THE ARMENIAN Mirrorc SPECTATOR Since 1932

Volume LXXXXI, NO. 36, Issue 4678 MARCH 27, 2021 $2.00 38 Senators Urge President Biden to Recognize Genocide WASHINGTON — A total of The Senators noted President we are reminded daily of the pow- these victims, and we stand firm- 38 Senators, led by Senate For- Biden’s record on affirming the Ar- er of truth, and of our shared re- ly against attempts to pretend that eign Relations Committee Chair- menian Genocide and highlighted sponsibility to stand against hate this intentional, organized effort man Sen. Bob Menendez (D-NJ), his April 24 Armenian Genocide — because silence is complicity.” to destroy the Armenian people urged President Joe Biden to of- Commemoration Day statement in In the letter to President Biden, was anything other than a geno- ficially recognize the truth of the 2020, wherein he stated: the Senators also stated: “We cide. You have correctly stated Armenian Genocide, reported the “It is particularly important to join the Armenian community in that American diplomacy and for- Armenian Assembly of America speak these words and commemo- the United States and around the eign policy must be rooted in (Assembly). rate this history at a moment when world in honoring the memory of see RECOGNITION, page 20 Sen. Bob Menendez Mission Eurasia Brings Turkey Prosecutes Humanitarian Aid and HDP Party, Attempts Evangelism to Refugees To Ban Paylan’s From Artsakh War Political Activity By Aram Arkun ISTANBUL (Combined Sources) Mirror-Spectator Staff — Since March 17, a political crisis DETROIT — The disaster of the 2020 has erupted in Turkey. Erdogan and the Artsakh War led to as many as 100,000 Turkish government has taken steps to refugees to initially flee Artsakh to Arme- shut down the pro-Kurdish HDP po- nia. While many returned after the war, litical party, of which Garo Paylan is the humanitarian needs remain great and a member and deputy in the Turkish the resources of the Armenian and Art- Parliament representing Diyarbakir. sakh governments limited. Aside from On that day, the Chief Prosecutor Armenian organizations throughout the of the Court of Cassation, Bekir Sa- world, various international institutions hin, opened a case against the HDP. began to provide aid, including religious Sahin claimed without evidence in his organizations. Mission Eurasia is one indictment that the HDP works as an that has become active in Armenia, with arm of the PKK (the Kurdistan Work- Don Parsons, its ministry director for un- er’s Party). He additionally claimed reached people groups, taking three trips that the European Court of Human there since the end of October last year, Rights had decided in a previous case and arranging for food, clothing, and oth- that “not condemning a terrorist or- er aid to be sent through various partner ganization was sufficient grounds for organizations. ‘Rapping Under Fire’ closing down the operations of a po- Mission Eurasia (formerly called Pe- litical party.” ter Deyneka Russian Ministries) was The indictment demands that the founded in 1991 after the collapse of the The Story of 3 Young Heroes from Artsakh HDP party be shut down in light of its alleged ties to the PKK and its “mov- By Christopher Atamian NEW YORK — In 2017, writer and journalist ing contrary to the duties of political Special to the Mirror-Spectator Taleen Babayan turned her efforts to directing a short parties.” The indictment also demand- documentary in Martakert, a village in Artsakh which ed a ban on the political activities of now stands divided between Armenia and Azerbaijan after the 44-Day War. Her sub- 687 persons, including Garo Paylan. ject is an unlikely trio of young men in their late twenties — Spartak Osipyan, Eric The case is to be decided by Tur- Poghosyan and Lyoka (Valeri) Ghaz- key’s Constitutional Court. aryan — who form the Armenian rap The HDP, which is the third-largest group Orinak (“Example”). Unlikely party in Turkey’s parliament, denies as well, that a first documentary on any links to the militants. this particular subject matter should be The party said the case against it quite so successful but “Rapping Un- was “a heavy blow to democracy and der Fire” fascinates from start to fin- law.” ish. The boys from Orinak have, after “We call on all the democratic forc- all, survived their entire lives amidst es, the social and political opposition, the ruins of the long-simmering con- and on our people to join a common flict, in a region of the world that few fight against this political coup,” the people care about. At one point in the party said on Wednesday. documentary, Spartak points to a rusty Don Parsons with refugee children In recent years many HDP lawmak- Ferris wheel where two generations of ers have been investigated or jailed - Martakertsis have now played on a dai- including its former leader, Selahattin Soviet Union to, according to its current ly basis, a metaphor for the condition Demirtas. website, “react quickly and decisively to of Artsakh: abandoned yet unwilling to The issue has caused an uproar and new opportunities for evangelism and give up. public debate in Turkey. see MISSION, page 2 see RAPPERS, page 11 see HDP, page 5

CALIFORNIA PENNSYLVANIA MASSACHUSETTS Fresno Arax Dancers Sisters Academy Artist Ani Jermakian’s Embark on Video Successfully Message Is “I’ll Be Project Weathers Covid Your Voice” Challenge Page 12 Page 6 Page 14 2 SATURDAY, MARCH 27, 2021 ARMENIAN MIRROR-SPECTATOR

ARMENIA NEWS from ARMENIA Mission Eurasia Brings Humanitarian Aid Armenia Reports 26 Covid-19 Deaths And Evangelism to Artsakh War Refugees YEREVAN (Panorama.am) — Armenia has confirmed 801 MISSION, from page 1 new cases of coronavirus in a 24- church-planting in this former communist hour period, bringing the national empire.” At present it is under the leader- tally to 185,020 as of 11 a.m. on ship of Sergey Rakhuba, who was orig- Tuesday, March 23, the Ministry of inally from Ukraine but lived in Moscow Health reports. for many years before moving to Illinois. A totoal of 451 more patients Rakhuba attended the Moddy Bible Insti- have recovered from the disease tute, a fundamentalist Christian institute of with the total number of recoveries higher learning in Chicago. Mission Eur- now standing at 169,172. asia, the website continues, along with its The COVID-19 death toll has in-country affiliate Mission Eurasia Field increased by 26 to 3,360. The fig- Ministries, works “to train, equip and ure does not include the deaths of mobilize the next generation of Christian 862 other people carrying the virus. leaders to transform their nations for Christ According to the health authorities, through strategic, holistic ministry.” they were caused by other diseases. Parsons and his wife Esther lived for The number of active cases is more than twelve years in the former Sovi- 11,602. As many as 812,076 tests et Union, including eight years in Ukraine, have been performed in the country starting in the late 1990s. Parsons, who since the disease outbreak. grew up as an Evangelical Baptist, worked as a missionary and learned the Russian Parliament to Discuss language. He did the same work in Kazakh- stan. Parsons was director of Globalization Lifting Martial Law and International Personnel at Send Inter- YEREVAN (PanARMENIAN. national, based in Farmington, Mich. He Net) — The National Assembly moved back to the US but last year decided was scheduled to discuss lift- to start working with Mission Eurasia. The ing martial law in the country on organization has an international office in Wednesday, March 25 at the initia- Franklin, Tenn., but its main field ministry tive of the opposition Bright Arme- office is outside of Kiev. nia party. Parsons, who lives in the Detroit area, Ararat Mirzoyan, the speaker started September 1, and a month later of the parliament, has proposed to was still trying to figure out during a covid support the initiative and vote in its year what work would be like for him, he favor. said, when the president of the organization According to Bright Armenia called and spoke about the situation in Ar- leader Edmon Marukyan, the mar- menia. He wanted to send a delegation to tial law “has completely exhaust- see what kind of support could be provid- ed itself” and it is maintained for ed. Unexpectedly, Rakhuba asked whether one purpose only — to prevent the Parsons would be able to leave for Arme- launch of a no-confidence vote in nia the next day. Having already recovered Distributing aid the parliament. from a bout of covid, Parsons did not shy Mirzoyan dismissed the political away from traveling and agreed to go. motives cited by Marukyan and This first trip of around ten days start- He said of that trip: “It was a tough sit- tiple cars, farm equipment, a house, and said that the process would begin ing at the end of October was exploratory uation, and we heard tough stories from so staff. They had fled quickly only with the “one way or another” as the coun- but boxes of food and the scriptures were many women. We visited homes where we clothing on their backs, thinking that the try is heading to snap parliamenta- also distributed. With a team including knew people lost their husbands, brothers situation would be short lived as during ry elections. and sons.” the April 2016 war and they would quickly Armenia first declared martial Parsons’ second and return. In Armenia, the government at that law in late September 2020 when third trips brought aid point was only providing subsidies for chil- Azerbaijan launched a large-scale and also introduced peo- dren from Artsakh but not for adults, so the military offensive against Artsakh ple from Western part- family used these subsidies to help pay for (Nagorno-Karabakh). ner organizations to the rent and utilities. situation in Armenia. Parson’s most recent trip took place Official Says Dam in Turkey Parsons pointed out that from February 19 to March 3. On this trip, Has Massively Reduced they were not familiar among other things, he met a woman who with the language or cul- had lost her brother and her husband. The Armenian Reservoirs ture so Mission Eurasia local evangelical church prayed with her YEREVAN (Panorama.am) helped them understand that they would be found, and the husband — Armenia faces a problem of the context. Two such was seen on television, but then the news water shortage in Araks-Akhuryan organizations are Samar- came that he had been killed. Parsons said, section due to a dam in Turkey, the itan’s Purse, the interna- “One thing I saw with her is that people director of the Center for Hydro- tional Christian relief and had come around her from the church. She meteorology and Monitoring Le- evangelism organization was actually joyful – even with that deep von Azizyan said at a news confer- led by William “Frank- pain she had a smile on her face – because ence on Tuesday, March 23. lin” Graham III, and she had experienced the love of the body of “It is no coincidence that today, headquartered in Boone, Christ in a way she had never experienced we have 100 million cubic meters NC, and Christian Aid before.” less water resources in Akhuryan Ministries, based in Mill- Parsons and Mission Eurasia have not reservoir than last year. It is be- Food to be distributed to the Artsakh refugees in Abovyan ersburg, Ohio, which is, gone directly into Artsakh, but some of its cause starting from 2012, active according to its website, local partner churches have. Parsons gave dam construction has been carried a “channel for Amish, the example of one Baptist church that sent out in Turkey which has resulted members from Ukraine and Russia, Par- Mennonite, and other conservative Ana- 1,000 boxes of food there and was planning in 30-40 percent decreased of the sons traveled up and down Armenia while baptist groups and individuals to minister to send more soon. Parsons thought that en- overall water resources of Araks the Artsakh war was still raging. When he to physical and spiritual needs around the try to Karabakh could be a problem for him, river,” Azizyan said. went to Goris, a city of 20-22,000 people, world.” as well as for the Ukrainian team members, Azizyan added that climate he said he found more than 10,000 refugees Parson’s second trip took place post-war, due to strained Russian-Ukrainian rela- change is another factor that im- from Artsakh. The mayor of Goris pointed from December 15 to 24. Among the Ar- tions. pacts the dramatic decline of water to a school which was initially closed due menian cities he traveled to was Vanadzor, resources as the temperature con- to covid but now held women and children where he and his team provided aid to a Backstory tinues growing since 1994, there refugees using makeshift beds. The adult family that had lost so much in Artsakh. Its Mission Eurasia already had been doing is no snow accumulation in the men at that point were still in Artsakh. The patriarch, who spoke Russian with them, work in Armenia. It did not have a physical mountainous areas, while the pre- city government had difficulties in feeding was distraught, Parsons said. He was an office there but had partnerships with local cipitation is mostly in the form of an increase practically overnight of fifty older gentleman with multiple generations evangelical churches and groups. rains. percent of its population and later, Mission of family members. He had lost his farm According to its 2019-20 report, it Eurasia was able to send some food to help. with over 1,000 pomegranate trees, mul- helped establish two churches in Armenia SATURDAY, MARCH 27, 2021 ARMENIAN MIRROR-SPECTATOR 3 ARMENIA through its training of leaders in its School In the end, the church did help 2,000 Without Walls program, which had 74 stu- people in Abovyan and the surrounding dents and 26 graduates in three locations communities. People stayed within the in Armenia in this period. Mission Eurasia church building plus they found hotels and also had 42 Bible day camps in Armenia other places to host the refugees. which involved 560 children. It worked not only with Armenians, but also preaches the Humanitarian Aid Gospel and provides humanitarian aid to Other organizations also helped the Yazidis in the Republic of Armenia Abovyan church. Samaritan’s Purse, a part- Parsons revealed that among other ner with Mission Eurasia, airlifted 50 tons things, Mission Eurasia partnered with an of winter clothing, blankets and other win- Armenian evangelical church in Abovyan, ter supplies to Armenia in early November, a city around half an hour outside of Ye- some of which came to the church. Anoth- revan, called Abovyan City Evangelical er shipment of blankets should be arriving Church. Mission Eurasia had done training soon to Armenia. Parsons explained that Mission Eurasia believes the crisis will ex- tend for a long time, so though late in the season, the additional blankets will help not only for this year but the next. Mission Eurasia raised funds through partners and purchased food in Armenia, Parsons said, which was boxed by volun- teers in various cities. Many of the volun- teers were themselves refugees from Art- sakh while others were church members. Preparing aid boxes Over 10,000 boxes of food assistance was prepared (over 160,000 tons of food). Each box will sustain a family of four for up to a Samaritan’s Purse, working with the for ministry in their own communities, month and also contain scriptural writings. Armenian Ministry of Health, used the transforming their schools, workplaces, Parsons said that some of the most needy Abovyan church building to provide Art- and families with the gospel!” areas where refugees are living were target- sakh refugees with initial health examina- It goes on to ask: “Please pray that God ed for this assistance. tions, consultations and first aid from a would grow the evangelical church in Ar- A new shipment arrived from Canada team of doctors who had come from the US menia so that even more Armenians would in early March in a 40-foot container with for this purpose on November 22. realize that their nationality doesn’t make dried vegetables and soup packets. Parsons During all this work, Mission Eurasia them real Christians, but rather, they must said that the last week he was in Armenia helped the local evangelical churches es- put their faith in Christ.” Distributing aid he and his team visited a shelter for some tablish a nongovernmental organization in Parsons said that as short-term visitors, 50 refugees, which was a converted five- Armenia to facilitate the aid it was bring- he and his team were trying to make con- star hotel. The Armenian government sub- ing, Parsons said. nections for the local Armenian national with some people from Vanadzor who were sidized the refugees’ housing but they were There was no formal coordination with evangelical churches so that they in turn part of the same Armenian Evangelical as- only given rice and noodles to eat. The new the Armenian government on aid, but Par- could follow up with more physical aid and sociation and President Rakhuba knew the shipment of vegetables and other nutritious sons said that all aid was provided through spiritual assistance. local pastor, Vazgen Zohrabyan, from that. foods will be sent to them just in time. official channels so that the government During his visits with Artsakh refugees, When the bombings and attacks by Azer- Another type of aid Mission Eurasia is knew what was going on. Whoever re- Parson said, he sometimes could speak baijan against Artsakh began on September facilitating is bread through the establish- ceives a food box has to sign a receipt for Russian, as many people from Artsakh 27, the church immediately announced on ment of five bakeries in different areas that it. If a local church receives aid boxes to know that language, but his group gener- social media that it was open to help any will be established in conjunction with Ar- distribute, the boxes come with the seal of ally also had an Armenian translator with refugee looking for a place to live and food. menian evangelical churches. Flat lavash state authorization, and the church has to them, who often was a local Armenian Zohrabyan did not expect what happened bread will be provided to refugees either sign for them. The church also keeps tabs evangelical pastor. The group would bring next, Parsons related. He got over 100 for cost or even for free, Parsons said. to see that refugee families only get as food to a home and had religious literature phone calls within the first 24 hours, which The bakeries are given the name “bread much as they need and not more. available. represented around 2,000 people, since the of life,” based on Jesus’ identification of Furthermore, on a local level, the local For the Armenian speakers, Parsons said, callers all had families. himself with this term in the scriptures. pastors have good informal relations with the “If they wanted to talk with us – we didn’t This little church of only 200 or 300 peo- While funds have been raised to establish mayors of their respective cities, especially force anything upon them – we would ple in Abovyan decided that it was not go- five bakeries, it is taking time to set them in Vanadzor and Abovyan. In Abovyan, Par- share from the word of God. Either the pas- ing to turn anyone away, though the pastor up, Parsons said, but the first one should be sons said, Mayor Vahagn Gevorgyan asked tor would speak directly in Armenian, or he the church for help for refugees on various would say, would you share the word, to occasions, and later formally thanked him me, or to someone else on our team, and we and his church for this. would share and he would translate.” Mission Eurasia is also printing Bibles Spiritual Work and Evangelism now both for young children and for teen- Parsons made it clear that for Mission agers in Armenia. Eurasia, humanitarian aid against crises Parsons did some training work at the was combined wherever possible with spir- SWW center in Vanadzor, that had been set itual, declaring: “We are trying to provide up before the war, and in Abovyan. He said the physical aid and in every context that that Mission Eurasia was planning to set up we work, we are trying to shine the light new centers, including one in Yerevan in a of Christ and share the hope of Christ in a few months. On his third trip to Armenia, hopeless situation.” he brought with him Alexandr Belev, the He did not want to speak ill of the Ar- coordinator of the SWW program to help menian Church and declared: “We always in this work. try to have good relationship with everyone Parsons said, “We are trying to increase we possibly can. … I know some of our the abilities and the skills that our team as partners on the ground have a very positive well as our partners – and in this case it relationship with the Apostolic Church [of would be the [evangelical] church in Arme- Armenia]. If God wants to work through nia, has to be able to deal with people who the Apostolic Church I am very thankful are struggling with post-traumatic stress for that. If God wants to work through the and other kinds of traumatic issues. Primar- Don Parsons, far right, standing next to an Artsakh patriarch and his family in Vanadzor, different brothers and sisters we are part- ily it will be a spiritual approach to those with a care package in the foreground nering with, praise the Lord for that too.” kinds of things. The training will include On the other hand, Mission Eurasia’s aspects of biblical counseling which is not website is more critical, stating: “Although just spiritual assistance and encouragement had no clue as to how he was going to take running soon. Armenia is the world’s first officially but a deeper approach to traumatic issues.” care of so many refugees. Parsons recalled Some medical aid is being provided also. Christian nation, the Armenian Apostolic He concluded: “Our purpose is always to during his first visit to Armenia that the During Parsons’ trips, he and his team vis- Orthodox Church has become more of a provide physical assistance, provide hope pastor related the story of their attempting ited some hospitals, which, especially in cultural, rather than spiritual, institution. and encourage people to look up to Christ to prepare for so many people to be cared the villages, have great needs. A hospital in Most Armenians consider ‘Armenian’ and in the midst of a crisis, in the midst of dif- for and fed. It was the third week of Oc- Germany that is renovating its facilities do- ‘Christian’ to be synonymous, but many of ficulties, in the midst of struggle. We have tober. Out of the blue, Rakhuba called the nated all its beds, bedding and equipment them have never even heard the gospel. In seen time and again, even in the short term, pastor and said his organization would like like wheelchairs. Mission Eurasia is trying order to share the hope of Christ with how that is effective.” to come and help. The Abovyan pastor be- to raise money for the shipping in order to the unreached, we are preparing our School For more information, see https://missio- gan to cry out of happiness. bring these items to Armenia. Without Walls (SWW) students in Armenia neurasia.org/. 4 SATURDAY, MARCH 27, 2021 ARMENIAN MIRROR-SPECTATOR ARMENIA

ruling party in corruption rackets. The new package would also lower the Snap Elections threshold for party representation from the current five percent to under three percent. Run into However, the cutoff for electoral allianc- es would be raised in a bid to encourage the consolidation of political parties as the Electoral Code main units in Armenian democracy. An earlier version of this proposal was voted down by the then-ruling Republican Reform and Armenian Revolutionary Federation By Raffi Elliott parties which ironically did not make the Special to the Mirror-Spectator higher five-percent cut in the subsequent elections. YEREVAN – Almost a week since Prime Another major change in the original Minister Nikol Pashinyan announced a reform bill – lifting the gender quota for date for upcoming snap parliamentary elec- women being every fourth candidate on tions, pro-government and opposition po- party lists to every third – no longer ap- litical parties are debating whether or not to pears in the updated proposal, having been implement a planned electoral code reform made redundant when that new criteria au- in time for the vote scheduled for June 20. tomatically came into effect on January 1 Following months of intrigue, Pashin- this year. However, the updated bill does yan struck a deal with the two parliamen- include a new provision which would pro- tary opposition factions late last week. vide the Central Election Committee with While the prime minister had dropped guidelines on conducting elections during hints of his readiness to hold a new vote major public health scares such as pandem- Opposition demonstrators in Yerevan camped outside parliament as early as last December, the format and ics, such as mandating the use of personal timeline has remained a subject of much protective equipment for voters. debate. The liberal-leaning Bright Arme- Despite the electoral code overhaul ef- nia party and business tycoon Gagik Tsa- of, and financed by, the former regime de- blockading Yerevan’s main thorough- fort being a non-partisan issue, the Bright rukyan’s Prosperous Armenia agreed not posed in the 2018 Velvet Revolution. This fare, Baghramyan Avenue, for almost two Armenia party has expressed its opposition to field rival prime ministerial candidates coalition’s leadership instead demands that months. Tents pitched on the road in an to adopting the bill before June’s election. once the current prime minister resigns in Pashinyan resign and hand power to their aborted attempt to block access to the Par- Party leader Marukyan cited concerns that order for the country’s complicated parlia- candidate, the septuagenarian mathemati- liament Building were only removed on enacting these changes so soon before a mentary mechanism to trigger a snap elec- cian and one-time Prime Minister Vazgen Tuesday afternoon after the movement’s vote might lead to administrative challeng- tion. According to Bright Armenia leader Manukyan who would helm a “caretaker leadership announced a new strategy to es and confusion at a crucial moment. He Edmon Marukyan, his party’s requirement government” for a one-year period before “expand the geography” of their campaign also suggested that the implementation of that Pashinyan reinstate former Chief of organizing its own elections. to topple the elected government. Manuk- this new code could serve as a pretext to the General Staff Onik Gasparyan was This proposal hasn’t managed to gar- yan, the movement’s prime ministerial delay the impending election. “To adopt withdrawn once the issue became moot ner much support from the general public candidate, who has called the prospects of new rules of the game means imperiling –– Gasparyan’s replacement, Lieutenant however. According to a recent poll com- elections organized under the current gov- the announced election date, hence, deep- General Artak Davtyan has already taken missioned by the International Republican ernment “the most disastrous in history,” ening the crisis in the country,” Marukyan office. Institute, only 6 percent of voters would has already announced his intention to boy- said. The scheduled elections are expected to definitely trust the Homeland Salvation cott the vote. The movement’s leadership Nevertheless, other parties and promi- relieve simmering tensions in the country Movement to lead a transitional govern- has also elected to stick to their original de- nent civil rights organizations have framed following the defeat against the Turkish ment, while 76 percent were opposed to mands despite parting ways with its biggest the adoption of the new electoral code as and Azerbaijani armies in Artsakh last No- the idea. Analysts say the Movement’s faction, Prosperous Armenia. an imperative for holding free and fair vember. Pashinyan, who rode a wave of leadership – largely composed of figures But with less than 70 days until the elec- elections. Danniel Ioannisyan of the Union popular discontent with the previous ad- considered “tainted” by their involvement tion, the political parties are divided over of Informed Citizens responded to Maruk- ministration into power back in 2018, has in the previous regime – has not resonated the issue of implementing a long-planned yan’s criticism of the bill, stating that while been facing mounting calls to resign from well with voters. The IRI poll places this electoral code reform before the vote. The some of his concerns are valid, holding various segments of Armenian society and coalition in the low single digits for voting electoral code overhaul package, which elections before the new code is passed the diaspora. Others have pointed to hold- intentions, well behind the governing Civil has been under consideration since 2018, would be “disgraceful.” ing fresh elections as a legitimate egress for Contract Party and its allies which com- primarily deals with the elimination of the This sentiment was echoed by the start- the prime minister’s party seeking to regain mand some 30 percent of voting intentions. controversial “electoral ridings” in favor up social-democratic Citizen’s Decision the mandate it lost during the war. The match up isn’t much more favorable of an all-proportional voting system. The party which insisted that the code must be The announcement of fresh elections to these parties when listed individually mixed system has long been criticized for overhauled before the election to ensure a was not enough to satisfy the demands of either. allowing local government-affiliated oli- proper democratic contest. However they the Homeland Salvation Movement — a Still, voter distrust hasn’t dissuaded garchs to use their influence in order to win affirmed their willingness to take part in street opposition alliance largely composed the Homeland Salvation Movement from safe seats without directly implicating the the vote regardless.

Russian Peacekeepers Accompany Karabakh Pilgrims to Amaras, Dadivank STEPANAKERT (PanARMENIAN.Net) — More than 100 pilgrims from Na- gorno-Karabakh (Artsakh), accompanied by Russian peacekeepers, visited the Arme- nian monasteries of Amaras and Dadivank in the past two, the Russian Defense Minis- try reported on Monday, March 22. “As part of the implementation of the trilateral statement of the leaders of Russia, Azerbaijan and Armenia dated November 9, 2020, Russian peacekeepers continue to assist in the restoration of peaceful life in Nagorno-Karabakh,” the Ministry said in a statement. As a result of the agreements reached, Amaras monastery has now found itself in close proximity to the line of contact in Karabakh. Dadivank, meanwhile, which is one of the oldest Christian monasteries ever, is located in Kelbajar region, which, in accor- dance with a trilateral statement, came under the control of Azerbaijan in November 2020. During the recent military hostilities, Azerbaijani forces launched two targeted at- tacks on the Holy Savior Ghazanchetsots Cathedral in Shushi. After taking control of the city, they destroyed the domes of Saint John the Baptist Church. Azerbaijan earlier “restored” a church by replacing its Armenian inscription with glass art. Concerns about the preservation of cultural sites in Nagorno-Karabakh are made all the more urgent by the Azerbaijani government’s history of systemically destroy- ing indigenous Armenian heritage—acts of both warfare and historical revisionism. The Azerbaijani government has secretly destroyed a striking number of cultural and religious artifacts in the late 20th century. Within Nakhichevan alone, a historically Armenian enclave in Azerbaijan, Azerbaijani forces destroyed at least 89 medieval Pilgrims accompanied by Russian peacekeepers churches, 5,840 khachkars (Armenian cross stones) and 22,000 historical tombstones SATURDAY, MARCH 27, 2021 ARMENIAN MIRROR-SPECTATOR 5 INTERNATIONAL Turkey’s Erdogan Quits European INTERNATIONAL NEWS 1,700 Hectares Cleared Of Explosives By Russian Treaty on Violence against Women Sappers in Karabakh ANKARA (Reuters) — President Tayyip No reason was provided for the with- candidate to join. They argue the conven- STEPANAKERT (Panorama. Erdogan pulled Turkey out of an interna- drawal in the Official Gazette, where it was tion, and related legislation, need to be im- am) — The personnel of the hu- tional accord designed to protect women, announced in the early hours on Saturday. plemented more stringently. manitarian demining company of the government said on Saturday, March But top government officials said domestic Germany said Turkey’s decision sent the Russian peacekeeping contin- 20, prompting protests and criticism from law rather than outside fixes would protect the wrong singal. “Neither cultural nor gent continues to work on clearing those who said it was necessary to tackle women’s rights. religious nor other national traditions can the area of explosive objects in Na- rising domestic violence. The convention, forged in Turkey’s big- serve as an excuse for ignoring violence gorno-Karabakh, the Russian De- The Council of Europe accord, called the gest city, had split Erdogan’s ruling AK against women,” the foreign ministry said. fense Ministry reported, March 23. Istanbul Convention, pledged to prevent, Party (AKP) and even his family. Last year, Turkey does not keep official statistics Since November 23, 2020, 1,739 prosecute and eliminate domestic violence officials said the government was mulling on femicide. hectares of territory, 541 km of roads, and promote equality. Turkey signed it in pulling out amid a row over how to curb But the rate roughly tripled in the last 10 1,614 housing structures (including 2011 but femicide has surged in the country growing violence against women. years, according to a group that monitors 30 socially significant objects) have in recent years. “Every day we wake up to news of fe- femicide. So far this year 78 women have been cleared of unexploded ordnanc- micide,” said Hatice Yolcu, a student in been murdered or died under suspicious es. In total, 25,349 explosive objects Istanbul, where hundreds of women carry- circumstances, it said. were found and neutralized by the ing purple flags marched in protest at the World Health Organization data shows Russian peacekeepers. Concordia University withdrawal. 38% of women in Turkey are subject to The explosive objects found by Cancels Turkish Envoy’s “The death never ends. Women die. violence from a partner in their lifetime, the sappers were removed and de- Conference on Karabakh Nothing happens to men,” she said. compared to 25% in Europe. stroyed at the specially equipped Marija Pejcinovic Buric, secretary gen- “Shame on this bigotry, patriarchy, heart- Ballydzha landfill. Ammunition MONTREAL — Concordia Uni- eral of the 47-nation Council of Europe, lessness that protects bullies and murderers that cannot be moved is destroyed versity cancelled an event scheduled called Turkey’s decision “devastating.” instead of women,” Turkish author Elif Sa- on the spot, the source said. on March 19, during which the Turk- “This move is a huge setback ... and all fak said on Twitter of the withdrawal. ish Ambassador to Canada, Kerim the more deplorable because it compro- Istanbul’s mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, of Armenians, Jews Rally in Uras, was to speak on Karabakh. mises the protection of women in Turkey, the main opposition party, said ditching the Front of Elbit Systems The cancellation of the event was across Europe and beyond,” she said. pact was “painful” and disregarded wom- organized by International Relations Many conservatives in Turkey and in Er- en’s struggle over years. JERUSALEM (Public Radio of Society and the Strategic and Dip- dogan’s Islamist-rooted AKP say the pact Turkey is not the first country to move Armenia) — Members of the Ar- lomatic Society, two subsidiaries of undermines family structures, encouraging towards pulling out of the accord. Poland’s menian community in Israel and Concordia Political Science Students violence. highest court scrutinized the pact after a dozens of Jews rallied this week Association – PSSA, reported the Some are also hostile to the Conven- cabinet member said Warsaw should quit a in front of the building of the mil- Quebec Armenian Students’ Associ- tion’s principle of gender equality and see treaty that the nationalist government con- itary corporation Elbit Systems, ation. it as promoting homosexuality, given the siders too liberal. which produces weapons supplied “The ASAs acknowledge the ef- pact’s non-discrimination on grounds of While critics say his government has not to Azerbaijan. forts made by the aforementioned sexual orientation. done enough, Erdogan has condemned vi- The protesters demanded to stop organizations to rectify the errors of “Preserving our traditional social fabric” olence against women and said this month the supplies to the Aliyev regime, inviting a Turkish official to spread will protect the dignity of Turkish women, it would work to eradicate it. Ankara has which uses weapons against civil- misinformation and propaganda on Vice President Fuat Oktay said on Twitter. tagged violent men and launched a smart- ians, blogger Alexander Lapshin the subject, in addition to the clear Ar- “For this sublime purpose, there is no need phone app for women to alert police. informs. The rally was organized menophobia that is codified in Turkish to seek the remedy outside or to imitate Erdogan’s decision comes after he un- by the Union of the Armenian policy,” the ASAs said in a Statement others.” veiled judicial reforms this month that he Communities in Israel. on Saturday, March 20. Family, Labour and Social Policies Min- said would improve rights and freedoms, The blogger presents the transla- “Following our efforts to restruc- ister Zehra Zumrut said the constitution and help meet EU standards. tion of what the protester chanted: ture the biased event into a more dip- and current laws guarantee women’s rights. Talks over Turkey’s membership in the -Azerbaijan is ruled by a dictato- lomatic dialogue presented as a series Critics of the withdrawal have said it bloc have been halted for years over policy rial regime. of conferences on Nagorno-Karabakh, would put Turkey further out of step with differences and Ankara’s record on human -Azerbaijan is spreading Ar- the societies sought permission from the European Union, which it remains a rights. menophobia and promoting intol- the Turkish Embassy to invite her erance towards national minorities. Excellency, Anahit Harutyunyan, the -Azerbaijan uses Israeli weapons Ambassador of the Republic of Arme- to strike at the peaceful civilian nia to Canada, for a completely sepa- population in Karabakh. rate event. Furthermore, by deleting Turkey Prosecutes HDP Party, Attempts -Azerbaijan is an unreliable ally Armenian students’ comments which for Israel with its growing Islamic questioned the ethics of this event on To Ban Paylan’s Political Activity fundamentalism. -Thousands of Armenians saved Facebook and Instagram, the modera- HDP, from page 1 of political parties in the preservation of tors countered their declared neutrality, Jews from the Nazis during World Former President of Turkey, Abdullah democracy. For a court to close down or War II. obstructed free speech, and exhibited Gul, stated he finds the indictment to be a disperse a political party is an extreme mea- clear favoritism. In an academic set- mistake and has asked, “don’t they see that sure that may only be justified as an instru- ting, we condemn any efforts to pres- such an unwise decision will bring danger ment of last resort in very exceptional cir- Lavrov Says Russia-EU ent a biased and one-sided argument, upon both the country and the government?” cumstances in a democratic society,” Buric Relations Destroyed all while silencing the other party. Meanwhile, by March 18, HDP deputy said, adding that a political party cannot be MOSCOW (PanARMENIAN. “It is important to note that any Faruk Gergerioglu’s status as a member shut down just because it attempts to bring Net) — The entire infrastructure of steps taken to raise awareness on Na- of Parliament was rescinded. Gergerioglu to public attention the situation of a certain relations with the European Union gorno-Karabakh is praiseworthy, but announced on that day that he would not group within society. has been destroyed as a result this awareness cannot come from the leave the Grand National Assembly build- Buric also noted that political parties of unilateral steps from Brussels, side of the aggressor’s accomplice, the ing as long as this injustice against him was have been shut down regularly in Turkey so Moscow has no relations with misinformation spreader, and geno- not corrected. in the recent past. Seven similar cases that organization now, Russian cide perpetrator. The ASAs remind Turkey’s move was criticized by the have been examined by the ECHR, in six Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov their audience that the Nagorno-Kara- West, particularly the United States and the of which the court found the Turkish gov- told reporters on Tuesday, March bakh (Artsakh) conflict is not a matter European Union. In response, the Turkish ernment guilty, concluding that Turkey has 23 at a joint news conference with of controversy or contention; rather, Foreign Ministry called upon the West not violated European Convention on Human his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi, it is a matter of human rights viola- to get involved in Turkey’s internal affairs. Rights. Buric predicted that the ECHR TASS reports. tions, a denial of inalienable right to However, Western leaders and institu- would be able to come to a similar conclu- “There are no relations with the self-determination, and cultural geno- tions continued to criticize Turkey, with sion in the case of the HDP. European Union as an organiza- cide. By choosing to provide a free Secretary-General of the Council of Eu- Gergerioglu, whose parliamentary status tion. The entire infrastructure of platform to a representative of a State rope Marija Buric giving an interview to and parliamentary immunity had been tak- these relations has been destroyed with an official policy of Armenian German newspaper Die Welt. en away, was taken into custody while in by unilateral decisions made by Genocide denial, and invite them to According to Buric, the move to shut the restroom on March 22. Police officers Brussels,” he said. speak about the Artsakh conflict, the down the HDP is suspect. Buric pointed didn’t even allow him to put his shoes on Russia will be ready for contacts IRS and SDS failed to evaluate the out that the rights of political parties are and took him barefoot to the police station. to scale up cooperation with the EU harmful and offensive consequences protected by the European Court of Human After a few hours of interrogation, he was when Brussels deems it necessary of the “perspective” of the Turkish Rights, which guarantees the right to as- set free and went to join the Nevruz cele- to eliminate anomalies in bilateral official.” semble and to form organizations. brations taking place in Ankara. Legal ac- relations, according to Lavrov. “The ECHR clearly underlines the role tion continues against the HDP party. 6 SATURDAY, MARCH 27, 2021 ARMENIAN MIRROR-SPECTATOR Community News

Official Genocide National Council Commemoration Of Churches Calls In Connecticut to For Humanitarian Focus on Karabakh Aid to Armenia War Repercussions And the Release of HARTFORD, Conn. — The Ar- Armenian Soldiers menian Genocide Commemoration Committee of Connecticut program WASHINGTON — After fully for 2021 will take place on April 24 recognizing the ongoing crisis in Ar- at 10:30 a.m. virtually. menia, an ancient Apostolic Chris- The program will commemorate tian nation, the National Council of the 106th anniversary of this horrif- the Churches of Christ in the USA ic event and will remember the Holy (NCC) joins the Eastern Diocese of Martyrs and survivors of the Geno- the Armenian Orthodox Church of cide. Further the program will also America to reiterate the importance provide insights into recent critically of the Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh) important events in Armenia and Art- peace process. sakh. NCC calls for the United States The program will begin with the to provide urgently needed human- Martyrs’ Service which was creat- itarian aid for the people of Artsakh ed in 2015, on the occasion of the who were forced to flee their homes centennial of the Genocide and the during the unprovoked attack by canonization of the Martyrs. Clergy Azerbaijan and Turkey that displaced from all four Armenian Churches in more than 50,000 ethnic Armenians Connecticut will participate in the in the region. We plead for the United service. The commemoration pro- States to actively negotiate the safe gram will begin immediately after return of Armenian soldiers and cit- the service. izens who are being held in violation The flag of the Republic of Arme- of the ceasefire agreement signed on nia will fly over the Connecticut state November 9, 2020. We also urge the capitol for a week and the raising of broad recognition of the Armenian the flag will be shown to attendees by Genocide of the early 20th century video. by all political and faith leaders The program will begin with both A student has his temperature taken by Principal Sister Emma upon arrival throughout the United States. the American and Armenian national to school, one of many safety measures in place that allows the school to NCC applauds the letter signed anthems being sung by the choirs of operate in person by 101 Members of Congress that Connecticut’s four Armenian church- was sent to U.S. Secretary of State es: Armenian Church of the Holy Anthony Blinken and U.S. Secretary Ascension in Trumbull, Armenian of Defense Lloyd Austin to stress Church of the Holy Resurrection in the importance of addressing the New Britain, St. George Armenian Philadelphia Armenian Sisters “ongoing humanitarian crisis in Church in Hartford and St. Stephen’s Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh Armenian Church in New Britain. (Artsakh).” We commend the strong Tatul Hakobyan will speak on Academy Successfully Weathers bipartisan support of this letter “Why did the 44 day war take place” toward insuring the well-being of and Lilly Torosyan will address the Covid Challenge the displaced Armenian people from topic “From New England to old Artsakh. The United states must borders: A Connecticut Armenian’s By Paul Vartan Sookiasian RADNOR, Penn. – Masks. Zoom. Tempera- address the immediate and significant personal account of the 44 day war.” Special to the Mirror-Spectator ture Checks. Social Distancing. Outbreaks. Be- problems of feeding, housing, and Hakobyan is an Armenian report- ing a student or teacher has always had its fair protecting these displaced families er, independent political analyst and share of difficulties, but this past year has unleashed more new hurdles and unfamiliar during the COVID-19 pandemic and Tatul Hakobyan, 2 author, based concepts to learning than could have been imagined. Couple this with the existing insuring their long-term settlement in Yerevan, challenges faced by institutions creating a space for the Armenian language and cul- into permanent residences. specializing in ture to be taught while boasting a rigorous and competitive American educational We call on President Biden and the the Karabakh curriculum, and you can begin to understand the moment which the Armenian Sisters Secretary of State to take direct ac- issue and Ar- Academy outside Philadelphia has had to rise to meet. Nobody said it would be easy tion and negotiate the release of all menia-Turkey for this preschool through 8th grade day school with over 120 students and 30 teachers Armenian soldiers and civilians held relations. He and aides, but it has diligently done so in A+ fashion. by Azerbaijan. Even though the cease is an author of Like schools around the world, the Academy had to abruptly transition to Zoom- fire agreement mandated that - Azer three books — see SISTERS, page 7 021 speaaker baijan must free all Armenian prison- Tatul Hakobyan Karabakh Di- ers of war and apprehended citizens, ary: Black and Azerbaijan has refused to abide by Green, Arme- the agreement. An unknown number, nians and Turks, The Valley of Death: believed to be over 200 Armenians, 44-day catastrophe. He worked as a continue to be held captive. Many correspondent for the newspapers were captured after the military hos- Yerkir, Azg, Aztag, The Armenian tilities ended. Due to the release of Reporter and as a political observer videos, we fear the mistreatment and on regional issues of Radiolur news torture of those who are detained. program of Public Radio of Armenia. We lament of the destruction of the Most recently, he was a reporter and churches and religious monuments an analyst at the independent Civil- during the conflict. When United itas Foundation. He holds a degree Nations Educational, Scientific and in journalism from the Yerevan State Cultural Organization (UNESCO) University. attempted to send a committee to Torosyan is a first-generation New visit the religious sites, both of their Englander and moved to Armenia requests were denied. According to two days before the Artsakh War be- the 1954 Convention for the Protec- gan on September 27, 2020. She was tion of cultural property in the event assistant project manager of h-pem, of armed conflict, Azerbaijan is re- Hamazkayin’s online platform to en- Students from first to eighth grade are flanked by Vice-Principal Daniel Com- quired to protect cultural heritage gage young diasporans in Armenian male and Sister Emma Moussayan during their aggression. UNESCO’s see COMMEMORATION, page 7 see NCC, page 7 SATURDAY, MARCH 27, 2021 ARMENIAN MIRROR-SPECTATOR 7 COMMUNITY NEWS Philadelphia Sisters Academy Successfully Weathers Covid Challenge SISTERS, from page 6 a safety plan for in-person instruction. By based distance learning in March 2020 due the end of August 2020, a written plan was to the threat of the coronavirus pandemic. in place and all CDC [Centers for Disease Unfortunately, many of its beloved com- Control and Prevention] guidelines were munity events such as its annual year-end either met or exceeded.” Hantes performance had to be canceled for Every aspect had to be considered and no the first time in the school’s history of over expense could be spared, from replacing all fifty years. While students acclimated to classroom windows and the heating, ven- distance learning through June, an ambi- tilation, and air conditioning filtration sys- tious project was set in motion to allow stu- tems, to allowing for increased ventilation, dents to safely return to campus in time for hiring a full-time cleaning staff to do con- the new school year. This was not easy, and tinuous disinfection throughout the school would require major financial investment, and increasing the number of security cam- at a time when quarantine restrictions pre- eras. In addition, a whole new approach to vented it from carrying out its typical fund- daily practices in school life would need to raising events and activities. Yet as past be taken. The school day starts with tem- generations sacrificed much in order to es- perature checks and mandatory masks, tablish the Philadelphia community and the students arrive based on staggered drop off school itself, there was no question that it times and plexiglass dividers are provided had to be done. for each student’s desk. Students remain “This year has presented many challeng- with their homeroom class all day and no es, not only for our school, but for the entire parents or visitors are allowed inside. Out- world,” commented school principal Sister door spaces are utilized when weather per- mits, and windows are kept open at all times, even in winter with the building’s Academy students display some of the boxes of humanitarian relief they collect- heat turned up to maintain ed and sent to Artsakh during the war proper airflow. A lot of new rules to be sure, but vital in regaining a degree of nor- malcy. through their daily enthusiastic instruction. an described: “We had a large number of Classes were able to re- I also commend the teachers for their dili- new students interested in enrolling at the sume on time in September gence in helping to maintain the cleanliness Academy, but due to all the necessary pro- as planned and have con- and sanitization of the building throughout tocols we decided not to accommodate any tinued relatively smoothly the course of the school day.” additional students this year. The safety of till now. It has been a lot of In fact, word got out about the Acade- our students is our number one priority, and work but well worth it, due my’s preparedness and it was inundated we were not willing to do anything to jeop- to the students’ joy to be with applications from non-Armenian fam- ardize that.” As of March, thanks to these back with their friends and ilies eager to take advantage of it. The local careful precautions the Academy has had Plexiglass dividers, individual baskets for supplies at no longer having to attend elite public schools surrounding the Acad- no cases of COVID transmission and only each desk, hand sanitizer, and proper spacing are all school by computer every emy are still only conducting classes re- a few students ever contracted COVID, in part of the classroom setup which has allowed the day. An important factor in motely and so the opportunity for in-person all cases outside the school environment school to remain open through the pandemic making it work was the ini- instruction has been highly sought after. and successfully quarantined. tiative taken by the school’s While an enrollment boost would have While it is hoped the pandemic subsides faculty, as Sister Emma not- helped with preparedness expenses, there soon, it’s impossible to say when that might Emma Moussayan. “The Armenian Sisters ed: “I commend our teachers for accepting were other matters to consider. At present, happen. Until then though, the Armenian Academy responded wisely and prudently the challenge to safely return to school, class size is fairly small, with about ten stu- Sisters Academy has proven it is up to the to the pandemic by creating a COVID-19 without hesitation, for the students. Their dents per class from first to eight grades. task of weathering the storm while always Response Advisory Committee to develop commitment and dedication are noticeable As Director of Admission Legna Santeri- providing an excellent education.

Official Genocide Commemoration in Connecticut to Focus on Karabakh War Repercussions COMMEMORATION, from page 6 half million victims and also the survivors, efforts will support FAR’s (Fund for Ar- years, FAR will give them ownership of art and culture, and has previously written of the Armenian Genocide begun by the menian Relief) House/Farm project in the the houses. for the Armenian Weekly newspaper. She Ottoman government in 1915. southern Armenia city of Sisian for fami- Anyone wishing to make a contribution currently writes for EVN Report in Arme- The committee supports programs, lies from Artsakh. to this effort, whether or not attending the nia. She holds a master’s degree in human events and the establishment of monu- FAR is acquiring 25 abandoned houses/ Connecticut Virtual Program, may do so. rights from University ments, itself or with other organizations, farms, renovating them, providing furnish- Checks should be payable to: “FAR Si- College London and a in educating the public and remembering ings including appliances, heaters, etc. and sian AER” (Artsakh Emergency Relief) bachelor’s degree in the Genocide. The committee also assists settling 25 families to work the land for in- and mailed to: Armenian Genocide Com- international telations in the legislative mandate to provide Geno- come (domestic animals/poultry, plantings, memoration Committee of CT, c/o Diana from Boston Univer- cide related curricula in the public schools. etc.) to sustain themselves. Dagavarian Colpitts, Treasurer 236 Oxford sity, where she served Additionally, the committee seeks to pres- To motivate them to stay in Armenia, St., Hartford, CT 06105 on the ASA Executive ent information about developments in the if they remain successfully for at least 5 Board. Diaspora and in Armenia. John G. Geragosian, Members of the Committee are: Mel-

Lilly Torosyan Connecticut State Au- anie Brown chairperson, Rita Soovajian NCC Calls for Humanitarian Aid to Armenia ditor, will serve as secretary, Diana Colpitts treasurer, Rev master of ceremonies. Fr. Archpriest Untzag Nalbandian, Rev Fr. And the Release of Armenian Soldiers Melanie Brown, chairperson of the Voski Galstyan, Rev Fr. Archpriest Aram NCC, from page 6 Genocide Commemoration Committee, Stepanian , Rev Fr. Garabed Telfeyan, independent mission of experts must be permitted to produce a preliminary inven- stated “We regret that the circumstances of Deacon Michael Sabounjian, Dr. Svetlana tory of significant cultural properties in order to begin safeguarding the region’s the pandemic will not allow us to gather Babadjanyan, Hon Evelyn Mukjian Daly, heritage. in person at the historic Hall of the House Professor Mari Firkatian, Hon. John Ger- We commend President Biden for pledging to support a resolution recognizing of Representatives as we usually do, but agosian, Professor Armen Marsoobian, the Armenian Genocide of the early 20th century. Approximately one and a half are grateful that we can assemble elec- Sonia Gulbenk, , Richard Arzoomanian,, million Armenians were killed from 1915-1923 during the Ottoman Empire. We tronically to commemorate the Martyrs Attorney Greg Norsigian , Attorney Harry applaud both the House and Senate for passing resolutions recognizing the fact of of the Genocide and help the world learn Mazadoorian , David Paparian , Richard the Genocide during the 116th Congress. As Armenians continue to be displaced from this tragic event in human history. Hamasian , and Kit Kaolian. and killed, we call for the President to keep his pledge and formally recognize the Moreover, the recent events in Artsakh un- Pre-registration is required to obtain the Armenian Genocide on April 24, 2021, Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day, in derscore the need for the world to be ever zoom link. To register go to : https://bit. order to further the US commitment to human rights. vigilant, to remember and to condemn con- ly/3ti5iJ5 We call for prayers to comfort those held prisoner, their anguished families, and tinuing human rights atrocities.” If you are unable to pre-register online those displaced from their homes, so that they may all know God’s true compassion The mission of the Armenian Genocide or do not have zoom capability, call 860- and find strength to persevere during this time of persecution. Commemoration Committee of Connecti- 651-0629. cut is to honor the memory of the one and a This year, the Committee’s fundraising 8 SATURDAY, MARCH 27, 2021 ARMENIAN MIRROR-SPECTATOR COMMUNITY NEWS /OBITUARY

St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral Announces Schedule of Holy Week and Easter Services

NEW YORK — Ordinarily, Holy Week signals the Karamyan (Vicar of St. Vartan Cathedral) will be the vices will take place. The Order of the Crucifixion of end of the Lenten period of separation, and a return celebrant for the services, which will begin stream- Christ will begin at 12 noon. That same evening, at to the full life of the church. The coming Holy Week ing over Facebook at 10 a.m. The Turen-patzek or 6 p.m., the Order of the Entombment of the Lord, or will go forward in the Eastern Diocese under strict “Door-Opening” Service will be held after the Divine Taghoom Service, will take place. observance of local safety regulations, with provision Liturgy. A special Pam Sunday Children’s Blessing On Great and Holy Saturday, April 3, the scrip- for in-person worship as well as online broadcasts of service will take place on the cathedral’s outdoor pla- ture-reading ceremony will begin at 6:30 p.m., fol- services. za following the Turen-patzek service. Children are lowed by the Jrakalouyts (“Lamp-Lighting”) Bada- Public health considerations in the face of the on- invited to take part in this meaningful service and rak. going COVID-19 pandemic remain a major concern, receive gifts. Finally, the drama of Holy Week will culminate on and will limit the activities surrounding the celebra- On Holy TUESDAY, March 30, a Vespers service Easter Sunday, April 4: the central holy day of the tions, and the public’s access to them. in remembrance of the Ten Virgins, will begin at 6 Christian calendar, commemorating the discovery of St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral will be open to the p.m. Christ’s empty tomb and the news of his resurrection. public throughout Holy Week, March 28 through April 1 is Great and Holy THURSDAY, and the The Divine Liturgy will begin at 10 a.m., with Bish- April 4, in accordance with all New York regula- day’s services memorialize the Last Supper, Jesus’ op Daniel Findikyan, Primate of the Eastern Diocese tions regarding public gatherings—which include vigil in the Garden of Gethsemane, his arrest and tri- of the Armenian Church of America, celebrating the mask-wearing, social-distancing, and limits on the al. Two separate services will be celebrated on this liturgy and delivering the homily. number of worshippers permitted in the sanctuary. day. In the morning, the Divine Liturgy will begin at A light reception for the public will take place The series of special Holy Week services, culminat- 10 a.m. on the cathedral plaza following the Easter Sunday ing in Easter Sunday on April 4, 2021, will be broad- In the evening, the “Washing of the Feet” cere- Badarak. cast to the public over the St. Vartan Cathedral Face- mony will start at 6:30 p.m., with the Khavaroom or All of the Holy Week services at St. Vartan Cathe- book page. The Easter liturgy will also be broadcast Vigil Service following at 8 p.m. This year during dral will be broadcast over the cathedral Facebook over the Eastern Diocese’s YouTube platform. the Washing of Feet ceremony, only three individuals page, with East Sunday services broadcast in addition The schedule of services at the cathedral is as fol- from the community will stand in place of the apos- over the Eastern Diocese’s YouTube platform. Par- lows: tles. ishes around the Eastern Diocese may have their own Palm Sunday, the commemoration of Jesus’ en- The crucifixion and death of Christ will be marked schedule of in-person and online services; contact try into Jerusalem, falls on March 28. Fr. Davit on April 2—Great and Holy Friday—and two ser- your local parish for details.

deeds many years later through stories told Melkon Yessaillian by those he had helped. Melkon had an incredible way with words and counsel as Self-made Successful Engineer many sought his wisdom when faced with WESTWOOD, Mass. — Melkon Yes- tuition, his mother told the head priest that big decisions or troubled times. saillian, a longtime resident of Westwood, she was Catholic and recounted stories of An infectious smile, love of life, and a passed away peacefully at home on March her father regularly hosting Armenian nuns “green thumb” were his signature trade- 10, 2021. He was 91. at their home before the Genocide. marks. He relished nurturing his vegetable He was born in the wheat fields of historic Despite being at the top of his class, garden and fruit trees at his home in West- Armenia to Aghavni and Garabed Yessayan, Melkon was forced to drop out of school wood. who were miraculous survivors of the Ar- at age 15 to support his struggling family. He never missed an opportunity to cel- menian Genocide. He took a job at a textile factory where he ebrate a family milestone by coaxing Apri His father baptized him in the Euphrates worked on a loom for 5 years — 12 hours a to host a party in their backyard filled with river. day, 6 days a week for $5/week while rely- a large crowd, lots of love, and his famous After his birth, his parents fled to Aleppo, ing on a kerosene lantern as his only source shish kebab. Syria seeking a better future. To their sur- of light. He did this until the Syrian Army One of his greatest legacies was teaching prise, they faced tremendous hardship due drafted him. his children the true definition of success, as to a lack of employment opportunities for After his stint in the Syrian Army, Mel- exemplified by the Ralph Waldo Emerson Christian minorities. Despite this, his par- kon worked in Baniyas, Syria for Iraq Petro- quote: ents never gave up hope. leum. Discovering that the company would To laugh often & much The eldest of five surviving children, send young employees to London for 12 To win the respect of intelligent people & Melkon lived a life of courage, compassion, months of training, Melkon taught himself the affection of children perseverance, and faith. At age 6, his father English, relying on a dictionary and practic- To earn the appreciation of honest critics secured Melkon admission to the Calouste ing his vocabulary nightly with a friend. He and endure the betrayal of false friends; United States on a student visa. Gulbenkian School for Armenian children. was fluent in three months. After reciting his To appreciate beauty Upon arriving in Boston, he attended He convinced the admissions board that his favorite poem (Rudyard Kipling’s “If”) to To find the best in others; Newman Prep. He subsequently carried a son had innate talent by showcasing his own his manager, he was granted the opportunity To leave the world a bit better, whether full engineering course load at Wentworth beautiful calligraphy handwriting. While at to go to London. by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a re- Institute, while working the night shift as a Gulbenkian, Melkon mastered the French In 1956 he returned to Syria only to face deemed social condition; medical orderly at the Peter Bent Brigham language and was awarded the Prix de L’Al- repeated interrogations by the Syrian Se- To know that even one life has breathed hospital. During this time, he continued to liance Francaise, which recognized the top cret Police who thought he was a spy for easier because you have lived. This is to send a portion of his earnings to his family student of French among all students in his the British Government because he lived have succeeded. in Syria. One night, he befriended an Arme- grade in the city of Aleppo. in London and spoke perfect English. Fear- Melkon made many lives easier. His nian patient at the hospital which led him to When he was 11, Melkon was admitted ful he was going to be falsely accused and boundless enthusiasm for life, his eternal meeting his future wife, Arpi. to the prestigious Mekhitarine Armenian jailed for life, he decided to come to Ameri- happiness, and sunny outlook stem from With family as his highest priority in life, Catholic School, which was reserved for ca for the sake of his family, who continued the life lessons he learned growing up in a he and Arpi helped Melkon’s parents and elite families. With no money to pay for his to rely on his support. He immigrated to the situation which most people would consider siblings immigrate to Toronto during the hopeless. early years of their marriage. They made He leaves behind his wife Arpi (Hachiki- their home in Westwood. He enjoyed a ca- an) and his children: Gary Yessaillian and reer that included many years as a nuclear his wife Lina of Westwood, Ani Yessaillian and construction engineer at Boston Edison. of Boston, and Seta Davidian and her hus- Devoted to his community, Melkon band Raymond of Watertown. He was the served his church as a member of its board grandfather of Michael & Andrea Yessail- of trustees, a Sunday school teacher, and lian and Gregory and Nairi Davidian; broth- principal of the Armenian school. He helped er to Sarkis Asailian and Avo Asailian of many newly arrived Armenian immigrants Toronto, Margaret Asailian of Natick, and to the Boston area get their start in the U.S. late Azniv Poladian. He leaves behind two through various acts of kindness. generations of nieces and nephews. Living a life of humility, Melkon’s chil- Funeral services were private due to gath- dren only learned about their father’s good ering restrictions. SATURDAY, MARCH 27, 2021 ARMENIAN MIRROR-SPECTATOR 9 COMMUNITY NEWS /OBITUARY

Hovhannes Donabedian Aline, David, and Meg, were evident in every exchange and gesture. He treasured Son of Genocide Survivors being with them and sharing what he loved through trips to the beach, art museums, BOSTON — Hovhannes Donabedian lished his own successful private practice and even pumpkin patches. died peacefully on March 5, 2021 at the age and was well poised for a bright future in He adored his granddaughters, Kaitlin of 96. He was the son of Armenian Geno- Beirut. and Julianne. As a toddler, Kaitlin, gave cide survivors and was born in 1924 in the In December 1951, Hovhannes met his him the affectionate name of “Penpa” for village of Ramallah, just 6 miles north of future wife, Hermine Ohannessian, also an the pens he carried in his shirt pocket along Jerusalem during the British Mandate of employee of AUB and an Armenian native with index cards so as not to miss a mo- Palestine. Architect, artist and poet for of Jerusalem. From the outset, one might ment to capture a person in a drawing or more than 55 years, his talent for art and say there was a definite “spark” between the playful thought for a poem. He drew drawing the human figure was evident at a them as from the moment they first shook life from his granddaughters, delighting very young age. hands the lights in the building went out! in their mischievousness, sitting back in By the 3rd grade, Hovhannes began And so began an “electrifying” love story. patience and relishing their liveliness. He attending the Ramallah Friends Boys’ On October 27, 1952 (just 10 months after asked about them every single day and School, founded by Quakers. Upon grad- they met) Hovhannes and Hermine were wanted to know every detail of their lives. uation from the Friends’ School, Hov- married. Their loving and supportive mar- that included Samuel Glaser & Partners, We are grateful for the family vacations to hannes chose his father’s alma mater, the riage would endure for over 60 years until Campbell Aldrich & Nulty and The Archi- Kennebunkport where he and their Grand- American University of Beirut (AUB) Hermine’s death in 2013. tect’s Collaborative, (where he joined their ma shared dedicated time with them. with a practical goal of studying medicine. In the year following the birth of their burgeoning Abu Dhabi hospital team, de- He expressed his love of wordplay Come course registration day, a last-min- first child (their daughter Aline), the cou- veloping an expertise in healthcare design). through witty conversation and poem mak- ute change of heart led him to switch lines ple, at Hermine’s urging, registered with the Hovhannes then joined Shepley Bullfinch ing and delighted in photographing his and register instead for Architecture and American Embassy to come to the United and the Boston office of Cannon, where he loved ones, sensitively attuned to maters of Engineering courses. He went on to earn States. Hermine felt there would be greater retired at the age of 75. light and composition. Taking his time with a dual degree: a B.A. in Architecture (in stability in the US for raising a family and Hovhannes’ major contributions during all of this he would often note “photogra- 1945) and a Bachelor of Science in Civ- more opportunities for their children. As these years as a Project or Staff architect phy cannot be rushed.” il Engineering (in 1946). During summer processing such applications typically took include two Abu Dhabi hospital complex- One of his life lessons to us was “do what holidays, he returned to Ramallah to visit years, Hovhannes went along with the idea, es, Boston’s Lahey Clinic Medical Center, you love,” and for him, that meant making his family and continue his art studies with but in just 3 months their application was Long Island’s Jewish-Hillside Medical art. He shared his love of beauty through Belgian art teacher Gislaine Lambert until approved. Reluctant to leave behind the se- Center (Children’s Facility), Cincinnati’s his portraiture of loved ones and by work- her eventual return to Belgium after WWII. curity of their established life and his thriv- St Francis-St. George Hospital, the review ing from the human figure, producing art Upon graduation from AUB, Hov- ing practice, but having faith in Hermine’s of Design Development Documents for on a regular basis until 2020. hannes returned to Jerusalem working for vision, the family set off for the United I.M. Pei & Partners Federal Triangle Proj- Another lesson he passed down to us was the British Government of Palestine as an States, settling in Boston in 1956. There, ect in Washington DC, University of CT’s realism and acceptance. He called himself Apprentice Engineer in the Department relatives were already well established, and John Dempsey Hospital Support Building, a realist and expressed the importance of of Public Works. In 1948, the Arab-Israeli they quickly entered a new way of life. and innovative Magnetic Resonance Imag- accepting what is and not dwelling on what War broke out and necessitated his quick The Donabedians soon adapted to the ing additions for New England’s Danbury cannot be changed. departure. He returned to Beirut where he Boston area, welcoming the birth of two and Mt Auburn Hospitals. His essence sparkled and those sparkles found success as both an architect and en- additional children (David and young- Throughout his working years as an ar- landed on all those he loved and encoun- gineer undertaking a wide range of (often er sister Meg) over the next seven years. chitect, however, it was always Hovhannes’ tered, staying with them always to be re- simultaneous!) projects that included de- In fact, it would only be a matter of one passion for drawing the human figure and membered and cherished. signing apartments, villas and furniture. In week after arriving in the US before Hov- love of life that sustained his art-making Hovhannes was the beloved husband of addition, Hovhannes worked from 1951- hannes secured full time work marking the and was his raison d’être. Over the last the late Hermine (Ohannessian) Donabedi- 1956 as AUB’s Assistant to the Director of beginning of a productive US career that prolific decade he completed over 400 col- an and the son of the late Samuel and Marit- Buildings and Grounds where he was the would span the next 43 years. Beginning as or collages, on an intimate scale, based on za (Der Hagopian) Donabedian. He is sur- Engineer in Charge of New Construction a structural engineer at Stone & Webster, drawings from the model. vived by his 3 children: Aline, David and (most of it by the office of McKim, Mead, his talent for architecture won out and he Beyond Hovhannes’ creative accom- Margaret “Meg” Donabedian. He was the and White). By 1954, he had also estab- continued on at various prominent firms plishments, he will be most remembered loving grandfather of Kaitlin Donabedian for his loving presence and his immense Shimer and Julianne Donabedian Shimer. kindness. He was, in truth, an extraordinary He was the brother of the late Avedis Don- human being. To meet him was to be em- abedian, Margaret Bechar and Christopher Robert Goshgarian braced by him. He was honorable, humor- Donabedian. He is also survived by many Lover of Life in the City and the Arts ous, and humble. He was passionate about nieces and nephews, cousins and friends. what was right and wrong for humanity. A Graveside service was held at Newton BOSTON — Robert Goshgarian passed things in life are more complicated, like his He was able to create emotional intimacy Cemetery, 791 Walnut Street, Newton on away from cancer on March 10, 2021 at last illness. But most of the time he pre- with each person he knew. Monday, March 8. A Celebration of life the age of 88. He was born and raised in vailed.” Hovhannes was devoted to his beloved will be held at a later date and will be an- Boston to parents Timothy and Yeranouhi She added, “He lost his father when he wife, Hermine, the cherished love of his nounced. Goshgarian, survivors of the Armenian was still a kid. He worked from a young life. He selflessly cared for her at home In August 2019, the filmmaker, John Genocide. age; making money was important - not a during her many years of suffering from Thornton, who makes movies about artists He served in the US Army during the huge amount, but enough to take care of his Alzheimer’s, always with dignity and re- and art shows, released his film about Hov- Korean War. mother and himself. And he took good care spect. hannes entitled “The Art and Life of Hov- of his mother until her death.” His love and care for his three children, hannes S. Donabedian.” Amirian noted that her friend “loved life; he loved the city. His apartment had a spectacular view of the Christian Science Mother Church, a view he proudly showed off to visitors. He kept abreast of what was happening in the world of the performing arts, and would travel a significant distance to catch a performance of something that caught his eye. He loved the theatre, mov- ies, the ballet, and ballet dancers with their lithe, toned bodies. He looked forward to his periodic trips to New York and had a list of the things he wanted to see and do. He did the same for his trips abroad.” In his later years he met the love of his life, Irena Balgalvis, a reference librari- an at the Boston Public Library where he He worked for Filene’s Corp. for many spent a lot of time. He spent the last years years, and then in fundraising for non-prof- of his life with her between her home on it organizations, eventually starting his the South Coast and his Boston apartment. own company. Funeral services were handled by the Adrianne Amirian, a longtime friend, Rogers and Mann funeral home in Jamai- wrote, “I have known Bob since I was 18, ca Plain, and on March 17 he was buried and old enough to join ACYOA Seniors, at Mount Hope Cemetery with his moth- for which he was the advisor. I have always er and infant brother. Religious rites were looked up to Bob. He was the man with the provided by Father Vasken Kouzouian of solutions. They didn’t always work; some the Holy Trinity Armenian Church. 10 SATURDAY, MARCH 27, 2021 ARMENIAN MIRROR-SPECTATOR COMMUNITY NEWS Liberty Orchards Company, Makers of Aplets & Cotlets Candies, to Close CASHMERE, Wash. — After more than loyalty over the last century. The company 100 years of business, Liberty Orchards was founded in 1920 by two Armenian im- Company, the Washington State fami- migrants, Mark Balaban and Armen Tertsa- ly-owned makers of Aplets & Cotlets can- gian, who bought a small apple orchard and dies, will close operations by June 2021. were inspired to use their surplus fruit to The company will continue to seek a buy- create Aplets, an apple and walnut confec- er for the assets, including the brands, the tion based on Locoum, the famous Near production equipment, and the factory and East candy popularly known as Turkish warehouse buildings. Delight. A few years later, a second prod- The company’s Board of Directors and uct, Cotlets, made with apricots and wal- Shareholders wish to thank its many em- nuts, was introduced. ployees, its long-time suppliers, the peo- Three generations of family members ple of Cashmere, Washington, where the have managed the business since 1920. factory and retail store are located, and its The founders’ legacy was carried into the customers from around the globe for their second generation by John Chakirian and

Richard Odabashian, who ran the business from 1956 into the 1980s. Since then, Greg Taylor, the grandson of Armen Tertsagian, has served as the company’s President. Besides Aplets & Cotlets, the company produces Fruit Delights, Dessert Delights, and Fruitlets, to name just a few of its prod- ucts. More recently, the company created Orchard Bars, a nutritious fruit-nut-seed bar, to meet the growing demand for glu- ten-free, non-GMO snacks. The company was founded by immigrants who came to this country as refugees, filled with grati- Mark Balaban and Armen Tertsagian tude, an entrepreneurial spirit, and a will- founded Liberty Orchards ingness to work hard. The family is im- Photo from the early 1920’s showing packing of candies, you can spot founder mensely proud to have carried forward the Mark Balaban’s wife, Ibraxie Balaban, 2nd from the left in the foreground. founders’ legacy in providing more than and employment to generations of families 100 years of the highest quality products in its community. SATURDAY, MARCH 27, 2021 ARMENIAN MIRROR-SPECTATOR 11 COMMUNITY NEWS ‘Rapping Under Fire’ The Story of 3 Young Heroes from Artsakh

RAPPERS, from page 1 The three discover rap music and adopt its style — “Proud. Defiant, Rapid-Fire,” as the film poster announces — three voices that express the fears and desires of a gen- eration eager for change. They have even started a program to also teach local kids to rap — and how happy they look these primary school children as they strike poses and rap out loud. What makes for a successful documentary? As with any film, strong filmmaking technique along with a seamless storyline are a good start — and “Rapping” has both. But the film also succeeds in drawing in the viewer and making him or her identify with its protagonists: in the process, the story goes from the particular to the universal. A beautiful opening aerial pan of Martakert shows off the region’s verdant, natural beauty. Next the film cuts to Spartak, a handsome fellow who is engaged in hand-fash- ioning wooden coffins, of all things. At one point he looks up and explains that he and his fellow Martakertsis have known only war since their birth: “It’s always been this way, we’re used to it.” And then, in a statement that is both black humor and highly serious, he adds, “One thing never changes…There is always a need for a coffin here.” One marvels at how these three previously unversed mu- sicians from Artsakh managed to adopt and adapt a musi- Director Taleen Babayan, seated, at left, can be seen with a subject being filmed. cal style created by young inner-city African-Americans to the Armenian language and local dialect. Of course, today rap music exists in many languages we’re down on our knees. tors’ paths had once crossed.” including French, Spanish and Russian, but Armenian cul- Somewhere in the middle of the film, one of their prote- Overall, there are four main elements that make this film ture has remained somewhat isolated and traditional, so ges, Vika, speaks about the importance of learning to rap a success: the Orinak members as they tell their own sto- Orinak’s music in a way represents something even more as a young woman in a place that still clings heavily to a ry; the music clips themselves and the scenes where the remarkable. patriarchal way of life. director enters into conversation with the rappers. Final- “At first people around here thought that this type of mu- In several places humor cutrs through an otherwise se- ly, Grammy-nominated artist Sebu Simonian of the band sic was shameful,” Spartak explains. “Now they love it.” rious atmosphere, as when the director shows us the suc- Capital Cities narrates the film, filling in viewers about the Lyoka adds that “Rap has a message. … It lets you ex- cessful Artsakh soccer team that competes in the CONIFA history of Artsakh from ancient times to the first war in 1988 after the Soviet Union collapsed to the present. He has a deep, relaxing voice and provides useful information but at times the narration seems to interrupt the wonderful storyline flow that Babayan otherwise achieves. The protagonists also show hideouts designed to protect children and the elderly. As Babayan writes elsewhere: “They’re young and they have a life to live and stories to tell.” In the abstract their lyrics seem overly sentimental, but not given what they have experienced: “This is a good place. The colors are brighter here/Stand with us. The con- nections are tighter here/Birthplace of our fighters are here/ Embrace your land and your ancestors will smile/Drink the purity of mountain rivers. Stand here beside me. It’s all yours if you come back home with us.” Babayan’s film seems prescient in retrospect: a group of Armenians building their own coffins in anticipation of a war that did indeed come and ravage Artsakh. For those who don’t follow politics, at the onset of the 44-Day War fewer than 200,000 people lived in Artsakh, a land almost completely surrounded by hostile Azeri territory. During the war, oil-rich Azerbaijan led a drone-led army to a crushing victory over an unprepared Armenia that had grown smug after its initial 1988 victory. Five thousand young Armenian conscripts were murdered in the process, and as many Azeris — an appalling death toll in a fight over an area roughly the size Rhode Island. At one point, Lyoka tells the filmmaker (should we note he said this is the Ghazanchetsots Cathedral in Shushi?): “Of course we have faith…We believed we would win the ‘92 war and we did. We believed we would be independent and we are. We believe.” The three rappers in Artsakh How ironic. Perhaps the best coda can be found after the bombs have fallen and the bodies have been cleared comes in the words of Lyoka who poignantly told Babayan from press who you are: Your thoughts. Your ideas. Your vision League, made up of internationally unrecognized states the hilltop: “You hear that? There is life here.” of the world. And rap sets you free — You can stand. You such as Abkhazia, the Isle of Jersey and Québec. “Rapping Under Fire” (27 mins, 2020): A film by Taleen can sit. You don’t even have to sing to the beat. You do it For Babayan, making the film was an almost religious Babayan. Cinematography: Suren Ter-Grigorian. Editor: the way you want it.” experience: “We weren’t lifelong friends in that car (driv- Artur Petrosyan. Writers Christopher Zakian and Karine The message is not always upbeat. Alluding to the gov- ing from Stepanakert). In fact, we’d only exchanged a few Abayan. Distributed by Indiepix. ernment in Yerevan, Spartak sings: “Our country’s in crisis messages on WhatsApp. But we certainly felt like we knew Watch “Rapping Under Fire” on Amazon Prime (link and everyone knows it. … The resistance can’t drive — each other all our lives — maybe because somewhere in https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/B08WR1LM- they surrendered the keys. There’s a crisis in Armenia but our history, somewhere in our personal stories, our ances- LB/ref=atv_dp_share_cu_r). 12 SATURDAY, MARCH 27, 2021 ARMENIAN MIRROR-SPECTATOR Arts & Culture a Conversation with.... Armenian Museum Of America Juan Launches Fourth Yelanguezian Virtual Series with Writing, Painting, Composing Focus on Early In Armenian Spirit Recordings

By Artsvi Bakhchinyan WATERTOWN — The Armenian Special to the Mirror-Spectator Museum of America has launched its fourth online program called the YEREVAN/BUENOS AIRES — “Sound Archive,” which is featured Argentinian-Armenian composer, on its website and social media pages musicologist, writer, translator, and every month. The debut offering pres- artist, professor Juan Yelanguezian ents the full catalog of Mardiros Der was born in 1950 in Buenos Aires. In Sarkis Tashjian and his brothers for 1972-1973 he studied journalism at the first time and is considered to be the Catholic Institute of Social Stud- the earliest known Armenian sound ies; in 1974-1975, stage Philology at recordings produced in the United the University of Yerevan; in 1982 he States in the early 20th century. graduated from the Catholic Univer- To kick off the launch of the sity of Argentina (history of music, Sound Archive, the Armenian Muse- plastic arts and literature), in 1984 um is hosting its first-ever webinar from the Department of Musicology with music researcher and collector of the Yerevan State Komitas Conser- Harout Arakelian on Thursday, April 1 at 7:30 p.m. EST (4:30 pm PST). This online Zoom event is free and registration is required via Eventbrite at the following link: www.tinyurl. com/tashjianbrothers. The content of the Sound Archive is supplemented with vintage images from the collection of Project SAVE Armenian Photograph Archives, and The current group of dancers at the David of Sassoon statue. From left, Alexis their archivists have worked close- Nahigian, Ariana Garabedian, Zar Der Mugrdechian, Kara Statler, Andrew ly with volunteers from the Arme- Hagopian, and Matthew Der Mugrdechian. nian Museum to create this original multi-media content. “The music collection of the Ar- menian Museum is extensive, com- prising of more than 3,000 records donated by members over the past 50 years,” notes Executive Director Fresno Arax Jason Sohigian. “Volunteer Jesse Ke- nas-Collins has been digitizing and cleaning up the sound on these old re- Dancers Embark on cordings, some of which date back to the beginning of Armenian music in vatory, in 2001 from the Composition America. We are excited to preview Department and in 2004; PhD of the this work online in an event with same Conservatory. He has been a Video Project Harout Arakelian.” professor at the Institute of Culture Arakelian worked with Kenas-Col- of the Catholic University of Argen- By Michael Rettig FRESNO — For over 40 years, the Arax Dancers lins, Harry Kezelian (staff writer for tina and in the University of Buenos Special to the Mirror-Spectator of Fresno have played an integral role in preserving the Mirror-Spectator) and other re- Aires in the present with the course traditional Armenian dances in California’s Central searchers to document the stories “The Armenian Civilization and his Valley. Before the pandemic, the Arax Dancers regularly held dancing workshops for behind some of these recordings, Influence in Occident” He is member the public and showcased traditional dances at community multicultural events. Now, and the museum has begun posting of the Writers’ and Composers Union in light of the global shutdown, the Arax Dancers are preparing a video project to pre- these online, starting with the Tash- of Armenia. serve and make accessible their rich repertoire of Western Armenian dances. jian Brothers. Arakelian will present His musical compositions have In October 2020, as the pandemic showed no signs of ebbing, Director Zar Der some of this material during the we- been performed in Buenos Aires, Ye- Mugrdechian decided she did not want to leave her five current students idle for long, binar, including songs that have been revan, Paris and elsewhere. Yelangue- declaring: “I wanted to find an activity that would keep their interest in the group alive restored. Some of the artists will in- zian has composed symphonic and while also fulfilling our mission to promote Armenian dance.” She decided on a proj- clude the Tashjian Brothers, Karekin chamber works: Hetanós Idololatris ect that would both engage her students and the community at large; to video record Proodian, Armenag Shah-Mouradian, (Pagan 1974, cello piece), Catharsis traditional dance lessons. Torcom Bezazian and Nevart Dzeron (1977, for piano and actors), From Der Mugrdechian noted that Fresno’s rich Armenian history makes it an ideal setting Koshkarian. my Ancestors (1981 plastic, poetic for such a project. After the genocide, Fresno became an attractive destination for Ar- “Harout has done similar events and musical performance) Adoles- menians from a variety of different villages because of its agricultural land and climate. live at Abril Bookstore in Glendale,” cence Songs (1981), Songs of Fading “Because of this, we have a large diversity of Armenian village dances represented in adds Sohigian, “and these were huge- Lights (1981) Dialogues (1983, Trio), Fresno,” Der Mugrdechian explained. “Not only do we have this rich diversity of danc- ly popular. So we are excited to host Madagh (1983, strings quartet), Songs es, but we have the knowledge of oud master Richard Hagopian, who learned his craft this public event on Zoom. We are of Fading Lights (1983), Aquarelles from genocide survivors and is now passing it on to his grandson Andrew.” sure it will be of interest for our mem- (1983, piano) Arean Suite (1991), According to Der Mugrdechian, Hagopian’s knowledge of the full repertoire of songs bers, fans of Armenian music, and From the Blood Suite or Cycles, ded- that accompany each traditional dance ensures that the Fresno community has ample collectors who have taken a renewed icated to the victims of the Artsakh opportunity to practice them at church picnics. In this way, the Fresno Armenian com- interest in these early recordings that war, for piano, Thraki (1993, Fugue munity has been able to maintain its diverse dance scene over multiple generations. were being lost to time.” for violin and violoncello), Armenian The Arax Dancers decided to highlight Fresno’s rich Armenian history by recording “This introduction to the first Ar- Gods or Vahagn’s Room (2001, Sym- their video lessons at landmarks such as the David of Sassoon statue, the Armenian menian recordings in America will phonic poem), Mission (2004, Flute Genocide Monument at Fresno State, the Soghomon Tehlirian monument, and the bust highlight music in the Armenian and Strings Orchestra), etc. of William Saroyan in Fresno’s Old Armenian Town. Der Mugrdechian begins each Museum’s holdings and I will use He has published literary works in video lesson by explaining the significance of the location and the history of each dance the Tashjian story as the vehicle to Spanish: Anthology of Armenian the group will be teaching. “This will help document our local history and our folk discuss other musicians and record- Poetry (1984), Arian, Poetic An- dances that were brought over from our homeland. It will be a tool for people to learn ings of the 1910s,” explains Arake- thology (1994), Armenian Culture, and hopefully enjoy them as much as we do,” Der Mugrdechian explained. lian. “All audio files to be played will see YELANGUEZIAN, page 13 see DANCE, page 16 see RECORDINGS, page 15 SATURDAY, MARCH 27, 2021 ARMENIAN MIRROR-SPECTATOR 13

ARTS & CULTURE

to his partner, so that they would not suffer said my poetry and songs on the stage of sion), was performed in the Aula Magna of Writing, Painting, and die quickly. My parents educated me the Armenian Center, and our director sent the Komitas Chamber Music Hall, by the and my siblings in Armenian schools, and them to Armenia, where they were trans- Alan Hovhannes Orchestra led by Merujan Composing in my father spoke to us like my grandparents lated by Vahagn Davtyan, Shake Varsyan, Simonyan. Mirzoyan was very pleased. in Armenian. Also, as you know, from a and that’s how I met them, then all the The last time I saw him was at the Philhar- Armenian Spirit very young age I researched and studied in Armenian intelligentsia: artists, musicians monic in 2007, but we talked on the phone Armenia – at the University, the Institute of and representatives of culture, science and until his last days. YELANGUEZIAN, from page 12 Fine Arts, the Madenataran and the Komi- much more. The aforementioned commit- In 2014, the Tekeyan Cultural Associ- Science and Tradition (2001), Esmirna, tas Conservatory. tee offered me a scholarship to study at the ation called on Armenian artists to cre- 1922…The Dr. Hatcherian diary by Dora You distinguished yourself as an Ar- Faculty of Philology at Yerevan Universi- ate a mural inspired by the centennial Sakayan (Montreal 2001, translation), Zim menologist, but your biography said you ty, which I later made tangible in 1974. The of the Armenian Genocide. Your work, Kilikia (2011), and others. He has pub- are also a Hellenologist. rest is history. “Armenian Orphans, Angels of Heav- lished his musicology researches into the My mother educated us in that sense too, You received the first prize at the po- en” won the competition and now hangs many academics magazines in the world. sending us to study Hellenic dances and etry festival in Yerevan in 1975. What in St. Paul Armenian Church in the Li- His musical, literary and painters works culture at the Buenos Aires Collectivity. festival was this? niers neighborhood of Buenos Aires. have been awarded and distinguished On my maternal side, there is also Greek When I was studying at the University of I feel proud because there is a story be- with a number of very important prizes in blood from Xanthi, Thrace, but her roots Philology in Yerevan, a traditional Spring hind it that refers to a poem written in 1985 Argentina and Armenia. He is the author are from Patras in the Peloponnese and her Festival and the Great Victory of 1975 entitled “Orphans of Armenia.” “Could a of the “Orphans of Armenia, Angels of ancestors’ surname is Papandreacopoulos. festival were held. I presented a poetic genocide destroy the Armenian Soul?” Heaven” mural at the Saint Paul Armenian Later I worked for the Embassy of Greece cycle entitled “Ararat, Oedipal Symbol.” which was also presented in the Golden Church in Buenos Aires homage to the and the Greek Institute of Culture of Bue- I received the first prize and was later pub- Hall of the Legislature and was declared centenary of Armenian Genocide (2014- nos Aires, offering conferences, courses, lished in German and Armenian in Vienna “Of Cultural Interest” in 2005: it was also 2015). Dr. Yelanguezian was the only guest and concerts, etc. I was distinguished with and forms the first cycle of “Arian, Poetic translated into many languages. “Orphans from Argentina to present his dissertation the award of the “Friends of Music Associ- Anthology” (1994). of Armenia, Angels of Heaven” evokes at the 4th National Congress of Western Ar- ation” and as “Greek Musician” in the Leg- I think you were lucky to know such that emblematic poem. The project also menians in Paris, in 2015. islature of the City of Buenos Aires. 20th century Armenian music as Eduard had the support of the San Pablo Church Juan, a brief acquaintance with your Cilicia is often present in your works. Mirzoyan. Please share some of your and the Archdiocese of the Armenian Ap- biography shows how your Armenian What do your Cilician roots mean to most memories of that iconic artist. ostolic Church. It was a watercolor that I heritage is present in all three of your you? Without any doubt, he was not only my presented in 2014 for the aforementioned professions — music, literature and I come from traditional Cilician families: teacher but my second father. Although I contest for painters of Armenian origin. painting. Being a third-generation Ar- Marash on the paternal side and Tarsus must say that I was formed by composers “As a great premonition, these orphaned gentinean Armenian, how have you ‘Xanthi’ and Adana on the maternal side. I of great prestige in Argentina, before meet- angels appeared in Heaven inspired by managed to keep your Armenian iden- explain very poetically about my ancestors ing him, such as Roberto Caamaño, dean their author and who made the Genocide tity so vivid? in my book Zim Kilikia (2011), which had at the Argentine Catholic University, and massacred Holy Martyrs and anticipated Well, it is a question that is always asked the privilege, together with all my work, of Guillermo Graëtzer, director of the Colle- the canonization of the martyrs that His me, but the prejudices of society indicate Holiness the Catholicos Karekin II sanc- that you will be nothing if you do not ded- tified on April 23, 2015. Considered of icate yourself to one of the virtues you in- great ethereal beauty, spiritual and mysti- herited and professionally trained by your cal. I had the collaboration of Claudio, my own decision. brother, a plastic artist, and a fashion de- The truth is that in order to create, I need signer. I also anticipated the flower “Forget to go from one art or trade to another, at the me not” as a symbol, in my book Arian, creative moment. I write poetry that takes Poetic Anthology (1994) published by the me to music and then to art or in different patronage by AGBU Alex Manoogian Cul- orders. tural Fund. In a written poem I related this I first trained professionally with my flower to the Armenian Genocide. parents, my father Hovsep-Joseph, born As you remember, first we met in in Beirut, who painted, was a profession- 1992 in Yerevan. Have you returned to al actor and singer under the stage name Armenia during those almost 30 years Reinaldo J. Yelan, while my mother Ar- and what are the main changes you have shalouys Kasparian, born in Athens, was a seen in Armenian society and culture? fashion designer with a boutique and also Both positive and negative. was an excellent pianist. But I come from Naturally, I have returned to the home- many generations of musicians, militarists land repeatedly. And you gave me the hon- and religious people from four churches or of being part of your book on known (Armenian Apostolic, Evangelical, Cath- peoples of Armenian origin in the world, olic and Greek Orthodox). In my geneal- just as you referred to my father in it. In Juan Yelanguezian, Sunny Mural ogy there is even a Scribe monk from the 1992 the country underwent great changes, Cilician Middle Ages. American compos- perhaps not so substantial, but the situa- er Alan Hovhannes Chakmakjian was a tion was different, the war for the defense relative from my grandfather’s mother’s being declared “Of Cultural Interest” by gium Musicum. I showed him my youthful of Artsakh was different, there were other side. Benefactor Boghos Najarian was my the same legislature mentioned above. works and he wrote to me: “Music requires heroes. I think there is a decadent feeling mother’s cousin, who sponsored building You have established professional sacrifices…” This is how I understood and in society and it is necessary that the cul- of churches and schools in Lebanon. contacts with Armenia and Armenian followed his advice, when studying Arme- tural heritage is reborn. It could be glori- I inherited the names of my paternal artists dating back to Soviet times. How nian Musicology with Margarit Brutyan ous. There is a morality subject to social grandfather: Ohannes-Hovhannes-Juan; did you manage it? and Nikoghos Tahmizyan. I asked Eduard and political immorality that remains. I Reinaldo was the artistic name of my fa- My acquaintance with Armenian com- Mirzoyan for permission to be part of his believe that Western civilization was born ther and Samuel was name of my mater- posers started when I was a child. When I classes because I admired him, he was not in Armenia, but if we want to survive we nal grandfather Samuel Kasparian, an was only 7 and was a singer at the Buenos satisfied with foreign students, and it was will have to learn the enemy’s subliminal architect, who erected many buildings in Aires church choir, Aram Khachaturyan very difficult for me, even more overcom- language and learn in-depth the game that Tarsus, Adana, Greece and Buenos Ai- visited our church. It was unforgettable to ing my shyness. I remember that I had to it imposes on us. I remember in the 70’s res: also a great musician, who played the see that great composer, whom I later met show him a work. I sat down in front of the the youth of the pioneers (boy-scouts) had oud, accordion, piano, sitar, etc. So it was again at the Yerevan Opera in 1974. piano, and he leaned his elbow on the bass so much information about South America. destined, yet I did not feel it as a mandate Grandfather Ohannes dreamed of mov- part of the keyboard. I didn’t know how to Those men and women of culture laid the but as a blessing. I was the first grandson ing to Armenia in those years when the tell him to take his arm out of there. So I foundations of the contemporary Arme- and the first to be born in these latitudes. Motherland offered the repatriation of Ar- pushed his arm down and hit my low notes nian renaissance. Ohannes, my grandfather, was a patriotic menians scattered around the world: this at just the right time. Far from being an- What do you consider your biggest Armenian who in addition to having been feeling was latent in my family, and my gry with me, he congratulated me because achievement in your professional life? an architect, built part of the port of Beirut. father transmitted it to me. In the third year I overcame the obstacle he had imposed. My greatest achievement is having re- His biography can be found in the book of high school we thought to prepare our Then we became very close. He allowed mained in my art, and I believe that art published by the Lebanese Embassy (Leb- end-of-year trip. Being always immersed his students with great freedom to express saved my life. As well as that of my grand- anese roots... 2010) He was an excellent in a poetic flight, I expressed the desire to themselves with the originality and this parents, my parents, and my ancestors, with violinist, he gathered his family and inter- know Armenia to my classmates, which made my work much more bearable, much joy; and above all obstacles and suffering. I preted that beautiful hymn (sharagan) “Ur we finally presented to our director,- Ar more because I was a student who had come remember that I was asked to speak about es, mayr im” (“Where are you, my moth- chimandrite Harutiun Moushian. Thus a from the most distant country to Armenia. a composer in my graduation exam at the er?”). When he was playing, everyone was three-year journey began and we managed Later I returned to finish my career as a Komitas Conservatory, I thought about excited and they cried with their pain ex- to reach Armenia on the first of January composer. I received my Diploma in front Komitas who survived the Genocide and pressed on his violin, as he had seen his 1970, invited by the Armenian Committee of twelve professors and the post-graduate left us a large part of the Armenian musical mother and sister get murdered by his best for Cultural Relations with the Armenian studies, later with a Red Diploma, Summa art, but I chose Beethoven and they asked Turkish friend from the French high school Diaspora. cum laude with high praise. My work for me why. I answered: Because he defeated in Marash with a sharp dagger, according From my childhood, I wrote and later flute and string orchestra Badkam (Mis- his destiny. 14 SATURDAY, MARCH 27, 2021 ARMENIAN MIRROR-SPECTATOR

ARTS & CULTURE Artist Ani Jermakian’s Message Is: “I’ll Be Your Voice” By Harry Kezelian Mirror-Spectator Staff

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Ani Jermakian is a talent- ed young artist with a cause: making people’s lives bet- ter through her artwork. She says, “the motive of art is healing.” The 23-year-old native of the Wilbraham, a suburb of Springfield, has a positive attitude and a sweet, car- ing personality that immediately comes across. She has Painting of Armenian Woman in the Genocide, done in high school tackled very serious issues in her work, from the Ar- menian Genocide to the Black Lives Matter movement with her project #Illbeyourvoice. By profession, she is an art teacher who has dedicated her career to nurturing band Diego Rivera. She adds, “I enjoy flowing, round- the next generation in the public school system. ed lines, where everything is smooth and calming. Jermakian, a third-generation Armenian-American who comes from a close-knit family heavily involved in the Armenian community (particularly at St. Mark’s Armenian Roots and ‘I’ll Be Your Voice’ Armenian Church in Springfield), started private art les- “Armenian stuff has been my go-to since high sons at age 8. Her elementary school teachers noticed school,” Jermakian says. that she had a serious talent for art, and informed Jer- For an AP Art class, she was required to put togeth- makian’s mother, who found her a private teacher, Don- er a portfolio; she chose the Armenian Genocide as a ald Blanton. Blanton, a prominent artist in Springfield, theme and created 10-12 pictures. They had to be “su- is especially known for per realistic,” she says, his work with children because they had to tell and youth in teaching the true story of what art. Jermakian took les- happened. “I had to show sons from ages 8 to 18 the human body. I want- and still keeps in touch. ed it to be real, and my “He nurtured my skills were portraiture talent,” she said. “He and realism.” She adds taught me things like that the more creative looking at something aspect came in “chang- and practicing your eye ing the backgrounds and — it’s super important.” manipulating [light and Her sharp eye for the color] to show how dev- world around her led astating it was.” Some of naturally to Jermakian’s the paintings did include adoption of a Realist symbolism which was “African Beauty” – Painted At Age 15 style. not quite realistic in con- Unlike many contem- tent, but realistic in style. porary artists, Jermaki- “I painted a woman with features. “They used to try to guess what I was, Hispan- an’s work tends toward her hands up at the front ic, half-black half-white…I told them I’m Armenian realism and portraiture. of the scene, as if she is and we’re considered white, but everyone was like ‘Oh, “I was taught classical pushing up against glass you can’t be white.’” art,” she said, by Blan- and can’t escape,” Jer- Jermakian’s parents were surprised when she came ton, noting than an early makian says. “I always home with this information. Generations of Armenians inspiration was Ameri- had the mantra that I’m who have been born and raised in the US, particularly on cana realist painter Nor- the voice of my ances- the East Coast, have been classified as white by society man Rockwell. But per- tors. They can’t speak for many years. Yet many millennial Armenians, particu- haps the most important and talk about what hap- larly with a darker complexion, are not considered white reason is that it helps pened to them now be- by their peers — a change that Jermakian attributes to her connect with the cause they’ve passed on, the fallout of 9-11, when Middle Eastern ethnicities were people that are going to but I can tell their story.” held in greater suspicion throughout the country. be enjoying her works. Artist Ani Jermakian When the racial jus- “We think of ourselves as white, but others say we “I feel like it’s more tice movement of the aren’t. That got the wheels turning about how we think relatable. I get a lot of summer of 2020 began, of ourselves. We are marginalized in our own way.” commissions for por- Jermakian felt that her Jermakian noted that while many or most Armenians traits. And I feel that the person is commissioning me Armenian heritage compelled her to stand up for Black in US benefit from white privilege, certainly Arme- because they want a painting [that they can enjoy],” she lives. “I was noticing everyone was talking about it on- nians were an oppressed ethnicity in other countries noted. line, but Armenians not so much. We don’t talk about in the past — particularly in Ottoman Turkey, and in Jermakian employs her own style of brushwork to this as much as we should and it bothers me. I started today’s Republic of Turkey. If Armenians have been draw out the expression in the painting. Her portraiture, thinking about our identity.” Jermakian pointed out that persecuted, then “we should be speaking up” about which is realist but in a modern way and with Jerma- though she was raised to consider herself “white,” her racial injustice, Jermakian argued. “We are connected kian’s own flair, somewhat reminds one of the work of fellow students in college did not consider her white, to our suppressed past. And advocacy isn’t just about Frida Kahlo (minus the surrealist aspect) and her hus- based on her dark Armenian complexion and ethnic continued on next page SATURDAY, MARCH 27, 2021 ARMENIAN MIRROR-SPECTATOR 15 ARTS & CULTURE from previous page to paint a portrait.” But it helped kick off in- advocating for your own group. You can terest in her work. Then she got a very spe- advocate for things that don’t affect you.” cial commission. Someone who found her Jermakian began to think about ways to via Instagram wanted a picture done of his take a stand two grandmothers. The family, who live in in support of the Black Lives Matter move- Worcester, are immigrants from Cameroon. ment, as an outgrowth of her advocacy for “He wanted a picture of the two founda- her own people throughout her high school tions of the family,” says Jermakian, and and college years when she would always it was important to the grandson because educate others on the Armenian Genocide. his grandmothers are getting up in years. Jermakian has another deeply personal rea- He sent Jermakian a photograph. “I really son to support the movement. Her teacher loved the picture,” she said. “I got a vision and mentor Blanton, is Black. of a huge painting. The colors were what “When I was 15-16 I painted a picture of was in the photo.” a black woman,” Jermakian said. She not- The portrait became Jermakian’s passion ed it wasn’t necessarily a specific person, project over the summer. “I was due for a but represented the beauty of Black people big project, and this took me all summer.” with whom she felt a connection because Just as with her approach to most of her of her teacher. art, she wanted to help the family tell their “In college I used that picture in every story. She regrets not knowing more about class,” she said. the two women. “Both are from Cameroon, Jermakian felt compelled to do portraits and one of them had 8 kids.” She added, “It of “the three most prominent victims of meant a lot to me. I was invested in telling police brutality,” George Floyd, Ahmaud the story of these women; capturing the sto- George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, and Breonna Taylor by Ani Jermakian Arbery, and Breonna Taylor, in order to ry through their eyes.” “celebrate that person’s face.” “I actually Jermakian worked hard on the women’s got some backlash for it, like I shouldn’t eyes in the portrait. “The eyes can draw be using their images or painting their fac- agreeable to the majority. We need to use websites, and is also imbued with the spirit you into the painting. They seemed like es. But I’m an artist. Everyone talks about this privilege and heavily impactful voic- of helping people tell their stories – helping such powerful women and pillars of the ‘say their name,’ but I think of faces, it’s es as white-identifying people to speak up to be their voice. family and I felt I had to do them justice. my way of saying their name.” Whatever and be loud. Now is the time to spread the “In high school I started doing portraits There was strength in their eyes. And I had her detractors were accusing her of, Jerma- love that we live by in our faith for which and when I showed them to people, I started to paint them as real eyes, looking at you.” kian was not using these images for per- we were once persecuted. If we are so pas- getting requests. A lot of it was from family Ani Jermakian’s artwork, created with sonal gain. Instead, she initiated what she sionate about the injustice that happened to and church members, Armenians.” But this love, will always serve the purpose of mak- calls the #IllBeYourVoiceProject. Taking a our people, we need to be passionate about past year, as schools were closed down due ing people’s lives better – whether in her cue from friends, she had her artistic imag- the injustice that is happening in front of to Covid, Jermakian found portrait painting career as a teacher, her uplifting the voice es of the victims along with her idealized our eyes today.” For the Armenian-themed as an alternative way to gain some income. of the oppressed, or her telling the story image of black female beauty printed on stickers and T-shirts, she uses designs and “I wasn’t employed so I didn’t have any- of everyday people through her sensitive, stickers and T-shirts. She sells these items artwork that she did in high school relat- thing to do. All my portraits are also posted glowing portraiture. As she says, “the mo- and all proceeds go to the cause – specifi- ing to the Genocide and Armenian culture. on Instagram, so that leads to more com- tive of art is healing.” cally the Center for Racial Justice in Edu- The proceeds from these products go to missions.” Over the summer, Jermakian To see her work, visit www.artworkby- cation (“I wanted to support them because Armenia Fund. She also donated some of had a sale - $20 per portrait. “That’s really ani.com or her Instagram account which is I’m a teacher”) and the Black Lives Matter the proceeds to her parish’s fundraiser for cheap, way less than what anyone charges also titled Artwork By Ani. (BLM) organization. Artsakh, which raised $1,500 that was then When the war broke out in Artsakh, she matched by another organization. added the Armenian cause to her “I’ll Be For the rather small Springfield commu- Your Voice Project.” Her website delin- nity, that was a lot. Ani is proud of her con- Armenian Museum Of America Launches Fourth eates how she relates the two causes and tributions to both causes. Virtual Series with Focus on Early Recordings that of oppressed people everywhere. She A Sensitive Portraitist wrote: “Armenians can be visually racially RECORDINGS, from page 12 rator Gary Lind-Sinanian, where he ambiguous people — often being mistaken Aside from her philanthropic/human be from the Armenian Museum of shares informative and often amusing for other ethnicities. However, we now live rights activity and her teaching, Jerma- America’s archive, and we will explore stories about objects in the collection. in a country where we are protected under kian’s biggest calling card is her portrait these long-forgotten tunes and hear sto- This popular video series is sponsored white privilege because our skin color is painting, which also appears on both of her ries about the creators of culture.” by Michele Kolligian, president of the Like most cultural institutions, the Museum’s Board of Trustees. Armenian Museum quickly made the “Since we have not been able to open shift to virtual programming such as this the Museum galleries to the public, or over the past year. While galleries had present live events such as lectures, to remain closed during the COVID-19 book talks, and concerts, our team has pandemic, members and families began done a wonderful job curating virtu- participating in online events. al offerings to keep people connected CALENDAR These programs have been growing during the time the Museum has been at the Armenian Museum and now in- closed,” concludes Sohigian. “While ON-LINE EVENTS & PROGRAMS clude an Online Concert Series spon- we look forward to reopening in the MASSACHUSETTS sored by the Dadourian Foundation second half of the year, we will contin- and a monthly Virtual Exhibition high- ue posting online content so our mem- APRIL 7 — CELEBRATING ART, SCIENCE, SERVICE & COMMERCE: LEADER- lighting objects from its collection. In bers across the country and interna- SHIP, SHARING EXPERIENCES. Wednesday at 5 pm. A public program in a addition to the new Sound Archive, the tionally can remain engaged and enjoy series to celebrate contributions to our life and culture in Art, Science, Service Museum has been featuring a weekly learning about our vast collection, and and Commerce, the words etched around the Labyrinth’s Circle This virtual pro- ‘’Show and Tell’’ video hosted by Cu- beyond.” gram features influencers - each leading by extraordinary example – who will speak about their experiences and commitment to social good and making a difference. Ann Zacarian will offer the Welcome, Chief Marty Martinez, City of Boston Office of Health and Human Services, Greetings. Cindy Fitzgibbon, WCVB TV, is Host. Participants include Edward Casabian, investor, early Uber employee; Julia Grove, Picture Editor, “This is Us,” NBC series; Avak Kahvejian, PhD, General Partner, Flagship Pioneering; Councilor Julia Mejia, Boston City Council; Berj Najarian, Director of Football & Head Coach Administration, New England Patriots; and Tracey Zhen, President, Zipcar. For the link to register, please visit ArmenianHeritagePark.org/Events RHODE ISLAND

APRIL — The Sts. Sahag and Mesrob Armenian Church of Providence holds a series of events every Friday at 7.30 p.m., see https://www.facebook.com/ armenianchurchprovidence. All programs dedicated to Victors and Saints of the Armenian Genocide. April 9 – “Sayat-Nova” Kousan Song Ensemble from Mardiros Der Sarkis Tashjian, along with one of the record labels from his Armenia April 16 – Yerevan Chorale, Memorial Concert April 23 – Armenian 1909 recording for Columbia Phonograph Company (Photo Credit: Proj- Chorale of Rhode Island, Memorial Concert April 30 – Cultural Genocide, ect SAVE Armenian Photograph Archives) Film Presentation in English 16 SATURDAY, MARCH 27, 2021 THE ARMENIAN MIRROR-SPECTATOR ARTS & CULTURE

oped into a life of its own, and turned into an impressive ethnic cookbook. Seta and Rhoda worked together to document each recipe, and their cookbook, Memories of Aleppo, was published in 2016. Memories of Aleppo is a treasured collection of the family’s favorite Aleppo recipes that can be enjoyed for many generations. Recipe “These recipes represent the cooking style and cuisine of the Armenians who lived q in Aleppo for centuries,” adds Rhoda. “Many recipes are vegetarian and vegan, in- cluding this Muhammara. Aleppo pepper is an important ingredient in Middle East- by Christine ern cuisine. It is a Syrian variety of hot pepper, characterized by its fruity, cumin-like Vartanian flavor with moderate heat that builds over time. It is used as a spice in numerous Corner dishes in order to provide them with some heat.” Each of the recipes was beautifully By Christopher Atamian photographed by their son/nephew, Raffi Alexander at Spiderbox Photography, in La Special to the Mirror-Spectator Canada, California. “We were schoolmates in the American High School for Girls in Aleppo,” says Seta. “Later on, one of us married the other’s brother and we became relatives as well as very close friends, and we are still close, and continue to talk with each other on the telephone every day.” “This recipe,” adds Rhoda, “is a delicacy of contrasting flavors: olive oil, red pep- per, pomegranate molasses, and walnuts. Its magical qualities lie in the fact that when you eat it, you taste all of the wonderful flavors simultaneously. Although Muhammara is usually eaten as a dip, it goes well with turkey, especially left-over turkey. Muhammara and turkey between two slices of toasted bread makes the per- fect sandwich.”

INGREDIENTS: 6 medium red bell peppers, coarsely chopped and seeded 1/2 cup corn flake crumbs 1 teaspoon cumin powder 1/2 teaspoon salt to taste 2 teaspoons Aleppo pepper to taste 1 tablespoon granulated sugar 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice 2 tablespoons pomegranate syrup Muhammara 1 tablespoon red pepper paste (optional, found in Middle Eastern stores)* (Red Pepper and Walnut Dip) From Memories of Aleppo 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil 1 cup walnuts, chopped (pulse 10 times in the food processor) “Aleppo, Syria can boast one of the richest, most diverse cuisines in the world. Pine nuts to garnish Syrian cuisine mainly uses eggplant, zucchini, garlic, meat (mostly from lamb and sheep), sesame seeds, rice, chickpeas, fava beans, lentils, cabbage, cauliflower, vine PREPARATION: leaves, pickled turnips, cucumbers, In a food processor, add the chopped bell peppers and process until smooth. Put tomatoes, olive oil, lemon juice, mint, them in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Cook uncovered for about 10 minutes. (Six pistachios, honey and fruits. Despite bell peppers will make 1 cup of pepper sauce). Remove from stove top and cool. its wide acclaim, only a handful of Mix red pepper sauce with the corn flake crumbs (do not use bread crumbs). Add Aleppo dishes are ever served at Mid- the cumin powder, salt, Aleppo red pepper, granulated sugar, lemon juice, pomegran- dle Eastern restaurants today, includ- ate syrup, and the optional red pepper paste. Mix well. Then add the olive oil and ing in Los Angeles,” says retired en- chopped walnuts. Sauce will taste sweet, hot and sour. If it is too thick, add some gineer and author, Alec Ekmekji. “It water gradually until it has the consistency of a dip. Serve on a plate or in a bowl remains a cuisine of many great home garnished with pine nuts. cooks and chefs.” *”You can also purchase red pepper from Korean markets and at Amazon,” adds A few years ago, Aleppo natives Rhoda. “Labeled ‘Premium Korean Red Pepper Coarse Powder,’ it is coarse ground, Seta Ekmekji (Alec’s mother), and less expensive, and has a nice aroma of dried peppers.” her sister-in-law, Rhoda Margossian, Memories of Aleppo, Our Favorite Middle Eastern Recipes by Seta Ekmekji and compiled some family recipes to leave The authors, Rhoda Margossian and Rhoda Margossian. to their children, a project that devel- Seta Ekmekji Fresno Arax Dancers Embark on Video Project DANCE, from page 12 recorded video lessons for a Fresno State student’s MBA Kara Statler, a fourth generation Fresno Armenian who project. In the process of uploading this footage to You- joined the Arax D Tube, Der Mugrdechian realized there were not enough ancers three years ago, echoed these sentiments in de- video tutorials online for Armenians to learn the tradition- scribing her enthusiasm for the project. “It’s so important al dances. “I could not find anybody else that taught the for me to not only learn these dances and connect with my dances slowly, step by step, and filmed from various angles culture myself, but to be able to spread the knowledge as such that it would be easy for people to learn from home,” well,” Statler said. “It will make traditional Armenian line stated Der Mugrdechian. Her aim is to build upon the first dancing more accessible and will hopefully inspire more video from the group’s early years to record the full reper- people to join in at the next picnic.” toire of the Arax Dancers. Der Mugrdechian drew inspiration for this project from Though the group has changed members multiple times a similar one some 30 years ago when the Arax Dancers over the past 45 years, Der Mugrdechian has remained an active member of the Arax Dancers since its founding. In that time, the group only had one 6-year hiatus while Der Mugrdechian, then the group’s director, was the principal of the local Ar- menian Community School. “For me, dancing is a way to show whoever thinks that they could kill the Armenians that they can’t, and that we are still doing what we have always done,” she explained. “This is one small way for me to ensure that a very beautiful aspect of our culture remains alive for fu- ture generations.” The forthcoming video lessons will be posted on the “Arax Fresno” YouTube profile. The pro- file currently holds the original 1990s video les- sons with 4 dances: the 3-Step Bar, Haleh, Pom- The Arax Dancers’ female members in 2013 in front The Arax Dancers from 2012 pooreeg, and Greek Certo. Link: https://youtu. of St. Mary’s Church in Yettem, California be/g-U5HSnMm58 SATURDAY, MARCH 27, 2021 ARMENIAN MIRROR-SPECTATOR 17 COMMENTARY THE ARMENIAN Mirror Editorial SPECTATOR Since 1932 Armenia’s Snap Elections: Solution Or Delusion? A fatalistic mood has descended upon Ar- head of the Russian Duma’s Foreign Policy Commission, ac- menia; this is a time when the families of cused Russian actions of contributing to the start of the war, An ADL Publication some of the 5,000 victims of the recent di- while the Kremlin leadership expected gratitude from Yerevan sastrous war rejoice if they find the remains for having stopped the war, suggesting “otherwise Armenia The First English Language of their loved ones. Ten thousand wounded would have faced the worst.” Armenian Weekly in the soldiers are facing a tough road to recovery In his plan to purge the army from its Russophile element, and mobility through the help of prostheses. the prime minister had fired the chief of the army general staff United States By Edmond Y. Azadian The entire country is caught in the grips of a Onik Gasparyan, who, along with 40 other officers, had de- raging pandemic, pinning its hopes on herd manded the former’s resignation. EDITOR immunity rather than the promised vaccines which have yet The prime minister’s decree sacking Gasparyan was not Alin K. Gregorian to arrive. signed by President Armen Sarkissian and it has been submit- MANAGING EDITOR Life, as we see, is upside down in Armenia, except for po- ted to the Administrative Court, which found the prime min- Aram Arkun litical life, which is preparing for snap elections to be held on ister’s order illegal and reinstituted Gasparyan to his position. June 20. Meanwhile, Pashinyan appointed Artak Davtyan to replace ART DIRECTOR The ruling My Step coalition of Prime Minister Nikol Pash- Gasparyan. This is an anomaly in the political situation and the Mark (Mgrditchian) McKertich inyan, which has 83 seats in the 132-seat parliament, had previ- prime minister cannot push through his decisions. ously hesitated to pull the trigger on snap elections as pressure There is certainly a political crisis, which the ruling party SENIOR EDITORIAL COLUMNIST was mounting from the opposition as well as other quarters. believes it can mitigate with snap elections. Pashinyan himself Edmond Y. Azadian Members did not know how they would fare. At first, the party symbolizes the defeat but he will benefit from the apathy crated STAFF WRITER announced that there was no public clamor for elections when by the last war. Harry Kezelian III it was clear Pashinyan’s popularity was dwindling. Then, af- Recent polls indicate that only 40 percent of the electorate ter they were reassured that the opposition had not garnered plans to vote. CONTRIBUTORS enough momentum, they started holding ne- Christopher Atamian, Florence Avakian, gotiations with Edmon Marukyan, the leader Taleen Babayan, Artsvi Bakhchinyan, of the docile opposition party Bright Armenia Raffi Bedrosyan, Christine Vartanian in the parliament. Datian, Dr. Arshavir Gundjian, Philippe However, one of the deciding factors for Raffi Kalfayan, Ken Martin, Gerald snap elections was the realignment of the Papasian, Harut Sassounian, Hagop Prosperous Armenia Party. Its leader, Gagik Vartivarian Tsarukyan, earlier had joined the Homeland REGIONAL Salvation Movement, headed by former Prime CORRESPONDENTS Minister Vazgen Manukyan. It is not the first LOS ANGELES: Ani Duzdabanyan- time that Tsarukyan has shifted allegiances. Manoukian, Kevork Keushkerian, When his party quit the opposition movement Michelle Mkhlian of 17 parties and publicly stated that Prosper- YEREVAN: Raffi Elliott ous Armenia would not propose a candidate BERLIN: Muriel Mirak-Weissbach for prime minister, Pashinyan’s party went PARIS: Jean Eckian ahead and announced the date for elections. SAN FRANCISCO: Kim Bardakian The second blow to the opposition movement CAIRO: Maydaa Nadar came from the Homeland (Hayrenik) Party, headed by the former Security Services Chief PHOTOGRAPHERS Arthur Vanetzyan. It is likely that Vanetzyan’s Jirair Hovsepian, Ken Martin party may join Prosperous Armenia in an alli-

VIDEO CORRESPONDENT ance, otherwise it does not stand a chance to Haykaram Nahapetyan have a representative in the parliament. The opposition movement lost popularity also, when its leader, Vazgen Manoukyan, allowed The Armenian Mirror-Spectator is the ARF leader Ishkhan Saghatelyan to up- published weekly, except two weeks in stage him. July and the first week of the year, by: The local ARF chapter in Armenia does not enjoy much pop- Unfortunately, during the thirty years of independence, Ar- Baikar Association, Inc. ularity; its conduct even caused a split in the ARF ranks in the menia was not able to develop political parties around ideas 755 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA diaspora. and philosophies. Instead, the voters follow individuals of in- 02472-1509 All these defections have resulted in the occupiers of the fluence and switch allegiance for no reason. Telephone: 617-924-4420 tents on Baghramyan Street, erected by the opposition to block In all probability, Pashinyan’s My Step alliance will win the FAX: 617-924-2887 entry to the parliament, to abandon their posts. elections by default, because no alternative force has emerged www.mirrorspectator.com While the opposition was losing influence, a third party did and above all, because of the political immaturity of the voting E-Mail: [email protected] not emerge to give an alternative choice to the electorate, fur- public. For advertising: [email protected] ther reassuring Pashinyan’s party that it did not face a serious Any new government which wins will face a very daunting challenge. agenda: to prepare the army for the next inevitable war, to de- There are many fringe parties which plan to take part in the velop the economy, to sustain the modernization of the armed SUBSCRIPTION RATES elections; Levon Ter-Petrosian’s Armenian National forces, to discourage the speedy outflow of emigrants, to re- U.S.A. $80 one year Congress, Levon Shirinyan’s Christian Democratic Party, the store the wounded psyches of the public and face tough negoti- Canada $125 one year Worker’s Party, the Heritage Party and many other groups ations with the enemy for the implementation of the nine-point Other Countries $200 one year whose names are not familiar to the public. declaration of November 9. One important development which needs to be marked is In the meantime, deteriorating relations between the US and © 2014 The Armenian Mirror-Spectator the rise of the popularity of the National Popular Pole (Bever), Russia have to be factored in as well as negotiations around Periodical Class Postage Paid at Boston, which comprises Sasna Tserer and the European Party, headed Iran’s nuclear deal. MA and additional mailing offices. by filmmaker Tigran Khzmalyan. No party in the past dared Besides these external political factors, there are some do- publicly to side with the West and NATO. The public rally held mestic problems that need to be addressed: since September ISSN 0004-234X by this group on March 16 gathered a large crowd, which along 27, 2020, martial law has been in place and it has to be lifted the Armenian tricolor, waved the US and French flags. Speak- before the elections. ers also stated that “from now on, the winds blow from the A draft law has been submitted to change the electoral code, Postmaster: Send address changes to The Armenian west, not from the north.” that has to be addressed because the configuration of the next Mirror-Spectator, 755 Mount They outright called for alignment with the European Union parliament depends heavily on whether the election is held un- Auburn St., and with the US. This was the result of frustration from Rus- der current law or the one which is awaiting approval. Watertown, MA 02472 sia’s treatment of Armenia during the 44-day war. Indeed, Pashinyan’s task is cut out for him. He could not handle the Moscow had supplied Armenia’s army with Iskandar missiles, war and yet he will be tasked to lead the recovery of a devas- Other than the Editorial, views which did not fire and with SU-30 fighter jets without their tated country. and opinions expressed in this missiles. Under the most optimistic scenario, the election will fall newspaper do not necessarily To top it off, some authoritative voices in Moscow blamed short of solving the political economic, psychological and dip- reflect the policies of the the Russian side for instigating the war. Constantin Zatulin, the lomatic disaster. At best, it will provide a delusion to the public. publisher. 18 SATURDAY, MARCH 27, 2021 ARMENIAN MIRROR-SPECTATOR COMMENTARY

continues. Forgetting the problems facing the country, the the country’s security, then the government and the oppo- government makes consecutive concessions left and right, sition are so full of hatred for each other that it will hardly and the opposition is busy with the demands of glorifying solve the problem. A military coup in Armenia is out of the Time to Get the defeated generals and discrediting the resignation of question, because we have almost lost the last manifesta- the prime minister. tions of our independence, especially after the last war in An involuntary question arises. Why is it that the gen- Artsakh. So the resolution of the problem depends more on erals who dismantled the front and lost it are not fired and the external factor, a circumstance which we point out with Serious: are awarded the title of hero?And the saddest thing is that, terrible pain and bitterness. as always, this time the parade is led by foreigners with In the background of these developments, in my opinion, famous and unknown Armenian friends. Are the Armenian the most dangerous reality is that Turkey, which did not people so old that they will not give birth to other Nejdehs? openly interfere in the internal affairs of Armenia during Tomorrow There is no doubt that the General Staff is the brain of our thirty years of independence, made it clear that we are the Armed Forces, one of the most informed structures in at their mercy. any country. Especially in a country like Armenia, which I understand that we have not been and will not be has been at war for 30 years, the headquarters has great- friends, but hostile statements from them are a gross vi- Is Too Late er information-analytical capabilities than in many other olation of international law, yet they do happen. The most countries that have never been at war. And if the General dangerous and powerful thing here was that the Armenian By Dr. Suren T. Sargsyan Staff demanded the resignation of the prime minister, then authorities did not respond in any way and seemed to ac- he has finally destroyed the army, the supply of weapons cept the remark like a student punished by their silence. It My generation, which is considered among the old to- and the economy in general, and has insulted the honor and is extremely dangerous that even our media, not realizing day, lived in the Soviet system for more than half of its life. dignity of the entire Armenian people. the great danger of these statements, by repeating them Today it is confused, angry and surprised by everything In other words, the demand for his resignation has seri- regularly, make it normal and creates a mental state of rec- that is happening in our country. I do not want to praise ous grounds. They have certain information, on the basis onciliation with them. those years; I do not suffer from nostalgia. I am a histori- of which they presented the demand for the resignation of I have a good idea of the outrage, the noise and the an, I know all the painful calamities that have befallen us, the prime minister. “They do not have to share that infor- thousands of accusations made by Russophobes if such when Russia did not help, made mysterious retreats and mation with the public, people just have to realize that if statements were made by high-ranking Russian officials. won at our expense in the Balkans or elsewhere. the HQ demands something, then the issue is urgent and An involuntary question arises: what is all this really, But let me ponder what a radical change, what incredible well-founded” (former officer of the General Staff of the pro-Western, pro-Soros or what is the same, it is in the achievements we would have had today if the whole of RF Armed Forces, ZOI colonel, military expert Mikhail heart of the pro-Turks? This is where the dog’s head is bur- Western Armenia had joined the Russian Empire in 1828, Khodarionok). ied, which is why at the beginning of the article I presented even if it had been subjected to tsarist exploitation. In addition, almost all military commanders claim that the approaches of my peers on the issue. In order not to sin It is a big question that if that happened, and naturally no the commander-in-chief ruled the entire armed forces against the reality, I must say that I carefully followed the Genocide, wouldn’t we have an Armenia with 40-50 mil- during the war in an unbearable, deadly and simply un- speeches of the opposition; to my great pain, they did not lion today and be the main player in the South Caucasus? talented manner. Those who were more efficient, who had say anything significant about this issue except for a few Why did I suddenly remember the Soviet years? studied in the Russian military academies, were specifical- references. We used to attack the memories of the intellectuals who ly dismissed from service. Azerbaijani President Aliyev, without any hesitation, had miraculously survived the years of persecution, ab- In other words, he is completely against the alliance with threatened: if Armenia does not agree to provide a corridor sorbing them, digging into the press of the time, and then Russia. through the territory of “our former land Zangezur,” Azer- only our topics ... When we saw the shops full of goods Before and after the war, no training exercises or tactical baijan will force it to do so. and colorful lights, when we were surprised that the streets tricks were organized. The director of the Network Research Institute, politi- were illuminated by advertisements, when blue jeans were And where does this confrontation between the prime cal scientist Gagik Harutyunyan, is right when he writes: worshiped, when ... there were a thousand and one restric- minister and the General Staff lead? It is an issue that has “The Armenian government is acting not in the interests of tions and prohibitions, but not only was my generation not in fact become a decisive and cornerstone of further de- Armenia and the Armenian people, but in the interests of depressed by all that, it was waiting for the right moment velopments. One can assume that if the president does not the owners they have recruited.” Their task is to eliminate with clenched teeth. approve the decision of the prime minister, he will also be the Iran-Armenia-Russia axis, carrying out parallel work When it came, it immediately fought and won. It won in considered a supporter of the coup; the regime will de- against Greece. In the context of all this, it is natural that 1991-1994, when the Armenians, almost without generals, mand the resignation of the president of Armenia. And the the Armenian government agrees to occupy not only Art- with a fully formed army, forced the Azerbaijanis to rec- opposition will support the president and will demand the sakh with its physical and military force, but also Armenia ognize the de facto independence of Artsakh and to ask for resignation of the prime minister again. The prime minister with economic and geopolitical methods. a ceasefire. And in 2020, when we had the most efficient will announce that he does not want to disturb the country “The policy of Azerbaijan and Turkey in general,” army in the region with more than 40 active generals, we and renounce the decision he signed. says Harutyunyan, pursues that goal towards Syunik. In lost and “returned” not only the occupied seven regions, Judging by the “anxiety” of the main players in the re- other words, they do not serve the interests of Armenia, but also gave 75 percent of Artsakh to the enemy, leaving gion, other scenarios can be imposed from outside, accord- but of Turkey and Azerbaijan, that is why, naturally, the rest of Artsakh to the mercy of the “peacekeeping ally.” ing to which Onik Gasparyan will resign and thus will shed they do not respond to the insults coming from And the most interesting thing is that instead of unit- the unpleasant burden of considering himself fired by the Azerbaijan.” ing all the political forces in the defeated state, restoring Prime Minister. Nevertheless, it can be unequivocally stat- I would like to mention that we are in an extremely dan- the army and raising the level of defense of the rest of the ed that no change of government is possible in Armenia gerous political and economic situation, so we all need to homeland, almost nothing is done to reveal the reasons for without an external factor, and it is difficult to say what sober up, otherwise tomorrow will be late ... the defeat and the treacherous facts to bring the perpetra- will be planned in Russia together with Turkey. (Dr. Suren Sargsyan is a historian teaching at tors to justice. One thing can be unequivocally asserted that if Gaspa- Yerevan Gladzor University. This commentary was Moreover, in this case, too, the polarized opposition ryan chooses a sensible strategy to resign for the sake of translated from Armenian.) Do Armenians Have Any Friends in Turkey’s Civil Society? By Harout Ekmanian If we do not count the persecution of the However, the Turkish government is not historians, social scientists, and academics, tiny Armenian community in Turkey and to blame for the deafening silence of these who have done work related to Armenia and It is human nature to turn to friends and the continuous destruction of their cultur- supposed Turkish allies, and even worse, Armenians, including work related to the dear ones in difficult times. For Armenians al heritage, the Turkish participation and their bothsidesism in some instances. It is Armenian Genocide. Unfortunately, the ma- who built friendships with Turkish col- support to Azerbaijan in the genocidal cam- a well-known fact that Turkey is an author- jority of them treated their Armenian peers leagues in civil society, art, journalism, aca- paign against the Armenians of Artsakh in itarian country with abysmal human rights as lepers or buried their heads in the sand demia and other related fields, these friends 2020 was the first time in almost a century record and almost no freedom of speech. when their government perpetrated yet an- were out of sight for the 44-day-long ag- when Turkey, without showing a scintilla Thus, fears of persecution for expressing other genocidal campaign along with Azer- gression and ethnic cleansing against their of remorse about its criminal past, openly solidarity with Armenian friends or even baijan against Armenians in Artsakh. Their kin in Artsakh. They were nowhere to be engaged in a yet another attempt of anni- a message of peace could be detrimental. past work was reduced to dust when they found to counter the State mandated hate hilation of Armenians as a group living on However, in the age of advanced encrypted missed the boat by ignoring their Armenian propaganda against Armenians. They their ancestral land. private communication apps, only a hand- peers suffering during the war in Artsakh. weren’t even able to send a couple of com- During the last 2-3 decades, many Arme- ful of such Turkish allies and friends voiced And they missed the boat knowingly. forting words let alone any public action. nian and Turkish journalists, activists, and non-committal messages of non-violence. Many Armenian activists wonder now As much as this is a personal observa- academics met frequently to discuss the A couple of my Turkish friends even ex- what the solidarity of those so-called Turk- tion, it was also a shared sentiment among issues between both nations and countries, pressed full solidarity and support with the ish allies is worth with the memory of the the Armenian civil society in Armenia and starting from the denial of the Armenian fundamental rights of Armenians in Art- Armenian Genocide and annual remem- diaspora, from celebrity activists to young genocide in Turkey, to border issues, and sakh. However, the vast majority of these brances of Hrant Dink’s murder, especially students. With all due respect to a minori- other historic and political problems. They Turkish colleagues were either silent or knowing too well that it is easier to express ty faction in Turkey who did what a friend also cooperated on various civil society, posting about the beautiful sunsets on Mar- solidarity for an event like the Armenian would do in time of trouble, for Armenian filming, reporting and academic projects as mara, or even worse, some were repeating Genocide that happened 105 years ago, that civil society the following question has well. They tried to build bridges between the fascist Turkish government line. is today of no detriment to their comfort been brewing in the last few months: Do both societies. Most of those bridges are Many of these Turkish colleagues are legal and privileges arising directly from that Armenians have any friends left in Turkey’s now bombed just like Armenian schools, scholars, lawyers, journalists, human rights very same event. civil society? churches and homes in Artsakh. activists, NGO representatives, filmmakers, see FRIENDS, page 20 SATURDAY, MARCH 27, 2021 ARMENIAN MIRROR-SPECTATOR 19 COMMENTARY

My Turn genocide Turkey would deny the genocide…. Young Armenians were upset about Why Did the Superior Court this and — they thought that — Turkey should step up and acknowledge the geno- cide…and get into dialogue with the Armenian people or make peace with them.’ Reject Governor’s denial of Because this was not happening, ‘young Armenians decided to resort to violence…. [They had] given up that… peaceful dialogue with Turkey was… going to happen.’ Sassounian’s Pardon? During this time Petitioner [Sassounian] and his crime partner, who was a few years by Harut Sassounian Last month, California Superior Court Judge William C. older than Petitioner, discussed going to Europe to carry out an assassination like Ryan rejected Gov. Gavin Newsom’s refusal to accept the they had been seeing take place. At some point, Arikan, however, made a public Parole Board’s decision to release Hampig Sassounian from jail. I was under the address calling all Armenians ‘liars’ and declared there was no Armenian genocide. wrong impression that the Governor’s decision on pardons was final and not subject Saliba showed Petitioner an article regarding Arikan’s statement. ‘Being the grand- to a review or reversal by the courts. It turns out that the law requires the Governor sons of survivors of the Armenian genocide, we took that to be very insulting. And to consider “all relevant, reliable information available” and his parole decisions we took very deep offense about that.’” must not be arbitrary or capricious. This article is based on a copy of the Judge’s Judge Ryan decided that “there is no evidence in the record to support the Gover- 19-page ruling. nor’s finding of lack of insight, such the commitment offense of nearly 40 years is Hampig Sassounian, not related to this writer, was convicted on June 29, 1984 of still probative of Petitioner’s current dangerousness.” first degree murder and sentenced to life without the possibility of parole, but was The Judge challenged the Governor’s contention that Sassounian’s insight into resentenced to a term of 25 years to life in 2002, making him eligible for parole. his crime was “very recent.” Judge Ryan stated that “the case law establishes there Sassounian assassinated Turkish Consul General Kemal Arikan in Los Angeles on is no predetermined amount of time an inmate must demonstrate or possess insight January 28, 1982 when he was 19 years old. He is now 58. such that it is sufficient for the purposes of suitability.” The Judge ruled that “the On December 27, 2019, the Board of Parole Hearings, found Sassounian suitable insight standard the Governor used to guide his decision was incorrect… and held for release on parole. However, on May 25, 2020, Governor Newsom rejected the Sassounian to a different ‘arbitrary’ standard.” Board’s decision based on the prisoner’s crime, “outsized political import,” and that Regarding the issue of Sassounian being a danger to society, “the court notes that his insight was “relatively new.” the psychologist found Petitioner to represent a low risk of violence upon release,” On August 14, 2020, Sassounian filed a petition to the Superior Court challenging wrote the Judge. “Petitioner wrote a victim apology letter to Mr. Arikan’s family, the Governor’s reversal of the Parole Board’s decision. He argued that the Gover- friends, and colleagues, as well as one to the ‘Nation of Turkey, the Turkish gov- nor’s decision is not supported by evidence that he posed an unreasonable danger ernment, and Turkish Communities of the World,’” stated Judge Ryan. “The court to society, if released. Sassounian also contended that the “Governor imposed an finds the Governor’s decision was both arbitrary and procedurally flawed,” ruled the unlawfully heightened standard of parole suitability illegally founded upon the cir- Judge. He also noted that Sassounian “has comprehensive release plans for both the cumstances of Sassounian’s life crime.” He contended that there is no evidence that United States and Armenia.” This is in reference to Sassounian’s statement that he he lacked “insight” and “the Governor’s conclusion that Sassounian has not demon- may relocate to Armenia after his release from prison. strated insight ‘for a sufficiently longINTERNATIONAL period’ is an illegal reasonNEWS to deny parole.” At the end, the Judge pronounced that Sassounian “committed a murder for which On October 7, 2020, the court issued an Order to Show Cause. The Governor’s he has been appropriately punished…. The Governor’s reversal is vacated, the office filed its response on January 11, 2021, repeating the reasons why he refused Board’s grant of parole from December 27, 2019, is hereby reinstated. The Board is parole for the prisoner. Sassounian then submitted his response on January 26, 2021 directed ‘to proceed in accordance with its usual procedures for release of an inmate rejecting the Governor’s claims against him. on parole unless within 30 days of the finality of this decision the Board determines Judge Ryan ruled that Sassounian’s record does not contain any evidence to sup- in good faith that cause for rescission of parole may exist and initiates appropriate port the Governor’s contention that he is not suitable for release on parole. In addi- proceedings to determine that question.’” Gov. Newsom decided not to appeal the tion, the Judge found that the Governor used an improper standard when consider- Judge’s ruling, allowing the pardon go into effect which would set Sassounian free ing both the “import” of Sassounian’s offense and the notoriety of his victim, as well shortly. as the recency of his insight. Therefore, the Judge ordered the release of Sassounian In my opinion, violence is never justified regardless of the reason. Consul General from jail. Arikan was not guilty of committing genocide against the Armenian people. He Judge Ryan, in his verdict, mentioned Sassounian’s description of his background was not even born during the genocide. Armenians have demands from the Gov- “as an Armenian born and raised until the age of 13 in Lebanon. During this time, ernment of Turkey, not individual Turks. Sassounian committed a crime for which they lived in an ‘active war zone and would routinely see dead bodies,’ including he was punished by serving almost 40 years in jail. The complaints by the Turkish those of women and children. His father was an alcoholic who was often gone for government about Sassounian’s release are not credible. The Turkish government weeks at a time, though Petitioner [Sassounian] had a good, loving relationship pressured the federal government to urge Governor Newsom in 2020 and previously with his mother. He lived with his many siblings and extended family members, in- Governo Brown in 2017 to reject the Parole Board’s decisions to release Sassou- cluding his grandparents who were victims of the ‘Armenian Genocide.’ His grand- nian. Even less credible, not to say completely shameful, are the protests of the mother often told Petitioner of how she lost her entire family to the genocide and Azerbaijani government against Sassounian’s release. Azerbaijan awarded Azeri that she only narrowly escaped death herself.” axe murderer Ramil Safarov the title of national hero for butchering an Armenian The Judge continued: “At 13, his [Sassounian’s] family immigrated to the United soldier while he was sleeping. Safarov served not a single day in jail in Azerbaijan States to escape the violence in Lebanon, but the family dynamic remained chal- after his extradition from Hungary. lenging. They moved to Pasadena where there was a large Armenian population. He Finally, it is completely unacceptable that the Turkish Government would de- joined the Armenian Boy Scouts and the Armenian Youth Federation. This is where mand excessive punishment for an Armenian who murdered a Turk, while Turkey he met his crime partner, Krikor ‘Koko’ Saliba. They became friendly a year or two itself continues to deny the mass murder of 1.5 million innocent Armenians. Only before the crime and would discuss politics and the history between Armenia and after the Turkish government acknowledges the Armenian Genocide and makes Turkey, including the genocide. They also noted and discussed that there were ‘a lot appropriate amends for it, Armenians can consider apologizing for the murder of of political assassinations going on’ at the time. That is, ‘Armenians were assassi- a single Turk! nating Turkish diplomats in Europe mostly because they were angry that … after the

Tchakhokhbelli, a Georgian chicken dish who became a renowned concert pianist. A personally selected at the wholesale mar- that my wife learned to cook but never to group photo on the wall featured my father, ket downtown. He would stoke the burn- LETTERS pronounce correctly. Aram Saroyan, Willy’s colorful uncle, the ing embers of the wood grill in a pensive Mardikian served for a time as a food celebrated author Michael Arlen, and Sal- mood, thinking perhaps of the delicious advisor to the U.S. Army Quartermaster isian. lamb cubes cooking there earlier in the Corps, a surprising appointment, I thought. Aram and Mary lived in a nice apartment evening: “emotion recollected in tranquili- Two of a Kind Solders loved chicken, beef, and pork but above the restaurant. Often, they would ty,” as Wordsworth might have said. Some- To the Editor: not lamb, the mainstay of the Armenian host small gatherings late in the evening. times, he would pick up a small paintbrush, The article featuring George Mardikian, cuisine. Aram fancied himself as a singer, and his dip it in a tub of melted butter, and “paint” on March 6, 2021, by Christine Vartanian Across the country from San Francis- guests wanted to hear “The Volga Boat- the walnut and honey-filled paklava for to- Datian, brought back happy memories of co was another fine Armenian restaurant man,” “Ole Man River,” or “On the Road morrow’s diners. dinner at Omar Khayyam’s, his restau- called the Golden Horn. Unlike many eth- to Mandalay” in his deep manly voice. Alas, the Golden Horn is now long gone, rant in San Francisco, and visits with my nic restaurants located in run-of-the-mill One evening when I was there, Armand replaced by yet another skyscraper. Also father to Mardikian’s luxurious apartment store fronts, the Golden Horn’s front door Tokatyan, a leading tenor at the Metropoli- gone is George Mardikian’s palace of fine on Nob Hill. Mardikian was a good friend opened in the midst of Rockefeller Center, tan Opera, was one of the guests. As Aram art cooking. There are no Armenian restau- of my father and once asked my father if just a block or so from Radio City Music took a deep breath before singing the de- rants in Washington, D.C. where I live, he (Mardikian) could cook a meal at our Hall. Its chef and owner was Aram Sali- manding final note, Tokatyan, standing in but St. Mary’s Armenian Church offers house in Glendale for Rudy Vallee, a pop- sian, an amateur wrestler and rug auction- the corner of the room, sang the note an traditional delicacies a couple of times a ular singer in the 1930s who loved Mar- eer from Pasadena. Growing bored with octave higher in his glorious operatic voice year thanks to local men and women who dikian’s food. We watched him as he toiled what he was doing, he moved with his wife before Aram had finished inhaling. Every- prepare the food, watched over not by a over my mother’s stove cooking something Mary and his two sons and daughter to one applauded, Aram took a bow, and To- celebrated chef but by the Church’s own called “ragu” for his guest. New York where he opened his restaurant. katyan favored the guests with an aria from pastoral leader. Mardikian was a showman who attract- You knew you were somewhere import- Pagliacci. – Paul R. Ignatius ed famous people to Omar Khayyam’s. He ant the moment you walked in. George My favorite time at the Golden Horn (Paul R. Ignatius is a former government was, as your article said, “America’s first Istomin, his bartender, was located near the was hanging around the kitchen with Aram official, who served in the administrations celebrity chef.” His specialties included entrance shaking the martini cocktails and after the diners had left. He would fondle of Presidents John F. Kennedy and Lyndon Rose Petal Jam, Royal Soup, and Chicken perhaps thinking about his son Eugene, one of his prized artichokes that he had B. Johnson.) 20 SATURDAY, MARCH 27, 2021 ARMENIAN MIRROR-SPECTATOR

38 Senators Urge President Biden Variety of Armenian To Recognize Genocide RECOGNITION, from page 1 the sense of the Senate that it is the policy values, including respect for universal of the United States: (1) to commemorate Antiquities for Sale rights. Those values require us to acknowl- the Armenian Genocide through official edge the truth and do what we can to pre- recognition and remembrance; (2) to re- Manuscripts and large collection of vent future genocides and other crimes ject efforts to enlist, engage, or otherwise against humanity.” associate the United States Government early printed books and newspapers Recalling the historic passage of legis- with denial of the Armenian Genocide or lation in the Senate and House last Con- any other genocide; and (3) to encourage dated from the 19th century, silver gress, affirming the fact of the Armenian education and public understanding of the Genocide, the letter called on the executive facts of the Armenian Genocide, including and gold religious objects, as well as branch to make its position clear as Con- the role of the United States in humanitar- gress has already done. ian relief efforts, and the relevance of the religious objects, including chalices, Speaking at the Assembly’s Virtual Na- Armenian Genocide to modern-day crimes tional Advocacy Conference last week, against humanity. textiles, carpets and paintings. Menendez reflected on the historic and The bipartisan letter was signed by unanimous passage in December 2019 Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer of the Armenian Genocide resolution, (D-NY), and Senators Tammy Baldwin Please visit S.Res.150. (D-WI), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Richard “We persisted, and finally the Senate Blumenthal (D-CT), Cory Booker (D-NJ), armenianartworks.com stood up to Turkey’s lies and passed the Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Ben Cardin (D- resolution unanimously,” Senator Menen- MD), Bob Casey (D-PA), Susan Collins Call (640) 590-7117 or dez said. “It was a truly historic day and (R-ME), John Cornyn (R-TX), Kevin Cra- made possible in large part by the advocacy mer (R-ND), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Tammy mobile (201) 562-9902 of the Armenian Assembly and the greater Duckworth (D-IL), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Armenian American community.” Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), John Hicken- The legislation states in part that it is looper (D-CO), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Angus King (I-ME), Amy Klobuchar (D- MN), Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Ed Markey (D-MA), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Bob Menendez (D-NJ), Jeff Merkley (D- OR), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Gary Peters Tekeyan Cultural Association, Inc. (D-MI), Rob Portman (R-OH), Jack Reed (D-RI), Mitt Romney (R-UT), Jacky Ros- With Donations Matched Up to $20,000 en (D-NV), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Bernie by a Friend of the Tekeyan Cultural Association Sanders (I-VT), Tina Smith (D-MN), Deb- bie Stabenow (D-MI), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Shel- don Whitehouse (D-RI) and Ron Wyden SPECIAL FUNDRAISER (D-OR). for HRANT DINK SCHOOL of Istanbul Do Armenians Have Any The Hrant Dink School is located in the basement of the Armenian Evangelical Church in Gedikpaşa. Most of the students are children of natives of Armenia who have moved to Istanbul temporarily for work. The school’s volunteers’ work is Friends in Turkey’s Civil under the leadership of Harutyun (Arto) and Talar Hisarli Horozoğlu. The principal is Heriknaz Avagyan. Society? Every year the graduating class goes to Yerevan for an examination certifying that they have passed 9th grade, and enroll FRIENDS, from page 18 in colleges in Armenia. Seeing what we are seeing today, there could be no doubt that after 100 years again During the first wave of the pandemic, 20 students left with their families for Armenia. Last November, 22 more students there could be new “Turkish allies” who returned to Armenia with their families. Now the total number of students is about 80. They receive free education, free will provide the necessary dose of lachry- breakfast and free lunch. mose speeches for the ethnically cleansed Armenians of Artsakh and perhaps more On January 28 of this year, by the request of the Hrant Dink School, divine liturgy was performed in the church in memory Armenian regions by then, depending on of the 14th anniversary of Dink’s assassination. After the church ceremony, the school presented its financial needs, and the Azerbaijani-Turkish appetite for land donations were solicited. It was clear from the report that the school needed financial assistance. The parents could not grab and the level of international apathy. afford to pay full tuition, although they worked full time. It seems that the solidarity of such Turkish friends and allies of Armenians is exclusive The Tekeyan Cultural Association will transfer all donations to the school immediately. Donations received by April 15, for when Armenians are poor victims, or- 2021 will be matched up to $20,000 by a benefactor who last month also donated $15,000 to the TCA Sponsor A Teacher phaned, uprooted, massacred, torn apart, in Armenia and Artsakh Program. and subjugated. No empathy is shown when Armenians are still standing, even on one foot, and with one arm, resisting Turk- ish and Azerbaijani fascism. This latest experience only revealed how the Turkish friends and allies of Armenians are deeply entrenched in a supremacist worldview, not capable of seeing Armenians as indepen- dent sovereigns, but only as lesser beings. With all what is said, Armenians who are traumatized by yet another genocidal campaign against them, will find enough resilience and gather their strength. That is inevitable. I hope they will also draw the necessary lessons from this experience. But the same cannot be said about the so-called Turkish friends and allies who not only are Please make your tax deductible donation and mail it to: tainted with hypocrisy but also irreparably Tekeyan Cultural Association damaged any future potential for healthy 755 Mt. Auburn Street relations between Armenian and Turkish thought leaders that could have been based Watertown, MA 02472 on mutual trust and respect. Memo: Hrant Dink School Scan to donate online (Harout Ekmanian is a New York attor- or give online at https://givebutter.com/0BK5z0. ney specializing in international law and human rights. This commentary originally appeared on civilnet.am.)