APRIL 20, 2013 MirTHErARoMENr IAN -Spe ctator Volume LXXXIII, NO. 40, Issue 4285 $ 2.00 NEWS IN BRIEF The First English Language Armenian Weekly in the Since 1932 French Criticize Hollande Administration Slashes Aid to PARIS (PanArmenian.net) — Charles Aznavour urged French President Francois Hollande to reaf - Military Parity Kept Consistent with the levels provided in $600,000 in IMET funding for Armenia. firm his commitment to Armenian issues. FY 2013, the Administration’s budget Additionally, the Assembly’s testimony Aznavour expressed his disappointment with the With Azerbaijan called for $2.7 million in Foreign Military highlighted the inexplicable pardon of an president’s Socialist party for its recent votes Financing (FMF) and $600,000 in Azeri officer who brutally murdered an against pro-Armenian laws. WASHINGTON — The Obama International Military Education Training Armenian officer at a NATO partnership Aznavour reminded the press that it was the Administration released its proposed bud - (IMET) for Armenia and Azerbaijan, and for peace training exercise and urged that Socialist party that initiated the failed bill on crim - get for Fiscal Year 2014, which main - thus maintained military parity with the Subcommittee “cease military assis - inalization of the Armenian Genocide in France. tained military parity between Armenia respect to these accounts. tance to Azerbaijan.” The Hayastan cultural union of France has also and Azerbaijan, but continued the overall In its FY 2014 testimony to the House, In addition to FMF and IMET assis - begun a signature campaign, urging Hollande to downward trend in assistance to Eurasia State Foreign Operations Appropriations tance, the administration’s FY 2014 bud - keep his election promise and adopt the bill crimi - and Central Asia countries, reported the Subcommittee last month, the Assembly get also recommended that Armenia nalizing the Armenian Genocide denial. Hundreds Armenian Assembly of America. called for at least $2.7 million in FMF and see AID, page 16 of citizens have joined the initiative in Valence, with the campaign continuing in Paris, Lyon and Marseille. “The adoption of the Genocide denial bill is one Local Observances of the French president’s election pledges. Continue Investigation Hollande earlier expressed commitment to the Honor Victims of criminalization of the denial of the crime; 600,000 French Armenians and their friends are now wait - Into Marathon Bombs Armenian Genocide ing for his statement,” read a statement from a Hayastan representative. Local Runner Sarkis Chekijian that killed three people and sent 176 to hos - WATERTOWN — On April 24, the glob - The Hayastan Union plans to present the letter at pitals with injuries, 17 critical. al Armenian community will unite to com - the Élysée Palace on April 24. Finishes Race Safely “Any time bombs are used to target inno - memorate the 98th anniversary of the cent civilians, it is an act of terror,” Obama Armenian Genocide. The follow - BOSTON (Combined sources) — said. “What we don’t yet know, however, is ing is a list of church services Rabbi Calls for President Barack Obama called the Boston who carried out this attack or why, whether and coordinated events in the Genocide Recognition Marathon bombings an “act of terror” on it was planned and executed by a terrorist local Massachusetts com - Tuesday and investigators said no addition - organization — foreign or domestic — or was munity. For full event (Arminfo) — In a recent article in the al explosive devices have been found other the act of a malevolent individual.” details and more Huffington Post, Rabbi Shmuley Boteach than two that detonated near the finish Dispelling earlier reports of as many as events in your area, denounced President Barack Obama’s recent line, a development that could complicate seven devices being found around Boston, check the Calendar appeasement of Turkey. the case. Gene Marquez, assistant special agent in section on page 12. “If Obama were true to his word as a presidential Law enforcement officials, who asked the charge for the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, •Boston, April 19 — candidate in 2008 and interested in a significant public to turn over any photos or video of Tobacco and Firearms, said authorities had 10:30 a.m., Armenian Genocide success in the Middle East, he should have pushed Monday’s marathon and the blasts, did not determined that the only bombs deployed Commemoration at the State House, Erdogan to reciprocate and apologize to the long- disclose any possible leads in the investiga - in the attack were the two that detonated House of Representatives Chamber, suffering Armenians for this first genocide in mod - tion. No one has been arrested, police said. shortly before 3 p.m. EDT (1900 GMT) on Massachusetts State House, with keynote ern history,” said Boteach. Current and former counter-terrorism Monday. speech by former US Ambassador to He added, “To win support from Armenians officials said that the Boston bombs were Any unexploded device might have pro - Armenia John Evans. Donald Tellalian will while running for office, Obama said on January built using pressure cookers as the super - vided a clearer picture of what materials receive a proclamation. Buses provided by 19, 2008, ‘Two years ago, I criticized the firing of structure, black powder or gunpowder as were used and how the bomb was assem - the Knights of Vartan leave St. James and US Ambassador to Armenia John Evans after he the explosive and ball bearings as addition - bled, furnishing leads in the case. St. Stephen’s Churches in Watertown at 9 properly used the term genocide to describe al shrapnel. The officials said that instruc - Meanwhile, a stretch of Boylston Street a.m. Turkey’s slaughter of thousands of Armenians tions on how to design such bombs are near the race’s finish line, where the blasts •Lowell, April 20 — 10 a.m., Genocide starting in 1915. The Armenian Genocide is not an available on the Internet. occurred, and the blocks around it were commemoration and flag-raising, Lowell allegation ... but rather a widely documented fact Obama, in an appearance in the White closed to traffic as police searched for evi - City Hall, sponsored by the Armenian supported by an overwhelming body of historical House briefing room, said it was not yet dence. National Committee of Merrimack Valley. evidence. ... As president I will recognize the clear who carried out Monday’s twin blasts see MARATHON, page 16 Please convene at 9:30 a.m. for a march Armenian Genocide.” downtown. Boteach concluding, “But instead of working to •Cambridge, April 21 — 10 a.m-12 p.m., fulfill his promise, President Obama and his admin - Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church istration repeatedly have avoided the term ‘geno - will hold the 98th Anniversary cide,’ and worked behind the scenes to prevent Commemoration of Armenian Genocide, Congress from recognizing it. More than 20 coun - church Sanctuary and Armenian Martyrs’ tries and 42 US states already have recognized the Monument; 145 Brattle St. events of 1915 as genocide. As Obama seeks to •Worcester, April 21, 12 p.m. Armenian shape his Middle East policy and consider his lega - Church of Our Savior will host a special cy over the next four years, he should consider the Hokehankisd honoring those lost in the promises he made as a young candidate and recog - Armenian Genocide; program, question nize a massacre that never should be forgotten.” and answer, blessing of the Madagh. Honored guest Vahe Tachjian, historian. •Worcester, April 23 — 7 p.m., City Hall, 3rd floor council chambers, City proclama - tion, Armenian youth to address the council. INSI DE •Watertown, April 24 — 6 p.m., St. James Armenian Apostolic Church and St. Stephen’s Armenian Apostolic Church together with the Armenian Cultural and ‘Tezeta’ Education Center (ACEC) will host a com - memoration of the Armenian Genocide. The event will begin at St. James for a Film requiem service, followed by the laying of the wreath at the Khatchkar . A procession Page 10 will march to St. Stephen’s where another wreath will be laid before continuing to the ACEC for a commemorative program with speaker Armenia’s Ambassador to the INDEX LOS ANGELES — Vatche Semerdjian, above right, was recently Garen Nazarian. Arts and Living ...... 10 honored for dedicating more than 50 years of his life to serve •Chelmsford, April 24 — Sts. Vartanantz Armenia ...... 2 Armenian communities worldwide. Above, he is with Glendale Armenian Church will hold a requiem ser - Community News...... 4 vice at Martyrs’ Memorial, followed by a Editorial ...... 13 Mayor Frank Quintero, who gave him a proclamation at the International ...... 3 program. See full story and more photographs on page 9. viewing of a short video, “The Hidden Armenians.” For official start time, contact the church office; 80 Old Westford Road. 2 S ATURDAY , A PRIL 20, 2013 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR ARMENIA News From Armenia AUA Study: Mining in Armenia Creates Poverty, Income Inequality Armenia Celebrates YEREVAN — Mining contributed to An increase in poverty is another raise the standard of living for a vast Police Day economic growth in Armenia between observed effect of mining, a relationship majority of their populations because YEREVAN (Armenpress) — On April 16, Armenian 200 and 2010 while simultaneously cre - that Dr. Grigoryan says needs to be they devised and implemented good local authorities and armed forces celebrated ating income inequality and poverty. studied further. public policy,” stresses Amirkhanian, Police Day. This is according to a recent study by Other research on the impact of min - who organized an international confer - A performance of the Armenian national anthem the American University of Armenia ing conducted by the AUA School of ence last November on the topic. was followed by congratulatory speeches by Prime (AUA) Acopian Center for the Public Health and AUA Acopian Center Without proper policies designed to Minister Tigran Sargisian, Secretary of National Environment conducted in cooperation Security Council Artur Baghdasaryan, Chief of with the AUA College of Business and Police Vladimir Gasparyan, Director of National Economics. Security Service Gorik Hakobyan, Armenian Mining contributed to economic Minister of Justice Hrayr Tovmasyan and Minister growth in Armenia between 2004-2010 of Emergency Situations Armen Eritsyan. while also creating income inequality The following is an excerpt from President Serge and poverty, according to a recent eco - Sargian’s address to the police and armed forces, nomic study of that six-year period by delivered by the president’s chief of staff, Vigen the AUA Acopian Center for the Sargsyan: “Distinguished members and veterans of Environment conducted in cooperation the Police Force, I congratulate you on the occa- with the AUA College of Business and sion of Police Day. It is obvious that reforms, which Economics. have been implemented in recent years in the police The study’s principal researcher and system, have yielded positive results. Today, the author, Dr. Aleksandr Grigoryan, looks protection of the rights and property of the citi- at regional-level data and reports that zens and particularly of the public order have been mining does have some positive impact elevated to a more secure level. It is a fact and this on the growth of the economy. achievement results from the activities carried out “This supports the claim often by you.” repeated by proponents of mining that it is needed for Armenia’s economic Mine workers at the Zangezur Copper-Molybdenum processing plant in Kajaran growth,” says Dr. Grigoryan, an assis - handling toxic heavy metals without breathing protection. Armenia Awaits New tant professor of economics at AUA. Grigoryan’s analysis, however, also Governmental shows that mining contributes to high - reports some residents claiming that regulate and leverage mining, Armenia Appointments er poverty and greater income inequali - property owners are forced to sell their will continue on a path that follows min - ty. “Our analysis shows that the mining properties at very low prices. Such ing models that enrich a few while YEREVAN (ArmeniaNow) — Yerevan-based media sector is likely to increase income occurrences, if they have taken place, depriving larger numbers of current outlets continue to speculate possible administra- inequality and deepen poverty in the would deprive villagers of an asset criti - and future generations of opportunities tive appointments that President Serge Sargisian is regions of Armenia in which it oper - cal to wealth creation, according to Dr. to benefit from their patrimony, states likely to make in his second term. ates,” states Grigoryan. Grigoryan. Amirkhanian. Under the Armenian Constitution, the newly This runs counter to claims by min - Moreover, workers in the mining or According to the Armenian Statistical inaugurated president must appoint a prime minis- ing proponents that the sector creates mineral processing industries are not Service, in 2011, Armenia’s mining ter within 10 days and a new government must be jobs that will have medium- to long- provided health insurance, a fact that industry employed 15,500 workers or formed within the next 20 days. about 1 percent of the country’s total Analysts say it is unlikely that permanent employment and contributed to about 3 appointments of ministers will take place before percent of the its GDP. May 5, which is the day of municipal elections in AUA is organizing another interna - Yerevan. tional scientific conference on the sub - Sargsian and senior members of his Republican ject, titled “Emerging Issues in Party have repeatedly hinted that no major changes Environmental and Occupational would be made in the composition of the next gov- Health.” The conference, set for April ernment. 18 members of the president’s cabinet will 22-23, will bring leading experts from continue to work as acting ministers until new min- around the world to Yerevan to explore isters are appointed. the impact of mining and construction Local media has speculated in recent days that in transition economies such as Finance Minister Vache Gabrielian will resign from Armenia. The research they present will his position and that Defense Minister Seyran provide solutions to the occupational Ohanian will be replaced by Arkady Ghukasyan, for- and environmental health problems fac - mer president of Karabagh. ing workers, communities and children and help craft public policy to address Permanent Water Supply these issues. A young man in a hospital bed with his wife. He has a stomach ulcer and believes it The Acopian Center promotes the Planned for Stepanakert is from working at the mine. protection and restoration of the natur - al environment through research, edu - STEPANAKERT (PanArmenian.net) — Nagorno cation, and community outreach. AUA Karabagh Minister of Industrial Infrastructures term development impact on the may burden families with health costs ACE’s focus areas include sustainable Levon Mnatsakanyan announced plans to form a regions and the country. or lower productivity. natural resource management, biodiver - permanent, regular water supply in the city by These conflicting realities can be “If we are to make mining a key sec - sity and conservation, greening the 2014. explained by a number of factors preva - tor in the Armenian economy, we also built environment, clean energy and Mnatsakanyan said the financial cost of water in lent in Armenia’s economy, according to have to develop the right socio-econom - energy efficiency, as well as information the region is high and plans to solve the water cri- Grigoryan. ic policies where the immediate com - technology and the environment. sis are in development. “Mining has been growing as a share munities and the country benefits max - The College of Business and of the Armenian economy for several imally,” says Alen Amirkhanian, director Economics (CBE) at the American years now but with the economic crisis of the AUA Acopian Center. University of Armenia (AUA) is the lead - Armenian Opposition and increase in world metal prices, min - Mining and extractive industries have ing business school in the region, pro - Leader Visits Moscow ing took on a more significant role in played a significant role in ensuring moting entrepreneurship, innovation our GDP growth,” he explains, noting long-term and equitable growth for sev - and ethical leadership. CBE has catered MOSCOW (RFE/RL) — Raffi Hovannisian, the main that this trend is expected to continue eral countries, particularly Norway, to Armenian and international stu - challenger to Armenian President Serge Sargisian if no other sector of the economy picks Australia, and Botswana. “These coun - dents, corporations, and communities in the election in February, visited Moscow on up steam. tries have successfully used mining to for the past 20 years. April 12. Hovannisian’s spokesperson, Ovsep Hurshudian, did not rule out that the Heritage Party leader would be holding official meetings before returning to Yerevan later. Hovannisian, who officially lost to Sargisian by roughly 20 points, has disputed the election results. Hovannisian and opposition supporters on April 9 held an “alternative inauguration” as a counter- part to Sargisian’s official swearing-in for a second term in office.

