APRIL 28, 2012
THE ARMENIAN
Mirror -Spe ctaItn Ouor Mirror -Spe ctatror 80th Year Volume LXXXII, NO. 41, Issue 4236 $ 2.00 NEWS IN BRIEF The First English Language Armenian Weekly in the United States Since 1932 Sargisian Attends Genocide Symposium Events Dedicated to Mass. State House Holds At United Nations Is Printing Anniversary Greeted by Turkish YEREVAN (Armenpress) — On April 23, President Commemoration of Genocide Serge Sargisian participated in the unveiling of the Diplomatic Corps’ Ire “Vark Haverzhats” statue, dedicated to 500th BOSTON — A commemoration of the anniversary of Armenian printing. The sculpture By Aaron Dentel-Post 97th anniversary of the Armenian has been installed near the intersection of Genocide was held on Friday, April 20, Special to the Mirror-Spectator By Florence Avakian Moskovyan and Teryan streets. The France-based in the House Chamber in the State sculptor, Davit Yerevantsi, created the work, which Special to the Mirror-Spectator House. Speakers ranging from politi - symbolizes the saving of the largest manuscript of cians to humanitarian activists remembered and paid tribute to the 1.5 million vic - the Matenadaran, Msho Charntir . tims of the Armenian Genocide at the hands of the Ottoman Empire. UNITED NATIONS, N.Y. — Possibly Sargisian attended another event dedicated to “We will never forget speaking for all Genocide victims, a sur - the anniversary, the opening of the “Perpetuity of JIRAIR HOVSEP the million and a half IAN PHOTO vivor of the Armenian Genocide once said, Writing” exhibition at the History Museum of Armenians killed, and we “I am somebody, but I am nobody.” Armenia. Four museums, including the History must never allow the world On Thursday, April 12, a symposium, Museum of Armenia, the museums of Holy to forget,” said Robert titled “Toward Preventing Genocide: Echmiadzin and Matenadaran and the National DeLeo, speaker of the Nations Acknowledging their Dark History: Library of Armenia, have made joint efforts to pre - House of Representatives. Psychosocial, Economic and Cultural sent the best works representing Armenian pub - The large Armenian Perspectives,” took place at the UN, attend - lishing. population in Massa- ed by close to 50 diplomatic, educational At the National Gallery of Armenia, Sargisian chusetts and especially and Armenian saw the “Retrospective Glance” series of paintings Watertown, Mass., give community by contemporary artist Arevik Petrosyan. the remembrance special members. significance in the The event Commonwealth. The cer - began with a Obama Stresses emony also included res - moment of olutions to recognize the silence for the Teaching Future achievements of former victims of all Generations about state Senator Steven A. genocides and Tolman and the was opened by Man’s Inhumanity to Armenian-American Armenia’s playwright Joyce Van Ambassador to Man Dyke, whose work, the United WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama, speak - “Deported/a dream Nations Garen Anahis Keche Armenia’s UN ing at the United States Holocaust Memorial play,” is a tribute to her jian and her “survivor,” A raxy Kechejian Nazarian, who Ambassador Garen Museum as part of the nation’s Days of grandmother’s life dur - reminded the Nazarian Remembrance activities, stressed the importance of ing and after the audience that teaching future generations about the horrors of Genocide. this marked the man’s inhumanity to man and the need for geno - Khatchig Mouradian, editor of the Armenian Weekly and program director of the 62nd anniversary of the UN Human Rights cide prevention, reported the Armenian Assembly Armenian Genocide Program at the Center for the Study of Genocide, Conflict Declaration outlawing genocide. He stated of America (AAA). Resolution, and Human Rights at Rutgers University, gave the keynote address. that many countries, as well as scholars, “As we mark the anniversary of the Holocaust, see COMMEMORATION, page 8 including Turkish intellectuals, have the Armenian Assembly of America stands in soli - already recognized the Genocide of the darity with the Jewish people by remembering the Armenians by Ottoman Turkey. He paid victims, paying tribute to the survivors and rededi - tribute to the memory and the 160th birth - cating ourselves to genocide affirmation, education Preserving Armenian Stories Top on day of the Norwegian humanitarian and prevention,” said Assembly Executive Director Fridtjof Nansen, who “gave support to the Bryan Ardouny. Agenda of Filmmaker Garapedian fragile fragments of the Genocide,” and Introduced by Nobel Peace Prize laureate and issued the Nansen Passport for the state - Holocaust survivor Elie Wiesel, Obama highlighted (NAASR), Garapedian explained how the less Armenian survivors. the fact that “preventing mass atrocities and geno - By Alin K. Gregorian Armenian Film Foundation, which was see UNITED NATIONS, page 7 cide is a core national security interest and a core Mirror-Spectator Staff founded by Hagopian, and on whose board moral responsibility of the United States,” and that she serves, is collaborating with the Shoah awareness without action changes nothing. Wiesel, Foundation to preserve the 400 survivor who has also consistently recognized the Armenian BELMONT, Mass. — Filmmaker Dr. Carla testimonies that Hagopian recorded. Armenian Nuclear Genocide, reiterated the importance of prevention, Garapedian is hopeful that the new agree - The Shoah Foundation Institute, now and stated that one of the greatest tragedies of the ment on the digitization of the archives of part of the USC Dana and David Dornsife Plant Operations Holocaust was that it was preventable. the late Dr. J. Michael Hagopian by the College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, will The event took place one day before April 24, the University of Southern California Shoah digitize the Armenian oral histories, mak - Officially Extended Armenian Genocide commemoration anniversary. Foundation Institute will preserve the inter - ing that collection one of the largest of His statement on the Genocide will be in next views captured by Hagopian in perpetuity. Holocaust and Genocide testimonials. The YEREVAN (RFE/RL) — The Armenian week’s edition. During a talk at the National Association aim is to add similar testimonials from government formally decided last week to for Armenian Studies and Research other countries, including Cambodia and extend operations at the Metsamor nuclear Rwanda. power plant, a move reflecting the apparent Basically, the Armenian delay in its planned replacement by a new INSI DE collection will be shared and more modern facility. with Shoah, “without los - “Taking into account possible time frames ing ownership.” for the launch of the new atomic energy Garapedian spoke about block in the Republic of Armenia and the Balakian the Shoah Foundation, need to maintain the country’s energy secu - which was started by rity and independence during that period, it director Steven Spielberg is necessary to extend the exploitation peri - Awarded after he completed the od of the Power Block No. 2,” Energy movie, “Schindler’s List,” Minister Armen Movisian said at a cabinet Story on page 10 about the horrors of the meeting that approved the measure. Holocaust (incidentally The government assigned the Ministry of with a screenplay by Steve Energy and Natural Resources to draw up Zaillian). “A number of by May next year a program of measures to survivors contacted him ensure Metsamor’s longer-than-planned INDEX and said ‘get my story,’” operations and their safety. The program Arts and Living ...... 10 Garapedian said. will have to be submitted to the govern - Armenia ...... 2 The foundation’s aim is ment for approval by September 2013. Community News...... 5 to record as many oral his - Metsamor was due to be decommissioned Editorial ...... 14 International ...... 3, 4 Carla Garapedian, flanked by NAASR’s Marc Mamigonian tories of Holocaust sur - by September 2016 in accordance with the and NAASR board member Shushan Teager vivors as possible, much 30-year design life span of its sole function see FILMS, page 6 see NUCLEAR, page 2 2 S ATURDAY , A PRIL 28, 2012 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR ARMENIA News From Armenia Armenian Opposition Promises Massive Pay Rises
Zharangutyun goes further in its By Naira Bulghadarian, Karlen Aslanian, Tigran Avetisian campaign platform, promising an aver - Street Light Problem age pension of 80,000 drams a month. It also pledges to ensure that the aver - Solved by Public, Private YEREVAN (RFE/RL) — There may be ernment-linked entrepreneurs are a key age monthly wage in the country rises little love lost between Armenia’s lead - source of widespread tax evasion in from the current 115,000 drams to Investment ing opposition forces but they are unan - Armenia. 200,000 drams within months. imous in promising massive increases in “We can do that only when competi - “The state does have the resources to GORIS (Armenpress) — Authorities in the past month government spending on social have been working on changing street lights in Goris. programs in the ongoing par - They are expected to complete the task in May. liamentary race. Currently, the city has 420 street lights, far fewer The Armenian National than needed. The suburban districts are left with Congress (HAK), the Armenian insufficient lights, though during the last three years Revolutionary Federation the number of street lights has increased by 70 to 90. (Dashnaktsutyun) and the Goris City Hall Information and Public Relations Zharangutyun (Heritage) party Department head Anna Davtyan said, in Syunik, claim that the state budget, the funds allocated by the community budget is projected at 1.04 trillion drams 14.5 million drams, and the lighting problem will ($2.7 billion) this year, can at be solved in six districts of the city. Zangezur least be doubled quickly Copper Molybdenum Combine CJSC provided 16.5 through a genuine crackdown million drams, which will be sufficient to implement on tax evasion and business the reconstruction work in five districts. monopolies. That, they say, Overall, a total of 103 new street lights are sched- should translate into corre - uled to be installed in the city. sponding rises in public-sector salaries, pensions and other French Ambassador Says benefits. Protests took place in Armavir on April 17. President Serge Sargisian 2012 Francophonie Days has already responded by urg - ing voters not to buy into drastic pay tion is restored in Armenia’s economy, do this now,” Zharangutyun spokesman Has Record Turnout rises promised by the opposition. when we get rid of this monopoly-based Hovsep Khurshudian said. “They are Speaking on the campaign trail, economy,” Khachatrian said. simply being misappropriated in the YEREVAN (news.am) — France’s Ambassador to Sargisian has dismissed them as unreal - Arsen Hambardzumian, a senior form of unpaid taxes and stolen bud - Armenia Henri Reynaud called the 2012 istic. member of Dashnaktsutyun who served getary resources.” Francophonie Days a record in terms of length and “According to very serious estimates as labor and social affairs minister in Armenia has long had one of the low - turnout. by international experts, Armenia’s 2007, likewise claimed that the est rates of tax collection in the former Speaking at a press conference last week, budget should have been worth $7.5 bil - Armenian budget can be tripled in case Soviet Union. The authorities in Reynaud said the celebrations contribute to the lion,” HAK leader Levon Ter-Petrosian of “radical changes” in the govern - Yerevan claim to have improved tax development of bilateral relations. said on Saturday at a campaign rally in ment’s economic policies. He said the administration in recent years and say it The ambassador said, within the framework of Garni, a large village in the central government should not only improve will become even more efficient in the Francophonie Days, he had visited the cities of Kotayk province. tax collection but also support domes - near future. Vanadzor and Goris. He pointed out developing ties “This means that Serge Sargisian, tic manufacturers and small and medi - Speaking at a pre-election congress of between Armenia’s regions and the departments of [Prime Minister] Tigran Sargisian and, um-sized businesses. his Republican Party of Armenia (HHK) France. before them, Robert Kocharian, and the Accordingly, Dashnaktsutyun’s elec - last month, Sargisian said the ratio of The Francophonie Days opened in Armenia with whole government pyramid steal $5 bil - toral manifesto commits the party to tax revenue to Gross Domestic Product the staging of the opera “Carmen” in Yerevan. lion from you every year,” Ter-Petrosian doubling the average amount of pen - rose from roughly 17 percent in 2007 to Concerts, screenings of films, French poetry and alleged. sions to 63,000 drams ($160). It says 20 percent in 2011. The president also music, festivals of fairy tales and other events were Vahagn Khachatrian, an economist the minimum monthly wage in the strongly defended his administration’s held throughout Armenia. and senior HAK member, insisted on country should also be raised to that broader socioeconomic record against On March 20, the French page of the National Monday that the Armenian government level. opposition criticism. Assembly’s website was officially presented. can at least double its tax revenues if it The International Organization of Francophonie cracks down hard on the sizable infor - brings together 75 nations, 56 of which are members mal sector of the economy. He said de of the organization, and 19 have an observer status. facto business cartels operated by gov - New Book Contains 700 Testimonies Ter-Petrosian again Of Armenian Genocide Survivors Deplores ‘Western Armenian Nuclear postponed. Support’ for Sargisian Plant Operations By Gayane Mkrtchyan “Ragip Zarakolu was released only a week ago, and he told me that he would YEREVAN (RFE/RL) — President Serge Sargisian has Officially Extended start publishing the book soon. managed to hold on to power because of securing YEREVAN (ArmeniaNow) — The author According to him, it will be a real land - strong Western support in return for major Armenian NUCLEAR, from page 1 of the newly-published The Armenian mine in Turkey,” Svazlyan says. concessions to Azerbaijan and Turkey, opposition ing reactor that generates about 40 per - Genocide: Testimonies of the Eyewitness The author in the first chapter of the leader Levon Ter-Petrosian said last week. cent of the country’s electricity. Survivors , says that it can serve as a proof book described the whole process of “The West needs the kind of weak and thieving President Serge Sargisian said in at the international court “if there is an the Armenian Genocide, from the regime in Armenia that has been created by Serge December that it will operate longer, in Armenian Nuremburg.” Hamidian massacres to the Karabagh Sargisian and Robert Kocharian because it’s easier case of a delay in the construction of a “If any crime is wanted to be revealed War, being based on eyewitness sur - to control them, because they will execute its every new Armenian nuclear plant. Movsisian then first of all witnesses’ testimonies vivors’ testimonies. wish,” Ter-Petrosian said at an election campaign said shortly afterwards that the con - are taken into account. Here, rally held by his Armenian National Congress struction will likely start in 2013. too, it is necessary to be based (HAK) in Masis, a small town 20 kilometers south “Our actions in this area are extreme - on eyewitnesses’ testimonies; of Yerevan. ly transparent,” Prime Minister Tigran each of them has evidential Ter-Petrosian claimed that Sargisian promised to Sargisian told ministers. “We have pub - value;” says the author of the pursue a rapprochement with Turkey and agree to licly asked the head of the International book, 78-year-old Verzhine what the HAK leader called a pro-Azerbaijani solu- Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to assist Svazlyan. tion to the Nagorno-Karabagh conflict even before us in extending the existing nuclear