JUNE 15, 2013 MirTHErARoMENr IAN -Spe ctator Volume LXXXIII, NO. 47, Issue 4292 $ 2.00 NEWS IN BRIEF The First English Language in the United States Since 1932 Armenian Mirror- High Court Spectator Annual ‘Lost and Found’ Summer Break Seeks to Reunite WATERTOWN — The Armenian Mirror-Spectator Rebuffs will close for two weeks in July as part of its annu - Audiences with al summer break. Armenian Culture The last issue published before the vacation will Genocide be that of the June 29 issue, and the first edition back would be that of July 20. By Gabriella Gage Shahan Natalie’s Mirror-Spectator Staff Case Turkism from Angora WATERTOWN — The creators of To Published in the recently released “Lost and By Bob Egelko Found in ” say they want - Moscow ed to create more than just a film about — they wanted SAN FRANCISCO (San Francisco MOSCOW (PanArmenian.net) — Writer Shahan to showcase current Armenian tal - Chronicle) — The US Supreme Court Natalie’s (Hagop Der Hagopian) book titled ent and culture in the arts. refused on Monday to revive a California Turkism from Angora to Baku and Turkish The film is the story of Bill law that would allow heirs of victims of the Orientation was published in Moscow for the first (Jamie Kennedy), an American to sue in state courts time. Though the book was written more than 80 tourist and son of a US Senator who vacations in Turkey trying to mend his bro - for unpaid insurance benefits. years ago, the issues raised by the author are still ken heart. After a strange parasailing accident, Bill unknowingly finds himself in The law, passed in 2000, was struck relevant. a small village in Armenia where he is down in February 2012 by a federal According to the annotations to the publication, accused of being a Turkish spy. In a comedic appeals court, which said California was Armenia is bordered by a state that secretly and series of events, Bill meets a beautiful intruding into sensitive foreign policy ques - openly nourished the dream of the global empire, a Armenian girl (Angela Sarafyan) who helps tions that were the exclusive domain of the dream that changes its denominator from religious him navigate his plight. federal government. to secular pan-Turkism (and vice versa) regardless The film’s producer, Valerie McCaffrey The law “was intended to send a political of the political situation. As for Armenia, the book grew up in Fresno’s Armenian community message on an issue of foreign affairs” and argues that the policy of isolationism cannot prove and her mother hails from Lowell, Mass. “imposes the politically charged label of effective in a landlocked country. The author Prior to her work as a producer, McCaffrey ‘genocide,’” the Ninth US Circuit Court of argues that Armenia is in need of a dialogue with studied theater at the University of Hawaii Appeals said in an 11-0 ruling. The ruling its neighbors. before graduating from California State dismissed a class-action suit filed in 2003 Natalie (1884–1983) was a member of the University, Long Beach. She worked for eight by several hundred Armenian Revolutionary Federation’s Bureau and years a casting director for Universal Studios against a German insurance company and the principal organizer of and then as the vice president of casting at two subsidiaries. wherein the Turkish masterminds of the Armenian New Line Cinema. Her film credits include The high court denied review of the rul - Genocide were assassinated. He later became a films such as “American History X,” and she ing without comment Monday. writer on Armenian national philosophy writing is credited with discovering actors such as The appeals court ruling was one of a the essay, “The Turks and Us.” Angela Sarafyan stars in the film. Jeremy Renner and Ellen Page. series of decisions that have barred Natalie’s avengers also executed several see FILM, page 12 California and other states from allowing Armenian spies and traitors, who, by denouncing victims of decades-old foreign atrocities, their kinsmen to Turkish authorities, were respon - like the Nazi Holocaust and the use of slave sible for their deaths. labor by the Japanese military, to seek redress in their courts. UCLA Gets $2 Million Gift to Establish As many as 1.5 million Armenians were Air Arabia to Begin killed in the between Armenian Archaeology Center 1915 and 1923. The California law would Flights to have allowed descendants of Armenians YEREVAN — The United Arab Emirates-based air - LOS ANGELES — The UCLA Cotsen pora,” said Charles Stanish, director of the killed or deported during that period, or of line Air Arabia announced Monday it intends to Institute of Archaeology has received a $2 Cotsen Institute. “Each acquisition not only anyone who escaped to avoid persecution, begin offering a twice-weekly service to Yerevan, million gift from UCLA alumna Zaruhy provides insight into a small portion of this to sue insurers until the end of 2013, long starting in August. Sara Chitjian to establish the first perma - tragic but heroic drama but also provides a after the normal deadlines would Flights will depart from Sharjah International nent research program in Armenian archae - window into dozens of new questions and have expired. Airport on Tuesdays and Fridays. ology and ethnography at a major areas of inquiry. We hope that the In urging the Supreme Court to take up “Armenia is rapidly emerging as a must-visit des - American university. Hampartzoum and Ovsanna Chitjian the case, state Attorney General Kamala tination for tourists seeking great culture and his - Chitjian also donated a significant collec - Collection will be a model for others to Harris’ office said the appeals court’s rul - tory alongside fantastic scenery and outdoor activ - tion of artifacts, documents and books emulate.” ing “allows judicial censorship of state leg - ities,” said Adel Ali, group CEO, Air Arabia in a related to the history and material culture A retired schoolteacher, Chitjian earned islation because of the potential offense of statement released by the airline. of Armenia and to the Armenian diaspora her bachelor’s degree in child psychology foreign officials.” The service is to begin August 16. after the Armenian Genocide of 1915–23. and her teaching credential from UCLA. The Obama administration endorsed the The Hampartzoum and Ovsanna Chitjian She has received numerous awards and appellate ruling and asked the Supreme Collection and Archive of Armenian honors for her work and for her dedication Court to deny review. President Obama Ethnographic Artifacts and Documents, to Armenian issues, past and present. condemns the Armenian killings in annual named in honor of Chitjian’s parents, will She continues to fund research and stu - speeches but has refrained from describing be housed at the Cotsen Institute and digi - dent scholarships throughout the world. In them as a genocide. INSI DE tized, giving scholars around the world 2003, she published a memoir of her The case is Arzoumanian vs. Munchener access to this important resource. see GIFT, page 3 Ruckversicherung, 12-9. Gregory E. Areshian, assistant director of the Cotsen Institute, has been appointed Fellini at director of the new Chitjian Collection and Research Program. Genocide The gift will enable an expansion of Tekeyan research projects in Armenian archaeology Survivor Areka and ethnography, the establishment of a Page 11 public lecture series and the publication of scholarly works on the Web and in print. It Der Kazarian will also fund seminars and graduate-stu - dent conferences devoted to topics in Dies INDEX Armenian archaeology, anthropology, Arts and Living ...... 10 ethnography and history and to the preser - WATERTOWN — Areka (Janikian) Der Armenia ...... 2 vation of the cultural heritage of historic Kazarian of Watertown, survivor of the Community News...... 4 Armenia and the Armenian diaspora. Armenian Genocide, passed away on Editorial ...... 14 “The collection represents a set of May 18, 2013 at the age of 101. International ...... 3 objects and letters that will provide an see SURVIVOR, page 6 invaluable insight into the Armenian dias - 2 S ATURDAY , J UNE 15, 2013 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR ARMENIA News From Armenia Hayastan All-Armenian Fund Opens Karmir Shuka Water Network and Martuni Hospital New Mayor of Yerevan YEREVAN — Within the framework The 270 households of Karmir pital also features an advanced infec - Sworn in of the Hayastan All-Armenian Fund Shuka, comprising 1,050 residents, now tious-diseases department, with its own YEREVAN (Arminfo) — The newly elected Mayor of Board of Trustees annual meeting, held enjoy around-the-clock access to entrance. Yerevan, Taron Margaryan, a member of the in Yerevan, a delegation led by potable water, which reaches them from The hospital’s amenities include a Republican Party, was sworn in at the Yerevan Executive Director Ara Vardanyan and area springs thanks to the recently built large elevator, a boiler room, a power Municipality this week. comprising benefactors, trustees, and Attending the ceremony were President Serge representatives of affiliates worldwide Sargisian, Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II, has begun a string of project-reporting representatives of the government and the parlia- visits in Armenia and Artsakh. ment. Earlier, Barev, Yerevan, Bloc that has 6 man- The delegation, which includes close dates at the city council refused to attend to 40 members, has also started to hold Margaryan’s swearing in ceremony. opening ceremonies for recently com - Representatives of Prosperous Armenia Party have pleted projects. attended the event. Prior to traveling to Artsakh, the del - After the swearing in ceremony, Martin egation visited the Cardiology Vardazaryan, a member of the Elder Council of Center, which was built with the co- Yerevan, handed the symbol of the mayor — an sponsorship of the fund’s French affili - encrusted chain — to Taron Margaryan. ate, the French-Armenian Doctors’ “Taron Margaryan and his team should further Association, the department of work and communicate with people to settle the Bouches-du-Rhone (a large administra - problems in the city. I think, there are no irresolv- tive area in the south of France), and able problems in Yerevan, there are just difficult former Lebanese prime minister Saad tasks that can be settled through hard and consis- Hariri. tent work,” the president said. On May 23, the delegation officially unveiled two major infrastructure pro - Khoren Bandazian cuts the ribbon of the Martuni Hospital. jects in the Martuni Region: the Syunik Villages Sustain potable-water network of Karmir Shuka Village and the Martuni Hospital. The distribution network. The network, substation and central heating and air- Hail Damage construction of both projects was spon - whose construction was co-sponsored conditioning. The facility can serve KAPAN, Armenia (Hetq) — On June 10, fruit trees sored by Armenia Fund USA, the by the government of NKR, includes an close to 1,000 stationery and 1,400 and other crops in several communities in the Hayastan All-Armenian Fund’s Eastern 11-kilometer pipeline and two regula - ambulatory patients a year. southern province of Syunik sustained hail damage. US affiliate. tion reservoirs. In his welcome speech at the opening The affected villages include , Dignitaries and guests participating The opening ceremony for the ceremony, Khoren Bandazian said, “We , , Lousakert, , in the opening ceremonies included Martuni Hospital was equally jubilant. are extremely happy that ongoing col - Benyamin, Ajgabats, Arevik, , Toros, Rev. Shahe Ananyan, representative of A highly anticipated project since its laboration between the diaspora and Gogahovit and Sarnaghbyour. the Mother See of Holy Echmiadzin; start in 2011, the construction of the the government of Artsakh has resulted Karen Shahramanyan, Urban Planning hospital was co-sponsored by the gov - in the establishment of yet another minister of NKR; Khoren Bandazian ernment of Artsakh, the fund’s modern medical center in the republic. Armenian Women and Irina Lazaryan, chairman and exec - Eastern US affiliate, and the Armenian The Martuni Hospital, whose construc - utive director, respectively, of the fund’s Medical Fund. tion was made possible by the support Allowed to Apply to Eastern US affiliate; and local-commu - In his opening remarks, Martuni of the Armenian Medical Fund, our Military Schools nity representatives. The festive events mayor Mher Khachatryan spoke of the partner, will provide local communities were attended by large numbers of local critical importance of the state-of-the- with quality healthcare. It remains to YEREVAN (RFE/RL) — Armenia’s Defense Ministry residents. art facility. With a total area of 2,470 hope that this major initiative will be has announced that, for the first time, women can “I thank you all for your devotion to square meters and fully equipped to followed by many others, toward the now enroll in the nation’s military schools. your village,” said Ara Vardanyan in his provide a broad range of health ser - continued development of the strategi - Ministry spokesman Artsrun Hovannisian told opening remarks during the Karmir vices, the Martuni Hospital is one of the cally significant Martuni Region.” journalists on June 6 that Armenian females have a Shuka opening ceremony, as he largest establishments of its kind to be The Martuni Hospital is the second right to apply to the Vazgen Sargisian Infantry addressed the residents. “I am hopeful built by the Hayastan All-Armenian major medical facility in Artsakh to be Institute and Marshal Khanperiants Air Force that your bond with your village will Fund. The two-story complex comprises built through the support of the Institute. always remain strong, that the ranks of a polyclinic, a maternity ward, an emer - Armenian community of the Eastern The applicants have to be at least 18 years old and children standing here today will gency room, an intensive-care unit, and US. The first was the Stepanakert have excellent marks in physics and mathematics. increase, and that this land will prosper departments of gynecology, diagnostics, Polyclinic, a landmark complex which According to Hovannisian, the new regulation is well into the future.” surgery, and physical therapy. The hos - was built in 2006. a part of ongoing general reforms in Armenia’s armed forces. Ambassador Heffern CRD Scientists Win Presidential Award Visits AGBU Hye Geen YEREVAN — On May 29, the Armenian Center Presidential Awards Ceremony for achievements during 2012 was held. President Serge Sargisian TALIN, Armenia — On Saturday, May 18, US and member of the Robert Boghossian and Sons Ambassador to Armenia John Heffern, his wife Foundation, Albert Poghosyan, handed out the Libby Heffern, Former Chairman of the AGBU awards, along with enclosed certificates and mon- Western District Committee of California Haig etary bonuses. Messerlian and AGBU Armenia Director Arpi Sargisian congratulated the awardees and Vartanian visited the AGBU Hye Geen Pregnant wished them every success. The awards for 2012 Women’s Center. achievements were given to 22 scientists, painters, During the Ambassador’s Diaspora Tour in the US last December, Sona Yacoubian, chairperson and founder of AGBU Hye Geen Southern California, invited the Hefferns to visit the AGBU Hye Geen Pregnant Women’s Centers in Armenia and meet Bagrat Mayilyan (center) with President Serge Sargisian the expectant mothers to better understand the and Albert Poghosyan realities facing women and their families in Armenia’s regions today. Yacoubian remarked, “The AGBU Hye Geen actors and musicians. Among them were Cosmic Committee welcomes the interest and the apprecia- Ray Division (CRD) scientists. tion shown by Ambassador and Mrs. Heffern. We The Presidential Award is an annual award, consider the Pregnant Women Centers in Armenia which was established in January 19, 2001, by a a priority. Healthy newborns and healthy, educated decree of the president of Armenia. It is awarded mothers are essential to safeguard the future of our for a breakthrough discovery or significant contri- homeland. I also thank Haig Messerlian and Arpi bution to the area of natural sciences, technical Vartanian for their assistance in arranging this sciences and information technologies, arts, med- visit.” ical science, physics, literature and humanitarian In 2009, the Talin Center was established, replac- sciences. ing the Gumri Center. To date, the center has From left, Bagrat Mayilyan, Gagik Hovsepyan, Levon It was decided that the Presidential Award in served close to 160 women and their healthy Vanyan, Prof. Ashot Chilingarian and Nichola each area is to consist of a certificate with the babies. Bostanjyan before the ceremony inscription and prize money (equivalent to $10,000.) S ATURDAY , J UNE 15, 2013 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 3 INTERNATIONAL Tear Gas, Stun Grenades, Fire: Chaos International News May Visit Overtakes Protests Armenia in 2015 ISTANBUL (CNN) — A day of clashes in Tuesday. obey.” ROME (ArmeniaNow) — Pope Francis has expressed between protesters and riot police in “There’s a spirit of determination” The police movement came one day willingness to visit Armenia in 2015 to attend Istanbul’s Taksim Square suddenly and “solidarity” in the park, Damon before Erdogan planned to meet with events dated to the Armenian Genocide’s 100th changed dramatically Tuesday when said. Throughout the day, protesters protest organizers. The presence anniversary. police blanketed the area with massive had called on each other to try to keep appeared more to be a show of force at In May, Pope Francis referred to the mass murder clouds of tear gas and shot water can - things calm and to keep protests peace - the square than an effort to flush out of Armenians as “the first genocide of the 20th cen- nons. ful. protesters who have been camped there tury.” He alluded briefly to the Armenian Genocide Tens of thousands in the square fled, for days. during a meeting with Armenian Catholic Patriarch while some in Gezi Park, which was Police Attack The demonstrations in Turkey start - Nerses Bedros XIX Tarmouni of Cilicia. The remark also hit by tear gas canisters, chanted The assault on the area marked a ed as a small sit-in over plans to bull - prompted an angry response from Turkey. and launched fireworks in defiance. return to the more heavy-handed tactics doze Gezi Park — the last green space in Several years earlier, while serving as archbishop Soon the square, home to days of Turkish authorities used in the earlier central Istanbul — and replace it with a of Buenos Aires, then-Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio protests over what demonstrators call days of the protests. shopping mall. described the killing and forced deportation of mil- an increasingly authoritarian govern - The protests at first had focused on But they have grown into a protest lions of Armenians as “the gravest crime of ment, was filed with chaos. Hugely loud the environment — opposition to a across the political spectrum. Ottoman Turkey against the Armenian people and bangs echoed through the area — likely plan to build a mall at the park — but Demonstrators have demanded all of humanity.” the result of stun grenades. Thousands quickly grew into a battle against Erdogan’s resignation, accusing his gov - packed back into Taksim Square, sur - Erdogan’s democratically elected gov - ernment of creeping authoritarianism. rounding a large bonfire that they were ernment. The result has been the biggest chal - French City Twinned fueling with whatever they could pick Protesters had built a new barrier lenge to Erdogan and his governing ups. earlier Tuesday and lobbed Molotov Justice and Development Party during With Martuni Prime Minister Recep Tayyip cocktails at armored vehicles and their decade in power. PARIS (PanArmenian.net) — The foreign minister of Erdogan’s government had said it burned one. Police responded by spray - Beyond the riot zone: Why Taksim Nagorno-Karabagh (Artsakh), Karen Mirzoyan, met would allow protesters to remain in ing water cannons. Square matters to Turks with France’s Armenian community representatives Gezi Park as long as they were peaceful. In a game of cat-and-mouse, the Erdogan fights back during his visit to the country. But CNN’s Arwa Damon, inside the demonstrators, using wooden boards as And the prime minister has fought A working meeting with the members of the park, saw police shoot tear gas canisters shields, would pull back — only to back. Coordination Council of Armenian Organizations return, lobbing cocktails and firecrack - In speeches, Erdogan has said he has was also on the Mirzoyan’s agenda. ers and flashing “victory” signs. no tolerance for what he calls illegal A reception at Marseilles mayor’s office was orga- Armenia “We will never allow people to push demonstrations. nized in honor of the Artsakh official, with things to us, force things to us,” Prime Sunday, he slammed protesters, warn - Mirzoyan praising the current relations between Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan told a ing that “even patience has an end.” the French city and NKR and expressing hope for Builds a gathering of his own Justice and He criticized protesters’ tactics and their further development. Development Party in parliament. “And challenged them to beat him at the bal - Also, an agreement was signed, naming Les New Aleppo we will never force things either.” lot box. Pennes-Mirabeau and Martuni as sister cities. After touting a long list of achieve - “All they do is destroy. They attacked YEREVAN (Eurasianet.org) — To ments in the country, which he credited public buildings; they burned public make sure exiles from Syria feel at to his government, Erdogan turned to buildings. They burned the cars of civil - Dink Foundation home in Armenia, the government the street demonstrators in Istanbul, ians,” he said. has commissioned the construc - who for more than a week have called “Let’s face off at the ballot box in Publishes Collection tion of an entire settlement called for him to step down. seven months. If you are saying democ - ISTANBUL (PanArmenian.net) — The collection of New Aleppo. “They say the prime minister is racy and freedom, if you are saying essays presented at the conference “Social and Located 20 kilometers shy of harsh. The prime minister is firm,” rights and freedoms, you cannot Economic History of Diyarbakir and Region,” held Yerevan, the residential project will Erdogan said of their grievances against achieve that with violence. Only within in Diyarbakir November 2011, has now been pub- accommodate some of the thou - him. “I’m sorry,” he answered them. the laws, you can achieve it.” lished in Turkish by the Hrant Dink Foundation sands of Syrians of Armenian “This prime minister is not going to Previous protests have met with a Press. descent, who escaped the war in change.” harsher police response, garnering The book includes 24 essays on the region by Syria. Throughout Tuesday morning, smoke broad criticism from inside and outside researchers abroad and in Turkey. The press says it New Aleppo, named in honor of from tear gas and fireworks wafted of Turkey. hopes the collection will contribute to political dis- the war-torn northern Syrian city through the air at Taksim Square as the Since the demonstrations started on course on the topic of the peace process in Turkey. that is home most of Syria’s ethnic armored vehicles shoved away May 31, two protesters have been killed. “Memory is returning to these lands. It is coming Armenian population, will sit on makeshift barriers set up by the demon - One was hit by a car in Istanbul; the from a far, from the period of nation-building, 4.8 hectares (about 11 acres) of strators. other was shot in the head by unknown which is [more than] a century away. Surely, what land in the industrial town of Several protesters linked arms to assailants in Antakya, near the border has been deemed fit by the state for the inhabitants Ashtarak. form a human chain and prevent the with Syria. of these lands during the process of nation-build- Armenia’s Ministry of Diaspora police advance. But when police A police captain died after falling ing, what the inhabitants deemed fit for each other, Affairs reports that approximately deployed multiple canisters of tear gas, from a bridge last week, the gov - the suffering, the collective violence, every malign 600 families have expressed will - they scattered again. ernor’s office said. recollection that has been forgotten or worse, made ingness to move into the develop - “If you stop throwing rocks, we will The Turkish Medical Association said to forget, is returning now,” said Cengiz Aktar, pro- ment’s apartments. They will be not use tear gas,” the police told the that more than 4,300 people were fessor of political science at Istanbul’s Bahcesehir expected to pay half the cost of the raucous group over loud speakers. “We injured in clashes last week. Only a few University. flats; the authorities and charity don’t want you to get hurt; please dozen suffered serious injuries. groups are expected to pick up the rest of the tab. Azeri MP Offers to With some 7,000 Syrian- Involve NATO in Armenians now seeking residency UCLA Gets $2 Million Gift to Establish in Armenia, the government says Karabagh Settlement that more Syrian quarters will be Armenian Archaeology Center popping up across the country as BAKU (PanArmenian.net) — A member of well. GIFT, from page 1 Near East. Azerbaijan’s parliament said this week that the The Syrian Diaspora, estimated father’s experiences as an Armenian “With the work at the Cotsen North American Treaty Organization (NATO) pos- to be over 100,000-strong, genocide survivor and his journey to Institute of Archaeology, the Armenian sesses powers to monitor all of the ingoing region- descends from ethnic Armenians safety on foot through eastern Turkey. identity and Armenian people — past al and international processes. who fled World-War-I-era massacres More than 1 million Armenians are and present — can be respected and In this context, Zahid Orudzh attached impor- in Ottoman Turkey. Now, a century estimated to have been killed during appreciated for the contributions of tance to the institution’s involvement in the settle- later, the bloody rebellion in Syria and after , when the their 3,000 year history,” Chitjian said. ment of the Nagorno-Karabagh conflict. has driven the community back to Ottoman Empire systematically exter - “Studying the ethnographic artifacts of “Despite our membership in the Non-Aligned what is considered their ancestral minated and removed Armenian sub - recent age is an important means of Movement, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization homeland. jects from their historic homeland in understanding the past of this still thriv - is the current security format. We will have to Yerevan has been fast-tracking territory that constitutes part of the ing culture.” intensify efforts to deepen ties with NATO, in case visas and residency permits, facili - present-day Republic of Turkey. The of Baku’s decision against joining Russia-formed tating employment and social adap - majority of Armenian diaspora commu - military blocs,” he said. tation for the arrivals from Syria, nities were founded as a result of this “NATO is against open intervention in regional often described as returnees. The genocide. problems and well aware of those issues. projects pose a financial burden for Chitjian also funded the establish - Donation Documents protecting Azerbaijan’s territorial the cash-strapped country, but the ment of Aramazd, The Armenian integrity were adopted during the institutions’ In memory of Arsen Demirdjian, authorities hope that the influx of Journal of Near Eastern Studies, the summits in Washington and Istanbul. Any agree- Arsen Hagop Avedikian and Harry ethnic Armenians will help boost first Armenia-based, English-language, ment on Karabagh issue must enter into force with Meneshian of North Hollywood, Armenia’s shrinking population peer-reviewed international journal on the help of a certain institution,” Orudzh said. Calif. donate $50 each to the and contribute fresh entrepreneur - the archaeology, ancient and medieval . ial ideas to its economy. history, and linguistics of Armenia, the Armenian Mirror-Spectator , Iran, Turkey and the broader 4 S ATURDAY , J UNE 15, 2013 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR Community Ne ws