Cow drinking water from tailing ponds from the Zangezur Copper-Molybdenum mine in Kajaran. S ATURDAY , A PRIL 13, 2013 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 3 INTERNATIONAL Erdogan Says Definition of Citizenship to International News Include ‘Turkish Nation’ in New Constitution Wrestler Prepares for ANKARA (Today’s Zaman) — Prime noting that a nation is not the same as an tlement process.” In a historic letter in Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan has ruled ethnic identity, considering that a nation March that was read by BDP deputies at World Championship out claims that the definition of citizen - is usually made up of various ethnic a Nevruz celebration, Öcalan ordered his KRASNODAR, Russia (PanArmenian.net) — ship in the new constitution will not have groups. organization’s militants to pull out from Armenian freestyle wrestler and European any reference to Turkishness, saying that At Monday’s meeting, Erdogan also Turkey as part of a new “era of peace” in Champion, David Safaryan, is currently training for all the people living in the country will be called on his party’s youth and women which no guns or violence will be used to the World Universiade championship in Kazan, referred to as the “Turkish nation.” branches to go into the field to promote pursue the Kurdish cause. Tatarstan in July. “The notion of the Turkish nation does the ongoing settlement process with the Kiliçdaroglu to travel to Brussels to Speaking about his performance in the European not define a race or ethnicity. In our pro - terrorist Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK). explain party’s ire with settlement process World Championships, Safaryan said, “I’m happy posal for the new constitution we say the Erdogan wants these branches to knock CHP leader Kemal Kiliçdaroglu will that I won gold for my country. I know that it was ‘Turkish nation,’ but we are using this as on the people’s doors — canvassing just travel to Brussels in May in order to dis - Martin Berberyan that last managed to bring victo- a definition of citizenship,” Erdogan said like during election campaigns — and cuss his party’s objection to the settle - ry to Armenia.” on Monday at his ruling Justice and inform the public about the settlement ment process with the PKK. Development Party’s (AK Party) Central process, which aims to resolve Turkey’s The CHP will first send letters to offi - Executive Board (MYK) meeting. long-standing Kurdish and terrorism cials at the European Parliament, the Akopian Finishes 10th at The definition of citizenship is one of problems. Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of the thornier issues being dealt with by “The process is going better than we Europe (PACE) and the embassies of var - Dubai Chess Tournament the Parliamentary Reconciliation expected,” Erdogan reportedly told his ious countries to explain the party’s DUBAI (PanArmenian.net) — Armenia’s Vladimir Commission, which was set up to draft party’s members at the meeting, which stance on the settlement process and Akopian finished in 10th place during the 15th Turkey’s new constitution. The pro- lasted for five-and-a-half hours. emphasize that the CHP is not against annual Dubai Open Chess Championship Sheikh Kurdish Peace and Democracy Party The prime minister also asked his peace. Rashid Bin Hamdan Al Maktoum Cup. Akopian tied (BDP) demands that the issue should be party’s members not to allow those who In this letter, the party will reportedly in the final round against India’s Abhishek Gupta. settled by a formula based on citizen - are disturbed by the process to sabotage voice its complaints about the “ambigui - Meanwhile, Gabriel Sargissian tied in a game ship of the Turkish Republic, and that it. ty” of the process and “government fail - against ’s Mikhailo Oleksienko to finish in citizens of the country should not be “Use careful language. The public leg of ure to inform the opposition” about the 13th place. described as “Turkish” in the charter. this business is very important. We process. The BDP is against terms such as should explain this process correctly,” he Kiliçdaroglu’s visit to Brussels, where “Turkish nation” or “Turkish” appear - said. he will meet with EU officials, is expected Armenian Gymnasts ing in the new charter. PKK leader Abdullah Öcalan, impris - to take place in mid-May. The Republican People’s Party (CHP) oned on the island of Imrali in the Sea of The CHP was supportive of the settle - Medal in Belarus and the Nationalist Movement Party Marmara, and National Intelligence ment process at the beginning; however, MINSK (Armenpress) — A team of Armenian gym- (MHP) strongly oppose the BDP’s pro - Organization (MT) officials have been the party later withdrew its support, nasts were awarded medals during an annual inter- posal. “Turkish nation” should remain in engaged in negotiations since October of claiming that the government was not suf - national tournament. the Constitution so as to maintain the last year. The negotiations have come to ficiently informing the opposition about Armenia was represented in the tournament by unity of the nation, they emphasize, also be called the “peace process” or the “set - the course of the process. athletes from the Gumri Gymnasts Sports School, including: Gayane Kocharyan, Hasmik Simonyan, Christine Shimalyan, Armen Simonyan, Gohar Karapetyan, Gohar Grigoryan and Anahit Ginosyan. Turkish Pianist Convicted for Tweets Mocking Islam The gymnasts were accompanied by trainer, Armine Hovsepyan. ANKARA (AP) — A Turkish court on questioned whether heaven was a tavern More than 200 gymnasts from six countries com- Monday convicted top Turkish pianist or a brothel, because of the promises peted in the tournament. and composer Fazil Say of denigrating that wine will flow and each believer will religion through comments he made on be greeted by virgins. Twitter, giving him a 10-month suspend - Emre Bukagili, a citizen who filed the Aerof lot, Siberia ed prison sentence. initial complaint against Say, said in an The 43-year-old musician who has emailed statement that the musician had Airlines Reduce Ticket played with the New York Philharmonic, used “a disrespectful, offensive and Prices the Berlin Symphony and other world impertinent tone toward religious con - orchestras was on trial for sending cepts such as heaven and the call to MOSCOW — Aeroflot and Siberia Airlines have tweets last year, including one that joked prayer.” reduced their airline ticket prices on flights to about a religious leader and some Islamic Lawyer Meltem Akyol said the pianist’s Fazil Say Yerevan after the bankruptcy of national carrier, practices. sentence has been suspended for five Armavia. He is the latest in a series of intellec - years, which means he would have to The website of the General Department of Civil tuals and artists to be prosecuted in gion part of their lifestyle. serve the sentence if he re-offends in that Aviation of Armenia said that ticket prices on Turkey for expressing their opinions and In one tweet, Say joked about a call to time. Yerevan-Moscow Aeroflot flights have dropped in his case has raised further concern over prayer that he said lasted only 22 sec - The lawyer said Say has not yet decid - price by 21.4 percent, from 203,292 drams rights and freedoms in the country, a onds. Say tweeted, “Why such haste? ed whether to appeal the verdict. He has ($486.79) per ticket to 159,860 drams ($382.79) as democracy with a mostly Muslim popula - Have you got a mistress waiting or a raki closed his Twitter account, however. of April 9. It is worth noting that Aeroflot had tion that seeks membership in the on the table?” Raki is a traditional alco - In a statement, Say called the verdict increased the prices by about 14 percent immedi- European Union. holic drink made with aniseed. Islam for - “a sad one for Turkey.” ately following the bankruptcy announcement. Say has also been a strong critic of the bids alcohol and many Islamists consider “The fact that I was given a sentence Siberia Airlines’ prices on Yerevan-Moscow Islamic-rooted government of Prime the remarks unacceptable. despite my innocence is cause for con - flights have reportedly dropped by 15.7 percent. Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, a devout The charges against Say also cited cern with regard freedoms of expression The press service of the General Department of Muslim who expounds conservative val - other tweets he sent, including one — and belief,” he said. Civil Aviation offered no explanation for the price ues, alarming some secular Turks who based on a verse attributed to famous The government meanwhile, appeared reduction. fear the government plans to make reli - medieval poet Omar Khayyam — that to distance itself from the verdict. Armavia had flights to 28 destinations, as well as “I would not wish anyone to be put on sole jurisdiction over several routes. trial for words that have been expressed. This is especially true of artists and cul - Mihranyan Says Russia Is Armenia’s tural figures,” Culture and Tourism Asks Armenia to Minister Omer Celik said. “But... this is a Condemn Chemical Only Strategic Partner judicial decision.” Sevim Dagdelen, a German lawmaker Warfare in Syria YEREVAN (Radiolur) — “It would be incorrect to say that Russia is who has campaigned for Say, called his Armenia’s only ally in the region, but Russia is the only strategic partner of conviction “a scandal,” and said that TEHRAN (PanArmenian.net) — Iranian Foreign Armenia,” Director of the New York based Institute for Democracy and Turkey’s attempts to join the EU should Minister Ali Akbar Salehi called on Armenia to con- Cooperation, political scientist Andranik Mihranyan, told reporters this be frozen. She also accused the court of demn the recent use of chemical weapons by terror- week. According to him, Armenia is trying to cooperate with both Russia and making an example of Say to silence crit - ists against the Syrian nation. the United States. ics of the government. Earlier this month, terrorists fired a rocket con- Asked which direction Armenia will chose — the Customs Union or the Turkey has a history of prosecuting its taining chemical substances in the Khan al-Assal area European direction — Mihranyan said, “Armenia should conduct a flexible artists and writers. of rural Aleppo. Reports indicated that 25 people policy” and voiced hope that the country will find a formula to maintain Turkish Nobel laureate Orhan Pamuk were killed, most of them civilians. close ties with the European Union and not spoil the relations with Russia. was prosecuted for his comments about Salehi made this statement in a message to his As for the Karabagh conflict, the political scientist said its settlement is the mass killings of Armenians under a Armenian counterpart, Eduard Nalbandian on April 1. possible only when the superpowers reach an agreement. law that made it a crime to insult the “As one of the main victims of such weapons, the Speaking about the Armenian-Turkish relations, Mihranyan reminded that Turkish identity before the government Islamic Republic calls on Armenia to spare no effort he was one member of the reconciliation committee and contacts between eased that law in an amendment in 2008. to prevent the repetition of similar incidents in Armenians and Turks seemed ridiculous at the time. “However, today’s situ - In 2007, Armenian journalist Hrant future,” Salehi said. ation shows that the picture has changed,” he said. Dink, who received death threats Iranian Ambassador to Yerevan Mohammad Rayeesi Touching upon the recent presidential elections in Armenia, the political because of his comments about the conveyed the message to Nalbandian on behalf of scientist said ‘it was the first presidential election to receive a positive assess - killings of Armenians by Turks in 1915, Salehi. ment by all countries.” was shot dead outside his office in Istanbul. 4 S ATURDAY , A PRIL 20, 2013 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR Community Ne ws

Kolligian Distinguished Speaker Series Presents USC to Host CNN National Security Academic Analyst Peter Bergen on Conference on May 7, at Holy Trinity Armenian Diaspora

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — Holy Trinity LOS ANGELES — An international Armenian Church of Greater Boston pre - academic conference titled sents, through The Dr. Michael and Joyce “Independence and Beyond: In Search Kolligian Distinguished Speaker Series, CNN of a New Armenian Diaspora after National Security Analyst Peter Bergen, best- 1991,” will take place at the University selling author of Manhunt: The Ten-Year of Southern California on April 27. Search for Osama bin Laden – From 9/11 The one-day conference has been to Abbottabad. His talk, “The Awakening: The organized by the Armenian Remaking of the Middle East,” will be held on Revolutionary Federation Western US Tuesday, May 7, at 7 p.m., in the Charles and Central Committee, in collaboration Nevart Talanian Cultural Hall at 145 Brattle with the University of Southern St. California Institute of Armenian One of the few Westerners to interview Studies and the Armenian Review. It Osama bin Laden, Bergen is an authority on will take place at the Davidson foreign policy, national security and the new Conference Center of the USC. generation of terrorism. In addition to serv - Through its various presentations ing as CNN’s terrorism analyst, he is the New From left, YP Northern California Co-Chairs Greg Nemet and Steven Cherezian and discussions, the conference seeks York Times best-selling author of Holy War, spoke at the signature Winter Gala on Saturday, February 16 at the San Francisco to examine the impact of the indepen - War Memorial Performing Arts Center. Inc., which was translated into 18 languages. dence of Armenia and subsequent Bergen serves as the director of the national processes of nation-building there, as security studies program at the New America well as various facets of diaspora life, Foundation in Washington, DC, where he AGBU YP Northern California’s such as political ideologies and cultural leads the foundation’s analysis of terrorism, narratives. Other topics will include lin - counterinsurgency, South Asia’s geopolitics guistic and literary production, organi - and other national security concerns. Holds 14th Annual Winter zations and institutions, economic His latest book, Manhunt , was released in investment and hybrid identity forma - May 2012. tion. In 1997, as a producer for CNN, Bergen Gala Weekend The four thematic panels will feature produced bin Laden’s first television inter - SAN FRANCISCO — The Armenian General Benevolent Union Young leading scholars of Armenian, diaspora view in which he declared war against the Professionals of Northern California’s (AGBU-YPNC) held its 14th annual San and transnational studies. Using their United States for the first time to a Western Francisco Winter Gala Weekend, which garnered support for Armenians both in expertise in fields that range from polit - audience. Bergen has traveled repeatedly to war-torn Syria and the border village of Barekamavan, Armenia. From Friday, ical science and history to literature and Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Saudi February 15 to Sunday, February 17, 300 young professionals gathered in the city journalism, the conference participants Arabia to report on bin Laden and al Qaeda. for a weekend of fundraising and social events that raised $4,000 for humanitari - will work towards creating new frame - In his 2011 National Geographic Channel an initiatives abroad. works and definitions for conceptualiz - documentary, “Last Days of Osama bin On Friday, a meet-and-greet was held at the host hotel, downtown’s Sir Francis ing “diaspora” in the Armenian context. Laden,” Bergen obtained rare access to inter - Drake. Nearly 250 participants headed to the SoMa District later that evening for Traditional paper presentations will view former CIA agents, Navy SEAL opera - the annual Club Night. This year, YPNC also introduced a new activity — a Sunday be given in panels titled, “Revisions of tives and a Black Hawk pilot who revealed tour on San Francisco’s cable cars, which took guests to a variety of tourist attrac - the Narrative of Return” and “Cultural how the US gathered the intelligence needed tions — from Fisherman’s Wharf to the Golden Gate Bridge and past the “Painted Narratives and Language in and to pull off the surprise attack. Ladies,” the 19th century Victorian homes that have come to define the city. Evolving Diaspora,” while thematic con - The Dr. Michael and Joyce Kolligian The Winter Gala weekend provided participants with the opportunity to connect versations will be held in discussion Distinguished Speaker Series was established with one another and to aid Armenians at risk overseas, such as in Syria, where panels titled, “New Definitions of in 2000, by the conflict rages on, and in Barekamavan, where poverty is widespread. The week - Diaspora and Nationalism” and “Online Joyce Kolligian end’s signature event, the Saturday night gala at the San Francisco War Memorial Space and the Politics of Information of Belmont, and Performing Arts Center, featured journalist Lara Setrakian as the keynote speak - Exchange.” her family, in er, who discussed the plight of Syrian Armenians. The event is free and open to the public. memory of her Setrakian, who has been working in the Middle East as a Bloomberg Television husband, Dr. correspondent and ABC News reporter, described the daily struggles for families Michael in Aleppo, Damascus, Kamishly and across the country and the region. She Kolligian, with remarked, “The Syrian civil war — their war — is one of the defining events of our the purpose of time. It defines their fate. It defines the future of the Middle East. It defines what providing high- it means to be Armenian in our generation — whether we step up and take care of Diocesan Women’s quality educa - each other in an hour of desperate need,” issuing an appeal to support AGBU’s tional and cul - relief efforts on the ground. tural programs Guild to Hold Funds raised throughout the weekend will aid AGBU in meeting the urgent to enhance needs of thousands of Armenian families in Syria, as well as those who have been knowledge and Annual Assembly displaced to Armenia and Lebanon. The funds will also support the AGBU YP net - provide enjoy - work to implement phase two of its “Go Green” campaign, the Pan-YP Greenhouse ment to the BOCA RATON, Fla. — Concurrent with the Peter Bergen Project in rural Barekamavan. members of the 111th Assembly of the Diocese of the YPNC and Gala Co-Chair Steven Cherezian remarked on the event’s impact, say - Holy Trinity Armenian Church of America (Eastern) being ing, “The success of the weekend is a testament to the hard work of our commit - Armenian Church, as well as to the community held May 2 through 5 at the Marriott-Boca tee, and it truly paid off as we were able to bring hundreds of young professionals at large. Center Hotel, the Diocesan Women’s Guild is together to contribute to two deserving charities.” The contributions to the YP Dr. Kolligian practiced dentistry in Medford holding its 27th Annual Assembly. Greenhouse Project will help bring fresh crops and sustainable development to the for 30 years. In 1971, he joined Distributor The week of activities is being hosted by struggling Barekamavan community. Conceived, funded and developed entirely by Corporation of New England, serving as trea - St. David Armenian Church of Boca Raton. YP Groups around the world, the “Go Green” initiative has its roots in the 2009 surer and later as president. One of the highlights is the fourth Annual AGBU Young Professionals Biennial Assembly in Chicago. In 2010-11, more than The previous programs in the series have WOW (Women of Wonder) Appreciation a dozen international YP Groups collaborated during phase one to build a new featured Dr. Bob Arnot, “On the Front Line Luncheon at the Marriott. Those being hon - park in the border village of Khachik. of Terror,” in 2004; Immaculée Ilibagiza, sur - ored this year for their outstanding service AGBU-YP will reconvene in August for the AGBU FOCUS (www.agbufocus.org), vivor and author of Left to Tell, Discovering and dedication to the Armenian Church, the four-day biennial affair for Armenian young professionals. YPNC and Gala Co- God Amidst the Rwandan Holocaust , in Diocese and community are Carol Norigian, Chair Greg Nemet commented, “We are thrilled with the success of this year’s Gala 2007; and Mia Farrow, “With Knowledge who is also chairing the committee for the and were happy to host many new faces...we accomplished what we set out to do Comes Responsibility: The Darfur Crisis,” in entire weekend of events, Nina Stapan, — bringing the YP network together for an amazing weekend and raising funds 2010. Claudette Sarian and Rose Kazanjian of St. for two important charities. Now we move forward with planning for FOCUS Fr. Vasken A. Kouzouian, pastor of the Holy David Armenian Church and Naomi Davitian 2013.” Trinity Armenian Church, invites the Greater of St. Mary’s Armenian Church of Hollywood, For more information about the AGBU Young Professionals, visit Boston area community to join him on May 7. Fla. www.agbu.org/yp. To make a contribution to the AGBU Humanitarian Emergency A reception and book signing will follow the On Sunday, May 5, the Divine Liturgy will Relief Fund in support of Syrian Armenians, visit https://donate.agbu.org/agbu- program that is open to the public and a gift to be celebrated at St. David Armenian Church urgent-appeal. the community. For further information, con - by Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate, tact the Holy Trinity Armenian Church office, assisted by the Very Rev. Dr. Nareg [email protected] or visit the parish website at Berberian, pastor. www.htaac.org. A farewell brunch will follow. S ATURDAY , A PRIL 20, 2013 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 5 COMMUNITY NEWS Mark Geragos, Pat Harris to Speak at St. James Armenian Church Men’s Club

WATERTOWN — Noted criminal defense lawyers, specializing in both felony criminal tri - attorney from Los Angeles, Mark Geragos, will als and major civil litigation, including civil speak at the St. James Armenian Church Men’s rights’ violations, wrongful death actions and Club Dinner Meeting on Monday, May 6. malicious prosecution cases. His trial successes Geragos will discuss his distinguished book in the past year alone have included three jury with Pat Harris, Mistrial: An Inside Look at verdicts in excess of $2.5 million, as well as serv - How the Criminal Justice System Works… And ing as co-counsel with Mark Geragos on a case Sometimes Doesn’t . in Santa Clara County that resulted in their As the principal with the internationally client receiving a verdict of over $37 million known firm of Geragos & Geragos, Mark against the pharmaceutical company, Pfizer. Geragos cemented his national reputation as a Over the course of his 13 years practicing law trial lawyer a dozen years ago with back-to-back at Geragos & Geragos, Harris has also served as state and federal acquittals for Whitewater fig - co-counsel with Mark Geragos on numerous ure Susan McDougal, later securing a presiden - other high-profile matters. Working on the tial pardon for her for a conviction sustained Susan McDougal case led Harris to write a prior to his representation of her. book titled Susan McDougal: The Woman During the last decade, Geragos has won two Who Wouldn’t Talk. The book spent four weeks amazkayin Eastern USA consecutive dismissals of murder charges on the New York Times bestseller list and was 3rd Annual Pan Gathering against clients by proving flawed eyewitness praised by the New York Times book review as Dedicated to the 3OOth identification. being “moving and compelling, composed... One of those with dignity and compassion.” Former Birthday of Armenian clients later won President Bill Clinton wrote, “Every American Master Troubadour a $1.7 million set - who loves our Constitution... should read this Sayat Nova tlement when the book.” Geragos firm Harris was born in Clarksville, Ark. He sued the City of earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from the Please join us for an evening of fine dining Glendale for their University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, where he and cultural celebrations false arrest of that graduated Phi Beta Kappa and was a state final - Saturday, May 4, 2013, at 7:00PM Hovnanian Hall client. In another ist for a Rhodes Scholarship. Armenian Cultural and Educational Center 47 Nichols Avenue, Watertown, MA 12-week murder Before attending law school, Harris started trial where the his career as one of two legislative assistants for Keynote Speaker victim was the former Rep. Bill Alexander (D-AR) in Thomas Samuelian, J.D., Ph.D. Dean of Law School American University of Armenia Mark Geragos defendant’s 4- Washington, DC. After leaving Washington, he The Role of Diaspora-based Armenian Cultural Organizations in Nurturing year-old daughter, served for a number of years as vice president our Cultural Heritage and National Identity in the 21st Century 

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O Ticket Price: $100 per person of groundbreaking Federal Class Action University of Michigan Law School in Ann H J T To reserve, please visit www.itsmyseat.com/pangathering F E ; or call 617.331.0426 Lawsuits against New York Life Insurance and Arbor. He began his legal career in the AXA Corporation for insurance policies issued Davidson County Public Defender’s Office in in the early 20th century during the genocide Nashville, Tenn., before moving to California of over 1.5 million Armenians by the Ottoman and beginning Turk Regime, eventually settling these two work with cases for more than $37.5 million. He is cur - Geragos & rently suing the government of Turkey for repa - Geragos in 1997, rations arising out of the Armenian Genocide. where he focused Geragos is the only lawyer besides Johnnie his practice on Cochran ever named “Lawyer of the Year” in criminal law. both criminal and civil arenas. California Law His numerous Business Magazine named Geragos “One of victories include the 100 Most Influential Attorneys in successfully rep - California” three years in a row, and Geragos resenting a high has repeatedly been voted by his peers as one school principal of Los Angeles’ SuperLawyers. His $59 million charged criminal - jury verdict in a trade secrets case against phar - ly with hate maceutical giant Pfizer Corporation was voted Pat Harris crimes, and then both “Top Ten Verdicts in 2008 in California” winning a coun - by the Daily Journal , as well as “Top Fifty tersuit on the Verdicts in the United States” by the National principal’s behalf for malicious prosecution for Law Journal . $600,000. Since 2008, Harris has begun trying Geragos has represented former cases in civil court with great success. In Congressman Gary Condit, President Clinton’s January 2009, he won a $1.3-million jury trial brother, Roger Clinton, Academy Award-nomi - verdict for a client who had been falsely accused nated actress Winona Ryder, pop star Michael of murder. He followed up on that triumph with Jackson, Nicole Ritchie, singer Chris Brown, hip a $1.2-million jury trial verdict against a truck hop stars Nathaniel “Nate Dogg” Hale and hauling company and the City of Los Angeles Sean “Diddy” Combs (aka Puff Daddy), interna - for negligence in destroying the property of a tional arms dealer Sarkis Soghanalian, and the Los Angeles resident. Most recently, Harris won Sarkisyan family, whose 17-year-old daughter a $350,000 jury trial verdict against Bank of died when Cigna Corporation refused to autho - America for wrongly seizing $140,000 from a rize a liver transplant. For the last several years, customer’s account. Geragos has represented Barry Bonds’ person - While Harris’ practice is largely based on al trainer, Greg Anderson, in his matter relating courtroom trials, he has also been successful to the federal investigation into steroid use. outside the courtroom, working with clients on Geragos has regularly appeared as both guest cases ranging from sexual harassment to and legal commentator on the “Today Show,” wrongful death. In the past two years alone, he “Good Morning America,” “Dateline NBC,” has helped achieve client settlements in excess “Larry King Live,” “Anderson Cooper 360,” of $10 million. “Greta Van Susteren’s On the Record,” “60 The social hour starts with mezza at 6:15 Minutes” and “48 hours,” and has lectured p.m., followed by a complete Armenian dinner extensively and authored numerous articles at 7 p.m., $12 per person. The dinner meeting and Law Review publications on the subject of will be at the St. James Armenian Church, media and the law. Charles Mosesian Cultural and Youth Center, Geragos attended Haverford College in Keljik Hall, 465 Mt. Auburn St. Reservations Pennsylvania as an undergraduate, and later are encouraged. The event is open to the public earned his JD from Loyola Law School. He was and ladies are welcome. born in Los Angeles. Book signing proceeds to benefit Society for Harris is one of the firm’s primary trial Orphaned Armenian Relief (SOAR). 6 S ATURDAY , A PRIL 20, 2013 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR OBITUARY Tatios Nazareth ‘Tom’ Magarian, Survivor of Armenian Genocide

TYNGSBOROUGH, Mass. — Born in 1914 to years to new facilities. At the consecration of parents Nazareth and Dikranouhi (Chilingirian) the new sanctuary in Chelmsford, Magarian in the town of Gurin in the region of Sepastia served as Godfather to the Pillar of St. (Sivas), Tatios would only know the hometown Thaddeus (Tatios) the Apostle. He was also a of his family and forbearers for a year or two. In long time member of the Nashua Club of 1915 and 1916, the 10 members of his family Kiwanis International, where he served as trea - would feel the pain of genocide. surer and president. At that time, the men of Gurin were gathered Perhaps the last of the Gurentzis born before and removed by the Turks and never seen the Genocide, he celebrated his 99th birthday again. Those remaining were told they would be on March 4, 2013, when he received a surprise deported, and the Magarians sold/traded their visit. Archbishop Khajag Barsamian accompa - household goods and belongings to get three nied by his pastor, the Rev. Khachatur donkeys, upon which they put the younger chil - Kesablyan and a group of ACYOA members dren. The women and children, along with brought birthday cake and warm wishes. When elderly men, were forced to march by caravan Kesablyan asked him what message he might southward. They would continue on foot give to the young people visiting that day, he through Kasaria, Albiston, Zeitun and Aintab. paused and said: “Choose a vocation you can Then, in Ghatma, they were put on a train to continue doing what you have to do to bring Aleppo, Syria. the Armenians forward.” The archbishop By now the family of 10 numbered five — two Tatios Nazareth ‘Tom’ Magarian in 2007 offered special prayers and blessings to girls, Khungaper and Armenouhi, and three Magarian and led the group in the singing of boys, Khatchadour, Magar and Tatios — and the Hayr Mer – the Lord’s Prayer. It proved to staying in newly-constructed gender-separated senior in high school in 1931 when he had to be the last song that Tatios would sing as one tent orphanages in open fields in Aleppo. Day leave school to help the family. He headed to week later on March 11, he passed away. Working at the Elm Street store in Nashua in 1981 by day the number of orphans increased. At Boston and started a food business on Tatios “Tom” Magarian was the beloved hus - some point, the middle brother, Magar, boarded Commonwealth Avenue. band of 47 years to the late Virginia (Tomasian) a train heading back toward Aintab and was For the next 58 years, he developed his suc - Magarian; devoted father of Kenneth Magar grandchildren. never seen again. cessful food business and moved it from Boston and his wife Jane (Wrinkle) of Westfield, MA, Funeral services were held at Sts. Vartanantz Later, the remaining four Magarians were to Nashua, NH. “Tom’s Delicatessen” intro - Deacon James Khachadour and his wife Armenian Church in Chelmsford. Expressions separated again, with the two girls heading to duced the local New Hampshire citizenry to Cynthia (Seferian) of Tyngsborough, MA, and of sympathy and memorial donations in lieu of Constantinople via Sis, and the two boys homemade New York-style delicatessen meats the late Thomas Nazareth Jr.; nephews Robert flowers may be made in his memory to Sts. remaining in an orphanage in the Jebeil section and salads, as well as a sampling of Armenian and Richard Ovagimian, and the late Vahe, Ara Vartanantz Armenian Church. The Giragosian of Beirut. foods. and Sarkis Dadourian, Ronald Ovagimian and Funeral Home prepared funeral arrangements. After years of turmoil, fear, death and uncer - On July 4, 1942, Tatios Magarian married Nazareth Magarian; nieces Dorothy Magarian To sign the guest book and view photos, visit tainty, there seemed some stability to life. Virginia Tomasian of Washington, DC, at Holy Bahtiarian, Charlotte Ovagimian Donabedian, www.giragosianfuneralhome.com. The eldest girl, Khungaper, would marry Cross Armenian Church in New York City — the Madeline Dadourian Koumjian and Sona A 40th Day Requiem Service (Karasoonk) Harry Dadourian from Boston, Mass., and later mid-way point for the Boston and Washington Dadourian Kapilian and the late Anne will be offered on Sunday, April 28, in send for her sister and two brothers and bring families. Dadourian Haroutunian. He was also the grand - Chelmsford. them to America. By 1924 a new life had begun By 1945, Tatios Magarian found himself in father of five grandchildren and two great- — JKM for them all in a new land. the small town of Tyngsborough, Mass., and Tatios took on the name Thomas, and was owner of an orchard with hundreds of fruit known outside family circles as “Tom.” He trees. He loved the spring blossoms of the Telephone (617) 924-7400 attended school in Bronx, New York, and took peach, cherry, plum and many varieties of part-time jobs at grocery and fruit stores in the apple. Many years later, when translating from neighborhood while living with his older broth - Armenian to English the memoirs of his older Aram Bedrosian er, Khatchadour. He made many good friends brother, he rediscovered that his father’s land in and played baseball, and talked of the good- Gurin also had orchards with blossoming fruit Funeral Home, Inc. times watching Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig at trees. He marveled at the connection with a Yankee Stadium in the late 1920s. father he never knew. Continuous Service By The Bedrosian Family Since 1945 In Boston, his eldest sister Khungaper’s hus - He called Tyngsborough home for 53 years, band had an accident at work that left him par - and also be a faithful servant of Sts. Vartanantz MARION BEDROSIAN alyzed. Tatios Magarian was asked to come and Armenian Church of Lowell and then 558 MOUNT AUBURN STREET PAUL BEDROSIAN help the family make ends meet during the dif - Chelmsford, serving on various committees and WATERTOWN, MA 02472 LARRY BEDROSIAN ficult times of the Great Depression. He was a as Parish Council chair during the transition

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Garipian had donated the banquet. By Madlen E. Setian Barsamian delivered the invocation, fol - lowed by a welcoming toast by Parish Council Chair Dr. Levon Capan. Capan thanked the TENAFLY, N.J. — On Palm Sunday, March banquet chairs for their hard work and dona - 24, the St. Thomas Armenian Church cele - tions, chef Andy Ouzoonian and his team, and brated the 48th anniversary of its consecra - the ACYOA Juniors who served the banquet. tion, honored by the presence of Archbishop Master of Ceremonies Hagop Vartivarian Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Diocese of noted the excellence of St. Thomas’ Kirikian the Armenian Church (Eastern), who delivered Armenian School, congratulating principal Ani the homily and presided over the Divine Capan for her leadership. Liturgy and celebratory dinner. The entertainment portion of the program The banquet began with the procession led featured a recitation in Armenian by Nairi by the parish council escorting the Primate, Arslan, who recited “Lousavorichi Ganteghuh” parish pastor the Very Rev. Papken by Hovhannes Toumaian. A classical guitar Anoushian, and honorees Berch and Nishan performance by the talented Cindy Mutafoglu Turpanjian, recipients of the 2013 “St. followed.

ACYOA Juniors Talar Arslanian and Anabrelle Cruickshank with Fr. Papken Anoushian

in the choir; and their tireless volunteering on Garipian and Karnig and Ipek Garipian for behalf of the church. once again underwriting the expenses of the Berch and Nishan both extended their Palm Sunday banquet. Finally, he thanked Ani appreciation for the award and thanked Fr. Capan for her help organizing the dinner, and Anoushian for helping them to learn and Ipek Garipian, Yeghsa Bestepe and Ani understand the Bible. They presented the pas - Hamparsumian for baking hundreds of tor with an exquisite hand cross, which clearly choregs to raise funds for the church. touched Anoushian, who said he would anoint In closing remarks, Barsamian said he was and bless the cross on Easter. happy to join the parish once again on the day Palm Sunday is designated as ACYOA Day in of the celebration of its consecration. He the Eastern Diocese, and members of the St. noted that award recipient Berch Turpanjian Thomas ACYOA Juniors helped serve at the was born in Dikranagerd, which the Primate banquet. Juniors Anabelle Cruickshank and had visited in the fall while on pilgrimage to Talar Arslanian presented Anoushian with a historic Armenia. The Primate said that he had $1,000 donation for St. Thomas. prayed for the resurrection of the Armenian Seated, from left: Hagop Vartivarian, Dr. Levon Capan, Fr. Papken Anoushian, and Archbishop Anoushian thanked Alex and Talar Sarafian people while in the ancient churches of the Khajag Barsamian, Standing Berch Turpanjian (left) and Nishan Turpanjian. for being chairs of the Palm Sunday Cake Armenian homeland, and added that the pres - Sale, to benefit the church and its organiza - ence of the youth and young leadership in the tions. church is an assurance of this resurrection. Thomas Award.” The presentation of the “St. Thomas Award” He also thanked Vartivarian, Lucy Piligian Before the proceedings began, Anoushian was the high point of the banquet. Anoushian and Capan — all distinguished intellectuals offered a hokehankisd prayer for the souls of warmly described the devotion and dedication and artists of the parish community. He Mateos Barsamian, Gulperi Alaca, Krikor of Berch and Nishan Turpanjian, noting the thanked chefs Andy Ouzoonian, Milt Palakian Alaca and Mariam Garipian, in whose memory, strong faith, prayerfulness and religiosity of and Shahe Jebejian for preparing the dinner, Haci and Nadya Garipian and Karnig and Ipek both brothers; their weekly presence singing and conveyed appreciation to Haci and Nadya

Entertainment Fridays and Saturdays 8 S ATURDAY , A PRIL 20, 2013 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR Ne w York M E T R O FAR Honors ANSEF Founder Dr. Yervant Terzian Knights and Daughters of Vartan March in Greek NEW YORK — Dr. Yervant Terzian, the Tisch would not be where it is today — one of the most Independence Distinguished University Professor of Cornell valued organizations in scientific research — University’s Department of Astronomy and one without his tireless effort and vigilance.” NEW YORK — The of the world’s leading astronomers, was honored Lee Corbin was one of the speakers of the Knights and Daughters of earlier this month by the Board of Directors of evening, who shared a 35-year friendship with Vartan once again arranged the Fund for Armenian Relief (FAR) at the Terzian and numerous trips around the world. for their members, and the Diocesan Center of the Armenian Church. Chobanian emphasized Terzian’s thirst for sci - Armenian community at Terzian is the founder and chairman of FAR’s entific knowledge and his unique ability to find large, to march in solidarity Armenian National Science and Education Fund time to do many things each day, including his with the Greeks on April 7. (ANSEF). unprecedented leadership at ANSEF. In addition This is the 20th year in During the celebration, Armenia’s to being one of the most acclaimed teachers and which the Knights have Ambassador to the United Nations Garen scientists in astrophysics and radio astronomy, participated in the Greek Nazarian presented Terzian with the Armenian Terzian has written more than 220 scientific pub - Independence Day parade. State Award, the Anania Shirakatsi Medal, on lications and has been the editor of six books, Greece was one of the behalf of the president of the Republic of few countries who opened Armenia. The ambassador praised Terzian’s lead - their doors to the ership in supporting the collaboration of Armenians when they fled Armenian astrophysicists with renowned scien - from persecution by the The Armenian group carried Armenian, American and tists around the world in the peaceful explo - Turks in 1915. In fact, the Greek flags. ration of space science. Ottoman Turks massacred Dr. Tavit Najarian, ANSEF co-founder and some 750,000 to 900,000 Greeks living in Anatolia as well as the Armenians and Assyrians. Board member, acted as master of ceremonies. Our contingent marched to clapping and rallying cries from the Greek spectators — “we Members of FAR’s Board of Directors and support you,” “long live the Armenians (yasou Armenaki),” “welcome and thank you for ANSEF’s Board of Directors and founders, being here” were commonly shouted by the Greek on-lookers. including Carnegie Corporation President Greece has also recognized the Armenian Genocide and Armenia’s second independence Vartan Gregorian; Aram Chobanian, president on September 21, 1991. Joining with the Knights and Daughters, to march from 63rd emeritus of Boston University and FAR founder Street on Fifth Avenue, and Columbia University neurosurgeon Dr. were also members of the Edgar Housepian, Dr. Raffy Hovanesian, Dr. Homenetmen and John Nercessian and Anahid Longobardo, also Aghtamar Dance Group. We attended. All speakers thanked the benefactors carried four full size flags – of ANSEF who make this program possible: the United States, Greek, Avanessians Family Foundation, the Dadourian Armenian and Family Foundation, the TF Educational Foundation and Dr. Sarkis Kechejian. Homenetmen. Armenia’s Ambassador to the United Nations The Armenian float was Over the past 13 years, Terzian, a passionate Karen Nazarian (right) presented Dr. Yervant proudly displayed with the advocate of the ANSEF program, has developed Terzian with the Anania Shirakatsi Medal, on tri colors of the Armenian an impressive group of the world’s leading scien - behalf of the President. flag and the Aghtamar tists who have been reviewing the proposals sub - dance group, fresh from mitted by dozens of Armenian scientists every their performance the previ - year. His personal investment in maintaining the including Carl Sagan’s Universe . ous night at the Syrian integrity of Armenia’s scientific, technological Since the late 1990s, ANSEF has aimed to Armenian relief concert, rid - and scholarly research communities through advance intellectual leaders and educate a new A float carried members of the Aghtamar Armenian Dance ANSEF is evident in his oft-expressed pride in his generation of scientists who could contribute to Group, as well as scouts from Homenetmen. ing atop the float while wearing traditional dance fellow Armenians. “I hope you feel as proud of innovation in Armenia. For the past 13 years costumes. these fellow Armenians as I do,” said Terzian. ANSEF has filled a gap by providing research The Knights are going to sponsor a march on Sunday, April 21, to commemorate the “Professor Terzian overcame all hurdles with grants of $5,000 to Armenia’s scholars and grad - 98th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, at Times Square, from 2 to 4 p.m. enviable efficiency, passion and meticulousness uate students – a total of 281 awards equaling to get the job done,” said Najarian. “ANSEF about $1.5 million. S ATURDAY , A PRIL 20, 2013 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 9 TRIBUTE

Vatche Semerdjian Honored for 50 Years of Community Service

By Kevork Keushkerian

LOS ANGELES — Editor, author, educator and com - munity activist Vatche Semerdjian received the St. Sahag- St. Mesrob Medal, as a result of an Encyclical by Karekin II, of all Armenians. Semerdjian was honored for dedicating more than 50 years of his life to the service of Armenian communities in Lebanon, Cyprus, Ethiopia, England and the United States of America. The ceremony began on Sunday morning, April 7, at the St. Leon Cathedral in Burbank. During the Divine Liturgy, Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, the Primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church, decorated his chest with the medal, after the reading of the Encyclical. He then praised the recipient for a life long

From left, Parsegh Kartalian, Ara Aharonian and Vatche Semerdjian

Parsegh Kartalian dedication to the Armenian community. The Primate compared Semerdjian to the moon, which captures the light from the sun and reflects it onto the earth at night. Metaphorically, he continued, Semerdjian uses his God-given talents to the service of his communi - ty. In that way, the Primate added, he is a good role model not only for his immediate family, but for the entire com - Edmond Azadian Laura Kuyumjian munity. After the church services, Semerdjian’s family, friends and colleagues were invited to the Phoenicia Restaurant Adrin Nazarian. nization. in Glendale. Parsegh Kartalian served as the Master of Azadian took to the podium and mentioned that his Laura Kuyumjian dwelled upon fun memories extract - Ceremonies. He first invited Rev. Dr. Zaven Arzoumanian friendship with Semerdjian extended over half a century, ed from a threefold relationship over 25 years with the to bless the food. Present were Archbishop Vatche originating when they both started to contribute and edit honoree. First, when she was teaching at TCA Arshag Hovsepian, the former Primate of the Western Diocese of Zartonk Sport, a weekly publication of the Zartonk daily Dickranian School, Semerdjian was a member of the the Armenian Church, Very Rev. Baret Yeretsian, Edmond newspaper in Lebanon. Azadian is one of the two vice Education Committee. Then, when she joined TCA Los Y. Azadian from Detroit, Hagop Vartivarian from New presidents of Tekeyan Cultural Association (TCA) Central Angeles Chapter, he was the chairman. And finally, they Jersey and Frank Quintero, the mayor of Glendale, who Board of Directors of the United States and Canada. both became colleagues at TCA Arshag Dickranian gave the honoree a commendation from the City of Azadian called Semerdjian a renaissance man, further School, teaching and literature. Glendale. noting that the honoree had a keen sense of humor, was Two of Semerdjian’s former students recalled memo - There were several remarks made by close friends, col - honest, friendly and most importantly, a free thinker. Their rable moments from their experience at the Dickranian

A former student delivers words of appreciation.

School. Other remarks were made by George Mandossian, chairman of TCA Arshag Dickranian School’s Board of Directors, Vartivarian, Chairman of TCA New York From left, Hasmik Mandossian, George Mandossian, Edmond Azadian, Laura Kuyumjian, Sossi Semerdjian, Mrs. Kartalian, Chapter, Sarkis Vahakn and Hagop Mardirossian, editor of Vatche Semerdjian, Baydzig Kalayjian, Hagop Vartivarian and Parsegh Kartalia Nor Or Weekly. Musical selections were rendered by Salpi Kerkonian, on the clarinet, and Sossy Kerkonian, on the harp. Vocal leagues and elected officials. Ara Aharonian noted that relationship, Azadian continued, was based on mutual selections were rendered by tenor Artashes Hayryan. this was the 55th anniversary of Semerdjian’s community admiration and respect. Independent thinkers are often crit - Finally, the honoree took to the podium and thanked service, briefly mentioned his literary achievements and icized, he went on, and as examples he mentioned Socrates, members of the organizing committee, then his wife and then presented the honoree with a commendation from Jesus Christ and Hagop Baronian, among many. children, the many speakers for their kind words and mem - the County of Los Angeles, signed by Mike Antonovich, Baydzig Kalayjian, on behalf of the Tekeyan Cultural orable experiences. Finally, he thanked the audience at Supervisor 5th District, and a Certificate of Recognition Association’s Central Committee, delivered a statement large for taking the time to share his happiness with him. from the State of California, signed by Assemblyman praising his long association and dedication to the orga - 10 S ATURDAY , A PRIL 20, 2013 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR Arts & Living

Filmmaker Eric MARIE CLAIRE ANDREA PHOTO Armenian Genocide Nazarian to Digital Poster Exhibit Speak at NAASR, Sponsored Jointly Armenian Assembly, Armenian Show Short Film, National Institute, Genocide Museum ‘Bolis’ Take Part WASHINGTON — The Armenian National BELMONT, Mass. — Acclaimed film - Institute (ANI), the Armenian Genocide maker Eric Nazarian will give a lecture Museum of America (AGMA) and the Armenian titled “Shattered Screens: Can Cinema Assembly of America (AAA) issued a joint state - Break Taboos About the Armenian ment upon the release of “Witness to the Genocide?” and show his short film Armenian Genocide: Photographs by the “Bolis,” on Thursday, May 2, at 8 p.m. at Perpetrators’ German and Austro-Hungarian the National Association for Armenian Allies,” a digital exhibit that the three organi - Studies and Research (NAASR), 395 zations are making available for display without Concord Ave. charge. Nazarian’s 20-minute-long film “Bolis” The newly-created digital display instruction - (2010) tells the story of an Armenian oud al posters are being released in time for April as musician returning to Istanbul to find his a public service to educational institutions and grandfather’s oud shop and a family heir - the worldwide Armenian community. The loom that disappeared during the poster set may be downloaded from the ANI, Armenian Genocide. “Bolis” was the AGMA, and AAA websites and printed in any recipient of the Best Short Film Award at size suitable for instructional, exhibit, class - the 14th Arpa International Film Festival room, and public education purposes. in 2011. It has been shown in numerous Designed to be printed in a full-size poster for - film festivals, including in Armenia, mat of 24” by 36” or bigger, the publication is Istanbul, Sarajevo and Dubai. also legible and usable at the 8.5” by 11” stan - In 2012, Nazarian wrote and directed dard letter-size format in booklet or flyer mode. “Occupied Tears,” a 3D- and 2D-anima - The 10-poster set includes an introductory tion music video for Serj Tankian about page, a detailed timeline, a color-coded map children in war and the Middle East. He geographically matching the photographs with is a fellow of the inaugural cycle of the Director Aramazt Kalayjian (center) with Alemeyahu Eshete, the “Elvis of Ethiopia” their location, and seven pages displaying 34 Fox Writers Intensive at 20th Century and the production crew at Ras Hotel captioned historic photographs. The color- Fox Studios and is currently adapting coded map in the exhibit is based on the previ - Chris Bohjalian’s acclaimed novel, The ously-published ANI map of the 1915 Armenian Sandcastle Girls , for the big screen. Genocide in the illustrating Nazarian is a screenwriter, filmmaker Filmmaker Aramazt the three prevailing aspects of the Genocide: and photojournalist. Born in Armenia, he the deportations, the massacres and the con - centration camps. Photographic evidence on the Armenian Kalayjian Brings Genocide is extremely rare. Although Imperial Germany and the Ottoman Empire were mili - tary allies during World War I, the Ottoman ‘Tezeta’ to Life Turkish authorities responsible for the Armenian Genocide prohibited taking pictures WATERTOWN — Tezeta is a word of great significance in Ethiopia. In Amharic and closely watched anyone suspected of own - (Semetic language spoken in Ethiopia), it means memory, nostalgia or longing. It is ing a camera. Despite the threat of a court mar - also the name of a type of Ethiopian jazz and ballads in that style that have been tial, several German civilians and other German sung by countless Ethiopian singers. military officials assigned to the Ottoman More recently, it has served at the lin - Empire during the war disregarded the ban and By Gabriella Gage guistic inspiration for “Tezeta [The secretly photographed the mistreatment of the Ethiopian Armenians,]” a documen - Armenian population. Mirror-Spectator Staff tary by Armenian-American filmmak - see POSTERS, 11 er, Aramazt Kalayjian. The film, currently in production, explores the historic connection between Armenians and Ethiopians, with music Hamazkayin Eastern USA serving as the main cultural bridge between the communities. Through the film, its creators hope to preserve the culture legacy of the small, relatively unheard of Third Annual Pan- Armenian community in Ethiopia. “From 40 Armenian orphans adopted by Emperor Haile Selassie after the Genocide to perform as the first imperial orchestra of Gathering in Boston Eric Nazarian Ethiopia in 1924, to Alemayhu Eshete, the ‘Elvis’ of Ethiopia, Armenians have left their imprint on the cultural and musical landscape of Ethiopian society,” said, WATERTOWN — Hamazkayin Armenian Educational and Cultural Society of Eastern grew up in Los Angeles, graduating with Kalayjian, creator and director of the project. United States will hold its third annual Pan- a Bachelor of Arts in film production Kalayjian explained, “I chose [Tezeta] as the title for our documentary because of Gathering on Saturday, May 4, at 7 p.m., at the from the University of Southern its connection to the music as well as the implied sentiment. ‘Tezeta,’ memory, nos - Hovnanian Hall of the Armenian Cultural and California’s (USC) School of Cinematic talgia, these are what people describe when thinking about the connection between Educational Center (ACEC), 47 Nichols Ave. Arts. During his student years, he was a Armenians and Ethiopians.” He added, “Music has been the main cultural vein by Dedicated to the 300th birthday of Armenian freelance photojournalist covering stories which Armenians were able to sustain a connection and impart their musical craft troubadour Sayat Nova, this event will feature a in Southern California and to Ethiopian society. Through the stories and people I mentioned previously, they keynote address by Dr. Thomas Samuelian, Armenia/Nagorno-Karabagh. were able to elevate the level and quality of music performance, composition and dean of the Law School at the American In 2007, Nazarian wrote and directed appreciation in Ethiopia.” University of Armenia, with filmmaker Eric “The Blue Hour,” his first feature film Kalayjian first heard of the Ethiopian-Armenian community as a small child, grow - Nazarian as special guest. The musical program that premiered in competition at the ing up in the Hudson River Valley of New York. “As a child, my father had always will mark the US debut of the Mayilyan Vocal 55th San Sebastian International Film told me stories of how many places we had Armenian communities. , Trio from Armenia under the artistic director - Festival, going on to win six internation - Uruguay, Australia, India and this also included Ethiopia. He had told me about an ship of mezzo-soprano Anna Mayilyan, with al awards. Ethiopian classmate he had at the now-closed Melkonian Boarding School.” But Armine Khachatryan, Yeva Yeganyan and In 2008, he received the Academy of Kalayjian didn’t begin to fully explore his father’s tales of little-known Armenian Lusine Grigoryan. Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Nicholl communities until years later while he was living in Harlem, New York. All proceeds from the event are to benefit Fellowship in Screenwriting for his origi - Kalayjian had taken an interest in the arts from an early age. He attended the the educational and cultural initiatives of nal screenplay, “Giants.” In 2010, he was Pratt Institute where he graduated with a degree in communications design. While Hamazkayin Armenian Educational and invited to participate in “Do Not Forget attending a 10-week documentary filmmaking collaborative at the Maysles Institute Cultural Society. Me Istanbul,” an omnibus film being pro - in Harlem, Kalayjian explored the art of writing a treatment, budgeting, story-telling This event is the highlight of the third annu - duced as part of the European Capital of through video and what it takes to make a documentary film. al Pan Gathering, a reunion of all eight chapters Culture’s Istanbul 2010 program. One day while visiting the Schoenberg Library of African Studies in Harlem, of the Hamazkayin Eastern US, taking place in More information about this program Kalayjian recalled his father’s stories and decided to ask if there were any materials Boston for the first time. may be had by e-mailing [email protected]. see FILM, page 12 Tickets to the event can be purchased online at www.itsmyseat.com/pangathering. S ATURDAY , A PRIL 20, 2013 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 11 ARTS & LIVING Filmmaker Aramazt Kalayjian Brings ‘Tezeta’ to Life

FILM, from page 10 ries and began research on that showed a historical connection between what he calls, “the Ethiopian- Armenia and Africa. The librarian — who Armenian cultural and musi - Kalayjian noted happened to be half-Armenian cal romance.” —brought forth two books that described the Kalayjian explained that trading patterns and goods between Armenians many people are aware of the and Ethiopia during the 14th century. “I was story of the 40 Armenian enthused. It was magical, almost like discover - orphans who served in the ing a secret treasure that had been hidden,” Ethiopian orchestral band said of his discovery. The next day, Kalayjian and of their bandleader, met with his friend and musicologist, Miles Kevork Nalbandian, who McNulty, who introduced him to a series of wrote Ethiopia’s first national Ethiopian music produced by Francis Falceto anthem. “What people don’t called “Éthiopiques.” While browsing the multi- know about,” Kalayjian said, disc collection, Kalayjian happened to find an “are the others who worked Armenian name in the credits — Nerses to elevate Ethiopia’s level of Nalbandian. “After hearing this, and after some music. Sona Stordio who research, I learned about an orchestral group of taught piano lessons to many 40 orphans of the Armenian Genocide from in Ethiopia. Ashkhen Jerusalem who were adopted by Emperor Haile Avakian, who served on the Selassie I to serve as Ethiopia’s first imperial board of Ethiopia’s only uni - orchestra. I was hooked, I realized that there versity-level music school, An old photograph of the Armenian community in Ethiopia during the rule of Emperor Menelik II was a profound story whose surface I just Yared School. Haig began to touch.” Manougian, who served as While planning his move from New York to leader of the Police Academy Band for 10 years musical notation to European musical nota - sider it a success and will help us complete col - Armenia, Kalayjian and his wife, Ani Jilozian, and spent six years translating Ethiopian tion,” and countless others. “The depth of lecting materials here in Ethiopia,” said decided to visit Ethiopia in order to collect sto - church music from the traditional St. Yared which the Armenians helped to nurture the Kalayjian. musical craft in Ethiopia is truly unknown.” “We are pursuing different grant-making Kalayjian said that the response of both the organizations [Armenian, Ethiopian and inter - Armenian-Ethiopian community, and the larger national] to fund post-production [video editing, Ethiopian community has been amazing. sound engineering, color correction, DVD mas - “Once people heard that I was making a doc - tering] as well as a concert to be held in umentary about their story through the narra - Yerevan with an Ethiopian band and Ethiopia’s tive of music they were enthused and offered last performing pop star, Vahe Tilbian. We’re ARMENIAN GENOCIDE photographs, stories and the vulnerability of consciously hopeful that we will be successful being on-camera, REMEMBRANCE which is a huge gift of To honor the 1.5 million martyred Armenians. access and priceless to Blessing of Madagh and Requium Services followed by fellowship. a documentary film - maker.” He added, “It’s as much an Guest speaker Ethiopian story as it is an Armenian story Dr. Mary Papazian, Ph. D, because many President of Southern Connecticut State University . Armenians here were adopted as Ethiopians. There was Piano Selections by Vahe Hovhannisyan one gravestone of an Armenian doctor that I visited in the Armenian Church of the Holy Resurrection, Armenian cemetery “Tezeta [The Ethiopian Armenians]” film poster 1910 Stanley Street, New Britain, CT that speaks volumes, ‘Born in Ethiopia, in bringing this great musical culmination to Lived for Ethiopia, Died for Ethiopia.’” stage in Armenia,” he said. Wednesday Evening “Tezeta [The Ethiopian Armenians]” is slated The film’s producers also hope to have the for release later this year. Recent and ongoing film tour festivals worldwide and say that plans April 24, at 7:00 pm fundraising campaigns are aimed at supporting for a museum in Ethiopia are also in the works. the completion of the project, with hundreds of Kalayjian’s dedication to the project is in part All are invited to attend this program. hours of footage already filmed. due to the uniqueness and strength of the “We recently raised funds for the final leg of Ethiopian-Armenian community itself. “Their production and post-production of our film. common religious foundation gave them a Even though we didn’t raise our goal, we con - bridge into the hearts and minds of Ethiopia’s royalty and people. This created a bond of trust allowed Armenians to thrive and help thrive with a great gift of commonality among Ethiopian society,” he said referring to the fact that both Ethiopian and Armenian Apostolic Churches are members of the Oriental Orthodox communion of churches. There are also similarities between the Ethiopian and Armenian alphabets. As production moves forward, Kalayjian said he hopes “to educate an international audience of the huge contribution afforded Ethiopia by Armenians and the cultural and musical romance they shared. If I can inspire others to desire to know more, I would feel like I have succeeded. The importance lies in the fact that many Armenians and Ethiopians don’t know Armenians were or are here.” For more information on “Tezeta [The Ethiopian Armenians],” the history of the Ethiopian-Armenian community or to donate to the film’s production, visit http://tezeta.tumblr.com/.

The Armenian Mirror-Spectator Now in its 81 st year of publication 12 S ATURDAY , A PRIL 20, 2013 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR ARTS & LIVING Armenian Genocide Digital Poster Exhibit Sponsored Jointly CC AA LLEENNDDAARR

POSTERS, from page 10 “Every year, we look for new ways to educate the public and policy makers on the history and legacy of the Armenian Genocide. This poster exhibit available at no charge at the ANI and Armenian Assembly websites has generated a CONNECTICUT terrific response so far with so many taking advantage of the download and exhibiting the APRIL 24 — Armenian Genocide Commemoration, 7 p.m., at series this April in universities, schools, and the Armenian Church of the Holy Resurrection, 1910 Stanley other public locations. Last year, the exhibit St., services will be held in remembrance of and to honor the 1.5 was featured in Washington, DC. This year with million martyred Armenians. Guest speaker will be Dr. Mary the free on line feature running, it is not only Papazian, president of Southern Connecticut State University. being printed and exhibited all over the United The program also includes piano selections by Vahe States, but also in other countries in English Hovhannisyan. There will be Blessing of Madagh and Requium and in native languages as we have given selec - Services followed by fellowship. All are invited to attend. tive permission to translate the series. We look forward to expanding the series in the near MASSACHUSETTS future as well,” said Van Z. Krikorian, chairman of ANI. APRIL 21 — Genocide Joint Commemoration: Armenia, The exhibit is the product of years of research , Dar fur, 2 p.m., Talks by Kowith Kret, survivor of the in European archives conducted by Dr. Hilmar Cambodian Genocide by the Khmer Rouge, Eric Cohen, presi - Kaiser. Many of the photographs in the exhib - dent of the Mass. Coalition to Save Darfur and Prof. Armen On April 21, at 2 p.m., ALMA will host Genocide it were uncovered for the first time after Marsoobian of Southern Connecticut University on the after - Joint Commemoration: Armenia, Cambodia, decades of neglect. The photographs showing math of the Armenian Genocide. ALMA, 65 Main St., Darfur. Talks by Kowith Kret, survivor of the Armenian deportees are matched with diary Watertown. Free admission. Cambodian Genocide by the Khmer Rouge, Eric entries, reports, and memoirs of the photogra - APRIL 24 — St. James and St. Stephen’s Armenian Apostolic Cohen, president of the Mass. Coalition to Save phers and in so doing documenting their Churches together with the Armenian Cultural and Education Darfur and Prof. Armen Marsoobian of authenticity. The photographers represented Center (ACEC) will host a Commemoration of the Armenian Southern Connecticut University (above) on the include Hellmuth von Mücke at Der Zor, Victor Genocide on April 24, 6 p.m. The event will begin at St. James for aftermath of the Armenian Genocide. 65 Main Pietschmann who witnessed the deportation of a requiem service, followed by the laying of the wreath at the St., Watertown. Free admission. Armenians from Sushehri, Max Erwin von Khatchikar in front of the church. A procession will form and march Scheubner-Richter, the German Vice-Consul in to St. Stephen’s where another wreath will be laid before continu - Erzerum, and Armin T. Wegner in Aleppo and ing on to the ACEC where the commemorative program will begin. surrounding refugee camps. The keynote speaker will be Garen Nazarian, Armenia’s ambassador this year remembering Dan Dorian, sponsored by Holy Trinity As part of their ongoing program to promote to the United Nations. There will also be a musical interlude. ACEC Armenian Church of Greater Boston, Marlborough Country the teaching of genocide and human rights and is located 47 Nichols Ave., Watertown. Club, Marlborough. the lessons of the Armenian Genocide, ANI and APRIL 28 — The Armenian Genocide Commemorative AGMA recommend utilizing the poster set in Committee of Merrimack Valley 98th observance, 3 p.m., conjunction with the recently-released fourth North Andover High School; musical performance by soloists edition of Centuries of Genocide: Essays and Knarik Nerkararyan, Victoria Avetisyan and Yeghishe NEW JERSEY Eyewitness Accounts, by Samuel Totten and Manucharyan, accompanied by pianist Levon Hovsepyan; com - MAY 18 — Annual Meeting & Luncheon, Armenian William S. Parsons, a textbook widely used in plimentary admission; reception to follow. International Women’s Association. Sheraton Lincoln Harbor college and high school courses, that includes MAY 3 — St. Stephen’s Armenian Elementary School’s 27th Hotel, Weehawken, NJ. Meeting, 9 :30 a.m. ; Luncheon, 12 :30 an extensive chapter on the Armenian Annual Bazaar, at the Armenian Cultural and Educational p.m. Luncheon Speaker: Dr. Mary A. Papazian, President, Genocide. Center, Watertown. From noon to 9:30 p.m., offering Armenian Southern Connecticut State University : “The Empowerment of As part of its continuing service to educators foods and pastries all day. Take out available. Carnival and Women through Education.“ Special guest, Maro Matossian, and to coincide with the release of the poster games for kids. Director, Women’s Support Center, Yerevan ; Woman of set and Centuries of Genocide, ANI previously MAY 7 — Holy Trinity Armenian Church of Greater Boston Achievement Award : Ruth Bedevian. Annual meeting free to announced the launch of its expanded presents The Dr. Michael and Joyce Kolligian Distinguished members & friends ; Luncheon $55. Info, reservations : 617-926- Resource Guide and other sections of the Speaker Series, Peter Bergen, CNN National Security Analyst, 0171 or [email protected]. Education component of the ANI website. “The Awakening: The Remaking of the Middle East,” 7 p.m., Dozens of resources selected for their instruc - Charles & Nevart Talanian Cultural Hall, 145 Brattle St., tional value are listed for the benefit of students Cambridge. Reception and book signing follows talk; open and PENNSYLVANIA and teachers. Educators interested in teaching free to the public. MAY 18 — Mer Doon Armenian Dance, 8 p.m., Santerian Hall, about the role of American humanitarianism MAY 12 — Book Presentation, The Immortals: A Pictorial Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church, 101 Ashmead Road, and involvement in responding to the Armenian Anthology of Historiographic Works by Alice Navasargian, Cheltenham. Sponsored by the Knights of Vartan Ardashad crisis can also benefit from the recently issued 2:30 p.m. Free event co-sponsored by ALMA, NAASR and the Lodge. All proceeds will support the Mer Doon home in fact sheet summarizing the United States Armenian International Women’s Association (AIWA). ALMA Echmiadzin, which provides women over 18 years of age a lov - Record on the Armenian Genocide: A Proud Contemporary Arts Gallery, 65 Main St., Watertown. ing home and a solid education. Advance tickets are $15. For Chapter in American History, prepared by the MAY 18 — Hoy Lari in concert to benefit Armenian Children’s tickets or info, call Vick Bazarbashian, 610-389-4633. Armenian Assembly of America. Milk Fund. Returning to Boston by popular demand, Janet and As a preview to the digital exhibit, the intro - Paola will entertain kids of all ages with songs in Armenian and duction to the posters is reproduced below: English. Details to follow. Free Calendar Submissions The German military mission to the Ottoman JUNE 13 — St. Gregory Armenian Apostolic Church of Empire was established in 1913. German offi - Merrimack Valley Men’s Club Fourth Annual Cigar Night & Beginning in March, the Mirror-Spectator accepts calendar submis - cers served on the Ottoman General Staff in Dinner, in memory of Fr. Vartan Kassabian; surf & turf dinner, sions free of charge. Calendar entries of a maximum of five lines can Constantinople, and some were in leading posi - be submitted to [email protected]; entries exceeding five lines will open bar, cigars, live & silent auctions, raffles; tickets $150, con - be subject to charge. We encourage readers and community mem - tions with the Ottoman armies on various tact Greg Minasian @[email protected], or 978-470- bers to submit their events so that we may provide readers with a fronts during World War I. These men became 3075;158 Main Street, No. Andover, 01845. comprehensive calendar of events. eye-witnesses to the Armenian Genocide. JUNE 17 — The Gregory Hintlian Memorial Golf Tournament, As a rule, German officers followed a policy of non-interference in what was claimed to be an internal affair of the Ottoman Empire. On the other hand, numerous officers tried to mit - igate Ottoman policies and a few, in defiance of had been forgotten for decades and remained military regulations, even took part in clandes - hidden in dusty drawers, files, and private col - tine activities to help the victims. Together, lections. these officers, German consular staff, mission - The Armenian Genocide was a planned cam - aries, and administrators of the Deutsche Bank- paign by the Young Turk government to anni - owned Anatolian and Baghdad Railways played hilate the Christian Armenian population of the a critical role in the creation of a humanitarian Ottoman Empire. Embarked upon in 1915, dur - resistance network that included American mis - ing WWI, the deportation and decimation of sionaries and diplomats, surviving Armenians, the Armenians across Anatolia, modern-day and even some Ottoman officials. Turkey, continued until 1923. The campaign Ottoman Martial Law prohibited taking pho - resulted in the complete destruction of tographs of the Armenian deportees. Thus, doc - Armenian society across the region and in the umenting the crime by photographing the real - greater part of its historic homeland. ity of the deportations became an act of resis - Founded in 1997, the Armenian National tance. Many photographs were lost due to the Institute (ANI) is a 501(c)(3) educational chari - interception of Ottoman intelligence services at ty based in Washington, DC, and is dedicated to the time and later destruction in Germany dur - the study, research, and affirmation of the Deportees in cattle cars, one of the many photos available in the virtual exhibit ing World War II. Many of these photographs Armenian Genocide. S ATURDAY , A PRIL 20, 2013 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 13 COMMENTARY

T HE A RMENIAN COMMENTARY Mirror- Are We Ready?

to form scholarly committees to study “conflicting” views on Spectator By Edmond Y. Azadian the Jewish Holocaust. While Turkish authorities propose the formation of joint committees, they already know the conclusion; indeed, The centennial of the Armenian Genocide is around the cor - Prime Minister Erdogan, on the one hand proposes the idea ner. Only two years are left to prepare a commemoration of the joint committee, yet in the same breath, he emphati - commensurate with the magnitude of that colossal tragedy, cally declares that there has never been a genocide in Established 1932 which not only cost 1.5 million lives, but also a 3000-year- Turkish or Ottoman history. An ADL Publication old homeland. Assimilated generations of Armenians or Fortunately thus far, there have been no takers of that offer masses alienated from their roots must be added in the loss from the Armenian side — neither the Armenian government ledge of the martyrs. nor any party in the Diaspora.

EDITOR Once in a while we come across some Armenian media But the growing clout of Turkey on the international politi - Alin K. Gregorian statements to the effect of a tsunami in 2015, which will cal scene has been influencing government positions in coun - scare the Turks and turn a new page in our struggle to pro - tries where Armenian lobbying groups have been active. ASSISTANT EDITOR mote the recognition of the Armenian Genocide. Yes, President Obama has retreated on his pledge to recognize the Gabriella Gage indeed, there are some preparations in Armenia and we Armenian Genocide; his annual April 24 statements are testi - learn about the centennial commemoration committees mony to that cowardice. ASSOCIATE EDITOR being formed in many communities throughout the Many Armenians who believed in President Obama’s moral Aram Arkun Diaspora. However, no major earth-shaking event seems to fabric, have come to the realization that like his advisor, ART DIRECTOR be in the offing. It would be a shame if the centennial com - Samantha Power, and other statesmen, he is caught in the Marc Mgrditchian memoration also turns out to be a run-of-the-mill program, gears of political power to forgo morality. No Armenian still akin to those which we organize every year in Armenia and entertains any hope that he will come up with a statement in active Armenian communities around the globe. Any using the word genocide this year, next year or in 2015. SENIOR EDITORIAL COLUMNIST: impressive commemorative event will take more than two The dramatic 40-percent drop in US aid to a starving Edmond Azadian years to organize. Armenia is an indirect contribution to the Turkish-Azeri efforts There seem to be no major undertakings to celebrate the to squeeze Armenia out of existence. CONTRIBUTORS: survival of the Armenian people by gathering world-class Adding insult to injury, the president has kept parity in mili - Florence Avakian, Elizabeth Aprahamian, artists and celebrities of Armenian extraction in an impres - tary aid to Armenia and Azerbaijan, bypassing again Article 9 Daphne Abeel, Dr. Haroutiune sive venue in New York, Paris, Moscow or Yerevan. That cer - of the Freedom Support Act, to deny Azerbaijan any military Arzoumanian, Taleen Babayan, Prof. tainly would entail tremendous resources, which no bene - assistance in view of the Baku government’s belligerence. Vahakn N. Dadrian, Diana Der Hovanessian, Philip Ketchian, Kevork factor, foundation or organization seems ready to under - Unfortunately, we have also retreated in France despite the Keushkerian, Sonia Kailian-Placido , take, let alone initiate. valiant campaign of the French-Armenian community. Harut Sassounian, Mary Terzian, Hagop Monuments have been erected in many capitals of the President Francois Hollande had promised to pass the resolu - Vartivarian, Naomi Zeytoonian world, sometimes compromising the location, depending on tion in the French Parliament crafting iron-tight legal language the clout of the respective Armenian community. to withstand the Supreme Court arguments. After some reas - CORRESPONDENTS: The most impressive and eloquent monument would have surances, his foreign minister has quietly dropped the case, Armenia - Hagop Avedikian been the Genocide Museum at the heart of our nation’s cap - arguing that the Supreme Court had already issued its verdict. Boston - Nancy Kalajian ital. In addition to its symbolism, the museum by itself could Our strategic ally, Russia, is in no better position. Its bilater - Philadelphia - Lisa Manookian Berlin - Muriel Mirak-Weissbach make a political statement. It is almost tragic that two years al trade with Turkey is approaching an annual figure of $100 shy of the centennial, the museum is still a hostage to the billion, which no side is willing to compromise, despite the fact Contributing Photographers: dispute of opposing parties. One is certainly justified to that political divisions keep them apart. For example, Russia is Jacob Demirdjian, Harry Koundakjian, Jirair Hovsepian begin to believe that the project is already a victim of a polit - arming the Assad regime in Syria while Turkey is arming mer - ical conspiracy. The government of Turkey would have given cenaries on the border to overthrow the Syrian government. an arm and a leg to have the museum disappear from that Recent political contacts between Ankara and Moscow indicate conspicuous location in Washington, DC. But that wish thus nothing but rapprochement between the two parties. Although The Armenian Mirror-Spectator is published far is being offered for free by internecine warfare. Russia has recognized the Armenian Genocide, Mr. Putin does weekly, except two weeks in July, by: One area where we have recorded strides is the academic not seem to have the appetite to help Genocide recognition Baikar Association, Inc. sphere and that is where the battle is shaping up between worldwide. 755 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA 02472-1509 victims of the Genocide and the descendants of the perpe - Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev has targeted the diaspo - Telephone: 617-924-4420 trators. One hundred and twenty world-renowned genocide ran Armenians. He has reiterated recently his statement that FAX: 617-924-2887 scholars have signed a powerful statement in the New York Baku’s number one enemy is the Armenian Diaspora. When we www.mir rorspectator.com Times, leaving no room for any rebuttal. However, the see the enemies intention to turn diasporan Armenians against E-Mail: editor@mirrorspectator .com Turkish government is buying corrupt scholars to promote the homeland, it behooves us to close ranks facing that enemy. their line of denial. But what are we doing instead? Confined to our narrow corners For advertising: [email protected] In the production of academic volumes, the Armenian and unable to read the tides of world powers, we are jeopar - case has enjoyed the support of world-class non-Armenian dizing Armenia’s existence and future, under the pretense of scholars otherwise the dispute would have been reduced to supporting democracy there. If Armenia’s existence is compro - SUBSCRIPTION RATES : the level of he said-she said, which still remains the goal of mised, democracy can only be an exercise in futility. Turkish authorities. The Genocide centennial is around the corner yet the Yet one phenomenal development is that respected prospects of a powerful show of force seem to be remote. U.S.A. $80 a year Turkish scholars have also joined the fray. Turkey has been using all its political and financial resources to From time to time, Turkish leaders float trial balloons to prevent any waves on the international scene. No matter how Canada $125 a year dupe the international media. They propose to form a joint much we may court optimism, the facts of life still remain committee of scholars to “research both sides of the argu - against us. Other Countries $190 a year ment,” while there is no other side in this case. It is unthink - In this kind of atmosphere, no tsunami appears on the hori - able in any other context. For example, no one has proposed zon; perhaps just a breeze to soothe our burning hearts.

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LETTERS First Meetings Turkey Needs to Put Its History in

Turkish-Armenian relations have “complicated” written all over them. For starters, I must say that I am careful about choosing which Accurate Geographical Context nationality to begin with when I use Armenian and Turkish in the same breath. Should I say Armenian-Turkish, Turkish-Armenian, Armeno- To the Editor: But most of them were Kurds, rather than Turks; Turkish? I read the article “Turkey and Armenia at and they died on account of the appalling sanitary I remember dealing with this conundrum six years ago while assist- Loggerheads” by David L. Phillips, originally in the conditions that prevailed throughout Anatolia and ing with a particular Huffington Post and reprinted in your issue of April Turkish Armenia in that ghastly time. Armenian rapprochement among 8. I feel sure that many readers will agree that the bodies were left unburied; so it is not surprising that By Gonca Sönmez-Poole the two communities establishment of normal cross-border relations there was a massive epidemic of typhus. And all this led by a third party. I between Turkey and Armenia would be good for all was due to the original genocidal policies of the recall that some partici- concerned. However the author showed that he is Committee of Union and Progress, seen in their pants were uneasy about the sequencing of nationalities. unwilling to question some misconceptions, and observed actions in April-June 1915 and recorded in But fast-forward a few years: when I picked the acronym TAWA these need to be challenged. dispatches like that of the German Ambassador of (Turkish-Armenian Women’s Alliance) several months ago for the In the first place, there is the idea put out by the June 30, 1916. women’s group I started, there wasn’t a peep from anyone. Maybe Turks that 1915, the year of the Armenian Genocide, Secondly, we would all like to see the bridge across because I told them it was a play on the word tava (Turkish for “pan”), represented a time of “shared suffering.” This is dis - the Akhurian River restored and in use. But the idea and because we have more than a few foodies in the group, TAWA was honest, sentimental, made-up drivel. It’s the sort of that this bridge represents “the connection between easy to swallow. Or maybe, just maybe these relations I’m referring to smooth fancy rhetoric you find among those unwill - Armenian civilization and the Anatolian plain” is have been changing for the better, thanks to a new wave of thinkers ing to confront the terrible truths of history, but who ludicrous. It’s like saying that a bridge over the and doers, leading the way for a starkly different and more positive seek instead to mash them into some sort of easy, Charles River connects Boston with Canada. Kars future. relaxing verbiage to comfort (and control) the aver - (which I have visited), in Turkey today, was actually That said, a solid future can be built only on the shared trust of those age non-committed person watching evening TV. part of Armenia until 1920; and the lands a good few who strive for it. And trust is not easy to come by in the sphere of The words “shared suffering” reek of a notion put hundred miles further west were traditionally known Armenian-Turkish relations. Having dealt with the issue of trust in my out by an expensive PR firm (paid probably, indi - as Turkish Armenia — a mountainous area, physical - earlier efforts within the Armenian and Turkish communities, I decid- rectly, through US taxpayers.) ly different from the Anatolian plain, which is situat - ed to inquire about the TAWA women’s first encounter with an Nineteen fifteen (1915) was a political event and a ed yet further west. Van and Bitlis are not on the Armenian or a Turkish person. political genocide of the Armenian people, executed Anatolian plain. Here is a sample of their answers: by adepts of the ruling party in Ottoman Turkey, the Until people can face the facts of history and place Ay e Kaya Fırat said, “There was this micro-economy class that I Committee of Union and Progress. Unless you them in a truthful geographical context, there will be was taking, and during the first class I had this lady sitting next to me search out the policies and actions of the leading no success in bringing about any sort of reconcilia - … and we had this real nice connection from the beginning, and when members of that political grouping, you won’t under - tion, however desperately needed, between Turkey in the first class our professor told us that he wanted a group project, stand anything. Certainly a large number of non- and Armenia. she was the only person that I knew in the class, and I thought of her Armenians died in the genocidal process, and these — Christopher J. Walker right away… when we came to the second class in the same week, we naturally were Muslim neighbors of the Armenians. London, England started talking more about ourselves, obviously, and I remember the time she learned about me and my nationality, that was the last time she spoke to me in class; she said ‘I’m American-Armenian,’ and I said ‘I’m Turkish,’ and I thought it would go beyond that and we would ask A Sacrifice by the Armenians other questions, but her facial expression was so different than I ever imagined — I had a hard time to understand what was going on...I To the Editor: only begotten son — to suffer and die on the cross for asked a few questions, she didn’t respond; she just sat and then left the Every year around April 24 one of the most asked the sins of humanity, the Armenians, as the first classroom afterwards...[it was a] striking experience.” questions by Armenians is “Why did God punish Christian nation, were therefore the first people of Tsoleen Sarian said, “I went to Merrimack College and I played vol- us?” Having heard the horrific stories of the the 20th century chosen by God to be sacrificed. leyball; one of the basketball players was a Turkish boy from Genocide all of my life, I too, have asked the same Possibly, what we perceive to be man’s inhumanity Turkey...so I hadn’t really talked to him, so I emailed him, and I was question until I came to the realization that there is to man, is in reality, sacrifice for the sins of mankind. like ‘Oh hi, I’m Armenian,’ and he just had this awful response... basi- a significant difference between punishment and sac - Therefore, are Armenians, in reality, the chosen cally it was like ‘This Turkish-Armenian question is all propaganda,’ rifice. people? This is just a theory open for debate. and I was like... ‘Okay… just saying hi, but okay’… It was sad…and you Perhaps it is a rationalization on my part in an know it was such an Irish Catholic school, so to have someone that’s effort to explain why the Genocide happened, but — Adrienne Alexanian not Irish and not Catholic and, you know, a little exotic — it wasn’t like possibly in the same way that God chose Jesus — his New York, NY I had gone to a very diverse school, so I wanted to have this conversa- tion, and he just wasn’t interested.” Zeren Earls said, “This began at a cocktail party. The conference — I don’t know what it was about, but it had nothing to do with Turks and Armenians. I was just wearing a nametag. A young woman came, saw my tag, and said, ‘What kind of a name is that?’ and I said ‘Turkish,’ so that opened the floodgates and I said, ‘Hold An Open Letter to it, why are you attacking me for something that happened so many years ago? I wasn’t even around.’ He said, ‘Look at the Jews: they make sure that the Holocaust is never forgotten’... so I have these stories, Armenian-Americans you know; I don’t sit and dwell on them, but that’s what has made me cautious.” Laura Bilazarian-Purutyan, who grew up in central Massachusetts, said she had never met a Turkish person until her college roommate By Stepan Partamian from Switzerland mentioned a girl she knew named Dilek, a common Turkish name. Laura went on to say, “This Swiss girl, who knew that if [Dilek is] Turkish and I’m Armenian maybe we’re gonna have an As the 98th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide draws nearer, the Armenian Arts Fund has issue here she told me, ‘Dilek is really worried that you’ll hate her.’ I launched a nationwide campaign to help educate elected officials about the Armenian-American com - probably regret not having confronted or engaged [Dilek] — I should munity’s contributions to American civilization. say on some meaningful level — ’cause the interesting thing was that it Toward this goal, the Armenian Arts Fund will present a package of three important books by April was up to me. It was up to me to do it, and I didn’t do it and it didn’t 24 to members of the US Congress, as well as elected officials at the city, state and federal levels get done.” across the US. The package consists of the volumes Yes, We Have, a compendium of Armenian- Picking up on that last point of “getting it done,” I think that we, as American contributions to American civilization, the follow-up Yes, We Have Too and The Armenian the women of TAWA, have actually started to get it done. The question in America, a photographic treasury of Armenian institutions and landmarks throughout the US. is, what is “it”? If it means engaging with each other, we certainly have Today we are asking you to help us carry out this campaign by sponsoring packages of the afore - started that. If it means finding a definable shared purpose and work- mentioned three volumes, so that we can mail them to as many elected officials as possible before ing on a collaborative project, we’re not quite there yet. And if it means April 24. agreeing on certain basic facts about our shared history, that’s a bit The Armenian Arts Fund itself is contributing to this campaign by offering each sponsorship pack - trickier. age at $40. The Fund is also assuming all shipping costs. It needs to be handled gingerly, with both eyes open and away from To sponsor as many packages as you wish, visit LetUsEducate.com. the shenanigans of doom-saying, hate-mongering and knee-jerking of The aim of this campaign is to make our elected officials aware of the fact that official US recog - all sorts and sizes. If we can avoid falling victim to such trappings, I nition of the Armenian Genocide is, first and foremost, an American issue, since it is not only a mat - believe we can find ways to make small yet substantial inroads into ter of moral obligation on the part of the US government and the American people, but pertains to what those naysayers keep calling an “intractable” conflict. the rights of Americans of Armenian descent. (A graduate of the Fletcher school’s mid-career MA program, Gonca In short, by educating our elected officials about the outstanding contributions of Armenians to Sönmez-Poole is TV producer, filmmaker and writer. She has spent two American civilization, we would be reminding legislators that we, as Americans of Armenian descent, decades working for WCVB-TV’s “Chronicle” program, followed by 13 continue to play an instrumental role in the greatness of American civilization, and that our voice years managing her own non-profit organization, Mediation Way, Inc. needs to be heard at all levels of government. For the past seven years, she has dedicated her free time to Armenian- Thank you for your generous support. Turkish dialogue around Boston.) (Stepan Partamian is a writer living in Los Angeles.) S ATURDAY , A PRIL 20, 2013 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 15 COMMENTARY

ing was Hayk Demoyan, secretary of the Pan-Armenian harmony and coordination. In other words, we should plan Centennial Committee in Armenia. and work with a common purpose, holding on firmly to our His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of Cilicia, presided over demands for restitution.” the meeting and gave a timely keynote address outlining The Catholicos then urged Armenians to include the far- the principles that should guide the regional committees in flung regions of Africa, the Far East and South America My Turn planning for the Centennial. Aram Vehapar succinctly for - within the scope of the Centennial activities. Turning to mulated the objectives in three key Armenian words: the Middle East, Aram I made three important points: By Harut Sassounian “Hishel, Hishetsnel, yev Bahanchel” [To Remember, To 1) The pursuit of the Armenian Cause in the Islamic Remind and To Reclaim]. world requires a special approach, because Turkey is a His Holiness went on to explain: “for 100 years, we Muslim state. Remember, Remind and stressed the remembrance of the Genocide. We lit candles, 2) Turkey’s ever-increasing and penetrating influence in Reclaim:Guidelines for the organized commemorative evenings and published books. the region is a serious problem. “In my meetings with lead - These important activities will imbue our youth with the ers of countries in the region, I always tell them: ‘you have Genocide Centennial sacred testament and souls of our martyrs. Yet, we should kept your doors very wide open in front of Turkey. The day not singly focus on this subject. For 100 years, we remind - will come when you will recognize your mistake. Turkey Armenian communities around the world are gearing up ed people through demonstrations, lobbying and raising uses different masks.’ Therefore, we must be alert as the for the Centennial of the Genocide on April 24, 2015, by our voices. We aim to continue these activities with differ - genocidaire is closely following our steps. We will not coordinating their commemorative plans at the local, ent approaches. However, it is imperative that we stress our retreat and will not weaken in the face of Turkish med - regional and international levels. demands for restitution.” dling.” A Pan-Armenian Centennial Committee was established in The Vehapar reminded the attendees about the interna - 3) Genocide is not an event that belongs to the past. The Armenia two years ago consisting of the leadership of the tional conference organized by the Catholicosate of Cilicia Diaspora is a consequence of the Genocide and in a sense, Republics of Armenia and Artsakh (Karabagh), heads of reli - a year ago with the theme: “From Recognition to it is still continuing. gious denominations and representatives of major Armenian Restitution,” with the participation of international legal Catholicos Aram I concluded by categorizing the political, charitable and cultural organizations. Local com - experts. “We need legal experts in order to present, defend Armenian efforts for recognition and restitution into three mittees have also been formed throughout the Diaspora. As and pursue our claims appropriately in international dimensions: historical, political and legal. “The time has reported earlier, the international committee of Armenian courts,” the Catholicos stated. come, without ignoring the first two, to place a clear pri - Genocide experts met in Yerevan last month to recommend Aram I went on to suggest a of labor between ority on the legal aspect. In this regard, we have a massive specific projects to be adopted by the Pan-Armenian the Republic of Armenia and the Diaspora: “We should amount of work to accomplish,” he stated. Centennial Committee during its May 30 meeting. work in unison. Our approaches and emphasis could be dif - Significantly, Hayk Demoyan, also speaking at the On April 6, the Centennial Committees of eight Middle ferent from one another; and sometimes they must be dif - regional meeting in Beirut, noted: “We know that we can - Eastern countries (Cyprus, Egypt, , Kuwait, Lebanon, ferent! Let’s not forget that Armenia is a state and the not undo some of the consequences of the Armenian Syria, the United Arab Emirates and Iran represented by Diaspora is a diaspora. Neither the state nor the diaspora Genocide, such as the lost lives and destroyed churches, committees in Tehran, Esfahan and Tabriz,) met in Beirut can speak on each other’s behalf. Each has its own unique nevertheless, the major consequence is the loss of the ter - to coordinate their plans on a regional basis. Also attend - voice and function. But, there should be intra-Armenian ritories.” ‘We Are still the Is Another March in Order for Centennial? totally removed from the community. In 40 years, By Tom Vartabedian I had never seen this man at any genocide com - memoration or church. He was totally immersed Mountain’ in the American mainstream, having dedicated The thoughts are gushing forth like a fountain his life to teaching and coaching. He was now in with no shutoff valve. his mid-80s and retired from education. By Chris Bohjalian What to do for the 2015 centennial? By now, I called him one night out of sheer impulse and you may have heard a surge of recommendations. asked him to join me. Only then did I learn his In the coming days, Armenians around the world will come together to acknowl - Or perhaps none at all. But let’s face it. With the father was a Genocide survivor. edge what I have come to call “The Slaughter You Know Next to Nothing About.” centennial barely two years away, some statement He met me the next day at the school, dressed April 24 marks the 98th anniversary of the night the Armenian religious and intel - should be made. in a suit and tie with mixed reservations about lectual leaders were rounded up in Constantinople — and the start of the Armenian Please, not a mundane lecture. Certainly not the whole matter. genocide. another concert. We could post a billboard cam - “I don’t know what I can contribute to this,” And yet most of North America probably can’t find Armenia on a map. Certainly paign throughout the country. But how many he told me. “I don’t know much about Armenian only a few of us could pinpoint the mountain of Musa Dagh. Yet Musa Dagh has motorists really look at a billboard and how history and the genocide. Maybe I should have become for me — an American who is half-Armenian and half-Swedish — the story would it impact them? stayed home.” that brings the Armenian Genocide to life. An Armenian activist telephoned me the other As the discussion gained momentum, I decided In the summer of 1915, roughly 4,000 Armenians from six villages in southeast day to report a novel idea. Collect 1,000 old, to take a break and introduced my guest. He rose Turkey refused to be marched from their homes by Turkish soldiers and gendarmes worn shoes and dump them at midnight on April from his seat, told the students that he lived his into the Syrian desert to die. Roughly 1.5 million of the two million Armenians in 24 in front of the Turkish Embassy in entire life in this town and taught school for 50 Turkey would perish in the First World War, many of them by starvation, dehydra - Washington, DC, signifying the remnants of a years, even after he formally retired. tion, and disease in the unforgiving Syrian sands. death march on Deir Zor. He recalled how his dad escaped the Genocide But not those 4,000. They climbed Musa Dagh, at the edge of the Mediterranean Another activist proposed this outlandish in Turkey while living in Van and how he became Sea, and used rifles and a few captured cannons to hold off the Turkish army for thought. Let’s dump gallons of red paint into out assimilated as an Armenian. The man broke nearly two months. The women sewed a flag with a red cross on it and dangled it notable tributaries to signify the River Arax flow - down as he spoke, sobbing to gain composure. over the side of the cliff that faced the sea, and eventually a French battleship saw it ing with the blood of our 1,500 victims. The subject of genocide held a powerful grip. and rescued the Armenians. I don’t think such nonsensical acts would cre - The sentiment grew even more profound. I If anyone knows bits and pieces of this story, it is likely through German writer ate an impression other than give us a bad name. pulled out an interview I had done with my Franz Werfel’s magisterial 1933 novel, “The Forty Days of Musa Dagh.” The novel Let’s settle down and become a bit more rational, Armenian School students which is just as rele - was an international bestseller when it was published, though it was loathed early on folks. I’m suggesting none of those ideas because vant today as it was 35 years ago when I con - by the Nazis. When the Germans were mercilessly putting down the Ghetto they will do nothing to perpetuate our cause. ducted it. uprising in 1944, the soldiers were surprised by how many copies of the novel they Of course, we could all gather in Washington The subject? “If you lived in Armenia today and found among the dead Jewish fighters. It was my Swedish mother who gave me a or New York and preach to our own choirs. One were told your village was going to be invaded by copy when I was teenager. day later, where will it get us as a civilization? Turkey, what single prized possession would you Last year I saw that hand-sewn Red Cross flag. I held one of the rifles the What we need, folks, is to bolster our own ranks, take while fleeing?” Armenians had used from atop Musa Dagh. The flag and the artifacts sit in a com - put our own house in order before moving else - By sheer coincidence, his two nieces happened munity room beside the school and church in Anjar, the Lebanese town where the where. to be in this class and responded to the question. French eventually settled the survivors of Musa Dagh. Outside the building is a mas - My suggestion is rather complex but workable. One ultimately operated a restaurant while the sive statue that looks at first glance like a sword with its blade in the earth, but on It costs no money, very little time and initiative, other became a schoolteacher. second becomes a cross. And on a mural inside that community room is a summit yet has good potential. Let each of us who might “My Armenian cross and books,” said one with an inscription that reads, “Let them come again. We are still the mountain.” be involved in our Armenian community lure at niece. “Because it would possibly give me and my I journeyed to Anjar, as well as to Beirut and Yerevan and the “Bird’s Nest” least one passive member into our midst. family good luck.” orphanage in Byblos — where Danish missionary Maria Jacobsen saved the lives of Go out and recruit an inactive Armenian to “I would make sure my family was out of the thousands of Armenian orphans — for a lot of reasons. join our churches and organizations. We would house,” said the other. “I wouldn’t care about First, there was my novel, The Sandcastle Girls. It’s a love story set in the midst of double our growth and inculcate new leadership anything else.” the Armenian genocide in the First World War. Every day that I was writing the in our ranks. Greater resources, too. My guest had become instantly transposed into book I felt a tug: I needed to view the bones that were pulled from the sands of Der- Not long ago, I was scheduled to present a a new life, even at this late age. He felt a sudden el-Zor. I needed to pause before the statues of Saroyan and Mother Armenia that class on the Armenian Genocide at a small urge to return to his roots and live out the rest of anchor Yerevan’s streets and parks. And I needed to walk the grounds of the high school north of Boston. It would be my his life inside his abandoned heritage. monastery at and gaze across the Turkish border at Mount Ararat. first visit to this particular school and I was As we were leaving the school, he proposed a There is, of course, an irony here. Ararat, the majestic 17,000-foot massif that dom - expecting to turn a new leaf in human rights humble request. inates the western vista from Yerevan and symbolizes our heritage, isn’t even inside education. “If you’re going to the Armenian Church the country’s borders: It’s across the guard posts and fencing in Turkey. So, of Rather than go alone, I usually take it upon Sunday, do you suppose we could sit together? course, is Musa Dagh. myself to invite a member of this community to I’d like to join you.” Another reason for my journey was my father, an Armenian-American who died join me in class. It puts a more local spin on the just as I was finishing the novel, and his parents, Armenian immigrants — presentation. (Tom Vartabedian is a frequent contributor to see BOHJALIAN, page 16 In this particular case, I chose an Armenian Armenian newspapers.) 16 S ATURDAY , A PRIL 20, 2013 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR Local Runner Sarkis Chekijian Finishes Race Safely

MARATHON, from page 1 all of the people who helped make yesterday Obama, the families of those killed and the A banner that had marked the finish line a great success. I say success because even American people in general, wishing speedy still hung over the deserted street. though the horrific events of the afternoon recovery to those injured, the presidential Trauma surgeons at several Boston hospi - are taking all of our attention, I want to focus press services reported. tals said at press briefings the majority of vic - on the positive. With the help of many peo - (Reporting from Alin K. Gregorian as well tims suffered lower-body injuries, and several ple generously donating, my efforts this year as Reuters and PanArmenian.net were used had a range of metallic shrapnel material raised over $24,000 for Dana-Farber. This is a in compiling this story.) removed during surgery, including pellets great success. All of this was done in honor and what appeared to be carpenter nails. of Gabriel Aljalian who had a wonderful day “The vast majority of the injuries were to cheering on runners as he waited for me to lower extremities, including some victims run by. To know that this day and our part - who had parts of their legs blown off,” said nership have brightened the spirits of that lit - ‘We Are still the Dr. Tracey Dechert, a trauma surgeon at tle boy, that is a success. Boston Medical Center, which treated 23 peo - The explosion missed Chekijian narrowly. Mountain’ ple and performed amputations on five of “My heart is heavy from what happened them. [Monday]. I was on Boylston Street two BOHJALIAN, from page 15 The inclusion of material such as nails in blocks away when the bombs exploded. My and genocide survivors. These are the sorts the device would be reminiscent of the 1996 family and loved ones were standing in the of subterranean emotional currents that can bombing at the Summer Olympics in Atlanta, spot where the second bomb went off not 10 inspire a novel which killed two people and injured about minutes prior. Gabriel, Yeretzgin Natasha and draw a person at mid-life to the Middle 150 others. Anti-abortion activist Eric and Der Arakel [Aljalian] were on their way Runner Sarkis Chekijian East and a small, landlocked country in the Rudolph, who eluded capture for years, there but never made it. To think, had I been Caucasus Mountains. And Armenia is small. pleaded guilty to the attack and is currently slower and the timeline had been shifted Barely three million Armenians live there, serving consecutive life sentences. what could have been. Thank God that was - course and run Boston 2014. If anything this compared to approximately seven million out - An 8-year-old boy was among the dead. He n’t the case. Thank God all of us were spared tragedy has strengthened my resolve. I will side the country. That’s how big the was identified as Martin Richard in a state - the horror of injury. I was caught in the run again and I will do it as a member of the Armenian Diaspora is: 70 percent of ment issued by his father, Bill Richard. chaos of it all for about a few hours, not Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge team. I will Armenians don’t live in their homeland. And This year, as in the past couple of years, knowing what was going on and desperately run in honor of Gabriel and in memory of my yet, we have retained a national identity: Our Armenains paid close attention to the Boston trying to get off the streets. It was a fright - grandfathers. I will raise money for cancer sense of a shared history and our sense of Marathon, as one local runner, Sarkis ening time, needless to say. I am desperately research. And I will be successful in doing place. Chekijian, ran to raise funds for Dana-Farber, sad for those who were not as lucky as my so.” Which brings me back to that community partnering with Gabriel Aljalian, a young can - family and my prayers go out to them.” President Serge Sargisian issued a letter of room in Anjar and the mural. My sense is that cer survivor. He was optimistic about the race next year. condolence to Obama. He condemned the whoever wrote on the wall there, “We are still “I want to take this opportunity to thank He said, “I cannot wait to get back on this crime and offered deep condolences to the mountain,” wanted the sentence to be interpreted two ways. Certainly he meant Musa Dagh: Attack again if you want, we are still those warriors. But he also meant Ararat: Even here in Lebanon, we are still Administration Slashes Aid to Armenia Armenians. Most of the time when I was in Armenia, clouds masked the summit of Ararat, even AID, from page 1 a 14-percent reduction of his last request of against Armenia and Artsakh, coupled with the when I was at Khor Virap. Around 6 a.m. on receive $24.7 million in Economic Support Congress, as part of his FY13 budget. unconscionable pardon by Azerbaijan of a con - my last morning, however, soon after I had Funds (compared to the FY 2013 request of The Assembly’s testimony requested not less victed axe murderer, the Assembly urges climbed into a cab for the airport, I was greet - $27.2 million), and $2.8 million in International than $50 million in aid to Armenia, which is Congress to take these matters into account ed with a sign that the cosmos is not com - Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement (same consistent with the request of the Armenian and allocate at least $50 million for Armenia,” pletely detached: The peak of Mount Ararat, as the FY 2013 request). In total, the FY 2014 Caucus co-chairs — Representatives Frank stated Assembly Executive Director Bryan snow-covered even in May. I asked the driver budget provides $30.843 million in US assis - Pallone Jr. (D-NJ) and Michael Grimm (R-NY) — Ardouny. to stop. And there, against a sky that grew tance to Armenia, which is a $5 million reduc - who are currently circulating a Dear Colleague “President Obama, who came into office from agate to cerulean, I watched the nearly tion when compared to the Administration’s FY letter urging support for key funding and poli - pledging to maintain aid to Armenia and full moon set over the mountain. It was a 2013 request of $35.843 million. cy priorities for Armenia and Artsakh. increase bilateral trade and investment, has con - poignant, powerful, and perfect way to If approved by Congress, the budget would While the administration’s budget did not sistently cut Armenian assistance programs, remember that while April 24 is about reduce US assistance to Armenia to its lowest specifically note funding levels for Artsakh, the while failing to take any meaningful steps to mourning the dead, it is also about the tri - level since the 1988 earthquake, reported the Armenian Caucus and the Assembly are calling promote the growth of economic relations umph of the living — and how, indeed, we are Armenian National Committee of America. for at least $5 million in assistance for this through investment treaties, tax accords, trade still the mountain. Combining all the FY14 appropriated assis - fledging democracy. missions, or other commonly utilized policies (Chris Bohjalian’s 14th novel, The tance to Armenia that the president is propos - “Given Turkey’s ongoing blockade of and practices,” said Armenian National Sandcastle Girls , will be published in paper - ing, including economic, military, law enforce - Armenia and the security threat in the region Committee of America Executive Director Aram back this week. This commentary appeared ment and health, his current request represents due to Azerbaijan’s ongoing war rhetoric Hamparian. in the April 14 edition of the Boston Globe. ) Film about Armenian Sponsor a Teacher in Armenia and Karabagh 2013 Genocide to Be Shown In Russia MOSCOW (Armenpress) — The documentary Since its inception in 2001, TCA’s ‘Sponsor film “With all Your heart” will be shown for the first time shown on April 22 on the Russian a Teacher’ program has raised over $518,000 channel, “Culture.” The film is about the 500th anniversary of Armenian typography and the and reached out to 4,064 teachers and Armenian Genocide committed by Ottoman Turkey. school workers in Armenia and Karabagh. A newspaper report published in Russia indi - cated that Andrey Kurenkov is the filmmaker. The movie present the long and arduous way £ Armenian books have come to be, from manu - scripts to the first printed book. K Yes, I want to sponsor teachers in Armenia and Karabagh to continue The producer and director of the film has helping them to educate the children, our future leaders. I would like to have shown the significance of books and that it the teacher’s name and address. has been the reflection of the mind, tradi - tions and the talent of Armenian nation for K $160 K $ 320 K $ 480 K other $ ————————— centuries. The film also hightlights books Name and literature as a unifying bridge during the Address Armenian Genocide. Sculptor Robert Askaryan, City State Zip code Director Hrachya Tamrazayan, Armenian Tel: Minister of Culture Hasmik Poghosyan, President of Writers’ Union Levon Ananyan, Make check payable to: Tekeyan Cultural Association – Memo: Sponsor a Teacher 2010 Mail your check with this form to: Director of National Library Tigran Zargaryan, Archbishop Pargev, tourist guide Elena TCA Sponsor a Teacher Ananyan, Director of Echmiadzin Library Azat 5326 Valverde, Houston, TX 77056 Bozoyan and Head of Shushi Museum Your donation is Tax Deductible. Department Ashot Harutyunyan all appear in the film.