Since 1955, Svazlyan has becoming president in 2008. plant’s operations and building a new met survivors, who had migrat - “This regime is not independent, not sovereign nuclear power-generating block.” ed to Soviet Armenia during and dependent on external forces … They have The IAEA director general, Yukiya 1946 to 1948, and she wrote agreed to all these things under Western pressure Amano, discussed the matter with down their stories. Svazlyan in order to easily falsify elections, to plunder the Sargisian and Movisian last week on the also met eyewitness survivors Verzhine Svazlyan with her new book people and to lose the money stolen from you at first day of a visit to Armenia. According who resided in different Monte Carlo and Baden-Baden casinos,” he said. to the Armenian premier, Amano voiced Armenian-Diasporan communi - Ter-Petrosian, who was Armenia’s first president, “full support” for Yerevan’s intentions ties in Greece, France, Italy, Germany, “The Armenian Genocide is unprece - has repeatedly accused the West of being too and actions related to nuclear energy. the United States, Canada, Syria, dented with all its features. As com - lenient towards the authorities in Yerevan since the Amano met with President Sargisian Lebanon, Egypt and Turkey. pared to the Holocaust it is more vil - 2008 election and a deadly government crackdown on Thursday. The presidential press There are 700 testimonies in lainous. [Adolf] Hitler gave Jews three on his supporters that followed the vote. He has office quoted him as saying that the Armenian and English versions of the years to leave Germany, those who left said that the United States and other Western pow- IAEA and Armenia agree on the need book. There were plans to publish the survived; the rest were smothered in ers are turning a blind eye to human rights abuses for further safety measures at book in Turkish, too, by the Turkish gas chambers. In the Armenian in the country for “geopolitical reasons” such as Metsamor and plan to “closely cooper - intellectual and publisher Ragip Genocide the sufferings were more the normalization of Turkish-Armenian relations ate” on the new plant’s construction. Zarakolu’s Belge publication. However, intense – people’s finger nails were torn and a Karabagh settlement. Sargisian, for his part, told the IAEA the Turkish government arrested out, people’s skin was being removed, chief that continued reliance on atomic Zarakolu in October; therefore the pub - they were shod like horses and young energy is “vital” for his country. lication of the book in Turkish has been women were crucified,” Svazlyan said. S ATURDAY , A PRIL 28, 2012 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 3 ARMENIA Of Australian Sylphs and Blithe Spirits International News
pared to North America where esti - inspiring the children, driven by the By Arthur Hagopian mates put their number between vision of the soft-spoken, charismatic Istanbul Armenians 200,000 and 2,000,000. principal, Luke Whitney and his staff of The over-riding majority of 40. Launch Campaign EASTWOOD, Australia — It is one of Armenians in Australia have trekked Whitney, who has been manning the Against Turkish Daily Sydney’s more sedate northern sub - from the trouble spots of the Middle helm at Eastwood for the past 16 years, urbs, languishing in the shadow of a East lugging, along with their suitcases, likes to take a hands-on, personal inter - ISTANBUL (news.am) — Istanbul-Armenians Nadya batch of more glamorous suburbs, bask - painful and desperate memories of the est in the running of the school and the Uygun and Sarkis Adam launched a campaign to ing in its modest fame as the birthplace past and hopeful dreams for the future. welfare of his charges. When, out of the protest against the daily, Hurriyet, since they sug- of Australia’s Granny Smith apple. Australia, this land of promise, has blue, one of the Grade 5 children devel - gest it spreads hostility against Armenians, Kurds Like the ancient city of Bethlehem been drawing a steady stream of oped juvenile diabetes, Whitney was the and other Turkish national minorities. and the phantasmagorical Scottish Armenian immigrants for over 50 years first to offer to look after the child’s Despite numerous warnings, Hurriyet continues highlands town of Brigadoon that come now, and with few exceptions, they have needs and administer the insulin injec - to use the most trivial news as a tool to sow hatred to light only once a year at Christmas settled here harmoniously and have tions the boy started taking. and discrimination, according to the protesters’ and at the turn of a century, Eastwood done well. A world-traveler, Whitney never tires statement on Facebook. comes to life at the Granny Smith festi - They may still yearn for home in of inculcating into his student’s subcon - “To date, Hurriyet’s publications prepare val. Jerusalem, Beirut, Aleppo, Baghdad, scious the need to respect both them - grounds for attacks against [and] killings of numer- The name evokes tenuous images of Cairo or Amman, and still adhere to selves and others. ous people. Let us not read Hurriyet! This call of sylphs and wood spirits, roaming blithe their age-old way of life, but for their “Eastwood, the school and wider ours is directed at the good people who respect and free. Aussie-born offspring, that is “far out:” community, is a wonderful example of human rights, believe in the freedom of peoples Only a generation ago, the perception no Armenian seriously doubts that in difference being appreciated with the and religions. We do not read Hurriyet for a better might have been true: trees blanketed another generation or two, the number end result being an enriched and world, a better Turkey,” the statement reads. this little town to Sydney’s north and left speaking their mother tongue is dynamic environment to live and learn,” the hand of man, with its cumbersome bound to dwindle sharply. he said. implements, had not yet descended Where both parents are Armenian — Whitney considers it fundamentally Jerusalem Univ. Hosts upon the land to ravage its pristine puri - and this could become a rarity in time — important to cater to the considerations Symposium on Genocide ty. the children will have the benefit of an and expectations of the various ethnic As the years rolled by, it was Armenian home and all that entails: lan - groupings at school by making it possi - JERUSALEM (PanARMENIAN.Net) — The chair of inevitable that the trees of Eastwood — guage, cuisine, traditions, mores. But if ble for them to preserve, and express, Armenian Studies of Jerusalem University hosted a there was no Lorax to speak for them — one parent is an “odar,” (non-Armenian) their ethnic identity while absorbing the symposium and commemoration of victims of would give way to the onslaught of man. then the children have little hope of a elements of Aussie culture, and facilitat - Armenian Genocide in the Ottoman Empire on ing the assimilation process. April 22. “I believe that literacy — in as many The event started with Bible reading from languages as possible, physical activity Ezekiel in Hebrew and Armenian. Then, Archbishop and music are keys in providing the fer - Aris Shirvanian of Jerusalem’s Armenian tile field for ongoing quality learning Patriarchate, gave a welcoming speech. and education,” he said. Tsolag Momjian, consul of the Republic of The addition of six new classrooms, Armenia in Jerusalem, presented his “Genocide, and the installation of interactive hi- Minorities and Memories” report. The head of the tech aids, under a countrywide desk of Minority Affairs department at the Ministry Australian Labor Federal government of Public Security, Mordechai Zaken, spoke on initiative, has immeasurably enhanced “The Armenian Orphan Rug.” the quality of life for the students. Momjian also briefed the participants on the There is always something to do at Knesset Educational Committee Hearing on school. If it is not an Easter parade, it is Armenian Genocide Recognition. a presentation, or a sports event. Yael Stein and Tamar Pileggi of the Jerusalem And when spring comes hopping in, Center for Genocide Prevention presented a report around September in Australia, there is titled “Combating Genocide: What we do Today to the prospect of engaging in one of the Prevent It.” most successful and enjoyable experi - ments at school, and at home: breeding Students enjoying a show silkworms. The tiny creatures subsist Armenian Composer’s solely on mulberry leaves, and when the Symphony to Be search for sufficient quantities to last The woods have accepted the encroach - fully-fledged Armenian heritage, since through the season heats up, it is every Performed at ment docilely: but what of the sylphs the parents and schoolmates will be man for himself with only a handful of and blithe spirits? communicating with them only in the trees around and scores of children International Festival clamoring for the leaves. One would like to think they would English. MOSCOW (PanARMENIAN.Net) — The Festival of As the silkworms, now transformed have migrated to the safest haven they Unless the kids go to an Armenian the World’s Symphonic Orchestras, to be held June into moths, start emerging from the could find, within the enclaves of the school. And there are only a handful of 1-21, will feature Armenian composer Avet cocoons they have been painstakingly tall, imposing edifice, known as the such institutions here. One was recently Terteryan’s Fifth Symphony, performed by the building, the glow of delight and won - Eastwood Primary School. closed and the land sold because of the Yaroslavl Academic Symphonic Orchestra. der in the eyes of the children, fills the All 700 of them. precipitous drop in the number of stu - Armenian kamancha player Hakob Khalatyan will heart with joy. The school dates its beginnings back dents. Another offers tuition up to sixth participate in the performance as soloist, by invita- to the 1880s, its enrolment mushroom - grade only. To make up for the deficien - tion of the orchestra’s artistic director and con- ing over the years to top the 700 mark, cy, the Tashnag and Hunchag parties ductor, Murad Annamamedov, and with the support of whom more than 90 percent hark run Saturday morning classes that aim Armenian Church of the Armenian Ministry of Culture. from non-English-speaking back - to at least give the kids basic reading Terteryan’s son, Ruben Terteryan, will also grounds. and writing skills. Wins Lawsuit attend the festival as musical consultant. Among the rich mix of Chinese, Although the over-riding, Chinese Korean, Indian, Japanese, Macedonian, majority of students at Eastwood Against Istanbul et. al., is a scattering of Armenians. Primary School are being provided with City Hall Book on Armenian This is not the suburb’s sole language aids to bolster their native Family Achieving Royal Armenian connection: the mayor of the tongue, the minuscule number of ISTANBUL (news.am) — A city of Ryde, which embraces Eastwood, Armenian children does not warrant Turkish court ruled in favor of a Power in Egypt also happens to be Armenian: Artin such a luxury. They have to rely on the claim filed by a foundation for Etmekjian, whose popularity has won Saturday classes and parental reinforce - the St. Nigoghayos Armenian CAIRO, Egypt (news.am) — A book, titled Hekayat him two consecutive terms running on ment. Church, of Beykoz district, Osra Aremenia (Stories of an Armenian Family), by a Liberal ticket, has the distinction of Still, Eastwood Primary makes up for against City Hall. The founda - Nabil Hefny Mahmoud, depicting a famous being the first Armenian in Australia to the deficiency with a plethora of activi - tion’s claim demanded that the Armenian family in Egypt, which achieved royal hold such a position. ties, including extra-curricular programs Istanbul City Hall return the power, was published here, Ahram Online reports. Listening to their little children chat - like instrumental music, dance, chess 37,500-meter area belonging to According to the researcher, the history of tering away in Strine both among them - and space camp, that hone the chil - the church. Armenians in Egypt dates back to the Roman selves and with their schoolmates, dren’s skills and promote their well The foundation’s chairman, Empire. However, the era when Armenians started arouses mixed feelings in Armenian par - being. Varujan Maghatyan, said they flooding into Egypt, forming their own quarters, ents, but the fluidity and dexterity with (One of the students chosen to repre - awaited the court’s decision for schools and churches, was the Fatimid Islamic peri- which the children manipulate the sent the school at a forthcoming tour - many years, according to Sabah od, starting in the 10th century. adopted language, assuages their feel - nament is Armenian). daily. A primary figure in the book, Abul-Farag Bin ing of guilt at the inevitability of assimi - The relaxed but dedicated atmos - “The Istanbul City Hall will Nekula, was the Armenian father of a family that lation. phere at the school, (its motto is “Each appeal this court verdict, but we gained much power, including family members who Armenians account for a minuscule can serve”), a refreshing departure from believe the appellate decision reached high positions in Egyptian civil service and section of the multicultural spectrum of the oppressively Dickensian regime will again be in our favor,” even ruled Egypt for some time. Nekula started as this “lucky country” — there are only many of the children’s parents or grand - Maghatyan said. a banker and later became a minister. some 40,000 of them, more than a quar - parents had to endure in the old coun - ter children — a paltry amount com - try, plays a vital role in invigorating and 4 S ATURDAY , A PRIL 28, 2012 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR INTERNATIONAL Rouben Gregorian Turkey Rejects Israeli Participation Commemorated In NATO Summit In Iran TEHRAN (Tehran Times) — Tehran’s Armenian Hur Translation and Research “Mediterranan Dialogue” group. between Israel and Turkey. Efforts to assuage Institute held a commemoration ceremony By Zvi Bar’el Turkey, however, abrogated any possibility the conflict, including the UN investigation, for composer Rouben Gregorian during a of a reversing its stance on the issue. “The which suggested that Israel apologize and ceremony last week. army of a country which you call a partner compensate victim’s families, have not made The event was organized to discuss ISTANBUL (Ha’aretz) — Turkey has refused killed our citizens with a political order given any changes in the Israeli stance on the issue. Gregorian’s role in Persian folk music. to allow Israel to participate in a NATO con - by its administration. We do not call this kind According to Turkish sources, the two Armenian Ambassador Grigor Arakelyan ference set to take place in Chicago on May of country a partner,” said Davutoglu. sides reached an agreement on the wording attended the ceremony, which was held at 20, because the Israel has not apologized for “I promise that Turkey will be the first to of an apology and payment of reparations, the Ararat Armenian Cultural Organization. the 2010 killing of Turkish activists in a raid defend citizens of NATO countries in any sim - however due to political pressure in Israel, The ceremony began with the screening of on a ship taking aid to Palestinians, a ilar situation. I believe in the principle of sol - especially from Foreign Minister Avigdor a short film on the life of Gregorian. Turkish official said on Monday. idarity among NATO member nations much Lieberman, Israel decided to call off the deal. One of Gregorian’s disciples, Amir-Ashraf Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu more than the principle of discrimination, Last year, US President Barack Obama pres - Aryanpur, who is a music researcher, spoke commented on the possible Israeli presence practiced by some of you,” Davutoglu fired sured Turkey to reach an understanding with about the life and artistic characteristics of at the conference. “There will be no Israeli back at his critics. Israel, but