Zoryan Institute Whirlwind Day Receives President Keeps Sheriff Of the Republic of Koutoujian in Armenia Prize The News YEREVAN — The Zoryan Institute has received the President’s Prize for 2012 for sig - nificant contribution to the cause of recogni - By Tom Vartabedian tion of the Armenian Genocide. The awards were handed out by President Serge Sargisian and Albert Boghossian, one of the founders of CHELMSFORD, Mass. — What started the Boghossian Foundation which sponsors the out as a routine day June 1 ended pretty annual prize. Describing the Zoryan Institute as much the same way for Peter Koutoujian. one of the “key institutions” in the diaspora, But sandwiched in between was a page President Sargisian declared, “The Armenian out of the Wild West for the high-energy Diaspora’s crystallized spirit was reflected in Middlesex County sheriff. the activities of the Zoryan Institute, allowing It began with the former state repre - our people not only to survive the disaster, but sentative serving as parade marshal for The fifth-grade students at Noravank, eagerly photographed by parents graduates at the Harvard University School of Government, where he gradu - ated from 10 years ago. There he was at his alma mater with Discovering Hayastan top hat, tails and ceremonial scepter in what has become a standard role for the sheriff. It even led to a bear hug from TV Through the Eyes of personality Oprah Winfrey, who was there as a commencement speaker. One might have assumed it was Children Koutoujian and not the starlight receiv - ing the honorary degree. Hours later, the sheriff found himself in Harvard Square WATERTOWN and YEREVAN — For too long the term “diaspora” designated en route to some office business before both the identity and homeland for many Armenians. The post-World War I repub - heading out to Chelmsford for a fund- President Serge Sargisian presents the award to lic was short-lived and Soviet Armenia, especially during the Cold War, was a raising reception hosted by Armen and K.M. Greg Sarkissian, president of the Zoryan remote reality, both geo - Sossy Jeknavorian for the Merrimack Institute. graphically and politically. By Muriel Mirak-Weissbach Since 1991, that has happily also to reaffirm their determination to live on.” Special to the Mirror-Spectator changed, and Armenians The official citation recognizes Zoryan for worldwide can look at the “research on the Armenian Genocide, publishing Republic of Armenia as their activities, and notable contribution to the prepa - “other half.” Armenian Ambassador to Germany Armen Martirosyan has said of ration of young scholars.” A second award was these two pillars, “Our unity is the source of our strength and our diversity is the given to scholar and human rights activist Dr. source of our resilience.” Tessa Hoffman, cited as an, “outstanding German For the diaspora, a visit to Armenia is more than a vacation or a cultural dis - expert in Armenian studies and genocides.” covery; it is a journey through one’s own past which lends a new dimension to The acceptance speech of K.M. Greg one’s identity. I had the honor of chaperoning my great niece for the first half of Sarkissian, president and one of the founders of her two-week visit there. Christina, the 11-year-old daughter of my niece Julia the Zoryan Institute, acknowledged that the Mirak Kew, is a fifth-grade student at St. Stephen’s Armenian Elementary School Institute’s achievements, honors and awards in Watertown. I flew to Yerevan from my home in Germany and a week later, Julia are the result of the hard work of hundreds of arrived from . Every year the school’s graduating class makes the long trip, Middlesex County Sheriff Peter Koutoujian, left, joined by prominent Armenian and non-Armenian individuals. this year being the 10th anniversary. Merrimack Valley artist Daniel Varoujan- In describing the goals and objectives of the Hejinian, center, and Carl Manikian. institute, Sarkissian emphasized Zoryan’s Although I had visit - “belief that the strongest defense of the causes ed the country of universal human rights and the prevention of before, this time I Valley Armenian Genocide Monument genocide is constant education.” was able to live the Committee. With this concept in mind, Sarkissian joy of discovery As circumstances prevailed, Koutoujian stressed that, “through the education of the through the eyes of embarked upon a raucous scene where a Turkish people with irrefutable information, we the children, and to woman was being assaulted in broad day - will be able to win their hearts and minds and appreciate a special light. The chivalrous sheriff needed no eventually help achieve reconciliation and coex - kind of interaction posse for this call. He rescued the damsel istence between our two peoples in peace and between them and in distress and order was quickly restored security.” the people who wel - in the square during the mid-afternoon Towards this end Zoryan has sponsored 15 comed them. bedlam. Armenian and fifteen Turkish students, respec - Although there “I don’t think it was a heroic action or tively, to attend the Institute’s annual Genocide was a culture shock, anything brave,” he revealed. “It was just and Human Rights University Program, held in as the Bostonians an instinct.” partnership with the University of Toronto. The author of this article, Muriel Mirak-Weissbach, with her were not accustomed The unexpected transformation from Some of those students have gone on to earn niece, Christina Kew, in Armenia to strolling down the opening act to Cambridge’s their PhD’s, teach, and write books and articles streets of a major Wyatt Earp was taken as nothing larger that add to the Institute’s effort in establishing capital city at 10 than a grain of salt. a factual history in this area, so crucial to the p.m. among hundreds of local citizens, mostly young couples with children, or to “I was wearing a badge and a very for - mutual understanding and dialogue between hear music piped through loudspeakers in Republic Square as the water fountains mal-looking morning suit,” Koutoujian Turks and Armenians. danced in changing colors, still, the language they spoke was just as familiar as added. “People couldn’t tell what I was the lamejun and kebab served in the restaurants. Despite the differences between doing there.” Eastern and Western Armenian, the children (and their parents) could communi - That evening Koutoujian found himself cate with ease. When visiting schools in Yerevan or Shushi (in Nagorno Karabagh), in a more sedate role among Armenians the girls and boys from St. Stephen’s chatted with their counterparts; they all of Merrimack Valley, serving as honorary knew the same poems and songs, which both groups would perform. And if there chairman of a monument committee bent was a soccer field nearby, they would quickly line up in teams and kick the ball. on constructing a $33,000 memorial by (St. Stephen’s won both games.) Lowell City Hall. The fact that all the children spoke fluent Armenian, even in conversation with The sheriff appeared at the reception one another, had a powerful impact on the local residents. In Echmiadzin on the unflustered and gave no hint to his rig - first day as well as in Sardarabad, during Independence Day celebrations, TV chan - marole, much less the commencement. nels rushed to interview them. And they cherish their language; they took special The focus was on greeting guests and delight in the life-size stone letters of the alphabet invented by Mesrop, which they encouraging their support for the project. see CHILDREN, page 5 From left, Albert Boghossian, Tessa Hofmann Koutoujian was also an instrumental and President Serge Sargisian see KOUTOUJIAN, page 5 S ATURDAY , J UNE 15, 2013 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 5 COMMUNITY NEWS

