MAY 23, 2020 Mirror-SpeTHE ARMENIAN ctator Volume LXXXX, NO. 44, Issue 4637 $ 2.00 NEWS The First English Language in the United States Since 1932 IN BRIEF Cautionary Note about Opportunists Using the Name of the A.D.L. Party Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine Shows Promise BOSTON (Armenian Democratic Liberal Party thing in the life of the church. Supreme Council) – An irresponsible communication The ADL traditionally has stood steadfastly at the CAMBRIDGE, Mass. (BusinessWire, CNN, NYT, has been reproduced in the press and social media in side of the Mother See of Holy Echmiadzin for Businessinsider.com) – Moderna Therapeutics, and the diaspora under the name and coat decades to resist any and all attacks upon the latter. the Cambridge-based biotechnology company of arms of the Armenian Democratic Liberal Party. Like any other Armenian national organization, the cofounded and chaired by Dr. Noubar Afeyan, The Supreme Council of the Armenian Democratic church naturally has issues that must be addressed, but announced positive interim data about the Phase Liberal Party (ADL) alerts the public that the May 15, 2020 the aforementioned discredited opportunists are the last I clinical trial of its vaccine candidate for COVID- Armenian-language communique published under the title ones who should speak about the church or any serious 19. The trial showed the vaccine appeared safe “Concerning the Armenian Apostolic Church’s Splendor,” does national matter. and produced an immune response. In the trial not represent the position of the ADL. The Supreme Council proudly reaffirms its traditional loyalty on 45 patients, 8 showed neutralizing antibodies The authors are the same individuals who sowed divisions to the Mother See and warns the public against the declara- which bind to the virus and prevent it from in the ranks of the ADL and who now try to do the same tions of these elements who have left the ADL. attacking human cells. Moderna CEO Stéphane Bancel told investors on May 18 that the vaccine, mRNA-1273, has a “high probability to provide protection from COVID-19 disease in humans.” Moderna chief medical officer Decennial Census Efforts Continue in Dr. Tal Zaks told CNN that if future studies go well, the company’s vaccine could be available to the public as early as January. However, it is still not Southern California, with Much at Stake completely clear whether the vaccination, or even natural infection, can provide immunity. GLENDALE, Calif. – American community organizations. Meanwhile, Moncef Slaoui, a former Moderna By Aram Arkun Despite the restrictions The census is treated very seriously in California. Like board member appointed to lead White House Mirror-Spectator Staff on movement required other states, its Congressional representation, state leg- efforts to develop a COVID-19 vaccine, is divesting to combat the COVID- islative boundaries, and the amount of federal money it himself of $10 million in Moderna stock options to 19 pandemic, the work receives for Medicaid funds, student loans, special edu- avoid conflict of interest. of the 2020 US national census continues cation support, and many other items, are in Southern California, as well as at stake. Consequently the state of throughout the nation. Armenians California allocated $187.2 million for Armenians Deliver have the option of writing Armenian an outreach and communication cam- Medical Supplies to in one of two different places for their paign to get people to send in their infor- identity or origin, which may help in mation. It created the California Complete Aleppo Hospitals better identifying the Armenian popu- Count – Census 2020 Office, also known lation and increase its official numbers. as the California Census Office, to coordi- ALEPPO (Public Radio of Armenia) – An Outreach efforts to Armenians in places nate its strategy and complement the nation- Armenian humanitarian mission, in cooperation of dense Armenian population like al work of the US Census Bureau, along with a with the Consulate General of Armenia in Glendale are taking place through federal California Complete Count Committee, which Aleppo, has provided a new batch of medical sup- census officials, local governmental bod- is an advisory panel of appointed members. plies to the Aleppo Military Hospital and other ies and even specially formed Armenian- see CENSUS, page 8 medical institutions. The heads of the medical centers expressed their gratitude to the Armenian doctors for providing necessary medical supplies and for their daily ser- vice at medical institutions. 9 Parisian Armenians Struggle CORONAVIRUS The head of the Aleppo Military Hospital, General VID-1 Fayez al-Ayubi, praised the joint efforts of Armenian O C and Syrian doctors, their unwavering commitment UPDATE To Maintain Joie de Vivre to their work and thanked the Armenian Humanitarian Mission for its continued support. By Taleen Babayan restricting travel to within 60 miles of a cit- New College Special to the Mirror-Spectator izen’s home. Although the restez chez vous [stay at home] orders, which have been in Artsakh Reports 120 Graduates Take PARIS, FRANCE - While the footprint of place since March 15, have been challeng- can be traced back to ing for the people and the economy, which Ceasefire Violations the Middle Ages, it wasn’t until the mid- Uncertain Paths have not faced a crisis of this magnitude (Public Radio of Armenia) – 20th century that they made an indelible since World War II, infections have slowed. Artsakh’s Defense Ministry has reported 120 cases mark on the country. When the pandemic In COVID-19 Era The current estimate in the country stands of ceasefire violation by the Azerbaijani side over began circulating throughout Western at 145,000 confirmed cases and 30,000 the week ending on May 16. Europe earlier this year, France took strict By Serena Hajjar deaths among the population of 67 million. According to the Ministry, about 1,500 shots have measures, including closing travel borders, Special to the Mirror-Spectator To ease the economic and social implications, been fired in the direction of the Armenian forces. shutting down nonessential businesses and see PARIS, page 4 BOSTON – Which demographic The military units of the Defense Army continue has most innately felt the chaos to control the operative-tactical situation and confi- wreaked by COVID-19? While the dently carry out their combat duty. virus has certainly unsettled every- one’s lives in a multitude of ways, it appears the youth have been unique- ly impacted by the quarantines and INSIDE shutdowns. The healthy dose of uncertainty which college graduates typically experience during these times under normal circumstances has now been amplified by an increas- ingly ambiguous future. Speaking to Bloodless an assortment of graduates from the local Armenian community, I was Page 12 struck not just by the distinct ways in which the pandemic has disrupted their lives, but also by their maturity and temperance regarding the diffi- cult situation. All three individuals – David INDEX Babikian, Antranig Kechejian, and Armenia ...... 2 Ani Chobanian – found themselves Community News...... 6 living at home with their parents Editorial ...... 13 International ...... 3 after the outbreak of the virus and see GRADUATES, page 10 YP Paris: Members of the YP Paris chapter connecting virtually 2 S ATURDAY, M AY 2 3 , 2 0 2 0 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR ARMENIA News From Armenia Bridging Social Distancing Artsakh Prolongs COVID-19 State of For People with Autism Emergency

STEPANAKERT (Information Center of the By Muriel Mirak-Weissbach Republic) – On May 11, Special to the Mirror-Spectator Artsakh Republic President signed a decree on prolonging the term of the state of emer- gency declared in the Artsakh Republic on April 12 – If you think teaching and introducing a change in the Artsakh Republic music, dance and art online is a chal- President's decree of that date. lenge, consider what faces educators Considering the fact that the emergency situation whose students are children and young- caused by the novel coronavirus continues to threat- sters with autism. The My Way Socio- en the life and health of the population and may lead Rehabilitation Center for Children and to the violation of people's normal living conditions, Teenagers with Autism in Yerevan pro- the term of the emergency situation declared in the vides education and therapy for such Artsakh Republic on April 12 was extended for 30 pupils with special needs, usually with a days from May 12 till June 11. full week’s schedule of classes in their The Information Center reported on May 15 that spacious buildings. When the pandemic 4 new COVID-19 cases have been registered in crisis hit Armenia in March, the center Artsakh, which received “27 out of the 57 tests sent was functioning, but soon had to close, to Armenia for examination, and the 4 new COVID- like other schools, first for a brief pause, 19 positive cases are family members of a known then for an indefinite period of time. infected person from the Shahumyan region and “We immediately started to brain- have been self-isolated.” By May 15, a total of 24 storm,” Sona Petrosyan, co-founder and cases were registered by Artsakh’s Ministry of board member, explained, “and came up Health, 62 individuals were in quarantine or isola- with online ideas.” The staff had to take tion, and a total of 554 COVID-19 tests had been into consideration the individual capa- administered in Artsakh. bilities of each pupil, and to expect an uneven performance. This meant, they had to come up with “custom-tailored Edwin Hovsepyan at work Pashinyan to Attend assignments,” Petrosyan said, “short and realistic, taking into account all the Inauguration of New peculiarities and limitations, and, most and try to reproduce them. This is the pandemic crisis, instructors tell the Artsakh President importantly, the interests of our stu- called “modeling.” children social stories that illustrate dents.” They came up with a plan which Raphael and his piano partner Vardan public health measures, for example, YEREVAN (ArmenPress) – Prime Minister of provides almost all the students with 3- played a duet at a distance, on video. Or, about staying home to avoid infection, Armenia will attend the inaugura- 4 assignments per day, “through videos Vardan would play the Armenian song washing hands, etc. tion of newly elected President of the Republic of and audios, calls and materials, offline Araks, while Raphael would sing, and Artistic activity plays a very impor- Artsakh , the PM’s Office said. and online, even individuals and in others, also connected by video, could tant role at My Way, not only in the The Parliament of Artsakh will hold a special session groups using various applications.” join in vocally or on the piano. With the ceramics and souvenirs that the pupils for Harutyun’s swearing-in on May 21, which will be Music plays a very important role in help of a Zoom application, they can make, but in drawing and painting. broadcast live. My Way’s curriculum, and is a central have several cameras switched on and Again, to cope with the new circum- Harutyunyan, chairman of the Free Fatherland feature of this new online learning pro- off for several participants at any one stances, videos make it possible for the party, was elected president of Artsakh based on the ject. The music therapists are recording time. They also introduce third parties youngsters to present their works to results of the voting in the second round of the pres- videos for their pupils, selecting materi- into the process; for example, one stu- their friends. And in a cooperative effort idential election on April 15. with the National Gallery, the students are able to access works from their col- lection to copy, and then exhibit. Yerevan Nursing Home Until the center can open again and Hit by Coronavirus return to normal functioning, staff and students focus on maintaining close YEREVAN (RFE/RL) – At least 45 elderly resi- contact through visual means. A young- dents and personnel of a nursing home in Yerevan’s ster out for a bike ride will receive the Nork district were hospitalized or isolated at the assignment to take photos and send weekend after testing positive for coronavirus. them around. Even practical tasks, like According to the Armenian Ministry of Labor and cooking (with the help of recipes and Social Affairs, 3 of its 17 hospitalized residents video demonstrations by the teachers) remained in a critical condition on May 18. The 28 or washing the dishes, can be shared by others infected are homecare personnel. A spokes- video, and generate excitement and woman for the ministry, Sona Martirosyan, said they encouragement from the others. are kept in isolated hotels because they show no The board members and specialists in symptoms of the disease. the staff have organized some time in Some 200 elderly people lived in the nursing home their new schedule to conduct semi- until the outbreak. Martirosyan said that they all nars, both internal and external. Some underwent coronavirus tests immediately after the of these deal with professional issues, health authorities detected the first infections there others are designed for the parents, to late last week. help them deal with the special chal- Martirosyan said that those residents whose test lenges of the situation, suggesting ideas results were negative will be tested again later this for activities, to keep the students’ spir- month. She said the authorities have deployed addi- its and motivation high. “Anything that tional medical workers to monitor their condition keeps people happy!” says Sona around the clock. Petrosyan. One positive by-product of the online Armenia has only 3 nursing homes where a total of Vardan and Raphael perform their piano duet at a distance 580 retirees live and receive care and, if necessary, learning program is that former stu- medical assistance. All were placed in strict lock- dents from abroad, who have returned down in late February even before the authorities al appropriate for the age and individual dent, Vanik, sang for a professional to their homes in Europe of the USA, registered the first coronavirus case in the country. interests of the students. They are using musician, who then gave him feedback have been able to participate again with So far COVID-19 infections have been reported only not only material the students are famil- in the form of coaching and evaluation. the center and its staff. Those living in at the Nork home. The primary source of those infec- iar with, but new pieces, and are engag- Music is just one of many activities Yerevan are looking forward to return- tions is not yet known. ing students in the teaching process. engaging the students at My Way. The ing to the classrooms, to spend time in Vahan Zurabyan, the director of another Yerevan- “My son Raphael,” Petrosyan said, center’s trained psychologists help the person. “We have accumulated birth- based care home, confirmed that there have been no “sang along with music therapist youngsters develop their capacity for days to celebrate,” Petrosyan reports, coronavirus cases among its 210 residents. He said Marine Meliqsetyan; they selected songs logical thinking, they learn to recognize “have selected places to visit within our that his employees looking after them have strictly for smaller classes with younger chil- musical works or instruments, and also socialization projects, and cannot wait to observed the confinement rules. “The personnel also dren, announcing the subject of the develop skills in more academic areas, return.” She called it an “amazing phe- don’t go home [after finishing their daily work,]” video in advance.” Another therapist like math and geography. While in the nomenon … if treated the right way and said Zurabian. “There have been no visits or physical Nara Sargsyan, organized a video with center, they would work together to with love, people with autism need and contacts [with outsiders.]” musical and physical therapy assign- make various objects, like toys, ceram- love their warm environment not less, –Susan Badalyan ments, in which she engaged her daugh- ics, decorative candles and souvenirs; but more than ‘neuro-typical’ people! ter to sing and to demonstrate the now, at home, they are following the This is our victory and we cannot wait movements. Children watching the instruction of ergo therapists, doing it for the situation to return to normal, to video, either in small groups or singly, all by video. And, to help them cope be again with people we love, doing will follow the music and movements, with the new circumstances created by things we love, interact and socialize.” S ATURDAY, M AY 2 3 , 2 0 2 0 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 3 INTERNATIONAL Turkey’s Heavy ‘Tiger’ Rocket Spotted International News

In Azerbaijan’s Nakhchivan Exclave New Ecumenical Website

for outflanking their regional rival. That is, today’s mobile rocket launchers Memorial to Genocide By Can Kasapoglu Notably, in December 2013, President are designed to shoot, move to a new fir- Ilham Aliyev issued a decree establish- ing position, and keep shooting. Victims in the Ottoman ing the Special Combined Arms Army Turkey’s 122-millimeter and 300-mil- Empire NAKHCHIVAN (Eurasia Daily (Elahidde Ümumqosun Ordusu)in the limeter MLRSs also depend on this Monitor 17:69, Jamestown Foundation) strategic western exclave (Mod.gov.az, design philosophy. Furthermore, BERLIN (FÖGG/VGM) – The Association for the – Baku has initiated large-scale 2014). Moreover, the new combat for- Turkey’s 300-millimeter-class MLRS Promotion of an Ecumenical Memorial to Genocide weapons readiness efforts in mation has close ties with Turkey’s for- baseline represents perhaps the longest- Victims in the Ottoman Empire (FÖGG) has created Nakhchivan. The official YouTube chan- midable 3rd Field Army (3. Ordu), over- range and heaviest warhead combina- a memorial for the more than three million nel of the Azerbaijani Ministry of looking the Caucasus frontier. tion among the Western arsenals of the Christians - Armenians, Greek Orthodox as well as Defense features a video showing Militarily, Nakhchivan enables a sec- same type (Roketsan.com, May 14, Aramaic, Assyrian and Chaldean Christians - who Turkish-manufactured multiple-launch ond offensive route in addition to the 2020; The National Interest, September were victims of death marches, forced labor and mas- rocket systems (MLRS) stationed in the Line of Contact around Karabakh, 17, 2019). From their combat deploy- sacres during the last decade of Ottoman rule (1912- strategic western exclave (YouTube, which has the potential to overstretch ment positions, Azerbaijan’s Turkish- 1922) in Berlin-Charlottenburg between 2014 and May 2). Of these arms, the 300-millime- the Armenian forces in a multi-front manufactured heavy rockets can be 2018: http://www.ge-nozid-gedenkstaette.de/ ter TRG-300 Kaplan (Tiger) deserves war (see EDM, August 3, 2017, June 4, used either for attacking the outskirts impression/index.html special attention, particularly in light of 2018, June 12, 2018, July 11, 2019; of the Armenian capital or, in a more As far as we know, this is the first memory-cultur- the delicate regional military balance Bellingcat.com, October 4, 2017). Such calculated concept of operations, to hit al project with such an inclusive approach, even in between Armenia and Azerbaijan. an assault could unfold in one of two Armenia’s strategic highway along the international comparison. In addition to this, its Produced by Roketsan, the TRG-300 ways. Azerbaijan’s SCAA can opt to north-south axis, disrupting its logistics website Virtual Genocide Memorial (VGM) has now Tiger is the latest variant of Turkey’s launch an offensive directed at routes (see EDM, August 3, 2017). gone online: https://virtual-genocide-memorial.de/. 300-millimeter-class MLRS. It fires a Armenia’s capital, Yerevan, in an effort Meanwhile, the bilateral defense ties The website provides information about the demo- fairly accurate rocket with a circular to distract the Armenian formations. between Ankara and Baku have scaled- graphic, socioeconomic and cultural local and region- error probable (CEP) of less than ten Or it might cut into the critical lines of up to a new level over the past decade, al specifics of the Armenian, Greek and meters thanks to its global positioning communications between Armenia and becoming a genuine military alliance, Aramaic/Assyrian/Chaldean communities in the (GPS)- and inertial navigation system the Armenian forces in Karabakh. Until thanks to the 2010 Agreement on Ottoman Empire and in the 1914 and 1918 (INS)-supported guidance features. 2016, such scenarios were deemed Strategic Partnership and Mutual Ottoman-occupied territories in Northwest . With a 105-kilogram warhead configu- rather improbable. However, following Support (ASPMS). Referring to Article VGM includes texts - memoirs of those affected and ration, the Tiger has up to 120 kilome- the serious April 2016 clashes, known 51 of the United Nations Charter, the third contemporary witnesses, information on the ters of range and effective radius of as the Four Day War (see EDM, April ASPMS’s Article 2 elucidates a casus history of Christian communities in the Ottoman some 70 meters; while the heavier, 190- 6, 2016 and May 5, 2016), the foederis, obligating the parties to coop- Empire - as well as visual material for currently two kilogram warhead option (Block-2) has Azerbaijani forces proved that their erate against any aggression faced by of a total of 17 Ottoman provinces, namely the a range of 90 kilometers and around 80 newly gained capabilities could deliver either country, to the extent each provinces of Van and Bursa/Prousa. The remaining meters of effective radius, prioritizing a much more effective assault com- deems necessary. Furthermore, the 15 provinces will be added over the coming years. overwhelming firepower. Both warhead pared to their unsatisfactory showing agreement’s Article 7 underlines that Anastasia Kasapidou-Dick presents the intergener- configurations enable high-explosive during the 1990s (Chathamhouse.org, the two states shall coordinate their C2 ational consequences of genocide in her essay and steel ball variations July 2016). and force structures, including during “Patrida - The Lasting Pain of the Lost Homeland” (Roketsan.com.tr, May 12). In tandem with the abovementioned peacetime (Resmigazete.gov.tr, May using the example of Koronixa (Sancak Gümühane, The TRG-300 Tiger is designed to scenarios, the heavy firepower delivered 2011). Since then, joint exercises Vilayet Trabzon/Trapezunta). annihilate a broad array of critical target by Turkey’s combat-proven MLRS between the two militaries have been The board of FÖGG e.V. and the editorial staff of types, including troop concentrations, promises to be a gamechanger when it shaped accordingly. VGM under Prof. h.c. Dr. Tessa Hofmann look for- high-importance facilities, command- comes to Azerbaijani-Armenian correla- Starting in 2019, two major joint ward to contributions on family and individual fates, and-control (C2) and radar sites, as well tion of forces along the Nakhchivan exercises with pronounced land warfare historical photographic material, land maps and post- as artillery and air-defense systems front. Available Azerbaijani military components—“Mustafa Kemal Ataturk” cards, as well as suggestions. The English website is (Roketsan.com.tr, May 12). During the writings attach utmost importance to and “Sarsilmaz Kardeslik” (“Steadfast hierarchically structured and searchable according February 2020 escalation with the deep-strike capabilities offered by rock- Brotherhood”)—showcased mechanized to Ottoman administrative division. Syrian Arab Army in Idlib, the Turkish et-artillery systems (T. Mikayılov et.al., breakthrough offensives, overwhelming military deployed the Tiger MLRS to “Müasir Emeliyyatlarda Atesle land-based fire support, and accompa- South Korean the front lines (Aksam, February 21). Zerervurmanin Xüsusiyyetleri,” Vol. 2, nying army aviation (Yeni Safak, May 3, Azerbaijani-Armenian clashes mostly No. 1, 2016). Modern MLRS doctrines, 2019; YouTube, June 11, 2019). When Assembly Plant Comes revolve around Karabakh; yet, geo- unlike the unguided “rain of steel” looked at in total, these drills conspicu- strategically, heavy deployments in Soviet tactics of the bygone Cold War ously resembled the Azerbaijani order to Armenia Nakhchivan offer Azerbaijani defense era, stress combining destructive high- of battle during the April 2016 Four YEREVAN (ArmenPress) – A bus manufacturing planners some valuable opportunities precision firepower with rapid mobility. Day War. plant will be established in Armenia within the framework of a joint project by the South Korean Youngsan corporation and the Armenian National Interests Fund (ANIF). Armenian Schools in Serious Financial Crisis “The buses are intended for the Eurasian ISTANBUL (NorMarmara, , ble to the Economic Union market. We have a very concrete , Armenian Patriarchate of Patriarchate and the targeting. Armenia is becoming a convenient country Istanbul) – The coronavirus epidemic Vakifs Association. for international enterprises,” said ANIF CEO David has shaken the Istanbul-Armenian Then the latter’s Papazyan. community and especially its educa- executive council will Youngsan was working with the Armenian tional institutions, which have limited hold a meeting con- Ministry of Economy and the Investment Support revenues and whose budget deficits forming to the Center initially. The ANIF will finance a part of the are reaching significant proportions. requirements of plant and will become a shareholder of less than The Armenian Patriarchate of COVID-19 social dis- 50%, somewhere between 40-49%, Papazyan said. Istanbul issued a directive concerning tancing to discuss The project is worth 4.4 million dollars, 1 million of those schools which have applied to these reports. The which will be financed by ANIF, a bit over 1 million the Patriarchate for help. council is composed by the company itself, and nearly 2.3 million will be The Patriarchate brought this situa- of 21 members. A loaned from an Armenian commercial bank by the tion to the attention of the Turkish- committee will be company. Sahakyan Nunyan Armenian School of Samatya (Fatih), Youngsan’s 2019 sales totaled over half a billion Armenian Association of Vakifs formed to evaluate Istanbul [Religious Foundations] on April 30, the reports. dollars, and the company usually also works on stressing that immediate joint action All community and orders from other brands. Most likely the Armenia is necessary. In connection with this parish bodies will be asked to present by the coronavirus epidemic as well as plant will produce three different types of buses, communication from the Patriarchate, statements of their revenues so that it other community matters. In addition, with a length of up to 10 meters. The company will Bedros Shirinoghlu, the chairman of can be determined what resources are work will be conducted to form an launch production of raw materials in Armenia some- the association, appealed to the lead- available. economic aid committee. time after starting the project. ers of all these Armenian institutions. A working committee will be Turkish-Armenian journalist and The launch has been delayed a bit due to the coro- The importance of having detailed formed to determine, based on the editor of the Istanbul-Armenian news- navirus pandemic, but Papazyan said he hopes the financial reports from the schools economic situation, whether to join paper Jamanak Ara Kochunyan wrote South Korean businessmen will be able to arrive in requiring assistance was noted. the schools together, close them or on March 16 that it is worrisome that July to finalize the deal. The chairmen of the parish councils keep them in equilibrium. This com- the Patriarchate is publicly writing –Anna Grigoryan of four schools which require immedi- mittee will be formed of experts and about the possibility of school clo- (Stepan Kocharyan editor/translator) ate aid, those of the Kumkapi philanthropists. It will conduct its sures. Cathedral and the Samatya, Ferikoy investigations on open platforms He pointed out that the schools had and Topkapi churches, held a meeting accessible to the public and present been in poor shape for some time, and at the Patriarchate on May 7 to devel- its results to the executive of the individuals had suggested various op a common plan. Vakifs Association. solutions, but no action had been They will submit reports of their The agenda will include the unem- taken. The epidemic merely brought financial situation as quickly as possi- ployment and economic issues created this crisis to a head. 4 S ATURDAY, M AY 2 3 , 2 0 2 0 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR INTERNATIONAL Parisian Armenians Struggle

PARIS, from page 1 preexisting government-funded programs, like food vouchers, have increased and a plan is in place to ease lockdowns start- ing in mid-May. The estimated 100,000 Armenians who live in Paris perpetuate their heritage with pride and protect their history with vigor, flourishing particularly in the artistic, academic, journalistic and cultural sectors, despite the deadlock caused by the pandemic. n Editor-in-Chief of the Nouvelles d’Arménie and Co-President of the Coordination Council of Armenian Organizations of France (CCAF), Ara Toranian has been a vigorous figure of the French-Armenian scene and reflects the gumption of Armenians who continue to carry out their work in a society that has been shut down. “As everywhere in the world, the pandemic has impacted community life,” said Toranian. “All activities have been stopped, masses were celebrated behind closed doors, and many media, especially print, have had to stop production.” On his end, Toranian was able to publish the April and May issues of Armenian News (Nouvelles d’Arménie) and is current- ly laying out the June issue with his editorial staff. He acknowl- edges that the paper’s financial situation is “very difficult since Collectif Medz Bazar the advertising budget has collapsed.” A burglary in their office premises last October contributed to the uncertain future of the newspaper, which continues to report, despite the dismal Middle Easterners and Africans, linking all kinds of artistry and ing songs from the region of Akn to be featured updates. ideas. by Houshamadyan, a nonprofit founded in Berlin, Germany “The pandemic has resulted in the death of many association The music and programming, however, has been interrupted. that reconstructs and preserves the memory of Armenian life leaders and it’s been a real slaughter,” said Toranian, who notes “There has been a loss of cultural life during the pandemic,” in the Ottoman Empire through research. that the community section has been replaced by obituaries. said Virginia. “We are encouraged to do things online, but it “It has been fruitful and we appreciate the time we have,” “We regret the death of Patrick Devedjian, president of the doesn’t take the place of human interaction.” said Aram. His wife notes they have “projects galore” and find departmental council of Hauts-de-Seine, and a former minister Professionally trained musicians, the Kerovpyans are inventive ways to keep themselves productive. Their three chil- and lawyer who was very involved in the defense of the entrenched in the Armenian cultural life and generously share dren, Shushan, Vahan and Maral, have also embarked on cre- Armenian cause.” their knowledge through workshops, performances and presen- ative paths. Just two months prior to his death, Devedjian was in atten- tations, and tours in and out of France - but now find them- The Kerovpyans observe that the situation in Paris is dance at the CCAF’s annual dinner in January, sitting between selves communicating and teaching virtually. slowly improving, though the abundant cultural life of the France’s President Emmanuel Macron and Turkish historian They teach modal music digitally to their students, three- city is still on pause. Taner Akçam. fourths of whom are not Armenian, and they continue to col- “The coronavirus has pretty much put a stop to the gather- “Partrick Devedjian was in great shape that night,” said laborate with the Paris-based Polish theater group Teatr Zar, ings so only people who have the means and ideas to do things Toranian, who highlighted that the CCAF awarded him with a which asked the couple to create recorded audio listening online have continued to share their music,” said Virginia. medal of courage in 2016, which took place in the presence of lessons. “We’re continuing with our projects as much as we can but we then-President François Hollande. “He seemed happy and “It’s demanding to prepare but it’s very interesting for us too are in an artistic community where most of our work has to do proud to see the progress made by the Armenian community in because there is learning on both ends as we figure out virtual with gatherings, so we are all at a standstill.” France, which is the only one, along with the Jewish communi- techniques like sound engineering,” said Virginia, a soloist and n The pandemic hit just as Collectif Medz Bazar, an urban ty, to be able to organize this type of event.” concert artist originally from Washington D.C. “It’s definitely a Diaspora band, was entering an extensive world touring sched- Thanks to the staunch efforts of committed individuals like challenge and you can say it’s satisfying in a different way since ule, inspired by the release of their third album, “O.” [SEE Devedjian, the Armenian Genocide is officially recognized by we can continue our work.” https://mirrorspectator.com/2020/04/23/two-new-albums-in- France and the nation continuously advocates for awareness Aram and Virginia founded the folk and troubadour music modern-armenian-folk-music-o-and-acoustic-armenia/] and justice. But for the first time since the 1970s, the April 24 ensemble, Kotchnak, close to 40 years ago, as well as the Centre Influenced by their own musical traditions, the group invigo- commemorations were cancelled because of the pandemic, a rates traditional classics while collectively composing arrange- contrast to last year, when several thousand people attended ments of and original compositions. Within their lay- the commemoration, during which Prime Minister Edouard ered songs they share inflections of bountiful genres and Philippe “made a speech of exceptional strength.” sounds, from Middle Eastern percussion to Iranian folk music to hip hop, with a strong message of upholding equality and “Although the commemoration came at the hardest time of addressing social and political issues. confinement, we still got it done,” said Toranian, who noted While their plans to perform their cross-cultural and unique that their organization respected the limit of no more than six people present at a gathering. blend of music in countries such as Portugal, Germany, The ceremony took place on April 24 in front of the poignant Switzerland, Turkey, Georgia, France and the US have been put on hold, the ethnically mixed member band - Gomidas memorial statue, dedicated to the 1.5 million martyrs six who perished in the Armenian Genocide. Those in attendance Shushan Kerovpyan, Vahan Kerovpyan, Elâ Nuro lu, Marius Pibarot, Ezgi Sevgi Can, and Sevana Tchakerian - are not included Nicole Belloubet, Minister of Justice, who represented the French government, Anne Hidalgo, Mayor of Paris, Hasmik sitting idly by, even as their bandmates are living in differ- ent countries. Tolmadjian, Ambassador of Armenia to France, Mourad Papazian, co-president of the CCAF and Toranian. “However difficult it is for everybody, we try to live the pre- sent situation in a constructive and uplifting way, using the “The protocol manager for the Orsay wharf, Hélène Stein, read a short text paying tribute to the victims and we observed overwhelming time at home to write, create, practice, observe the world around us and take care of ourselves,” said a moment of silence before concluding the ceremony,” said Toranian, who, along with CCAF focused on bolstering virtual Virginia and Aram Kerovpyan the Portugal-based Vahan Kerovpyan, who is a co- founder of Collectif Medz Bazar and plays the percussion commemorations with the campaign slogan, “I stay at home, but I don’t forget.” They also included genocide-related publi- and piano. for Armenian Modal Chant Studies - Akn, originated in 1998, “Seeing our musician friends and inspiring artists cations in the press, including the daily Le Figaro, the leading newspaper of France. which specializes in liturgical chant and where Aram serves as responding to the pandemic in such creative ways gave us Director of Armenian Liturgical Chant. Virginia is a soloist of ideas to keep on creating and producing music for our n Creatives Aram and Virginia Kerovpyan have forged both professional ensembles that attract French and Armenian audience,” said singer and accordionist Tchakerian, a co- artistic lives in Paris since the late 1970s, making the audiences. They have also shifted their ensemble’s activities to enriching past accessible to current and future generations. founder of the band, whonormally lives in Armenia but the online platform. . They both serve on the board of the Péniche Anako, a is stuck in Paris because of the lockdown cultural mainstay on a canal barge on La Villette “It certainly does not replace face to face teaching,” said Before the pandemic struck, the band enjoyed a full week Virginia. “When we are physically together, we live and feel the of rehearsals in Paris in mid-February, leaving the musicians Basin, that once symbolized Armenian Genocide music, and that’s something that can’t be replaced by the inter- with a lot of material to work on independently. Their first survivors and now serves as a center of music and multi- cultural performances on a boat formerly owned by the net.” confine-ment video, filmed from each band member’s But “the show must go on” according to Aram Armenian Red Cross. Since its founding 10 years ago, home, was the Kurdish song Min Digo Melê. rovpyan, who is originally from Istanbul and holds a PhD Virginia and her husband have organized concerts, from Ke Collectif Medz Bazar, which formed in 2012, is open in musicology. A source of frustration has been the to folk to bluegrass, along with lectures, screenings to livestreaming a concert in the near future if they can find postponement of a CD recording project with Akn that was and dramatic readings, among many other imaginative a way to synchronize their microphones live - but they miss endeavors. The open-door policy enhances the cultural originally slated for the last week of April. the synergy of a live concert. exchange and dia-logue. “We had people coming from different countries, like Poland “During these last few weeks musicians coped, and Belgium, to complete this project and everything was “It’s an amazing project that exists with a shoestring sometimes through silence, sometimes through home budget and where many artists, young and old, have met, arranged until the lockdown went into effect,” said Aram, who recordings and live concerts, but at the end of the day, the some of whom have continued together to form their own served as the Master Singer of the Armenian Cathedral in Paris emotions shared by an audience experiencing a concert groups,” said Virginia, who serves as director of for 30 years, noting the importance of being “alert and inven- can’t be delivered digitally or replaced with technological programming of Péniche Anako, which has been dubbed tive every second.” tools,” said Tchakerian, who acknowledged unease about “Paris’s alternative cultural scene.” During their time indoors, Aram posts videos on their the unpredictable future of the culture and the arts during She said people of all nations come together, especially YouTube channel, including excerpts from Lenten and Easter this time of crisis. from places that are “community centered,” like South chants. They are also working on musical programs and prepar- The tightknit group draws from its strong foundation Americans, of friendship and respect as they weather current challenges and collaborate to create new musical works while sharing it with S ATURDAY, M AY 2 3 , 2 0 2 0 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 5 INTERNATIONAL To Maintain Joie de Vivre

their audience. of Armenia and those related to Armenians. Boghos Nubar Pasha, was a “major cultural center for the post- “The music world, like all others, is somehow adapting to “Our digital site and our newsletter filled in the role of the genocide ,” according to director and histo- the situation,” said Kerovpyan. “But even when isolated, we print paper so we could still deliver the news every day,” said rian Dr. Boris Adjemian, who asserts that the library has long tend to gather, in a different way, through social media, Jolakian. “We were able to keep our audience informed digital- been among the “pillars of Armenian cultural life in Paris” and posting music and videos, and other means of exchange, ly of the ongoings in our community, Armenia and Europe.” the only one that exists today. and above all, we take the time to question what Nor comes on the heels of the historic independent “In the last decades, the role of the Nubar Library has seemed obvious or unquestionable.” daily Haratch, founded in 1925 by Schavarsh Missakian, that changed a lot,” said Dr. Adjemian. “It strengthened its role in “Most of us will be much more socially conscious, change our served as the longest-running French-Armenian publication scholarship, developed partnerships and co-sponsored activities way of consumption, and we won’t take little things for granted until it ceased operations in 2009. In order to uphold the jour- with many universities, research centers and other Armenian, anymore,” said Tchakerian. “I think this has been a humbling nalistic tradition of the French-Armenian community, Jolakian, French or foreign institutions, and its audience became more experience for us humans, because it touches all of us, regard- alongside other noted intellectuals, reignited the newspaper. As international, affecting the Armenian diaspora and beyond.” less of our socioeconomic situation.” it ushers in a new chapter of growth and readership, Nor The doors to the major research center, with over 43,000 For Kerovpyan, he vacillates between the impression that things will change and that not much will be affected in the Haratch provides much-needed dissemination of the news dur- books in its library, have been sealed for over two months. ing these turbulent times. “Since the lockdown was implemented, travels in and out of long run. What is clear, however, is that the pandemic has shown cracks in society that have been ignored. “The pandemic caused significant changes in our community Paris were drastically limited, and all the cultural institutions but we tried to find local solutions,” said Jolakian. “News shift- “Even the established discourses and ways of life have been were closed,” said Dr. Adjemian. “However the activity of the exposed to the public in all their fragility, giving an opportuni-ty ed more towards digital, classes were taught virtually and work- Nubar Library does not only depend on its visitors, since it acts to question the systems we live in and the authority of those in shops were done online, showing us that from now on we like a research center on the genocide, diaspora and other relat- power,” said Kerovpyan. “Many people have opened their should all be more prepared for what’s to come.” ed topics so this activity was not interrupted.” eyes and witnessed things that were conveniently denied. There Jolakian’s service to the community expands beyond the Some of these projects included teaching a class on the his- is a lot to think about, a lot to change by our own will.” world of journalism. Before his commitment to , he tory of the Armenian Genocide to international students at the Collectif Medz Bazar has come far since their first gatherings formed deep roots in the Armenian theater scene in Paris over American University of Paris, which was taught online, and sev- almost a decade ago where they simply had the desire to “jam the last three decades, and with a close collaboration with met- eral research projects such as the publishing of a book on the and share music we loved with each other.” teur en scène Arby Ovanessian, he helped stage close to 150 history of Armenian immigration to France, that will be “As we grew, the band gained different meanings for each of plays independently, without the support of an established orga- released later this year. The Nubar Library continues its editor- the members,” said Tchakerian. “When performing in Turkey, I nization. ial activity and has published, on a regular basis since 2013, the personally feel it as an act of activism and that we contribute to the reviving, even slightly, of our indigenous cultures, lan- He looks towards the future generations to continue their bilingual (French and English) multidisciplinary journal Études guages, songs in our ancestral lands.” Living in Armenia for the past five years, Tchakerian has wit- nessed transformation in the homeland, the power of the youth and the encouragement of free thinking, uniting those who strive for “tolerance, openness and love.” “I hope that the arts will find their essential role in motivating people, defending freedom and expressinglove and fraternity,” said Kerovpyan. “We in Medz Bazar are certainly determined to pursue this mission.” n Right before the pandemic became headline-making news, Armenian youth were enjoying each other’s company in a cocktail in Paris’ city center, organized by the Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU) Young Professionals Paris Chapter, where a hundred young Armenian professionals came together for social and networking purposes. As of now, the chapter’s programming has been canceled through the summer, including their popular annual outdoor event, according to Robin Koulaksezian, a member of the YP Paris Committee. The leadership and members remain connected mostly through their Whatsapp group and partake in virtual events with fellow chapters. “We are participating in the YP Live events, organized by AGBU Nubar Library different YP chapters each week, which have been very popular during the lockdown,” said Koulaksezian. They are also coordi-nating with AGBU France to bring attention to involvement in the Armenian cultural life in Paris and perhaps arméniennes contemporaines, which is accessible online. AGBU’s human-itarian relief aid related to COVID-19. place more of an onus on sharpening the skills. As weeks of the lockdown stretch into months, people at The Paris YP Chapter focuses on two main activities - “Paris, and France in general, have had challenges in prepar- home are turning to more lighthearted outlets that also help conferences with entrepreneurs, such as Armenians who ing the upcoming generations to speak the language,” said entertainers muster through the cancellation of live perfor- have founded their own startups, or young Armenians in the Jolakian, who directed an educational theatre workshop in mances. Pop rock musician Mika Apamian utilized his YouTube fashion industry in Paris; and Afterworks, which Armenian at MGNIG organization. “In the past, the Armenians Channel to share “Le Grand Confinement” parody videos and encourages French-Armenians to come together and support from the West brought in new forces to strengthen the teach- songs with his audience - maintaining his creative spirit while one another’s professional ambitions and cultural traditions. ing of the language, but now it’s been replaced with Eastern offering a moment of escape for his listeners. The covers, which “Afterworks are organized every two months and we plan Armenian and there is no language unification.” range from Lady Gaga’s Shallow to Queen’s Don’t Stop Me Now var-ious activities such as Armenian cooking workshops, One place for the youth to be exposed to the Armenian cul- along with French singers Johnny Hallyday, Patrick Bruel and wine tasting and yoga classes among others,” said tural life is Péniche Anako, which Jolakian, one of the founders, Charles Aznavour, offer levity during the unlikely times of the Koulaksezian, who recently published a travel guide book, describes as a vibrant gathering place, allowing participants to pandemic, which forced his tour with French singer Clarika to Little Armenias, about the Armenian Diaspora in the French “engage in Armenian cultural events, enjoy Armenian food and be cut short. and English languages. “Our group is composed of mingle with people of all backgrounds in one of the most impor- “The first day of the quarantine in Paris, I was singing French-Armenians of all backgrounds including some who tant centers for .” Charles Aznavour’s song Hier Encore and it became clear to me grew up with AGBU’s activities, others who are second and that there will be a big difference between yesterday, today and third generation, as well as those who came from Armenia n Dr. Dickran Kouymjian, who established the Armenian tomorrow,” said Apamian, a self-proclaimed fan of Aznavour to study and work in Paris.” Studies Program at California State University, Fresno, currently who he has imitated for years. “So I had the idea of rewriting Jirair Jolakian, Director and Editor of Nor Haratch resides in Paris, a city he has spent a considerable amount of time in during his productive career, which includes teaching at the the lyrics and making my first video.” Weekly, which is published three times a week in Armenian and once a week in French, describes the Paris Armenian Sorbonne. He continues to partake in the academic and day-to- In just a couple of days, the video reached 5,000 views and day life in Paris, which he says “has been impacted by the pan- he decided to continue the “Le Grand Confinement” series after community as fruitful and productive, particularly in regards to cultural life. demic in the same way as it has around the world.” receiving favorable feedback. Apamian harnesses a positive view “Though the population is spread out and there is no “Nearly all programs have been cancelled, including the annu- of the situation, looking at the lockdown as time to create. cen-tralized body, it is a colorful and active al April 24 march that leads to the Turkish Embassy, and was “People thanked me for giving them happiness and joy dur- instead replaced by a virtual program,” said Dr. Kouymjian, ing these difficult times,” said Apamian. “They also congratu- community,” said Jolakian. “The April 24 commemorations Emeritus Professor of The Berberian Chair of Armenian lated me for my voice and my energy in the videos.” unite Armenians as well as the annual telethon and Studies. “Most gatherings, Armenian or not, have been forbid- Apamian, who composes his own music and plays guitar, cello fundraisers that benefit the homeland.” The activities that contribute to the richness of the commu- den by the French government. As in the US, there is a thaw- and duduk, released his debut album “L’Année Du Taureau” nity, however, have come to a halt since the pandemic ing out of confinement, but it is fortunately not as chaotic.” while performing as a regular at the historical landmark He notes that the presence of the Armenian community is pene-trated the country and particularly the capital city, Maxim’s de Paris. The comedian-singer keeps himself busy “quite large” and permeates into the academic fields, including where Nor Haratch is published. through the production of his parody videos, practicing instru- the Chair of Armenian Studies at Inalco: Institut National des ments for hours on end, and teaming up with other artists vir- “The pandemic brought with it new challenges, including Langues et Civilisations Orientales and at the Institut tually - he recently played the duduk in an online collaboration a disruption in postal services that didn’t allow the print Catholique. At the latter there are “vast Armenian holdings in copies to reach the homes of subscribers,” said Jolakian, who with Clarika. its library.” increas-ingly turned his attention to the newspaper’s website “This particular period allows me to think about my role in Dr. Kouymjian also cites the Bibliothèque Noubar (AGBU society,” said Apamian. “I know that I don’t want to live like I where the news was updated daily, with a special focus on COVID-19 and how it has affected France, Armenia, Artsakh Nubar Library) as a significant resource that is “very rich” and did and that I want to build something new. I hope a lot of peo- open daily to the general public. ple found the time to think about themselves and what they and the world at large. Articles closely followed the uptick in cases, new scientific discoveries and government responses. Founded in 1928, the Nubar Library, named after its founder, really want for our world.” The site, which is in both French and Armenian, also reports on the political news 6 S ATURDAY, M AY 2 3 , 2 0 2 0 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR Community News

‘In the Treasured Place in The Heart of the City, Beginning Celebrating What Was Armenia’ Unites Us!: Armenian Review of Arabic Heritage Park BOSTON – “Armenian Heritage Park is a Language Documentary treasured place in the heart of the city” is often heard. During these many weeks of isolation during this COVID-19 pandemic, many are com- By Maydaa Nadar menting on social media what Armenian Special to the Mirror-Spectator Heritage Park on the Greenway, Boston means to them. “One of the things I miss most is spending Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, countless time in Armenian Heritage Park,” comments events are suspended worldwide. However, Steve Vilkas, who writes for before the partial lockdown in Egypt, a very NorthEndWaterfront.com, “whether walking important celebration took place. In the pres- the labyrinth or reading on a bench- reconnect- ence of the Armenian community in Cairo and ing, whether at dawn or dusk, with the beauty the Egyptians interested in Armenia, the docu- Dr. Shant Shekherdimian with medical residents from Armenia (Photo courtesy of of nature and the peace of this special place. mentary “In the Beginning Was Armenia” was Dr. Shekherdimian) We'll return to the oasis eventually!” screened on March 7, 2020. Vicki Adjami, Principal and Creative Director, The story started when the Egyptian photog- Communication via Design, recently shared, rapher Essam Nagy held the first piece, a pho- “The Park means so very much to me and my tomacrograph, which he bought from Levon, an UCLA Faculty Providing own heritage. And it's so very relevant to our Armenian who had a photography shop and world today - a unique place of peace and rep- lived in Egypt. Levon deeply loved his homeland resentation of inclusion and togetherness dur- and used to talk about it proudly. Before the lat- Covid-19 Expertise to ing this current time on earth." ter passed away, he gave the former a valuable Many commented that they missed not com- present. A khachkar [cross-stone] was the gift ing together at the park on April 24 this year and was the key that opened to us the gate to Armenia in Real Time for the annual Genocide Remembrance and discover Armenia and enjoy its endless treasure. placing flowers on the rim of the Reflecting Armenians and the Church WESTWOOD, Calif. (The Promise Armenian Institute) — Funded by the Pool. An annual program of the Massachusetts The documentary is divided into three parts: Promise Armenian Institute (PAI) at UCLA, two University of California, Los Armenian Genocide Commemoration “The Khachkar Maker,” “Sons of Fire and Angeles (UCLA) faculty are working tirelessly to provide real-time Covid-19 Committee, this year’s virtual recognition was Roses” and “Return and Rebirth.” After Essam assistance to medical and public health professionals in the Republic of thoughtfully planned by Anais Astarjian, com- lands in the Armenian capital of Yerevan, he Armenia and the Nagorno-Karabakh mittee chair, with Lauren Piligian and others. spends time at the Vernissage market and visits region of the Caucusus. While all programs at the park are on hold several places, such as Tatev Monastery. We By Peggy McInerny Associate Dean Alina Dorian of the due to COVID-19, the Celebrating What Unites then understand the significance of this beauti- UCLA Fielding School of Public Us! series, a program of Friends of Armenian fully carved cross-stone in the Armenian her- Health and Dr. Shant Heritage Park in collaboration with Age- itage. Shekherdimian of the Geffen School of Medicine and UCLA Health have long Friendly Boston, will be connecting many vir- Also, we comprehend the strong bond histories of working with medical and public health experts in both places tually Fridays at 10 a.m., May 8-June 5, for this between Armenians and their church and how The “day” jobs of these two Bruin faculty are extraordinarily demanding, special at-home series via Zoom. religion was a key factor that helped them over- spanning teaching, administrative, research and clinical work (and in Dorian’s The five-week special series is being gener- come the unfortunate incidents the country case, a second job as a Los Angeles Public Health Commissioner). Factor in the ously offered by Oldways, a “food and nutrition went through, bearing in mind that the First first global pandemic in a century, and their workloads are staggering. nonprofit helping people live healthier, happier Republic of Armenia only enjoyed indepen- Yet Shekherdimian and Dorian are also devoting precious free time (and count- lives.” Each week an instructor from Oldways dence for two years (1918-1920). In this regard, less hours of lost sleep) to coordinate with experts worldwide to identify and shows how to prepare a delicious meal cele- it is worth mentioning that up until now, deliver medical equipment to Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh, as well as share brating the cultural heritage of the many resi- Armenian clergymen remain positively present the latest Covid-19 knowledge and practices with health professionals. dents of the City of Boston and in the life of Armenians, whether those living in In so doing, they draw on a long history of collaboration in medical research Commonwealth. To register, please visit Armenia or in the diaspora. We see them warm- between UCLA faculty and health and university professionals in Armenia, https://www.armenianheritagepark.org/event ly interacting with their community and attend- their own professional and personal networks and the global Armenian dias- s-2. ing the multiple events held in Egypt, for pora. (The Fielding School even has an Armenian-language fact page on Covid- The Celebrating What Unites Us! series, instance. 19; see https://ucla.in/3cwtrnn .) inspired by the park’s design and its key fea- Coexistence with Minorities An undergraduate alumna of UCLA, Dorian is an expert in public health dis- tures, celebrates the immigrant experience Despite the Armenian Genocide and the aster planning and response, with experience working in Armenia, Georgia, while building community and cross-cultural attempts to obscure the Christian identity of Eritrea, the Dominican Republic, Macedonia, Kosovo, Haiti and Peru. She understanding and promoting healthy and Armenia, in the course of three interviews in joined the faculty of the Fielding School in 2004, where she is currently asso- active living. Initially the two-part program, the documentary, we see that the minorities in ciate dean for public health practice and for diversity, equity and inclusion, as developed by Friends of Heritage Park in col- Armenia harmonize with the Christian majori- well as adjunct assistant professor in the department of community health sci- laboration with Age-Friendly Boston and The ty. For example, Chief Rabbi of Armenia ences. Previously, she served as associate director of the school’s Master of KITCHEN at Boston Public Market, and sup- Gershon Burstein declared: “A very important Public Health for Health Professionals Program and its Center for Public ported by Blue Cross Blue Shield of matter that distinguished Armenia from other Health and Disasters, as well as field studies director of the community health Massachusetts, was held monthly, May- countries during the era of the Soviet Union is sciences department. November. Each month highlighted the cultur- that, here, there wasn’t any anti-Semitism. Here Shekherdimian is assistant professor at the Geffen School of Medicine and a al heritage of many of the residents of the City in Armenia we freely mention that we are Jews pediatric surgeon at UCLA Health specializing in neonatal and minimally inva- of Boston and Commonwealth. Participants and we can live.” sive surgery and surgical management of inflammatory bowel disease. Also an first met at Armenian Heritage Park on the Also, Said Avdalyan mentions on behalf of undergraduate Bruin alumnus, Shekherdimian completed his surgical residen- Greenway where a community leader shared the Association of Young Yezidis of Armenia: cy and an executive M.P.H. at UCLA before joining the faculty in 2014. He has his/her immigrant experience. Many walked “We live here peacefully, without any threat. We longstanding research interests in global health and is currently conducting a the labyrinth, symbolic of life’s journey. Then were never subjected to pressure or discrimina- study of cancer screening in Armenia, with support from a Fulbright walked to The KITCHEN at the Boston Public tion. Our history, literature, and culture even Scholarship and the assistance of UCLA medical students and residents. Market where a chef prepared a signature dish grew here.” In the Blue Mosque, Shiite Imam Rapid Response Planning Gives Way to Real-time Technical Assistance for all to enjoy for lunch and conversation. Mohamed Aly Shadegan added:” We enjoy a In early 2020, PAI awarded financial support to a project proposed by Dorian Now, as The KITCHEN at the Boston Public good relationship with the Christian and Shekherdimian that would provide expertise on the novel coronavirus pan- Market is permanently closed, possible venues Armenians.” demic to the Armenian government. Created in late 2019 with a generous gift near the Park are being explored to continue Historic Facts from the estate of Kirk Kerkorian, PAI seeks to advance scholarship on the two-part series, which was so well received While Essam narrates the history of Armenia Armenia and its diaspora, as well as to leverage UCLA’s expertise to support and attended. from the very beginning, going over the the work of Armenian communities in Los Angeles, Armenia and throughout Each monthly program began at the park changes that occurred in Greater Armenia, the the world. with a leader sharing his/her immigrant expe- genocide, the Battle of , the estab- Based on her previous experience of rapid response teams, Dorian assembled rience, while standing in front of the Park’s lishment of Armenia’s First Republic, and the a team of public health and medical experts (including many UCLA faculty and Abstract Sculpture. Annually, the Abstract period when the country, which was the first UCLA Health practitioners) with the goal of embedding them in the Armenian Sculpture, a split rhomboid dodecahedron one to adopt Christianity as the state religion Ministry of Health as a mobile operational unit. Shekherdimian, who was made of stainless steel and aluminum, is recon- (301 A.D.), was under the communist regime, scheduled to conduct research in Armenia in early March 2020, refocused his figured - its two halves pulled apart and re- crucial historical and geographic facts about continued on next page assembled to create a new sculptural shape, Armenia are revealed to us. symbolic of the immigrant experience. see DOCUMENTARY, page 11 see PARK, page 11 S ATURDAY, M AY 2 3 , 2 0 2 0 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 7 COMMUNITY NEWS UCLA Faculty Providing Covid-19 Expertise to Armenia in Real Time from previous page PAI. “I am very proud that PAI is able to sup- Covid-19 work. infrastructure; it’s work leave policies, housing trip instead to work on the details of how to port this project.”Comments Shekherdimian, “Most of my work has been in Nagorno- policies, health insurance, food security policy, embed the team at the ministry of health. “We have a great working relationship with the Karabakh (NK),” she explains. “I first went mental health services and access. You need to Rapid developments soon derailed their initial Armenian government, which has been incredi- there in 1995 — I helped write the region’s first really think about these things without silos.” plans. Travel restrictions implemented by the bly transparent. They have been very open in national health plan in 1996 — and have been Pandemic Reveals Systemic Weaknesses in U.S. administration made it impossible for the terms of daily lines of communications with working very closely with their ministry of Health Care Systems Worldwide experts to go to Armenia and forced stakeholders there.”On the procurement side, health ever since on many different projects, Public health emergencies quickly reveal the Shekherdimian to return home almost as soon he continues, “We have been trying to tap into including a national breastfeeding program and systemic problems of any health care system. as he arrived in Yerevan, the country’s capital. the resources of the diaspora, reaching out to the building of a national hospital.” Dorian is In the U.S., the coronavirus pandemic has As Covid-19 infections began to rise in Los Armenians all over the world who either have also working with Shekherdimian and the thrown a glaring spotlight on inequities in Angeles, moreover, the experts slated to travel the financial resources and/or access to med- Armenian diaspora to have scarce equipment health care. “It is showing all the problems we — who included a senior emergency medical ser- ical supplies, trying to figure out contributions and PPE delivered there. “Up until April 7,” she already had: underfunding, emergency rooms vices and health disaster management officer and the logistics of deliveries. “Certainly, global recounts, “there were no confirmed Covid-19 that were already at capacity, lack of access, for Orange County — were soon overwhelmed shortages have complicated things, but it’s cases in NK and I was working to provide tech- etc.,” notes Dorian. “We are looking at struc- with local responsibilities. amazing how active and ready the diaspora is to nical assistance on health system preparation tural decisions and budgets that were already Dorian herself is one of five public health step up in this time of need. There are many and response.” That process is now squarely in place that didn’t allow our healthcare sys- commissioners in Los Angeles County who good stories of much-needed supplies making it focused on Covid-19 public health measures tem to function well during a pandemic,” she meet regularly with Dr. Barbara Ferrer, direc- Armenia because of people in the and patient care, with Dorian directly advising says. “Ideally, you should support the health tor of the LA County Department of Public diaspora. “The webinar series,” notes the region’s health minister. care system to provide daily health care, Health, to work through the issues of the Shekherdimian, “is an inter-organizational and The public health professor draws on col- including such things as work leave policies. county’s pandemic response. She is also a inter-institutional effort.” Collaborators in the leagues at the Fielding School of Public Health We should have had those policies in place member of the Covid-19 task force for the effort include the Los Angeles–based Armenian and the Bloomberg School of Public Health at before the start of the pandemic in this coun- Fielding School. American Medical Society, the Armenian Johns Hopkins University (her alma mater), as try — it’s one of the reasons why we are so In the face of a rapidly changing develop- Medical International Committee, the National ments, the two UCLA faculty members shifted Institute of Health in Armenia, the High gears. Shekherdimian, who has longstanding Commissioner’s Office on Diaspora Affairs and relationships with the medical community in individual and Armenians Armenia, is now concentrating on helping orga- living in other countries. The online seminars nize deliveries of medical equipment and PPE share the latest knowledge and literature on for the country, organizing a webinar series on Covid-19 patient care in a wide spectrum of Covid-19 for Armenian medical professionals medical fields (i.e., critical care, infectious dis- and directly advising both the country’s min- eases, radiology, nursing, etc.). “Some of the istry of health and High Commissioner’s Office speakers are UCLA faculty and practitioners, for Diaspora Affairs on Armenia’s response to and we hope to eventually incorporate our res- the pandemic. idents as well,” he adds. Apart from the pan- “I am thrilled that the Promise Armenian demic, Shekherdimian has been engaged for Institute is able to support this critical techni- several years in helping the Armenian NIH cal assistance at a time of urgent need,” says redesign the country’s residency programs to Ann Karagozian, PAI director and distinguished bring their content and teaching methods into professor of mechanical and aerospace engi- line with those of Western countries. He is also neering at UCLA. “We are fortunate to have the a member of two Armenian Ministry of Health flexibility to act quickly, enabling us to leverage committees: one on the quality of health care the work of multiple individuals and organiza- and the other on human resources (whose task tions helping Armenia prepare and respond to is to develop the healthcare professionals need- Professor Alina Dorian (left) of the UCLA Fielding School of Public Health and Dr. Shant the novel coronavirus pandemic.” ed by the Armenian health care system). Shekherdimian of the Geffen School of Medicine and UCLA Health (Photos provided by Professors “This type of collaborative work, in which Dorian, meanwhile, has remained in contact Dorian and Shekherdimian) UCLA experts cooperate with their counter- with the team of experts that she originally put parts in Armenia as well as community and together to visit Armenia. The team continues international organizations of the global to meet electronically and receive updates on well as other contacts, to provide the expertise overwhelmed. “Data from this pandemic will Armenian diaspora, will be a hallmark of the the situations in Armenia and Nagorno- needed by NK health professionals at any given show the impacts of inequities and lack of Promise Armenian Institute going forward,” Karabakh. In addition, Dorian has also been moment, primarily by video conferencing. inclusion and highlight the social determi- says Dr. Eric Esrailian, chief of UCLA Vatche working with organizations such as the “The problem is that most people in NK don’t nants of health in our country,” she continues. and Tamar Manoukian Division of Digestive Armenian National Committee of America to speak English, so I am frequently serving as “We are seeing this in real time with African Diseases, a producer of the film “The Promise” reallocate part of an existing Congressional translator on those video calls,” says the American deaths from Covid-19. It is a and the driving force behind the creation of appropriation for Armenian foreign aid toward Fielding School associate dean. moment to examine and rethink the whole Evaluating the Pandemic Response in Armenia idea of ‘haves’ and ‘have nots’ in our health From the beginning of the coronavirus out- s y s t e m . break, Dorian and Shekherdimian — with help “Your health care budget is your value state- from the American University of Armenia — ment,” she adds. “What you invest in on an have been collecting as much data as possible everyday basis counts because when a disaster on Armenia’s experience of and response to the strikes, it’s too late. Look at Singapore: it has pandemic. “Epidemiologically,” says Dorian, a fluid, flexible, capable health care system GiragosianF UNERAL H OME “there will be a quiet period after the first wave that can expand and contract as needed.” James “Jack” Giragosian, CPC of the pandemic, then a resurgence. Many infec- Shekherdimian concurs. “What really matters Mark J. Giragosian tious diseases of this type have three waves, but is not the decisions we are making today or Funeral Counselors every day we are finding out just how Covid-19 over the past month,” he says. “Some 80 to 90 576 Mt. Auburn Street, Watertown, MA 02472, TEL: 617-924—0606 will roll out.” PAI is funding data collection and percent relies on how robust a health system www.giragosianfuneralhome.com analysis so that the two UCLA faculty members is going into a pandemic. can help their Armenian peers use the coming And those are things we cannot change quiet period to think ahead, anticipate the overnight.” In Armenia, he notes that the equipment and testing conditions that will pre- Soviet system left the legacy of an over-special- Telephone (617) 924-7400 vail in several months’ time and plan what they ized health care system that lacks primary can do better during the next wave. healthcare providers and has historically priori- “We are working with PAI to build this analyti- tized numbers of medical professionals and Aram Bedrosian cal capability and identify all the assistance infrastructure over quality of care. UCLA can offer Armenia on the pandemic,” The Armenian public health care system is Funeral Home, Inc. says Dorian. “We also need to plan for every- also severely underfinanced (receiving just 1.6 thing else needed in the health care system,” percent of national GDP) and its fragmented Continuous Service By The Bedrosian Family Since 1945 she continues, starting with how hospitals and delivery of health care services creates signifi- providers will start to provide services that have cant resource inefficiencies and outright waste. MARION BEDROSIAN been put on hold, such as elective surgeries and “All of this ultimately contributes to less-than- 558 MOUNT AUBURN STREET PAUL BEDROSIAN cancer screenings. “There is an avalanche of ideal outcomes in health care and it all plays WATERTOWN, MA 02472 LARRY BEDROSIAN deferred medical services, as well as social ser- into the current pandemic,” says vices and needs (including food security issues), Shekherdimian. Up to their ears in work in all during a lockdown,” she remarks. directions, Dorian and Shekherdimian are nev- Dorian and Shekherdimian also intend to use ertheless heartened by the contributions they data analysis to help their Armenian colleagues are able to make to Armenia and Nagorno- Nardolillo Funeral Home continue long-range planning efforts. “The sil- Karabakh at this time of crisis. “UCLA has Est. 1906 ver lining of every disaster is that you can plan been a great conduit for all of us to do better in to build everything in a better way. You look at the world. I believe we all feel that very deeply John K. Najarian, Jr. what you have and ask what did we do right, at UCLA,” comments Dorian. “I feel blessed to Rhode Island’s Only Licensed Armenian Funeral Director what did we do wrong, where do we go from be under the UCLA umbrella and that all of here?” asks Dorian. “Health is not just the these relationships mean somethingin this 1278 Park Ave. Cranston, RI 02910 (401) 942-1220 absence of disease,” she observes. “Public world. “I consider myself an expert in disasters, 1111 Boston Neck Rd. Narragansett, RI 02882 (401) 789-6300 health goes beyond medicine, clinical expertise but boy, have I learned a lot. We are all learning and funding hospitals: it’s everything that goes and helping each other at the same time. I feel www.nardolillo.com into enabling people to be healthy. It’s access to those are the shining moments in all of this,” healthy foods and evaluating how to strengthen she concludes. 8 S ATURDAY, M AY 2 3 , 2 0 2 0 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMUNITY NEWS Decennial Census Efforts Continue in Southern California, with Much at Stake

CENSUS, from page 1 Glendale received $147,789 and Pasadena Armenian National Committee of America received $73,895. Western Region (ANCA-WR) Government In general, outreach efforts for Armenians do Affairs Director Arsen Shirvanyan, who is also occur in municipalities with large Armenian director of HyeCount, an organization created populations, such as Glendale, Burbank and to promote Armenian participation in the cen- Pasadena. Apart from the census, many other sus, speculated that the state is motivated by things about local government and health are the need to accurately count the immigrant already translated by municipalities and Los population. There is a danger that it may lose Angeles County into Armenian and other lan- delegates from its Congressional representation guages not included as part of the top 13. if its numbers go down. With the tension Outreach in the city of Los Angeles is done between the Republican executive government by the municipality. Armenians who live in and the Democratic state executive, this neighborhoods like Van Nuys, North Hollywood becomes more important, he said. or Sherman Oaks in the San Fernando Valley In March of this year, all households received are subject to the municipality. Furthermore, by postal mail the request to fill out the decen- Los Angeles City Council member Paul nial census form via telephone, and, for the first Krekorian (https://www.paulkrekorian.org/), time, Internet. Paper questionnaires were sent an Armenian-American himself, does outreach out in April only to those households which did in the Armenian language. not respond. All fieldwork, such as the person- Glendale Census Efforts al delivery of census forms to unverifiable The US Census Bureau has a program to get addresses, was halted on March 18 due to the communities more engaged in the census pandemic, but will restart as soon as restric- process through the creation of outreach bod- tions are lifted. No physical community out- ies called Complete Count Committees (CCC), reach events have been possible in this period. which can be at the state level, as seen above, Some concerns have been raised about lower Anahit Tovmasyan, US Census Bureau Senior Partnership Specialist at far right, with Beland Huang, and county and city levels. A CCC could be cre- response rates in California Partnership Specialist and Lydia Scott, Recruitment Assistant ated for many other types of groupings, such as (https://www.capradio.org/arti- ethnic, religious or even business. Cities like cles/2020/05/01/how-coronavirus-is-busting- Glendale, Pasadena and Burbank, all with sub- californias-187-million-census-campaign/). hired as a veteran. The four all report to an Tovmasyan said that there are at least fifty such stantial Armenian populations, each created a Jeffrey Enos, Deputy Regional Director of the Armenian-American, Anahit Tovmasyan, who is Armenian-American partners in Los Angeles CCC, which included Armenian representatives. Los Angeles Region (encompassing 7 western called a senior partnership specialist or part- County working with her specialists. The Glendale Complete Count Committee states in the US) for the national US Census nership specialist team leader. At present she One important arena which allows census began meeting in October 2019. Its coordinator Bureau, countered on May 6 that “We are actu- has ten partnership specialists in her team. staff to reach as much as half of a city’s popu- is Christine Baboomian Powers, an Armenian ally ahead of the projections nationwide and for Tovmasyan supervises specialists working lation in places like Glendale is through the by background. She is a Senior Executive the state of California for the number of house- with other communities too, including Chinese, public schools. Tovmasyan noted that even dur- Analyst for the city of Glendale who has been holds that have responded. This is very encour- Koreans, and African-Americans. The overall ing COVID-19 restrictions, grab-and-go lunches working for the City Manager’s office for 12 aging. For example, statewide for California numbers of such specialists are based on the allow the distribution of printed flyers. years and regularly serves as the city’s legisla- 58.5 percent of the population have self- results of the 2010 census. It should be noted that while there are tive analyst. She works on public relations and responded to the census.” The outreach work starts first but Armenians Armenians in Ventura County, not that far from handles special projects. This is the first time, Enos said that the census bureau was work- have also been hired for what is called field Los Angeles County, there is no Armenian spe- she said, that she has been involved in the cen- ing closely with state and local government and work in the later stages of the census. They cialist like Tovmasyan there. The same holds sus. health officials to preserve the health of census include field supervisors or managers as well as true for other centers of Armenian population Powers said her role is to promote census enumerators who will get information door-to- in California or the West in general. awareness and make sure as many people par- door from late August to October 31 about peo- Funding ticipate as possible. She also is the city liaison ple who do not self- respond. Their language There is a hierarchy of languages in the cen- with US Census Bureau partnership specialists skills are important for communicating with sus. Aside from English, which is of course the like Tovmasyan, who work closely with munici- Armenian-speakers as well as gaining their official language of the US and the census, pal bodies like the Glendale CCC. trust, according to Tovmasyan. there are 12 other top languages into which Staff from the city of Glendale participate in All of these positions are temporary during everything is translated, including the census Los Angeles County CCC and California CCC the census process. There are also permanent questionnaire itself. These 13 languages were meetings and webinars, and obtain resource positions, but these are hired from communities chosen at the federal level. The most federal materials from them. Powers said that if they which have larger numbers than the funds go to media in these languages in order have campaigns, the Glendale CCC piggybacks Armenians, such as Latinos. to advertise about the census. off of them. Tovmasyan was a partnership specialist in However, Armenian was identified as one of Powers pointed out that outreach on the cen- 2009 for the 2010 census and now is in a super- 59 non-English secondary languages to which sus began in Glendale even before the creation visory position. She said that she manages her supporting materials will be translated. These of its CCC. She said that the city had been talk- team and provides them with any help they include an explanatory website which in turn ing about it and making community presenta- need. This takes a lot of time so that she is not gives links to a guide to filling out the census tions through the city council as early as able to be in the field herself. form, an explanatory video or public service January 2019 in public spaces about its impor- Many types of organizations, schools, church- announcement with a voice-over in Armenian, tance. For example, the then mayor, Zareh es and businesses can become partners with and a glossary of words concerning the census. Sinanyan, in March of 2019 held the first non- the US Census Bureau and work with its teams Eastern Armenian is the dialect used. profit summit for the city of Glendale, which in conducting outreach on the 2020 census. The federal US Census Bureau gave funds to Powers worked with him closely to organize. He a large public relations firm, VMLYR to handle spoke there about the importance of the census outreach in general on the 2020 census and to and US census representatives were present. allocate to state, county and local ethnic groups When the Glendale CCC was being orga- as part of this work. It in turn formed “Team nized, a lot of different organizations from Jeffrey Enos, Deputy Regional Director of the Los Y& R” (Young & Rubicam), composed of 17 Armenian, Korean, Hispanic, Filipino and other Angeles Region for the national US Census Bureau agencies, to do spread awareness of the census, ethnic groups living in the municipality were promote participation and follow-up in cases of invited to participate in this CCC. There were no response. Several hundred million dollars also hospitals, the school district, the college employees and the American public at large and are to be spent. district, a multitude of local nonprofits and cul- to determine when field operations might be The Armenian community did not benefit tural groups, service and volunteer organiza- able to resume. Field operations were to be from any of the spending on a national media tions, and even banks, according to Powers. completed by July 31, but this deadline has level. However, outreach efforts exist on the Powers said that some 40-50 people were been extended three months to October 31. state and local levels too. In California, part of invited to the first meeting, and by January The realistic goal for the census in California, the sum alluded to above was given to various 2020 people were invested and really ready to Enos said, is an approximately 65 percent self- counties, and in turn, cities and other bodies work, though the pandemic changed the situa- response rate. applied to these counties for a share of this tion. Los Angeles County money. Los Angeles County received Meetings were not held since the stay-at- As far as is known, the only place in the $9,393,090 from the state. home order in March until the second week of United States where Armenian employees have In Los Angeles County, among other bodies, May, when a virtual meeting took place, with been hired specifically for federal outreach to the cities of Los Angeles, Glendale and some 12-15 people participating, Powers said. the Armenian-American community is in Los Pasadena, and an organization created to coor- The Armenians are solely represented at the Angeles County. These are all temporary Anahit Tovmasyan making a “Road to 2020 dinate efforts of the Armenian community, the Glendale CCC by the AACCC. Powers said that employees for the duration of the current cen- Census” presentation at a Tekeyan Cultural Armenian American Complete Count since the AACCC does significant outreach to sus effort. Here, there are three staff of Association Pasadena-Glendale Chapter book Committee (AACCC), applied for grants from the Armenian community, making sure the Armenian-American background hired for this event (January 26, 2020) the county, and all three received them. The city’s CCC knows what it is doing, and the purpose, along with a fourth who initially was city of Los Angeles was allocated $2,950,115, AACCC knows what the city is doing, elimi- S ATURDAY, M AY 2 3 , 2 0 2 0 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 9 COMMUNITY NEWS nates duplication of efforts, confusion and accepted. Shirvanyan said that any response rate below Angeles County for grassroot operations. It waste of resources. Powers said, “We felt like we know better 70 is considered by the federal census a hard-to- came in installments and was a substantial COVID-19 led to a pivoting of outreach how to use that funding since we do similar out- count area, and parts of Glendale, Burbank, amount, but an exact figure was not available at efforts by the Glendale CCC and the city. One reach for elections and various types of educa- Tujunga, and Little Armenia are among them. the time of publication from AACCC. AACCC in advantage of the 2020 census is the use of the tional efforts.” It is extra work, but the city There is further evidence for an Armenian turn offered to regrant money to other Internet, which makes online response easier wants to reach the various newspapers and undercount. First, many of the areas deemed Armenian organizations which presented a plan despite the pandemic. media outlets in different languages which in hard-to-count in the Los Angeles area have large of action. It could include holding town hall Powers related that many planned events in turn will hopefully reach its residents. Armenian populations. Second, Shirvanyan meetings, helping elderly fill out the census which city staff would promote the census had In the 2010 census, the Glendale self- pointed out that it is estimated that 166,000 questionnaire, or other promotions. The maxi- to be cancelled. Questionnaire assistance kiosks response rate was 73 percent. On May 14 of this Armenians marched during the commemora- mum regrant offered was $7,500. Schools were in which staff could provide laptops or phones year, the response rate in Glendale to the cen- tion of the centennial of the Armenian among the applicants. to fill out the forms could not be formed. It was sus was about 64.2 percent and in California Genocide in 2015. The vast majority were from The way canvassing was to be carried out, no longer possible to reach seniors who could overall 60.4 percent, while the US overall was Los Angeles, and not everyone went. The 2010 messaging, how to hire people, and who to hire, no longer go to their adult daycare or health- just under 60 percent. While there are tracts in census listed 194,000 Armenians in Los were all discussed at the AACCC meetings. In care centers but instead were shuttered at Glendale with response rates as high as 76.8 Angeles, so the total population must be larger. December 2019, HyeCount was started as a home. percent (La Crescenta), there are also pockets Third, in Los Angeles County public schools, way of doing grassroots work and spreading the Instead, the city increased advertising with AACCC messaging, Shirvanyan said. media, Powers said, along with phone banking Its two fulltime staff members are and text messaging campaigns, after permission Shirvanyan, serving as director, and Alexander to do this was received from Los Angeles Galitsky, communications director, who also County (the provider of grant money to support happens to be ANCA-WR Communications the CCC’s activities). Director. Their salaries are paid by ANCA, not All seniors who receive meal assistance HyeCount. Two additional people have been through delivery or pickup are sent multilin- hired as HyeCount coordinators of canvassing. gual messaging encouraging census participa- There are eight canvassers. Shirvanyan said tion. City case managers are made available to that 2/3 of the latter are full time and the rest seniors as translators for census purposes. The part time. managers of all affordable housing buildings in At the AACCC meetings, candidates for coor- Glendale are being contacted, Powers said, to dinators or media work were proposed and find out what is needed to allow them to reach most who were hired were not ANCA-affiliated their different tenants. people, Shirvanyan said. He stressed that the In a city program to give 500 cooling fans to census was an Armenian community issue, and those without air conditioning who are stuck at said, “Every organization has to put its differ- home, city workers call those who register to ences aside…I understand differences with make sure they are aware of the census and par- other organizations but there is something spe- ticipate. cial about being united. 2015 was the best Glendale city initiated a volunteer campaign example of that. Different organizations united in which members of the community were to hold the rally; then the Pan Armenian asked to commit to tell 20 people about the cen- Council came about. We want to work with that sus. The city sent them an information sheet to and not a partisan message.” help them answer questions that people may HyeCount poster at a Los Angeles region business The two HyeCount leaders began doing inter- have. views with various Armenian and non- The city promotes the census on its various Armenian television channels and stations. social media channels – , Facebook and with rates as low as 48.3 percent, which require there are at least 133,000 students of Armenian HyeCount placed ads to encourage filling out Instagram, and Powers said that lately it has extra work to reach. origin, implying many more parents. Finally, the census questionnaire and noting Armenian been translating its social media posts into Powers said, “We have a good figure but we Armenian cable television channels have used as ethnic background on all four major Spanish and Armenian. It is also doing trans- are not satisfied with it. We want to get that self- viewership data to estimate at least ½ million Armenian channels, ARTN, USArmenia, Pan lating of materials on its website. response rate as high as possible.” One further Armenians in Los Angeles County. Armenian and Horizon. Advertisements were It has done direct mailings about the census concern is that as it is unclear what the overall It won’t be possible to see whether placed in a number of Armenian print newspa- which include a condensed version of the infor- effect of COVID-19 restrictions will be on the Armenians are actually responding in higher pers such as and . mation translated into Spanish, Armenian, final census follow-up process and how long numbers than before until the results of the A number of local Armenian public figures Korean and Tagalog. deadlines might be extended, getting as many census are all calculated, and this will take a recorded videos, including news anchor Homeless in Glendale do not seem to be a people as possible to respond online can help few years, Tovmasyan said. Araksya Karapetyan and comedian Mary major issue for the census, as it is small enough obviate some of this uncertainty. Armenian Community Efforts Basmadjian, and more are forthcoming. On to be successfully counted, according to Cities like Glendale suspect their populations When Tovmasyan began her work on the social media, a movement called Powers. She said that the annual homeless are being undercounted, based on their own 2020 census, one of the first things she did was #BigFatArmenianFamily was launched, but, counts, which are done in January, are in the data and analysis. For example, Powers pointed to encourage the creation of a lot of committees Shirvanyan explained, the onset of the COVID- range of 200 people, and there have been out that in the last census, the city’s population in different ethnic groups. These committees 19 pandemic interfered with it garnering much went down but were to bring many organizations under one attention. household size umbrella to promote the census. Among the Prior to the COVID-19 era, HyeCount used a increased. It might Armenians in Los Angeles County, this took the list of registered Armenian voters bought from be assumed that form of the Armenian American Complete a political software platform to begin house to since Glendale was a Count Committee (AACCC), which was formed house canvassing. Canvassers were sent to fairly family-friendly in July 2019. This was the first time that a CCC Armenian-owned businesses to put up posters. city, this points to was formed specifically to work with Armenian In Glendale all big businesses in general were population not being Americans. visited because the Armenian population was counted properly. The ANCA-WR took the initiative to apply to so extensive, whereas in other areas, lists of The federal census the Census Bureau to form the AACCC and Armenian businesses were used. information from the assemble many other organizations. Texting to phone numbers from the political continually renewed Shirvanyan explained, “In a lot of ways, it is a list as well as from an ANCA list was done. and more detailed community issue so there should not be any Shirvanyan said that the canvassers sent a total but small sample partisanship in this, and no one organization of 60,000 text messages through a texting soft- based American can do it on its own.” ware. Community Survey Its first meeting in August 2019 was attend- A lot of presentations were made at different can also point to ed by representatives of approximately 17 dif- university campuses to Armenian student asso- such problems. ferent Armenian organizations and churches of ciations, Armenian Youth Federation chapters, Alex Galitsky, third from left, working with HyeCount organizers The causes are var- various denominations and affiliations. The Pan churches, and Armenian organizations. If they ied. Sometimes, peo- Armenian Council of [the] Western USA pro- had their own buildings, posters on the census ple do not report the vided many of the contacts, Shirvanyan said. were given to them to hang. efforts to house them in hotels and motels correct number of people living in a household Tovmasyan made a presentation. The goal, said While the government grants could only be through a California state program developed and this cannot be checked easily, Tovmasyan Shirvanyan, was to create a unified message for used in Los Angeles County, the ANCA used its in response to COVID-19 called Project said. If they write 3 people, it is possible that 7 the Armenian community, instead of each orga- resources to send flyers and posters to other Roomkey. people are living in a crowded basement or nization using its own information and states in the western part of the US as far away Since the Armenians compose almost half of garage. Fear or mistrust of the government, approach. Four more meetings were held. as Texas. the city population, Glendale spends almost half especially for those without legal immigration Shirvanyan explained that the AACCC was a Tovmasyan estimated that if all the organiza- of its census funding on Armenian media and status, motivates some to avoid giving correct council without a formal leader. He and the tions, businesses and media working with outreach, Tovmasyan estimated. Powers said information. Concerns about anti-immigrant ANCA-WR facilitated the meetings, preparing a HyeCount and AACCC were added to those that the money allotted from Los Angeles sentiment might also be a problem, Powers general agenda, and did the messaging and out- working directly with the US Census, there County for the census appeared to be a “fair said. reach to the various organizations. However, he might be over 100 partners in the Armenian and reasonable amount” with which to do out- Shirvanyan of HyeCount added that lan- said, “we did not want to come off as the one community. reach. She explained that the amount of money guage barriers contribute to undercounts in leading the campaign, so that other organiza- With the onset of the coronavirus epidem- received from Los Angeles County for the cen- Glendale, as relatively new immigrant tions could be involved as much as possible.” ic, face to face contact, meetings in person, sus was based on the analysis of tracts, areas of Armenians don’t speak English and cannot fill After presenting some ways to do outreach, and canvassing halted, but Shirvanyan said 10,000 population, that were statistically con- out the questionnaire. They are not familiar Shirvanyan said that a dialogue would ensue phone banking was intensively conducted sidered hard to count. Some cities like with a census since in their countries of origin, about what the various organizations thought from late March, with around 20,000 num- Burbank, according to Powers, declined to Syria, Lebanon, Armenia etc, they did not take was best. At most of the meetings, Tovmasyan bers called by early May. Telephone assis- accept the money from the county, which place in the same comprehensive manner. They was invited to answer questions about the cen- tance was provided when people, especially meant they allowed the county to do census might be afraid that their immigration status sus and provide updates. the elderly, had difficulties in filling out the outreach for them. Glendale, on the other hand, will be impacted. The AACCC received a grant from Los census questionnaire. 10 S ATURDAY, M AY 2 3 , 2 0 2 0 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMUNITY NEWS New College Graduates Take Uncertain Paths In COVID-19 Era

GRADUATES, from page 1 change of scenery, instead of being home all day, Despite deep uncertainty regarding the sorts of human interactions are conducted.” the resultant transition to online classes. This has and it gives me the opportunity to get away from months to come, Babikian and Chobanian main- Kechejian concurred, remarking on the myriad certainly posed a stark change of scenery for everything,” she said. “But it’s also scary because tain that their plans remain largely the same. changes to come in the near future. these young adults who have grown accustomed I’m going to work and I don’t know what I’m Babikian’s job in New York will proceed with a “A big part of this is thinking about the ways to the independence of college life. going to be facing, since we get exposed to peo- postponed start date, while Chobanian has just in which the world is going to be different after- “We have an interesting experience now mov- ple coming from the hospitals, or just people in started her graduate school classes at Lesley wards,” said Kechejian. “I think people need to ing back in with our families at a time when we general.” Unviersity remotely. keep in mind that even when this is over, there didn’t think we were going to,” said Babikian, a Home delivery of prescriptions has also grown Beyond these immediate plans, the graduates are going to be even more changes to adapt to. graduate of Princeton University. “We were just in popularity, which aids greatly in reducing expo- foresee a tremendous amount of change when This whole thing is really only getting started, about to arrive at what we thought was more sure the pandemic draws to a close. and we need to find the mental fortitude to hun- independence, and instead it turns out we’re back “I think that’s positive because people are “Once this does go away, it’s going to take a ker down, because things are not going to be nor- in the rooms we lived in during high school. I avoiding coming to the pharmacy, avoiding per- good amount of time, at least two to three mal any time soon.” think that’s a strange feeling, maybe of regression sonal contact, but it does create a lot of work on months, for people to return to their old mindset Indeed, the coronavirus has prompted a verita- and uncertainty about where we stand.” us,” said Chobanian. “The pharmacy is already a and be able to spend time with each other with- ble paradigm shift with regards to the kind of Indeed, this unique situation has encouraged busy area, and now it’s on overload because of out being scared if someone coughs, or having a future that awaits. these youths to spend more quality time with the virus.” birthday party and not worrying about someone “By no means will it be the future that I their families, especially with siblings who simi- Asked whether he thinks this period has been blowing the candles on the cake,” said thought I could predict, in the past,” said larly would not be living at home otherwise. more difficult for him and his peers as youths Chobanian. “It’s definitely going to take a lot of Babikian. “My own goals will have to cede to and “One of the silver linings is that my sister is than for adults, Babikian remarked on the stark time for people to get into their old habits again. change according to what’s about to happen at a working from home,” said Kechejian, a graduate difference in lifestyle which the coronavirus has But I know that we’ll get through it and we’re national and global level. I don’t know what those of Boston University. “She works as an engineer necessitated for his age group. going to recover from it no matter what.” changes are yet, and I can try to predict them and for Philips in Cambridge, and she usually lives in “It’s strange because the workplace lends itself For Babikian, the potential aftereffects of the account for them, but when it comes to making her apartment and works a lot so I don’t really to being done virtually,” said Babikian. “The pandemic evoke those of 9/11. plans for my future, I’m now realizing just how lit- get to see her too often. Now she’s home all the workplace doesn’t necessitate social interaction “After 9/11, the United States experienced a tle is in my control.” time, which is nice.” all the time, whereas getting an education does. ‘post-9/11 era,’ a period of time where decisions Despite the uncertainty, the graduates remain This arrangement has also prompted some As college-age and school-age kids, a lot of what made by the government were reactionary to optimistic. reflection on the nature of their relationships we’re learning is in the classroom, but a lot of it 9/11 specifically. For many years afterwards, peo- “I think once this ends, we’re all going to come with their parents. is also at lunch tables, in athletic facilities, in ple tied decisions that were made within compa- out of it stronger,” said Chobanian. “It’s kind of “I think it accelerates the process of change other places outside the classroom. So it’s a big- nies and even in households back to 9/11. I think like the Boston Marathon. In the immediate, it that naturally happens with 20-year-olds and their ger adjustment period, because it’s a bigger it’s going to be the same situation for the coron- was a terrible event, but afterwards, the phrase parents, where we really want to be seen and val- change from what your life was beforehand.” avirus. People in the future are going to alter how ‘Boston Strong’ emerged and we all came togeth- idated as adults and our parents still think of us These disparities naturally extend into home workplaces and social gatherings operate, how all er as a community and rose above it.” the same way they used to,” said Babikian. life as well. In an effort to maintain relationships with their “For our age group in particular - college stu- peers during this socially distant time, the three dents - you are used to a dorm, which is so dif- have relied primarily on apps like HouseParty, ferent from living at home; you’re used to not hav- FaceTime, and, of course, Zoom. ing parental supervision, which is so different “I’m fortunate that my high school friends and from this situation; and your whole life has been I communicate frequently through Zoom, upended,” said Babikian. Discord, and voice chat,” said Kechejian. “I have The three graduates also expressed a marked scheduled Zoom times with one of my best sense of disappointment about the reality of miss- friends from college. Sometimes on weekends, ing out on some of the most pivotal and defining even some weeknights, we’ll get together on moments of their lives. voice chat, have a couple of drinks, play a game “I think a lot of young people are anxious we can all play together online.” about that because we’re not getting these years However, these apps are certainly no substitute back,” said Kechejian. “It’ll never be Senior for face-to-face interaction. Spring again, that’s just gone. If you’re a young “As fun as voice chatting and playing games person, you’re thinking, ‘How many more things online is, I do miss going out for real,” he said. will be gone?’ You can be the most positive, The hassle of using apps to facilitate commu- grounded, productive person, and it’s neverthe- nication has also illuminated dynamics within less really challenging to mentally overcome the friendships which might not have been apparent fact that we’re missing out. You can’t shake the under the status quo. feeling that this was supposed to be such a big “My friendships have been an interesting test milestone.” of ‘who do you want to Facetime?’” said Babikian concurred on the adaptable nature of Babikian. It’s not just people that are around you humans, especially the youth, while lamenting at college anymore, it’s people for whom you have the loss of experiences so unique to these specif- to make a conscious effort. It’s a lot more one-on- ic moments in time that they simply cannot be ones, and you have to be comfortable navigating replicated in the future. that environment. You’re not drinking with your “We find ways to make it work, because that’s friends, you’re not doing activities with them, you just how life goes - a situation happens to you, have to be able to just sit and talk to your friends and you need to find a way to adapt, to make it about things.” work,” he said. “But it was a loss. You didn’t get Despite the disruption in routine, these gradu- closure with college or with people with whom ates are nevertheless determined to continue you thought you’d have a few more months and learning and building their skillset. Babikian, for memories. It’s done before you had the chance to example, has decided to teach himself French, say goodbye. It’s disappointing that there will be while Kechejian has opted to tackle math and no ‘recompense’ for that. This time is unique to programming classes. the moment, it’s not something we can make up “A big part of this for me is recognizing that for or substitute in the future, even with post- this situation will end at some point and that I poned real-life graduations.” have the time and capability to take action now Chobanian also noted the diverging effects of to prepare and equip myself with the skills I need the quarantine on not only generational differ- to create the best possible future,” said Kechejian. ences, but also personality types. Likewise, Chobanian, a graduate of the “Another factor that might play a role here is Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health whether someone is an introvert or an extrovert,” Sciences, has been utilizing this time to hone her she said. “For example, my boyfriend is an intro- teaching talents. She is currently pursuing a vert. He’s working at the frontlines at the hospi- graduate degree in education, with the goal to tal, seeing patients, so he’s been by himself in his become an elementary school teacher. apartment in Worcester for the past two months, “I’ve been using this situation to try to teach no physical contact with anyone. But he’s more my little cousin Tiffany everything I can,” she of an introvert, so he’s handling it OK, whereas said. “For example, her teacher told me that they me on the other hand, I’m more of an extrovert. would’ve been learning fractions now, so I’m try- I like social situations, I like seeing my friends, ing to teach her fractions. There’s no Armenian going to parties, seeing people on a day-to-day school now, so I’ll practice reading Armenian basis, so if I was in his position, all by myself, in with her more often and teach her spelling.” my own apartment, I would go insane and lose Chobanian has also been busy working at CVS my mind.” Pharmacy, an experience which can be daunting The coronavirus has also forced Chobanian at times due to the possibility of exposure to the and her boyfriend into a long-distance relation- virus. The company has indeed adopted several ship of sorts. precautions to mitigate the risk, including gloves, “It’s definitely difficult,” she said. “It’s like N-95 masks, sneeze guards, and increased clean- we’re in a long-distance relationship now because ings. of the virus, even though he lives an hour away. “On one hand, it’s kind of exciting to go to We talk every day on the phone, we pray togeth- work because I get to leave the house and have a er, I always message him.” S ATURDAY, M AY 2 3 , 2 0 2 0 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 11 COMMUNITY NEWS ‘In the Beginning Was Armenia’

DOCUMENTARY, from page 6 Significant Locations Throughout the 130-minute film, based on their historical/chronological sequence, Essam takes us to various locations across Armenia, such as the Republic Square, , the Statue, Tospia Restaurant, Moscow Cinema, Noraduz (the largest monu- mental site of khachkars), the Armenian Genocide Museum, Lake Sevan, Sardarabad Memorial Complex, the Word of Life Church, Naregatsi Orchestra, Tavern Yerevan, and the small village Lernamedz nicknamed Red Cuba/Small Cuba. In other words, the places are the protagonists which chronicle precious stories of Armenia. The Documentary’s Protagonists The champions are also the Armenians inter- viewed in the documentary. They succeed in Nagy in front of Mount Ararat revealing interesting details about their beloved nation. We get absorbed in Essam’s conversa- tions with Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin tary? Well, music is also one of the film’s (coincides with founding the First Republic), Leon meant when he talked about his con- II, the former Minister of the Diaspora Hranush main components that make us joyfully delve Independence Day, etc. We see his face and nection with his homeland and about the Hakobyan, the former Chairperson of the State into the Armenian heritage. Parallel to the hear his voice also in some of the interviews. khachkar, this cross-stone engraved in the Tourism Committee Zara Zeitountsian, film’s sequence, our ears delight in hearing So, Essam’s continuous appearance not only heart of all Armenians,” he pronounces. A let- Archbishop Raphael Minassian (Archbishop of an expressive variety of Armenian music and gives us the opportunity to perceive the whole ter of two phrases, “In the Beginning Was Armenian Catholics of Armenia, Georgia, Christian chants. In addition, we understand colorful picture but to catch the sight of the Armenia” and “Thanks to Levon,” with the Russia and Eastern Europe, and basketball the importance of music, among other forms artist while painting it as well. signature Essam Nagy, framed alongside a coach Vicken Eskedjian and Pastor Hany of arts, to Armenians. Cultural Aspects photograph of the khachkar was a perfect Boghossian (two Armenians living abroad and The Narrator’s Presence Throughout Essam’s travel, the beauty of closure for our exciting and pleasant journey who were on a visit to their motherland), A flashy point about the factual film is Armenia is shown in the adherence of its peo- across the Land of Apricots. among others. Essam’s active participation. In essence, he Importance of Music interacts with the public at the religious sites, But are the places visited and the persons on various occasions including reviving the interviewed the only heroes of the documen- anniversary of the genocide, Republic Day

Treasured Place in the Heart of the City PARK, from page 6 Gratitude is expressed to so many – the Among those who shared their immigrant park’s benefactors and supporters, partners experiences during the two year series were and collaborators, friends and greeters. Their Consul General of Ireland Laoise Moore, ongoing generosity and commitment are just Councilor Lydia Edwards, Boston City Council; extraordinary. Tania Del Rio, Executive Director, Mayor’s To receive updates and announcements Office of Women’s Advancement; Nicola about programs and events, please email Orichula, Founder, I Am Books; Ronnie Millar, [email protected] or visit the Visiting the small village of Lernamedz Executive Director, Rian Immigration Center park’s website – ArmenianHeritagePark.org. (formerly Irish International Immigration Center; Emmanuel Owusu, Executive Director, ple to the nation’s culture and language. The The documentary’s three parts are available African Bridge Network among others. musical instrument duduk, the lavash bread, in Arabic: The notable Boston chefs who prepared a sig- and the traditional clothes, are some of the cul- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7FCQa nature dish for all to enjoy for lunch and con- tural items included to enrich the film. YRav7E&t=27s versation included Chef Nina Festekjian with The Finale https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7YBZb Raffi Festekjian, anoush’ella; Chef Leo Romero, At the end of the documentary, Essam BxMous&t=5s Casa Romero; Chef Tony Barros, Cesaria; Chef arrives from Armenia. “I left Armenia, but it https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C5W6d Hector Pina, Merengue; Chef Carlos Rodriquez, did not leave me. I then understood what PYLmvg&t=2s Orinco and chefs from Oldways. Programs at the park, planned for this year, are now on hold.

Donations The Tekeyan Cultural Association of the United States and Canada gratefully acknowledges the Thank You following donations to the Krikor and Makrouhi Kuredjian Educational Fund Edmond Y. Azadian $100 The family of late Krikor Kuredjian would like to Joseph L. and Jacqueline Basralian $100 thank you for your heartfelt condolences on the Hagop and Serda Belekdanian $75 passing of our beloved husband, father and Lynn and Haroton Arthur Beylerian $100 grandfather. We convey our deepest gratitude to Haig B. and Katia Buchakjian $100 all the relatives, friends and organizations that Peter A. and Sharon Chipolone $100 shared our pain, as well as those who donated to Sean and Sandra L. Fales $100 the “Krikor and Makrouhi Kuredjian Educational Nazareth A. and Nila Festekjian $250 Ruby Gulian $100 Fund” of Vahan Tekeyan School in Beirut, Talia Jebejian and Agop Bouldoukian $100 Lebanon. Van Z. and Priscilla D. Krikorian $100 Your love and support during this difficult time is Garo Kuredjian $100 greatly appreciated. Sandra Shahinian Leitner $200 Peter S. and Garine Merguerian $100 Mrs. Makrouhi Kuredjian, Mayda Kuredjian, Arsen and Mihran Minassian $250 Harout and Lisa L. Moumdjian $100 Marina Sarafian, Saro and Hilda Hartounian Laura S. Rensel $100 and their families. Hagop and Maria L. Vartivarian $100 12 S ATURDAY, M AY 2 3 , 2 0 2 0 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR Arts & Living

Sebouh Aslanian Appointed Comedian Kev Director of UCLA Armenian Orkian to Star Studies Center WESTWOOD, Calif. – Sebouh Aslanian, Professor of History and holder of the Richard In SOAR Virtual Hovannisian Chair in Modern Armenian History, was appointed the inaugural director Fundraiser of the Armenian Studies Center at the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA). RADNOR, Penn.—Keeping up with the The announcement was made on May 7 by times, the Society for Orphaned Armenian two officials of UCLA’s International Institute: Relief (SOAR) has announced its next virtual Prof. Cindy Fan, Vice Provost for International fundraiser showcasing comedian Kev Orkian Studies and Global Engagement in a message live from the United Kingdom on Sunday, May to colleagues, and Christopher L. Erikson, 31, 2020. Senior Associate Vice Provost. An internationally acclaimed, award-winning The Armenian Studies Center is housed performer, Orkian has honed his art to perfec- within the Promise Armenian Institute (PAI), tion from his days as a classical concert pianist and Professor Aslanian will work closely with to performing stand-up comedy and support- PAI inaugural director Professor Ann ing some of the biggest names in British com- Karagozian. PAI is a groundbreaking new enti- edy. Blending his ty within the UCLA International offbeat humor with Institute. Made possible with a $20 million gift sensational perfor- from the estate of Kirk Kerkorian, the largest mances on the Aerial shot of Republic Square from “Bloodless” gift that the International Institute has piano, Orkian has received, the Promise Armenian Institute posi- been dubbed one of tions UCLA to build significantly upon its the world’s finest more than 50 years of history of Armenian comedy pianists Studies. entertaining royals This new institute is the hub for world-class and worldwide audi- research and teaching on Armenian Studies ences. ‘Bloodless including the Armenian Studies Center, and Since COVID-19 for coordinating new and ongoing research Kev Orkian lockdowns swept and public impact programs across UCLA, the world in March, The Path to Democracy’ from social sciences to health sciences, from SOAR has remained humanities to responsive to the emergent needs of the music, the arts, Armenian orphanages it supports. In April, A Film by Bared Maronian and Silva Basmajian to engineering, SOAR sent emergency funding to orphanages and from public in Lebanon and Armenia experiencing policy to man- Bared Maronian’s “Bloodless” (http://bloodless-film.com/) relates the gripping agement. The reduced resources to ensure continuity of care story of the 2018 Velvet Revolution, which saw the overthrow of ’s for their children. P r o m i s e oligarchic regime in Yerevan. It is diffi- A r m e n i a n Proceeds from the upcoming Virtual cult to overstate the importance of the Comedy Show will be directed to fund food Institute’s size, REVIEWED BY Velvet Revolution, which brought to distribution to needy families in Armenia scope, and inter- Christopher Atamian power the tech-savvy and democratic disciplinary impacted by COVID-19. Since the lockdown in leader Nikol Pashinyan in unprece- Special to the Mirror-Spectator approach make Armenia, social orphans receiving care and dented circumstances. Using social services from Our Lady of Armenia (OLA) Professor Sebouh Aslanian it the first of its media to mobilize a citizenry at first kind in the facilities in Gyumri and Tashir were ordered by made up almost entirely of the country’s youth, Pashinyan was able to force the the government to return to their food-inse- world. existing prime minister to resign and after two votes in parliament was elected de Professor Aslanian is author of the award- cure families who live in extreme poverty. facto prime minister on May 8. No longer receiving institutional care, OLA winning book From the Indian Ocean to the The Lebanese-born Maronian is an experienced filmmaker and four-time Mediterranean: The Global Trade Networks of Regional Emmy Award winner. Previous works include “Orphans of the Genocide” Armenian Merchants from New (2013) and “Women of 1915” (2016), which examined the plight of Armenian Julfa (University of California Press, 2011) as women during and after the Armenian Genocide. well as numerous scholarly articles on Maronian’s newest effort is commendable given the fact that he didn’t original- Armenian history and Armenian Studies. His ly plan to make a documentary about Pashinyan and the Velvet Revolution. recent articles include “‘Many have come here Rather, his project took form organically during a visit to Armenia that happened and have deceived us’: Some Notes on Asateur to coincide with the events that he so ably describes in “Bloodless”: “One beauti- Vardapet (1644-1728), An Itinerant Armenian ful spring morning, while resting in my hotel room in Yerevan, Armenia, I heard a Monk in Europe,” Handes Amsorya, see BLOODLESS, page 13 Zeitschrift Fur Armenische Philologie (2019); “Une vie sur plusieurs continents: Microhistoire globale d’un agent arménien de la Compagnie des Indes orientales, 1666- 1688,” Annales: Histoire, Sciences Sociales (2018); “From ‘Autonomous’ to ‘Interactive’ Histories: World History’s Challenge to Armenian Studies,” An Armenian Mediterranean, Words and Worlds in Motion (2018); and “The Great Schism of 1773: Venice and the Founding of the Armenian Community of Trieste,” Reflections of Armenian Identity in History and has instead delivered food on a weekly basis to Historiography (2018). 55 families with 275 adults and children. Aslanian is currently working on two book While previously OLA was responsible for projects. The first is a history of early modern feeding only the children, they are now pro- global Armenian print culture and is provi- viding enough food for all members of the sionally titled Early Modernity and Mobility: families. Port Cities and Printers Across the Armenian “Laughter is food for the soul,” says SOAR Diaspora, 1512-1800. Under contract with Executive Board Chairman George S. Yale University Press, the book rethinks in Yacoubian Jr. “We know this has been a chal- novel and insightful ways both the role of lenging time for all Armenian families, and we mobility in the early modern period in global hope our upcoming comedy show with Kev history and the rise and development in that will bring laughter into your homes, while history of Gutenberg print culture across the helping to support the most vulnerable. The early modern diasporic Armenian communi- needs of Armenian orphans haven’t stopped ties in the port cities of the Mediterranean, and neither has SOAR.” Nikol Pashinyan being interviewed by Bared Maronian (courtesy Bardig Kouyoumdjian) Atlantic, and Indian Ocean world. To purchase your household ticket to this The second book project is provisionally performance created exclusively for SOAR, titled Signed, Sealed, and Undelivered: The visit soar-us.org or email [email protected] for see ASLANIAN, page 13 more information. S ATURDAY, M AY 2 3 , 2 0 2 0 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 13 COMMUNITY NEWS

Sebouh Aslanian Appointed ‘Bloodless: The Path to Democracy’ Director of UCLA Armenian Studies Center BLOODLESS, from page 12 commotion coming from outside. I opened the ASLANIAN, from page 12 window and saw thousands of young men and Voyage of the Santa Catharina and a women chanting while marching. I immediately Global Microhistory of the Indian Ocean, c. grabbed my camera, ran down to the street 1738-1756. A narrative microhistory of and followed the march capturing the sights trade and politics in the early modern and sounds of what I was experiencing.” Over Indian Ocean, the book relies on 2,000 the coming month, his camera recorded what pieces of mercantile and family correspon- is undoubtedly one of the most successful dence, commercial contracts, and other peaceful revolutions in recent history, along papers stored on an Armenian-freighted with Czechoslovakia’s Gentle Revolution of ship, the Santa Catharina and seized by 1989 and the 2005 Cedar Revolution in the British navy in 1748. The book Lebanon. unpacks these letters, now stored at the Maronian’s film intercuts found footage High Court of Admiralty, and probes them and his own shots of the revolution with to understand economic, cultural, and interviews of government officials, United political histories of Indian Ocean arena Nations Resident Coordinator Shombi Sharp and emerging commercial and contractual as well as local media personalities such as isomorphism in the age of Empire. EVN report’s Maria Titizian. At times his Children of repatriated Armenians join the peaceful civil disobedience movement (Photo courtesy Aslanian manages the academic activities of reliance on their opinions to push forth the Bared Maronian) his chair and teaches courses in the depart- narration makes his film feel more like a ment of history on such topics as the three- “Frontline” television report than a docu- part “Armenia and Armenians in World mentary film, but it works nevertheless. Technically, the film could benefit from who stood steadfastly at his side throughout. History,” graduate seminars such as “Port To my mind, Maronian’s great strength in some more judicious editing—at 94 minutes it That being said, anyone interested in Cities and Printers: An Introduction to Early the documentary is to emphasize and give goes on a bit too long for this reviewer’s Armenian affairs or pro-Democracy move- Modern World and Armenian History,” and voice to people who have found themselves taste. And given Maronian’s astute gender ments will benefit from learning about the the survey class “The Middle East, 1100-1700: silenced in traditional Armenian patriarchy, analysis of the events in question, it would remarkable events that seemingly out of From the Crusades and Mamluks to the Age most noticeably women. From diasporans have been nice to hear more about Anna nowhere shook this small Caucasian Republic of the Gunpowder Empires.” such as Arsinée Khanjian who flew to Hakobyan, Pashinyan’s clever activist wife to it foundations. Armenia to lend her support to the revolu- tion, to the nameless women who shook pots and pans outside their windows in support, to the young girls who risked their lives by lying down in front of buses and cars in order to send a message to then Prime Minister Sargsyan, Maronian shows in no uncertain terms the link between the peaceful nature of the revolution and the relatively large num- Recipe ber of women who participated in the April events. He highlights the relationship between the April 24th genocide commemoration and the Velvet Revolution’s success, both in steeling Corner the youth’s resolve and in weakening the gov- ernment’s desire to use force on its own peo- ple. The protagonists on both sides, after all, are the grandchildren of the Medz Yeghern. Maronian also draws attention to President by Christine Vartanian Armen Sarkissian’s judicious decision to go down into the streets and later skillfully New Armenian Manhattan Cocktail Family gatherings are important, especially when loved ones live far apart. This past Christmas was significant for Robyn Kalajian’s family because it was the first time her daughter, Mandy, and son-in-law, Ron visited Robyn and husband Doug in their new home in South Carolina – together. Before they arrived, Robyn asked what family dish- es they wanted her to prepare. Their list was long, and included recipes Mandy and Ron love, but do not have time to prepare. Robyn’s menu included Armenian lule kebab, pilaf, lahmajoun, yalanchi, sarma gurgood, to zucchini caviar, basturma, string cheese, boregs and kadaif, to list a few. Once cooking began, Robyn turned her efforts into a party so friends and neighbors could meet Mandy and Ron. Robyn reports an Armenian priest was also in attendance from a nearby church. The Kalajian Christmas and Armenian-themed party was born. Before the party, Doug asked Ron to create a Manhattan cocktail, “but Armenian style with a twist.”* “Sitting atop Doug’s large, swing-open bar in the living room was a bottle of Ararat Brandy,” Ron reports. “The label read, ‘The legendary Armenian brandy since 1887.’ I remembered that New York barkeeps often use brandy as the secondary ingredient in a Manhattan cocktail, in lieu of sweet vermouth, so the ‘Armenian style with a twist’ prob- lem was solved.” Ron says his new cocktail was made in large batches for the party guests, and went down “very smoothly.”

INGREDIENTS: 1 cup (8 oz.) bourbon (Suggestion: Russell’s Reserve 10-Year Old) 1/2 cup (4 oz.) brandy (Ararat 3-Year-Old Armenian Brandy or use older vintage) 8 dashes Angostura bitters 12 bourbon cherries (such as Stonewall Bourbon Bada Bing Cherries) 4 teaspoons cherry juice (use juice from jar of cherries) negotiate Sargsyan’s resignation. It would of 12 cubes of ice or 4 single-block cubes (Use regular cubes or make it fancy with a single- course have been interesting to hear the block cube) voice of the previous government: we encounter a resolute but ultimately resigned PREPARATION: Chief of Police Valery Osipyan and then Start by adding one cup of ice to a cocktail shaker. Slowly add the bourbon, brandy, cherry juice, and dashes of bitters. Prepare 4 Sargsyan himself — but only briefly. cocktail glasses (rocks glasses work nicely) by adding 3 regular cubes (or 1 single-block cube). Gently shake mixture for 15 to 30 sec- Maronian might have explained what onds. Pour about 3 ounces (or 2 fingers) of the mixture into each glass. Garnish each glass by adding 3 bourbon cherries. opposed the two parties, apart from general *The Manhattan is a classic cocktail believed to date to the late 1800s that is customarily made with whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bit- discontent with the existing stagnant econo- ters. While rye is the traditional whiskey of choice, other commonly used whiskies include Canadian whiskey, bourbon, blended whiskey, my and unease at oligarchic rule. Non- and Tennessee whiskey. Ararat is a brand of Armenian brandy produced by the since 1887. The current owner Armenian viewers in particular may have a is French Pernod Ricard. In 1999, the government of independent Armenia sold the factory to the French Pernod Ricard company for hard time judging everything that was at distilled beverages. The variety of the company's cognac products are labeled and publicized as ArArAt. Made from Armenian white grapes stake and what the former regime represent- and spring water, according to a traditional method, the brand's "ordinary brandies" are aged between 3 and 6 years. “Aged brandies" ed: apart from the opening credits, Sargsyan are between 10 and 30 years old. and his allies exist as a mostly ghost-like pres- Serves 4. ence. Go to: https://www.thearmeniankitchen.com/ There is also little exposition of Pashinyan https://en.araratbrandy.com/ himself: his childhood and formative years, his career in journalism, or his political views. 14 S ATURDAY, M AY 2 3 , 2 0 2 0 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMENTARY

EDITORIAL Mirror Paul Goble Is for Real

ideolog of President Erdogan’s AK Party, has theorized in a Spectator By Edmond Y. Azadian study that the West is in decline and it is time for Turkey to rise to the occasion by expanding to the East and building a Turkic Mirror-Spectator Senior Editorial Columnist empire, using religion, demographic and linguistic paradigms. President Erdogan himself has argued that Armenia is an imped- Along with the recognition of the genocide by Turkey, iment. One would ask, impediment to what? Certainly it is a Armenians entertain the dream of recovering historic Armenia, roadblock to Turkey’s drive to the East. In his turn, President EstablishedEstablishe d1932 1932 based on the Treaty of Sèvres of 1920 and the pledge made by Aliyev has repeated many times that Zangezur and Yerevan are President Woodrow Wilson on behalf of the international com- Azerbaijani territories, echoing this good professor in Turkey. AnA nADL AD LPublication Publication munity. At this point, the achievement of that dream does not Historians believe that this kind of masterplan can lead to tec- seem realistic, because it depends mostly on the relative military tonic changes in world politics. In that sense, the Nixon- power and political clout of Armenia and Turkey. Kissinger plan to open up China drove a wedge between the While Armenians dream of the emancipation of Western Soviet Union and China and led to the collapse of the USSR EDITOR Armenian territories, unbeknownst to them a plan is shaping up without using a single bullet. Therefore, we have to factor in the Alin K. Gregorian about the very territory of the current Republic of Armenia interest of the West, and in particular the US, in a powerful

ASSISTANT EDITOR itself. Azerbaijan. This is not necessarily for the latter’s energy Aram Arkun Indeed, a plan has been hatched in Turkey by some sources, but rather for its strategic location next to Iran and its Azerbaijanis to liberate the current territory of the Republic of ethnic makeup, which could lure ethnic Azeris to an eventual ART DIRECTOR breakup of Iran along ethnic fault lines. Marc Mgrditchian Armenia to establish there a new country and government called the Republic of Western Azerbaijan. The news may raise Iran has long been on the State Department’s butcher block, some eyebrows and cause disbelief, but if we analyze the politi- like Iraq, Syria and Libya, to pave the way for unrivaled Israeli cal crosscurrents in the region and reveal the source of the hegemony over the Middle East. Israel has already set up shop news, it becomes deadly serious. in Azerbaijan. President Aliyev has repeated many times that only ten percent of Azerbaijani-Israeli relations are visible. SENIOR EDITORIAL COLUMNIST: The source of the news is Paul Goble, whose name is associ- Edmond Y. Azadian ated with an outrageous politi- cal plan which was floated first CONTRIBUTORS: as a trial balloon, only to Florence Avakian, Dr. Haroutiun become eventually a major Arzoumanian, Philippe Raffi Kalfayan, issue in a deal between Philip Ketchian, Kevork Keushkerian, Armenia and Azerbaijan. Harut Sassounian, Hagop Vartivarian, This was the Meghri plan, Naomi Zeytoonian which at first was not taken CORRESPONDENTS: seriously, but when Presidents and Heydar Armenia - Hagop Avedikian Boston - Nancy Kalajian Aliyev met in Key West, it was Los Angeles - Taleen Babayan almost a done deal. When Berlin - Muriel Mirak-Weissbach Aliyev senior returned home, he refused to finalize it. Had Contributing Photographers: Jirair Hovsepian they signed the agreement for a territorial swap, it would have been a blunder of historic proportions for Armenia. It The Armenian Mirror-Spectator is published would have been a strategic weekly, except two weeks in July and the first nightmare both for Armenia week of the year, by: and its neighbors, particularly Association, Inc. Iran. 755 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA 02472-1509 The plan called for Armenia Telephone: 617-924-4420 to cede Meghri to Azerbaijan FAX: 617-924-2887 in exchange for Azerbaijan’s www.mirrorspectator.com acknowledgment of Nagorno E-Mail: [email protected] Karabakh as part of Armenia. Had the plan been carried out, In this heyday of territorial usurpation, no country should feel Azerbaijan would have possessed contiguous territory around its territory is immune. Turkey has seized territories from For advertising: [email protected] Armenia after absorbing the autonomous Republic of Cyprus, Iraq and Syria. President Trump has gifted Syria’s Nakhichevan, a territory historically claimed by Armenia. Golan Heights to Israel and has further given the green light for Additionally, Armenia would lose its borders with Iran, the only confiscations of land on the West Bank. Russia has amputated reliable country through which Armenia could communicate Georgia and Ukraine, and the list goes on and on. with the outside world. And finally, the deal would have gifted Many people in Armenia believe that eventually the territories SUBSCRIPTION RATES: an open door to Pan-Turkic designs of Turkish leaders. around Karabakh which are under Armenian control should be That was the unbelievable plan put forward by Paul Goble ceded to achieve peace. No way, says General Vagharshak which almost became a reality. Harutyunyan, who had negotiated the ceasefire in 1994 with U.S.A. $80 a year Based on the veracity of that plan, we can ignore or take light- Azerbaijani generals. First, because Armenia’s lines of defense ly this new plan at our peril. begin in Karabagh, and second, because Azerbaijani logic does Canada $125 a year In an op-ed in the May 12, 2020 issue of the Eurasia Review, not work that way. As President Aliyev has made clear many Mr. Goble has presented the outline of a plan by a Turkish pro- times, next he will lay claim to Zangezur and Yerevan. That is Other Countries $190 a year fessor teaching at the University of Kayseri named Gafar why, Harutyunyan concluded, there is no solution to the Chahmagli. The professor purportedly is the descendant of Karabakh conflict. Azerbaijanis deported from Western Azerbaijan, and therefore Turkey has made several attempts at inroads in Central Asia. © 2014 The Armenian Mirror-Spectator he has undertaken to organize a group and form a government After the religious factor proved ineffective in the atheistic soci- Periodical Class Postage Paid at Boston, MA of Western Azerbaijan in exile. eties of Central Asia, Turkey took the leadership in organizing and additional mailing offices. He states in a blog, “The main goal of the Republic of Western an alliance of Turkic-language speaking nations, imitating the ISSN 0004-234X Azerbaijan (Irevan), which is dominated by the intelligentsia, is Organisation internationale de la Francophonie. Its drive into to return all historic lands, including Yerevan, Zangebasar, Central Asia has irritated China, which has already resorted to Goichu, Zangezur, Gyumri, Drlayza [Daralageaz?], and all defensive measures. Turkey has been agitating the Uyghur eth- POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The remaining historical lands within the borders of Armenia.” nic population in China’s Autonomous Region of Xinjiang, Armenian Mirror-Spectator, 755 Mount Auburn where 23 million irredentist Muslims of Turkic origin live. St., Watertown, MA 02472 Then, the professor continues in his blog to justify his claim: “there is nothing bad in this initiative, and if affairs are correct- Turkey has accused Beijing of committing genocide against the Other than the editorial, views and opinions expressed in this newspaper do not necessarily ly carried out, if the Azerbaijan republic supports them and Uyghurs. reflect the policies of the publisher. defends the interests of the Republic of Iravan, then in the fore- This is not the first attempt of Turkey or its predecessor state seeable future, under incredible conditions and perhaps even to project its power in Central Asia. Even when the Ottoman blood, those who have been driven out can become a real power Empire was falling apart, a member of the ruling triumvirate of of a genuinely liberated Azerbaijani land.” the Committee of Union and Progress was on a mission there. Since Paul Goble had broken the news of the Meghri deal by During the war of communism, the Bolshevik government was creating a rare precedent, the revelation of this new project desperate to find allies. That is how Mustafa Kemal duped Lenin Copying for other than personal use or becomes more believable. He is not a mere journalist, or a schol- that he was leading a national liberation movement and headed internal reference is prohibited without ar, but a political messenger with visible and clandestine ties, towards socialism. He received arms, food supplies and money express permission of the copyright viz., his involvement in the CIA and State Department and his to chase the Armenians out of Cilicia and the Greeks out of owner. Address requests for reprints or back issues to: activities in Baltic states where the US has been implementing Smyrna. plans to contain Russia. His message has to be taken seriously The Ottoman Empire’s minister of war, Ismail Enver Pasha, and viewed within the context of politics in the Caucasus. was in Central Asia and tried to use the same ruse to convince Baikar Association, Inc. Ahmet Davutoglu, at one time Turkey’s foreign minister and continued on next page 755 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA 02472-1509 S ATURDAY, M AY 2 3 , 2 0 2 0 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 15 COMMENTARY

Under these circumstances, when a pro-Erdogan magazine steps against the authors.” accused the leaders of religious minorities and others in The Greek Orthodox Patriarchate also condemned the Turkey of associating with Gulen, they became rightly con- Turkish magazine calling the published information “com- cerned about their physical well-being and possible attacks on pletely false and biased…. The publication of these claims their religious and cultural institutions. cause distress among Christians, Jews and Muslims and are My Turn Regarding Gulen’s letter, published by the Turkish maga- particularly serious and irresponsible, because they under- zine, addressed to the former Armenian Patriarch, it has been mine the unity of our people…. Such information is extreme- By Harut Sassounian published several times before by the Turkish media. ly dangerous and could be the cause of dangerous acts of Here are excerpts of Gulen’s May 6, 1965 letter: “I have racism and intolerance. The Ecumenical Patriarch known Armenian families and individuals during my child- Bartholomew feels very bitter and resentful for the accusa- Turmoil in Turkey on Letter by hood and working positions. I will not stop cursing the Great tions that have been made against him, despite his efforts for Gulen Recognizing the Armenian Genocide committed against Armenians in 1915. I know that the good of our country.” among the people killed and massacred were many highly The Jewish community in Istanbul also criticized the Genocide respected individuals, for whose memory I bow with respect. Turkish magazine: “We condemn the discrimination and I curse with great grief the massacre of the sons of the Great provocation caused by these publications, with baseless accu- A major controversy erupted in Turkey last week after a Prophet Christ by ignorant individuals who call themselves sations against our Chief Rabbi. These hate publications are pro-Erdogan Turkish Islamist magazine Gercek Hayat (Real Muslims.” damaging Turkey. For our part, we hope for an immediate Life) claimed that the controversial Turkish Imam Fethullah The Turkish magazine reported that in response Shnorhk restoration of the truth against these publications of hate — Gulen had written a letter on May 6, 1965 acknowledging the Patriarch thanked Gulen, stating that the country needs through correct information and legal means — as they influ- Armenian Genocide. The letter is included in a special 176- preachers like him: “We believe that the fraternal ties will ence our Turkey, of which we are an integral part.” page edition of the magazine which belongs to the editorial remain intact in our sacred country where there are valuable Meanwhile, the Armenian member of the Turkish group of the pro-government newspaper Yeni Safak, owned and fair-minded preachers like you.” Parliament, Garo Paylan, referred the controversy to the by the family of the Turkish president’s son-in-law. Gulen’s purported 1965 letter is typed on a paper that Parliament by writing to the Vice President of the country, Gercek Hayat’s article also accused of collaborating with appears yellowish, making it look authentic. In 2013, while in Fuat Oktay: “Can’t the expressions of hatred used periodical- Gulen, the Chief Rabbi of Istanbul Isahak Kahleva, Greek the U.S., Gulen issued another statement which said: “The ly by the news media close to the Turkish President result in Orthodox Patriarch Bartholomew, former Armenian Ittihadists committed the wrong policy. It is up to us to cor- crimes based on hatred?” Patriarch of Turkey Shnorhk Kaloustian, the CIA, NATO, rect the wrong policy of the Ittihadists. That is why we should I would like to conclude with three key points: Zionists, Hillary Clinton, John Paul II, and former be in a very good dialog with Armenians and other nations. 1) Fethullah Gulen was the ally of Erdogan before the lat- Turkish leaders Ismet Inonu, Bulent Ecevit and Suleyman For the sake of a dialog, we should use every opportunity in ter asserted his dictatorial powers. The publications close to Demirel. the best possible way.” Erdogan, rather than blaming the leaders of minority reli- Gulen escaped to the United States in 1999. Later on, he The good news is that the religious leaders of minority gions and others, should first of all blame Erdogan for his and President Erdogan became antagonists after a lengthy communities in Turkey had the courage to harshly criticize long years of association with Gulen! collaboration during which Erdogan had used Gulen’s con- the Turkish magazine. The Armenian Patriarchate issued a 2) If Gulen’s letter is authentic, he has done nothing wrong. tacts and resources to come to power. In 2016, after the statement in which it “regretted the false accusations against He has simply acknowledged the truth about the Armenian attempted coup d’état in Turkey, Erdogan accused Gulen of Shnorhk Patriarch. Such writings under the umbrella of free- Genocide. Erdogan is the one to be blamed for lying about being the mastermind of the coup. Erdogan jailed and fired dom of the press cause pain to us and can lead to horrible the Armenian Genocide! tens of thousands of Gulen’s followers. Since then Erdogan consequences. These falsehoods are worrisome to the 3) The minority communities in Turkey are terrified by the has made repeated requests to the U.S. Government to have Armenian Patriarchate of Turkey and the Armenian commu- article in the Turkish magazine because they know that there Gulen extradited to Turkey, where he faces certain death. The nity. Racist manifestations, as elsewhere, also seen in this are plenty of extremists in Turkey who will resort to horrible United States rejected Erdogan’s requests. Even those country, make it impossible to escape from their conse- acts of violence against Armenians, Assyrians, Greeks, Jews accused of associating with Gulen, who were living outside of quences…. Such baseless mud-slinging is unacceptable to us. and Kurds. Their fear is justified. These minority community Turkey, were kidnapped by Erdogan’s secret agents and We believe that the relevant authorities will stop this injustice leaders should be commended for boldly speaking out against brought back to Turkey to face harsh charges. and hope that the rules will be enforced, taking the necessary the threatening article in the Turkish magazine.

Paul Goble Is for Real were the realist criticisms of the policy as driven by ‘liberal delu- Do Democracies Behave sions,’” says Grigoryan. “Realism is the theory which has tradi- from previous page tionally dismissed claims about the causal relevance of states’ the Bolsheviks that he would unite Turkic nations Differently From Non- regime types and ideological commitments. Yet now even realists in alliance with the Soviets. But the latter found were arguing that the policy was driven by ideology, even if they out soon that Enver was in pursuit of uniting were criticizing it as wrong-headed. But was it ideology?” Turkic nations to form an empire and declare him- Democracies When it A systematic comparison of the West’s reactions to the move- self caliph. ments in Ukraine and Armenia provided an opportunity to answer The Soviets chased after him for a long time in the Comes to Foreign Policy? that question. The two cases were very similar on most dimen- region until the head of a Soviet military unit, Hagop sions, yet the outcomes could not have been more different. Melkumyan, tracked him down and killed him in By Lori Friedman Grigoryan wondered, if ideology drove the policy in Ukraine, why Tajikistan in 1922. did it not do the same in Armenia? Recently, during a spat with Vladimir Putin, BETHLEHEM, Penn. (Lehigh University) – The question of Grigoryan focuses on another motive of the West’s behavior to President Erdogan threatened to use the 45 million whether democracies behave differently from non-democracies is a answer the question: the rollback of Russian influence in the post- Muslims living in Russia to blow apart the country. central, and intense, debate in the field of international relations. Soviet space. This was not the first time that Erdogan was Two intellectual traditions — liberalism and realism — dominate. In Ukraine the purported liberal motive and the motive to pull weaponizing demographics and religion. Earlier, he Liberals argue that democracies do indeed behave differently, while Ukraine out of Russia’s strategic orbit pulled in the same direction, had called upon Turks living in Germany and the realists insist that regime type and ideology are of little relevance because the Ukrainian movement was intensely hostile to Russia. Netherlands to have five children per family to over- in understanding foreign Support for the Ukrainian run Europe with Turks and Muslims. policy behavior. movement, in other words, With such great odds against Armenia, does it Arman Grigoryan, a fac- was not particularly infor- mean that we have a lost cause? Certainly not, if the ulty member in the mative as far as liberal young leadership can play its hand correctly and Department of Internation- motives were concerned. align its policies accordingly. al Relations at Lehigh “In Armenia these two Calls for sympathy for Russia or Europe are senti- University has contributed motives pushed in opposite mental terms which have no place in realpolitik. to this debate with a re- directions, because the Since the main thrust of Turkey’s policies is moving cent article in a top jour- Armenian mass movement against Russia and China, it should be axiomatic to nal, International Security. did not have an anti- align our politics with that of those countries. That Grigoryan has focused on a Russian or any other kind does not mean that they will be a perfect match. particularly controversial of geopolitical coloring,” China is giving disproportionate attention and subtopic of this debate, says Grigoryan. “The lack support to Armenia to reinforce the very “impedi- which is whether support- of Western solidarity with ment” which worries Mr. Erdogan. Similarly, Russia ing and spreading democ- the Armenian movement, is Armenia’s strategic ally, but the current anti- racy is an important priori- therefore, was much more Russian rhetoric in Armenia will only hurt the weak- ty for democratic states. informative.” er party. His answer to that ques- A mass movement in Kiev, Ukraine on December 1, 2013. This movement in Grigoryan anticipates an Since Turkey will be hosting the Western Republic tion: No. 2013-2014 was one of two events that served as triggers for Arman important skeptical ques- of Azerbaijan, with the clear plan of destroying Two events have served Grigoryan’s decision to write his new paper tion in the article: could Armenia, that will justify a reciprocal action by the as triggers for Grigoryan’s the finding from the com- Armenian government to host a Republic of Western decision to write the paper. parative analysis of the Armenia government-in-exile, coinciding with the The first was the democratic mass movement in his native Armenia West’s reactions to the mass movements in Ukraine and Armenia centennial of the Sèvres Treaty, a document which in 2007-2008, or more accurately, the posture the West adopted be nothing more than a strange anomaly, a deviation from an oth- would serve as the legal basis for that government. toward that movement, which Grigoryan describes as one erwise strict pattern? He dedicates a part of the paper to the exam- When so much is going on in the region and many “between indifference and hostility.” The other event was a mass ination of the West’s overall record in order to answer that ques- threatening situations are brewing, Armenia does movement in another post-Soviet state—the one in Ukraine in tion. not have the luxury to indulge in fistfights in the 2013-2014—which the West quickly mobilized to support. He argues that what happened in Ukraine and Armenia is very parliament nor internecine warfare between the old Grigoryan found the liberal arguments about the motives for sup- much in line with the overall pattern. guard and the youthful new government. porting the Ukrainian movement, which were all about supporting “Democracy has been supported when such support has dove- It is time for all political parties to get their acts a force for democracy, suspect, given what he had observed in tailed with certain material interests—geopolitical, economic, or together and place their house in order, because Armenia. corporate—and never when such interests have diverged from the Paul Goble is for real. “What made the desire to examine this puzzle even more urgent liberal preference for democracy,” says Grigoryan. 16 S ATURDAY, M AY 2 3 , 2 0 2 0 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR

towards Armenians and Armenian properties in Armenian Assembly of America Turkey, the latest of which occurred on May 8, 2020, when St. Mary Armenian Church in Istanbul’s Bakırköy neighborhood was vandal- Alarmed by Turkish President’s ized during an attempted burning of the church. The apprehended suspect stated that Incitement against Minorities his motive to burn down the church was predicated on the false notion that WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Armenian Assembly of America considers the recent Armenians “caused the coronavirus – the rhetoric of Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan as both a fresh admission of the plague.” While it is encouraging that the Armenian Genocide and an early warning sign of immediate threats to Armenians, Greeks, deputy police chief of Istanbul reached out to Christians, Kurds, as well as other minorities in the region. We call on the United States the Armenian Patriarchate of Istanbul to government and its NATO allies, and all other concerned governments to counteract these “express sadness” and that a suspect has been threats and safeguard innocent lives. President Erdogan’s actions trigger the activation of detained, the preemption of such hate incidents the United Nations Genocide Convention, of which Turkey is a signatory party, and obli- significantly hinges on Turkish authorities gations to prevent another genocide. refraining from airing provocative declarations During a May 4, 2020 briefing on COVID-19, Erdogan proclaimed: “We do not allow ter- targeting minority populations. Minority groups rorist leftovers of the sword in our country.” The term “leftover of the sword” has been in countries outside of Turkey, including in utilized pejoratively by Turkish authorities during the past century to stigmatize its Syria and Nagorno-Karabakh, also Armenian, Assyrian and Greek populations. During the Armenian Genocide, over 1.5 mil- feel threatened by such lion Armenians were victims as Turkey not only eliminated its Christian Armenian popu- statements. lation but also its Greek, Assyrian, Chaldean, Syriac, and other nations in the Ottoman We thank all gov- Turkish Empire. The United States Congress passed resolutions in 2019 reaffirming poli- ernments and cies to avoid the repetition of genocide. History teaches that, especially in emergency sit- groups monitor- uations, leaders’ dog-whistle calls to racism lead to tragic consequences and we are seeing ing these threats. that history repeats itself in the current pandemic crisis, with President Erdogan clearly Updates will be trying to divert attention from his country’s real problems. issued as the President Erdogan’s inflammatory language and actions are contributing to the elevation s i t u a t i o n of tensions in Turkish society and inciting some of his countrymen to commit hate crimes develops.

Armenian Government Approves Extending COVID-19 State of Emergency Despite Openings, New Rules on Hospitalization

YEREVAN (Public Radio of Armenia, will resume starting from May 18, Deputy according to its Ministry of Health. Health dling the asymptomatic cases from the point of RFE/RL) – Armenia’s government has Prime Minister Tigran Avinyan said in parlia- Minister Arsen Torosyan announced that from view of optimal use of beds and other approved extending the state of emergency ment, and indeed this did occur on schedule. this date, patients positive for COVID-19 resources.” declared over the coronavirus outbreak until The wearing of masks will be mandatory in all exhibiting mild or no symptoms will not be hos- To implement the change smoothly, the June 13. The government explained its May 14 public spaces beginning on May 25. pitalized. National Health Institute will hold distance- decision by saying that “the circumstances that Many sectors of the economy reopened in “In a few days, hundreds of our citizens, who learning courses for surveillance of coronavirus- led to the declaration of the state of emergency early May to allow people to return to work, but have no or mild symptoms, will return home positive patients at home. The Minister urges have not yet been eliminated.” Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan told a govern- from isolation, and the newly diagnosed citi- medical staff of city polyclinics, rural dispen- The extension was discussed in parliament ment session on May 14 that a nationwide lock- zens will not be isolated in hotels or hospitals,” saries and health centers to actively participate later in the day on May 14, but required no vote down could be reintroduced if the outbreak the Minister said in a Facebook post. in the courses. A call center for doctors will be for approval since it was challenged by no par- develops further and threatens to overwhelm He said the change is connected with two fac- established at St. Grigor Lusavorich Medical liamentary faction. the health-care system. tors, declaring: “The first is the growing num- Center, where physicians with more experience Despite the move, preschools, shopping cen- Armenia has registered 5,041 confirmed ber of citizens with a positive diagnosis, and the in treating the coronavirus disease will advise ters, and gyms will reopen and public transport coronavirus cases and 64 deaths as of May 19, second is the change in the strategy for han- their colleagues. Armenian Constitutional Referendum Delayed Indefinitely

Rustam Badasyan on May 14 asked the Venice tion that the referendum has been postponed next parliamentary elections in 2023,” he told By Ruzanna Stepanian Commission of the Council of Europe to advise indefinitely. a weekend news conference. “But this the government the “resolution of the ongoing Pashinyan said that the vote cannot be held timetable is not quite working out because of crisis over the Armenian Constitutional Court.” at least before May 2021, implying that it has this epidemic.” YEREVAN (RFE/RL) – Prime Minister Nikol The government had previously declined to been effectively cancelled. “We therefore appealed to the Venice Pashinyan confirmed over the May 17-18 week- send its constitutional changes to the “We were thinking that we will hold this ref- Commission, and are now discussing ways of end that due to the coronavirus pandemic his Strasbourg-based commission for examina- erendum this year and hold another referen- partly or fully resolving the Constitutional administration will not hold anytime soon a tion. Badasyan’s move was a further indica- dum [on amending the constitution] during the Court issue in the parliament,” he said. planned referendum on its controversial bid to oust most members of Armenia’s Constitutional Court. Pashinyan said that they might be replaced instead by the Armenian parliament IMF Approves Release of $280M to Address the Impact of COVID-19 dominated by his loyalists. Armenians were scheduled to vote on April 5 WASHINGTON (IMF) – The Executive Board and favorable economic conditions. The near- of debt sustainability once the crisis abates, and on draft constitutional amendments ending the of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) com- term outlook has significantly weakened, with public debt is expected to decline over the medi- powers of seven of the nine Constitutional pleted the second review of the Republic of fiscal and current account deficits widening um-term in line with Armenia’s fiscal rule, while Court judges who had for months been under Armenia’s performance under the program sup- considerably this year. The Fund’s financial sup- maintaining space for investment and social strong government pressure to resign. ported by the Stand-By Arrangement (SBA), it port will help Armenia meet these challenges, spending. Pashinyan has repeatedly accused them – and announced on May 19, 2020. Armenia’s three- including the urgent social and economic impli- The responded to Constitutional Court Chairman Hrayr year SBA of SDR 180 million (about US$248 cations of COVID-19 pandemic. the crisis by balancing its mandates for price Tovmasyan in particular – of maintaining ties million), equivalent to 139.75 percent of Following the Executive Board discussion, and financial stability. To support the economy, to the “corrupt former regime” and impeding Armenia’s quota in the IMF, was approved by Mr. Tao Zhang, Deputy Managing Director and the central bank lowered its policy rate and judicial reforms. the IMF’s Board a year earlier, on May 17, 2019. Chair, made the following statement: ensured ample market liquidity. It also inter- Tovmasyan and opposition figures have dis- The Executive Board also approved the “Following a strong performance in 2019, the vened to limit excessive exchange rate volatility. missed these claims, saying that Pashinyan is authorities’ request to augment access under Armenian economy was hit hard by the COVID- Implementation of the authorities’ reform simply seeking to gain control over Armenia’s Armenia’s SBA arrangement by 100 percent of 19 pandemic. The government has proactively agenda will bolster sustainable and inclusive highest court. They also believe that the pro- quota (SDR 128.80 million or about US$175 responded to the crisis, adopting widespread growth. This includes efforts to establish a posed amendments run counter to other arti- million), bringing overall access under the SBA containment measures while supporting vul- holistic anti-corruption framework, improve the cles of the Armenian constitution. arrangement to SDR 308.8 million (around 240 nerable individuals and firms in the most affect- business climate and support small and medi- The referendum was postponed on March 16 percent of Armenia’s quota). The augmentation ed sectors. um-sized enterprises, and strengthen the health when the Armenian government declared a and completion of the review will make The fiscal deficit is projected to widen con- and education sectors. state of emergency to deal with the coronavirus SDR205.94 million (about US$280 million) siderably in 2020, reflecting the impact of the The augmentation of access under the Stand- outbreak in the country. The government last immediately available. cycle on revenues and higher current spending by Arrangement will provide much needed sup- week extended it by another month, until June The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and for healthcare and economic support to vulner- port, allowing the authorities to mitigate the 14. Under Armenian law, no elections or refer- the tightening of global financial conditions able households and firms. The authorities are pandemic and support affected households and endums can held during emergency rule. have disrupted Armenia’s above-trend growth committed to pursuing their medium-term goal businesses.” In a relevant development, Justice Minister