Turkey stated that without an offi - his mentor. presence at the NATO meeting unless they This is not the first time Turkey has acted cial, public apology, no progress can be made. Music researcher Farid Dehdazi was the issue a formal apology and pay compensation against Israeli participation with NATO. Take US State Department spokeswoman Victoria next speaker who reviewed the style and for the Turkish citizens their commandos for example the Turkish opposition to the Nuland commented on the poor relations melodies composed by Gregorian. killed in international waters,” said Israeli request to participate in the between the two countries. “For quite some Afterward, a choral group conducted by Davutoglu last week at a NATO conference in Mediterranean Dialogue group, affiliated time now we have been continuing to talk to Razmik Ohanian performed 10 folk songs Brussels, according to the Turkish newspaper with NATO, in Brussels. both our ally Turkey and our ally Israel about composed by Gregorian. Hurriyet Daily News . Turkey also vetoed Israeli participation in the relationship that they have with each other Born in Tbilisi in 1915, Rouben Gregorian Turkish opposition is similar to a veto, and the yearly “Active Endeavor” naval maneuver, to encourage them to continue to get back to a moved to Tabriz with his parents when he is binding for all NATO member nations. in which four naval vessels from four differ - place where they can have conversation with was 1. The young Rouben received his musi - Many member nations, including France, the ent, non-member nations participate. each other,” said Nuland. cal education under the auspices of his U.S., as well as Anders Fogh Rasmussen, Turkey has also stated that Israel will not Commenting on the Chicago summit, father, Levon Gregorian, a renowned musi - Secratary General, demanded that Turkey receive any information from NATO radar sys - Nuland added, “With regard to arrangements cian, conductor and educator. reverse its position on Israeli participation in tems installed in Turkey, meant to provide for the NATO summit and partnership events, He played an instrumental role in the the conference, and even threatened to warning of an Iranian missile attack. as you know, Israel is one of NATO’s partners development of the Tehran Conservatory of oppose the participation of Egypt, Morocoo, Next month will mark two years since the in the Mediterranean dialogue. Those discus - Music, where he served as its director. He Mauritania, and Algiera, other non-member Israeli raid on the Mavi Marmara, which lead sions are continuing as we head towards the was later the music director and conductor nations invited to take part in the NATO to the unprecedented decline in relations May summit in Chicago.” of the Tehran Symphony Orchestra. His role Meanwhile, Turkish international political in the collection and documentation of standing has improved, due largely to Turkish Iranian folk tunes remains unmatched yet opposition to the rule of Bashar Assad in has failed to be fully recognized. From 1949 Syria, Turkey’s role in renewing nuclear talks to 1951, he headed the musical section of Drills Test Russian Base between Iran and the west, and strengthen - the Iranian National Commission of the ing ties with Arab nations that have under - United Nations Educational, Scientific and gone revolutions. Cultural Organization (UNESCO). in Armenia Two years ago, diplomats and analysts were He died in the US in 1991. wondering which country had the most to lose from the rift in relations. Today, there is Nikolay Bordyuzha made a number of impor - no longer any doubt that Israel is the loser in By Aris Ghazinyan tant statements, in particular, that strikes at this very important struggle. Turkey is no Iran would shock the region in a number of longer in need of Israeli intervention with the ways — starting with politics and ending with US, Turkey’s economic situation is among YEREVAN (ArmeniaNow) — Rocket force economy. the best in Europe, and Turkey has become a and artillery subdivisions of Russian military He also stated that CSTO is closely watch - central diplomatic channel for solving region - base #102 stationed in Armenia are current - ing the situation and that “Armenia will al conflicts. ly at the Alagyaz educational-training com - receive whatever assistance it needs in case of Israel, it seems, has accepted its loss of rela - plex where drills are being conducted on the a crisis in the Karabagh conflict zone.” tions with Turkey, even though senior missile strike management. “We have a big potential in terms of the Turkish officials believe diplomatic efforts to More than 400 servicemen are taking part improve relations would be worthwhile. application of forces or operational counter - Rouben Gregorian in the drills with around 100 artillery armory action subdivisions. But I cannot say today (Natasha Mozgovaya contributed to this units, as well as military and special equip - what kind of assistance will be shown, as it report.) ment. can be said only based on a definite situation. The final stage of the large-scale drills coin - Nonetheless, I repeat that Armenia will cides with the joint session of the Armenian receive all the assistance it needs as a full- Turkish President Photographed against Aivazovsky’s and Russian units of Intergovernmental rights CSTO member,” said Bordyuzha. Commission for Military-Economic The military drills of CSTO’s operative Canvases on Eve of 97th Anniversary of the Genocide Cooperation of the Collective Security Treaty forces will be conducted in Armenia next fall. ANKARA (Armenpress) — Turkish President Abdullah Gul was photographed along with Organization (CSTO) held in Yerevan. The details of the drills were discussed both the children of army veterans and military personnel who died in battle, against a back - A top-ranking delegation has arrived in the during the session and at the National ground of canvases of Armenian seascape painter, Ivan (Hovhannes) Aivazovsky, on the eve Armenian capital from Russia, including Security Council of Armenia (NSCA). of the 97th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. CSTO Deputy Secretary General Valery “Armenia is doing its best not to allow a According to the press service of the Turkish president, Gul received the children in his Semerikov. shift in the balance of forces in the region,” residence of Çankaya, where they were photographed before Aivazovsky’s paintings. Last month CSTO Secretary General said NSCA Secretary Artur Baghdasaryan on April 23 is Turkey National Sovereignty and Children’s Day. April 12, while commenting on the possible change in the layout of forces in the region as a result of Azerbaijan’s military build-up. Dmitry Medvedev He stressed that according to NSCA’s state- approved plan for 2011-2015, Armenia, too, is Bestows Order of purchasing modern armory and, despite Azerbaijan’s growing military budget, Honor on Aghvan Armenia is taking all possible measures to maintain the balance of forces. Hovsepyan It has become known that Armenia and Russia will be signing a new agreement on MOSCOW (Panorama.am) — Under military-technical cooperation. Russian President Dmitry Medvedev’s Baghdasaryan stressed that the new agree - decree, dated April 14, Armenian ment would help to overcome the existing Prosecutor General Aghvan Hovsepyan obstacles, which would allow military-indus - has been awarded the Order of Honor. trial enterprises to communicate directly. “Aghvan Hovsepyan has been honored Also, it would allow for considerably better with the Order of Honor for his great con - cooperation. tribution to expansion of Armenian- During the joint session, issues were dis - Russian cooperation in law and order as cussed also on creating repair and technical well as in the strengthening of legality,” assistance centers for military machinery in the prosecutor general’s office said in a President Abdullah Gul with the children before paintings by Aivazovsky Armenia; there are currently seven joint report last week. Armenian-Russian military-industrial enter - prises in the region. S ATURDAY , A PRIL 28, 2012 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 5 Community Ne ws
Marashtsis Dr. Armen Orujyan Commemorate Joins UN Broadband Anniversary of Commission LOS ANGELES — Armen Orujyan, PhD, founder and CEO of Athgo Corporation, has Heroic Defense joined the United Nations’ Broadband Commission for Digital Development as a com - BELMONT, Mass. — Continuing in their tra - missioner. dition, the Union of Marash Armenians, The commission, founded by the International Watertown Chapter, celebrated the 92nd Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the United anniversary of the heroic defense of Marash, on Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Sunday, February 5, at the Holy Cross Organization (UNESCO), comprises a select Armenian Catholic Church. After the requiem group of top CEOs and industry leaders, senior mass held in memory of the martyrs, more than policy-makers and government representatives, 150 guests gathered in the church hall for the international agencies and organizations. It is traditional luncheon and cultural program. concerned with boosting the importance of The ceremonies began with the singing of the broadband on the international policy agenda Marash anthem, followed by welcoming and expanding broadband access in every coun - remarks by Nevart Kouyoumjian, the president try by 2015. The efforts are led by Carlos Slim of of the group, who reminded everyone that the Grupo Carso (co-chair), President Paul Kagame of union is dedicated to continuously supporting the Republic of Rwanda (co-chair), Dr. Hamadoun educational and cultural development in the Touré, secretary-general of the ITU, Irina Bokova, diaspora. In line with this approach, proceeds director-general of UNESCO, Sir Richard from events are being donated to St. Stephen’s Greater Haverhill residents gather with Mayor James Fiorentini and Rev. Vart Branson of Virgin Group and John Chambers of Armenian Elementary School in Watertown Gyozalian for a proclamation signing to commemorate the 97th anniversary of the Cisco, among others. and the rmenian Sisters’ Academy in Armenian Genocide. With Orujyan’s appointment to the commis - Lexington. After the welcoming remarks, Very sion, Co-vice Chair Touré asserted, “I am pleased to welcome Dr. Armen Orujyan as a member of the Broadband Commission for Digital Development. For over a decade, Armen has been Haverhill Turns Ecumenical pioneering work in the area of social entrepre - neurship with a particular focus on creating In Commemorating opportunities for young people. Armen has been engaged in concrete work in this area with pilot initiatives around the world and I look forward to Genocide having him on board as we explore possibilities for harnessing the potential of broadband tech - HAVERHILL, Mass. — Rev. Vart nologies to add value to his work. Broadband pre - By Tom Vartabedian Gyozalian, the new pastor of St. sents a once-in-a-generation Gregory the Illuminator Church, has hit opportunity for addressing upon the perfect way to drawing out - some of our most pressing side attention to the Armenian Genocide: Invite pastors of neighboring churches social challenges, and I wel - to become involved in the 97th anniversary commemoration and get the word out come Dr. Orujyan’s input to to other congregations. the work of this commis - Very Rev. Raphael Andonian One by one, visiting clergy stepped before a Genocide memorial outside his sion.” church and pondered man’s inhumanity toward man. They spoke about the evils Leaders in their respective of genocide and lauded the Armenian nation for its resilience and character in the fields, each commissioner Rev. Raphael Andonian blessed the food. The face of adversity. offers rich insight and expe - Dr. Armen luncheon, featuring traditional Marash food, Not only that, but more than one rience toward deploying and Orujyan Keshkek with zucchini and Kheyma , was pre - promised to bring the message using broadband networks pared and served by the committee members about the Armenian tragedy to the and services to the benefit of and volunteers. members of their own congrega - “Sharing this communities and end-users. Orujyan has focused Following the lunch, master of ceremonies, tions. his work around building and championing pro - Lalig Musserian, invited Andonian, also the “Much too often, we preach to grams, initiatives that enable young people guest speaker, to the podium. He presented a our own people who’ve heard the history with around the globe to team up and build projects vivid description of Marash, its rich culture and stories time and again,” said and businesses using Information history, up to the days preceding the Genocide. Gyozalian. “We’re all brothers in Communication Technology (ICT). A short documentary, prepared by Sebouh Christ, regardless of our Christian others who may In this spirit, Bokova acknowledged, “The Arakelian, was presented, featuring the renova - affiliations. Sharing this history Broadband Commission for Digital Development tion of Medz Mantashi Mangabardez in the vil - with others who may be less famil - starts from the principle that infrastruc - lage of Mantash. iar with it is extremely important. be less familiar ture/connectivity alone is insufficient for acceler - The cultural program continued with Mary We learn from one another.” ating progress towards the Millennium Bertizlian playing the kanon , and Berje The clergy also took part in a with it is Development Goals. What is just as important are Chekijian reciting poems written in the original proclamation signing and reception the applications and services that will be able to dialect of Marash. Mary Hayrabedian charmed inside the mayor’s office following run over such networks, allowing rich and rele - the audience with her voice, while Amilia the religious service. Also attending extremely vant content to reach those who need it most. Petrosyan and Adelaida Belangyozian moved the ceremony was Haverhill City Young people have an acute understanding of the the audience with their poetry recitation. The Councilor Sven Amirian, grandson potential of these technologies and can quickly cultural program concluded with piano recitals of Genocide survivors. important. We identify ways in which they can be used for the by two young performers, Shant Der Torossian “To see these outside pastors good of all societies and their members. I wel - and William Musserian. sharing in our history is really a come the work that Dr. Orujyan is conducting in moving experience,” he said. “Other learn from one this regard through its young innovators forum ethnic groups have faced similar and other initiatives, and I look forward to coop - persecutions and join us in the fight erating with him on the Broadband Commission toward world peace and under - another.” for Digital Development.” standing.” –Rev. Vart Gyozalian Orujyan is the chairman of Athgo Mayor James Fiorentini praised International, a non-profit organization based Haverhill Armenians for being a vital part of his community. He paid particular in Los Angeles and co-chairman of UN Global note to a 97-year quest toward recognition and the manner in which Armenians Alliance for ICT and Development. He fre - have clung tenaciously to their heritage and culture. quently presents at international conferences “We owe a debt of gratitude to those who gave their lives in the cause of reli - about mechanisms for individual and profes - gious freedom and those who survived the massacres for paving the way toward a sional success, ICTs role in entrepreneurship, better society,” said Fiorentini. “The commemoration of this terrible plight on gender equality and the UN Millennium humanity at the hands of the Ottoman Empire must never be forgotten.” Development Goals (MDG). He earned his bach - The proclamation was read at a City Council meeting. The Armenian tricolor elor of arts degree with honors in political sci - was to be flown at the City Hall on April 24 when Armenian Martyrs’ Day is offi - ence from the University of California Los cially observed throughout the world. Angeles and received his master of arts degree Nevart Kouyoumjian as well as PhD from the School of Politics and Economics at Claremont Graduate University. 6 S ATURDAY , A PRIL 28, 2012 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMUNITY NEWS