Youth Leaders Gather for Assembly, Sports Weekend Whirlwind Day Keeps Sheriff Koutoujian in By Armen Terjimanian The News

KOUTOUJIAN, from page 4 WARWICK, R.I. — Youth and clergy from figure in the completion of a $6.5 million across the Eastern Diocese gathered last month memorial on the Rose Kennedy Greenway for the 67th annual ACYOA General Assembly. and helped to sponsor genocide activities The two-day meeting, held May 23-24 at the during his term in public office with side - Crowne Plaza Hotel and the annual Sports kick Rachel Kaprielian, now Registrar of Weekend activities that followed, were hosted Motor Vehicles. by the ACYOA chapter of Providence’s Sts. He may be back in government after Sahag and Mesrob Church. announcing a bid for Congressman Ed Providence committee members Nick Markey’s seat should he be elected to the Durgarian, Ara Janigian and Gevork Vartanian U.S. Senate in the special election against welcomed the General Assembly delegates to Republican candidate Gabriel Gomez on the Ocean State on Thursday evening. The June 25. assembly was chaired by Sam Mrofcza of St. In referring to the backlash other cities Gregory the Illuminator Church of Chicago, have received from the Turks with their with Arthur Sabounjian of Holy Translators Delegates at the Annual Assembly monuments, Koutoujian presented a Church of Framingham, Mass., serving as vice- more benign approach to any potential chair. A total of 79 delegates, clergy and rebuttals. A crowd of 40 was there to wel - observers took part in the proceedings. come the sheriff and heed his words. cussed the Bible verse Matthew 5:13-16 in Award” for his leadership and service to his Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, of “We should just remain calm and not terms of leadership in today’s world. local parish in Chicago. the Diocese of the Armenian Church of do anything to incite dissention,” he told Elections were held for four seats on the Krikor Javardian of Holy Trinity Church of America (Eastern), addressed the delegates on the gathering. “This monument is a testa - ACYOA Central Council. The newly elected Cheltenham, Penn., won the “Sam Nersessian Friday morning, introducing them to the dio - ment to all immigrants who settled in the council members are Shant Paklaian of St. Award,” which is given to individuals who dis - cese’s theme for the coming year, “Living the Merrimack Valley and defied the geno - Gregory the Illuminator Church play Christian values of love, patience, humility cide. It’s a tribute to all who served their of Chicago, Chelsea Kress of St. and understanding. heritage so generations could follow.” Leon Church of Fair Lawn, NJ Dn. Levon Altiparmakian of St. Nersess The evening raised $7,500, which and Daniel Zalinov of St. Sarkis Seminary received the “Fr. Haroutiun and Yn. included an $850 bid for a painting donat - Church of Charlotte, NC. Patricia Dagley Award” for his service to the ed by noted local artist Daniel Varoujan Adrienne Ashbahian of St. Sahag Armenian Church and community. Hejinian. The craftsman designed this and St. Mesrob Church of The “Chapter ‘A’ Award,” given to the chap - monument to show hands weaving lace, Wynnewood, Penn., was re-elect - ter that best fulfills the requirements of an paying tribute to mill workers plying their ed for another term. ACYOA chapter, went to St. Mary Church of craft as new residentsLowell. The ACYOA Central Council Livingston, NJ. Koutoujian also pledged $500 toward for the coming year will include “It was great to see the youth together this the project. Chair Jonathan Pelaez (St. Mary past weekend in Providence for the General Among others attending were former Church, Livingston, NJ), Vice Lowell mayors James Milanazzo and Rita Chair Ani Grigorian (St. Mesrob Mercier, who have embraced the project Church, Racine, Wisc.), Treasurer since its inception a year ago. But in the Paklaian (St. Gregory the Archbishop Khajag Barsamian and the Rev. Shnork Souin end, it was a nightcap Koutoujian wel - install the new ACYOA Central Council. Illuminator Church, Chicago), sec - comed dearly. retary Chelsea Kress (St. Leon “Despite the tensions he faced earlier Church, Fair Lawn, NJ), public in the day, Peter engaged everyone at the Gospel of Christ.” The Primate called on the relations coordinator Armen Terjimanian (St. reception with a warm smile and a hand - delegates to not only hear the words of Christ, Mary Church, Washington DC), programming shake,” said Dr. Ara Jeknavorian of but to act on them in their daily lives. coordinator Ashbahian (St. Sahag and St. Chelmsford, a project activist. “He never “Our mission is to be like Christ,” Barsamian Mesrob Church, Wynnewood, PA) and chapter let the emotions of the day interfere with said. “His teachings are the words of a total way relations coordinator Zalinov (St. Sarkis Delegates and clergy pose for a photo during the matter at hand. That says a lot for his of life.” Church, Charlotte, NC). the Annual Assembly. personality.” The Primate also offered his appreciation to Barsamian blessed the new Central Council And what about that fabulous embrace Nancy Basmajian, the longtime executive secre - during an installation service following the cel - from Oprah? That was very special tary of the ACYOA, who is retiring this summer. ebration of the Divine Liturgy at Sts. Sahag and Assembly and Sports Weekend,” said Pelaez. “I indeed! He introduced Jennifer Morris, the Diocese’s St. Mesrob Church on Sunday, May 26. am honored to be the newly elected chair of the “I got to give her a hug,” Koutoujian Youth Outreach coordinator, as the head of the During the Primate’s Luncheon on Friday, ACYOA, and I am excited for this year to be pro - said. “As I finished adjourning the cere - newly established Department of Youth and May 24, Rev. Hovnan Demirjian, pastor of St. ductive and innovative during a transitional mony, I looked over and she was smiling Young Adult Ministries. Hagop Church of Pinellas Park, Fla., was pre - time in the organization.” at me. She put out her arms. I didn’t even During the meeting, delegates took part in a sented with the “Fr. Haigazoun Melkonian Next year’s General Assembly and Sports have to ask for it. It was a really nice Bible study session, working in small groups Award,” in honor of his dedication to leading Weekend will be hosted by the ACYOA chapter moment.” with St. Nersess seminarians and ACYOA the youth of the Armenian Church. of Holy Martyrs Church of Bayside, NY and Central Council members. The delegates dis - Sam Mrofcza received the “Gregory Arpajian held in . Discovering Hayastan through the Eyes of Children

CHILDREN, from page 4 through the rooms of another museum dedi - discovered in Oshagan, the great scholar’s final cated to the memory of those young men and resting place. women who gave their lives in the war. Their The few days in Artsakh (or Karabagh) were black-and-white photos cover the high walls of very special. Although the bus ride from the rooms, and the birth and death dates testi - Yerevan was a long nine hours, it was broken fy to the tender age at which they perished. An up with stops at historic sites, where we could unscheduled visit to the military base in marvel at several of the innumerable treasures Stepanakert provided a glimpse into the harsh of Armenian church architecture: from the conditions under which soldiers today serve to monastery of Khor Virab, where Gregory the defend the republic. After completing their Illuminator was imprisoned (and into whose marching drill, a group of soldiers stood at dark dank dungeon the children descended), to attention to listen to the St. Stephen’s students the 13th-century masterpiece of Noravank, with sing patriotic songs, then broke into enthusias - its perilously steep stone steps up the front tic applause before posing for pictures. façade (which the children did not hesitate to Such scenes were moving, as they captured a ascend). moment of mutual recognition: of the In Karabagh, we encountered monuments to Armenians there, who have waged the struggle a much more recent past. If the tank used in the for liberation, and the very young Armenians 1992 battle of Shushi was fun for the children here, who, in learning about it and the thou - to climb up on; it was a no toy, but a dramatic sands of years of prior history, can reflect on reminder of the life-and-death struggle to liber - who they are. “We saw our ancestors’ home - ate the city. “I felt so proud that I stood on the land,” wrote Gregory in his report. tank that freed Shushi,” wrote Sarine in her (Muriel Mirak-Weissbach is the author of report. At the Shushi museum, the children Through the Wall of Fire: Armenia – Iraq – received a detailed lecture on the battle, illus - Palestine: From Wrath to Reconciliation and Students meet young Artsakh soldiers at a barracks in Stepanakert. trated with the help of a model, and wandered can be reached at www.mirak-weissbach.de) 6 S ATURDAY , J UNE 15, 2013 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMUNITY NEWS Rotary Club, Ophthalmologists and Armenian EyeCare Project Finance Training for Physician

SAN CLEMENTE, Calif. — The San Clemente with its 1.2 million members, exist to improve Sunrise Rotary Club, the American Academy of communities through a range of humanitarian, Ophthalmologists and the Armenian EyeCare intercultural and educational activities. Clubs Project combined their resources and comple - advance international understanding by part - mentary missions to sponsor the continuing nering with clubs in other countries. medical education of Dr. Asatur Hovsepyan, an The San Clemente Sunrise Rotary Club has Armenian physician and medical director of the been involved in international service since its Armenian EyeCare Project’s Mobile Eye inception more than 20 years ago. Under their Hospital. motto, “Service above Self,” San Clemente Hovsepyan attended the Academy’s annual Sunrise Rotarians have always worked to help meeting in Chicago. After Chicago, Hovsepyan those in their local community and throughout traveled to Southern California to train with Dr. the world. The Rotary Club expands its reach Roger Ohanesian, founder and president of the by supporting international organizations and Armenian EyeCare Project. programs throughout the world. While in Chicago, Hovsepyan participated in Blindness is a terrible fate with enormous roundtable discussions and instructional class - personal, social, and economic consequences es moderated and taught by leading experts in that can condemn otherwise healthy individu - ophthalmology, and skills-transfer sessions— als to lives of poverty and dependence. Yet, 80 hands-on courses offering intensive training in percent of all blindness can be prevented or Kim Kardashian (right) with her cousin, Cici. Kourtney Kardashian (right) with Cici surgical and diagnostic tech - treated. The Armenian niques with direct supervi - EyeCare Project’s mission is to sion and a low participant-to- eliminate preventable blind - instructor ratio. These are ness and to make eye care Kardashians Speak out about ABMDR exceptional opportunities for accessible to all Armenians. physicians from developing Over the past 21 years, with LOS ANGELES — Recently Kim Kardashian took a swab test, which will determine her countries and have signifi - charitable programs that com - eligibility to become a potential bone marrow donor and urged her fans to follow suit. cant and far-reaching out - bat the debilitating causes of Kardashian took the test to raise public awareness of the mission of the Armenian Bone comes for the physician, his blindness, the Armenian Marrow Donor Registry (ABMDR) and to help her cousin, Cici, a cancer patient, as well colleagues at home and his EyeCare Project has been able as others who urgently need donor matches for life-saving bone marrow transplants. country. to train Armenian ophthalmol - The video can also be accessed from the ABMDR site, at abmdr.am/kim-karashian-join - While visiting Ohanesian’s ogists to provide comprehen - ing-abmdr-registry/. ambulatory surgical clinics sive eye examinations, perform Earlier this year, Kardashian’s sister, Kourtney Kardashian, likewise took a swab test in Laguna Hills and San surgery and laser procedures and issued an appeal, urging the public, and especially those of Armenian descent, to join ABMDR as potential bone marrow donors. Clemente, Hovsepyan was Dr. Asatur Hovsepyan and dispense new eyeglasses. able to observe surgical pro - The Project has examined and “We thank the Kardashian sisters and Kris Jenner for helping advance the ABMDR mis - cedures and patients in treated 550,000 Armenians sion to save lives,” Dr. Frieda Jordan, president of the ABMDR, said. stages of pre- and post-surgery learning new and restored the sight of 60,000 through For more information, visit abmdr.am. techniques and patient management. Cataract and other surgeries. Upon his return to Armenia and the Mobile In 2003, the Project’s Mobile Eye Hospital Eye Hospital Hovsepyan began teaching his col - (MEH) traveled by boat from Vermont where it leagues new diagnosis and treatment proce - was built, to the country of Georgia and then by dures and surgical techniques, leveraging his truck to Yerevan. The MEH is the Project’s hub ENNIS M. EVENEY & ONS experience to benefit many more physicians and of regional service delivery and travels country- ultimately, patients. wide screening and delivering eye care to thou - D D S The mission of the American Academy of sands of children and adults. With this method Cemetery Monuments Ophthalmology (AAO) is to advance the lifelong of eye care delivery the Project is able to save learning and professional interests of ophthal - or restore the sight of significantly more people Specializing in mologists and to ensure that the public can living throughout the Marzes in Armenia. The Armenian Designs and Lettering obtain the best possible eye care. The Academy MEH has traveled to all marzes in Armenia at 701 Moody St. Waltham, MA 02543 is a professional medical association of ophthal - least twice where all surgeries and other oph - mologists, headquartered in San Francisco, thalmological examinations and treatments are (781) 891-9876 www.NEMonuments.com California. Its membership includes more than performed as charitable services at no cost to 90 percent of practicing ophthalmologists in the Armenian people. the United States as well as over 7,000 mem - Upon his return to Armenia and the Mobile bers abroad. Eye Hospital where he is director, Hovsepyan Telephone (617) 924-7400 Founded in 1905, the mission of Rotary talked about his learning experience in the U.S. International, of which San Clemente Sunrise is and said, “I will be forever grateful to the San one of its 33,000 worldwide clubs, is to provide Clemente Sunrise Rotary Club, the Academy Aram Bedrosian service to others, promote integrity, and and the EyeCare Project for joining together to advance world understanding, goodwill and sponsor my continuing education and for giv - Funeral Home, Inc. peace through its fellowship of business, pro - ing me this exciting opportunity that I can fessional, and community leaders. Rotary clubs, share with my colleagues in Armenia.” Continuous Service By The Bedrosian Family Since 1945 MARION BEDROSIAN OBITUARY 558 MOUNT AUBURN STREET PAUL BEDROSIAN Genocide Survivor Areka Der Kazarian Dies WATERTOWN, MA 02472 LARRY BEDROSIAN

SURVIVOR, frpm page 1 Plant in Watertown. She was the wife of the late Harry Der In a story from three years ago by Tom Kazarian. She leaves her children Dr. Alan K. Vartabedian, she said, “Where else could we Der Kazarian and his wife Isabelle of Belmont, go?” recalling earning $18 a week doing piece - Gregory Der Kazarian of Arlington and work as a cementer. “I would turn the money Edward Der Kazarian of Watertown; grand - over to my parents and get a quarter back for GF UiNrEaRgAoL sHiaOMn E children Alan H. Der Kazarian and his wife spending purposes. Hood Rubber opened its James “Jack” Giragosian, CPC Kathy of Belmont, Susan Der Kazarian and doors to immigrants from many foreign lands Mark J. Giragosian her husband Michael Malone of Westchester who had no language or working skills. We Funeral Counselors County, NY and Dr. Mark Der Kazarian and learned it on the job.” 576 Mt. Auburn Street, Watertown, MA 02472, TEL: 617-924—0606 his wife Jennifer of Carlisle; great-grandchil - Documentary filmmaker Roger Hagopian www.giragosianfuneralhome.com dren Claire, Charles, Kaitlyn Der Kazarian and turned these stories into “Destination Gavin and Charlotte Malone; brother, Charles Watertown: The Armenians of Hood Rubber.” Janikian of Maynard and many nieces and The project, which began in 2003 as a short nephews. highlight film, reached fruition after six years of Her siblings Artin, Gorun and Aram Janikian research and interviews, delving into the lives of Edward D. Jamakordzian, Jr. d/b/a predeceased her. Armenian refugees looking to establish a Born in Marash, Historic Armenia, she spent decent lifestyle in America, in this case her childhood traversing the Middle East as a Watertown. result of the Genocide, including living in Services were held at St. James Armenian Edward D. Jamie, Jr. Lebanon, Syria, and Egypt before set - Church, 465 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown on Funeral Chapel tling in Marseilles, France, for two years, at the Friday, May 24. Interment was in Mt. Auburn Serving the entire Armenian Community age of 10. Cemetery, Cambridge. Any Hour • Any Distance • Any Location She moved with her family to Watertown in Expressions of sympathy may be made in her Call (718) 224-2390 Toll Free (888) 224-6088 1924 where she lived for 90 years. memory to St. James Armenian Church or Der Kazarian was one of the many Genocide Armenia Fund USA, Inc., 80 Maiden Lane, Bus. Reg. 189-06 Liberty Ave., Hollis, NY 11412 survivors who found work at the Hood Rubber Suite 2205, NY, NY 10038. Consultation Office: 217-04 Northern Blvd., (Suite 23), Bayside,NY 11361 S ATURDAY , J UNE 15, 2013 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 7 COMMUNITY NEWS Watertown Welcomes ACYOA Juniors for Hye M’rtsoom

WATERTOWN — Over Memorial Day weekend, St. James ered the “Insights” message at the conclusion of Church welcomed 223 participants from 15 parishes across the morning service on Saturday. the diocese for the annual Armenian Church Youth The youths participated in sports and other Organization of America (ACYOA) Juniors Hye M’rtsoom . The competition on Saturday. Participants also had program brought together young people ages 13 to 18 for a chance to lead a discussion about everyday worship, as well as for sports and other activities. questions and struggles young people face in All events were held at St. James Church’s Charles Mosesian today’s world. In addition, the weekend featured two out - reach projects, organized by the St. James ACYOA Juniors. The first was a sandwich-mak - ing project for a local community shelter, where an assembly line was set up in the kitchen as teens and parents made 130 sandwiches for the Pine Street Inn in Boston. The second project was a gift card drive and participants donated gift cards to benefit the Home for Little Wanderers, which offers children and young adults behavioral health, special edu - cation, adoption, foster care and other services. Young people make sandwiches as part of an outreach program during Hye On Sunday, May 26, the Fr. Arakel Aljalian, M’rtsoom. parish pastor, celebrated the Divine Liturgy, which was attended by all Hye M’rtsoom par - ticipants. After services, participants gathered to watch the Nersoyan Leadership Award” was presented to Hagop Toghramadjian of St. Sahag Church of Minneapolis, Minn. and Young people play chess during the weekend program in intense sports finals. Watertown. The team sport champions were: St. James Church of the “Archbishop Tiran Nersoyan Vision Award” was presented Watertown (boys basketball), Holy Trinity Church of to Ari Kazanjian of St. James Church. Cambridge (girls basketball) and St. Leon Church of Fair On Sunday evening, the group enjoyed a moonlight cruise Cultural and Youth Center and participants were housed with Lawn, NJ (co-ed volleyball). The “Chapter ‘A’ Award” was pre - on the Spirit of Boston. local families. Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, diocesan Primate, sented to Sts. Sahag and Mesrob ACYOA Juniors of The St. James parish has been hosting the Hye M’rtsoom visited participants on Saturday, May 25, while the sporting Providence, RI. The “Archbishop Tiran Nersoyan Service for 38 years. Aljalian, Yn. Natasha Aljalian and St. James events took place. The diocese’s Youth Outreach Coordinator Award” was presented to Ariana Ferarro of Holy Translators youth minister Maria Derderian worked alongside community Jennifer Morris was present throughout the weekend and deliv - Church of Framingham, Mass. The “Archbishop Tiran members to ensure the success of the weekend’s events.

there will be an all-inclusive wine tour, lunch AGBU Focus 2013 Heads to San Francisco and tasting at Chateau St. Jean Winery in Sonoma wine country, and Friday night, the SAN FRANCISCO — The seventh AGBU (YPs). What started as a signature anniversary incredible weekend awaits attendees of this action will shift to one of San Francisco’s elite FOCUS weekend heads west to San Francisco. celebration is now a sensational biennial week - year’s FOCUS. For the first time on the west nightclubs. Saturday, August 3, features As literary great William Saroyan proclaimed, end event, offering YPs an opportunity to con - coast, the four day event-filled weekend will FOCUS on Art at SoMA district’s 2nd Street “No city invites the heart to come to life as San nect with hundreds of international peers while showcase San Francisco and wine country in Gallery, and culminates that evening with the Francisco does. Arrival in San Francisco is an highlighting the direct and positive impact of unique ways exclusive to FOCUS 2013,” said FOCUS 2013 Gala set in the San Francisco City experience in living,” which hundreds of AGBU AGBU’s programs on generations of AGBU FOCUS 2013 Co-Chair Steven Hall. Completing the memorable weekend, a young professionals from around the world will Armenians. Over the past 12 years, AGBU Cherezian. farewell brunch on Sunday will offer YPs the soon discover. The four-day event will take FOCUS has brought together over 2,500 YPs in AGBU FOCUS 2013 kicks off Thursday, perfect opportunity to bid farewell to the guests through the city’s rich culture and 5 different cities: New York City (2001, 2007), August 1 with Perspectives, an engaging panel friends and the city where they are bound to nightlife, to the region’s scenic wine tasting and Montreal (2003), Miami (2005), Chicago (2009) discussion and networking opportunity for leave their hearts. picturesque backdrops. and Paris (2011). guests to share viewpoints on a hot topic. The With the move west, AGBU FOCUS 2013 Since its launch in New York City in 2001, “We are thrilled to host this exciting event in panel will be held downtown at Spur Urban raises funds for AGBU’s Generation Next AGBU FOCUS has distinguished itself as a pre - our backyard and look forward to welcoming a Center, a non-profit incubator for research, edu - Mentorship Program (GenNext) in Los mier event for Armenian young professionals truly global young professional crowd. An cation, and advocacy. On Friday, August 2, Angeles. Created in 1997 by a handful of YP volunteers under the auspices of the AGBU, and with the assistance of the Glendale Unified School District, the goal of GenNext is to assist Southern California youth of Armenian descent by providing them with positive role models, guidance, and support. Through one- on-one mentoring, monthly group activities and parenting seminars, the program has aided and supported Armenian students who are faced with difficult choices in today’s often tense school environment including issues of acculturation, drug and alcohol abuse, peer pressure, violence in schools, gang involvement and other serious adolescent challenges. Throughout the year, mentors and mentees make a commitment to one another, develop - ing a unique friendship. “One of the highlights of AGBU FOCUS is the charitable aspect of the event. With FOCUS being hosted in California for the first time, GenNext is an ideal benefactor. Our fundraising is underway, and the event will also help increase awareness of the important work AGBU GenNext is accomplishing in Southern California,” expressed AGBU FOCUS Co-Chair Greg Nemet. Hundreds of young Armenians have already benefitted from GenNext’s programming; how - ever, with a waiting list of more than 90 at-risk adolescents at any given time, today’s fundrais - ing efforts are critical to the program’s long- term sustainability and expansion. AGBU FOCUS San Francisco 2013 ticket packages are on sale now and weekend accom - modations are available at a discounted rate at the Hotel Adagio near Union Square. For more information about the weekend’s events and to register, purchase tickets, or book hotel rooms, visit www.agbufocus.org. For any other ques - tions or inquiries, please contact FOCUS Coordinator, Sharis Boghossian, at [email protected]. 8 S ATURDAY , J UNE 15, 2013 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR Ne w York M E T R O Friends of FAR Children’s Center Holds Fundraiser in NJ

By Florence Avakian

WEEHAWKEN, N.J. — With a stunning view of the New York City skyline in the background, a group of women held a successful luncheon on Thursday, May 16, at the Chart House Restaurant located on the Hudson River. The event was held to benefit the Children’s Center of Yerevan, a major project of the Fund for Armenian Relief (FAR), where abused, aban - doned, trafficked children from ages 3 to 18 are cared for with devoted support, professional therapy, and boundless love. More than 130 supporters attended, includ - ing Honorary Chairperson Sirvart Hovnanian, whose late husband, Kevork Hovnanian, was one of the founders, chairman, and lifetime hon - orary chairman of FAR. It was organized by the Friends of the Fund for Armenian Relief’s Children’s Center, a group of 14 New Jersey women who started a committee a few years ago at the request of The Friends of the Children’s Center with Sirvart Hovnanian in the center. Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Diocese (Eastern), to help in this very crucial endeavor. The Chart House event began with dignity through the Children’s Center. Their adding that “Armenia has gone through great and a silent auction of gifts donated by the mem - warm welcoming remarks by Committee Co- transformed lives are the measure of the shock affecting people, but especially the chil - bers of the Friends of the FAR Children’s Center. Chairperson Sylva Torosian who related that Center’s success, and the result of your gener - dren who are the recipients of a positive or neg - Also participating and donating a percentage of each time the committee ladies had a function ous support.” ative future. And this year a major program has their sales for the Children’s Center were the such as a birthday or baby shower, the dona - In her thoughtful remarks, Annette been started by FAR affecting poverty in a owners of several area boutiques. tions were given to the Children’s Center Choolfaian, FAR vice chairperson, recounted whole village, with a full infrastructure pro - The Yerevan Children’s Center is the only instead of personal gifts. “Our children are our the background of Armenia’s children in the gram.” Concluding her remarks, she said with institution in Armenia that performs crisis inter - future, and you can make it possible, one child late 1990s, which led to the creation of the cen - obvious emotion, “Stay with us and help us. It vention and rehabilitation. The center is also a at a time,” she said. ter. “The police took children, many walking in is crucial for the future of Armenia.” national full service facility where children and Archbishop Yeghishe Gizirian delivered the the streets with no home, and threw them in a In a brief message, Garnik Nanagoulian, exec - their families can access shelter, counseling, invocation and read an inspiring message from room like an akhor (hovel). And so the FAR utive director of FAR, expressed appreciation to outreach service, healthcare and legal assis - the Primate who was unable to attend due to Children’s Center was born with the support of the Primate, Sirvart Hovnanian, the co-chairs of tance. his presence at a meeting in Echmiadzin. “Since the FAR Board of Directors and Archbishop the Friends of the Children’s Center Silva In 2012, FAR and the Friends of the its inception in 2000, the FAR Children’s Khajag Barsamian, thereby changing the future Torosian and Nadia Gharibian, and all the sup - Children’s Center in Armenia sponsored their Center has truly lived up to its mission – lead - of Armenia’s most vulnerable children. The porters of this vital project. The occasion con - first major function for the Children’s Center at ing the way in the area of child protection in hovel was developed into a caring and loving cluded with the benediction by Very Rev. the Diocese of the Armenian Church in New the capital city of Yerevan, and creating a safe home,” she stated with emphasis. Papken Anoushian, pastor of St. Thomas York, with Dr. Mira Antonyan, director of the haven for our homeland’s most vulnerable chil - Since 2000, the center has helped 7,000 chil - Armenian Church in Tenafly, NJ. Children’s Center attending and leading the dren,” the Primate’s message stated. dren, and child protection laws have been enact - The event also included a fashion show pre - event. The next function for the center will take “Thousands of formerly ‘at-risk’ children have ed. “One can see the dramatic changes in a sented by Linda Gezdir, and a group of Armenian place on Saturday, November 9, at the discovered care, affection, encouragement and child a month or two later,” Choolfaian said, young women who presented the latest fashions, Armenian Diocese in New York.

Papken Suni Agoump Armenian American Social Club • Hall available for parties and functions • Catering on site and off, Maximum 100 guests • Featuring traditional Armenian and Middle Eastern foods • Social Club open six days a week

For information on prices, menu and availability, call Manager Kevork Boyajian at (617) 921-1415 Or (617) 924-9678

76 Bigelow Ave., Watertown, MA 02472 S ATURDAY , J UNE 15, 2013 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 9 Ne w York M E T R O

AIWA Members at Annual Meeting in New Jersey Look Ahead to Future Challenges

WEEHAWKEN, N.J. — Participants at the In her keynote presentation, Papazian ty is not yet at hand,” she said in conclusion. Matosian, describing her work in Yerevan. Annual Meeting and Luncheon of the summarized many of the gains made by “Education can prepare women for any pro - While Armenia’s constitution and signed Armenian International Women’s Association women in the field of education, noting that fession, but society must accept them in some international conventions protect women’s (AIWA) had the opportunity to take stock of more girls than boys attend college today. roles still restricted to men.” rights and adhere to principles of gender recent progress and to look ahead to future Yet women lag in many key areas, such as The road ahead for women? “We must all equality, “the reality on the ground is com - challenges. computer science, math and engineering, help each other — be a network of successful pletely different,” she pointed out. Highlighting the Luncheon, held at the “Because of this we need to organize and Sheraton Lincoln Harbor Hotel on May 18 develop a women’s movement or network so were presentations by three special guests: that we start working towards activism, advo - Dr. Mary Papazian, president of Southern cacy, and gender mainstreaming,” she noted. Connecticut State University, who gave the “Gender equality is not just a women’s issue keynote address on “The Empowerment of but a societal one.” Women through Education;” Maro Matosian, Ending on a positive note, Matosian noted director of the Women’s Support Center in that in Armenia today, a young generation of Yerevan, one of a consortium of organiza - women have emerged, who are active citizens tions in Armenia addressing problems associ - concerned with social justice and gender ated with Domestic Violence and partially issues. “All this, gives me hope that progress funded by AIWA; and Ruth Bedevian, who will come to Armenia,” she concluded. received the Distinguished Service Award for Bedevian, in accepting her Distinguished her contributions to a number of cultural and Service Award, offered heartwarming humanitarian projects in the United States remarks about her participation in several and Armenia. projects, particularly in publications (she The day began with the Annual Meeting in helped to arrange and edited My Odyssey, the the morning, with organizational reports on memoir of Antonina Mahari, wife of Armenian membership, projects, programs, archives and poet Gurgen Mahari), and also her work at publications, scholarships and affiliate Mer Hooys home, located in the Nakashian reports. Present from the Los Angeles From left, Maro Matosian, director of the Women’s Support Center in Yerevan, Ruth Bedevian, Children’s Support Center in Yerevan. Affiliate were Affiliate President Silva recipient of AIWA’s Distinguished Service Award; and Dr. Mary Papazian, keynote speaker, at The planning and preparations were done Khatchiguian and Board member Joan Quinn the recent AIWA Luncheon in New Jersey by the New Jersey AIWA Affiliate, headed by and from Boston Board Vice Presidents its president, Lisa Stepanian. Barbara Merguerian, Judy Norsigian and Joy Membership in AIWA is open to all women. Renjilian-Burgy, as well as Armenia Liaison which are to key to the rapid global eco - women supporting and nurturing other Further information about AIWA or about its Eva Medzorian. nomic development taking place today. women to success,” she urged. “Only through programs to advance Armenian women is Preliminary discussion took place regard - Women are active in business, but continue such support can we shape the future to the available by contacting the association at 65 ing AIWA’s next, seventh International to face a glass ceiling when it comes to benefit of all.” Main St., 3a, Watertown, MA, Conference, scheduled to take place in advancement. The theme of working together in order to [email protected]. Yerevan in 2014. “Women have come a long way, but equali - advance women’s rights was taken up by Primate Hosts Ecumenical Gathering Honoring Dietsche

NEW YORK — On Wednesday, May 22, ing back well over a century,” Barsamian said. Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the “Long before St. Vartan Cathedral existed — Diocese of the Armenian Church of America before even the first Armenian sanctuary was (Eastern), hosted an ecumenical gathering at built in New York — the Episcopalians wel - comed our people into their churches to celebrate the Divine Liturgy... Since that time we have always found encouragement, welcome, and support from our Episcopalian brothers and sisters. And I look forward to continuing that tradition with Bishop Dietsche,” he added. Barsamian presented Dietsche with a pectoral cross from Holy Etchmiadzin. Dietsche, in turn, presented the Primate with a commem - orative medallion from his installation. Archbishop Khajag Barsamian presents Bishop Andrew Dietsche Cardinal Dolan, the Roman with a pectoral cross from Holy Etchmiadzin. Catholic Archbishop of New York, thanked Barsamian for his hospitality and continued the Diocesan Center in honor of Bishop efforts to foster ecumenical relationships Andrew Dietsche, who was recently installed as among religious leaders in New York. “It makes the 16th Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of New York. Religious leaders in prayer at St. Vartan Cathedral Leaders of the Roman Catholic and Oriental Orthodox churches came together at St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral for a prayer service, fol - Egan on the 28th anniversary of his consecra - Orthodox Church; Archbishop Francis lowed by a reception to honor Dietsche. tion as bishop. Chullikatt, the Apostolic Nuncio to the United “Bishop Andrew Dietsche is a man of firm Dietsche expressed his gratitude to Nation; and Rev. Kurt Dunkle, dean and presi - conviction, but also gentleness,” Barsamian Barsamian for the warm welcome, and said that dent of the General Theological Seminary in said, “a pastor who deals with the urgent, he is committed to strengthening the ecumeni - New York City. Representatives of the Syrian solemn issues of the church; but also an artist cal bonds established by his predecessors. Orthodox Church, the Malankara Syriac who deals in beauty and laughter.” “We make a witness to the wider world with Church and the National Council of Churches Cardinal Edward Egan, the former Roman the friendship we share with one another,” he also took part. Catholic Archbishop of New York, delivered the said. “When we bring our fraternity to the In addition to Barsamian, representing the invocation. He thanked Barsamian for organiz - Cardinal Timothy Dolan congratulates Bishop wider world, we say something the community Eastern Diocese at Friday’s event were ing the day’s program and congratulated Andrew Dietsche. needs to hear.” Archbishop Vicken Aykazian, the diocese’s ecu - Dietsche on his elevation. Dietsche was At the conclusion of the afternoon meeting, menical director; Archbishop Yeghishe Gizirian; installed as the leader of the Episcopal Diocese Bishop David of the Coptic Orthodox Very Rev. Simeon Odabashian, Diocesan Vicar; of New York at Manhattan’s Cathedral of St. us all more grateful for the amity we experience Archdiocese of North America delivered a bene - Very Rev. Mamigon Kiledjian, dean of St. Vartan John the Divine in February 2013. here,” he said, adding that such gatherings also diction. Armenian Cathedral; Very Rev. Daniel “I want to acknowledge that the Episcopal help address common challenges that various Other high-ranking clergy in attendance were Findikyan, director of the diocese’s Zohrab Church and the Armenian Church have had a Christian churches face across the world. Bishop Melchisedek of the Orthodox Church in Center and the Rev. Mardiros Chevian, dean of long history of friendship in this country, dat - Dolan also extended his congratulations to America; Bishop Makarios of the Eritrean St. Nersess Armenian Seminary. 10 S ATURDAY , J UNE 15, 2013 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR Arts & Living

Composer, Conductor AGBU Young Professionals Konstantin Petrossian and ANC Host Screening Receives Movses Of ‘Orphans of the Genocide’ in NYC Khorenatsi Medal NEW YORK — The Armenian General YEREVAN — During the celebrations of Benevolent Union Young Professionals of Armenia’s Republic Day, May 28, Konstantin Greater New York (AGBU YPGNY) and the Petrossian, musical director of Sts. Sahag and Armenian National Committee of New York Mesrob Armenian Church, Providence, RI, was (ANC-NY) cosponsored a screening of awarded the Movses Khorenatsi Medal by the “Orphans of the Genocide” on Thursday, May president of the Republic of Armenia, Serge 16. The film, created by Florida-based, four- Sargisian, in the Presidential Palace. time regional Emmy award winning filmmaker The award is the highest national govern - Bared Maronian, was shown at the AGBU mental recognition that can be given for those Central Office in New York City. who have excelled in intellectual and cultural “The ANC of New York is pleased to work endeavors. Petrossian was recognized for his with Mr. Maronian to spread awareness of this music pursuits and notable contributions to significant film,” said ANC-NY Co-chair Armenian culture during his many years of out - Arousiag Markarian. “The documentary tells standing achievement in both Armenia and in an important story in the history of the the diaspora. Armenian people, and we are happy to show - Petrossian’s works include symphonic, cham - case the work of Mr. Maronian, a longtime ber, vocal and instrumental music, as well as active community member in Florida.” chorales. His works are performed and have Nominated for a regional Emmy award, been published worldwide, included in “Orphans” is a groundbreaking 90-minute doc - radio/TV music archives, and recorded on CDs. umentary that takes the viewer through never- Since January 1995, he has served as cultur - before-seen archival footage and discovered al and music director of Sts. Sahag and Mesrob memoirs of orphans who lived through the Armenian Church in Providence. The same 20th century’s first fully documented genocide. year, he organized the Cultural Committee at It profiles orphans while unveiling many the church. During the past 18 years this Pianist Karine Poghosyan performs at St. Vartan Cathedral. orphanages where Armenians were housed in Committee has organized around 180 cultural the Middle East. The film also explores the and educational events, including the annual humanitarian efforts of the American Near East Relief in saving, feeding and sheltering more than 150,000 documented Armenian Global Community Celebrates Genocide orphans between 1919 and 1926. “We are so proud that photos and docu - Khachaturian’s Legacy ments from the AGBU archives and Noubarian Library in Paris helped with the production, NEW YORK and YEREVAN — A concert dedicated to the 110th anniversary of the especially since YPGNY was instrumental in birth of the great Armenian composer Aram Khachaturian was held at St. Vartan acquiring the archival photos,” said AGBU Armenian Cathedral on Wednesday, June 5. The event went forward under the aus - YPGNY vice chair Lindsey Hagopian. pices of Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Responding to a call from a concerned Church of America (Eastern) and Ambassador Garen Nazarian, permanent repre - Armenian American who had stumbled upon sentative of the of Armenia to the United Nations. the relics, several YPGNY committee members Born in 1903, Khachaturian showed early signs of a love of music, but his formal and their friends took the initiative to purchase training did not begin until 1922, when he was admitted to the famous Gnessin the collection of photos from a military Institute in Moscow and con - antiques shop in Los Angeles more than a decade ago. It was discovered that the photos President Serge Sargisian with conductor tinued at the Moscow Konstantin Petrossian Conservatory with the emi - had belonged to Ellen Mary Gerard, a Near nent composer Myaskovsky. East Relief nurse who had volunteered in Syria Karine Poghosyan, an and Lebanon for three years, serving over Spiritual Music Festival of Rhode Island award-winning pianist, per - 1,000 Armenian orphans during her tenure. Orthodox Church Choirs; the Annual Youth formed a program she creat - The AGBU YPGNY Gerard Archive can be Talent Show and many concerts, including the ed to present the richness viewed at annual Christmas concert, as well as movie pre - and diversity of http://www.flickr.com/photos/agbu/sets. sentations. Khachaturian’s style. First, Maronian has also made use of archival pho - Petrossian also has been the artistic director there was Khachaturian the tos and documents from the Rockefeller and conductor of the Armenian Chorale of lyricist, whose melodies — Archive Center, Das Bundesarchiv (German Rhode Island and the Armenian Chorale of Adagio from “Spartacus” National Archives), Statens Arkiver (Danish Greater Worcester. In 2009, he was appointed and Lullaby from “Gayaneh” Ambassador Garen Nazarian, permanent representa - National Archives), the Library of Congress, the music director and conductor of the Erevan — Poghosyan performed. tive of the Republic of Armenia to the United Nations, U.S. National Archives, the Armenian Genocide Choral Society and Orchestra of Holy Trinity The program also high - speaks about the legacy of Aram Khachaturian. Museum-Institute, Houshamadyan, the Armenian Church in Cambridge, Mass. lighted the energetic and Armenian Relief Society and other private He also serves as the president and artistic rhythmic Khachaturian of archival collections. director of the Armenian Music Festival of his early piano work Poem (1927) and the Toccata (1932). Finally, the audience Founded in 2006, Maronian’s Armenoid Rhode Island, Inc., which was organized in encountered Khachaturian the innovator — less well-known but powerful — through Productions has produced numerous award- 1997. In the same year, he presented for the his large-scale piano composition, the Sonata (1961). Poghosyan closed the concert winning Armenian-themed documentaries, first time “Anoush” Opera with the Rhode with an encore: Khachaturian’s Waltz from the Masquerade Suite . among them “Komitas Hayrig” and “The Wall Island Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra at More than 300 people attended the evening concert, including more than 40 of the Genocide.” “Orphans” took a little more the Veterans’ Memorial Auditorium, United Nations ambassadors and dignitaries. The concert marked the inaugural than three years to complete. His next project Providence. 2013-2014 Season of Classical Music, Concerts at Saint Vartan. Future concerts will is under the working title of “Women of 1915,” In 1999, Petrossian, as cultural director of be held on Wednesday evenings. dealing with the plight of the Armenian women Sts. Sahag and Mesrob Armenian Church, Vicki Shoghag Hovanessian welcomed the audience and outlined the objective of during the genocide, and paying tribute to all founded the unique Arts Education Program the concert series, mentioning that there would be four more concerts in the com - of the non-Armenian women who came to the for children and adults. This church is the only ing season. She spoke of Khachaturian’s lasting legacy and said that he enriched rescue of their sisters. Maronian was inter - one in the Eastern Diocese to have such a pro - human culture with the timeless beauty of his heritage. viewed by Voice of Armenians TV New York, gram. In 2002, he established the Knar cultural Nazarian said that “music is a universal language of mankind.” He added, “It and the segment is set to be broadcast in the newsletter for the church. touches many hearts, and reminds us of our common humanity and common coming weeks. Petrossian has given numerous performances responsibility to work together in partnership to spread the message of solidarity Local AGBU and ANCA chapters and com - in many countries, including the former USSR, and peace around the world.” mittees are encouraged to reach out to their England, France, Spain, Greece, Finland, Archbishop Yeghishe Gizirian closed the evening with a benediction. A reception local PBS (Public Broadcasting Service) sta - Canada, Austria, Czech Republic, Slovakia, followed. tions to urge them to air “Orphans.” The film Poland, Hungary, Italy and Germany. Very Rev. Mamigon Kiledjian, dean of St. Vartan Cathedral, was instrumental in has already been broadcast by a number of Additionally, he has presented his own music in organizing the concert. PBS stations, including ValleyPBS, Station various cities in the US. In 1991, he was invit - On June 6, the ninth Aram Khachaturian competition began at Aram KPVT 18 in Fresno, Calif., and WMHT in Troy, ed to participate at the first Armenian concert Khachaturian Concert Hall in Yerevan. The concert featured the State Youth New York. Readers interested in screening at the United Nations dedicated to the inde - Orchestra of Armenia and cellist Gautier Capuçon from France. The competition was “Orphans of the Genocide” for their communi - pendence of the Republic of Armenia. to conclude by June 13. ty may send an email to — Marilyn J. Woloohojian [email protected]. S ATURDAY , J UNE 15, 2013 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 11 ARTS & LIVING Fellini’s ‘Amarcord’ comes to life at Tekeyan Center, Montreal

s’ attention,” he thinks to himself as he By Jerry Arzoumanian observes the artist’s matching colors: a red scarf and a hat with red lining. Sure enough, an American navy sailor strolling along walks up MONTREAL — A young man sets up his easel to him to take a closer look. in a scenic street in Rome, 1939. is “What are you setting up for?” asks the beating down on him mercilessly but he will get sailor. all the shade he needs from his oversized straw “Me? I make-a caricatoor-e,” replies the young man, with a strong Italian accent. As he takes a second to look at the sailor, he becomes overjoyed by his impressive build. “Oh! You’re a very strong-a man!” he remarks enthusias - tically and immediate - ly offers to make him a portrait. As a carica - turist, he’s developed the habit of picking up salient physical traits in everyone he meets. His eye does - From left to right: Demci Arzoumanian (as Luigi), Jerry Arzoumanian (as n’t think in terms of Jean) normal, pretty or ugly; he sees shapes, expressions and char - hat. Meanwhile, Italian folk songs can be heard acter. The sailor, now posing with his two from a nearby café. The owner steps out and arms flexed, is quite entertained by the gestures the artist who is now becoming a famil - friendly chitchat. When he finally asks the iar face. “He really knows how to catch tourist - young man’s name, the caricaturist responds

From left to right: Mike Bajakian (as Fellini), Alex Husseindjian (as Navy sailor)

with a resounding voice: were filmed there as well as more recent block - “Fellini !” busters like “Gangs of New York.” Perhaps Fast forward to present times… the biggest icon of the studio is the famous Luigi is a production manager at Cinecittà director Federico Fellini — the luminary and studios. He’s expecting a visit from a dear non-conformist genius of cinema. Among his friend, Jean, a French film director. As he’s turn - notable films, Jean and Luigi discuss ing the pages of the newspaper in his office, he “Amarcord,” which won the Oscar for Best is thinking about the bad news. Jean was hop - Foreign Language Film in 1974. It’s comedy- ing to tour the famous studios but everything is drama and a snapshot of Fellini’s hometown, shut down; the workers are on strike. Within a Remini, in the 1930s. He recreates the daily second the mood turns festive when Jean life the way he remembers it including the comes in and yells out “Mon cher Luigi!” pretty sights and the dirty secrets. As the pair Strong hugs follow and it turns out that Jean is leaves the office to go for lunch in Rome, the not bothered by the news of the strike; he has lights turn off. The audience at Tekeyan to deal with them in Paris all the time! Cultural Center is now immersed in Fellini’s During their conversation, Jean learns that world and ready to watch the great Italian clas - Cinecittà was founded in 1937 by none other sic, “Amarcord.” than Mussolini as a means of fascist propa - This successful film screening and live per - From left to right: Sarina Kazandjian (supporting actress), Jerry Arzoumanian (actor, MC), Demci ganda. It is a huge complex of 148 acres hous - formance on May 25 was written, directed and Arzoumanian (writer, director), Edward Husseinjdian (coordination, consulting), Roupen Boyadjian ing 17 studios, 73 buildings, 8.6 acres of gar - produced by Demci Arzoumanian. Fellini was (audio-visual preparation), Mike Bajakian (supporting actor), Sarkis Ekizian (video), Dr. Levon dens and, 75 km of streets; the name literally interpreted by Mike Bajakian; the sailor, by Alex Ketchian (sound, consulting). Missing: Alex Husseindjian (supporting actor) means “cinema city.” Classics such as “Ben Husseindjian; Luigi, by Demci Arzoumanian; Hur” and Clint Eastwood’s spaghetti westerns Jean, by Jerry Arzoumanian.

Sponsor a Teacher in Armenia and Karabagh 2013

Since its inception in 2001, TCA’s ‘Sponsor a Teacher’ program has raised over $563,000 and reached out to 4,440 teachers and school workers in Armenia and Karabagh.

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Make check payable to: Tekeyan Cultural Association – Memo: Sponsor a Teacher 2010 Mail your check with this form to: The Armenian TCA Sponsor a Teacher 5326 Valverde, Houston, TX 77056 Mirror-Spectator Your donation is Tax Deductible. Now in its 81 st year of publication 12 S ATURDAY , J UNE 15, 2013 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR ARTS & LIVING Hamazkayin Eastern USA Celebrates Third Annual Pan-gathering

WATERTOWN — On May 4, the Eastern causes in the diaspora over an extended period Region of the Hamazkayin Armenian of time. Educational and Cultural Society along with its The second part of the evening featured a Boston chapter hosted an evening of cultural concert by the Mayilyan Vocal Trio from celebration at the Armenian Cultural and Armenia under the artistic directorship of Educational Center (ACEC) Hovnanian Hall, mezzo-soprano Anna Mayilyan, along with dedicated to the 300th birthday of Sayat Nova. singers Yeva Yeganyan and Armine The event was the high point of the annual east - Khatchatryan. The artists, accompanied by ern regional meeting and pan-gathering of all pianist Lusine Grigoryan, engaged the audience eight chapters of Hamazkayin Eastern USA with their beautifully-rendered repertoire of which took place in Massachusetts over the weekend. A crowd of friends of Armenian culture and prominent figures from academia filled the Hovnanian Hall that had been completely revamped and decorated for the occasion. Recent and upcoming projects of Hamazkayin Eastern USA were outlined at the beginning of the evening. As one of the major achievements of the executive, Hamazkayin Eastern Region is pursuing the establishment of a business entity as a source of income to help fund educational and cultural programs envisioned by the orga - The Anna Mayilyan Trio nization that are currently cost prohibitive. Special guest filmmaker Eric Nazarian from Los Angeles shared the role of master of cere - gence of the Republic of Armenia as an inde - work of talented writers in North America) was monies with distinguished librarian and lifelong pendent nation, efforts must be made to awarded to Christopher Atamian for the trans - Hamazkayin member Arevig Caprielian from strengthen existing bonds between the lation of Nigoghos Sarafian’s The Bois de New York, as they presided over the evening Diaspora and the homeland and introduce new Vincennes from Western Armenian to English. Susan and Gary Lind-Sinanian program. and up to date means to fortify the relationship. Also honored were Gary and Susan Lind- The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Additionally, as a Diasporan residing in Sinanian, curators of the Armenian Library and Thomas Samuelian, dean of the American Armenia for many years, he emphasized the Museum of America (ALMA) and Ara University of progress observed in Armenia over the years Ghazarians, curator of the Armenian Cultural classical, traditional and folk songs. The Armenia Law and challenged us to focus more on the positive Foundation in Arlington, each of whom evening ended on a high note as the crowd School, tackling gains and build upon those successes. received the inaugural Hamazkayin Founders’ praised Hamazkayin members and event orga - the theme of Following the need to bring the organization Award. This award aims to acknowledge the nizers for a successful event. All proceeds from Armenia and the in tune with the realities and demands of the work of individuals who have contributed sig - the evening will benefit the educational and cul - Diaspora at 21st century, a number of youth oriented pro - nificantly to Armenian cultural and educational tural initiatives of Hamazkayin. Crossroads. jects, including the creation of Armenian Samuelian empha - themed apps for iPhone and Android users and sized the role of a distance learning initiative to connect Hamazkayin as an Armenia with Boston, New Work and organization to Washington DC for lectures, symposia, training bridge the cultural sessions and mini-courses are in the pipeline to gap between provide relevant Armenian cultural and educa - Dr. Thomas Samuelian Armenia and the tional offerings to the youth using their pre - Diaspora as a fun - ferred communication modes. damental task of Many prizes were distributed throughout the Hamazkayin in the 21st century. For much of awards ceremony, of which the newly estab - Hamazkayin’s existence, Armenia was not an lished Minas and Kohar Tololyan Prize in independent nation. However, with the emer - Contemporary Literature (which recognizes the ‘Lost and Found’ Seeks to Reunite Audiences with Armenian Culture FILM, from page 1 actors and bring them to the attention of The initial idea for the film began with actor American audiences. “There are so many tal - Vachik Mangassarian, who plays Josef in the ented Armenian actors who are devoted to their film. After hearing the story concept, McCaffrey art, but there aren’t enough roles for them said she was “sold.” there,” said McCaffrey. “I loved the whole thing,” she recalled. This film does not focus on the Armenian McCaffrey, together with director Gor Genocide or tragic events in Armenia’s history, Kirakosian, worked to develop a sizzle reel for but instead, is a light-hearted take on current the film to show potential investors and cast. Armenian culture. One goal was to create a fun From the buzz created by the sizzle reel they and accessible way for those not familiar with were able to find the funding for the film, with the Armenian worldwide community to learn much of the investments coming from Armenia. about the culture and heritage. “It’s [the film] is Fellow producer Maral Djerejian worked tire - about who we are as a people,” said McCaffrey. lessly with their team to create a film that “We see a lot of our own family members and would appeal to a variety of audiences. people we know in these characters,” she McCaffrey cast the film, in addition to devel - added. “This American character falls in love oping the script and helping to find investors. with Armenia and Armenian culture,” said “We wanted an American actor [for Bill] who McCaffrey, adding that she hopes that it is a would be perfect for bridging the audiences. I sentiment audiences will share with ‘Bill.’ immediately thought of Jamie,” said McCaffrey. For lead actress Sarafyan, the film was also a The team shot on location throughout vil - homecoming. “Angela had left Armenia at age lages in Armenia for six weeks. They also filmed 4. She came back to her homeland to shoot this in San Diego for a week and a few days in Los film. It was an emotional experience for her and Angeles. we were so lucky to have her as a part of it.” “We employed a lot of people [in Armenia.] According to McCaffrey, the film has sold out We were able to use the money invested by several screenings including its weekend open - Armenia and put it back into the country when ing in Glendale. “The audience response has filming.” been great so far. People are just loving it,” she Four languages were spoken on set, including said. Georgian. The film is currently playing at the following “Everybody worked as a family to get this theaters: Pacific Theaters Americana, Glendale; done,” she said. Laemmle Music Hall, Beverly Hills, Calif.; A few Turkish actors also participated in the Laemmle Town Center, Encino, Calif.; AMC film production. “This is one of the first times Burbank 8, Burbank, Calif.; Sierra Vista 16, Turkish and Armenian actors have worked Fresno/Clovis, Calif.; AMC Methuen, Methuen, together on a film,” noted McCaffrey. Mass.; AMC Forum, Detroit, Mich.; AMC McCaffrey was proud to focus on the current Hamilton 24, Hamilton, NJ and AMC Rio, artistic achievements of talented Armenian Washington DC. S ATURDAY , J UNE 15, 2013 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 13 ARTS & LIVING All Chobanian Concert at Saint

RICHMOND HEIGHTS, Ohio — Loris enquiries.” Ohannes Chobanian, Baldwin Wallace Maharaja’s Fancy for Three University Professor Emeritus of Composition Guitars was next on the program. and Guitar, and composer-in-residence, present - About this piece, the composer pre - ed an “All Chobanian” concert at the St. sented the following remarks: Gregory of Narek Armenian Church. “During World War II, a large contin - The concert originally intended for the April gent of Indian soldiers came to 24 Commemorations had to be rescheduled for Baghdad with the British Army. As a Sunday, June 2. Joining Chobanian to form the result Indian music was heard exten - Baldwin Wallace Guitar Trio were two BW sively. The idea of writing a composi - Conservatory graduates Adam Bilchik and tion with Eastern Indian flavor came Bryan Reichert. After the Divine Liturgy the about while exploring unusual congregation moved to the Cultural Hall where sounds on the classical guitar. In Rev. Hratch Sargsyan welcomed and introduced authentic Indian music, melody and the BW Guitar Trio. The All Chobanian concert rhythm are highly developed while was inspired by Spanish, Arabic, Indian and harmony usually consists of a sus - Armenian music. In lieu of program notes, the tained drone chord. Maharaja’s Baldwin Wallace Guitar Trio, with Adam Bilchik, Loris Chobanian and Bryan Reichert composer introduced the different selections Fancy creates an impression of these with commentary and began with the words, “A sounds and uses the raga Behag . To few years ago, as a Cleveland composer and produce these unconventional sounds the gui - Guitar was inspired by the Moorish mosaics. was originally composed and performed on the winner of the Cleveland Arts Prize I was invit - tarists use ordinary pencils, a bottle neck or a The composition combines the Arabic Middle occasion of the late Armenian Patriarch of ed to speak at the Cleveland Clinic. The audi - metal slide bar to perform sliding melodies.” Eastern music performance of the oud with ele - Jerusalem Archbishop Torkom Manoogian’s ence included both doctors and patients. I The 1992 Olympic Games attracted world ments that are more Spanish and Flamenco in visit to St. Gregory of Narek in early 1980s. The spoke about my childhood experiences as well attention to the Iberian Peninsula. Among the character. The Arabic word Taqseem means first melody by Komitas is often heard on Radio as those of my parents; how in 1915, my moth - many articles written about the cultural wealth division and is comparable to the English word Yerevan at the opening of broadcasting. The er and grandmother were driven out of their of Spain, one that displayed a 14th century tile improvisation. other three Armenian melodies such as Chem homes by the Ottoman Turks during the mosaic design from the Alhambra, Granada was The final composition on the program per - U Chem are well-loved Armenian themes. The Armenian Genocide. At the end of my presenta - significant and renewed interest in the architec - formed by the BW Guitar Trio was Bouquet – appreciative audience expressed their enthusi - tion a young man came to me and said that he tural treasures of Andalusia. Taqseem for Solo Four Armenian Melodies . The composition asm with a prolonged standing ovation. was a Turk and that everything that I had said was lies, and he walked away. I stood there for a moment and thought “How in the world can they get away with it? They slaughtered a mil - lion and a half. Still, they have not been able to annihilate the Armenian Spirit, the Armenian art, music, the Armenian religion and language. C A LENDAR And thus we present this All Chobanian con - C A LENDAR cert.” First on the program was the first move - ment of the recently-composed Three Spanish Dances for Three Guitars . Although the composition sounds as if improvised, actually all the notes are written down. Next on the program was Dowland in Armenia , CONNECTICUT performed by Adam Bilchik. The composer introduced the piece with the following JUNE 15 — Remembering Lili Chookasian, 7 p.m., Clinton words: “There is an interesting story about Town Hall, Clinton; friends, colleagues and former students will Dowland in Armenia . When my Songs of pay tribute in performance, anecdote and video. Proceeds to Ararat was performed at the Quebec benefit Metropolitan Opera Auditions, tickets $25. International Guitar Festival in Canada, Lutenist Paul O’Dette commissioned me to MASSACHUSETTS write a new composition for his English Renaissance Lute using Armenian melodies. JUNE 16 — Dance Documentary and Workshop, 2 p.m., In order to justify using Armenian sounding Armenian Library and Museum of America, Main St., melodies I made up the story that supposed - Watertown. Showing of “Other Voices, Other Songs: Armenian ly the English composer John Dowland, in Music and Dance in America,” an examination of evolution of the year 1623, traveled to Armenia and must Armenian folk dancing in the diaspora. Followed at 3 p.m.by have written this composition. Lutenist Paul dance workshop presented by ALMA curators Gary and Susan O’Dette presented the world premiere at the Lind-Sinanian. Admission, $7/$3 seniors. Free for members. Toronto International Guitar Festival. The JUNE 17 — The Gregory Hintlian Memorial Golf Tournament, Festival accidentally forgot to mention that this year remembering Dan Dorian, sponsored by Holy Trinity the program notes were imaginary. As a Armenian Church of Greater Boston, Marlborough Country result I received many letters from scholars Club, Marlborough. from all over the world enquiring about JUNE 22 — Tekeyan Cultural Association of Boston Presents The Tekeyan Cultural Association is sponsoring Dowland’s visit to Armenia. I have to admit I Music of the People, performance by Rouben Hakhverdian, at a concert in Belmont, Mass., featuring Rouben had a lot of fun reading their questions and Holy Cross Armenian Catholic Church, 7:30 p.m. 200 Lexington Hakhverdian, the legendary folk singer from St., Belmont. For tickets ($40) call (781) 439-3702. Armenia, on June 22 at 7:30 p.m. The perfor - JULY 17 — Presentation by Margaret Ajemian Ahnert, author mance will be at the Holy Cross Armenian of The Knock at the Door, 7:30 p.m., at ALMA, 65 Main St., Catholic Church, 200 Lexington St., Belmont. Tickets are $40. To purchase tickets or for info, Watertown. call (201)888-0516 or (781) 439-3702. Wine- JULY 18 — An Evening with Margaret Ajemian Ahnert, and-cheese reception follows the concert. Author of The Knock at the Door, an account of her mother’s daring escape from sure death during the Armenian Genocide. Losh Kebab Dinner and Program. Sts. Vartanantz Armenian Church, 180 Old Westford Rd., Chelmsford. $10 donation, 7 p.m. For dinner reservations, contact Ara, NEW YORK [email protected] or call 978-251-4845. AUGUST 4-10 — PACE [Parent and Child Experience], Craigville JUNE 25 — The Children of Armenia Fund (COAF) will host its Retreat Center, Cape Cod. Private accommodations in Craigville’s third annual Summer Soiree from 7 to 10 p.m. at the PH-D historic Inn with privileges to newly renovated beach club with Rooftop Lounge at Dream Downtown Hotel in New York City. access to private ocean beach, tennis lessons, courts, evening The event will help raise funds and awareness about COAF; for concerts, and more. Babies, grandparents, teens and all in tickets and information, visit coafkids.org or call 212-994-8234. between welcome! Contact [email protected] OCTOBER 19 — Hye Kef 5 featuring Leon Janikian, Joe Kouyoumjian, Greg Takvorian, Ken Kalajian, Bob Raphalian and Free Calendar Submissions Jay Baronian, Haverhill, MA, 7:30 p.m., Michael’s Function Hall- 12 Alpha Street, Tickets: $40.00 Each Students $30, includes The Mirror-Spectator accepts calendar submissions free of individually-served mezza platters. Proceeds to benefit all charge. Calendar entries of a maximum of five lines can be Armenian churches in Merrimack Valley and New Hampshire. submitted to [email protected]; entries exceeding five lines Call either John Arzigian, 603-560-3826; Sandy Boroyan, 978- will be subject to charge. We encourage readers and com - Donation 251-8687; Scott Sahagian, 617-699-3581, or Peter Gulezian, munity members to submit their events so that we may pro - 978-375-1616. Organized by Armenian Friends’ of America [a In memory of Arsen Demirdjian, Arsen new organization in Merrimack Valley]. Hagop Avedikian and Harry Meneshian of North Hollywood, Calif. donate $50 each to the Armenian Mirror-Spectator. 14 S ATURDAY , J UNE 15, 2013 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMENTARY

COMMENTARY T HE A RMENIAN Mirror- All Power and No Integrity

pledge are all one needs to know about her character. The rest can Spectator be extrapolated from her activities which are in public records. By Edmond Y. Azadian It is believed that Samantha Power and Susan Rice are the archi - tects of the White House’s “humanitarian intervention” policy, When Samantha Power published her award-winning book, A which has convinced Mr. Obama to overthrow Muammar Gaddafi Problem from Hell: America and the Age of Genocide, Armenians in Libya on “humanitarian grounds.” How much humanity Ms. Established 1932 — along with human rights activists globally — believed that she Power has lost to advocate the invasion of a sovereign country, had been sent from heaven to defend the underdogs — victims of which to this day is gripped by carnage and political instability, An ADL Publication genocides and human rights abuses. She was so factual, legalistic even if we discount the assassination of the US Ambassador Chris and passionate as not to leave any shade of doubt that she was the Stevens, which was the direct outcome of that “humanitarian inter - apostle of human rights and justice. vention.” EDITOR During President Obama’s first election campaign, she Eccentricities of Gaddafi aside, he had created the most egali - Alin K. Gregorian approached the Armenian community with written statements as tarian society in the Middle East, distributing oil income to his peo - well as You Tube videos that once elected, Mr. Obama would rec - ple, unlike the Aliyev dynasty which spends oil income on its opu - ASSISTANT EDITOR ognize the Armenian Genocide. lent lifestyle, while millions of refugees are confined to the misery Gabriella Gage Rallying support from the Armenians and from different groups of shanty towns.

ASSOCIATE EDITOR with human rights agendas, she helped Mr. Obama’s election and Mercenaries were sent to begin an uprising and NATO bombing Aram Arkun she was rewarded with a job at the White House, as special assis - completed the task by Genghis Khan-style assassination of Gaddafi tant to the president and senior director of multi-lateral affairs and on the TV news and the country was consigned to blood baths, ART DIRECTOR human rights. She could have landed at a higher profile position which continue to this day. Thus, Ms. Power’s “humanitarian inter - Marc Mgrditchian had it not been for her earlier fallout with Hillary Clinton, whom vention” policy mission was accomplished. she had called a “monster” in an interview with The Scotsman. The true test of humanitarian intervention was presented in Today, as she is nominated as US representative to the United 1994, when the UN peacekeeping commander warned that a geno - SENIOR EDITORIAL COLUMNIST: Nations, replacing the beleaguered Susan E. Rice, Ms. Power is a cide was imminent in Rwanda. The warning was ignored as Edmond Azadian completely different political animal. She did not deliver on her 800,000 Tutsis were killed by their Hutu neighbors in a matter of pledge on the Armenian Genocide nor did she remind her boss of 100 days. President Bill Clinton’s subsequent trip to Kigali — on CONTRIBUTORS: his solemn commitment on the issue. Instead, she resorted to the whose watch the genocide was committed — to apologize for his Florence Avakian, Elizabeth Aprahamian, ruse of putting in Mr. Obama’s mouth the term used by the late Daphne Abeel, Dr. Haroutiune non-intervention was disingenuous, too little and too late. Arzoumanian, Taleen Babayan, Prof. Pope John Paul II, of blessed memory, “Medz Yeghern,” to avoid The most revealing opportunism of her political flip-flop was her Vahakn N. Dadrian, Diana Der the use of the word genocide which has finite legal determinants. reversal on the Israeli-Palestine issue. Before entering the govern - Hovanessian, Philip Ketchian, Kevork In his turn, Mr. Obama continued harping that he has not changed ment, she had stated that the US would need to make “mammoth” Keushkerian, Sonia Kailian-Placido , his stance on the issue, without, once again, defining that issue. commitment to secure a Palestinian state,” “a move that could Harut Sassounian, Mary Terzian, Hagop The Armenian Assembly issued a press release on June 7 out - mean alienating American Jews,” according to the New York Vartivarian, Naomi Zeytoonian lining Ms. Power’s earlier activities and statements, which could Times, a group she described as having “tremendous political and portray her as an honest academic and human rights advocate, financial import.” CORRESPONDENTS: without any reference to her later dishonest political gymnastics, Ms. Power later on apologized for her comments about the Armenia - Hagop Avedikian to be able to continue climbing on the ladder of political power. human rights of the Palestinians to absolve herself in the eyes of Boston - Nancy Kalajian Philadelphia - Lisa Manookian The above-mentioned press release concludes with the following Israeli lobbyists. - Muriel Mirak-Weissbach statement: “The Assembly expects a robust US Senate confirma - It is a sad commentary that any politician would stoop so low as tion process in the coming weeks.” to curry favors with lobbyists for career advancement. And indeed, Contributing Photographers: Jacob Demirdjian, Harry Koundakjian, Jirair This kind of lopsided presentation is a disservice to the she has won the nod of Israeli ambassador in Washington, Michael Hovsepian Armenian community. B. Oren, and Abraham H. Foxman, national director of the Anti- The fact that a hawk and warmonger like Sen. John McCain (R- Defamation League. The latter has stated, “She has matured and Ariz) has endorsed her nomination says a lot about Ms. Power’s moved on, and I look forward to working with her in the UN.” turn-around. The New York Times article suggests that by abandoning her The Armenian Mirror-Spectator is published More objective characterization about her and about Rice was weekly, except two weeks in July, by: views on Palestinian rights, she has paved her way for comfortable made by Edward C. Luck, dean of the School of Peace Studies at votes in the US Senate. “Ms. Power has also cultivated American Association, Inc. the University of San Diego and former senior United Nations advi - Jewish groups, meeting in 2011 with 40 leaders of these groups, 755 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA 02472-1509 sor on peace-keeping issues. He said, “Five years ago you might not where she expressed her regret for some of her remarks and Telephone: 617-924-4420 have been able to predict where they are now. They were both ide - defended herself in emotional terms against charges that she had FAX: 617-924-2887 alists, but they have both become practical idealists. Time in gov - an anti-Israel bias,” the article reads. www.mir rorspectator.com ernment does that to you.” If she has dropped Palestinian rights, there is no guarantee that E-Mail: editor@mirrorspectator .com The same could be said about Obama. she has not apologized to the Turkish leaders about her position For advertising: [email protected] As a senior member of Mr. Obama’s team we do not have a full on the Armenian Genocide. account of what Ms. Power has said to Turkish leaders and what It looks like Ms. Power will win an easy victory in the US Senate commitments she has made to them on behalf of the US govern - hearings and at best, we will send a hypocrite to the UN to repre - ment, but her betrayal of trust says much more about her selling sent US interests. SUBSCRIPTION RATES : her soul for career advancement. Her reversal of position on the If we needed any additional proof that politics and morality are Genocide issue and her steering of the president away from his mutually exclusive, Ms. Power’s case will provide that.

U.S.A. $80 a year Canada $125 a year LETTERS Other Countries $190 a year opposition than in any other country in the world, according to Dissent in Turkey Reporters Without Borders. © 2011 The Armenian Mirror-Spectator Dissent is something that all democracies should embrace and not Periodical Class Postage Paid at Boston, MA To the Editor: contain with water cannons or bullets. It is amazing to see how Turkey and additional mailing offices. The Mirror-Spectator reprinted an op-ed titled, “Turkey’s masks its authoritarian rule by redefining its present by trying to ISSN 0004-234X Authoritarian Turn,” by Seyla Benhabib, originally published in the change its past. New York Times on June 3. What has been transpiring in Taksim Square over the last several POSTMASTER : Send address changes to The Armenian Mirror-Spectator, P.O. Box 302, Recent events in Turkey should not surprise Western observers who days is something the minority populations living in Turkey, like the Watertown, MA 02471-0302 continue to succumb to the falsehoods and dishonesties of Ankara’s Armenians, have been aware of for decades. Other than the editorial, views and opinions being a model democracy for booming Islamic countries. So-called free Finally, the world is starting to see Ankara’s true colors. expressed in this newspaper do not necessarily speech is embodied in a news media friendly to the government — a con - –Stephan Pechdimadji eflect the policies of the publisher. venient tool — and more journalists are imprisoned for voicing their San Ramon, Calif.

telephone number. Notice to Contributors — Deadline for submission of all articles and advertising is 12 noon on Monday of the week of publication. The welcomes articles, commentaries and community — Photos will be published without charge at the discretion of the editors and art director. Copying for other than personal use or Armenian Mirror-Spectator internal reference is prohibited without news from our readers. In order to assure the accurate and timely publication of articles Photos will be returned only if a self-addressed and stamped envelope is included. express permission of the copyright submitted, please note the following policies: — The will publish only one article about an upcoming organizational event. For M-S owner. Address requests for reprints or — All articles submitted should be typed, double (or triple) spaced and printed in a type size major special events, exceptions may be made only by special arrangement with the back issues to: large enough to be clearly legible (10 point or larger). Submissions that do not conform to editors. Baikar Association, Inc. these specifications will be assigned lowest priority. — Telephone numbers, ticket prices and other details (at the discretion of the editors) will 755 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA 02472-1509 — Articles sent by fax are acceptable, and e-mail submissions are encouraged. not be included in press releases, but should be reserved for calendar listings and adver - — All submissions should include the name of a contact person and a daytime tise ments. S ATURDAY , J UNE 15, 2013 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 15 COMMENTARY

recognize the benefits of sending troops to Lebanon, as part would gain valuable military experience by serving along of its effort to establish a military footprint, expand its polit - with contingents from dozens of other countries. ical and economic influence in the Arab world, gather valu - The Armenian Defense Ministry also announced that it able intelligence and counteract the Armenian influence in might send peacekeeping troops to Mali in Africa, where a Lebanese affairs. Consequently, Turkish troops entered series of bloody confrontations have been unfolding. In My Turn Lebanon for the first time since the collapse of the Ottoman these clashes, Al-Qaeda-linked Islamist fighters have been Empire almost a century ago. Currently, UNIFIL consists of battling Malian, French and African forces. A civil war is By Harut Sassounian 11,000 troops from 37 countries, including 495 from Turkey. also raging between separatist Tuareg tribes and Malian Armenia sent just one officer to southern Lebanon last year troops. The situation is so precarious that UN Secretary- on an observer mission. Meanwhile more 130 Armenian sol - General Ban Ki-moon issued a report last week warning Armenia Should Send diers have been serving in Afghanistan and 35 in Kosovo for that peacekeeping troops may face grave risks in and Peacekeeping Forces to Lebanon, several years and until recently in Iraq. around Mali. The Armenian government did not fully explain last week Under such dangerous conditions, it would be unwise for Not Mali why it is now interested in sending a peacekeeping force to Armenian troops to be dispatched to Mali. The responsibil - Lebanon, after Kocharian’s refusal to do so seven years ity for the security of Mali is primarily assumed by troops The Armenian Defense Ministry is considering sending ago. In my view, there are five good reasons why Armenia from African countries with logistical support from the two platoons of troops to southern Lebanon. Ministry offi - should contribute troops to UNIFIL: French military. Armenia cannot afford to risk the lives of cials are traveling to Rome this week to discuss the struc - 1) The presence of Armenian soldiers on Lebanese soil its soldiers unnecessarily, keeping in mind its own security ture, deployment site, number of troops, and needed sup - would generate great pride among the large Armenian priorities at home due to the Karabagh (Artsakh) conflict. plies with their Italian counterparts who are in charge of community in that country. Having a limited number of Armenian troops serving in the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). 2) The Armenian contingent would serve to balance in a less dangerous locations may be a good idea in order to This is a positive development since 2006 when small way the pro-Turkish propaganda resulting from a gain military training and diplomatic visibility, but dis - President Kocharian’s government refrained from joining much larger Turkish military deployment in southern patching large numbers of soldiers to multiple theaters of dozens of countries that had agreed to take part in UN’s Lebanon since 2006. conflict and placing them in perilous situations would be peacekeeping mission after Israel’s war with Lebanon. At 3) The Armenian troops would be the only ones from the most imprudent, given the small size of the Armenian mil - that time, Kocharian’s spokesman told Mediamax that the South Caucasus, as neither Azerbaijan nor Georgia has itary. Armenian government refused to contribute troops contributed troops to Lebanon. Although Armenia’s participation in UNIFIL is subject to because of UNIFIL’s unclear mandate and that any clashes 4) Even though there is an element of risk in sending parliamentary approval, little opposition is expected in view involving Armenian soldiers could endanger the Armenian troops to police southern Lebanon which borders Israel of the ruling party’s overwhelming majority. The Armenian community in Lebanon. Kocharian staunchly defended his and Syria, this is a far less dangerous mission than government should seek the Parliament’s consent to dis - position on this matter during a private conversation I had Afghanistan, where more than 130 Armenian soldiers have patch peacekeeping troops to southern Lebanon only. with him in 2006. been serving for a number of years. There are many sensible reasons for stationing Armenian The Turkish government, on the other hand, was quick to 5) As in Afghanistan, Iraq and Kosovo, Armenian troops units in Lebanon, but not in Mali. Dr. Mary Papazian Delivers Talk on Armenian Studies

PART II an endowed chair at Harvard University, one of the ing of the Armenian community in America….and language, history, and culture. Investing in young Of course, we can see that a few dedicated indi - world’s renowned institutions of higher learning. paralleled the efforts by ethnic Armenians to people is always the best investment we can make. viduals even at that early date produced works in Meanwhile, our academic pioneers were coming of reclaim the stories of the past, stories of the dread - For Armenians, investing in our young people Armenian and English attempting to fill the void age, such as our own Prof. Richard Hovannisian, ful experiences that their parents and grandpar - through programs such as the Armenian studies left by the almost complete annihilation of the who were entering the academy and establishing a ents largely had kept from them. One of the first program here at Cal State Northridge remains one Armenian literary and academic class. One of these name for themselves without public support. To do such works to burst onto our consciousness was of the best investments we can make. I should add efforts was the translation into English of the so required grim determination. Michael J. Arlen’s award-winning Passage to Ararat that with 3,500 students of Armenian heritage History of Armenia by Jacques de Morgan from The next attempt was to establish a chair of (it won the National Book Award in 1976), an auto - here at Cal State Northridge — some 10 percent of the French. Another early effort was the small at UCLA, which was finally biographical memoir in which Arlen seeks to dis - the entire student population — Armenian students book written by O. A. Sarkisian, of the Library of realized. Columbia University, where Nina cover what his father had tried to forget: Armenia also have much to offer to the university at Congress, on the politics of the Armenian geno - Garsoyan taught, became the next focus of com - and what it meant to be an Armenian, a descen - large…and to all its many students. cide. Still another was the translation into modern munity efforts. Our experience at Columbia was dant of a proud people whom conquerors had for But the job of ensuring the future of Armenian Armenian and English of Yeghishe’s History of the not entirely successful since, as you know, once a centuries tried to exterminate. The story of re- studies is not yet done. And our understanding of Battle of Avarayr. There were also little Blue Books chair is established the university has full control remembering….reconnecting with a lost, fragment - what Armenian studies is has not remained stag - written to educate the youth and inspire patrio - over it within the general parameters spelled out in ed past…has since found many outlets by some of nant. As the first cohort of scholars retires, there is tism, and often there was a page in English in the the giving contract. Professor Garsoyan left our best writers. I note ’s memoir a need to replace them. There is a need to have Armenian newspapers. These few examples might Columbia and took a position at Princeton Black Dog of Fate (1997), and more recently, Chris strength in depth in scholarly productivity and to be seen as stepping stones….not a bridge….but step - University and Columbia University did not take Bohjalian’s novel The Sandcastle Girls (2012). have a sensitive and knowledgeable audience to ping stones, threatened at any time to be washed seriously its obligation to replace her with a schol - It was on the heels of Michael Arlen’s memoir appreciate and enjoy the fruits of their labor. There away by the floods of assimilation or indifference or ar of equal talent. Unfortunately, that problem per - and the work of Armenian scholars at universities is also a need to understand the changes in denial. Or, in hindsight, we can see them as the first sists up until today. across America that the Armenian Studies pro - Armenian studies. What was once the effort of eth - foundations on which to build the structures that My husband, being aware of the pitfalls of the gram at CSUN was established, one of many find - nic Armenians to forge a place for their story in the became the bridges of our time….the intellectual university controlling a chair, decided rather to ing root in a reawaked Armenian community in academy has now become a global conversation link to our past. establish an Armenian Research Center, the only America. Began as a single class on Armenian lan - taking place not only in the United States, but in The first original academic works on Armenian such center attached to an American university. guage taught by Hermine Mahseredjian in 1983, Europe and, most important, in Turkey itself. topics were produced by Sirapie der Nersessian Over the years, thousands of books on Armenian CSUN’s Armenian Studies program did not look to What was true in the past is still true today: in and Nina Garsoyan who had received their educa - studies were collected, organized and data-based. create Armenian scholarship. Its purpose was to large measure you have to pay to play. The tion in Europe. And by the 1950s, a small scatter - Fortunately, the Library of Congress in its own ensure that Armenian youth had a way to recon - Armenian community needs to support Armenian ing of self-taught, young university professors database notes when a book can be found at the nect to a past lost long ago to the travails of our studies programs, Armenian chairs, and Armenian began to write and publish articles and eventually Armenian Research Center. Furthermore, the history. In the Valley in 1983, one did not hear research centers if they are to be represented in the books, in an unsystematic way, seeking to learn books at the Armenian Research Center are being Armenian spoken at grocery stores and shopping American academic community. We Armenians something of their past and to put it in the per - scanned by the Google project. When that project centers, as one does today. There were few bakeries have an obligation to reestablish to the extent pos - spective of world history. Of course, these young is complete, all of these books will be available to or restaurants. The community was growing…a sible that culture and civilization that was so wan - professors broke into academic circles by teaching researchers in electronic form online, without one consequence of challenges in what was then tonly destroyed from 1915 through 1923. And in established fields of history and writing on the penny of Armenian money being involved. Soviet-Armenia and conflicts in Lebanon and while I have dwelled on the past as a prelude to the Armenians as an avocation. Their training was in Dennis then began to invite scholars to the Iran….but it still was in its childhood. In this envi - future, I leave you with the promise of the future, Middle Eastern history, or Russian history, or even Research Center to make use of its rich facilities. ronment, the founder of the Armenian Studies pro - embodied so well in our wonderful students here European history. There was no field of Armenian He brought such people as the late Prof. Babken gram at CSUN, like the founders of Armenian stud - at Cal State Northridge and at universities across studies, which in the first decades of the last cen - Haroutounyan, chairman of the Department of ies programs at sister institutions, understood that the country. tury was considered marginal, at best, in American History at Yerevan State University, Prof. Boris language and culture matter; that Armenian youth Congratulations again to all who have con - academic circles. Shpotov, of Moscow State University, and most who have grown up far away from the locations tributed to and share in the success of Cal State This outpouring of energy by what then was the notably Dr. Taner Akçam from Germany, who illustrated in Osman Koker’s postcards, beginning Northridge on the occasion of the 30th anniver - younger generation of scholars — who are now stayed for two years and currently holds the chair to lose the grandparents who might have taught sary of the Armenian Studies program. honored as the founders of Armenian studies in of Armenian Studies at Clark University, as well as them the history, needed another way to recon - As Moses of Khoren wrote, “We are a small peo - America — is also reflected in the first efforts to other scholars interested in Armenian history or nect….or the bridge linking the Armenian past to ple, but we have done many things worthy of being commemorate the Armenian Genocide and to the Armenian Genocide. the Armenian future would never be built. And so remembered.” Of course he meant small in num - build monuments and memorials, efforts which Most notable in producing a generation of PhDs the Armenian Studies program at CSUN began. ber, not in stature, intelligence, or determination. began in the 1960s to mark the 50th anniversary was Prof. Richard Hovannisian, who also either We can celebrate in our knowledge that several When measured by those standards Armenians of the Armenian Genocide of 1915. wrote or edited a plethora of important books on generations of students have now grown up in the have been, are, and shall be among the tallest and Anyone can be proud of those early pioneers Armenian history and culture. We must be eter - shadow of a growing Armenian studies tradition. proudest people on the face of the Earth. who persisted against all odds. Yet, it soon became nally grateful to him. And specifically in the field of Students can take courses in Armenian studies apparent that if Armenian studies was to grow Armenian Genocide studies, we owe a great debt of here at CSUN … or at Cal State Fresno, UCLA, (Dr. Mary A. Papazian is the president of beyond a marginal existence in the academic world thanks to Prof. . These are titans Michigan, Columbia, Harvard, Clark or at Tufts, as Southern Connecticut State University in New that the Armenians themselves had to fund it. One indeed. my older daughter did last year, or at my own insti - Haven. This talk was delivered on the occasion of of the earliest groups to recognize this was the The development of the field of Armenian stud - tution, Southern Connecticut State University. the 30th anniversary of the Armenian Studies National Association for Armenian Studies and ies and its presence at significant universities These institutions educate our young people…and Program at the California State University at Research (NAASR) that raised money to establish through the United States paralleled the awaken - their Armenian and non-Armenian friends…in our Northridge. It was edited for space) 16 S ATURDAY , J UNE 15, 2013 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR