educated in Istanbul, Armenians, 1789-2009, came out in November, your colleagues when you started WATS? Turkey, Fatma Müge Göçek is a professor of published by Oxford University Press. Göçek One thing we had to develop in the first run sociology and women’s studies at the University was one of the founding members of The was that we didn’t even have a common lan - guage, a language to discuss these things. And there were initially some problems because we didn’t use the same words to mean the same More Children Enroll at Kindergarten things. People attributed very different mean - ings to it. For example, I said in one context, “Well history is complex, it’s never clean…and In Village of Shenik Thanks to Efforts things are not black and white, they are gray.” I just meant social reality itself is gray, I hadn’t Of Beeline and COAF at all thought about genocide. I mean there was no reference to genocide whatsoever. But because it was, you know, so much in their YEREVAN — Longtime partner Beeline “This project is a bright example of the fact that minds, they took me to task and said, “What do Telecommunications has once again joined children stay within the focus of our work, and you mean?” So I had to explain what I meant, forces with the Children of Armenia Fund today we were able to make the children in which is fine. The major contribution of WATS (COAF) in providing the kindergarten in the vil - Shenik happier and ensure a bright and care - was to create a new space, a more neutral lage of Shenik, located in the Armavir marz free childhood for them.” space, where people felt they could talk about (province) of Armenia, with much needed beds COAF Director Anoush Yedigaryan said the these things and share knowledge and informa - and linens. The kindergarten was founded over partnership with Beeline has extended a help - tion. And that not all Turks, you know, were 30 years ago and is in dire need of renovation. ing hand to hundreds of rural children. She puppets of the Turkish state. And of course, A graduate of the Fletcher School of Law & Children from the community were being stated that the improvements made at the during the last 10 years, things really changed Diplomacy, Gonca Sönmez-Poole is the founder turned away due to a lack of beds and bedding. kindergarten in Shenik fall in line with the phi - of TAWA (Turkish-Armenian Women’s Alliance), and transformed. A series of projects have been implemented losophy of COAF’s a grassroots alliance of Armenian and Turkish How important was terminology, specifical- over the years as a result of cooperation programs aimed at paving the road for a women based in and around Boston. A native of ly the use of the word genocide in your work between COAF and Beeline, including entre - brighter tomorrow for children, strengthening Turkey, Sönmez-Poole spent two decades work - and research? preneurship trainings and practice for youth, the socio-economic environment, and providing ing for WCVB-TV’s “Chronicle” program, fol - From the beginning I myself did not want to lowed by 13 years managing her own non-profit extracurricular arts & crafts and vocational new avenues for development and growth. “We use the word ‘genocide.’ Not because it’s not a organization. clubs, IT trainings for rural teachers and play - are certain that this initiative will, undoubtedly, genocide, it certainly is, but I said, drawing on grounds throughout villages. increase the number of children who will now my own life experience, “Look, I had no idea Beeline General Manager Pyatakhin stressed attend the kindergarten. This will in turn what happened until I started looking into end? And that’s why it became 220 years. the importance of implementing a variety of enable their mothers, young rural women, to it…At that point if somebody comes to me, if I Besides the point that it encompasses 220 philanthropic programs throughout rural work and make their own contribution to the have no knowledge and says your ancestors years and it took you 12 years to finish it, Armenia and helping solve existing social, edu - development of their community and country” committed genocide, I mean, my first reaction what was the hardest part of doing this latest cational and environmental issues. In his words, added Yedigaryan. would be, no. It will be not because I’m denying book? what happened...but I have no idea” So I said, I felt like I was an onion. I sort of had to strip “I’ll call it a genocide once I work on this, and my layers all the way through, because until I produce that body of knowledge.” So, because then, I had taken for granted and naturalized Rob Nahigian Named to Top of that, of course some of them were upset. I my position in Turkey’s society. I had not real - mean, it was at the time, so politicized. If you ized that I too was an ethnic Sunni-Turk, you said that, half of them wouldn’t listen, if you know, who was part of the dominant majority, Position in National Realtors’ Group didn’t say it, the other half wouldn’t listen. who on top of it came from the upper-class. And Did you make a conscientious decision not that had given me advantages and a sense of NEWTON, Mass. — Rob Nahigian, CRE, of Formas in Baton Rouge. On June 25, he taught to say genocide in the title of your latest book? security that I took for granted. Auburndale Realty Co. was named the 2015 the SIOR designation course in Charlotte, NC. Yes, my issue is not genocide. What always Because of my belonging to the dominant National Liaison Vice-President and to the The topics included Negotiation Skills and fascinated me as a sociologist was not whether majority, a lot of my parents’ friends and others, National Executive Committee by the Synergistic Sales Skills. On June 17, he was it was genocide or not, because I already know including academic friends took a virulent Counselors of Real Estate at its October invited by the National Association of Realtors it was. So, I mean, to me, that didn’t matter. stand against me. They said, “How dare you put National Convention in Boston. As Liaison Vice- Commercial to deliver the new “Discovering What I was interested in as a sociologist is why the interest of humanity before the interest of President, he will oversee six national commit - Commercial” course as a beta test to newly didn’t people acknowledge it? I mean, the Turkey?” So as a consequence, I lost a lot of tees and report to the National CRE 2015 selected instructors and to operate a “Train the denial of it was, for me, the more interesting friends and that made me much more aware. President Noah Shales. Trainer” session. The session was delivered at part. And I had to constantly ask, “Am I favoring one The Boston convention was held from NAR headquarters in Chicago. The Discovering And that’s why I wanted to look at denial of group over, over another? Am I being too October 26-29, 2014 at the Fairmont Copley Commercial is being rolled out to commercial violence. And if you only look at genocide, I understanding towards Armenians? Am I being Hotel and his term began with the completion boards during Fall 2014. On September 9, he mean, in 1915, ‘17, or ‘22, however you picture too harsh towards Turks? And then, I was told of the convention. There are three National delivered the highly sought after course “From it, what’s interesting is that, that’s not when the of course, to stop working on it because they Liaison Vice-Presidents including Nahigian. He Shanghais to Your Shelf: Logistics and Supply violence starts. I mean, that is the epitome of said it was dangerous…But then again, why are will interact with each committee, offer guid - Chain Industrial Real Estate Decision Making” the violence, the high point. But there is vio - we academics? We’re academics because we ance and report to the National President on to the Louisiana Commercial Realtors in lence in the 1894, ‘96 massacres before then. want to find answers to the questions we ask, the committee progress. He has served as New Darrow, LA at the Houmas House Plantation. So if you think about what happened after - and if I can’t do that I might as well go and England Chapter President, CRE National Commercial attendees from Louisiana were pre - wards, it still continues. It’s not like, it seizes work on Wall Street, you know, or do some - Editor of The Counselors, Chapter Activities sent. Then on September 11, Rob delivered with the violence against the Armenians. So, I thing else. Committee Chair, James Felt Award Committee again “From Shanghai to Your Shelf” for the said, this is just one part of it. I want to see the Chair, National Board of Directors and other Maryland Port Administration and the Society whole picture. Where did it start, when did it (Part 2 to appear next week) committee vice chair positions. of Industrial and Office Realtors (SIOR) MD The Counselors of Real Estate is an affiliate of Chapter in Baltimore. The event was held at the National Association of Realtors. Its mem - Maryland Port’s headquarters in the World bership designation is by invitation only of the Trade Center. On September 17, he taught “Art Lavash Bread Declared Intangible most elite real estate advisors in the US. There of Negations Skills” as part of the SIOR nation - are approximately 1,100 members including advi - al designation in Dallas. And to conclude the sors to Governors, Federal Reserve, State fall season, he delivered “Build-to-Suit Cultural Heritage by UNESCO Departments, Fortune 1000 companies, real Development” to the SIOR Oklahoma Chapter estate directors of REITS, New York banks, on October 2 in Tulsa, OK. Commercial devel - UNESCO, from page 1 appraisers, etc. on many disciplines of real estate. opers and brokers came from Oklahoma to Examples include Argentinian tango, Mongolian calligraphy, Middle Eastern falconry, During the summer and fall of 2014, attend including the SIOR National President Vanuatu sand paintings and even the Mediterranean diet. Nahigian was invited and spoke at a number of Elect Angela West. The program was delivered The lavash puts Armenia, a small, ancient South Caucasus nation of 3 million, ahead regional and national commercial real estate at the Hotel Mayo in Tulsa. of much of the pack with a total of four entries on the Intangible Cultural Heritage List. events throughout the US as an industry sub - SIOR is a national designation that is earned Other Armenian entries recognized by UNESCO include the reed wind instrument duduk, ject matter expert. by the premier office and industrial real estate the performance of the medieval epic “David of Sassoon,” and the art of stone cross making. On May 20, he spoke at the Emerald Coast brokers in the U.S. through volume bench - Russia has only two items on the list: The culture of the Semeiskiye Old Believer sect, Association of Realtors on Commercial Lease marks and satisfactory completion of the and the Yakut heroic epic “Olonkho,” which sees songs comprising up to 36,000 verses per - Clauses to over 50 area commercial brokers in national courses. It is an affiliate of the National formed by singers over the course of several nights. Ft. Walton, Fla. On June 11, more than 55 Association of Realtors. China is the runaway leader with 38 entries, followed by Japan (22) and Croatia (14). attendees came to the Baton Rouge Association He is also an instructor at Boston University, Neither the U.S. nor Britain have a single item of intangible heritage to contribute so far, of Realtors as Nahigian spoke about the intri - CoreNet Global, NAR Commercial, RealtorU according to UNESCO. cacies of Build-To-Suit Development and Pro and Mass. Association of Realtors.