Marilyn Arshagouni Scholarships Available NAASR’s 58th Annual Assembly on NORTHRIDGE, Calif. — The Arshagouni presented annually to a qualifying graduate of May 19 to Highlight Young Scholars Family Trust announces the second annual Ferrahian who has achieved junior status at Marilyn Arshagouni Scholarship. an accredited four-year college or university in BELMONT, Mass. — The National be informed about NAASR’s ongoing efforts to The scholarship is a lasting tribute to a the United States with a minimum GPA of 3.3. Association for Armenian Studies and further Armenian studies, research and publi - woman who has devoted her life to education Preference will be given to students interested Research (NAASR) will hold its 58th Annual cation. Reports will be presented by the Board and Armenian causes. Her legacy has been in pursuing careers in the humanities, fine Assembly of Members on Saturday, May 19, at of Directors on organizational, informational, passed on to generations of students who and performing arts, social sciences and edu - the NAASR building, 395 Concord Ave. The academic and financial matters, and the elec - attended Holy Martyrs Ferrahian Armenian cation. assembly will convene at noon and lunch will tion of directors will be held. In addition, there High School in her 28 years of teaching there. Applications may be requested by e-mail at be served at 12:15 p.m. will be reports by the assembly’s special com - To underscore her interests in the humani - [email protected] after May 15. The Following lunch, there will be presentations mittees on Nominations, Constitution and ties and the arts as well as her association deadline for submission is July 15. by three doctoral students in Armenian Studies Rules, New Business and Resolutions and with Ferrahian High School, the Marilyn Announcement of the scholarship recipient based in the greater Boston area: Christian Auditing. Arshagouni Scholarship of up to $2,000 is will be made in August. Millian of Harvard University, Khatchig The assembly will be chaired by NAASR Mouradian of Clark University and Ümit Kurt Board Chairman Raffi P. Yeghiayan, of of Clark University. Each will discuss the focus Lexington, and Stephen Kurkjian, of Manomet, Preserving Armenian Stories of his research. They will be introduced by will serve as secretary of the assembly. their respective advisors, Prof. James R. Sessions are open to all NAASR members in FILMS, from page 1 At that point, Hagopian was deeply involved Russell, Mashtots Chair of Armenian Studies at good standing, who “have the right to attend, like what Hagopian started with the Armenians. with trying to interview all the survivors he Harvard, and Prof. Taner Akçam, Robert Aram be heard and vote.” Non-members may attend There are currently 52,000 testimonials on film. could. “He was in a race against time to record and Marianne Kaloosdian and Stephen and as observers. The interviews were originally kept in their stories on film,” she said. Marian Mugar Chair of Modern Armenian The luncheon and subsequent program are Spielberg’s office on the Universal Studios lot, Garapedian said one reason she admired him History and Genocide Studies at Clark. open to the general public. However, luncheon but then he started to worry about properly so much was that “he started the Witnesses Following the luncheon and lecture, those reservations should be made by May 15 at $15 housing them so that they do not deteriorate. Project really seriously when he was 72 years attending the 58th Assembly of Members will per person by calling or e-mailing NAASR. As a result, he started working with USC. old.” When Hagopian died at age 97 in 2010, “He thought the best place for the collection she said, he was in the planning stages of a trip was at a university so that they can try to to India for a follow-up interview. understand and analyze” the testimonials, she “To his dying day, not only was he working, explained. One advantage of USC was that it but he was looking forward to his next project,” Home Health Aides had “major grants coming in for digital tech - she said. nologies,” she explained. In the 1970s, Armin T. Wegner had sought To complete the work within the next year, Hagopian out, she said, to show him a box of Immediate openings for Armenian Bilingual Home Health Aides. the Armenian Film Foundation needs about photos from the Genocide era, photos that have Workers needed in Watertown and Waltham areas. Daytime $400,000; the rest of the $1.5 million cost for since become defining images of the Genocide. the Armenian testimonies’ digitization will be “Michael interviewed him. He became the first hours available. Good pay. Must have car. If interested please absorbed by the Shoah Foundation. witness,” ironically. “There were a number of “The number one issue is preservation. German medical officers” who took photos dur - call us for interview. 1-781-762-2929. M-F, 9-4. GBHHCS Inc. Second, let’s say we preserve. Then what? How ing the Genocide, and all the photos were in do we see them? We have to go to Toronto to Wegner’s collection. see them.” In addition to Hagopian’s work, there are 800 Efforts are being made to keyword every testimonies from the Zoryan Institute on video - minute of every interview. Challenges include tape. There are also survivor material on VHS Telephone (617) 924-7400 the different names of the cities and towns, and audiotape at ALMA and UCLA. whether Armenian or the new Turkish names, “The idea was to get all the stories for posterity,” Aram Bedrosian as well as variations of spelling. Eventually, the she said. goal is that anyone interested in very specific “When you see and hear a survivor, it’s not searches, such as one for a woman from just the factual information. They impact, apart Funeral Home, Inc. Kharpert, can execute such a search. Prof. from that, on a human level,” Garapedian said. Continuous Service By The Bedrosian Family Since 1945 Richard Hovannisian will be advising the group “They [the viewers] get the feeling of the per - on the indexing. son’s experience.” MARION BEDROSIAN Garapedian called Hagopian a “friend, men - Currently, about 1,000 interviews from the 558 MOUNT AUBURN STREET PAUL BEDROSIAN tor and colleague,” whom she first met while Shoah archives can be seen by the public at WATERTOWN, MA 02472 LARRY BEDROSIAN she was in London as a graduate student at the http://dornsife.usc.edu/vhi/clipviewer/. The London School of Economics and Politics, and rest are available only to those using the uni - later, a BBC newsreader. versity Internet. Nardolillo Funeral Home Armenians and Progressive Politics Conference Returns Est. 1906 John K. Najarian, Jr. NEW YORK — The Armenians and Speakers for this year’s gathering, co-spon - Rhode Island’s Only Licensed Armenian Funeral Director Progressive Politics conference will return to sored by the Armenian Society of Columbia New York City this fall. The fourth in a series of University and the ARF Western Region, will be 1278 Park Ave. Cranston, RI 02910 (401) 942-1220 lectures and discussions that examine announced shortly. Past conferences have fea - 1111 Boston Neck Rd. Narragansett, RI 02882 (401) 789-6300 Armenian issues from a left perspective, the tured Noam Chomsky, Robert Fisk and Tariq Ali. conference will be held on September 28 and “The Armenians and Progressive Politics con - www.nardolillo.com 29 at Columbia University. ference is not simply an academic forum,” said This year’s meeting, titled “Armenia at 21,” Dikran Kaligian, chairman of the organizing will evaluate the first 21 years of Armenian committee. “Our goal is to bring together like- independence. A Friday night plenary session minded activists, intellectuals and community will consider the Occupy and Arab Spring members to foster critical engagement with movements and their relevance for Armenia. Armenian issues and society.” Panel discussions on Saturday include the The conference will travel to Los Angeles on 21-year trajectory of Armenia’s statehood, econ - October 6 and 7; details about both the East GF UiNrEaRgAoL sHiaOMn E omy and society; rule of law, corruption and and West Coast sessions will follow. elections; development of civil society; For information on past Armenians and James “Jack” Giragosian, CPC Armenian-Turkish relations; foreign policy and Progressive Politics conferences, visit http:// Mark J. Giragosian natural resources policy. www.armenianprogressive.com. Funeral Counselors 576 Mt. Auburn Street, Watertown, MA 02472, TEL: 617-924—0606 www.giragosianfuneralhome.com Quality Armenian &
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and volunteered his efforts to the Diocese of the Armenian Diocese to Honor Church, the Armenian General Benevolent Union, Knights of Vartan, Hye Doon, Hovnanian School and numerous other organizations of the metropolitan New York New Jersey area. Hirant Gulian Gulian’s efforts have also benefited Armenia and Karabagh. To share a story of a memorable experience or photo to help NEW YORK — On April 12 Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, make this tribute to Gulian a special event, send items Primate, Diocese of the Armenian Church of America, to [email protected]. announced that a tribute banquet will be held in honor of Hirant Gulian on Friday, October 5, under the chairmanship of Harry and Suzanne Toufayan. The banquet will be held at St. Leon Armenian Church, Abajian Hall, Fair Lawn, NJ. “We feel privileged to be part of a program in honor of a good friend, a patriotic Armenian and a man who has done so much for so many Armenian religious, cultural and educa - tional institutuions. We owe Hirant a deep debt of gratitude for his boundless generosity towards Armenian causes. We are confident that many friends of Hirant will join us in our efforts and make the celebration a memorable one,” Harry Toufayan explained. For many years Gulian served as chairman of the Knights of Vartan, April 24 Times Square Armenian Genocide Suzanne and Harry Toufayan Hirant Gulian Commemoration Committee. For many decades he dedicated
Genocide Symposium At United Nations Is Greeted by Turkish Diplomatic Corps’ Ire UNITED NATIONS, from page 1 running horses, recalled another survivor. fiscating the house’s garden. Evolution of Genocide Before the program even began, two mem - In the film, the missionary, Mary Louise His nephew, Dr. Edmund Gergerian, has Prof. Ervin Staub of the University of bers of the Turkish Mission to the United Graffam, reported from Malatya that “the valley established the annual Krieger monetary Award Massachusetts focused on the evolution of Nations unsuccessfully tried to disrupt the was full of corpses.” And US Consul Jesse B. for high school and college students who write genocide — “a gradual process, which begins event with loud protests, an action they again Jackson related seeing 500 emaciated women the best essays on “What the Legacy of with discrimination and some violence, then attempted at the conclusion. Chairperson of the and children from Sivas after they reached Genocide Means to Me.” At the symposium, results in institutional and people changes, event, Dr. Ani Kalayjian, president of the Aleppo, Syria, following a 1,000-mile march. In four high school students who read their writ - which can be reversed but rarely happens. The Association for Trauma Outreach and one of the scenes, a Turk who brought fruit to ing were honored with the award. passivity by the bystanders encourages vio - Prevention (ATOP) and the Armenian-American Fr. Krikor Guerguerian (a.k.a Krieger), asked Carla Garabedian, director of the Armenian lence. It is crucial that bystanders actively resist Society for Studies on Stress and Genocide the Armenian priest for forgiveness for killing Film Foundation who received the AASSSG’s but it must start early,” he said, adding that (AASSSG), did not permit the Turkish outburst the priest’s father and three brothers and con - 2011 Outstanding Achievement Award, spoke genocide takes place in economically and psy - to continue. about “future legal proceedings concerning chologically difficult times. “Turks who were monetary compensation” for the Genocide, a called the ‘sick man of Europe’ were already Harrowing Testimonies subject of fear for Turkey. “But how do you cal - down, plus Armenians were in the way of Pan The highlight of the event was the screening culate such a figure. The International Criminal Turkism. of the film, “The River Ran Red,” by the late Dr. Court should decide the amount,” she said and “Denial becomes part of the identity of both Michael Hagopian, whose wife and daughter reported that Turkish historian Taner Akçam perpetrators and victims. They see the world as were present. An account of the Armenian and other Turkish scholars have already dangerous. What is needed is acknowledgment Genocide, the documentary is a compilation of revealed that “Armenian assets were transferred of the pain and reconciliation,” he said, then harrowing testimonies and archival photos. “We into private and public hands.” Under interna - advised that Armenians should concentrate on were lying in blood in a forest. By day, we saw tional law, there is no statute of limitations on the US denial, because constantly pointing out the dead,” said one survivor. “The Turks forced suing for stolen goods, she said, adding that the Turkish denial does not allow Turkey to children in a Turkish orphanage to dig up the Germany, since 1952 has paid Holocaust vic - acknowledge the crime. dead Armenian clerics and urinate on them,” tims $60 billion. She concluded by noting that Dr. Dennis Papazian, professor emeritus at said another, adding, “I saw a hundred children Turkey would benefit by freeing itself of the University of Michigan, in a report, concen - thrown into the Euphrates River so the Turks Genocide denial, and save millions, which it cur - trated on the “Causes and Cures of Genocide,” could spare their bullets.” Babies were buried in rently spends on its denial propaganda. “Turks Carla Garapedian which involves the “concept of sovereignty” the desert with only their heads above ground, should know and be able to discuss their own (complete power over life and death). “Thus, which were then crushed under the hooves of history.” until the signing of the Genocide Convention, the killing of one individual was considered murder and thus punishable by the state, while the killing of thousands and even millions by the state had no name and went unpunished. “State sovereignty must be limited if we are to end genocide. In modern times, nationalism, pre-nationalism and religious exclusiveness have been some of the drivers of genocide, as well as language, and racism,” he said, adding that “by the time of the Armenian Genocide, the concept of ‘us’ and ‘them’ was developing.” Calling the 19th century the century of impe - rialism which “was not so much an economic system inspired by the capitalist, as much as an extension of the medieval concept held by the ruling aristocracies that the more territory owned, the greater the prestige and glory. It was in this lethal environment that the Armenian Genocide occurred.” The Ottoman government “looking for an internal scapegoat to deflect attention from their own military ineptness, turned on the unarmed Armenians,” he added. In conclusion, Papazian stated that it is “humanism, the understanding that we all — black, white, yellow, rich, poor, educated, uned - ucated, Armenians, Turks and all others — are actually one people with one destiny on this frail earth which holds the key to ending geno - cide. Thus, intellectual freedom is an absolute necessity for settling issues like the Armenian Genocide and preventing other such atrocities.” The co-sponsors of the event included the Permanent Mission of Armenia to the United Nations, ATOP, AASSSG, the Armenian General Benevolent Union, Knights and Daughters of Vartan, Meaningfulworld.com, the Tekeyan Cultural Association, the Armenian Constitutional Rights Protective Centre of Armenia and Voices for Freedom. 8 S ATURDAY , A PRIL 28, 2012 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMUNITY NEWS Boston State House Holds Commemoration of Genocide
COMMEMORATION, from page 1 Mouradian, who has lectured extensively on the Armenian Genocide, said that it was still affecting people today. “Much of what transpired decades ago, is still very much with us now,” he said. “Not only in survivors and the descendents of sur - vivors, but also in societies of the descen - dents of the perpetrators and the govern - ments.” He said that two years ago, on the April 24 Genocide Remembrance Day, he had deliv - ered a talk in Istanbul, Turkey, commemorat - ing the Armenian Genocide. “I made a point that day to leave one seat at the front vacant,” Mouradian said. The vacant chair was to remind the audience of the assassinated Armenian journalist Hrant Dink. He said that chair was a reminder of the responsibility of standing up as heirs to victims and survivors. Mouradian said it was always easier to put off standing up for a cause and wait for more favorable circumstances, but that this gener - ation owes it to survivors to remember their struggle. He said the pain of being a survivor was in part reliving their experiences over the intervening years. Several years ago, he was at a ceremony to again commemorate April 24, said Mouradian. A survivor, who had been asked to recall her experiences during the Genocide again and again over the years, told her story. All members of the clergy assembled at the State House “What distinguished her, in my experience, was that while she was telling the story, she would pause, she would start laughing,” said Mouradian. “Then she would apologize and continue the story.” This happened over and over again while the survivor was recounting her experiences. “At the end, she said ‘I’m really sorry for laughing, but I’ve run out of tears,’” he recalled. Many students held up pictures of Genocide survivors from their families, as part of a program suggested by Anahis Kechejian of Arlington, titled “Stand Up for Your Survivor.” Children from the two area Armenian schools, the Armenian Sisters’ Academy and St. Stephen’s Armenian Elementary School, sang. Violinist Haig Hovsepian of Belmont, accompanied by his mother, Ani Hovsepian, performed Armenian Sketches by Yervant Sardarian, its US premiere. A light luncheon was served in the State House after the program. From left, state Sen. William Brownsberger, Rev. Gregory Haroutunian and state Rep. Jonathan Hecht State Rep. Jonathan Hecht (All photos by Jirair Hovsepian)
Rev. Antranig Baljian Khatchig Moudarian was the keynote speaker.
Sheriff Peter Koutoujian Ani Hovspian on piano and Haig Hovsepian on violin S ATURDAY , A PRIL 28, 2012 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 9 COMMUNITY NEWS Mihran Hoplamazian Named Man of the Year of Armenian Community of Detroit
A musical interlude by vocalist (and dea - By Pam Coultis con) Rubik Mailian, accompanied on the piano by Margaret Lafian, included Armenian folk and patriotic songs bringing guests to DETROIT — On Saturday, April 14, the their feet with applause. Tekeyan Cultural Association (TCA) and the Event co-chair and ADL chair, Hagop Armenian Democratic Liberal party (ADL) Alexanian, took a moment to thank the com - Detroit Chapters hosted their annual mittee for their hard work and their continu - fundraiser at the St. John Armenian Church ing commitment to all things Armenian. Cultural Hall. The theme for this year was These fundraisers provide funds to support two-fold: celebrating 20 years of Tekeyan’s four schools in Armenia and one in Karabagh cultural and educational mission in Armenia for its “Sponsor a Teacher” program as well and honoring as “Man of the Year” Mihran support for the Orphans Higher Education Hoplamazian for his steadfast support of the Fund. In keeping with their cultural mission, this year a part of the proceeds were ear - marked for the St. John Armenian Church Gomidas Choir. The 2012 Tekeyan/ADL Committee mem - bers are Nora Azadian, Edmond Azadian, Ara Belian, Hagop Alexanian, Diana Alexanian, Mike Arzoumanian, Sebouh Avedikian, Zabel Belian, Barbara Haroutunian, Karen Koundjakian, Suzanne Nazoyan, Marina Edmond Azadian and Mihran Hoplamazian with the Man of the Year award Papasian, Hagop Minassian and Dr. Gary Zamanigian.
Dinner began with an opening prayer by Rev. Garabed Kochakian. Music by violinist Harry Hovagimian accompanied dinner and had many guests humming along with the familiar Armenian melodies sweetly resonat - ing throughout the hall. The program began with opening remarks Hagop Alexanian and Edmond Azadian by Doug Smith including a brief history of the TCA. Edmond Azadian followed with a moving tribute to Hoplamazian, acknowledg - Armenian Church, the AGBU School and ing his years of service to the metro-Detroit numerous educational and cultural pro - Armenian community. Ending the program, grams. Hoplamazian thanked everyone present for The evening began with cocktails and attending and Tekeyan for the tribute. He mezza. Spirits were high as guests mingled spoke of his father and mother’s great love and congratulated Hoplamazian, his wife, for this country, their devotion to family and Gayle, and their children. how their example set the course for his life.
Committee members, standing, from left, Diana Alexanian, Hagop Alexanian, Levon Nazoyan, Suzanne Nazoyan, Hovsep Koundakdjian, Garine Koundakdjian and Doug Smith; seated, Edmond and Nora Azadian
Marie Azadian, Mihran Hoplamazianm, Gail Hoplamazian and Megerditch Azadian Chairman Hagop Alexnaian opened the event. Mihran Hoplamazian and Edmond Azadian
Nora Azadian and Hasmig Shirvanian From left, Greg Jamian, Rick Santourian and Carmen Santourian 10 S ATURDAY , A PRIL 28, 2012 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR Arts & Living
Egoyan Revisits ‘Ararat’ at Univ. ‘Here’: Of Michigan Directed by ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Award-winning director, producer and screen playwright Braden King Atom Egoyan discussed his film, “Ararat” on March 19, at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, at the invitation of the Armenian Studies Program at that univer - By Christopher Atamian sity. Egoyan was the designated 2012 Dr. Berj H. Haidostian Annual Distinguished LOS ANGELES (moviefone.com) — Braden Lecturer, on the occasion of the 10th King’s recently-released feature film, “Here,” anniversary of the release of that film. reminds us of cinema’s magical, almost limitless With 14 films and related projects to his narrative and aesthetic possibilities. Shot credit, Egoyan has won numerous interna - entirely on location in the Republic of Armenia, tionally-recognized awards including five “Here” is a prizes at the Cannes Film Festival, two metaphysical, Academy award nominations, eight Genie Movie Review philosophical Awards as well as awards at film festivals in road film, a love Hamburg, Tokyo, Jerusalem, Reykjavik, story and travelogue, a meditation on technolo - Las Palmas, Hong Kong, Cairo and Athens. gy’s effects on contemporary society and much In 2010 Egoyan had a retrospective of his more, a study on love, loss and the human con - films at the Filmoteca Espagnol in Madrid, dition that leaves the viewer at once emotional - following similar events in previous years ly spent and renewed, as paradoxical as this in Paris and New York. may sound. In this lecture, titled “Ararat-10 Years Red haired, unshaven, rugged loner and After,” Egoyan discussed the genesis of the American cartographer Will (Ben Foster) has idea for that work, the challenges he faced been hired by local Armenian businessmen when making it and the various and con - Peter Balakian addresses the audience. (read: mafiosi) to chart the Republic of Armenia flicting responses he received following the and Nagorno-Karabagh. Fiercely independent release of “Ararat.” and unwilling to bow to Armenian dictates Egoyan’s thought-provoking lecture, attend - about women’s proper roles in society, photog - ed by a large and diverse public and web cast rapher Gadariné (Lubna Azabal of “Incendies” live, was followed by an extended period of Balakian Is Seventh fame) plays the role of a prodigal daughter who questions and answers. The session will be has returned home, if briefly, after a successful made available on the program’s website, Recipient of Spendlove Parisian opening. Will and Gadariné meet by (www.ii.umich.edu/asp/events/video). chance and more or less instantly fall in love, The family of the late Dr. Berj H. Haidostian, though King has the cinematic foresight to a prominent and devoted physician, estab - Prize for Social Justice draw their courtship out for close to an hour as lished the lecture series in honor of his long the Armenian countryside unravels before their relationship with the University of Michigan MERCED, Calif. — Peter Balakian became the seventh recipient of the Spendlove and the Armenian Studies Program. Recent Prize for Social Justice, Tolerance and Diplomacy on Thursday, April 12. The cere - Haidostian Distinguished Lecturers have mony was held in the Kolligian Library on the University of California, Merced, cam - included Dr. Gerard Chaliand of Paris, Dr. pus. The prize, endowed by Dr. Sherrie Spendlove in honor of her parents, Alice Fiona Hill of the Brookings Institution, and Clifford Spendlove, has been awarded to distinguished figures including Thomas de Waal of the Carnegie Endowment President Jimmy Carter; Charles J. Ogletree Jr., director of the Houston Institute for for International Peace, Dr. Vartan Gregorian Race and Justice at Harvard University; and Sara O’Meara and Yvonne Fedderson, of the Carnegie Foundation, Armenia’s former founders of Childhelp. Ambassador to the US Arman Kirakosian and In her introduction, Spendlove said: “You may know that President Jimmy Carter former US Ambassador to Armenia John was our fifth prize recipient two years ago. No less important to the Spendlove Evans. Prize is our seventh prize recipient, Peter Balakian, ‘the American conscience of the Egoyan’s lecture highlighted a year rich Armenian Genocide.’ As the template for 20th century genocide, including the with public lectures, marking the 30th Holocaust, Poland, Rwanda, Cambodia and Darfur to mention only some, it is espe - anniversary of the establishment of the cially important that the Armenian Genocide be restored to our national and inter - Alex Manoogian Chair in Modern national history and social conscience. Peter Balakian’s work is helping to bring Lubna Azabal and Ben Foster in a scene from Armenian History and the Armenian this important and tragic story to the forefront to affect a healing process necessary “Here” Studies Program itself. for survivors and perpetrators alike and the descendants of both. Knowledge and In addition to events related to the 30th understanding of how genocide happens can help prevent future genocide.” anniversary, the fall 2011 schedule includ - Spendlove also paid tribute to the contributions of Armenians as she noted that and the audience’s eyes. Braden’s Armenia is all ed lectures by Professors Kevork “Turkey’s loss has been our gain both in our region and in our nation as so many mountains and valleys, running rivers and Bardakjian, “How to Petition for Poetic see BALAKIAN, page 12 country villages, a charming if wild and rough- Grace?: Kostandin Erznkac’i’s ‘Strange’ hewn sort of place. When the two lovers stop Vision-poem,” Ronald Suny, “The New near the Karabagh border to enjoy a hot spring Turkey and the Issue of Genocide: that Gadariné remembers from her childhood, Armenians in a Progressive Imagination” the camera and action are so realistic and still, and Gerard Libaridian, “From Historian to the acting so true to life that one almost feels Accidental Diplomat: The Writing of as if one were swimming alongside the two History Before & After Participating in its actors — a lovely instance of participatory cine - Making,” of the University of Michigan; matic voyeurism. Using Google Maps a bit far - Prof. Azat Yeghiazaryan, Yerevan, ther on, Will shows one of Gadariné’s friends “Charents and Revolution” and Prof. Artin the exact location of his house in San Francisco Aslanian of Maris College, New York, “The and in the process reveals the existentially British Imperial Ethos: Britain & remarkable changes that technology has Transcaucasia, 1917-1920.” wrought on our sense of place and scale: What The public lectures in the Winter 2012 does it mean to be able to show your home on semester included Dr. Hikmet Hadjy- a map to someone 3,000 miles away, and what Zadeh, Baku, “Azerbaijan: 20 Years of does it really change to our daily lives? Does it Independence,” and Manoogian Simone bring us closer, or as King perhaps is uncon - Post-doctoral Fellows Dr. Levon Petrosyan, sciously suggesting here, does it further alien - “Gregory of Narek and the Narekian ate us by giving us an impression of closeness Fathers: The Mystery of Love from the and proximity that is in the end all but illusory? Commentary of Song of Songs to the (One wonders what Baudrillard would have Book of Lamentations ” and Dr. Arsen thought of Google maps!) Saparov “Why Autonomy? The Making of King bookends and intercuts “Here” with Nagorno-Karabagh 1918-1925.” Peter Balakian, second from left, with donor Sherrie Spendlove, Prof. Eric Camfield stunning visuals effects: dark screens dotted Videos of these lectures are available at and and UC Regent, Frederick Ruiz with lights, celestial maps that mirror the ones athttp://www.ii.umich.edu/asp/events/video. see HERE, page 13 S ATURDAY , A PRIL 28, 2012 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 11 ARTS & LIVING Benefit Concert Brings in $60,000 to Support Youth Programs in Boston Community
BOSTON — On Saturday, March 31, the with, but some of my favorite people to be Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU) around in the profession, and I am proud to be New England District, with the support of the able to call them my colleagues and friends.” AGBU New York Special Events Committee Those friends included cellist Ani Kalayjian, (NYSEC), transformed the Harvard Club into a violinist Henrik Karapetyan, marimba soloist concert hall for an evening full of classical and Sylvie Zakarian, soprano singer Knarik traditional Armenian music. Performances by Nerkararyan and pianists Karen Hakobyan and recipients of the AGBU Performing Arts Sofya Melikyan. Fellowship, who are among the 500 students The alumni’s talents attracted both music supported annually by the organization’s lovers and public figures alike, notably Frederic Scholarship Program, helped raise close to Lefebvre, France’s minister of trade. Lefebvre $60,000, which will benefit the district’s youth joined AGBU patrons for a post-concert recep - initiatives. tion, where he discussed France’s commitment The success of the event, which featured the to the Armenian community and reaffirmed work of composers Aram Khachaturian, Felix President Nicolas Sarkozy’s efforts to criminal - Mendelssohn and Sergei Rachmaninoff, among ize the denial of the Armenian Genocide. He others, was celebrated both on and off the stage also took time to meet personally with per - by its award-winning artists and guests. formers and audience members. Conductor Aram Demirjian, who led a range of Concert Committee Chair Salpie Takadjian ensembles with mezzo-soprano Solange noted the overwhelmingly positive response Merdinian, said, “I was honored to be asked to she received from many of the 150 guests be involved in my second AGBU Performing throughout the night, prompting her to begin Artists Concert. Those featured on the program planning events of the same caliber. She con - Artists supported by AGBU‘s Scholarship Program perform classical and traditional Armenian music are not only some of my favorite artists to work gratulated the performers, commenting, “shar - at the Boston fundraiser.
ing the talents of these young musicians with writing programs for youth and university stu - the audience was a pleasure, working with dents, the donations will be used to renovate them was a privilege and listening to them was the center’s facilities, creating a hub of activity inspiring.” for AGBU volunteers and supporters. District Chair Ara Balikian echoed those sentiments while noting that with the performance, the new Executive Committee of the New England district provided a cultural experience for the New England community. The commit - tee, formed in fall 2011, is off to a promising start, and as Balikian added, “under the new direction of the AGBU New England District, we are proud to offer events such as this magnificent concert, along with the variety of func - tions we are holding at our center, to promote and preserve our culture.” With proceeds from the concert, the Frederic Lefebvre, France’s minister of trade (right), lis - Ara Balikian, on the left, AGBU New England District chair, with AGBU Performing Arts Fellowship concept for which was originated by tens to words of appreciation from Ara Balikian, AGBU recipients at the Harvard Club of Boston and on the right, Salpie Takadjian, concert committee chair NYSEC, even more AGBU initiatives will New England District chair. be made possible. In addition to under -
Job Opening
Visitor Services Associate
The Armenian Library and Museum of America (ALMA) is seeking a Visitor Services Associate. This position calls for an individual who enjoys working with the public and has an appreciation for the fine arts. The Visitor Services Associate will be responsible for handling the front desk and the gift shop during the museum’s open hours: Wed, Sat, Sun: 12Ȭ6 pm, Thurs & Fri: 12Ȭ8pm; greeting museum visitors and tour groups in a friendly and positive manner, coordinating membership signȬups and renewals, ensuring that the appearance of the gallery and gift shop is well maintained, preparing weekly visitor and gift shop reports, and performing other duties as assigned.
Qualifications: Good communication skills, basic computer skills, and a professional appearance and mannerism required. The ability to work during all or most of the museum’s open hours. Knowledge of Armenian culture and history a plus. Hourly rate commensurate with experience.
Please send letter of interest and resume to: Search Committee, ALMA, 65 Main street, Watertown, MA 02472, or via eȬmail [email protected] Ȭ No phone inquiries please. 12 S ATURDAY , A PRIL 28, 2012 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR ARTS & LIVING
Melikian Hayes Awarded Gold Medal for Religious Painting
NEW YORK — On March 9, Mary Melikian Haynes was awarded the gold medal for a pastel on papyrus work, titled “Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego” (the three), dur - ing the 113th annual exhibition of artists of the National Arts Club. Haynes’ painting depicts the story of three persons in the Old Testament known for their exclusive love of God and how they emerged unscathed from a pyre in which they were to be burned alive.
“The Three” by Mary Melikian Haynes “Eden” by Mary Melikian Haynes
Balakian Is Seventh Recipient of Spendlove Prize for Social Justice
BALAKIAN, from page 10 nities and nations within which they found in any part of the world in any epoch is an study of the Armenian Genocide. I also feel Armenian-American children of survivors have themselves. affront to humanity everywhere in every time.” that as you honor me, more importantly, you become distinguished in their chosen fields and “In spite of this fact, present-day Turkey bears In his acceptance speech, Balakian noted: honor the issue of the Armenian Genocide as have thus moved the consciousness of our civi - a heavy karmic debt which can only be dis - “While I’m happy and honored to be accept - an ongoing history that embodies various lization forward. The descendants of the charged with amends made with an open heart ing this prize today, I accept the prize with and profound dimensions of tragedy, human Armenian Genocide have not just survived, but and mind. The recognition of the Armenian many others in mind who are working for survival, resilience and affirmation; a history thrived. Armenians have flourished and blos - Genocide is essential for the healing of sur - social justice around the world and often giv - that carries with it an open wound that still somed wherever they have been planted. As you vivors and perpetrators alike, their descendents ing their lives for ethical commitments and haunts its legacy because of the Turkish gov - do today, your forbears before you distin - and observers then as well as now. What hap - causes, and with all those who have made ernment’s continued, multimillion-dollar cam - guished themselves and added to the commu - pens to one of us, happens to us all. Genocide such essential contributions to the scholarly paign of denial.” Balakian went on to discuss the need for bystanders to act. “I hope all of us here and on your campus and in all our communities, make a lifelong pledge to step up, step in, act — when A RMENIANS you see a circumstance of cruelty, injustice or abuses of power happening. We can all be active bystanders whether it’s standing up to governments that deny responsibility for human rights crimes or to individuals who are abusing or bullying innocent people in our own daily lives. It makes a difference if we all get involved as citizens in social justice issues in Watertown usually takes second billing Ethiopia until the time Ethiopian Emperor one’s community, state, nation, or wider world. to BostonNas a placeTfor funHEtourist attrac - HNaile SelaEWSssie was deposed. February’s Action guided by knowledge and conscience is tions. However, this month’s issue of AAA issue of Boston Magazine notes that a powerful thing.” Southern New England lists highlights Gershon performed his Ethiopia-influenced Balakian gave two lectures at UC Merced tourist attractions located in the town just work at the Institute for Contemporary and then completed the prize ceremonies on sIix miles from Boston, in an article by Art, featuring selections from rarely-heard Friday, April 13 at Fresno State University, Sandra Narinian. Among that list is the pieces by Nerses Nalbandian, the music where he gave two more lectures and was Armenian Library and Museum of director of the Haile Selassie National hosted by Professors Barlow der America (ALMA), which is said to hold Theatre during the 1950s and 1960s. Mugrdechian and Sergio La Porta, Isberian items dating back 3,000 years, including In the March 18 issue of the Boston Chair in Armenian Studies; and Fresno com - manuscripts, tapestries and artifacts. Globe, staff photographer Aram Boghosian Kev Orkian munity leader Larry Balakian. When one thinks jazz, Ethiopia might is given credit for his photograph of Salma Peter Balakian is the Donald M. and not spring to mind. However, for Russ Hayek and Kevin James in a scene from the Constance H. Rebar Professor of the Gershon, a Grammy-nominated arranger of film, “Here Comes the Boom.” In a recent issue of the Improper Humanities in the department of English at music, he recently became aware of In this month’s issue of the Ladies Bostonian , comedian/actor/musician Kev Colgate University and the author of many Ethiopia’s contributions to jazz when he Home Journal , Anna A. Varjian appears Orkian appears on the “Improper books including Black Dog of Fate, winner of received a CD, titled “Ethiopian Groove: on the masthead for her position as edito - Sightings” page playfully holding a copy of the PEN/Albrand Prize, The Burning Tigris: The Golden Seventies.” Jazz was big in rial business analyst. the magazine to his lips. The Armenian Genocide and America’s Response, which won the Raphael Lemkin Prize, and six books of poems, most recently, Ziggurat. S ATURDAY , A PRIL 28, 2012 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 13 ARTS & LIVING Maryland Islamic and Indian Treasures Museum Wins Tuesday through Thursday, Sotheby’s will Grant to Digitize By Margaret Studer hold a series of sales covering Classical to con - temporary art and objects. For the first time, Medieval Books Sotheby’s will include an Orientalist auction in LONDON (Wall Street Journal) — Auctions its Islamic week. Up until now, this sector—pri - BALTIMORE (AP) — The National of art from India and the Islamic world are marily consisting of works by 19th-century Endowment for the Humanities is award - among my favorites. So many objects are Western artists visiting North African and ing the Walters Art Museum in Baltimore exquisitely made, bursting with color and his - Middle Eastern countries—was embedded in a $265,000 grant to digitize, catalog and torically compelling. These regions will lead at sales of 19th-century European art. “Orientalist distribute 113 medieval Flemish London auction houses next week as painting, art has traditionally attracted a great number of manuscripts, including a collection of calligraphy, pottery, metalwork, glass, ornate 19th-century collectors. Then, in the early 21st prayer books adorned with gold. weapons, textiles, jewelry and coins go under century, there was a rise in interest from the The three-year grant announced late the hammer. regions where the paintings were made. Now last month will digitize 45,000 pages of Morton & Eden, in association with there are synergies with Islamic sales,” notes text and more than 3,000 pages of illumi - Sotheby’s, will hold a 164-lot sale of Islamic Sotheby’s specialist Claude Piening. nation from the 13th through 16th cen - coins on Monday. The most highly estimated work in Sotheby’s turies in present-day France and Belgium. The auction will be headed by a gold dinar 33-lot “Masterpiece” Orientalist sale is “The The museum says a highlight will be dating back to 708 AD that is expected to fetch Scholar” (1878) by Turkish artist Osman Hamdi the digitization of 80 Books of Hours , £800,000-£1 million. The coin is believed to Bey, included because he was the first Turkish which were prayer books that were best have been struck from gold produced from the artist to use a European painting style. In this sellers in the Middle Ages. Mine of the Commander of the Faithful, a leg - captivating work, a man lies in an elaborately This is the third digitization grant for endary site northwest of Mecca. In April of last decorated corner of a mosque reading a book the museum since 2008. At that time, year, a gold coin from the same mine was sold (estimate: £3 million-£5 million). the museum was awarded $307,000 to for £3.72 million, the highest price ever paid for Another top lot will be Ivan Aivazovsky’s This Indian miniature of the Maharaja of digitize Islamic manuscripts. The work a coin at a European auction. “The sale attract - breathtaking “View of Constantinople and the Jodhpur in discussion with a prince on a palace continues with a $315,000 grant to dig - ed tremendous interest,” says specialist Tom Bosphorus” (1856), estimated at £1.2 million- terrace (circa 1840) is estimated at £3,000- itize Armenian, Byzantine, Dutch, Eden. £1.8 million. Fascinated by the Orient, the £4,000. English, Ethiopian and German Bonhams will follow on Tuesday with a gen - Russian artist of Armenian descent became a manuscripts. eral sale that includes delightful 16th- and 17th- court painter to Ottoman sultans. century Iznik pottery from Turkey and 17th- Sotheby’s general sale will also have a superb bine letters). “It is absolutely gorgeous,” says and 19th-century Indian miniatures. “The weapons section, headed by a 17th-century Christie’s specialist William Robinson (estimate: Turkish and Indian markets are extremely Ottoman dagger of gold and jade, estimated at £800,000-£1.2 million). strong,” says Bonhams specialist Alice Bailey. £400,000-£600,000. Another gem will be a 16th-century Quran , ‘Here’: Directed An Iznik dish from circa 1750, decorated with Christie’s will hold a number of sales during written entirely in gold (estimate: £200,000- cobalt-blue peonies, is expected to fetch the week. On Thursday, a private collection of £300,000). By Braden King £50,000-£70,000; and an Indian miniature from works on paper, donated to benefit the On the same day, Christie’s general 373-lot circa 1840 featuring the Maharaja of Jodhpur University of Oxford, will be spearheaded by a sale will include highlights such as a 13th-cen - talking to a prince on a palace terrace, both tury glass bottle from Syria, decorated with HERE, from page 10 13th-century example of “mufradat” by Islam’s dressed in fiery orange robes, a more moderate Arabic and Greek Byzantine inscriptions and that Will is trying to map, as Peter Coyote’s most famous calligrapher, Yaqut Al-Musta’simi. £3,000-£4,000. small animals (estimate: £600,000-£800,000). sultry voice-overs lull one into a semi-medita - (Mufradat demonstrate the perfect way to com - tive state. King also intercuts the narrative with experimental films by directors such as Gariné Torossian. “Here” is a particularly rich film because the director is able to success - fully explore theoretical and structural issues as well as tell a story, exposing us to narra - tive film, experimental film and video art all C A LENDAR at once. C A LENDAR As the road, seemingly unending, contin - ues to wind, we slowly learn about Will and Gadariné’s inner lives, as well as the similari - ties that draw them together: both are fierce - ly independent, both in love with adventure. And Lol Crowley’s cinematography is simply MASSACHUSETTS stunning at times, all about the play of light against dark. The portraits that he and APRIL 28 — Annual Meeting and Luncheon, Armenian Braden draw of local Armenians torn apart International Women’s Association, speaker Judy Norsigian, by war, distance and simply old age, are also executive director, Boston Women’s Health Book Collective. 9:30 remarkably touching. a.m.-2 p.m., Winchester Country Club. Members, $35; non-mem - If you want to be reminded of film’s ability bers, $45. Info and reservations, (617) 926-0171, [email protected] to transport the viewer to a different, parallel or www.aiwainternational.org. reality, then “Here” is a must-see. The pace is MAY 24 — Celebrating 80 years and beyond, Benefit Gala of the slow at times, but it is the same slowness that Armenian Mirror-Spectator. Thursday, reception, 6:30 p.m.; dinner leads a mountain spring down a hill or the 7:30 p.m., Boston Royal Sonesta, Cambridge. Keynote speaker, Vigen human heart back home. Sargsyan, chief of staff of the President of the Republic of Armenia. (“Here” has opened in New York 2012 Lifetime Achievement Award will be bestowed upon Dr. and Los Angeles.) Gregory H. Adamian, chancellor and president emeritus of Bentley University; 2012 Award of Excellence will be bestowed upon Janet Shamalian, national correspondent for “NBC News” from Texas, and Charles Mahtesian, Politico national policy editor, Washington, DC. For information, call (617) 359-0413.
NEW JERSEY
MAY 19, 2012 — HMADS Gala Dinner Dance. Details to follow, June 25. HMADS 30th Commencement Exercise at 8 p.m., Kalustyan Hall. OCTOBER 28 — Save the date. The Armenian American Support On May 12, Shushi Dance Ensemble, pictured and Educational Center, Hye Doon, celebrates its 35th anniver- above, will host a dinner-dance in celebration sary. Felician College, Lodi. With the participation of Akh’tamar of both the 20th anniversary of Shushi’s liber - Dance Ensemble and other talented guest performances. Details to ation, as well as Mother’s Day, at Kavookjian follow. Hall, 630 Second Ave., New York City. NEW YORK APRIL 28 — Rebirth Concert: dedicated to the 20th anniversary of both the Armenian National Military and Armenia’s membership to MAY 12 — Shushi hosts a Gala Dinner Dance for an evening of the United Nations. Organized by the Tekeyan Cultural Association of “Celebration,” 20th anniversary of Shushi’s liberation, Mother’s Day. NY/NJ. With the participation of renowned artists from Armenia and Anniversary of Shushi Dance Ensemble, Kavookjian Hall, 630 Second Entertainment Fridays the Philharmonic Symphonic Orchestra of Rhode Island, to take place Ave., New York City. Details to follow. and Saturdays at 8 p.m.; the Merkin Concert Hall of Kaufman center, 129 West SEPTEMBER 29 — Save the date. Armenia Fund 20th Anniversary 67th St., New York City. Save the date. Details to follow. Gala, 7 p.m. at Gotham Hall in New York City. 14 S ATURDAY , A PRIL 28, 2012 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMENTARY
T HE A RMENIAN COMMENTARY Mirror- A Million Person March on Washington
However, if a million march catches the imagination of all or By Edmond Y. Azadian most of the Armenian organizations, they can pool together Spectator enough resources and people to deliver an impressive march, all dressed in black and with the slogan “Genocide recognition Judge Lisa Asadoorian is one of many prominent young judges now.” in Michigan. Although she is not actively involved in any partic - In that case, some politicians may be ready to pay the ular Armenian organization, her heart is in the right place. She Armenians lip service, their next election on their minds. Established 1932 cares about her own people, both in the diaspora and Armenia. President Harry Truman had a scathing definition for politicians; Last Sunday, when she was attending a panel discussion on he said in his youth he aspired to become either a piano player An ADL Publication the recognition of the Armenian Genocide, she came up with the in a whorehouse or a politician, and concluded that there isn’t idea of 1 million people (both Armenian and non-Armenian) too much difference between the two. marching on Washington and demanding Genocide recognition. As to the role of the media, we are not very certain if they EDITOR She believes that neither the government nor the media can would be willing to give full coverage, because we have seen in Alin K. Gregorian remain indifferent. There will be some positive reactions and cer - the past thousands of people rallying in Washington in support tainly media coverage to mark the centennial of the Armenian of a legitimate cause, but cynically, little or no coverage has been ASSOCIATE EDITOR Genocide. given, because the media moguls did not have any interest in the Aram Arkun Any mention of a million-person march on Washington brings cause. ART DIRECTOR back the memory of the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., who A gay-rights parade or a politicized shooting of a young man Marc Mgrditchian broadcast to the world that he had “a dream,” a dream for may enjoy better media coverage, than, let us say, the fate of
PRODUCTION African-Americans and a dream for America. 4,500 members of the armed forces killed in Iraq or the 50,000 Dilani Yogaratnam Any person who entertains such an all-encompassing dream maimed soldiers. Media networks have their own priorities, must be ready to sacrifice his or her life no matter how peaceful which are not based on justice only, but on what sells products. the dream may be. Socrates had a dream, Christ had a dream, Rupert Murdoch’s media empire is crumbling under its own SENIOR EDITORIAL COLUMNIST: leaders of the French and Bolshevik revolutions had dreams and weight in the United Kingdom, because it has been trampling Edmond Azadian they all paid for their dreams with their lives. Dr. King was cog - upon its advocated set of values, principles and codes of conduct. nizant of the perils of entertaining such a monumental dream, We are not privy yet to plans for a mass action to mark the CONTRIBUTORS: and he was ready to pay the ultimate price, which unfortunately Genocide centennial. A million-strong march may be an option, Florence Avakian, Elizabeth Aprahamian, for all humankind, he did. He sacrificed his life, but his dream con - no matter what. Even if it only proves to ourselves that we do Daphne Abeel, Dr. Haroutiune tinued marching and gradually transforming the country into a Arzoumanian, Taleen Babayan, Prof. have the political will and we can mobilize masses for a cause. Vahakn N. Dadrian, Diana Der more tolerant society, with a stronger sense of social justice. A million-person march can be achieved through community- Hovanessian, Philip Ketchian, Kevork Judge Asadoorian may be a naïve person, unaware of the wide cooperation, unity of purpose and action. Before marching Keushkerian, Sonia Kailian-Placido , potentials of our community, or she may be a visionary. That to Washington we have to explore and discover whether we pos - Harut Sassounian, Mary Terzian, Hagop remains to be seen in the years to come when the entire com - sess the necessary tools for the project. Vartivarian, Naomi Zeytoonian munity gears up to make an impact on the consciences of the First we have to define for ourselves why Genocide recognition politicians. is relevant after 97 years and also, what to anticipate after its CORRESPONDENTS: We are being warned that the Turks are preparing their pre- centennial is marked. Armenia - Hagop Avedikian emptive strike, even before the Armenians make the first. They If it were a moral or emotional issue it would have been for - Boston - Nancy Kalajian have the resources and friends in higher positions to achieve Philadelphia - Lisa Manookian gotten a long time ago. There are certain underlying principles their goals. that should not go away even after one century from the event. Contributing Photographers: Armenians are slumbering and no major idea or project seems The recognition of the Genocide is still relevant for the follow - Jacob Demirdjian, Harry Koundakjian, Jirair to be on the drawing boards to mark the centennial. Therefore, Hovsepian ing reasons: To bring closure to the loss and the memory of 1.5 it is incumbent upon us to bounce this million-person idea with million innocent victims; to restore justice between the two our public, and find out how receptive the public is to the idea. nations — a justice that the international community dispenses If nothing else, such a massive show of force will certainly help selectively to achieve some self-serving goals and to set the stage The Armenian Mirror-Spectator is published generate new ideas and prospects for ourselves. for future political settlement between the two nations. weekly, except two weeks in July, by: Some caveats are warranted here. In the first place we do not The fact that Turkey is still so irritable and overreacts every Baikar Association, Inc. have a million bodies to lead them on a march to Washington. time a country intends or attempts to recognize the Armenian 755 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA 02472-1509 Second, it is doubtful whether a considerable number of non- Genocide, Armenia and its political claims, means that they con - Telephone: 617-924-4420 Armenians could be interested enough to march in Washington. stitute an existential threat for Turkey, which was the original FAX: 617-924-2887 We claim to represent a force of one million Armenians in the cause of the Genocide. Even Turkey has to gradually face the www.mir rorspectator.com US. Some of them aren’t even aware that they are being count - issue of recognizing the Genocide. As long as the recognition ed in that million. Others may be cruising the oceans leisurely, E-Mail: editor@mirrorspectator .com issue remains alive, every civilized political act becomes relevant the Genocide being the last things on their minds. Still others and necessary. For advertising: [email protected] are incarcerated in California jails for petty thefts and a large We need a dream to march in Washington. Perhaps a fragment number may be chasing the American Dream rather than Martin of that dream concludes the million-strong march at the gates of Luther King’s dream. Our computation fails here. It fails unfor - the Armenian Genocide Museum on its dedication day. SUBSCRIPTION RATES : tunately because we cannot count how many Armenians are left The Chinese have a saying: A 10,000-mile march begins with with a dream and how many can take the trouble and expense the first step. U.S.A. 2nd Class $75 a year to show up in Washington. Are we ready to take that first step? 1st Class $120 a year Canada Air Mail $125 a year
All Other Countries Air Mail $190 a year Display advertising r at e: $7 per column inch Jews Becoming Increasingly Aware of Armenian Genocide and its Commemoration © 2011 The Armenian Mirror-Spectator Periodical Class Postage Paid at Boston, MA “genocide” by 22 countries, including Uruguay Davutoglu also added that “a one-sided state - and additional mailing offices. By Adam Taxin (the first to do so, in 1965), Canada, Argentina, ment is not sufficient from the viewpoint of ISSN 0004-234X Sweden, Vatican City, Russia, Germany, understanding historical events.” Venezuela and Lebanon but not the United Israel’s position on this issue has been com - POSTMASTER : Send address changes to The Spurred in part by the current Recep Tayyip States or Israel. Forty-three individual US plicated by the fact that Turkey was, in 1949, Armenian Mirror-Spectator, P.O. Box 302, Erdogan-led Turkish government’s increasing states — Pennsylvania, New Jersey and the first Muslim state to recognize Israel. Israel Watertown, MA 02471-0302 tilt toward Iran and hostility toward Israel, Delaware all included — have recognized the has had a much more cooperative relationship Other than the editorial, views and opinions expressed in this newspaper do not necessarily members of local Jewish communities are pay - massacres as a “genocide.” for decades with Turkey than with other neigh - eflect the policies of the publisher. ing more, some might say overdue attention to The official Turkish position, in place since boring Muslim countries, although this rela - the Armenian Genocide in the Ottoman the Young Turks’ reform government took tionship has lately been in a state of deterio - Empire during World War I, as well as to the power shortly after World War I, states there ration. Most notably, this deterioration became Turkish government’s continuing minimiza - was no will by the Ottoman government to obvious in late May 2010, when Israeli forces tion of the numbers and nature of the mas - exterminate the Armenian population and that raided a Turkish aid flotilla aiming to violate sacres that occurred. the 1915 massacres were simply the conse - Israel’s blockade of the Gaza Strip, claiming Copying for other than personal use or In April 1915, with World War I underway, quences of war. Last year, around this time, nine lives. The Turkish government has internal reference is prohibited without express permission of the copyright the Turkish-dominated government of the Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu described this event as an act of “state terror” owner. Address requests for reprints or Ottoman Empire systematically and quite hor - condemned President Barack Obama’s state - on Israel’s part. back issues to: rifically murdered somewhere between 1 and ment marking the 96th anniversary of the Pro-Israel and Jewish organizations, if not Baikar Association, Inc. 1.5 million of its Armenian (Christian) citizens, 1915 events (which stopped short of recogniz - necessarily Jewish religious groups, have in 755 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA 02472-1509 in the event that has become known as the ing the events as a “genocide”). Mentioning the past been active in working against efforts Armenian Genocide. his wish that President Obama would share to label the massacres of 1915 a “genocide.” In The massacres have been recognized as a Turks’ pain from the World War I era, see AWARENESS, page 15 S ATURDAY , A PRIL 28, 2012 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 15 COMMENTARY
dering Azerbaijan — Iran, Turkey and Russia. For them, with human rights activists and Azeri dissidents will raise Azerbaijan acting as a surrogate for Israel in their backyard their voices in protest in front of the UN headquarters at is an alarming development. Should Israel attack Iran by the beginning of May, as Azerbaijan’s president is spewing using Azerbaijan’s air bases, Iran may retaliate by annexing his usual anti-Armenian venom inside. Azerbaijan, since there are many more Azeris in Northern It is too bad that Aliyev is not planning on coming to the My Turn Iran than in all of Azerbaijan. West Coast where the large Armenian community would Aliyev’s UN diatribe will probably include some of the have welcomed him with massive protests against his hate- By Harut Sassounian same hostile words that he has used recently in Baku: He filled speeches and appearances. called Armenians “fascists” and described them as the Nevertheless, the California-Armenian community could number-one enemy of Azerbaijan. He then blamed “the take advantage of Aliyev’s US visit by urging the State leg - Armenian-Americans Preparing Armenian lobby” for being his “number-one enemy.” Using islature to adopt Assembly Concurrent Resolution 96 that Special Welcome for Pres. language borrowed from anti-Semites, and substituting commemorates the massacres of Armenians in Sumgait, “Armenians” for “Jews,” Aliyev made the following racist Kirovabad and Baku. Aliyev in New York accusation: “The scope of their influence is quite broad. Violating US laws and established diplomatic protocol, They [Armenians] are represented in the leading print the Consulate General of Azerbaijan in Los Angeles has How could the warmongering President of Azerbaijan media outlets of various countries. Sometimes they go sent a lengthy letter to all members of the California State chair next month the UN Security Council, the prestigious under different names and hide their ethnic origin.” Assembly urging them not to support this bill. The letter, body that is supposed to promote peace and security in the Aliyev’s on-going hate-filled speeches provide the best evi - signed by Ramil Gurbanov, acting consul general of world? Unfortunately, such an outrage is possible simply dence as to why Artsakh Armenians can never again live Azerbaijan, is obviously written by one of the multi-million- because it is Azerbaijan’s turn to take over the rotating under his despotic regime. dollar lobbying firms hired by that country. The letter con - chairmanship of the Security Council during the month of Aliyev also criticized Armenians for calling Azerbaijan tains many ridiculous statements, but that is not the con - May. “backward and undemocratic.” These terms accurately cern of the “hired guns.” They will do anything to keep Given Ilham Aliyev’s daily anti-Armenian rhetoric, no one describe his country’s dismal human rights record. their Azeri paymasters happy, as long as they are compen - should be surprised that he will try to transform that Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, the sated handsomely for their dirty work. august body’s podium into a new battlefield. Fortunately, European Parliament, the State Department and the Armenian-Americans on the West Coast should contact his military has neither the training nor the motivation to Western media have repeatedly criticized Azerbaijan for their State Assemblymen, as well as Assembly members use the highly sophisticated weapons, including the ones violating the rights of countless journalists, bloggers, dissi - Felipe Fuentes, Katcho Achadjian and Mike Gatto, co- Baku purchased recently from Israel for $1.6 billion. Given dents and opposition members. authors of Resolution 96, to urge them to bring this bill to Azerbaijan’s inability to unleash an actual war against Eduard Sharmazanov, deputy speaker of the Armenian a vote on the occasion of President Aliyev’s arrival on US Artsakh (Karabagh), and fearing that such a military con - Parliament, gave an adequate response to Aliyev last week, soil. Meanwhile, Armenian-Americans on the East Coast frontation may end with the loss of more territories and when the latter bragged that “the day will come when the should turn out in large numbers in front of the UN build - devastate his country’s petroleum industry and oil Azerbaijani flag will fly in Khankendi (Stepanakert) and ing in early May to protest President Aliyev’s racist remarks pipelines, Aliyev is trying to distract his destitute people’s Shusha (Shushi).” Sharmazanov quipped that only when as “Chairman” of the UN Security Council! attention by issuing threats and engaging in a war of words Azerbaijan recognizes the independence of the Republic of The Armenian community should also complain to with Armenians. Artsakh and establishes diplomatic relations with it, only Federal and State authorities about the Azerbaijani The problem is that Azeris at home won’t be the only then can the Azeri flag fly in Artsakh, at its embassy! Consulate’s illegal interference in domestic US matters and ones listening to Aliyev’s hostile words. Taking special note To counter Aliyev’s war of words against Armenia, demand the expulsion of Ramil Gurbanov from the US as of his saber-rattling at the UN will be the countries bor - Artsakh and the Diaspora, Armenian-Americans, along a “persona non grata.”
Jews Becoming Increasingly Aware of Armenian Genocide and its Commemoration
AWARENESS, from page 14 Dr. Akçam is a Turkish historian and profes - the Armenian Genocide,” which was published Mark Geragos, the keynote speaker at last an August 2007 statement, Abraham Foxman, sor who is considered one of the leading inter - last year in the Philadelphia area’s Jewish year’s Philadelphia Armenian Genocide Walk, national director of the Anti-Defamation League national experts on the Armenian Exponent weekly newspaper. notes why Jews should be particularly sensitive (ADL), while mentioning that “the painful events Genocide. Autographed copies of his new book, Along similar lines, Rabbi Eliezer Hirsch, of to the memory of the Armenian Genocide: “I of 1915-1918 perpetrated by the Ottoman The Young Turks’ Crime Against Humanity: the Congregation Mekor Hebracha in Center think the pre-Holocaust comment by Adolf Empire against the Armenians [were] massacres The Armenian Genocide and Ethnic City, brought up the topic last year around this Hitler of ‘Who today still speaks of the massacre and atrocities,” stated that “[the ADL continues] Cleansing in the Ottoman Empire , will be avail - time. Rabbi Hirsch takes note of how the book, of the Armenians?’ is enough to show the to firmly believe that a Congressional resolution able for purchase at a discounted price the day The Forty Days of Musa Dagh , considered the thread that runs between the two events. And on such matters is a counterproductive diversion of the event. leading classic literary novel of the Armenian Germany’s complicity with the Ottoman Empire and will not foster reconciliation between Turks The program will also include performances Genocide, was written by a Viennese Jew, Franz [as a World War I ally] was well-documented. and Armenians and may put at risk the Turkish by Jampa Band and Hamazkayin Meghry Dance Werfel (for whom there now exists a memorial The Armenians were kind of a dry run for what Jewish community and the important multilater - Group and closing remarks by Dr. Ara Chalian, in the Armenian capital of Yerevan). Rabbi later became the Holocaust.” al relationship between Turkey, Israel and the Armenian National Committee Pennsylvania Hirsch points out that “that novel was a partic - Geragos, while careful not to minimize the United States.” chairman. ular source of inspiration to many Jews who Holocaust at all, notes that there actually a “dis - As described in a June 2010 Washington Last year, the event was keynoted by a speech fought the Nazis in the ghettoes during World similarity” between the role of the Holocaust in Times article, titled “American Jewish commu - by Armenian-American Los Angeles attorney War II, against all odds.” Furthermore, he notes the lives of Jewish-Americans and that of the nity ends support of Turkish interests on Hill,” Mark Geragos, who brought a landmark case to that “the Nazi government banned that book Armenian Genocide to Armenian-Americans. pro-Israel groups have changed their tune con - court against the New York Life Insurance and denied the Armenian Holocaust.” According to him, “As opposed to the Jewish siderably toward Turkish interests in general in Company, which sought payment for life insur - Mildred Weinstock, a 95-year-old former his - community, virtually every single Armenian- the last two years or so. In October 2000, for ance policies of Armenian families victimized tory teacher living in the Art Museum neigh - American has a close relative who survived the example, the American-Israel Public Affairs during the Genocide. The case settled with over borhood, finds the whole issue of Turkish Genocide. It was a universal event in the lives of Committee (AIPAC) was directly involved in pro - $20 million in disbursements. denial of the Armenian Genocide somewhat per - just about every Armenian. I can’t think of anoth - viding grassroots support, with the help of the Lance Silver of South Jersey attended the plexing. Having attended West Philadelphia er parallel to it with any other ethnic group.” State Department, in lobbying President Bill Philadelphia event in April 2010 but regretted High School in the 1930s, she had numerous On that note, Albert Momjian, an Armenian- Clinton to write to then-House Speaker Dennis that Passover prevented him from doing so again Armenian friends whose parents were refugees. American long-time chair of the Family Law Hastert to say that bringing a vote on com - last year. Asked what motivates him as a Jew to She notes that the Armenian students tended Department at Schnader Harrison Segal & memorating the Armenian Genocide would support the cause of commemoration of the to be “quiet about what had happened, and Lewis in Philadelphia, emphasizes that his her - cause strategic damage to the US’s strategic Armenian Genocide, Silver replied, “To show they weren’t interested in complaining about itage may make him particularly appreciative of relationship with a crucial NATO ally. support and talk to Armenians whose families things. They did very well in school.” the significance of being a grandparent: “I This coming Saturday, April 28, hundreds of experienced their Genocide and to sympathize (According to her, her late husband, former never had a grand-dad or grand-mom myself. Philadelphia-area residents are expected to with them because of what happened to us.” LaBrum & Doak partner Lewis Weinstock, fin - They were all killed in the Genocide. Very few attend the annual Philadelphia Armenian Although he had not done so previously, ished second in their class to a first-generation of us had grandparents.” Genocide Walk for Justice. The date of the Rabbi Albert Gabbai, of the Center City’s Armenian.) At the same time, she points out event was selected to correspond to the week of Congregation Mikveh Israel, brought up the that the Armenian Genocide was something she (Adam Taxin is a three-time winner on the 97th anniversary of the beginning of the Armenian Genocide during shabbas morning never learned about in school herself or even “Jeopardy,” a writer and a lawyer. This commen - Genocide, in the form of the April 24, 1915 services last year, which happened the shabbas was part of the history curriculum she taught tary originally appeared in the Philadelphia round-up and massacre in Constantinople (now before Yom Hashoah (Holocaust Remembrance in the Philadelphia public school system. Examiner on April 23.) Istanbul) of hundreds of Armenian poets, musi - Day). On one level, Rabbi Gabbai feels a certain cians, publicists, editors, lawyers, doctors, responsibility to the numerous Armenian deputies and other intellectuals. friends he had attending Catholic school while tact person and a daytime telephone number. The event on Saturday will consist of a two- growing up in Cairo, Egypt. Beyond that, how - Notice to Contributors — Deadline for submission of all articles and advertising is mile walk commencing at the Philadelphia Art ever, he expresses a certain duty as a rabbi “to 12 noon on Monday of the week of publication. The welcomes articles, — Photos will be published without charge at the discretion Museum, followed by a cultural performance increase awareness of what happened. Many Armenian Mirror-Spectator and remarks from political and civic leaders. people are simply not aware of this massacre. commentaries and community news from our readers. In of the editors and art director. Photos will be returned only Starting at noon, hundreds will gather at the Our own people having gone through the order to assure the accurate and timely publication of arti - if a self-addressed and stamped envelope is included. cles submitted, please note the following policies: — The will publish only one article about an upcom - Mher Statue by the Philadelphia Museum of Holocaust, we know what it means to be perse - M-S — All articles submitted should be typed, double (or triple) ing organizational event. For major special events, excep - Art and will walk through the streets of cuted. We have to be able to say that what hap - spaced and printed in a type size large enough to be clear - tions may be made only by special arrangement with the Philadelphia to rally and bring exposure to the pened in the 1910s in Turkey was a massacre ly legible (10 point or larger). Submissions that do not con - editors. cause. At the conclusion of the walk, a program which occurred because they were Armenians form to these specifications will be assigned lowest priority. — Telephone numbers, ticket prices and other details (at will be held on the lawn of the Independence and Christians.” — Articles sent by fax are acceptable, and e-mail submis - the discretion of the editors) will not be included in press Visitor Center featuring Turkish scholar, Dr. Rabbi Gabbai also last year wrote an op-ed on sions are encouraged. releases, but should be reserved for calendar listings and Taner Akçam as keynote speaker. the subject, titled “It’s About Time to Recognize — All submissions should include the name of a con - advertise ments. 16 S ATURDAY , A PRIL 28, 2012 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR