ARMENIAN GENERAL BENEVOLENT UNION SEPT. 2015

Spiritual Rebirth How the World Commemorated the Centenary of the

www.agbu.org | 2015 AGBU 1 Armenian General Benevolent Union ESTABLISHED IN 1906 Central Board of Directors Հայկական Բարեգործական Ընդհանու ր Միու թիւն President Mission Berge Setrakian To preserve and promote the Armenian heritage through worldwide educational, cultural Vice Presidents and humanitarian programs. Sam Simonian Sinan Sinanian Annual International Budget Treasurer Forty- ve million dollars. Nazareth A. Festekjian Education Assistant Treasurer 24 primary, secondary, preparatory and Saturday schools; scholarships; American Univer- Yervant Demirjian sity of ; Armenian Virtual College (AVC); TUMO x AGBU. Secretary Sarkis Jebejian Cultural, Humanitarian and Religious Assistant Secretary AGBU News Magazine; the AGBU Humanitarian Emergency Relief Fund for Syrian Arda Haratunian ; athletics; camps; choral groups; concerts; dance; lms; lectures; leadership; Honorary Member library research centers; medical centers; mentorships; music competitions; publications; radio; scouts; summer internships; theater; youth trips to Armenia. Armenia: Holy His Holiness Karekin II, Etchmiadzin; Arapkir, Malatya and Nork Children’s Centers and Senior Dining Centers; Catholicos of all Armenians Karabakh: Members Hye Geen Women’s Centers; Sevan  eological Seminary; Ultrasound Center. Chamber Orchestra; AUA Extension—AGBU NKR Program. UNITED STATES Noubar Afeyan Districts, Chapters, Centers and Offi ces M. Michael Ansour Argentina: Buenos Aires, Córdoba; Armenia: ; Australia: Sydney, Melbourne; Joseph L. Basralian Austria: Vienna; Belgium: Brussels; Brazil: São Paulo; Bulgaria: So a, Plovdiv, Burgas, Ani Manoukian Dobrich, Haskovo, Ruse, Silistra, Sliven, Yambol; Canada: Montréal, Toronto; : Lori Muncherian Larnaca, ; Egypt: Alexandria, Heliopolis; Ethiopia: Addis Abada; : Lyon, Levon Nazarian Marseille, Nice, Paris, St. Chamond-St. Étienne, Valence, Vienne; : Hamburg; Yervant Zorian Greece: Athens; : ; Iraq: Baghdad; Italy: Milan; Karabakh: Stepanakert; CANADA : Beirut, Zahlé, Amanos, Antelias, Sin el-Fil; The Netherlands: Almelo; Lena Sarkissian South : Johannesburg; Spain: Barcelona; Switzerland: Geneva; Syria: Aleppo, Da- FRANCE mascus, Kamishli, Kessab, Latakia, Yacoubieh; Uruguay: Montevideo; UAE: Dubai; United Kingdom: United States: Aris Atamian London; Boston, Canoga Park, Chicago, , Alexis Govciyan Detroit, Fresno, Glendale, Las Vegas, , New York, Pasadena, Providence, San SWITZERLAND Diego, San Fernando Valley, Silicon Valley, Arizona, Orange County, Washington, DC. Vahe Gabrache Young Professionals SYRIA AND ARMENIA Argentina: Armenia: Austria: Belgium: YP Buenos Aires; YP Yerevan; YP Austria; Vasken Yacoubian Brazil: Bulgaria: Canada: YP Belgium; YP Brazil; YP So a, YP Plovdiv; YP Montréal, UNITED KINGDOM France: Germany: YP Toronto; YP Lyon Rhône-Alpes, YP Marseille, YP Paris; Greece: Iran: Lebanon: The Arnaud Attamian YP Hamburg; YP Athens; YP Tehran; YP Lebanon; Netherlands: Switzerland: : UAE: Joseph Oughourlian YP Amsterdam; YP Geneva; ; YP UAE; United Kingdom: United States: Council of Trustees YP London; YP Boston, YP Chicago, YP Los Angeles, Sarkis Demirdjian YP Greater New York, YP Orange County, YP Philadelphia, YP Northern , Richard Manoogian YP Washington, DC. Nazar Nazarian Louise Manoogian Simone Karnig Yacoubian In Memoriam Boghos Nubar, Founder Alex Manoogian, Honorary Life President

2 AGBU 2015 | www.agbu.org Editorial

n the spring of 2015, Armenia held the world’s spotlight faith ceremony in support of Armenia. It was also an occa- as it solemnly commemorated its painful past, while at sion to express our respect to all the survivors and their sup- the same time, celebrated a century of survival. In nearly porters for their courage and remarkable efforts to assure the every corner of the globe, the centenary of the Armenian survival the Armenian people. Genocide was marked by spiritual rebirth, unity and In this special issue of the AGBU News Magazine, we solidarity. One hundred years after the world’s first explore the lasting, if intangible, impact of this extraordinary IChristian nation was pushed to the brink of extinction, Arme- series of events marking the centenary of the Armenian nia once again became the center of at- Genocide. We hope to capture some of tention of the Christian world. the emotions, memories and effects of The first gesture to garner global rec- these historic acts of commemoration ognition of the historic plight of Arme- that have fostered a greater sense of nians came with the validation of one national identity and community spir- of the world’s most influential leaders, it, touching the lives of Armenians the Pope Francis, who bestowed the Vati- world over. can’s ‘highest sanction’ in referring to For AGBU, it was also a critical mo- the first genocide of the twentieth cen- ment in our mission to preserve and tury. In the days that followed, Arme- promote the Armenian heritage as we nia received more affirmation from the held the 88th General Assembly in Ye- European Parliament and with the ad- revan where we welcomed new dele- dition of Germany and Austria to the gates, recognized the contributions of growing list of nations to have officially existing members and established new recognized the Armenian Genocide. cultural and educational programs with For the first time in four hundred the aim of serving and linking Arme- years, the Armenian Apostolic Church nians globally. performed the sacred rite of canoniza- I would like to conclude by express- tion, in a deeply moving and meaning- ing our appreciation to the government ful ceremony that elevated the nearly of Armenia for its part in the successful 1.5 million victims of the genocide to sainthood. In the planning and coordination of the centenary, and in particular homeland and throughout the vast , mil- to our spiritual leaders, His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos lions of people participated in memorials and marches to of All Armenians and His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of honor the victims and survivors, pledging to pursue the the Great House of , for their spiritual leadership and struggle for recognition and justice. And in the United States, ever-present grace in presiding over the commemoration cer- at Washington’s National Cathedral, political, spiritual and emonies and uniting Armenians throughout the world community leaders united in a powerful and poignant inter- through our shared faith.

Berge Setrakian President

www.agbu.org | 2015 AGBU 3 Arm eniaN General benevolent Union SEPT. 2015 Volume 25/Number 2 www.agbu.org

03 Editorial 36 Education 36 Over $1 Million in Scholarships Awarded 06 Features  The programs include $130,000 for Syrian 06 Spiritual Rebirth Armenian students  The canonization of the martyrs of the Armenian Genocide 39 TUMO x AGBU Expands Beyond Yerevan 10 Divine Intervention  Ne w centers prepare youth to enter the media and Pope Francis exercises moral authority creative industries 12 Return as a Form of Resistance 40 A Year of New Achievements  Author Nancy Kricorian pays tribute to her ancestors  The American University of Armenia continues in Turkey to build its reputation for quality education in 15 Gratitude, Unity and Remembrance Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh  Historic national cathedral service unites religious faiths in support of Armenia 42 AGBU Donors 2014 18 The Kardashian Effect 43 Martha Mirigian A family visit brings Armenia global recognition 44 Barbara Apisson 21 In Pictures 4 7 Samuel and Victoria Magzanian  Worldwide commemorations in honor of the 48 Therese Ohanian Armenian Genocide 2 4 A Statement of Armenian Unity at Eurovision 56 AGBU News Armenia’s Genealogy included singers from five continents 56 Highlights 2 6 A Century of Revival 64 Young Professionals  Vigen Sargsyan, the President of Armenia’s chief of staff and 68 Chapters main coordinator of the Armenian Genocide centenary events in Armenia, discusses the commemorations with AGBU 77 Bookstore

28 The AGBU 88th General Assembly 2 8 Highlights from the General Assembly  Strengthening the bond between Armenia and the diaspora in Yerevan 3 0 Recognizing Outstanding Achievement  Medals and honorary memberships awarded to AGBU members and supporters 32 Uniting the Global Armenian Community #AGBUtalks launches groundbreaking conversations on new technologies to link Armenians in Armenia and across the diaspora 3 4 AGBU Yerevan’s New Home Inaugurated  The new complex incorporates the latest green technologies in its state-of-the-art facility 35 AGBU Elects Five New Members to its Central Board of Directors  Arnaud Attamian, Alexis Govciyan, Ani Manoukian, Lori Muncherian, and Lena Sarkissian join the AGBU Central Board.

AGBU News Magazine is published by the Central Board of the Armenian General Benevolent Union: 55 East 59th Street, New York, NY 10022-1112. Tel:212 319-6383 Fax: 212 319-6507/08. E-Mail: [email protected]. POSTMASTERS: Send address changes to above. Printed in U.S.A.

4 AGBU 2015 | www.agbu.org AGBU News Magazine

Communications advisor Lara Messerlian Editor Daniel Halton Editorial Staff Randa Akda, Anita Anserian, Alex Basmagian, Hrant Kamalyan, Vahe Kiljian, Ani Manoukian, Jennifer Manoukian, Karen Papazian, Gloria Sanders, Jesse Soursourian Art Director Levi Nicholson/Biohazard Design

This publication of the Armenian General Benevolent Union is mailed free of charge to members and donors of the organization. If you are not a regular contributor and wish to continue receiving the AGBU News Magazine, please send a minimum contribution of $25.00 in the envelope enclosed in the issue. The AGBU News Magazine Page is circulated in twenty-eight countries around the world. 39 www.agbu.org | 2015 AGBU 5 ters of the Armenian Apostolic Church, upon whose soil one hundred years ago, thousands of Armenian refugees found sanctuary after fleeing the massacres of Spiritual the . From the open air Altar of St. Trdat, adorned in ornate pur- ple robes, Catholicos Karekin II, the Su- preme Patriarch of All Armenians, spoke of bringing “a life-giving new breath” and Rebirth “weaving the crown of a spiritual rebirth” as he collectively elevated into sainthood the approximately 1.5 million victims of The canonization of the martyrs the Armenian Genocide who died for their faith and homeland. “The memory of the Armenian Genocide of our holy martyrs will heretofore not be a requiem prayer of victimhood and dor- By Daniel Halton mition,” he proclaimed, “rather a victori- ous song of praise by incorporeal soldiers, triumphant and sanctified by the blood of s the late afternoon sun world gathered outside the world’s oldest martyrdom.” cy enveloped Etchmiadzin cathedral to witness the sacred rite of can- For Armenians the world over, it was n in a soft glow, the sounds onization for the first time in more than four a unique moment in history, marked of ringing bells and centuries. by profound meaning and change. The hymns filled the air. In the The historic ceremony began with a landmark service also represented a great shadow of Mount Ararat, solemn procession through the Mother moment of unity. For with the assistance Athousands of Armenians from around the See of Holy Etchmiadzin, the headquar- of the Armenian General Benevolent Age News Photolure

6 AGBU 2015 | www.agbu.org Union, the canonization of the Martyrs the human rights of our people restored. of the Armenian Genocide was broad- Only the acceptance of the truth will lead cast throughout the nation and streamed to reconciliation.” live to Armenian churches around the Considered the largest canonization ser- globe, uniting millions of Armenians vice in history, it was attended by Arme- worldwide through the common bond nian President Serzh Sargsyan and other of their Christian faith. His Holiness high-ranking dignitaries and ecumenical Karekin II referred to that shared be- guests. Along with the pontiffs, twelve lief as the means by which Armenians bishops and archbishops of the Armenian maintained a strong national identity. It Apostolic Church participated in the cer- is through “devotion to Christ and love emonial rite. The two-hour-long ceremony of patrimony that our people have re- was steeped in ancient religious tradition created their spiritual and national life and saintly reference, incorporating four- in all corners of the world, found rebirth teen Holy Relics of the Armenian Church. in , under the canopy These included the Holy Lance or of their state, which has risen from the ‘Geghard,’ the Right Hand of St. Gregory ashes,” he declared. the Illuminator, Armenia’s patron saint, His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of and the Relic of the True Cross. the House of Cilicia, who also officiated The rite of canonization concluded at the service, reflected on the painful past, 19:15—a time specifically chosen to sym- but also urged Armenians to embrace the bolize the year the Armenian Genocide future. “This moment calls us not only began—with a blessing before the church to look backward by remembering our bells tolled 100 times to mark the passing martyrs,” he declared, “but also to look of a century. In a gesture of solidarity forward by reaffirming our commitment with Armenia, church bells rang out si- to carry on, with renewed vigor and sense multaneously in cities around the world of responsibility, the cause of our martyrs. including New York, Moscow, Stras- Indeed, the cause of the martyrs is a cause bourg, Madrid, , Berlin and the of justice and human dignity. We do be- Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, followed lieve that truth must be accepted and by a minute of silence. From that mo- ment in history onward, Armenians the On April 23, 2015, the Armenian Apostolic world over would no longer pray for all Church canonized the martyrs of the Armenian the victims of the Armenian Genocide, Genocide at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. but pray to them. cy n Photolure News Age News Photolure

www.agbu.org | 2015 AGBU 7 cy n Photolure News Age News Photolure

8 AGBU 2015 | www.agbu.org Message of His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of all Armenians on the Occasion of the Canonization of the Martyrs of the Armenian Genocide Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, April 23, 2015

Dear and pious faithful brothers and sisters, life in all corners of the world, found rebirth new spiritual rebirth for our people, by canon- Under the gaze of biblical Ararat, in this in Eastern Armenia, under the canopy of izing the martyrs of the Armenian Genocide. cherished holy shrine of the Christ-built their state which has risen from the ashes. The memory of our holy martyrs will hereto- Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, today with Our people have created their path to ascent fore not be a requiem prayer of victimhood unified prayer we offer glory up to our Om- through sacrifice, struggle, efforts to voice and dormition, rather a victorious song of nipotent God for all of His gifts. We praise the their righteous case before the conscience and praise by incorporeal soldiers, triumphant and Heavenly One, Who gave strength to our na- rights of humanity, and always remembering sanctified by the blood of martyrdom. Today tion to overcome centuries of historical trials, in prayer the countless witnesses of the Ar- the devout spirit of love ‘of faith and homeland’ to rise up from the horrors of the Armenian menian Genocide. of our holy martyrs extends from Der Zor to Genocide, and to create the victories and ac- The history of martyrdom is not merely a Holy Etchmiadzin and Tsitsernakaberd, from complishments of their new life. We glorify litany of facts or events; rather it is the truth newly-independent Armenia to the reborn the Lord, that the witnesses martyred in the of faith that appears before us, against which fields of Armenian life dispersed throughout Genocide for faith and homeland, are crowned tortures and crimes, as well as political deceits the world, by strengthening us to live with un- with sainthood, and through their interces- and machinations are powerless. Martyrdom shakeable faith, the bright vision of the renais- sion, His endless mercies flow into our lives ties human life and history to a more power- sance of our life, and the unquestionable will During the dire years of the Genocide of ful heavenly reality, which transcends time to defend our righteous cause. the Armenians, millions of our people were and propagates toward eternity, as per the Today, in all corners of the world, the prayers uprooted and massacred in a premeditated Lord’s promise, “Do not fear what you are of our people are interwoven with the prayers manner, passed through fire and sword, tasted about to suffer. …Be faithful until death, and of this sacred service we offer, to which the the bitter fruits of torture and sorrow. Never- I will give you the crown of life.” (Revelation President of the Republic of Armenia and the theless, in the midst of horrid torments and 2:10.) Our martyrs who witnessed Christ First Lady; our spiritual brother, the Catholi- facing death, remained strengthened by the direct the gaze of our souls upward from cos of the Great House of Cilicia; our beloved love of Christ, bringing the witness of un- earthly realities to heavenly life, granting brothers in Christ – heads and representatives shakeable faith, in accord with the apostolic spiritual happiness to we who seek their in- of our sister Churches; honored representa- words, “If you are reviled for the name of tercession, and encouraging us to rely on the tives of Armenian Catholic and Evangelical Christ, you are blessed, because… the Spirit of Lord, to not cower before trials, and to live Churches; state officials of the Armenians and God is resting on you.” (1 Peter 4:14.) the God-granted life through works of faith, friendly nations; and representatives of diplo- Witnessing to Christ through martyrdom hope and love. The martyrs of the Genocide matic missions and international organiza- is intertwined with the life of our people. today, in the luminous chambers of the king- tions, all bring their participation. Manifold testimonies of holiness, virtue, and dom of heaven, bearing the crowns of mar- With the inaugural supplication for the the joys of spiritual selflessness are recorded as tyrdom, are the patron saints of justice, phi- intercession of our holy martyrs of the Geno- well in the tragic annals of the Armenian lanthropy and peace; whose intercession from cide, we offer today our prayer up to God in Genocide. The Armenian who was perse- heaven opens the source of God’s mercy and heaven, asking, cuted for his Christian faith traveled the path graces wherever justice is weakened, the tran- To peacefully keep our people and all of of martyrdom with prayer as his companion; quility and security of peace is disturbed, mankind under His blessings, while the one who persecuted him with un- where human rights and the rights of people To quench the thirst for justice in our ceasing atrocity assumed that he was finally are trampled, threats arise against the welfare people’s soul, cutting off the roots of the love for Christ of societies, and persecutions against faith For the rays of justice and truth to shine from the life of the Armenian. The blood of and identity are fanaticized. over the world through divine mercy, and the Armenian martyred for Christ, has placed Dear and pious faithful, disperse the darkness of crimes and calami- the seal of unshakeable faith and patriotism All of us today are witnesses to the spiritual ties that disrupt the life of humanity, and for cy n on the sands of the desert, while the commit- transfiguration of our history, in which we par- mankind to create its prosperous and joyful ter of genocide assumed that the Armenian ticipate both collectively and as individuals. life in brotherhood and harmony was being lost forever in the gales of history. The canonization of the martyrs of the Geno- Through the intercession of the holy mar- It is with that same spirit of devotion to cide brings life-giving new breath, grace and tyrs, may the grace, love and mercy of our Christ and love of patrimony that our people blessing to our national and ecclesiastical life. Lord Jesus Christ be with you and with all, Photolure News Age News Photolure have re-created their spiritual and national We believe that we are weaving the crown of a today and forever. Amen.

www.agbu.org | 2015 AGBU 9 Divine Intervention Pope Francis exercises moral authority

By Daniel Halton

ever before have two words Armenian Genocide as one of “three mas- reverberated around the sive and unprecedented tragedies” in the world as rapidly, and reso- 20th century, alongside Nazism and Sta- nated as deeply. When lin’s 1932-33 efforts to collectivize Soviet Pope Francis referred to agriculture which resulted in a famine that the massacres of nearly 1.5 claimed the lives of as many as 7.5 million Nmillion Armenians as the “primo genoci- people. dio” of the twentieth century, the impact In words that could in no way be miscon- was felt immediately, igniting international strued, Pope Francis referred to the “im- headlines while instilling an enormous mense and senseless slaughter whose cru- sense of recognition and pride in millions elty your forbears had to endure,” noting of Armenians. For all those who had gath- how “bishops and priests, religious women ered inside St. Peter’s Basilica to witness the and men, the elderly and even defenceless Sunday Mass marking the centenary of the children and the infirm were murdered.” He Armenian Genocide, it was a day they will said “it is necessary, and indeed a duty, to never forget. “It was one of the most power- honor their memory, for whenever memory ful and moving experiences of my life,” re- fades, it means that evil allows wounds to counts AGBU Central Board Member Arda fester. Concealing or denying evil is like al- Haratunian. “It was almost like time stood lowing a wound to keep bleeding without still for a second. ” bandaging it.” For in that moment—at the very start of The evocative image extended the pope’s the ceremony—every Armenian among the condemnation to all other more recent mass crowd of thousands realized, as the revered killings including those in Cambodia, Rwan- spiritual leader of one billion Catholics da and Bosnia. Well aware of the power the across the globe, Pope Francis had made platform of his papacy affords, Pope Francis Armenia the center of attention of the en- was also speaking in the context of the con- tire Christian world, providing an unequiv- temporary persecution of Christians in the ocal moral boost to their century-long Muslim world, an issue about which the pope struggle for recognition and justice. has become increasingly vocal. In a subse- At the same time, the statement deliv- quent message directed to all Armenians, ered a blow to Turkey’s efforts to deny the Francis called on all heads of state and inter- killings as systematic genocide. Before be- national organizations “to oppose such coming pontiff, Pope Francis had close ties crimes with a firm sense of duty, without ced- to the Armenian community in Argentina, ing to ambiguity or compromise.” and his declaration was clearly intended to The pope’s statement sent a powerful mes- provoke. Turkey swiftly recalled its ambas- sage to the international community. Arme- sador to the Vatican back to Ankara, ex- nian President Serzh Sargsyan, who was also On April 12, 2015, Pope Francis made reference pressing its “grave disappointment and sad- present at the Sunday Mass, called it “a sig- to the Armenian Genocide at Sunday Mass at ness” over the Pope’s remarks. nificant result” in the fight to define the mas- Saint Peter’s Basilica. It was not the first time a pope has de- sacres by their true designation. Historian scribed the Armenian massacres as geno- Taner Akçam, in an interview with the Wash- ment, and I hope it will be a breakthrough.” ted Press ted

cide—Pope John Paul II did so in a written ington Post, applauded the pope for going Indeed, inspired by the pope to break a statement in 2001. Pope Francis however further than his predecessors. “I congratulate their silence, it did not take long for other went considerably further, condemning the the pope,” he said. “This is a courageous move- nations to act. Three days later, the Euro- Associ

10 AGBU 2015 | www.agbu.org pean Parliament called on Turkey to recog- and, yes, genocide, which marked the 20th formally recognizing the Armenian Genocide. nize the Armenian Genocide and renew century in such a terrible way.” Referring to For the thousands of Armenians who diplomatic relations, while German Presi- a seldomly-reported chapter of Germany’s traveled from far and wide to witness Pope dent Joachim Gauck, a former Lutheran history, Gauck also acknowledged the di- Francis commemorate their nation’s past, pastor, held an interfaith service in Berlin in rect role played by German soldiers who they left deeply moved by a profound mor- ted Press ted a which he described Armenia’s painful past “were also involved in the planning and, al act whose powerful repercussions con- as “exemplary in the history of mass exter- partly, in the execution of the deportations.” tinue to inspire and empower the souls of Associ minations, ethnic cleansing, deportations To date 26 nations have passed resolutions Armenians worldwide.

www.agbu.org | 2015 AGBU 11 Return as a Form of Resistance Author Nancy Kricorian pays tribute to her ancestors in Turkey

Byy Nanc Kricorian

mong the many differ- pilgrimage, but for me the return to the the participants were traveling to Turkey for ent regions of the world birthplace of my ancestors was a form of the first time, and some of them were wor- to commemorate the resistance to erasure and denial. ried about their physical safety in a place Armenian Genocide on I flew to Istanbul again in September where their forbearers had been brutalized April 24, 2015, the cen- 2014 for Columbia University’s Women and killed because of their ethno-religious tenary was also marked Mobilizing Memory Conference, a week- identity. On the Project 2015 Aby a series of unprecedented and emotion- long series of feminist workshops, public page, people left comments warning us that al events in Istanbul, Turkey. Three years of presentations, and conversations focused we were “going like lambs to the slaughter,” planning on the part of AGBU led on mass trauma, memorialization and ac- and others suggested that we should be fly- by director Nicolas Tavitian, in coordina- tion for redress. The traumas under discus- ing to Yerevan, Armenia for the commemo- tion with several other human rights and sion included The Holocaust, the Pinochet ration rather than converging on enemy soil. civil society organizations including the dictatorship in Chile, the Armenian Geno- But I and many others wanted to be in the European Grassroots Antiracist Move- cide, the Turkish government’s dirty war place where the ordeal had occurred, to ment (EGAM) and Durde!, resulted in the against the in the 1990’s, among stand as witness to the crime, as tribute to successful mobilization of thousands of other painful episodes of state violence. It our ancestors, and as testament to our con- young people from Armenia, Turkey, all was the first time I had met face-to-face tinuing connection to that land. over the Europe to honor the victims of the with Turkish academics, activists and stu- Genocide on the same ground where one dents who used the word genocide to refer On April 24, 2015, several hundred Arme- of history’s darkest chapters first unfolded. to what had happened to the Armenians of nians from around the globe gathered in the Ottoman Empire between 1915-1921. Istanbul for centenary commemorations. Within the space of this past year, I have The instinctive defensive posture I had ad- At 10 a.m. we joined an event planned by traveled to Turkey three times. As the opted in interactions with Turkish people Istanbul Armenians, including community granddaughter of Armenian Genocide over most of my adult life, fearing at best leader and current HDP Parliamentarian survivors, these trips were fraught with the aggressive denial of historical reality Garo Paylan, outside the former homes of conflicting emotions. The first visit, in June and at worst blatant anti-Armenian hostil- three April 24 deportees: Gomidas, a re- 2014, was a sixteen-day Armenian Heri- ity, was in this context unnecessary. vered Armenian priest, composer, and eth- tage Trip led by Armen Aroyan, an experi- My third trip to Istanbul was slated for nomusicologist; Doctor Avedis Nakashian; enced guide who organized the itinerary April 2015, on the occasion of the cente- and physician and poet Rupen Sevak. We around the familial places of origin of the nary of the Armenian Genocide. Building held laminated medallion photographs of twenty people in the group. By plane and on the experience of the first visit and on the the Armenians who had been arrested on bus, we ranged from Marsovan to Marash connections I had made during the second, Red Sunday as memorial plaques were laid to Aintab to Kharpert to Ani to Van to I helped organize, with a coalition calling on the sidewalk. Dikranagerd, covering almost a third of itself Project 2015, a mass fly-in of Arme- In the early afternoon our group boarded the country. Each member of the group nians from around the world to Istanbul a chartered ferry that crossed the Bosphorus was allowed to choose two locations—for where we would participate in memorial and took us to the Haydarpaşa Terminal, me those were Adana, where my grandfa- events that we had been invited to join by from whence the detainees were deported. ther was born, and Mersin, where my civil society groups in Turkey. The Project On the steps of the former train station, r eze grandmother was born—and the entire 2015 board assisted in planning the series of hundreds of Armenians, Turks, Kurds, As- S entourage visited these ancestral sites and commemorative events, raised money to ad On April 23, 2015, demonstrators held a heard the individual stories of loss and fund scholarships for student travel, and r s/Mu r trauma that had been passed down within served as a central information hub for the vigil in Istanbul in honor of the victims of the each family. Our guide called this voyage a Armenians who pledged to join us. Many of Armenian Genocide Reute

12 AGBU 2015 | www.agbu.org r e ez S ad r s/Mu r Reute

www.agbu.org | 2015 AGBU 13 syrians and others sat holding photo- ray Square, which we were told was where mostly young people carrying signs that graphs—again the medallion images of the the Turkish police held back anti-Arme- bore the name of Nor Zartonk (New Re- notables—and signs with slogans. I had nian counter-demonstrators. The chants naissance), an Armenian-led activist group. brought for the occasion a large laminated grew louder, but from a distance no one One of the chants was “We are together,” reproduction of a studio photograph taken could make out the words. Someone said and the marchers included Armenians, in 1910 of my grandmother’s family in that the right-wing haters were coming Turks, Kurds, Assyrians, Greeks and oth- Mersin. The best sign that I saw said in towards us. Because of the police presence ers. Many of us were weeping with happi- English, “This building is a crime scene.” and the Turkish government’s desire to ness and relief. We Armenians are still here In the late afternoon we gathered near avoid an international incident, I didn’t be- and we people of all ethnicities and reli- Taksim Square at the top of Istiklal Avenue lieve that the counter-demonstrators gions are here together. outside the French consulate for the Wish- ing Tree public art ritual that would precede “I and many others wanted to be in the place where a large commemorative gathering at the same location. Osman Kavala of the Istan- the ordeal had occurred, to stand as witness to bul-based arts organization Anadolu Kultur the crime, as tribute to our ancestors, and as testa- had commissioned artist Hale Tenger to create a tree sculpture and we had asked ment to our continuing connection to that land.” Project 2015 members to bring pieces of cloth and ribbon to tie to the tree. Anadolu would actually succeed in getting close At this point there were somewhere be- Kultur had also set up a table with addi- enough to hurt us, but the idea of a sea of tween five and ten thousand people assem- tional ribbons and fabric markers so that hate approaching made me scared and ter- bled outside the French consulate for the others could participate. Because I had pro- ribly sad. I started crying and a number of vigil. When the Turkish Human Rights As- posed the Wishing Tree concept to the or- Armenian women nearby also began to sociation (IHD) had organized the first out- ganizing committee, that afternoon I was weep. A Turkish woman from Anadolu door commemoration of the Armenian invited to open the ritual by adding the first Kultur who was handing out ribbons for Genocide in Istanbul in 2010, around two strip of cloth to the sculpture. I tied the the Wishing Tree said to me, “Don’t worry. hundred people had attended, so the thou- waistband of one of my grandmother’s old Nothing will happen.” sands who had come to join the centenary aprons to the tree; on one end I had written My friend Arsinee Khanjian, an Arme- event were testament to a growing civil society my grandparents’ names, Mariam Kodjaba- nian-Canadian actor and producer, was movement and a shift in public perception, at bian and Levon Kricorian, and on the other enraged rather than saddened, and she least among progressive forces in the country. I had written Mersin and Adana. Despite rushed towards the sound of the chanting The day after the Istiklal commemora- the jostling crowd, and waiting in line for as though to do battle. I grabbed the hem tion, I and a few other Armenians joined one’s turn, everyone later reported that the of her coat and said, “Arsinee, please don’t the Saturday Mothers for their weekly vigil individual gesture of tying the cloth to the go!” but she continued pushing forward. at Galatasaray Square. Each week Kurdish tree was a profoundly moving experience. Suddenly she turned back towards me and mothers and their supporters gather to hold While the art ritual was continuing, we shouted, “They are with us!” We could now large laminated photos of their loved ones started hearing chants approaching from see their signs: Menk Hos Enk (“We Are who were disappeared in the 90’s by the the other end of Istiklal towards Galatasa- Here” in Armenian). It was a coalition of Turkish state and to call for justice. On Sat- urday, April 25, 2015, in recognition of the Armenian Genocide Centenary, the weekly vigil was devoted to the lives of the Arme- nian notables detained in 1915. I was in- vited to sit on the pavement in the front row among the Kurdish mothers and was hand- ed a medallion photo of Kegham Parseghi- an, journalist, editor and writer arrested on Red Sunday. Seated on the ground next to me was a Kurdish woman holding in one hand a photo of her missing son and in the other hand a photo of Yervant Srmakesh- hanlyan, an Armenian teacher and transla-

tor arrested on Red Sunday. This moment of h of h solidarity filled me with hope. Even as the c past lives on in us, the time to act for the n Chur n a

future is always now. ese) c

Nancy Kricorian is an American poet, author and activist whose novels Zabelle (1990), Dreams of ohr-Jones/Armeni urope Bread and Fire (2003) and All the Light There Dio stern Ea ( ca L E AGBU Europe, along with civil society organizations including the European Grassroots Antiracist Move- Was (2013) explore with various aspects of the BU AG Albin ment (EGAM) and Durde!, mobilized thousands of people from around the world for the commemorations Armenian Diaspora experience. Ameri

14 AGBU 2015 | www.agbu.org Gratitude, Unity and Remembrance Historic national cathedral service unites religious faiths in support of Armenia

By Daniel Halton

nside the cavernous stone walls of the members of Congress for an ecumenical ser- long for a world of tolerance and devoid of National Cathedral in Washington, vice to remember the nearly 1.5 million mar- hate and violence,” said Noubar Afeyan, DC, beneath large stained glass win- tyrs of the Armenian Genocide. AGBU Central Board member and Chair of dows etched with the faces of Chris- From the moment the procession entered the National Commemoration for the Ar-

of tian saints, Armenians from around the the cathedral, it was clear this commemora- menian Genocide Centennial Steering h h c world once again stood united in a tion would be different. For among the sea of Committee that organized the multi-de-

Chur prayer for justice. On the grounds where for- members of the Armenian clergy and com- nominational service in conjunction with the

n n I e) a

es mer US President Woodrow Wilson—who munity at large, a wave of ornate and bright- Diocese and Prelacy of the Armenian Apos- c was instrumental in providing aid to Arme- ly colored robes and hats stood out, belonging tolic Churches of America.

ern Dio ern nian survivors a century ago—lies buried, to dozens of leaders of different religious In that same Wilsonian spirit of moral st

Ea more than two thousand people joined Ar- faiths—including Roman Catholic, Protes- leadership and international activism, His ( ohr-Jones/Armeni urope ca menian President Serzh Sargsyan, pontiffs of tant, Jewish and Muslim—who had all Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Arme- L E the Armenian Apostolic Church, US Vice joined in solidarity to offer their spiritual sup- nians, emphasized the collective need for na- BU AG Albin Ameri President , diplomats, senators and port for Armenia. “Worshippers of all faiths tions to work together to forge a more peaceful

www.agbu.org | 2015 AGBU 15 future. “We seek to inspire a change of spirit in menian hymns, or “sharagans.” His Holiness The pointed remark drew resounding people—the awakening of the heart that will Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of applause from the audience, some of whom influence future generations. The events in Cilicia, who also presided over the prayer may have resented the fact that US Vice- Washington are a testament to our strength, service, reminded those gathered of the dan- President Joe Biden, who attended the ser- 100 years after the Genocide, as we join to- gers of complacency and need to remain vice alongside US Ambassador to the gether to promote peace, honor those lost, and vigilant. “Genocide can happen anywhere, at United Nations Samantha Power, had re- h of h protect those at risk around the world no mat- any time; there is no generation, religion or fused to address the audience. It was an c ter the race, religion or ethnicity.” ethnic group that is immune—history has opportunity many had hoped the US gov- n Chur n a

Among the spiritual, political and com- shown this,” he declared. “What happened ernment would seize to at least deliver a ese) c munity leaders in attendance, in many in- in 1915 to the Armenian people whether we message of understanding, compassion and stances three generations of the same fami- call it tragedy for geopolitical reasons or mas- support—while not straying from state ly—grandparents, their children and their sacres, it is genocide by its very intent and policy against formal recognition. How- ohr-Jones/Armeni grandchildren—sat together united in means.” In the face of such crimes against ever, by insisting on a policy of silence, the Dio stern Ea ( ca L prayers dedicated to the sainted Martyrs and humanity he added, “silence is the continua- US government also let pass yet another Albin Albin listened to a performance of traditional Ar- tion of genocide.” chance to acknowledge its own heroic past Ameri

16 AGBU 2015 | www.agbu.org The interfaith service at the National Ca- thedral, the sixth largest in the world, was the signature event among several held in the na- tion’s capital during the weekend of May 7 that brought to a close two weeks of religious ceremonies, memorials, concerts and exhibi- tions around the world commemorating the centenary of the genocide and raising aware- ness of the Armenian plight for recognition and justice. The following day a special concert enti- tled “A Journey Through 100 Years of Arme- nian Music” was performed by the acclaimed Hover Chamber Choir of Armenia along with other renowned musicians at the Strathmore Concert Hall. A Divine Liturgy at the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception was conducted the following morning on May 9. Finally, a reception and awards ban- quet in the evening offered an opportunity to honor those who have helped Armenians past and present. Twenty-nine individuals “If not for the actions of these men, women, groups and govern- ments, the Armenian community as it is today would not exist.”

including missionaries, diplomats, lawyers and historians as well as organizations that offered humanitarian assistance or honored the legacy of the genocide through research and recognition were presented with Hero Awards. Among the recipients were repre- sentatives of governments that formally rec- ognized the Armenian Genocide, the Near East Foundation, Nansen Center for Peace and Dialogue, Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation, the US Holocaust Memorial and Museum, the Shoah Foundation, attor- ney Fethiye Çetin and historian Taner in providing aid and assistance thousands Divine Liturgy at the National Shrine of the Akçam. “If not for the actions of these men, of survivors of the Armenian Genocide, Immaculate Conception in Washington D.C. women, groups and governments, the Ar- ensuring those efforts remain a largely for- on May 9, 2015. menian community as it is today would not gotten chapter of American history. In- exist,” said Afeyan. stead it was left to President Serzh Sarg- Indeed the prayers of remembrance and

The awards banquet served as a poignant of syan, who highlighted in his address the peace were intended to be as much a com- reminder of the extent to which the world h h c crucial role the US government and hu- memoration as they were a celebration of cared about Armenians as much in the past

Chur manitarian organizations played in the re- survival—an opportunity to express grati- as in the present. While they were unable to n n a e)

es lief efforts in the aftermath of the genocide. tude for the regeneration of life brought prevent the genocide and others that fol- c “It was truly an honor to address the con- forth by survivors and their supporters who lowed throughout the past century, the im-

ern Dio ern gregation at the National Cathedral,” said contributed to the survival of thousands of pressive gathering of individuals and diverse st President Sargsyan. “Today’s ecumenical Armenians a century ago. During the service, humanitarian organizations was a powerful Ea ( ohr-Jones/Armeni

ca prayer demonstrated a powerful call to those supporters were acknowledged and testament to the unifying force Armenians L unite this community in the spirit of grati- praised for their human compassion and self- represent in the global struggle to create a Albin Albin Ameri tude, justice and peace.” less bravery. more peaceful future.

www.agbu.org | 2015 AGBU 17 The Kardashian Effect A family visit brings Armenia global recognition

By Adrineh Gregorian

he frenzy started long before salt. “Armenia we are here!!!!!” posted Kar- their plane touched down in dashian West on her account, Yerevan. Indeed for months immediately sharing her experience with beforehand many Arme- millions of followers. “We are so grateful to nians were buzzing with be here & start this journey of a lifetime!” questions, demanding to Throughout the duration of their visit Tknow when are they coming? Where will fans planted themselves outside the Mar- they visit? Will there be a chance to take a riott Hotel in Republic Square to catch a selfie together? glimpse of the stars, prompting another Whether you love her or love to hate Instagram message of gratitude this time her, West is undeniably from sister Khloe Kardashian.“The love one of the most famous people in the and welcoming to Armenia has been over- world. And for those who criticize the re- whelmingly beautiful!!! I wholeheartedly ality TV star as being famous for pretty can't believe all of you Angels who are out- much doing nothing of substance, they side our hotel with flowers and smiles.” disregard her status as a worldwide media Though the Kardashians have always em- phenomenon —followed on social media braced their heritage, conservative Armenian by more than 35 million people, while her society has not always embraced Kardashian signature reality TV series, Keeping Up West. Her visit however quickly changed the With the Kardashians, is currently in its minds of many who had preconceived notions tenth season That enormous platform and of her reputation. For political satirist and co- ability to influence public opinion is not host of ArmComedy Narek Margaryan, it was lost on Kardashian West. hard not to be swept away. “We love her very She proved as much this April, bringing very very much,” he gushed. “Kim was all I ex- her family with her to Armenia to raise pected and more. For most people she went global awareness about the Armenian from non-existent to someone to be proud of. Genocide. The four-day visit generated in- Even many skeptical ones were taken off guard ternational media coverage, successfully by how positive and curious she was about her drawing the world’s spotlight on Armenia heritage. All the awareness and media coverage in an unprecedented fashion. she brought made people respect her more.” On day one the two sisters along with “The Journey of a Lifetime” their two cousins visited with Prime Min- On the evening of April 8 the Kardashian- ister Hovik Abrahamyan, the Mother Ar- West clan arrived at the Zvartnots Interna- tional Airport to a warm welcome with live Kim and Khloe Kardashian visit the Dzidzer- zurna and women dressed in traditional nagapert Armenian Genocide Memorial on Armenian costumes offering bread and April 10, 2015.

18 AGBU 2015 | www.agbu.org www.agbu.org | 2015 AGBU 19 menia monument, and spent a consider- curious fans, myself included, rushed to the menia made a lot of us reevaluate the way we able amount of time taking selfies with fans lake. Whether you were there in person or think, the way we generalize and label people on the steps of the Cascade. watched the concert live-streamed over the and how that turns out to be wrong. Most In the next three days the group traveled internet, the performance was epic and fa- importantly it helped destroy myths and ste- to to visit distant relatives, made a mously ended with West jumping into the reotypes about Armenians' perceptions re- trip to Geghard Monastery, and experi- lake in a splash seen across the world. garding women's roles.” enced traditions such as Armenian cos- The Kardashian-West visit generated a Nvard Manasian, a lecturer on Gender tumes and carpet weaving. Throughout the palpable sense of excitement in Armenia. “I Studies, remarked upon Kardashian West’s visit gave the spotlight to his really loved the atmosphere in the city,” contribution to female body image, for which wife but still made time to visit the Tumo said website developer Gregory Hovane- the is well known. “As a Center for Creative Technologies. syan. “Everybody talked about it, crowds of woman I was proud to see another woman Kim and Khloe were very generous with people in the city center waiting for them. with so much pride and poise in her feminine their fans, spending time meeting with It was sort of like a holiday.” body and no one in this world has a say in how them and taking selfies along the way. Not everyone was as impressed, but none- a woman, in this case Kim Kardashian, makes On their visit to Dzidzernagapert Khloe theless came to respect what the reality tv star use of her own body.” Manasian added that “on posted on her Instagram, “We must em- accomplished. Documentarian Seg Kirakos- an ‘Armenian’ level I am wholeheartedly thank- brace pain and burn it as fuel for our jour- sian’s response was more neutral, “I can't say ful for what she did for all of us, ‘blockbustering' ney as a country.” Both Kim and Khloe that I had a special attitude towards Kim Armenia globally. She spoke for her unfinished cause as an Armenian and as a woman.” The Aftermath On April 24, 2015, Kardashian-West, who was selected by Time magazine as one of the 100 most influential people in media, penned an exclusive essay for the magazine reflecting on her Armenian heritage and the Genocide. “The whole point of remembering the Genocide is to make sure it doesn’t happen again. A million-and-a-half people were bru- tally massacred, and a country can just pre- tend like it never happened? I don’t think that’s right.” She urged President Obama to use the word genocide and expressed her dis- appointment when he failed to do so again, despite an electoral promise years earlier. Kardashian-West also acknowledged the carefully calculated timing of her trip to raise Genocide awareness. “We have this spotlight to bring attention to it, so why would we just Kanye West performs an impromptu concert in Yerevan on April 12, 2015. sit back? Now is the time to speak out, and every little bit helps. I will continue to ask the posted a photo of the two of them placing before coming to Armenia, so the news about questions and fight for the genocide to be d Press d te

flowers around the eternal flame. her visit was not so shocking or joyful for me. recognized for what it was.” a In addition to tweeting and posting the I just was glad that another Armenian de- After their Armenian tour, the next stop Associ highlights of their trip all over social me- cided to come to her homeland. I got a posi- for the Kardashian West clan was Jerusa- n/ a dia, international media ranging from The tive personal impression about her character, lem’s Armenian Quarter, where daughter y tr

HBO ha New York Times, ’s John Oliver, to en- but still I am not interested in her life.” North was baptized in Saint James Cathe- Press; te c a

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trum about the Armenian Genocide. titled, “If Kim Kardashian Had an Arme- Reflecting upon the impact of the visit oroozi/Associ ters; Hr ters; N n A l n ha eu t euters nian Man in Armenia, She’d Be At Risk,” and the unprecedented international at- R

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On the evening of April 12 the people of forward by victims of domestic violence expert Samvel Martirosyan concluded that l vu Z a re Yerevan received the surprise of a lifetime and legislation that will soon to be consid- “Kim has rocked Armenia. And Armenia p euters; euters; onen onen R when the Kardashian-West’s bodyguard ered by the Armenian Parliament. will not be the same after this visit.” R n/ owing s owing a ri Pascal Duvier informed the world in a so- “I was pleased to see so many fellow Ar- nn; a ll a

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www.agbu.org | 2015 AGBU 21 In Pictures

Los Angeles, United States

2 1 3

5 4

1. 160,000 people join the March for Justice from Little Armenia to the Turkish Consulate. 2. Members of the Armenian community of Argentina celebrate their survival through dance. 3. stage a peaceful protest in front of the Turkish Embassy in Tehran. 4. System of a Down hold their first concert in Armenia on April 23. 5. The Armenians of participate in a vigil and memorial march Jerusalem, Israel through the Old City.

22 AGBU 2015 | www.agbu.org Buenos Aires, Argentina

Tehran, Iran

Yerevan, Armenia

www.agbu.org | 2015 AGBU 23 A Statement of Armenian Unity at Eurovision Armenia’s Genealogy included singers from five continents

By Liana Aghajanian

t was not the first time Armenia had ceptions of the song as politically charged, fused to change the entry and ultimately entered Eurovision, the annual song Armenia changed the title to "Face the withdrew from the contest. competition organized by Europe’s Shadow," which was welcomed by the Eu- In 2012, when won the right public broadcasters. But this year’s ropean Broadcasting Union and the Euro- to host the contest, Armenia withdrew, cit- entry to the musical event, initially vision Song Contest Reference Group. ing inflammatory statements by Azerbai- created in 1956 to unite post-war jani President Ilham Aliyev who called Battlefield: Eurovision IEurope, was the country’s most conten- Armenians the country’s “main enemy.” tious yet. A fiery power ballad that accom- The controversy was not unfamiliar terri- Paul Jordan, a London-based Eurovision modated a wide array of voices, “Don’t tory to Armenia or its neighbors. The South expert whose knowledge on the topic has Deny” featured a sophisticated crew of Caucasus have injected a fascinating brand earned him the nickname of Dr. Eurovi- Armenian artists who formed a band of drama into the stage, as long-standing sion, has attended the contest in person for called Genealogy for the May 2015 event local differences and disputes have played over a decade. On a visit to Baku, Jordan held in Vienna. out in real time and come into the homes of saw firsthand the tension that erupted The group included an artist from each viewers around the world. when a DJ at a European club played an inhabited continent: Essaï Altounian from Perhaps the best example of this phe- Armenian song while an Azerbaijani sing- France, Tamar Kaprelian from the United nomenon happened in 2009, when a video er was on the dance floor. The atmosphere States, Stephanie Topalian from Japan, montage featured the “We Are Our Moun- immediately changed. Vahe Tilbian from Ethiopia and Mary- tains” statue, which has become eponymous “That kind of level of mutual hatred goes Jean O’ Doherty Vasmatzian from Austra- with Nagorno-Karabakh, and upset Azer- deep, and it was very uncomfortable for me lia. Inga Arshakyan, who represented Ar- baijan. The image was edited out during the to witness,” he said in an interview. “It’s menia in 2009, made up the gravitational final, but in retaliation, Armenia, repre- funny watching those grievances play out center of the group. According to their of- sented by singer , snuck in images right in front of you, but that’s what Euro- ficial Eurovision biography, members of of the monument as Eurovision presented vision offers. It allows you a glimpse into Genealogy were “united by the blood in voting results. the internal politics of countries." their veins, which contains Armenian ge- That year, who were found The commotion has been interpreted as netics, and by music as the universal lan- to have voted for Armenia were called in a sign of how seriously the Caucasus states guage of the world.” for questioning, with the BBC speaking to take the contest, a complete departure Opinions in and out of Armenia were one man who was accused of being unpa- from the attitude of Western European divided on the song, but “Don’t Deny” triotic and a “potential security threat,” be- countries, who anxiously wait for Eurovi- caused controversy beyond simple musical cause had voted for Armenia. sion to end. preference. As early as March, Armenia’s Not wanting to be left behind, In large part, this attitude is because for Eurovision committee needed to deny that entered the same year with a song called one night, Armenia, Azerbaijan and Geor- ty

“Don’t Deny” had motives beyond a regular “We Don’t Wanna Put In,” which refer- gia, countries who rarely make the daily et G / entry into the contest. Critics saw the song enced its grievances with and its international news, have a chance to posi- n as alluding to the Armenian Genocide, leader Vladimir Putin. The song was re- while its supporters emphasized its themes jected by Eurovision authorities. Georgia, Genealogy performs during a rehearsal of the of family, unity and love. In response to per- insisting the message was not political, re- first semi-final on may 18. trebli Nigel

24 AGBU 2015 | www.agbu.org tion themselves in all their glory before an In doing so, Eurovision did much to countries in Europe, rallied behind the international audience. connect Armenia and the diaspora. One group. Despite this synchronicity, it was not “It taps into a wider issue about being hundred years after the genocide scattered meant to be Armenia’s year at Eurovision part of Europe and being visible,” said Jo Armenians from Brazil and Canada to 2015, ranking 16th after having been placed Laycock, a senior lecturer in history at Shef- Syria and France, Armenia and the dias- in the top 10 six times in years past. “It field Hallam University in the United King- pora, which have often struggled to stay in wasn’t about winning or losing for us this dom who studies the history of modern sync on political, cultural and social issues, year, it was about telling our story in an Armenia. “If you can’t join the European looked to be united on a European stage. honest way and showing the world that we Union, then Eurovision will do for now.” Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan have survived,” said Kaprelian. And what better way to command the used the opportunity to discuss the mer- The message of “Face the Shadow” might world’s attention than with a group whose its of the diaspora and Armenia working have been lost on the larger audience, but members identify with five different conti- in harmony. “These events confirmed one this one small step in the world of Eurovi- nents. thing,” he said after presenting the group sion meant one very large step for Arme- with passports and Armenian citizenship. nia-diaspora relations. A Show of National Unity “If we join together and unite around a This time, Armenia harnessed the power of single idea, we always achieve success.” Liana Aghajanian is a freelance journalist. For its most powerful and uniquely global tool: Many Armenians in the diaspora, whose more information about her, visit www.liana the diaspora. voting power is spread across dozens of aghajanian.com. etty G / n Nigel trebli Nigel

www.agbu.org | 2015 AGBU 25 Interview Newsmaker

A Century of Revival Vigen Sargsyan, the President of Armenia’s chief of staff and the main coordinator of the Armenian Genocide centenary events in Armenia, discusses the commemorations

Interview by emil sanamyan

Q When you were planning how to mark group that communicated with all of these colors. And this turned out to be a symbol the centenary of the Armenian Genocide, committees about what their and our plans that people have really endorsed. The slo- what were the most important consider- were, and to decide on the ideology of the gan of the centenary came later. Again, we ations? centennial. It really helped shape a com- thought the slogan had to represent mem- A The preparations began in 2011 when the mon, recognizable image of the centennial. ory, but also be looking to the future. This Q president of the republic formed the State How did you decide on the forget-me- is how we came up with “I remember and Committee. And this entity was unique not symbol? demand.” A since it brought together not only the gov- The State Committee asked me to an- Q Thousands of visitors arrived in Yerevan ernment officials and representatives of the nounce a competition for a symbol and a for the centenary commemorations. How civil society in Armenia, but also diaspora slogan for the centennial. What we knew did you cope with the influx and manage organizations. It was very important that was that we wanted a symbol that demon- the extra resources needed to ensure those this committee represented all Armenian strated a revival of the nation, not necessar- events were broadcast worldwide without societies internationally. These included the ily the grief or destruction we were com- a hitch? Armenian Apostolic Church, Armenian memorating, but something centered on A Many diaspora Armenian organizations Catholics and Armenian Protestants, the life. Very quickly it became clear that we decided to hold their annual or biannual three traditional political parties, and of wanted a flower to become such a symbol. events in Yerevan. There were also many course all of the major Armenian organiza- The idea specifically for the forget-me-not non-Armenians traveling, such as the ex- a tions, including AGBU. At the very first came from people at Sharm Holding, an tended family of Robert Morgenthau, the Armeni f f meeting, the committee decided we would Armenian television company. As we ex- US Ambassador to the Ottoman Empire o welcome and encourage the creation of plored further, we realized that in many at the time of the genocide, or President committees around the world, without any languages the name of this flower has the Woodrow Wilson’s great-grandson or oth- limitations on whether they should be same meaning and it relates to memory. er people connected by history to the sur- f the President President the f country-by-country or region-by-region. We then incorporated into the center of vival of the Armenians and relief work. o Very soon about five dozen committees the flower the top-down view of the geno- And there were also people who had no were formed and we created a working cide memorial in Yerevan and decided on prior connection to Armenian issues. Some Office

26 AGBU 2015 | www.agbu.org of them came for the System of the Down the significance of April 24 to Armenia. on April 24 in Turkey. Regrettably, these concert, traveling from places like Iran or And by launching this kind of competi- groups are an absolute minority and they Georgia or Russia. Some came, because tion, Turkey put itself in a very uncom- cannot change the situation until the gov- they wanted to be present at the canoniza- fortable position and many heads of states ernment of Turkey realizes that genocide tion ceremony at the Mother See of Holy and officials of many governments denial associates them with the guilt for Etchmiadzin. So it was a huge movement. thought it was a major mistake and a ma- the crime of genocide. As far as the official delegations on April jor blow to concepts of humanity, political Q To what extent do you feel the cente- 24, there were 63 delegations at commem- correctness and ethics. Some countries nary was a watershed moment for Arme- orative events, representing their countries took a decision not to dispatch senior- nia and an opportunity for a new future or international organizations, from heads level delegations to Turkey as a result. For direction? of state, and senior officials to parliamen- some countries, Gallipoli has a significant A One thing is clear: Armenia is learning tary delegations and ambassadors. historic meaning and they participated to walk again after not having statehood Because the Armenian Genocide is so for that reason, but even for them, I think, for centuries. And at the basis of this are important—emotionally, historically and the right thing to do was to go on April the revival and the achievements of our na- politically—for every Armenian around 25—the actual date of the start of the tion in the last hundred years. We tend to the world, expectations were extremely battle of Gallipoli—instead. be very self-critical as a nation and we of- high. And if you could make a mistake in, But I think the overall international re- ten look for things that we have not done say, organizing a concert for the Year of action and media coverage was proof that right. But looking back we can find so Armenia in France, this time around every- we were correct in assessing the Turkish many things that we have done right and one’s eyes were on Etchmiadzin on April government’s decision as a mistake. This we do have some fantastic achievements. 23 and on Dzidzernagapert on April 24 was also another lost opportunity for Tur- Three years after the genocide we were could not afford mistakes. key’s leaders to look back at their country’s able to stop the Turkish army at Sarda- We had a very media-friendly accom- history. rabad, restore Armenian statehood and Q modation system, having created four me- Turkish prime minister Ahmet Davu- preserve the territory that is today the Re- dia centers around the country, including tog¯ lu publicly referred to the Armenian ex- public of Armenia. Twenty-five years after Etchmiadzin, Dzidzernagapert and Yere- perience as a “crime against humanity.” Do the genocide we were able to contribute, at van, so that journalists could have access to you see that reference as significant and how the highest per capita level, to the Soviet broadcast signals paid by us. And it worked would assess is your overall developments victory in World War II, and it was a very with a lot of leading television channels— vis-à-vis Armenian issues in the run up to heroic page in Armenian history. with access to a billion people around the the centenary? We often admire what the state of Israel A world—having live broadcasts on April 24. I look at that statement and others, in- has achieved in terms of repatriation and We are very proud that all of these events cluding by President Recep Tayyip Erdog¯an, building up of the state in a very difficult were accomplished really well. as a more sophisticated form of denial. neighborhood. But we have to recognize Of course none of this would have been Things have to be called by their name. And that our grandparents and parents did a possible without the individual and orga- any attempt to justify the genocide as a mat- very similar thing a century ago, after walk- nizational benefactors who undertook the ter of military necessity or point to the ing through the hell of Deir Zor, many funding of all the major events. This year deaths of Muslim subjects of the Ottoman came to Armenia, of which they knew we did not spend a cent of Armenia’s state Empire is either a case of misunderstanding nothing about. In many ways repatriates budget on organizational issues. All of of the nature of genocide or an attempt to helped create a multi-cultural society in Ar- them were fully funded from private sourc- put up a façade of a positive change in rhet- menia and produced accomplished figures es. Most of the major events were taken on oric. In reality the Turkish government is of which any nation would be proud. by one single sponsor. For example, the not changing and its denial of the genocide Finally the restoration of independence, costs associated with the canonization at poses a threat to international security. the Karabakh war… it has been a heroic the Mother See, which was a major event, I would point to the April 23 statement century. And as part of our remembrance of were underwritten by AGBU. That event by German President Joachim Gauck, who the genocide, we also had to remember this required a lot of technical resources to es- spoke of Germany’s co-responsibility for very solid basis for revival of our nation. tablish multiple television connections the Armenian Genocide. The courage of Armenians in the diaspora created a net- with churches around the world, to simul- the German government to look honestly work of organizations that helped preserve taneously reach people in New York, Mos- into its past is further proof that the crime Armenian identity around the world. cow, Tbilisi, Tehran and other places, even of genocide has no expiration date until it Armenia is the place where Armenian on Akhtamar [in Lake Van in Turkey]. is fully condemned and recognized. If you identity will be protected and it gives me Q The Turkish government decided to add to that Turkey’s policy towards Arme- encouragement that today, whenever there a schedule Gallipoli celebrations for April nia—the economic blockade since the is a problem in an Armenian community, 24 and undertook public efforts to prevent early 1990s and military support for Azer- such as now in Syria, people look to Arme- f Armeni f o some of the delegations from going to Ar- baijan—this raises security concerns for nia to act. Even if we cannot do everything menia. What was your reaction? Armenia. All this makes the Armenian now, what we can do now was unthinkable A We found this extremely tasteless. Even Genocide a contemporary political matter. ten or twenty years ago. We need to mobi- if the battle of Gallipoli had happened on At the same time, we see positive devel- lize all of our resources, first of all intellec- f the President President the f o that very date, they should have thought opments inside Turkish society and people tual resources, and make Armenia a place twice before celebrating or commemorat- raising their own awareness and finding that everyone feels comfortable living in, Office Office ing it on the same day, knowing full well courage to speak about this issue, including working or visiting.

www.agbu.org | 2015 AGBU 27 Highlights from the 88th General Assembly Strengthening the bond between Armenia and the diaspora in Yerevan

n April 4, more than 200 dele- AUA-AGBU Continuing Education Pro- opsys, the TUMO Center for Creative Tech- gates from across the Armenian gram, a center that integrates the educational nologies and the UWC Dilijan College. diaspora participated in the programs of the American University of Ar- On March 31, Aram Salatian, General OAGBU 88th General Assembly, menia’s Extension Program. They also visited Director of National Instruments in Arme- which took place at the the towns of Gandzasar and Shushi and at- nia, welcomed the AGBU delegates to their Institute of Ancient Manuscripts (Mat- tended a concert by the Karabakh Chamber offices. National Instruments has become a enadaran) in Yerevan, Armenia. The event Orchestra. hub for more than 16 start-up companies gave the delegates the opportunity to reassert On March 31, delegates, having returned to where young specialists from Armenia and their commitment to strengthening relations Yerevan, toured the Ministry of Defense and the diaspora work to export goods around the between Armenia and the diaspora as well as were received by Minister of Defense Seyran world. In the afternoon, a tour was organized to rediscover Armenia’s cultural treasures and Ohanyan, who presented AGBU with the of the IT company Synopsys, which has been its potential for development. Medal of the Armed Forces in appreciation of operating in Armenia since 2004. Today it In the days leading up to the assembly, del- the organization’s patriotism and preservation includes approximately 650 workers, of egates, members and guests participated in a of Armenian identity. At the event, AGBU which 600 are young engineers. AGBU Cen- full program of trips and events. The program President Berge Setrakian also awarded Oh- tral Board Member and Chief Architect of began on March 28 with a three-day visit to anyan with a gold medal. Synopsys Armenia Dr. Yervant Zorian pre- cy Nagorno-Karabakh where they became ac- One of the aims of the General Assembly sented the projects and activities of the com- n quainted with AGBU projects in the region was to introduce delegates to successful indi- pany to the guests. and met with Nagorno-Karabakh Parliament viduals and companies in Armenia. To this On April 1, the first of the #AGBUtalks Speaker Ashot Ghulyan. The delegates ex- end, visits were organized to the Ayb School, was held on the topic of human capital in plored the region’s educational potential and the American University of Armenia (AUA), Armenia and the diaspora (see page 32). The development prospects with a visit to the the offices of National Instruments and Syn- day continued with a tour of the TUMO Age News Photolure

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Center for Creative Technologies. Founded newest addition to AVC’s pioneering mul- Clockwise: AGBU General Assembly Gala Concert by the President of the Simonian Education- timedia e-book series and is designed to on April 4; the AGBU General Assembly on April al Foundation and AGBU Vice President offer historical, social and demographic 4; the unveiling of Henri Verneuil Street on April Sam Simonian, the TUMO Center opened information to readers interested in visit- 5; and the AGBU Central Board on April 4. its doors to the young people of Armenia in ing Yerevan or learning about the city. 2011. Today, it offers a free afterschool educa- During the global forum, Mayor of Yere- held on improving Armenians’ internation- tion program for 12 to 18-year-olds in four van Taron Margaryan stressed the impor- al standing (see page 32). different fields: animation, video game design, tance of the collaboration between the On April 4, the 88th General Assembly web development and digital video. At the Municipality of Yerevan and AVC in en- took place during which five new members TUMO Center, the AGBU delegates also couraging the success of similar initiatives: were elected to the AGBU Central Board learned about the Teach for Armenia (TFA) “Thanks to the incorporation of modern of Directors and outstanding members of program, which aims to make high quality technologies, our 2796-year-old capital the AGBU community were recognized for education available to all children in Armenia, can now be presented to the world as an their service (see page 30). In the after- with a presentation by TFA founder Larisa attractive touristic destination.” Margary- noon, a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held Ryan. The delegates ended the afternoon with an was awarded an AGBU Gold Medal for for the new AGBU building in Yerevan (see a visit to one of the most successful companies playing an important role in establishing page 34). The assembly concluded with a in Armenia, PicsArt, an app that allows users and preserving close ties with internation- Gala Concert at the National Academic to take photos using various effects, frames, al organizations as well as for his vast con- Theatre of Opera and Ballet after A. Spen- masks and borders and share them through tribution in the area of urban development. diarian, which was attended by President social media, text message and email. The In return, Margaryan presented President Serzh Sargsyan, Minister of Diaspora company started operating with five people. Setrakian with a souvenir bearing the coat Hranoush Hakobyan and Minister of Cul- Today, it has over 120 employees and engages of arms of Yerevan. ture Hasmik Poghoyan, among hundreds 8 to 9 million users a day. On April 2, delegates toured the Ameri- of guests. cy n On the same day, AGBU Armenian Vir- can University of Armenia and attended the On April 5, Henri Verneuil Street was un- tual College (AVC), in collaboration with second #AGBUtalks panel on the challenges veiled in Yerevan. Children of the renowned the Municipality of Yerevan, organized a of building the Armenian state (see page cinematographer—Patrick, chairman of global forum to launch its latest interactive 32). The following day, the group traveled to AGBU Marseille, and Sophie—as well as e-book Exploring Yerevan: A Look Inside the Dilijan for a tour of the UWC Dilijan Col- other family members arrived in Yerevan to Photolure News Age News Photolure City’s Past and Present. The e-book is the lege, where the final #AGBUtalks panel was take part in the event.

www.agbu.org | 2015 AGBU 29 Recognizing Outstanding Achievement Medals and honorary memberships awarded to AGBU members and supporters during the AGBU 88th General Assembly

or well over a century, AGBU has tensively in Ukrainian about the terrible events commitment to AGBU and Armenian cul- enjoyed the support of tens of of the Armenian Genocide and would like to tural heritage. Messerlian was appointed ex- thousands of members and volun- assure my Armenian brothers and sisters that ecutive director of the AGBU Central Office F teers in carrying out its mission of I will continue to do everything in my power in New York in 1988. From 2010 to 2012, he preserving and promoting Armenian iden- to ensure that my government in will also served as chairman of the AGBU Western tity. During the General Assembly, the officially recognize this horrific crime against District Committee. He was instrumental in organization honored the dedication of its humanity,” said Bojko. He added that the award major fundraising efforts for AGBU programs members and recognized individuals for would help him compile and publish a book of through large art exhibitions, commemora- their contributions. chronicles of from the tions and special events. The presentation of the AGBU Garbis Papa- 14th to 17th centuries, which he has recently Nersoyan, chairman of the AGBU Syria zian Award to former Ambassador Alexander translated from classical Armenian and pub- District, was recognized for the critical role he Bojko was a particular highlight of the assembly. lished as a series of articles in Kiev Magazine. has played in coordinating AGBU Syrian relief Razmik Tamrazian, Papazian’s representative, On the occasion, President Setrakian rec- efforts. Throughout the crisis in Syria, Nersoy- thanked AGBU and the General Assembly for ognized Garbis Papazian for his noteworthy an has demonstrated exceptional leadership in providing the forum for the award. He briefly initiative in establishing the award and a sub- organizing and administering relief services to described the purpose of the award and listed all stantial endowment. Setrakian awarded him the Armenian community. 26 of its previous recipients. Established in 1988, the AGBU Gold Medal and the title of AGBU AGBU also presented three members of the AGBU Garbis Papazian Award is presented Honorary Member in recognition of his be- the AGBU chapter and school leadership with each year to a non-Armenian scholar or intel- nevolence and contributions to the organiza- AGBU President’s Awards for their commit- lectual, who, through his or her research and tion. He also thanked Razmik Tamrazian for ment and dedication. This year’s recipients publications, contributes to the dissemination his continued efforts in the success of this initia- were Knar Basmadjian, Toros Boghossian and and understanding of Armenian history and tive. Garbis Papazian, a successful businessman Serpouhi Sarkissian. culture to his or her own people and to the in- and benefactor currently residing in Vienna, Basmadjian served as the AGBU Toronto ternational community. In past years, recipients was the longtime chairman of the AGBU Vi- chapter chairwoman from 2004 to 2005 and of the AGBU Garbis Papazian Award have enna chapter and is the recipient of numerous from 2008 to the present. She was also the di- included Baroness Caroline Cox of London, honorary awards. rector of the chapter from 2006 to 2007, dur- England; Dr. Yves Ternon of Paris, France; Dr. The assembly also recognized the achieve- ing which she was critical in raising funds for Mohamed Refaat El Imam of Cairo, Egypt; ments and service of Hayk Demoyan, director AGBU humanitarian programs. and Dr. Wolfgang Gust of Hamburg, Germany. of the Armenian Genocide Museum-Institute Boghossian has been the AGBU Sydney In addition to his diplomatic services, Bojko, in Yerevan, for his advocacy with respect to the chairman since 2010. He has distinguished who served as the Ukrainian ambassador to Ar- Armenian Genocide and his leadership in or- himself through his involvement with AGBU menia from 1996 to 2001 and again from 2005 ganizing numerous academic forums world- programs in Sydney, including the AGBU to 2010, cultivated a closer relationship between wide on the 100th anniversary of the genocide. Alexander School and the Vahram Papazian the two countries through his scholarship and Demoyan is the author of several books and Theatre Group. was awarded several medals of honor from state articles on the Armenian Genocide, Turk- Sarkissian is a longtime educator at the institutions in Armenia. Bojko is a graduate of ish foreign policy and Turkish involvement Gullabi Gulbenkian School in Damascus, the Taras Shevshenko University in Kiev, stud- in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. He was Syria. From 1954 to 2013, she contributed to ied and literature at Yere- awarded the AGBU Silver Medal and the the development of the school and its cur- van State University and is a member of the title of AGBU Honorary Member. Demoyan riculum as both a teacher and an adminis- Writers’ Union of Armenia and Ukraine. He thanked AGBU for the recognition and said trator, particularly in the fields of Armenian has also authored numerous articles, studies and that final preparations are being made for the language, arts and culture. books dedicated to Armenian culture and litera- extension of the Genocide Museum, which As a special tribute to her twenty-five years of ture and translated into Ukrainian the works of comprises pictures of thousands of orphans dedicated service to AGBU, Anita Anserian— many Armenian writers. He has been a propo- who were sheltered in AGBU-sponsored or- director of the AGBU Central Office in New nent of Armenian issues, especially international phanages: “AGBU is no more a silent pres- York—was awarded the Saint Nerses Shnorh- recognition of the Armenian Genocide. ence,” he said. “It shines through many heroic ali Medal on behalf of His Holiness Karekin II Speaking in Armenian, Bojko thanked initiatives that have helped rebuild the nation Catholicos of All Armenians. Representing His Garbis Papazian and the founders of the award over the past 100 years.” Holiness was Bishop Bagrat Galsdanian, who for having recognized his contributions. He During the assembly, Haig Messerlian and read the Pontifical Encyclical on this occasion noted that it was significant that the award was Nerses Nersoyan were also awarded AGBU and presented the medal, while the delegates at presented on the eve of the 100th anniversary honorary memberships and silver medals. the assembly expressed their appreciation with of the Armenian Genocide: “I have written ex- Messerlian was recognized for his lifelong a long standing ovation.

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Hayk Demoyan

Razmik Tamrazian and Alexander Bojko

Haig Messerlian

Serpouhi Sarkissian

Anita Anserian

Knar Basmadjian

Toros Boghossian

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Uniting the Global Armenian Community #AGBUtalks launches groundbreaking conversations on new technologies to link Armenians in Armenia and across the diaspora

April 1 to 3, the AGBU 88th ers from major educational institutions and Armenia and abroad, engaging Armenians General Assembly held an inspi- foundations as well as state and interna- across the diaspora—including those in rational series of symposia that tional organizations operating domestically smaller communities such as Georgia. Oengaged participants to develop and internationally. Streamed live on social The three panels were moderated by ideas and roadmaps for strengthening the media, the talks encouraged dialogue be- journalist and Armenia TV news director global Armenian community. The #AGBU- tween AGBU General Assembly delegates, Artak Aleksanyan and were comprised of talks embody the organization’s recent efforts the local Armenian community and those world-renowned experts who proposed to propose new avenues of thinking and pro- who sent in questions via . The sym- new approaches to understanding human mote understanding between Armenia and posia—the first of their kind in Armenia— capital in Armenia and the diaspora, facing the diaspora. created an atmosphere full of positivity, op- challenges in Armenian state-building and The#AGBU talks featured keynote speak- timism and excitement for attendees in positioning Armenians on an international

32 AGBU 2015 | www.agbu.org keynote speakers included Father Mesrop two. Most importantly, we need to create a Aramyan, chairman of the Board of Trustees middle class. We speak about small and me- of the Ayb Educational Foundation; Armen dium enterprise creation continuously and Der Kiureghian, president of the Armenian create the environment needed to promote it, University of Armenia (AUA); Yeva Hyusyan, but we have to make a concerted effort to country director of Microsoft Armenia; Aram make sure both happen. Those will be the pri- Salatian, general director of National Instru- mary areas to place emphasis,” said Balian. ments Armenia; and Sam Simonian, vice The final panel, entitled “Improving Arme- president of AGBU and founder of the Simo- nians' International Standing,” took place at nian Educational Foundation and the Tumo the United World College (UWC) Dilijan Center for Creative Technologies. School on April 3. On the panel were Victoria During the first talk, the panelists discussed Aslanian, CEO of Golden Grape ArmAs the current prospects for developing pan-Ar- LLC (ArmAs Wines); Vasken Kalayjian, menian potential and creating stronger bonds CEO of GK Brand; Timothy Straight, honor- between Armenia and the diaspora. It also ary consul of Norway and Finland in Armenia highlighted the importance of education as and founder of Homeland Development Ini- key to ensuring stronger and more competitive tiative Foundation; and Ruben Vardanyan, human capital, which the speakers identified co-founder and chairman of the RVVZ Foun- as the Armenian nation’s single most impor- dation Board. tant resource. The panel identified methods to advance The discussion examined various methods Armenia on an international stage and draw of creating conditions to keep Armenians in investment and tourism. It also focused on Armenia and encouraging their return after leveraging the successes already achieved in time spent abroad. Der Kiureghian summa- Armenia to promote the country’s brand. rized the theme of the panel in relation to his In his presentation, Vardanyan explored work at AUA: “The potential for Armenia lies the factors that bring the global Armenian in its people. The future of this country de- community together around the world and pends on building powerful human capital. their role in branding Armenia: “Two things Education and training are essential elements. unify the Armenian people: pride and fear. Our focus as a university is Armenia, but we Pride is when you are proud to be Armenian, also emphasize bringing diasporan students to when you want to be Armenian, and when Armenia to add to the human capital of the you want the nation to be successful. But fear country. Students from abroad may stay; some is also a driver. We must move from survivor may go back. But they will be lifelong friends mode to prosperity mode and concentrate on and business partners of Armenia,” said Der excellence rather than on mediocrity. We Kiureghian. have to think: ‘We can achieve it; we are The second panel, entitled “The Challenges strong; and we can do it despite all the prob- of Building the Armenian State,” was held at lems.’ I think this is an element that can bring AUA on April 2. Speakers included Daron us all back to the common notion that we Acemoglu, Elizabeth and James Killian Pro- want to be Armenian no matter where we are fessor of Economics at the Massachusetts In- born,” said Vardanyan. Ruben Vardanyan speaking at the final AGBU# stitute of Technology (MIT); Arpi Balian, di- The panel concluded with remarks by talks panel—“Improving Armenians’ Inter- rector of AUA Extension Program; Bishop President Setrakian, who echoed Vardan- national Standing”—at the United World College Bagrat Galstanian, head of the Creation of yan’s sentiment and outlined the organiza- (UWC) Dilijan School on April 3. Social Doctrine Department of the Mother tion’s vision for the future of Armenia-di- See of Holy Etchmiadzin; Armen Harutyun- aspora relations: “I don’t believe that we platform. “We carefully chose successful, yan, regional representative of United Nations have Armenia and the diaspora. We are one engaged panelists of different ages and High Commissioner for Human Rights in nation and we in the diaspora will contrib- generations to show the potential of the Central ; and Vigen Sargsyan, chief of ute to the betterment of this country. All Armenian community and celebrate their staff to the president of Armenia. efforts have to be concentrated on Arme- stories of success. By introducing them to The panel brought together enthusiastic nia. Why? Because we believe that the third a wide audience and holding the talks in young participants from Armenia and the di- generation in the diaspora, which is practi- forward-thinking, success story venues, we aspora to share their perspectives on Armenia’s cally drifting away, will come back to us if are giving physical evidence of what is path towards development and propose ap- we bring to this generation the pride of achievable with hard, collaborative work, proaches for advancement. being Armenian. Armenia cannot become consolidation of resources, vision and ded- Economic considerations were at the fore- a source a pride if we don’t succeed in hav- ication,” said AGBU Central Board mem- front of the discussion and various models of ing a politically, economically and socially ber Vasken Yacoubian. development were debated: “The dispute in strong country,” said Setrakian. The first panel, entitled “Human Capital in the development world has been: ‘Is develop- Armenia and the Diaspora,” was held at the ment going to be state-led or market-led?’ We All three #AGBUtalks can be viewed in their Ayb School in Yerevan on April 1. The panel’s need to have that happy balance between the entirety at http://bit.ly/1E5S2us

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AGBU Yerevan’s New Home Inaugurated The new complex incorporates the latest green technologies in its state-of-the-art facility

n Saturday, April 4, the new The building will serve as the headquarters sible thanks to a generous donation by AGBU Yerevan Building opened of AGBU Armenia’s programs and includes AGBU benefactor and Council of Trust- amid fanfare surrounding the a large lecture hall for film screenings, read- ees member Nazar Nazarian and his wife O88th AGBU General Assem- ings, lectures and other public events and Artemis. After the blessing ceremony bly. The event drew AGBU leadership and innovative interior design that unites tradi- presided over by H.H. Karekin II, Seta delegates from across the diaspora as well as tional and contemporary elements. AGBU Nazarian—the daughter of the benefac- Armenian dignitaries, most notably President will share the building with various pro- tors—spoke on behalf of the family: “This Serzh Sargsyan, His Holiness Karekin II, Ca- gressive institutions and non-profits, con- occasion reminds us that we have not only tholicos of All Armenians; Mayor of Yerevan tributing to the spirit of innovation and survived, but we now strive to thrive for Taron Margaryan; United States Ambassador collaboration. excellence in all that we do as an organiza- to Armenia Richard M. Mills, Jr.; and many The building was designed by architect tion and as a nation,” she noted. cabinet members and government officials. and AGBU Central Board member Aris At- The AGBU Yerevan Building will allow The opening marks a milestone in the his- amian, assisted by architect Narek Sargsyan for the expansion of the organization’s cul- tory of the organization: “[AGBU] began in from Amenia. The interior was designed tural, educational and humanitarian pro- 1906 in Cairo and since then, we have by Storaket, an architecture studio based in grams in Armenia. AGBU Central Board moved from Cairo to Alexandria, Aleppo to Yerevan. The collaboration has proved unique Member and Chairman of the Construc- Damascus, to Beirut, Zahlé, Jordan, France, and inspired. “[Through the design of the tion Committee Vasken Yacoubian was the Americas and Australia, but today we building] we wanted to open the early twen- responsible for the construction project return to our home—Armenia,” said Presi- tieth century façade like a curtain to reveal management: “Having this building is very dent Setrakian. the twenty-first century behind it,” said significant for our organization, especially The 65,000 square-foot building is a Atamian. The façade of the building exem- knowing that we have always stood along- state-of-the-art facility that incorporates plifies the union of past and present. side our nation, regardless of the regime in cy the latest green technologies, such as ther- Along with the modern glass design, the power. We were here after independence, n mal insulation and photovoltaic panels to stone façade of the building is the reconstruc- during Soviet times and even before that. generate electricity. Modern glass features tion of and pays tribute to the old Parliament Now finally, twenty-four years later, we contrast against the original façade, allow- building (state Duma), which once stood at a have our own building which will allow our ing abundant natural light to create a com- nearby location from 1906 to 2000. organization to strengthen our collabora- fortable and inspiring work environment. AGBU Yerevan Building was made pos- tive work in Armenia.” Age News Photolure

34 AGBU 2015 | www.agbu.org AGBU Elects Five New Members to Central Board of Directors

uring the General Assem- zations in France (CCAF) until 2012. He a retail chain of premium home appliance, bly, AGBU elected five new is the author of 24 Avril: Témoignage sur la kitchen and bath fixture showrooms in members to its Central Board reconnaissance par la France du génocide ar- Southern California. Muncherian is also a D of Directors: Arnaud At- ménien de 1915 [April 24: Testimony on the member of the Leadership Council for the tamian of the United Kingdom, Alexis Recognition by France of the 1915 Armenian University of Southern California’s Insti- Govciyan of France, Ani Manoukian of Genocide], published by Editions du Cher- tute of Armenian Studies and serves in the United States, Lori Muncherian of che-Midi in 2003. In 2010, Govciyan was various capacities for several other non- the United States and Lena Sarkissian elected councilor of Île-de-France and profit organizations. Muncherian is a of Canada president of the first friendship group be- graduate of the University of Southern tween Île-de-France and Armenia. Most California where she earned her bachelor’s Arnaud Attamian recently, he assumed the role of premier degree in business administration. joins the Central deputy mayor of the ninth arrondissement Board with 17 years of Paris. Lena Sarkissian is a of investment member of the asset banking and equity Ani Manoukian is a cor- management team capital markets ex- porate attorney who at the real estate de- perience in Europe. has served on the velopment company He spent the first AGBU Strategic Advi- Byron Hill Corpora- 15 years of his career in the Telecoms and sory Committee since tion and the director Media Group within Merrill Lynch 2010. In this capacity, of program develop- (then Bank of America Merrill Lynch) she has provided con- ment at the Zoryan Institute’s Internation- and is currently managing director at sulting and project al Institute for Genocide and Human TAP Advisors, a New York-based invest- management services in corporate gover- Rights. Sarkissian is also a member of the ment banking boutique with European nance, human resources, marketing and advancement committee at the Toronto offices in London. Attamian advises tele- fundraising management. Manoukian has French School, the co-chair of the board of communications companies on mergers also held numerous leadership positions in directors at the contemporary dance com- and acquisitions as well as private place- AGBU, including with Camp Nubar and pany Dancemakers and a member of the ments and brings emerging market expe- the Young Professionals (YP), and has made board of directors of AGBU Armen-On- rience within Europe, the Middle East a significant impact on the global YP move- tario. Sarkissian holds a bachelor’s degree in and Africa. Attamian is an active member ment by leading AGBU FOCUS from its linguistics and French from the University of AGBU, serving on the Strategic Advi- inception in 2000 through 2007 and con- of California, Los Angeles and a master’s sory Council for the European region tinuing to serve on its advisory board. Pro- degree in speech and language pathology. since December 2010. He was appointed fessionally, Manoukian focuses on mergers She also earned a certificate in strategic to the board of AGBU France in April and acquisitions in the telecommunications leadership at the University of Toronto 2012 and the board of the London Trust and cable industry. She earned her bache- School of Continuing Studies. in July 2013. He received a master’s de- lor’s degree from Tufts University in French gree in corporate finance and financial and child development with a certificate of The new members join President Berge engineering from Université Paris-Dau- public health and her law degree from Ford- Setrakian, Vice Presidents Sam Simo- phine in 1998. ham University School of Law. nian and Sinan Sinanian, and the fif- teen members of the board who will Alexis Govciyan is Lori Muncherian is the continue their tenure: Yervant Demir- among the found- executive vice president jian, Sarkis Jebejian, Nazareth Festekji- ers of the political of New Spark Hold- an, Noubar Afeyan, Joseph Basralian, party Union des ings, Inc. and serves on Arda Haratunian, Levon Nazarian, démocrates et in- the board of directors of Yervant Zorian and M. Michael An- dépendants (UDI) the TF Educational sour of the United States as well as Aris and director of the Foundation. Munche- Atamian, Vahé Gabrache, Joseph cy n Institut Supérieur rian has an extensive Oughourlian and Vasken Yacoubian of des Métiers in France. He was appoint- background in human resources and man- France, Switzerland, United Kingdom ed president of AGBU Europe in 2008 agement. From 1986 to 2006, she served as and Armenia/Syria respectively. Carol and served as the president of the Coor- the executive vice president and partner of Aslanian of the United States will serve dination Council of Armenian Organi- Pacific Sales Kitchen and Bath Centers, Inc., as special advisor to the board. Photolure News Age News Photolure

www.agbu.org | 2015 AGBU 35 Education

TK.

Over $1 Million in Scholarships Awarded The programs include $130,000 for Syrian Armenian students

n the 2014-2015 academic year, AGBU awarded over $1 million in One of the scholarship recipients is Narine Kerelian, a PhD scholarships to students in nearly 40 countries. For almost a century, student in social work at the University of Hong Kong. In her the AGBU Scholarship Program has helped further the educational research, Kerelian explores how transmigrants experience a I pursuits of tens of thousands of promising young Armenian uni- sense of place in Hong Kong—an emerging global city— versity students enrolled at some of the world’s top-ranked universities. through the domains of residence, workplace and leisure plac- AGBU awarded over $300,000 to 275 students in the form of es. “I hope to use my education to promote cross-cultural com- AGBU International Scholarships to those pursuing study outside petency and diversity awareness in an effort to expand and the United States. facilitate heterogeneity in employment demographic profiles.

36 AGBU 2015 | www.agbu.org AGBU Performing Arts and Religious Studies Fellowships For the 2014-2015 academic year, a total of $250,000 was awarded to 68 recipients of the AGBU Performing Arts Fellowship and 12 recipients of the Religious Studies Fellowship. Paul Mesrop Borekjian, a 2014 recipient of the AGBU Religious Studies Fellow- ship, is a master’s student in a dual degree program in theological studies and social work at the Princeton Theological Seminary, in partnership with Rutgers University in New Jersey. The unique melding of skills has enabled Borekjian to prepare himself to have maximum impact on both the Armenian and non-Armenian com- munities upon graduation. Borekjian has a very clear idea of how he will make his mark: “I grew up in both the Armenian Apostolic and Armenian Protestant Churches. Since I began serving the Church, I have become convinced that Armenian Churches are in need of more physical service to the community—Armenian and non-Armenian alike. I’m studying divin- ity to be properly trained as a faith leader and studying social work to be properly trained in this field as well. I know that a strong knowledge of the two will equip me to help the Armenian Churches live up to the servanthood to which they have been called.” Vasken Ohanian, a 2014 recipient of the AGBU Performing Arts Fellowship, is a student at the Bob Cole Conservatory of Music at California State University, Long Beach, where he is pursuing a mas- ter’s degree in composition and choral conducting. Fusing his musical expertise with his Armenian heritage, Ohanian is writing a symphony in honor of the centenary of the Armenian genocide. “The symphony is a five movement work for a large orchestra and chorus. I use biblical stories to depict not only the pain that Armenians have carried for a century, but also the hope for a better future,” he explains. Before the centenary, the Bob Cole Conservatory Chamber Choir premiered Ohanian’s choral piece “Song of the Knight” (Ասպետին Երգը), based on the poetry of Ottoman Armenian poet Siamanto. “With the powerful poetry of Siamanto as my guide I created a work that encap- sulates the violence and tears associated with the genocide and loss of identity,” says Ohanian. Ohanian already has his eye on life post-graduation: “Ideally, I’d like to work in the media industry, writing for film, television and video games. Although I do like writing music for the concert stage, I’d like to reach people emotionally with my music.” Heritage Scholars Grants To those about to start their college careers, AGBU also awarded Heritage Scholars Grants to five college-bound seniors. Each year, the grants are given to high-achieving high school seniors at Students at the American University of Armenia thank AGBU for the AGBU Manoogian-Demirdjian School in Canoga Park, their financial support. California; the AGBU Alex and Marie Manoogian School in Southfield, Michigan; and theAGBU Vatche & Tamar Manouki- My ideal position would be within a human resources/higher an High School in Pasadena, California. This year’s recipients education advisory capacity, implementing diversity measures included honors students and varsity athletes, who demonstrated and ascertaining representation of minorities in the profes- academic excellence, school spirit, community involvement and sional sector.” ambition. Kerelian found that the AGBU scholarship was particularly Grace Torossian, a graduate of the AGBU Alex and Marie Ma- helpful to her in the course of her doctoral research: “When the noogian School and a 2014 Heritage Scholar Grant recipient, is library did not have books or journals I needed, I was previously eager to explore the hundreds of opportunities and resources avail- limited to my existing resources. The scholarship has allowed me able to her at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. She is cur- to access and purchase cutting-edge publications, which have rently a first-year student studying biology and working alongside strengthened my research. Access to critical publications has researchers in a laboratory as part of the Undergraduate Research helped ground my thesis proposal and methodological approach. Opportunity Program. Her interest in biology and her goal of con- I am truly grateful for the support.” ducting medical research grew out of a particularly trying period in

www.agbu.org | 2015 AGBU 37 her own life: “As a preteen, I was diagnosed with professionals. AGBU is very proud to play a role in it, working ulcerative colitis. Reading about medications and alongside the Ministry and AUA.” Education hearing doctors talk about treatment options caught my As one of the founding organizations of AUA, AGBU has been attention and taught me that biology is an integral part of my involved with the university since its inception in 1991. life. is sparked my curiosity about how the human body works and the medications that allow people to live ‘normal’ lives.” L’Université française en Arménie (UFAR) Also in Armenia, AGBU distributed $30,000 to 23 students at the US Graduate Fellowships l’Université française en Arménie (UFAR) in the form of AGBU For the 2014-2015 academic year, close to 100 students enrolled in Scholarships of Excellence. Since 2007, AGBU has covered the professional, masters and doctoral degree programs were awarded tuition fees of the top students in years two, three and four. Dur- nearly $365,000 in the form of US Graduate Fellowships. Haru- ing this period, more than 200 UFAR students have received as- tyun Gevorgyan, one of this year’s recipients, studies agriculture sistance. extension education at Penn State Univer- One of this year’s recipients, Anatoli sity in Pennsylvania. His doctoral research Chernyayev, a third year marketing stu- concerns developing an e ective extension dent at UFAR, is grateful not only for the service in Armenia by studying similar ser-  nancial support to further his studies at vices in the United States and Italy. “I the university, but also for the prestige of chose this  eld, because there are a lot of the scholarship on his applications to in- gaps in agriculture in Armenia. We need to ternational competitions: “Fellowship coordinate it and manage it properly to de- committees pay a great deal of attention velop sustainability of agriculture and rural to the applicant’s achievements. When I development.” applied to the 2014-2015 Global Under- The AGBU Graduate Fellowship was Grace Torossian graduate Exchange Program (UGRAD) crucial in enabling Gevorgyan to conduct to study in the United States for a semes- research at the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) in ter and the Council of Europe’s 2015 Youth Peace Camp in Washington DC during the initial phase of his dissertation research. France, I know seeing the AGBU scholarship on my application Upon graduation, Gevorgyan plans to return to his native Armenia made a di erence.” where he will teach at the Armenian National Agrarian University and collaborate with the Ministry of Agriculture to introduce his Scholarships for Syrian Armenian Students in Armenia  eld of research to Armenian specialists. AGBU also allocated $130,000 to covering the tuition fees for Syrian Armenian university students in Armenia. e Calouste American University of Armenia (AUA) Gulbenkian Foundation and the Ministry of Education and AGBU is also committed to supporting institutions of higher Science of the Republic of Armenia also lent their support to learning in Armenia. This year, $50,000 in scholarships was the initiative. is year, the scholarships were distributed to 400 awarded to 10 undergraduate and 20 graduate students at the undergraduate students and 15 graduate students. American University of Armenia (AUA). AGBU Armenia’s interim director Stressing the importance of the scholar- Hovig Eordekian sees this program as an ship program, AUA president Armen Der essential step in reversing the brain drain Kiureghian said: “We are grateful to that continues to a ict the Republic of AGBU for providing scholarship funds in Armenia: “In October 2013, all Syrian support of our students. is fund allows Armenian students who submitted the us to admit students based on their scho- papers from their universities bene ted lastic quali cations, regardless of their  - from this program. Taking into consider- nancial ability to pay the tuition. anks ation the vitality and urgency of the mat- to this and similar scholarship funds, we ter, the parties have committed to con- are able to ensure an economically diverse Paul Mesrop Borekjian tinue the program for the next two student body.” academic years. This important educa- In conjunction with AUA, 2014 marked the launch of a schol- tional initiative will help Syrian Armenian students continue arship program for soldiers and representatives of the military their education in their homeland and not leave Armenia for through the Ministry of Defense and Armed Forces that AGBU other countries.” will fund and AUA will implement. e program, designed to Financed through endowment funds established by AGBU create more education opportunities for service members, pro- donors since the 1920s, the AGBU Scholarship Program has vides scholarships for ministry representatives enrolled in under- proudly contributed to the academic achievements of gifted graduate and graduate programs at AUA. Vasken Yacoubian, young Armenians, o ering  nancial assistance to full-time AGBU Central Board member, praised the venture, stating: “ e students of Armenian descent from close to 40 countries Armed Forces is one of [Armenia’s] key pillars and a source of across six continents. Today, through added specialized initia- pride and con dence for Armenians everywhere. We believe that tives, the AGBU Scholarship Program o ers  nancial assis- this new program will further strengthen its e ciency and capa- tance to a broader range of Armenian students across the bilities while continuing to produce highly quali ed o cers and globe. BELVILLE RYAN

38 AGBU 2015 | www.agbu.org TUMO x AGBU Expands Beyond Yerevan New centers prepare youth to enter the media and creative industries

n May 25, the Tumo Center for Creative Technolo- nership between AGBU and the Tumo Center for Creative Tech- gies, a state-of-the-art facility that offers Armenian nologies. Michael Aram kicked off the fundraising efforts by youth access to learning resources, digital media and contributing 30% of sales that day to this project. O leading professionals in the fields of media and tech- Initiating this large scale effort, Joseph Oughourlian,AGBU nology, opened a new location in Gyumri. The center is the Central Board member and co-founder of Amber Capital Invest- product of a partnership between AGBU and the Simonian ment Management, pledged $150,000 to support the Tumo Cen- Educational Foundation. In the fall of 2014, a telethon to raise ter in Nagorno-Karabakh. Oughourlian has been closely involved funds to launch the center was organized by Shant TV president with development in Nagorno-Karabakh, both personally and Arthur Yezekyan. professionally, for many years. In September 2015, TUMO x AGBU begins its free, afterschool “Seeing firsthand how critical it is to invest in Nagorno-Kara- program focusing on animation, game development, web design bakh for its success and strength, I am sure that the center will and filmmaking for Gyumri youth ages 12 to 18. TUMO x AGBU have an outstanding impact on thousands of children who would Gyumri will accommodate 500 to 1,000 students, who will attend not have had these opportunities otherwise,” says Oughourlian. classes at the center twice a week for two hours. Through its partnership with AGBU, the Tumo plans to expand As part of AGBU’s commitment to education and innovation its reach throughout Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh and touch in Armenia, the Simonian Educational Foundation and AGBU the lives of thousands more in the years to come.To date, over are also launching a second center in Stepanakert this year. In 10,000 children and young adults have experienced the center’s November 2014, artist Michael Aram hosted a holiday shopping high quality, hands-on program, which includes workshops and Ryan Belville Ryan event at his flagship store in New York to announce a new part- mentorship as well as specialized training.

www.agbu.org | 2015 AGBU 39 sroom Education ew

the

From aua n

A Year of New Achievements The American University of Armenia continues to build its reputation for quality education in Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh

By Laurie aLvandian

he 2014-2015 academic year was a whirlwind of Serj Tankian, Ruben Vardanyan and Veronika Zonabend, to events, celebrations, and achievements for the AUA name a few. community. Internally, the university was buzzing This year’s list of achievements has been matched by the uni- Twith fresh ideas and projects. AUA launched its inde- versity’s long list of firsts, which have had a significant impact on pendent student newspaper, The Bridge, and celebrated the Armenia and the region. Since its inception in 1991, AUA brought commencement of the first graduating class of the new Master the first US master’s degree programs to Armenia, and continues of Science in Economics program, with over half of its gradu- to be the only university in the region offering an American edu- ates finding employment with the Central Bank of Armenia. cation. In addition to being the only English-language university, The AGBU Papazian Library welcomed valuable book dona- its focus on student-centered learning and the services provided tions from Richard Hovannisian and , adding by its Alumni and Career Development Office and Extension to the library’s ever-growing list of materials. AUA also hosted Program for continuing adult learning are unparalleled. AUA is a number of influential guest speakers such as Patch Adams, also the country’s first college campus to provide Wi-Fi and vid- Noubar Afeyan, Yair Auron, Berge Setrakian, Pamela Steiner, eoconferencing. It is home to Armenia’s first and only university

40 AGBU 2015 | www.agbu.org The American University of Armenia’s graduating class for 2015. In the coming years, AUA expects an increase in the number of its international applicants, adding to its already vibrant and diverse library open to the public, which is widely considered the best student body. English-language library in the country, with over 162,500 elec- tronic and printed texts. A Spirit of Philanthropy In this and many other ways, AUA is setting the standard for AUA’s achievements this year and in years past could not have been higher education in Armenia. As an institution, it has maintained possible without the generous support of individuals and organiza- a need-blind admissions policy, meaning that every student who is tions far and wide. qualified and willing to learn is given the opportunity, regardless of This year, AUA’s endowment was increased by $10 million the ability to pay tuition. This approach opens the university to an thanks to a very generous benefactor. The total number of endowed economically diverse group of students. It stresses the belief that scholarships has increased significantly to 16 thanks to the gener- education is not only for the elite. For those who do take out loans, osity of so many new donors who believe education is critical to the AUA was the first to establish student loan and need-based tuition future of Armenia. assistance programs in Armenia. In April, AUA received a major $1 million Student Scholarship As is the tradition in Western-style educational systems, the Endowment from Mario Mazzola, Chief Development Officer at many years of hard work and accomplishments of students are an- Cisco Systems, Inc., and his wife Luciana Cavallet. AGBU, which nually celebrated with a formal graduation ceremony—and AUA has supported AUA since the beginning, also committed to a new was the first university to bring this tradition to Armenia. These yearly scholarship program for AUA students in need of financial many firsts have provided effective alternative models for higher aid and in good academic standing. AUA also received two gener- education in Armenia and the region based on American values ous grants from American Schools and Hospitals Abroad (ASHA) and pedagogy. Creating a Student Union and Faculty Center are to modernize student services and establish an Innovation & Tech- among the next important firsts that AUA plans to introduce to nology Incubation Center. Armenia’s higher education system. At AUA, giving is contagious. The university community came together this year to raise over $12,000 to go toward AUA Exten- Recognition and Partnerships sion’s “Learning for a Better Future” assistance program, which This year, AUA’s accreditation was reaffirmed by the Western provides valuable educational resources to displaced Syrian Arme- Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Senior College nians. Alumni practiced their own methods of giving, contributing and University Commission (WSCUC) for nine years, through to the Alumni Endowment Fund that was established two years February 2024, solidifying its position as the only U.S.-accredited prior. This year, as a result of the combined generosity of four class- higher education institution in the region. Accreditation results es of AUA graduates, the very first student received a scholarship in many benefits that spread not just throughout the university through the endowment. but through society as a whole. It directly benefits students by This year, with its 25th anniversary around the corner, AUA is simplifying degree verification and acknowledging the value of launching its 100 Pillars of AUA campaign, with a goal of raising an AUA degree. The university benefits by ensuring evidence- $1 million in unrestricted funds every year for five years. As the based and continuous process improvement, as well as diversity university works to significantly increase its endowment, unre- among its faculty and students. And society benefits because stricted gifts make it possible to improve infrastructure, hire AUA graduates transition into the labor market with highly em- highly qualified faculty, offer need-blind admissions, and fulfill ployable skills such as problem solving, creativity, leadership, the mission of providing the highest quality teaching, research, and critical thinking. and service programs in Armenia and the surrounding region. AUA’s attractiveness for students in Armenia and around the For alumni, many of whom have gone on to open successful globe is increasing every year and part of its appeal is its affilia- businesses or earn advanced degrees abroad, their time spent at tion with the University of California. This past January, at a AUA has opened doors and helped them envision and establish a ceremony on the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) clear path towards their goals. Highly successful alumni, such as campus, AUA and UCLA jointly announced the launch of a new PicsArt creators Hovhannes Avoyan (PSIA ’95) and Artavazd AUA-UCLA Summer Intensive Program in Armenian Studies. Mehrabyan (CIS ’03), are setting examples to the AUA students of At the same event, AUA signed a memorandum of understand- today and tomorrow that education, creativity, and innovation are ing with the University of California at Irvine (UC Irvine) with the keys to achieving their dreams. the aim of promoting future educational and scientific coopera- Following the June 2015 graduation ceremony, there are now tion between the two universities. This type of collaboration en- almost 3,000 alumni, 63.5% of which live in Armenia or ables the exchange of ideas, values, and experiences, connecting Nagorno-Karabakh. 75% of alumni secure jobs during their students and faculty in Armenia with those on the other side of studies or within 3 months of graduating, meaning AUA gradu- the world. ates are quickly implementing their skills and knowledge gained International students, both Armenian and non-Armenian, are in the classroom into Armenia’s workforce. This summer, the an encouraging component of AUA’s growing student body. After classes of 1995, 2000, 2005, and 2010 came together to celebrate the launch of the undergraduate program in 2013, the number of their respective anniversaries and continued the cycle of giving applicants from outside of Armenia tripled from the 2012-2013 back to the AUA community through the Alumni Endowment school year. In February 2015, Director of Admissions Arina Fund. Since the beginning, AUA alumni have made, and con- Zohrabian set off on a 2,000 mile recruitment tour across Califor- tinue to make, an impact on Armenia’s economy and have played nia to encourage students to pursue their higher education at AUA. a significant role in the development of Armenia is a whole.

www.agbu.org | 2015 AGBU 41 AGBU Donors Donors Show Outstanding Support by Contributing $12,994,741.66 to the AGBU Central Board Programs in 2014.

e are grateful for the continued generosity of those Syrian Armenians, AGBU Scholarship Program, AGBU Summer who believe in our mission. The collaborative ef- Internship Program, American University of Armenia, Arme- forts of our communities around the globe, the nian Virtual College, Armenia-Karabakh Humanitarian Relief, Wcommitment of our donors and the dedication of Detroit Chapter Armenian Rural Community Project, Holy hundreds of volunteers and staff enable AGBU to enrich the lives of Etchmiadzin, Karabakh Chamber Orchestra, as well as the Nork, Armenians through various cultural, educational, humanitarian and Arapkir and Malatya Children’s Centers and Senior Dining religious initiatives. Centers. The below contributions were made to the AGBU Central Of- This report does not include contributions made directly to fice in New York in support of our worldwide chapters, districts, various local chapters around the world or contributions less than publications, schools and youth programs, as well as projects in- $250. For a complete list of donations to AGBU Central Board cluding the AGBU Humanitarian Emergency Relief Fund for programs, please see the online version of the issue.

Mr. and Mrs. Vatche Manoukian, United Kingdom 2,100,000 AGBU Young Professionals of Los Angeles, CA 1,500 Mr. and Mrs. Karnig Yacoubian, Switzerland 1,750,000 AGBU Young Professionals of Toronto, Canada 1,344 Aram A. Papasian fbo Luz Trust, TX 1,441,380 AGBU Young Professionals of Montreal, Canada 150 Simon Kechechian Trust, CA 893,807 33,504 Mrs. Louise Manoogian Simone, NY 750,000 Mr. and Mrs. Harutun Vaporciyan, MI 33,329 Mr. and Mrs. Harry Toufayan, NJ 505,200 Mr. and Mrs. Steven R. Nargizian, NJ 27,600 Devejian Family Trust, ME 299,886 Mr. and Mrs. Nazar Nazarian, NJ 16,000 The Rose Tashjian Estate, NJ 275,000 Nazarian Family Foundation, Inc., NJ 10,000 Anonymous HK, CA 271,530 26,000 Mr. and Mrs. Sarkis Bedevian, NJ 253,450 AGBU Western District Committee, CA 25,000 Dadourian Foundation, United Armenian Charities, NY 250,000 Cherchian Family Foundation, Inc., WI 25,000 Mr. and Mrs. Berge Setrakian, NJ 241,000 Mr. and Mrs. Gregory Toufayan, NJ 25,000 Barbara Apisson Testamentary Trust, CT 217,000 Mr. and Mrs. Nazareth Festekjian, NJ 24,000 Levon Nazarian Foundation, Inc., NJ 197,600 David S. Sohigian Foundation, CA 22,318 Dr. and Mrs. Levon N. Nazarian, NJ 2,000 Haig & Sunya B. Ksayian Foundation, NC 22,106 199,600 Edith Santourian Estate, FL 19,180 Jack Munushian Revocable Trust, CA 185,000 Lucille Makarov Estate, MI 16,089 The Queenie Manoogian Trust, CA 163,330 Mr. and Mrs. Sarkis Jebejian, NJ 16,000 Fundacao Calouste Gulbenkian, Portugal 162,013 Mr. and Mrs. Antranig Berberian, CT 15,500 Mr. and Mrs. Sam Simonian, TX 160,000 Mr. and Mrs. Yervant S. Demirjian, NY 15,000 Anne Balemian Estate, NY 150,000 Diran and Charles Philippossian Foundation, Switzerland 15,000 Mr. and Mrs. Haig Didizian, Greece 150,000 Dr. Barkev Banian, VA 13,442 Therese Ohanian, NJ 102,100 Mr. and Mrs. Berge Papazian, Canada 12,644 Akian Foundation, CA 100,000 Mr. and Mrs. Vahe Gabrache, Switzerland 12,000 Alex & Marie Manoogian Foundation, MI 100,000 Knights of Vartan—Detroit Chapter, MI 12,000 Francis Theodore Devian Estate, CA 100,000 Ms. Seline Okutan Karakaya, CA 11,500 Grant Gray Trust, RI 100,000 Yervant & Rose Levonian Educational Fund, NJ 11,160 Satenig Karagosian Estate, NJ 86,779 Mr. and Mrs. Joseph L. Basralian, NJ 11,100 Mr. and Mrs. Hagop Kouyoumdjian, NJ 52,500 Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Ajamian, CA 11,079 Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Oughourlian, United Kingdom 52,000 Berjoohie Zakarian Estate, MA 10,844 Leon & Victoria Shaldjian Foundation, NJ 51,194 Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Ourlian, OH 10,400 Mr. Nigol Koulajian, NY 50,000 Mrs. Ann Vaznaian, CA 10,150 TF Educational Foundation, CA 50,000 Dr. Michael J. Arslanian, CA 10,100 Mr. and Mrs. Toros Mangassarian, NY 46,200 Mr. Harry M. Chitjian, CA 10,100 Bakalian Family Foundation, NC 38,288 Mr. Leon Chahinian, CA 10,000 AGBU Young Professionals of Greater New York, NY 28,960 Ms. Virginia L. Hajeian, NJ 10,000 AGBU Young Professionals of Boston, MA 1,550 Mr. and Mrs. John L. Isbirian, NY 10,000

42 AGBU 2015 | www.agbu.org Mr. and Mrs. Krikor Istanboulli, Italy 10,000 Cultural Society of Armenians from Istanbul, MI 6,401 Mr. and Mrs. Kirk S. Kazazian, NY 10,000 Mr. and Ms. Anton Sahazizian, NJ 6,038 Dr. Sarkis J. Kechejian, TX 10,000 Dr. and Mrs. Robert A. Bagramian, MI 6,000 Dr. Paul Khoury, NY 10,000 Dr. John Doumanian, IL 6,000 The Armenian Philharmonic Orchestra Foundation, CA 10,000 Dr. and Mrs. Robert L. Kuhn, CA 6,000 Mr. Victor V. Zarougian and Ms. Judith A. Saryan, MA 10,000 Mr. and Mrs. Ari L. Libarikian, NY 6,000 Ms. Isabelle Basmajian, Canada 9,116 Mr. and Mrs. Vazrik Makarian, NV 6,000 Margaret Ohanian Estate, OH 9,020 Edmond Pilossian Bequest, Switzerland 5,550 Ms. Susan Janigian, MI 9,000 Ms. Helen Kashian, MI 5,500 AGBU Melbourne Chapter, Australia 8,000 Mr. and Mrs. Hovan Tchaglassian, Canada 5,500 Mrs. Sandra Shahinian Leitner, NJ 7,500 Dr. Diran O. Mikaelian, PA 5,473 AGBU WDC Ladies Committee, CA 7,479 Dr. Vahrij Manoukian, NH 5,350 John Kazanjian Family Foundation, NJ 7,403 Mr. and Mrs. Armen Hampar, CA 5,100 Mr. Aris Atamian, France 7,219 Ms. Meline Tufenkciyan, NY 5,100 Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Haratunian, NY 7,200 AGBU San Fernando Valley Chapter, CA 5,000 Leon S. Peters Foundation, CA 7,000 Anonymous CA, NY 5,000 Varnic LLC, NJ 7,000 American Securities, NY 5,000 UGAB Buenos Aires Chapter, Argentina 6,850 Armenian Catholic Eparchy, CA 5,000 Mrs. Nadia Gortzounian, France 6,740 Mrs. Carol B. Aslanian, NY 5,000 John Sarafian Charitable Remainder Trust, RI 6,620 Mr. and Mrs. Paul Atmajian, CA 5,000 Mr. Michael Aram, NY 6,438 Dr. and Mrs. George A. Bannayan, TX 5,000

Martha Mirigian Seeds for Success

artha Mirigian’s early life could have come right graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles with a out of William Saroyan’s imagination. Martha— certificate in public health nursing and earned her master’s degree known as Marti—knew the offbeat Armenian im- in nursing from the University of Southern California. Until she Mmigrants who populated Saroyan stories, spent her retired in 1977, Marti worked as a registered nurse at various hos- childhood wandering through the farms of the San Joaquin Val- pitals in Southern California, serving as the director of the nursing ley and blended Armenian and English in much the same way program at Long Beach City College. as his characters. Marti inherited her parents’ work ethic and Born in Fresno County in 1926, Marti was remained devoted to them throughout her life. In the daughter of Avedis and Mary (née Kadian), her last decades, Martha and her mother lovingly farmers who had fled the Ottoman Empire tended to the grapevines, peach trees, citrus trees during the Armenian Genocide. Since the late and persimmon trees that they uprooted from nineteenth century, Armenians had been drawn their farm in Fresno and replanted in their new to Fresno’s climate, because of the region’s simi- home further south in Lake Elsinore, California. larity to the Anatolian towns and villages they “She was a very independent, strong-willed, left behind. Many immigrants, including Mar- hands-on woman, who loved life and truly en- ti’s parents, worked in agriculture, producing joyed people,” said her friend Dennis Weaver. raisins, pistachios, figs, melons and other fruits. Marti always took great pride in the accom- However, the concentration of Armenian im- plishments of the Armenian community in migrants in Fresno and the surrounding San the United States and across the diaspora. Joaquin Valley made for a social climate for Ar- When Marti passed away in 2011, she left menians unlike any other in the United States. over $1 million to AGBU to equip the next While in other parts of the United States Ar- generation with tools to encourage new ac- menians could go unnoticed, their large num- complishments in the Armenian community. bers and cultural differences fueled prejudice that limited their op- Her generosity has enabled innovative and engaging program- portunities and created hostility within the larger community. ming for a new crop of Armenian leaders, through support for The discrimination that the Armenian community of Fresno AGBU schools, emergency aid projects, one-time initiatives in faced most intensely in the 1920s and 1930s sparked a push towards Armenia and the diaspora as well as on-going cultural and youth assimilation in the first generation born in the United States. Preju- programs. Thanks to Marti, AGBU and Armenians worldwide dice did not keep Marti from pursuing her ambitions. In 1950, she can look forward to a promising future.

www.agbu.org | 2015 AGBU 43 AGBU Donors

Garabed & Aghavni Kouzoujian Benevolent Foundation, NY 5,000 Comport Consulting Corp., NJ 4,000 Mr. Gostanian, TX 5,000 Mr. and Mrs. Istvan Lippai, Hungary 4,000 Mr. and Mrs. Shahen Hairapetian, CA 5,000 Mr. and Mrs. Hagop A. Manuelian, CA 4,000 Ms. Ann Marie Kohlligian, CA 5,000 Mr. and Mrs. Vahe Imasdounian, CA 3,900 Mr. and Mrs. Onnik Nalbantkazaroglu, Turkey 5,000 Mr. and Mrs. Maher N. Kilajian, MD 3,750 Dr. and Mrs. Aramais Paronyan, CA 5,000 Mrs. Isabelle Aranosian Hodgson, NH 3,500 Mr. Van Smith, TX 5,000 Ms. Anna Carolin Haleblian, Lebanon 3,300 Mr. and Mrs. Jack Anserian, NJ 4,971 Mr. and Mrs. Gerard N. Misk, NJ 3,300 Dr. and Mrs. Noubar Afeyan, MA 4,000 Mr. Craig S. Gabrielian, MD 3,250

Barbara Apisson From Erzurum to Upstate New York

arbara Apisson loved nothing more than spending her porated many Armenian recipes that she learned from her mother. days outside with her two dogs, twelve cats and assort- In the mid-1950s, the couple turned West Point Farms into an inn ment of farm animals in Upstate New York. A survivor and restaurant that attracted customers like Dwight D. Eisenhower B of the Armenian Genocide, Barbara knew what she and Nelson Rockefeller on their visits to the United States Military had lost to remain Armenian and combined her passion for the Academy at West Point. Barbara ran the kitchen and earned a repu- outdoors with her passion for her Armenian heritage to found tation as a gourmet chef. In the inn’s heyday, the Apissons would often the Barbara Apisson Scholarship Fund For Camp Nubar to en- welcome cadets from West Point for dinner dances and spend the sure that a new generation of Armenian children could grow up evenings discussing and architecture with their guests, with a sense of pride in their culture. a favorite topic for both Barbara and Henri. Barbara (née Serabian) was born in 1903 in the northeastern Ana- Although the couple closed the restaurant and inn in the 1970s, tolian city of Erzurum. At the time, the city was part of the Ottoman Barbara continued running the farm until she passed away in Empire and home to a thriving Armenian community. Barbara’s fa- 1996. “Although she didn’t have any children of her own, she knew ther, Krikor, was in the textile business and could the importance of family,” wrote Amy Derde- provide a comfortable life for his family. In 1915, rian in a short biography on her great-aunt. 12-year-old Barbara lost her father, uncles and “Perhaps the strength and individuality with male cousins and was deported along with her which she faced life came from her roots in mother, aunt and two young cousins. Paying local Erzurum where strength was necessary for Kurds and Arabs for protection during the survival. It is fitting that in Barbara’s will, she march, the Serabians were one of the few fortu- left all of her land in a trust to be turned into a nate families to arrive in Damascus intact. camp for Armenian children. This was her Soon after Barbara’s family arrived in Damas- dream: to offer this gift to children of survivors cus, they sold their belongings for passage to Eu- like herself.” After studies determined that rope, staying in Paris briefly before boarding an converting West Point Farms to a camp would ocean liner for the United States. Barbara and her not be financially feasible, the court granted mother settled in New York and worked at a gift the Trust the latitude to sell the property and shop owned by an uncle who had moved to the use the funds to make scholarship endow- United States in the late nineteenth century. ments to other camps. The next phase of her life began in 1923 The Barbara Apisson Scholarship Fund For when she married Henri Apisson, a young Camp Nubar is the largest scholarship fund for Armenian architect who ran a furniture design company on the the camp to date, providing over $200,000 to campers in need. east side of Manhattan. Together the couple managed the design “Barbara cared deeply about preserving Armenian culture and company and an antique shop until they sold the businesses in community. Enabling Armenian children to attend Camp Nubar 1946 and moved to West Point Farms, a two-hundred-acre fulfills her dream of providing them with the opportunity to come property north of the city in Central Valley, New York once used together in the kind of idyllic, natural environment she loved so by New York politician W. Averell Harriman as a hunting lodge. much," said Tom Derderian and Sonia Sungarian, co-trustees of In the late 1940s and early 1950s, Barbara and Henri ran the the Barbara Apisson Testamentary Trust. In the summer of 2015, farm as a convalescent home for cancer patients, offering them an Barbara’s generosity has allowed 11 campers from Bulgaria, Con- alternative, diet-based treatment program. Her interest in natural necticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania to foods, holistic medicine and the importance of healthy eating cul- spend their summers learning about their Armenian heritage in minated in A Diet for 100 Healthy, Happy Years: Health Secrets from Upstate New York, only a few hours north of the farm where Bar- the Caucasus, a book that she co-authored and into which she incor- bara spent more than half of her life.

44 AGBU 2015 | www.agbu.org Mr. and Mrs. William B. Pindler, CA 3,100 Mrs. Alice Hiser, OR 1,500 Mr. and Mrs. Arnaud Attamian, United Kingdom 3,000 J.D. Avakian Family Foundation, USA 1,500 Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Seredian, CA 3,000 Mr. Papken V. Janjigian, RI 1,500 Mr. and Mrs. Sarkis V. Tatusian, CA 3,000 Mr. and Mrs. Arpiar T. Janoyan, CA 1,500 The Boeing Company, IL 3,000 Dr. Leon H. Kircik, KY 1,500 Mr. and Mrs. Levon Nazarian, NJ 2,800 Dr. and Mrs. Haroutune Mekhjian, NJ 1,500 Mr. and Mrs. Robert S. Hajjar, NJ 2,600 The Satenik & Adom Ourian Educational Foundation, NY 1,500 Mr. Kevork Belgen, Canada 2,500 Dr. and Mrs. Yervant Zorian, CA 1,500 Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Casali, NJ 2,500 Ms. Talinn Demirjian, MA 1,450 Mr. and Mrs. Paul Karakashian, CA 2,500 Mr. Dennis R. Tarzian, NJ 1,450 Mr. and Mrs. Arek Khachaturian, MI 2,500 Koren & Alice Odian Kasparian Fund—AMAA, NJ 1,411 Mr. and Mrs. Vasken Setrakian, NJ 2,500 Mr. and Mrs. Aram E. Aginian, CA 1,400 Mr. and Mrs. Armen Shahinian, NJ 2,500 Drs. Simon and Tsovinar Keushkerian, CA 1,400 Ms. Karoun Terterian, CA 2,500 Mr. and Mrs. Jack H. Sepetjian, CA 1,400 AGBU Austria Chapter and Young Professionals, Austria 2,382 Mr. and Mrs. Vasken Yacoubian, Armenia 1,400 Mrs. Marguerite B. Demirjian, MA 2,300 Dr. and Mrs. Harout Yaghsezian, CA 1,400 Mr. and Mrs. Sarkis Gurunian, NJ 2,300 Mr. Ara Sahaguian, France 1,370 Mr. Bob Der Mugrdechian, Sr., CA 2,200 Mr. Fredrick Danelian, CA 1,350 Dr. and Mrs. Avedis Khachadurian, NJ 2,200 Mr. Antranik Karaguezian, CA 1,350 Mr. and Mrs. Ohan Ohanessian, Canada 2,194 Mr. Zaven Keoshgerian, CA 1,350 Dr. and Mrs. Simon J. Simonian, CA 2,150 Dr. and Mrs. Tavit O. Najarian, NJ 1,350 AGBU Providence Chapter, RI 2,000 Mr. and Mrs. Charles Pinajian, NJ 1,350 Ms. Liberty Baronian, IL 2,000 Mr. and Mrs. Edmond Megerian, MI 1,346 Ms. Sara Zaruhy Chitjian, CA 2,000 Mr. Louis Frankian, Canada 1,321 Dr. Arman Danielyan, CA 2,000 Mr. and Mrs. Vahe Balouzian, NY 1,300 Ms. Carole R. Jensen, MA 2,000 Mr. and Mrs. Kurken Berksanlar, CA 1,300 Mr. Hratch Kaprielian, NY 2,000 Mr. Hermon Hagopian, CA 1,300 Mr. Christopher W. Kurkjian, NY 2,000 Mr. and Mrs. Krekor Karaguezian, CA 1,300 Mr. and Mrs. Avedis Markarian, CA 2,000 Dr. Laszlo Osvath, NY 1,300 Ms. Lilly Megerdichian, AZ 2,000 Mr. Harry Sinanian, CA 1,300 New York Life Insurance Company, NY 2,000 Drs. Sten W. Bergman and Carmen Mansourian, NJ 1,250 Mrs. Ellen Sarkisian, MA 2,000 Ambassador Richard W. Bogosian, MD 1,250 Mr. and Mrs. Gerald H. Turpanjian, CA 2,000 Mr. and Mrs. David W. Giragosian, CT 1,250 Zartarian Foundation, RI 2,000 Mr. and Mrs. Varoujan M. Torikian, CA 1,250 Armenian Students Association of America—New York, NY 1,900 Mr. Benjamin Charchian, CA 1,200 Mr. and Mrs. Stewart R. Duckman, PA 1,865 Mr. and Mrs. Vasken Kassabian, NY 1,200 Dr. Barry A. Halejian, NJ 1,850 Ms. Hasmig Parseghian, CA 1,200 Dr. Bagdig Baghdassarian, NY 1,840 Mr. and Mrs. Ara Yessayan, CA 1,200 Mr. Stephen Berenson, NY 1,833 Mr. Adom Knadjian, Canada 1,161 Mr. and Mrs. Vartkess Knadjian, United Kingdom 1,792 Mr. and Dr. John H. Kedeshian, CA 1,140 Nazar Norsigian Estate, MA 1,786 Mr. Edward Boyadjian, NY 1,125 Dr. and Mrs. Raymond Alexanian, TX 1,750 Dr. Varouj Altebarmakian, CA 1,100 Dr. and Mrs. Philip Balikian, CA 1,700 Ms. Elizabeth Arzoomanian, NY 1,100 Mr. Gregory Maroukian, NJ 1,700 Mr. and Mrs. Hagop A. Belekdanian, NJ 1,100 Mr. and Mrs. Krikor K. Yerevanian, CA 1,700 Mr. and Mrs. Vasken Ekmekjian, CA 1,100 Dr. and Mrs. Guiragos Minassian, CA 1,650 Mr. and Mrs. Hirant Gulian, NJ 1,100 Mr. and Mrs. Ara Fermanian, CA 1,600 Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Hairabedian, NY 1,100 Mr. and Mrs. Saro Hartounian, NJ 1,600 Dr. and Mrs. Raffy A. Hovanessian, NJ 1,100 Mr. and Mrs. Karekin G. Kaprelian, AZ 1,600 Johnson and Johnson, NJ 1,100 Anonymous LT, United Arab Emirates 1,550 Mr. and Mrs. Kevork Kalenderian, CA 1,100 Mr. Aram Ampagoumian, CT 1,500 Mr. and Mrs. Vatche A. Kamakian, CA 1,100 Mr. and Mrs. Levon V. Apelian, CA 1,500 Dr. Anoush Miridjanian, NY 1,100 Mrs. Mary Bedoian, MA 1,500 American Express, NJ 1,073 Ms. Lucille Carmody, RI 1,500 Anonymous, USA 1,063 Mr. Berg Djelderian, MI 1,500 Dr. Maral Dabbaghian Anjargolian, CA 1,050 Mr. and Mrs. Raffi Ekizian, CA 1,500 Ms. Marlene Imirzian, AZ 1,050 Mr. Georges Hannouche, United Arab Emirates 1,500 Ms. Georgianne Ensign Kent, CT 1,050

www.agbu.org | 2015 AGBU 45 AGBU Donors

Mr. and Mrs. Khoren Nalbandian, NJ 1,050 Mr. and Mrs. Sarkis A. Kabadayan, CA 1,000 Mr. Rene F. Topalian, CA 1,050 Mrs. Katherine Kademian, WI 1,000 Mr. and Mrs. Robert Ishkanian, NJ 1,033 Ms. Marsha A. Kademian, WI 1,000 Mrs. Anna M. Nalbandian, CA 1,025 Ms. Sona Kalfaian-Ahlijian, RI 1,000 AGBU Toronto Chapter, Canada 1,000 Anonymous KC, NJ 1,000 Mr. Donald Aharonian, MA 1,000 Ms. Marie Karakanian, CA 1,000 Ms. Carol C. Amirian and Mr. Joseph Halajian, NJ 1,000 Prof. and Mrs. John G. Kassakian, MA 1,000 Dr. Svetlana Amirkhanian, NJ 1,000 Mr. and Mrs. Harry Keleshian, CT 1,000 Mr. M. Michael Ansour, NY 1,000 Mrs. Rosemarie N. Kilajian, Canada 1,000 Prof. Vartkess Apkarian, CA 1,000 Ms. Agnes Killabian, RI 1,000 Mr. and Mrs. Hagop J. Arslanian, CA 1,000 Dr. and Mrs. Richard Boyajian Lacy, NY 1,000 Mr. and Mrs. Varujan Arslanyan, NJ 1,000 Mr. and Mrs. Shant Manoukian, NY 1,000 Mr. and Mrs. Sarkis E. Artinian, MA 1,000 Mr. Chant Manoukian, AZ 1,000 Ms. Susan Artinian, MI 1,000 Mr. Tigran Z. Marcarian, CA 1,000 Mr. and Mrs. Nishan Atinizian, MA 1,000 Mr. and Mrs. Charles S. Margosian, IL 1,000 Dr. and Mrs. Fadi F. Attiyeh, NY 1,000 Mr. and Mrs. Jack P. Margossian, NJ 1,000 Mr. and Mrs. Sevada Badalian, TN 1,000 Dr. and Mrs. Albert V. Markarian, CA 1,000 Drs. Rashid and Rola Baddoura, NJ 1,000 Mr. and Mrs. Alex Markarian, NJ 1,000 Mr. Steven D. Baderian, NY 1,000 Ms. Miriam McFadden, UT 1,000 Miss Rebecca K. Bagdasarian, VA 1,000 McKinsey & Company, Inc., CT 1,000 Mr. Antranig Baghdasarian, CA 1,000 Mr. Shahan Minassian, CA 1,000 Mr. and Mrs. Avedis Baghsarian, NY 1,000 Mr. Ashot Mkrtychyan, CA 1,000 Mrs. Rita Balian, VA 1,000 Mr. and Mrs. Jack Muncherian, CA 1,000 Mr. Harry Balukjian, MD 1,000 Dr. Kenneth Nanian, RI 1,000 Ms. Pamela Barsam Brown and Mr. Stanley Brown, CO 1,000 Mr. Vartan Nazarian, NJ 1,000 Mr. and Mrs. Aram Bassenian, CA 1,000 Mrs. Elaine Neuss, CA 1,000 Mr. and Mrs. Armen Bechakjian, Canada 1,000 Mr. Hovanes T. Nigohosian, TX 1,000 Mr. Arde Bedjanian, CA 1,000 Mr. Juan Nourikhan, Argentina 1,000 Dr. Samson A. Benjamin, IN 1,000 Dr. Ruzanna Ohanjanian, CA 1,000 Mr. and Mrs. Robert B. Blizard, CO 1,000 Orange County Armenian Professional Society, CA 1,000 Mr. and Mrs. John Bozkurtian, NJ 1,000 Mr. Harry J. Panosian, WI 1,000 Mrs. Christine Chakmakian, NJ 1,000 Mr. Harry Parsekian, MA 1,000 Dr. Sarkis J. Chobanian and Dr. Ruth Bayley, TN 1,000 Ms. Sarah A. Partin, NJ 1,000 Margaret Civetta, Esq., NY 1,000 Mr. Krikor Patatian, CA 1,000 Ms. Zabelle Crosson, CA 1,000 Mr. Ara K. Pridjian, IL 1,000 Dr. Alicia Demirjian, USA 1,000 Mr. Steve Rosenblatt, TX 1,000 Mr. Nubar Der Hagopian, MA 1,000 Mr. Andreas Roubian, NJ 1,000 Dr. Sarkis S. Derderian, SC 1,000 Mr. and Mrs. Daniel D. Sahakian, PA 1,000 Mr. and Mrs. George Dunaians, CA 1,000 Mr. Alex Saharian, IN 1,000 Mr. John Ehramjian, AZ 1,000 Samsung Electronics , USA 1,000 Fairmount Minerals Foundation, OH 1,000 Ms. Joan V. Saraf, CA 1,000 Fesjian Foundation, NY 1,000 Mr. Haig Sarkissian, NJ 1,000 Mr. and Mrs. Eugene A. Gargaro, Jr., MI 1,000 Mr. Benon V. Sevan, Cyprus 1,000 Mrs. Helen M. Geogerian, CT 1,000 Dr. and Mrs. Hrayr K. Shahinian, CA 1,000 Mr. Robert Ghazarian, CA 1,000 Messrs. Berge Simonian and Antranik Kyoumjian, TX 1,000 Mrs. Betty Ann Hagopian, CA 1,000 Mr. and Mrs. Guy A. Simonian, CT 1,000 Mr. Michael V. Haledjian, NJ 1,000 Dr. and Mrs. Simon K. Simonian, CA 1,000 Mr. Hagop J. Halladjian, ME 1,000 Dr. Maxine Snyder, CA 1,000 Rev. Fr. Carnig A. Hallajian, NJ 1,000 Mr. and Mrs. Krikor Sulahian, CA 1,000 Mr. Gary W. Hampar, CA 1,000 Mr. Berge Tatian, MA 1,000 Mrs. Mona Husami, NY 1,000 The McGraw-Hill Companies, NJ 1,000 Mr. Lido A. Iacoocca, CA 1,000 Dr. and Mrs. Jacques Tohme, NJ 1,000 Mrs. Lisa Iknadossian, CA 1,000 Mr. and Mrs. Arek Torosian, OH 1,000 Mr. Daniel Imasdounian, CA 1,000 Mr. and Mrs. Gary Turpanjian, CA 1,000 Mr. and Mrs. John Ipjian, CA 1,000 Mr. and Mrs. Isaac Vartanian, CA 1,000 Ms. Shenorig G. Ishkanian, MA 1,000 Mr. Mher Vartanian, AK 1,000 Prof. Wartan A. Jemian, AL 1,000 Mr. and Mrs. Paul Williams, CT 1,000

46 AGBU 2015 | www.agbu.org Ms. Sylvia Yegavian, Canada 1,000 Mr. Robert Maksudian, NY 700; Mr. and Mrs. Robert Papas, CT 700; Mrs. Dr. and Mrs. Lawrence P. Zarian, CO 1,000 Jane Pyne, ME 700; Mr. and Mrs. Panos Titizian, CA 700; Mr. Harold Mrs. Sada Zarikian, Venezuela 1,000 Aghjian, WI 650; The Akian Family, NJ 650; Google Matching Gift Program, NJ 650; Mrs. Katherine Halebian, NJ 650; Mr. Robert Kaprelian, $500-$999 IL 650; Dr. and Mrs. Kevork B. Keshishian, CA 650; Mr. and Mrs. Diran V. Mr. and Mrs. Varoujan Boghossian, CA 952; State Street Foundation, Inc., Tashian, FL 650; Dr. and Mrs. Ross H. Zoll, VA 650; Mr. and Mrs. Gregory NJ 950; Mr. Nerses S. Kazarian, NJ 923; Ms. Mary A. Hovnanian, FL 900; Herdemian, NY 633; Mrs. Knar Basmadjian, Canada 620; Mr. and Mrs. Anonymous DM, NJ 900; Peter Kalustian Estate, NJ 900; Mr. and Mrs. Artoun Hamalian, NJ 610; Pfizer Foundation, NJ 605; Mr. Thomas A. Hampar Davidian, Canada 896; Mr. and Mrs. Ferit Tecimer, Canada 896; Alexanian, CA 600; Dr. Gary V. Avakian, VA 600; Mr. and Mrs. Eric Dr. and Mrs. Mark Badach, NJ 835; Mr. and Mrs. Ruben Kechichian, Baroyan, NY 600; Mrs. Queenie Chakerian, CA 600; Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Argentina 800; Mr. Richard V. Keteyian, MI 800; Mr. and Mrs. Boghos M. Cooper, Canada 600; Mr. Stephan Demirjian, CA 600; Mr. and Mrs. Garo Kirazian, TX 800; Dr. and Mrs. Vaghenag V. Tarpinian, PA 800; Mr. and Garabedian, NJ 600; Mr. Harry Hagopian, PA 600; Ms. Laurel Hanesian, RI Mrs. Tom Trimmer, NC 800; Ms. Nancy Nadya Hamparian, Canada 752; 600; Mr. Nikolay Hovhannisyan, CA 600; Mr. and Mrs. Paul Kousharian, Dr. and Mrs. Minas R. Apelian, PA 750; Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Avakian, FL CA 600; Mr. and Mrs. Olvi Mangasarian, WI 600; Mr. Sarkis Panosyan, RI 750; Dr. Peter Balakian, NY 750; Mr. Haig Kelegian, CA 750; Mr. and Mrs. 600; Mr. and Mrs. Haig Shamlian, OR 600; Mr. and Mrs. Sinan Sinanian, Vahe V. Kiljian, NJ 750; Mr. Paul S. Nazarian, MI 750; Mr. and Mrs. Harold CA 600; Mr. Jack Zakarian, MA 600; Mrs. Mary Zoryan, CA 600; Gladys A. Sakayan, MD 750; Mrs. Silva Zadourian, NJ 750; Aspet Vartenissian Z. Ashjian Estate, CA 597; Microsoft Matching Gifts Program, NJ 584; Estate, NJ 746; Mr. and Mrs. Nishan Apelian, NY 700; Ms. Anna Mr. and Mrs. Garbis Davoyan, CA 550; Mr. James Karanfilian, NJ 550; Mr. Ayrapetyan, United Kingdom 700; Bank of America, NC 700; Mr. and and Mrs. Paul C. Koomey, TX 550; Anonymous WK, NV 550; Dr. Knarig Mrs. William Berberian, IN 700; Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Cherishian, FL 700; Khatchadurian Meyer and Dr. Ralph C. Meyer, NJ 550; Ms. Taniel Dr. and Mrs. Heratch O. Doumanian, IL 700; Mr. Michael V. Dukmejian Danelian, France 549; Mrs. Viola Reimers, ND 545; Ms. Hasmik Kurdian, and Ms. Polly A. Botti, NY 700; Ms. Roswita Apkarian Fragomeni, NY 700; Canada 540; Mr. Robert A. Semonian, MA 525; Dr. Daniel H. Abdulian,

Samuel and Victoria Magzanian Education at the Forefront

or Samuel Magzanian, there was nothing more impor- several times a week, sometimes until the wee hours of the tant than the education of his daughters. Today, when morning. The committee succeeded in founding a new AGBU women represent more than half of university gradu- chapter in Bitias and our father became a founding member Fates, this inclination might not seem and advisor. Unfortunately, the chapter was shocking, but in the 1930s in the small vil- short lived, since no Armenians remained in lage of Bitias in Musa Dagh, where he and Bitias after 1939,” said Samuel’s daughter, his wife Victoria raised their two daughters, Alberta. Alberta and Anna, Samuel’s philosophy was At the brink of World War II, the region an anomaly. of Musa Dagh was ceded to Turkey. Having Samuel knew the importance of educa- seen the genocide in 1915, the Armenians of tion, especially for young women. His own Musa Dagh felt threatened by Turkish rule mother, an orphan from Bitias, attended the and, in the summer of 1939, the French evac- American Girls’ Seminary in Aintab in the uated the Armenians of Bitias as well as the 1880s and taught grammar school after she nearby villages of Yohun Oluk, Kheder Bey, graduated. She married and raised seven Kabusia and Haji Babibli. Most of the Arme- sons whom she instilled with a similar love nians of Bitias went to Anjar, Lebanon, but of learning. Although Samuel did not have the Magzanian family settled in Aleppo advanced schooling of his own, he was not where another daughter, Louisa, was born. only concerned with the education of his Eventually, the family immigrated to the own children, but with all the children in the United States. village. In 1938, the Armenian Evangelical The Magzanians left their native village School Committee saw the need for another behind, but they carried with them a com- teacher at their local school and appealed to mitment to education that sustained them AGBU for ten gold pounds to cover the throughout their lives. “Our parents would costs. AGBU obliged on the condition that have sacrificed everything for their daughters’ Samuel and the committee members establish an AGBU chap- education. It is in this spirit that we are proud to make a dona- ter in Bitias. tion to the AGBU Scholarship Fund to continue the legacy of “During the winter of 1938, our father attended meetings our parents,” said Alberta.

www.agbu.org | 2015 AGBU 47 AGBU Donors

CA. 500; Dr , NY 500; Advanced Industries, CT 500; Baghoomian, UT 500; Mr. and Mrs. Harout Balabanian, NJ 500; Mr. and Mr. and Mrs. Merritt Agabian, MA 500; AGBU Holland Chapter, The Mrs. Gregory S. Balian, MD 500; Mr. Harout Raffi Balian, CA 500; Mr. Netherlands 500; AGBU Orange County Saturday School, CA 500; Mr. Raffi Balian, VA 500; Mr. Charles T. Barooshian, CA 500; The Barsoumian Arman Akarakian, CA 500; Mr. Arsen Alikian, CA 500; Mrs. Lucy S. Family, CA 500; Mr. and Mrs. Leon H. Bedeian, NY 500; Mr. and Mrs. Almasian, MA 500; Ms. Helen Anoushian, NY 500; Dr. Sona Aronian, RI Viken B. Bedrossian, CA 500; Mr. Khoren Bezirdjian, NJ 500; Mrs. Sheny 500; Mr. Arman Artuc, NY 500; Mr. Nikolay Arutyunov, Latvia 500; Dr. Bobelian, NY 500; Mr. and Mrs. Richard H. Bogigian, IN 500; Mr. and Mrs. and Mrs. Archie B. Attarian, MI 500; Mrs. Alexandra Avakian, VA 500; Dr. Hrant Candan, NY 500; Mr. Haig Casparian, NJ 500; Dr. and Mrs. David and Mrs. Rostom Bablanian, FL 500; Mr. Gregory R. Badishkanian, NY Chalikian, GA 500; Ms. Tania Chamlian, NY 500; Mr. Yervant Chekijian, 500; Mr. and Mrs. Ara Bagdasarian, OH 500; Mr. and Mrs. Hovick MA 500; Chevron, NJ 500; Mr. Ray Chiljan, CA 500; Dr. Mark B.

Therese Ohanian Aleppo in Her Heart

ong before we associated Aleppo with violence, the region and has often returned on trips to Jerusalem, Jordan, city symbolized hope for hundreds of thousands of Lebanon and Syria as well as to her parents’ birthplaces in Armenians fleeing persecution. Long before rubble Cilicia and Marash. Saddened by the escalating violence she L crowded the streets, tree-lined boulevards gave the saw her fellow Syrian Armenians endure, Therese rushed to city its legendary majesty. Long before the sounds of sniper establish two relief funds in 2012: “I feel privileged to be in fire could be heard during the night, the music of Umm Kul- this country of freedom and opportunity. We must not forget thoum filled the air. Therese Ohanian knew this Aleppo and our less fortunate brothers and sisters whom we left behind. has come to its aid in a time of need with two endowments In these conditions, I feel it is my duty to help them as much in support of the AGBU Humanitarian Emergency Relief as I can and I thank AGBU for giving me the opportunity,” Fund for Syrian Armenians. said Therese. Born in Aleppo, Syria to survivors of the Armenian Geno- Therese has always been inspired by her role model, Karen cide, Therese spent her childhood and young adulthood in a Jeppe, a Danish missionary and social worker responsible for culturally vibrant Aleppo that served as a helping Armenians during the genocide, in- bastion for the Armenian diaspora. With a cluding thousands of widows and children dense network of schools, churches and cul- who fled to Aleppo. Following Jeppe’s ex- tural institutions, Aleppo instilled in the ample and in the spirit of compassion for the first generation of children born in the dias- plight of today’s , Therese pora with an unshakable sense of cultural has donated several hundred thousand dol- identity that would sustain them throughout lars to the AGBU Humanitarian Emergen- their lives. cy Relief Fund for Syrian Armenians and Therese was raised in a close-knit family continues to contribute each year. The en- of modest means who valued a strong work dowments that she founded in her own ethic before all else. She began her educa- name and in memory of her father Harou- tion at the Terra-Santa, Père Balian Fran- tioun Nerses Ohanian have helped AGBU ciscan Missionary School for needy chil- address the critical needs of thousands of dren, and continued at the Franciscan Armenians living in Syria. In addition to Sisters’ School in Sebil, a suburb of Aleppo. providing food packages, medical services Once Therese settled in the United States, and educational programs, the AGBU Hu- her work ethic never faltered. She worked manitarian Emergency Relief Fund also of- seven days a week, balancing two jobs, to support herself dur- fers displacement support for Syrian Armenians forced to flee ing her studies at Rutgers University. She graduated with and rebuild their lives in Armenia and Lebanon. bachelor’s degrees in psychology in 1973 and zoology (pre- Through her endowments, Therese is making a profound med) in 1975. She continued with graduate work at Rutgers impact on the lives of Armenians in her native Aleppo and in biochemistry and metabolic pathways, studying under re- throughout Syria, helping to ease suffering and spur a re- nowned immunologist Dr. Edith Strausser. After her father vival of the Armenian community to which she is inextrica- passed away prematurely in 1965, the Ohanian family pur- bly linked: “As one nation spread around the world, we have chased two apartment buildings, which Therese managed a responsibility to help one another. In the United States, we until 2012 while she worked as a medical technologist at the all have the opportunities that our fellow Armenians in Veterans’ Administrative Medical Center in New Jersey. other parts of the world will never have. I am on this Earth Despite the nearly 50 years Therese has lived outside of the to serve others and see it as my obligation to help the less Middle East, she has never lost her connection to her native fortunate.”

48 AGBU 2015 | www.agbu.org Constantian, NH 500; Ms. Talar Coursey, UT 500; Ms. Earlene Craver, CA Mikaelian, CA 500; Mr. Bogos Mortchikian, MI 500; Ms. Catherine 500; Mr. and Mrs. Samir D. Ekmekji, CA 500; Ms. Grace Fattal, Lebanon Mosgofian, MA 500; Prof. Mark L. Movsesian, NY 500; Mr. Van Vahe 500; Mr. Berge Garabedian, Canada 500; Dr. and Mrs. Edmond A. Gorek, Muran, NY 500; Mr. Chris Nalbandian, NJ 500; Ms. Mary Nalbandian, IL CT 500; Ms. Rahel Guirag, NY 500; Mr. Khajak Harootun, CA 500; Mr. 500; Ms. Sita Ohanessian, MN 500; Mr. Jack Agop Ozdere, CA 500; Mr. and and Mrs. Jacob Harpootian, RI 500; Rev. Donald B. Harris, VA 500; Ms. Mrs. Takvor Ozsan, GA 500; Mr. and Mrs. Samuel L. Panossian, CA 500; Mr. Jean Housepian, CO 500; Ms. Arpi Hovaguimian, NY 500; Mr. Jeffrey and Mrs. Adrian Parsegian, MA 500; Mrs. Karen Bedrosian Richardson, NJ Hovhanesian, MA 500; Mr. and Mrs. Hrair H. Jabagchourian, CA 500; 500; Dr. Mike Sagarian, CA 500; Mr. and Mrs. Gregory Saraydarian, NJ 500; Messrs. Johnathan, Anthony and Paul Kanzabedian, TX 500; Mr. Joe Mr. and Mrs. Richard Saraydarian, NJ 500; Mr. Don Sarkisian, CA 500; Mr. Kasparian, NY 500; Ms. Isgouhi Kassakhian, CA 500; Mr. and Mrs. Sarkis Robert Semerdjian, Canada 500; Dr. and Mrs. Nubar Sethian, CA 500; Dr. Kassardjian, CA 500; Dr. and Mrs. Herant A. Katchadourian, CA 500; Mr. and Mrs. Paul Shahinian, NJ 500; Mr. Toros Shamlian, Jr., NY 500; Mr. and Arthur Kazarian, CA 500; Ms. Aleen Keshishian, CA 500; Dr. Noubar Dr. Denis P. Orlando, NJ 500; Mr. Garbis Simonian, Australia 500; Mr. and Kessimian, RI 500; Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Khachigian, CA 500; Mr. and Mrs. Jon Simonian, NY 500; The Family of Zadoor & Shnorhig Soghoian, VA Mrs. Zohrab Khatchadourian, PA 500; Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Kilajian, Canada 500; Mr. Michael Solakian, FL 500; Ms. Jackie Speier, CA 500; St Gregory 500; Dr. and Mrs. Artine Kokshanian, CA 500; Mr. Berj Kouyoumjian, CA Armenian Church, NY 500; Mrs. Carol A. Strube, MO 500; Mrs. Margot E. 500; Ms. Margaret Lalikian, CA 500; Mr. and Ms. Douglas Lewis, IL 500; Los Takian, NY 500; Mr. David Tateosian, CA 500; Mr. Aram Terchunian, NY Angeles United Investment Company, CA 500; Mr. Alec Manoukian, CA 500; Mr. E. Richard Thomas, CA 500; Mr. Karnik Thomas, CA 500; Mr. Garo 500; Dr. Marina E. Manvelyan and Mr. Michael Avakian, CA 500; Mrs. R. Toomajanian, MA 500; Mrs. Lucia Topalian, Kuwait 500; Mrs. Alice D. Hermine Lucie Marcarian, CA 500; Mr. Mike Mardirian, Lebanon 500; Ms. Topjian, CA 500; Mr. and Mrs. John E. Traina, PA 500; Dr. Henry Velez, NJ Linda J. Margossian, CA 500; Mr. and Mrs. Albert Markarian, Lebanon 500; Mrs. Nayda Voskerijian, NY 500; Mr. and Mrs. John Voskian, NJ 500; 500; Mr. and Mrs. Guy Markarian, Lebanon 500; Dr. and Mrs. Matthew Dr. Ronald A. Weller, PA 500; Mr. Richard Yarmain, MI 500; Mrs. Susan Mashikian, CT 500; The Matosian Family, CA 500; Dr. and Mrs. Hagop S. Yedibalian, NJ 500; Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Yeretzian, CA 500; Dr. and Mrs. Mekhjian, OH 500; Mr. Cristian Merdinian, NY 500; Mrs. Santoukht Boghos I. Yerevanian, CA 500; Ms. Diane Zanazanian, NY 500

We thank all the matching gift companies for joining our efforts in making a difference in the lives of more than 500,000 Armenians around the globe.

Allstate Giving Campaign Gap Inc. Oracle Corporation American Express Foundation Google Matching Gifts Program Pearson Inc. American Securities Foundation Hewlett-Packard Company Match Pfizer Foundation Matching Gifts Program Apple Inc. Houghton Mifflin Qualcomm Matching Gift Program Art Technology Group Jefferson-Pilot Corporation Samsung Electronics North America Bank of America John Hancock Financial Services, Inc. State Street Foundation, Inc. Bank Of The West Johnson and Johnson Sun Microsystems, Inc. Beckman Coulter, Inc. JP Morgan Chase Foundation The Arthur J. Gallagher Foundation Benjamin Moore & Co. Just Give The Boeing Company Bristol-Myers Squibb Foundation, Inc. Kate Spade & Company Foundation The Capital Group Companies Chevron Levi Strauss Foundation The GE Foundation Christie's Lexis Nexis Risk The Home Depot Foundation Computer Associates International, Inc. Lily Endowment Inc. The May Department Stores Company Foundation Cooper Industries Foundation Liz Claiborne Foundation The McGraw-Hill Companies Covidien Lord Abbett & Co. LLC The Millipore Foundation Deutsche Bank Americas Foundation Lyondell Chemical Company The Nixon Company Inc Dun & Bradstreet Corporation Foundation Macy's/Bloomingdale's The Prudential Foundation Matching Gifts Eaton Vance Management Medtronic Foundation UBS Matching Gift Program Ebay Matching Gift Program Merck Foundation Unilever Matching Gifts Program ExxonMobil Foundation Merrill Lynch & Co. Foundation, Inc. Union Bank of California FactSet Research Systems Inc. Microsoft Matching Gifts Program US Bancorp Foundation Fairmount Minerals Foundation Morgan Stanley Verizon Foundation Federated Department Stores Foundation Motorola Mobility Foundation WellPoint Associate Giving Campaign Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund Nestle Foundation Yahoo! Fifth Pacific Foundation New York Life Insurance Company Freddie Mac Foundation Nuveen Investments

www.agbu.org | 2015 AGBU 49 AGBU Donors

$250-$499 300; Mrs. Elisabeth Ondrak, Austria 300; Mr. Artashes Patrikyan, CA 300; Mr. Mr. and Mrs. Steven Omartian, MA 485; Mrs. Shakeh Basmajian and Family, Mark D. Pindler, CA 300; Mr. Vrej Pliposian, NJ 300; Mr. and Mrs. John N. Canada 483; Mr. Jack N. Topalian, FL 470; Mr. Raffi Markarian, IL 460; Ms. Nairy Saglamer, NY 300; Mr. Berge Sarkissian, MA 300; Mr. Grisha Sarkisyan, CA 300; N. Gunjian, Canada 451; Dr. and Mrs. Jirayr Balikian, MA 450; Mr. Harry Mr. John Shahinian, FL 300; Mr. and Mrs. Artin Sirapyan, NY 300; Mrs. Sita Chakmakian, NJ 450; Mr. Deron Hairabedian, CA 450; Mr. Harold H. Kodikian, PA Kurkjian Smith, MD 300; Mr. Richard Taraian, NY 300; Mr. Sarkis Tashjian, IL 300; 450; Ms. Roxie Kricorian, CA 450; Mr. Hilton A. Levonian, PA 450; Mr. and Mrs. Mr. Aram Tatusian, CA 300; Mr. Mark Tenekjian, MA 300; Mr. Viguen R. Ara Nersesian, NJ 450; Mr. and Mrs. Vahan Voskian, CA 450; Mrs. Nora Ter-Minassian, VA 300; Mr. Alek Toomians, CA 300; Mr. Vartan Torosian, CA Ohanjanians, Canada 443; Ms. Araxie Altounian, Canada 441; Mr. and Mrs. 300; Anonymous RT, CA 300; Mr. Raffi Tutundjian, Canada 300; Mr. and Mrs. Herman F. Johnson, CA 440; Dr. Greg Simsarian, CA 440; Mr. and Mrs. Keith L. Garbis Tutunjian, NY 300; Mr. Samuel Unjian, CA 300; Mr. and Mrs. H. Harry Griffin, CA 430; Ms. Karen A. Papazian, NY 430; Mrs. Zvart Dakarian-Nilges, IL Vartanian, CA 300; Mr. and Mrs. Thomas S. White, NY 300; Mr. Haroutioun H. 426; Armenian Network—Greater New York Region, NY 400; AYF-YOARF New Yacoubian, TX 300; Drs. Leon S. and Marie Louise Yengoyan, CA 300; Mr. and Jersey Arsen Chapter, NJ 400; AYF-YOARF New York Hyortik Chapter, NY 400; Mrs. Krikor Yessayan, OH 300; Miss Anoush Haroutunian, WA 290; Mr. Harry L. Mr. Richard G. Balian, TN 400; Mr. Yenovk Balikian, CA 400; Mr. and Mrs. James Guzelimian, CA 280; Mr. Harry Mardirosian, Jr., OK 280; Mr. and Mrs. Armen K. V. Bashian, NJ 400; Mr. Ara Bicakci, CA 400; Ms. Judith A. Boyajian, CA 400; Mr. Boyajian, NY 275; GE Foundation, CT 275; Mr. Garo J. Mansourian, CA 275; Mr. Paul DerBoghosian, CT 400; Mr. and Mrs. Kent C. Geil, TX 400; Mr. Georgy Raymond Constantin, France 274; Ms. Lara Messerlian, NY 270; Mr. Peter Gevorkov, Finland 400; Dr. and Mrs. Eric Y. Janigian, CA 400; Mrs. Isabelle Sabounjian, CA 270; Mr. Harout Missirian, Lebanon 269; Mr. and Mrs. Berge Kabrielian, CA 400; Mr. and Mrs. James Kennelly, NJ 400; Mr. Boris Melcomian, Shalvardjian, Canada 263; Harry S. Cherken, Jr., Esq., PA 263; Mr. and Mrs. Fred CA 400; Mr. and Mrs. John Noraian, MI 400; Mr. and Mrs. Harry Parsekian, MA Farra, NJ 260; Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Sarajian, NJ 260; Ms. Nicole Hantcherian, 400; Mr. Steve Salisian, CA 400; Mr. Vahe Vartanian, CA 400; Mr. Arthur France 258; Mr. Regis Kalaydjian, France 258; Mr. Pierre E. Arbajian, NC 252; Dr. Bayramyan, CA 375; Mr. and Mrs. Frank A. Milillo, NY 356; AGBU Nicosia Ladies and Mrs. Vicken J. Aharonian, CA 250; Ms. Yelena Ambartsumian, NY 250; Mr. Committee, Cyprus 350; Mr. and Mrs. Sarkis Antabian, CA 350; Mr. Chris John P. Amershadian, NY 250; Mr. Avedis Aratoon, CA 250; Mr. Alan Arifian, NY Bohjalian, VT 350; Mr. and Mrs. Karabet Caparyan, NJ 350; Mr. Robert Djergaian, 250; Dr. and Mrs. Zaven S. Ariyan, NJ 250; Dr. and Mrs. Armen Arslanian, MA AZ 350; Mrs. Lisa Haledjian, NJ 350; Ms. Susan Ishkanian, NY 350; Mr. George 250; Mr. Gregory Arutunian, MI 250; Mr. and Mrs. Aram S. Arzoumanian, CA Kachigian and Ms. Alice Kachigian, OR 350; Dr. Garabed Kayekjian, CA 350; Mr. 250; Mr. and Mrs. Rod S. Atamian, NV 250; Mrs. Curina H. Atwood, MI 250; Mr. Edward J. Keledjian, IL 350; Dr. and Mrs. Michael J. Kelly, NJ 350; Dr. Leo A. and Mrs. Manuel Avedikian, NY 250; Ms. Alice Aznavourian, PA 250; Dr. and Keoshian, CA 350; Mrs. Mona Khorozian, NJ 350; Mr. and Mrs. George Mrs. Richard Babaian, TX 250; Mr. Vartan Babayan, CA 250; Mr. Aram Babikian, Loshkajian, NJ 350; Mr. and Mrs. Juan Carlos Merdinian, Argentina 350; Mr. and NY 250; Mr. and Mrs. Kevork Babikian, NJ 250; Mr. James G. Baghramian, CA Mrs. Hagop Mikaelian, NJ 350; Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Nalbandian, CA 350; Mrs. 250; Mr. and Mrs. James Balakian, NJ 250; Dr. and Mrs. John D. Balian, NJ 250; Aghavni Panjarjian, MA 350; Ms. Joanne Pawlowski, NJ 350; Mr. and Mrs. Troy Mr. David S. Ballard, NM 250; Ms. Joan Bardez, CA 250; Mrs. Arsinoe S. Baron, Setrakian, NJ 350; Dr. and Mrs. Aram G. Sogomonian, MA 350; Mr. Edward CA 250; Judge Y. Gladys Barsamian, MI 250; Ms. Anni Barsoum, United Arab Sornigian, CA 350; Mrs. Vartouhi Tcholakian, CA 350; Mr. Robert Yeterian, CT Emirates 250; Mr. and Mrs. Vatsche Barsoumian, CA 250; Ms. Trinda L. 350; Mr. and Mrs. Daniel E. Dooly and Family, NJ 334; Mr. and Mrs. Antranik Bedrossian, CA 250; Anonymous CM, CA 250; Dr. Rose Marie Berberian, MI Manoukian, CA 325; Mr. Ara L. Yardum, NY 325; Mr. Armand O. Norehad, IL 250; Mr. and Mrs. Richard O. Berenson, NJ 250; Mr. and Mrs. Serop Beylerian, 320; Dr. and Mrs. Dave Lalama, NY 316; Mr. Sako Badalian, CA 312; Ms. Renita CA 250; Mr. Charles Bilezikian, MA 250; Mr. Dennis Bonin, MA 250; Mrs. M. Esayian, PA 307; Mr. and Mrs. Jack Abadjian, CA 300; Dr. Gene G. Abkarian, Gloria K. Boorujy, NJ 250; Mr. Arto Boyadjian, CA 250; Mr. George Boyagian, CO 300; Mr. Aram Adourian, MA 300; Dr. Janis Ahmadjian-Baer and Mr. Richard MI 250; Ms. Arne G. Chardukian, SC 250; Mr. and Mr. Nahabed Charkoudian, Baer, CA 300; Apple Inc., USA 300; Mr. and Mrs. Berc Araz, NJ 300; Mrs. Artemis MA 250; Dr. Aram V. Chobanian, MA 250; Mr. Peter Chobanian, WI 250; Dr. Arslanian, NJ 300; Dr. and Mrs. Artin Arslanian, NY 300; Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Carolyn J. Chooljian, CA 250; Constantinople Armenian Relief Society Aslanian, CA 300; Mr. and Mrs. Sarkis Avedisian, CA 300; Mr. and Mrs. Vahram (C.A.R.S), NY 250; Mr. Yetvart Corluyan, CA 250; Mr. Johnny Dabbaghian, CA Aynilian, NJ 300; Mr. Ignacio Balassanian, Argentina 300; Mrs. Dolores R. 250; Mr. and Mrs. Gregory D. Dadourian, NY 250; Mr. Dikran Dagavarian, NH Barasatian, PA 300; Dr. and Mrs. Richard Bedrosian, MA 300; Mr. and Mrs. 250; Mrs. Sona Dagliyan, CA 250; Ms. Linda Dardarian, CA 250; Mr. and Mrs. Missak Boghosian, NY 300; Ms. Barbara Boyajian, NJ 300; Mrs. Nancy Sahag Dardarian, MD 250; Mr. Leon Davoyan, CA 250; Mr. and Mrs. Burton B. Mooradian Cappon, TX 300; Mr. Harry Chakarian, CA 300; Dr. George Deakins, VA 250; Ms. Armenag Dekmezian, TX 250; Mr. and Mrs. Berge A. Chakmakjian, CA 300; Mr. Arthur S. Charchian, CA 300; Mrs. Nairy Colello, CA Dersahakian, CA 250; Mr. Haroutioun Diratzouian, NJ 250; Dun & Bradstreet, NJ 300; Mr. Z. Ken Darian, NY 300; Ms. June E. Demerdjian, CA 300; Anonymous 250; Mr. Philip Eckian, TX 250; Mr. and Mrs. Sarkis Esmerian, IN 250; Mr. and RD, CA 300; Mrs. Dench Dominik, NY 300; Mr. and Mrs. Dick Eden, NY 300; Ms. Mrs. Garbis Essaian, CA 250; Dr. Nurhan Findikyan, NY 250; Mr. Raffi Mary Jane Etoyan, CA 300; Mr. Hagop Filian, CA 300; Mr. John A. Gabriel, CA Fournouzian, CA 250; Ms. Sonia Frounjian, CA 250; Mr. and Mrs. Alfred 300; Dr. and Mrs. Krikor B. Garabedian, OK 300; Anonymous KC, CA 300; Mr. Gertmenian, CA 250; Mr. Vigen S. Ghazarian, Canada 250; Mr. and Mrs. and Mrs. Paul H. Gertmenian, CA 300; The Goshgarian Family, MI 300; Ms. Hachig A. Gopigian, MI 250; Dr. and Mrs. Gerard Goshgarian, IL 250; Mr. Lucine Hartunian, MI 300; Mr. and Mrs. Malcolm C. High, CA 300; Mr. and Kapriyel Govjian, CA 250; Mr. Veken L. Gueyikian, NY 250; Ms. Claire Mrs. Herman S. Hovagimyan, CA 300; Anonymous DK, CA 300; Ms. Mildred Gulamerian, NY 250; Dr. Hagop Gulekjian, NJ 250; Mr. and Mrs. John Guluzian, Kandanian, NY 300; Mr. and Mrs. Nishan Kazman, CA 300; Mrs. Maggy G. OH 250; Mr. Stephen Gurahian, NY 250; Mr. Garo Raffi Gureghian, CA 250; Khatcherian, MA 300; Mrs. Rose Kirian, NJ 300; Anonymous MK, CA 300; Ms. The Halebian Family, NY 250; Mr. and Mrs. Hartyoon Hilalian, CA 250; Ms. Nancy Kricorian, NY 300; Mr. Alain Kuyumjian, NY 300; Anonymous AL, Diane M. Hovenesian and Mr. Robert E. Berry, MA 250; Mr. and Mrs. George Lebanon 300; Mr. Zare D. Makasjian, CA 300; Mr. and Mrs. George A. Marootian, Hovnanian, NY 250; Mr. and Mrs. V. Iskenderian, Australia 250; Mr. Kirkor NJ 300; Mr. Steve Maroti, NJ 300; Mr. Gevork Martirosian, CA 300; Mr. Greg Islikaplan, CA 250; Mr. and Mrs. Hagop J. Isnar, NJ 250; Mr. Diron Jebejian, NY Mikaelian, CA 300; Mr. and Mrs. Harry Nazarian, CA 300; Dr. Engin Ocal, Turkey 250; Mr. and Mrs. Hagop S. Jebejian, NJ 250; Mrs. Amy T. Jenkins, OH 250; Mr.

50 AGBU 2015 | www.agbu.org and Mrs. Diran Jeredjian, CA 250; Ms. Amy K. Jerrehian, PA 250; Dr. Nora Maya Cafasso, NJ 250; Mr. and Mrs. Ayk Nalbantkazaroglu, Turkey 250; Mr. and Kachaturoff, MI 250; Dr. and Mrs. Berj T. Kalamkarian, CA 250; Mr. and Mrs. Mrs. Matthew Natcharian, CT 250; Mrs. Artemis Nazerian, NY 250; Ms. Barkev Kalayjian, NJ 250; Mrs. Silva Kardjian, CA 250; Mr. Robert Kargenian, CA Dickronouhi Nichols, IL 250; Mr. and Mrs. Bill Nouri, NJ 250; Mr. Apkar G. 250; Dr. and Mrs. Michael Kashgarian, CT 250; Dr. Hratch Kasparian, NJ 250; Omartian, FL 250; Ms. Jennifer M. Omartian, MA 250; Ms. Makrouhi A. Ms. Sona M. Kazanjian, NY 250; Mrs. Mary Kazarian, MA 250; Dr. Gregory J. Oxian, IN 250; Mr. Albert Papazian, MD 250; Dr. and Mrs. Matheos J. Kechejian, MA 250; Mrs. Carol Keeran, NJ 250; Mr. John A. Kemhadjian, CA Papazian, CA 250; Mr. Garo A. Partoyan, FL 250; Mr. and Mrs. Albert Peltekian, 250; Mr. and Mrs. Levon Keshishian, CA 250; Mrs. and Alice Kessedjian, CA CA 250; Mr. and Mrs. Gregory P. Piligian, CA 250; Miss Maria Rabar, NY 250; 250; Ms. Cynthia Khachadurian, NJ 250; Mr. and Mrs. Ara Khatchadourian, Mr. George Rassam, CA 250; Dr. Dianne Rees, MA 250; Ms. Lynne Gertmenian Lebanon 250; Ms. Erica Khatchadourian and Mr. Wade Alt, VA 250; Ms. Lia Rumery, CA 250; Mr. A. Ruzgerian, CA 250; Ms. Sossy Sahakian, Canada 250; Khatchadourian, NY 250; Mr. and Mrs. Vahe Khatchadourian, Lebanon 250; Mr. Vahe Sahakian, RI 250; Samko General Partnership, CA 250; Mr. and Mrs. Ms. Sylvia Khatcherian, NY 250; Mr. and Mrs. Saro Kotoyan, CA 250; Dr. Zareh Samurkashian, CA 250; Sandvik, NJ 250; Dr. Ruben Sarkissian, CA 250; Berjouhi Koukeyan, CA 250; Mr. Rafi Krikorian, NJ 250; Dr. and Mrs. Henry Anonymous AS, NY 250; Mr. Arsen Shamshoian, RI 250; Mr. Raffi Shirinyan, Madalian, NJ 250; Mr. and Mrs. Krikor Mahdessian, CA 250; Mr. and Mrs. CA 250; Mr. and Mrs. Charles Silverstein, NJ 250; Mr. and Mrs. Edward T. Daniel Malloy, NJ 250; Mr. and Mrs. Nurhan Manukian, FL 250; Mr. and Simonian, CA 250; Mr. Vahan Skenderian, CA 250; Mrs. Takouhy Soultanian Mrs. Ara K. Marangosian, NJ 250; Mr. Kenneth Maranian, TX 250; Mr. and and Family, NJ 250; Prof. Peter Sourian, NY 250; St Vartan Armenian Mrs. Arthur S. Mardigian, MI 250; Mr. and Mrs. Levon Margosian, NY 250; Mr. Apostolic Church, CA 250; St. Mary Armenian Church, NJ 250; Mr. and Ralph Matewosian, CA 250; Mr. and Mrs. Jack N. Matosian, IL 250; Mr. and Mrs. Richard G. Tashjian, NY 250; Mr. Zohrab M. Tcholakian, TX 250; Mr. and Mrs. Brian Meer, MI 250; Mrs. Andrea Meghrouni-Brown, CA 250; Mr. and Mrs. John Tegrarian, FL 250; The Home Depot Foundation, FL 250; The Mrs. Norair Meguerditchian, NJ 250; Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Mekenian, NY Jerrehian Foundation, PA 250; Mr. and Mrs. Vrej Tomboulian, CA 250; Mr. and 250; Mr. and Mrs. Gregory Melconian, NJ 250; Ms. Yoland Melik-Hovsepian, Mrs. Artine Toumayan, CA 250; Mr. and Mrs. George Vartanian, CT 250; Ms. CA 250; Mr. and Mrs. David Mgrublian, CA 250; Ms. Joan L. Miller, MA 250; Ani M. Vartanian Boladian, CA 250; Mrs. Sonia Viertl, FL 250; Mr. and Mrs. Mr. Harmik Minassian, CA 250; Mr. Joe Momjian, CA 250; Dr. Arshag Tom Webb, NC 250; Dr. and Mrs. Gerald R. Williams, Jr., PA 250; Mrs. Hasmig Mooradian, FL 250; Mr. and Mrs. Onnik Mooradian, CA 250; Mrs. Roxie Yankelovich, MA 250; Mr. and Mrs. Jack H. Youredjian, CA 250; Mr. George Moradian, CA 250; Mr. Mike Mouradian, CA 250; Mrs. Lola Mugalian, IL 250; Zakarian, MA 250; Mr. Shirak Zakaryan, NY 250; Mr. Vigen Zargarian, CA 250; Dr. Arsham Naalbandian, LA 250; Ms. Maria Nalbandian and Mr. David Mr. and Mrs. Alan Zavian, CA 250; Ms. Gale Zorian, PA 250

www.agbu.org | 2015 AGBU 51 Financial Reports 2013-2012 Armenian General Benevolent Union Consolidated Statements of Financial Position

December 31

2013** 2012

Assets PUBLIC SUPPORT and REVENUE Current Assets Public Support Cash $ 9,914,439 $ 12,991,151 Contributions Investments, at Cost* 57,135,609 47,319,824 Membership Dues Contributions/Accounts Receivable 5,011,538 5,552,029 Special Events and Other Income Interest Receivable 420,441 654,888 Total Current Assets 72,482,027 66,517,892 Revenue Investments—Non-Current, at Cost* 186,226,898 191,089,763 Investment Income Real Estate, at Cost*** 87,288,005 84,705,237 Rental Income Furniture, Equipment and Leasehold Improvements, Net 1,919,745 1,950,669 Tuition and Other School Income

Total Assets 347,916,675 344,263,561

Liabilities and Net Assets Satisfaction of Program Restrictions Liabilities Accounts Payable 7,255,202 7,766,780 Total Public Support and Revenue Notes Payable 263,534 369,432 Total Liabilities 7,518,736 8,136,212 Program and Administrative Expenses Programs Net Assets Educational Unrestricted 45,193,337 46,763,558 Cultural Temporarily Restricted 63,076,190 62,986,291 Religious Permanently Restricted (Endowments) 232,128,412 226,377,500 Humanitarian Total Net Assets 340,397,939 336,127,349 Administrative Total Liabilities and Net Assets 347,916,675 344,263,561 Fundraising

*Total fair market values of current & non-current investments as of 12/31/2013 and 12/31/2012 are $265,243,970 and $251,020,323 respectively. Foreign Exchange/Translation Adjustment **Consolidated financials for 2013 & 2012 consist of the audited figures of the U.S. Delaware Corporation and the compiled figures of the local districts, chapters and schools. The local entity figures for 2013 were estimated based on 2012 actuals, as a significant number of reports were not yet available at the time of the preparation of this booklet. ***The Board of Directors estimates that the current market value of the properties is considerably higher than the historical cost reported on the U.S. GAAP basis in the financial statements. Total Program and Administrative Expenses FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS Biennial Financial Report 10-year Comparatives Change in Net Assets, From Operations

2013 %† 2012 %† † 2002 Inter-Fund Transfers Total Assets $ 347,916,675 1.07% $ 344,263,561 46.34% $ 235,247,104 Change in Net Assets Total Income 49,810,477 11.04% 44,858,378 67.31% 26,811,319 Total Expenditure 45,539,887 <1.28>% 46,128,182 53.43% 30,064,590 Net Assets, Beginning of Year †Yearly % Increase (Decrease) ††10-Year % Increase (Decrease) All Figures are in U.S. Dollars Net Assets, End of Year

52 AGBU 2015 | www.agbu.org Armenian General Benevolent Union Consolidated Statements of Activities

Year Ended December 31, 2013 Year Ended December 31, 2012

Unrestricted Temporarily Permanently Total Unrestricted Temporarily Permanently Total Restricted Restricted Restricted Restricted

$ 4,084,676 $ 7,338,177 $ 5,525,577 $ 16,948,430 $ 3,973,273 $ 10,028,515 $ 2,484,401 $ 16,486,189 316,594 – – 316,594 311,254 – – 311,254 5,071,004 36,232 – 5,107,236 4,565,469 32,620 – 4,598,089 9,474,274 7,374,409 5,525,577 22,372,260 8,849,996 10,061,135 2,484,401 21,395,532

11,309,629 – – 11,309,629 7,398,909 – – 7,398,909 1,860,116 19,719 – 1,879,835 1,873,456 19,860 – 1,893,316 14,248,753 – – 14,248,753 14,170,621 – – 14,170,621 27,418,498 19,719 – 27,438,217 23,442,986 19,860 – 23,462,846 36,890,772 7,394,128 5,525,577 49,810,477 32,292,982 10,080,995 2,484,401 44,858,378

12,219,381 (12,219,381) – – 13,223,073 (13,223,073) – –

49,110,153 (4,825,253) 5,525,577 49,810,477 45,516,055 (3,142,078) 2,484,401 44,858,378

23,705,478 – – 23,705,478 21,368,716 – – 21,368,716 11,552,831 – – 11,552,831 12,142,665 – – 12,142,665 2,031,314 – – 2,031,314 3,721,616 – – 3,721,616 3,419,210 – – 3,419,210 4,227,419 – – 4,227,419 40,708,833 – – 40,708,833 41,460,416 – – 41,460,416

3,931,345 – – 3,931,345 3,485,324 – – 3,485,324 521,601 – – 521,601 286,517 – – 286,517 378,108 – – 378,108 895,925 – – 895,925 4,831,054 – – 4,831,054 4,667,766 – – 4,667,766

45,539,887 – – 45,539,887 46,128,182 – – 46,128,182

3,570,266 (4,825,253) 5,525,577 4,270,590 (612,127) (3,142,078) 2,484,401 (1,269,804)

(5,140,487) 4,915,152 225,335 – (5,599,447) 5,511,386 88,061 – (1,570,221) 89,899 5,750,912 4,270,590 (6,211,574) 2,369,308 2,572,462 (1,269,804)

46,763,558 62,986,291 226,377,500 336,127,349 52,975,132 60,616,983 223,805,038 337,397,153

45,193,337 63,076,190 232,128,412 340,397,939 46,763,558 62,986,291 226,377,500 336,127,349

www.agbu.org | 2015 AGBU 53 AGBU Memorial/Honor Donations We thank the many individuals and families for their generosity and thoughfulness in designating memorial gifts or special occasion contributions for the programs of the AGBU. Due to limited space, only individual gifts of $5,000, or those of at least two donors have been included.

Michael Vahrij Manoukian In Memory of… AGBU Tarouhy/Hovagimian Secondary School, Lebanon Robert Andonians Total to Date $9,600 General Programs Vivian Margossian Total to Date $1,600 AGBU Camp Nubar Marie J. Arslanian Total to Date $13,320 American University of Armenia Samuel Mirakian Total to Date $12,850 General Programs, AGBU Malatya Senior Dining Center Artin Artinian Total to Date $925 Humanitarian Emergency Relief Efron Sarkissian Total to Date $5,590 General Programs Missak Avedian Total to Date $250 Humanitarian Emergency Relief Alice S. Shahinian Total to Date $360 AGBU Camp Nubar Bessilios Bessos Total to Date $4,270 AGBU Glendale Pasadena Chapter Eddy Tajirian Total to Date $3,770 AGBU Senior Dining Centers, AGBU Generation Next Program, Vahe Boghossian Humanitarian Emergency Relief in Iraq Humanitarian Emergency Relief Total to Date $1,700 Total to Date $975 Azad Toumayan Zareh N. Demirjian Humanitarian Emergency Relief Zareh N. Demirjian Memorial Total to Date $1,900 Total to Date $18,845 Elizabeth Boghossian Weller Onnig Djinguezian AGBU Orphan Fund AGBU Children's Centers Total to Date $18,800 Total to Date $7,046 Siran Gabrellian In Honor of… Humanitarian Emergency Relief Total to Date $200 Vartan Abdo Sarkis D. Hagopian Armenian Radio Hour of NJ Humanitarian Emergency Relief Total to Date $58,545 Total to Date $350 Christopher Ariyan Andrea Halejian General Programs AGBU Camp Nubar Total to Date $1,009 Total to Date $43,465 Lucy Hagopian Floraine V. Halejian Humanitarian Emergency Relief AGBU Camp Nubar Total to Date $1,000 Total to Date $10,350 Jeannette K. Ilanjian Tony Iafrate For Young Musicians and Singers to Pursue as their Career Peniamin Jamgotchian School—Yerevan, Armenia Total to Date $7,435 Total to Date $100 Vahe Imasdounian Vartouhi Ilanjian AGBU Western District For Young Musicians and Singers to Pursue Classical Music as their Career Total to Date $11,400 Total to Date $250 Aline Khatchadourian Souren Khatchadourian Humanitarian Emergency Relief Humanitarian Emergency Relief, New York Total to Date $4,275 Summer Intern Program Haig Nazarian Total to Date $53,722 Humanitarian Emergency Relief Freida Knadjian Total to Date $3,045 Komitas Conservatory Mr. and Mrs. Nazar and Artemis Nazarian Total to Date $11,227 AGBU Camp Nubar, Humanitarian Emergency Relief Ruby Sanoian Kueffer Total to Date $17,850 Armenia Programs Jack H. Semerdjian Total to Date $150 Humanitarian Emergency Relief Total to Date $1,909

54 AGBU 2015 | www.agbu.org www.agbu.org | 2015 AGBU 55 AGBU Highlights

NEW YORK, New York AGBU Co-Sponsors International Symposium on Monuments, Memory and the City of Ani Comparative studies illuminate the future of a medieval Armenian city

n Friday, February 20, 2015, The city of Ani in eastern Turkey served as Dr. Marianne Hirsch, professor of English AGBU joined Columbia Univer- a case study for the politicization of historical and comparative literature at Columbia, illus- sity, the Armenian Center at Co- monuments and preservation in a post-geno- trated how memory can be mobilized without Olumbia University and the World cidal context. Ani—a medieval city on the succumbing to ethnocentric rhetoric or na- Monuments Fund in sponsoring a day-long Turkish-Armenian border—was the capital tionalistic sentiment. She took as her example symposium titled “Monuments and Memo- of the Bagratid Kingdom from 961 to 1045 the POLIN Museum of the History of Polish ry: Material Culture and the Aftermath of CE and celebrated for the artistry of its Jews—built on the site of the former Jewish Histories of Mass Violence.” Academics and churches and other structures. The city was ghetto in Warsaw—to demonstrate the capac- experts from the United States and Turkey abandoned in the seventeenth century and ity of museums as agents of transformation, came together at Columbia University’s has since been subjected to earthquakes and performing acts of repair by inviting visitors to Morningside Campus to explore the way destruction that have left it in ruins. reanimate lost lives without forgetting their buildings belonging to victimized cultures The symposium was organized by Dr. Pe- extermination. “The POLIN Museum,” have been abandoned, destroyed, disregarded ter Balakian, the Donald M. Constance H. Hirsch says, “accommodates different truths and repurposed by state and non-state actors. Rebar Professor of Humanities at Colgate and challenges the revision of Polish national The multidisciplinary symposium drew on University, and Dr. Rachel Goshgarian, as- history, which has eliminated the Jewish pres- the expertise of specialists in history, compara- sistant professor of history at Lafayette Col- ence. It shows the histories that Catholic and Güler tive literature, art history, area studies, architec- lege. It began with a session titled “Monu- Jewish Poles had in common, rather than per- a ture and international affairs to assess whether ments and Memory: The Significance of petuating the tired idea of a shared history, and the ethical issues concerning destroyed or ap- Material Culture in the Aftermath of the has the capacity to shape public memory and ted Press; Ar Press; ted propriated material culture can have an impact Genocide,” which included examples from inspire complex negotiations in visitors.” The a on international policy surrounding restora- Polish and Bosnian history that put the Ar- parallel between the POLIN Museum and the tion, restitution and social justice. menian case in comparative perspective. city of Ani lies in its role as a contested site of Associ

56 AGBU 2015 | www.agbu.org counter memory. In his presentation, he dis- the structural elements of both sites demon- cussed one example of this kind of counter strate architectural imitation by Trdat, the ar- monument and investigated its relationship to chitect of the Church of Saint Gregory. Ma- counter memories of the Bosnian War: The ranci also explored the Church of Saint “Memorial in Exile” at the 2012 Summer Gregory project as a display of specialized ar- Olympic Park in London. Herscher explained tisanship. By using Trdat’s talents and by re- how the atrocities committed by Bosnian Serb producing the Zvartnots Cathedral, King forces in the 1990s have since been erased Gagik I sought to showcase the technological from public memory in the Republika Srpska. capital of his Bagratid Kingdom. Maranci also Consequently, the “Memorial in Exile” de- considered whether King Gagik I sought ac- clared by survivors of the Omarska concentra- tively to preserve the memory of Zvartnots by tion camp marked unmarked violence and replicating its design in Ani and ended her talk brought awareness of a genocide whose mem- with a plea to protect and re-excavate the site. ory has been actively suppressed. He argued Dr. Heghnar Watenpaugh, associate pro- that the declaration of this memorial endowed fessor of art history at the University of Cali- survivors and their descendants with the po- fornia-Davis, continued the session with a talk litical agency that had been stripped of them on the politics of cultural heritage at Ani. She and suggested a future organized around new began with a historical overview of the city and ways to live in common. detailed the preservation and restoration cam- The final presenter of the first session was paigns that have been initiated by the Turkish Dr. Peter Balakian who made use of The Ruins Ministry of Tourism and Culture. She com- of Ani, a travelogue by his great-uncle Grigoris pared Ani to contested cities like Jerusalem, Balakian, to suggest ways of viewing the city of Belfast and Mostar to illustrate the politiciza- Ani through a postcolonial lens. He used the tion of the site and its appropriation as a cul- book, which he is in the process of translating, tural symbol central to national consciousness. as a resource for articulating the challenges of Watenpaugh also critiqued the Turkish gov- Above: Post-renovation work on the Church of St. transcultural ethics and proposing the possi- ernment’s approach to characterizing the city Gregory of Tigran Honents in Ani in the 2000s bility of a shared future at the current impasse of Ani: “Discussions of Ani often deploy the Below: Pre-renovation work on the Church of St. of Turkish Armenian relations. “From Grigo- trope of multiculturalism without acknowl- Gregory of Tigran Honents in Ani in the 1965 ris Balakian’s account, it is clear that Ani— edging the full diversity of the multiple cul- even in the early twentieth century—was un- tures at Ani, especially its crucial Armenian derstood as having a past marked by layer. It seems the language of multiculturalism colonization, ruin and erasure. I’d like to situate is instrumentalized to erase the actual history this book within our contemporary under- of diversity and bolster the dominant groups’ standing of the city to help inform the percep- own cultural capital.” tion of Armenians as indigenous to the region Goshgarian added a sociological dimension and the disavowed colonized of the lands.” to the symposium with her presentation on During his presentation, Balakian was careful the interplay between the medieval Armenian to avoid nationalist discourse, while also as- ruins in the province in Kars and Turkish and serting the connection that Armenians have to Kurdish peoples who live among them. She eastern Turkey and the intensification of loss remarked that interacting with the local popu- that the ‘lock out syndrome’ from Turkey, lation gives insight into the evolution of the coupled with the city’s history of neglect and structures’ function, which have largely been ruin, has evoked in the Armenian diaspora. neglected, destroyed or repurposed. In her The second session, “The Medieval Arme- fieldwork, she found that a local ambivalence memory, proposing one of many alternatives nian City of Ani: A Case Study in the Po- prevailed in the province of Kars with regard for the future of the city. liticization of Art History, History, Historical to Armenian structures. Many have been re- Hirsch was followed by Dr. Andrew Her- Monuments and Preservation in a Post- purposed to store hay, machines and animals scher, associate professor in the Taubman Col- Genocidal Context,” addressed the city’s cul- and provide stones for homes, but the prevail- lege of Architecture and Urban Planning at tural heritage and its position in contempo- ing dynamic was one characterized by an ab-

üler the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, who rary Turkey. sence of a sense of ownership over the struc- G a examined the politics of counter monuments The session began with a presentation by tures themselves. For Goshgarian, the and the ethics of genocide as counter memory. Dr. Christina Maranci, professor of Armenian relationship of the local population to the Herscher defined counter memory as sup- art and architectural history at Tufts Univer- Armenian structures presents opportunities ted Press; Ar Press; ted a pressed narratives that challenge publically sity, which offered a study of the Church of for cultivating understanding the aftermath of sanctioned versions of history and a counter Saint Gregory in Ani and the Zvartnots Ca- genocide in the successor state. “Interactions Associ monument as a structure that can memorialize thedral near Yerevan. The strong similarities in with children throughout the region made me

www.agbu.org | 2015 AGBU 57 AGBU Highlights

realize that the people who have been living founder of Anadolu Kültür, a non-profit based kan conceptualizes it, is a proxy for overall with these monuments do have a deep rela- in Istanbul that promotes the exchange of cul- destruction during conflict and remains fun- tionship with these structures and these spaces ture and art in cities across Turkey and abroad damental to its legacy. Reconstruction has the and that if, in the future, restoration and pres- to develop mutual understanding and over- potential to lead to reconciliation as a symbol ervation of these monuments is to take place, come prejudices. Kavala explained the Turkish of conflict transformation. In his talk, he of- all of this has to occur in conversation with the government’s stance towards ‘indigenous for- fered examples of the reconstitution of cul- local people who live with these monuments eigners’ and their cultural heritage after the tural patrimony as a form of historical dia- every single day of their lives.” founding of the Turkish Republic in 1923. He logue in conflict and post-conflict societies, The final presenter of the session was Yavuz characterized the government’s prevailing including the renovation of repurposed Özkaya, restoration architect and founder of treatment of Armenian cultural heritage as churches in Cyprus and the reconstruction of Promet Proje Mimarlık Restorasyon [Promet “willful neglect, willful removal and a policy of the Buddhas of Bamiyan in Afghanistan. Architecture Renovation Project] in Ankara. full erasure of the history of the Armenians, The symposium united public and academ- Özkaya’s presentation highlighted the current which has been little known in Turkey until ic circles and put their respective expertise in restoration and conservation efforts underway recently.” Nevertheless, he pinpointed a shift in conversation to unsilence silenced histories. As in the city of Ani, particularly for the Church policy, a campaign to restore certain Armenian Dr. Christine Philliou, associate professor of of Saint Gregory of Tigran Honents and the heritage sites and an acknowledgement of the history at Columbia and the moderator of the Mosque of Minuchir. He detailed the recon- Armenian presence in Anatolia after talks be- first session, pointed out, “the comparative fea- struction of the structures in collaboration gan between Turkey and the European Union. ture of the conference distinguishes it from the with the World Monuments Fund and the “Restoring Armenian monuments in Anato- conventional treatment of Armenian history Turkish Ministries of Culture and Tourism lia can help put the history of humanity on the as a study in isolation.” The spectral Armenian and presented preparations for future renova- proper track, transmitting memory and en- past of the city Ani converged with contem- tion with 3-D models. Work began in 2012 abling new generations in Turkey to remem- porary efforts to restore the city both structur- and will continue in three phases. The final ber the past,” says Kavala. ally and symbolically. phase will involve promoting public awareness The final presenter of the symposium was In the roundtable discussion that followed, and improving conditions in the archaeologi- Elazar Barkan, professor of international and the panelists were asked how they envisioned cal zone for visitors. public affairs at Columbia and director of the Ani in 25 years. Goshgarian proposed a mu- The final session of the symposium fo- Institute for Historical Justice and Recon- seum, founded jointly by the Turkish and cused on themes of restitution and social ciliation in The Hague. Dr. Barkan’s talk re- Armenian Ministries of Culture, that docu- justice and the possibility of their achieve- volved around the capacity of cultural heri- ments the city at all its historical phases and ment generations after conflict. tage to create grounds for discussion between Kavala expressed his hope to see easy and Dr. Leo Spitzer, professor emeritus of history conflicting parties. Cultural heritage, as Bar- secure access to Ani from Armenia. at Dartmouth College, began the session with a talk on the power of attachment to an idea of an ancestral city and the notion of nostalgia af- ter persecution. He examined of the Ukrainian town of in the imaginaries of the descendants of Jews who were forced to flee during World War II. He showed how trauma has been inherited and drawn descendants in the Jewish diaspora to the modern-day town to reconstitute a cultural universe that they have known only through stories and pictures. Spitzer illustrated their efforts in keeping alive, both in their physical communities and in the online community, the Hapsburg-era city of Pasadena, California Czernowitz, which has ceased to exist as the AGBU Hye Geen Hosts Lecture with Sarah Leah Whitson of Human Rights Watch German-speaking town their ancestors knew. On May 19, AGBU Hye Geen held a lecture with Sarah Leah Whitson at the AGBU Vatche Not unlike Armenian diasporans who travel to and Tamar Manoukian High School in Pasadena, California. Whitson is the executive direc- their ancestral villages in Anatolia, “Jewish dia- tor of the Middle East and North Africa division of Human Rights Watch, an international sporans returning to Chernivtsi encounter a non-governmental organization committed to human rights advocacy and research. The lec- thoroughly changed cultural landscape that ture focused on an overview of human rights issues in the Middle East. In her presentation, prompts a renegotiation with the one preserved Whitson explained that resistance, rather than repression, is the reason for the struggle in the in family memories. Refugee emigrants carry Middle East. While opposition against ruling regimes was the impetus for the conflict in open wounds and return to be able to visually countries such as Egypt, Iraq, Libya and Syria, the situation has escalated since then to the and tangibly commemorate what, to them, has proportions seen today. She expressed her regret in the government’s lack of accountability been a virtual world,” explains Spitzer. and the atrocities that both the government and rebel forces have carried out as a result. Spitzer was followed by Osman Kavala, the

58 AGBU 2015 | www.agbu.org Los Angeles, California Talin Yacoubian Appointed Chair of AGBU Western District Committee NEW YORK, New York of the United States Seventh Annual AGBU NYSEC Concert Raises Over $60,000 for Performing Arts Initiatives On January 1, Talin Yacoubian was elected for a two-year term as chair of On December 6, nine performers and hundreds of guests gathered at the Weill Recital the Western District Committee of the Hall at Carnegie Hall for this year’s AGBU New York Special Events Committee (NY- United States. Yacoubian has practiced SEC) Performing Artists in Concert. The evening of music was held in honor of com- law since 1993 and is active in a number poser Tigran Mansurian’s 75th birthday and raised over $60,000 for performing arts of civic, bar and charitable organizations. initiatives worldwide. She serves on the board of the Armenian The evening’s program featured Armenian musicians from the United States, the United Assembly of America, AGBU Hye Geen Kingdom and Canada, eight of whom were first time participants in the concert series. The and the and was the co- performers were all recipients of AGBU Performing Arts scholarships, which have allowed chair of the Armenian Genocide Cen- them to study at prestigious institutions like the Juilliard School of Music in New York, the tennial Commemorative Committee. In Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, the Royal Academy of Music in London and the Komitas 2013, she was appointed to serve as a State Conservatory in Yerevan. civil service commissioner for the City of The musicians making up this year’s international ensemble included: Samvel Arakelyan Glendale in California. Yacoubian is a (violin), Narek Arutyunian (clarinet), Grigor Khachatryan (piano), Lilit Kurdiyan (cello), partner and founding member of Yacou- Nune Melikian (violin), Edvard Pogossian (cello), Veronika Vardpatrikyan (viola), Lauren bian & Powell LLP, where she repre- Williams (oboe) and Sarkis Zakarian (piano). sents clients in transactional, environ- The concert was composed of an eclectic selection of Western classical and Armenian mental, intellectual property and music. It was also the New York premiere of recently discovered early works by Aram Kha- business litigation matters. She began chaturian, provided by the Khachaturian Piano Trio, and two little known pieces published her career at Glaser Weil in Los Angeles in the 1930s by Alexander Spendiaryan, which were generously provided by the director of and managed her own practice, Yacou- the Spendiaryan Museum, Marine Otaryan. The evening also featured a tribute to Tigran bian Law Offices, from 2002 to 2009. Mansurian and a special performance of some of his works. NEW YORK, New York AGBU Sayat Nova International Composition Competition Holds Gala Concert in New York On May 11, the AGBU Sayat Nova International Composition Competition held its biannual gala concert and award ceremony at the Leonard Nimoy Thalia Theater at Symphony Space in New York. The gala concert premiered compositions by the three winners of the 2014 Sayat Nova International Composition Competition, performed by an international ensemble of musicians from Armenia, France, Finland, Mace- donia and the United States. The concert also featured songs by eighteenth-century Armenian bard Sayat Nova on the kamancha and poems by Armenian poet Daniel Varoujan, recited by poet Lola Koundakjian. The Sayat Nova International Composition Competition is designed to introduce Armenian musical tradi- tions to a wider audience by inviting composers of all heritages to submit original compositions for an en- semble of Armenian traditional and Western classical instruments. This year, in commemoration of the centenary of the Armenian Genocide, the competition asked composers to include in their compositions the poetry of Daniel Varoujan, one of the first victims of the Armenian Genocide. The winners of this year’s competition were Hovik Sardaryan of Armenia/Nagorno-Karabakh, Dic-lun Fung of Hong Kong and Richard Melkonian of the United Kingdom.

www.agbu.org | 2015 AGBU 59 Toronto, Canada AGBU FOCUS Welcomes Nearly 500 Young Professionals to Toronto Biennial event celebrates AGBU Education Innovation

rom July 23 to 26, AGBU FOCUS its many educational initiatives: “Any form of of us has to think: where do we stand as an brought nearly 500 young Armenian alternative education is about creating some- Armenian and where do we stand as an indi- professionals from around the world thing that is borderless where we can use our vidual and as a professional? How are we go- Fto Toronto where they shared ideas, imagination to power ourselves into whole ing to use this to redefine Armenianness?” expanded their networks and spotlighted new territory and into places where we didn’t Kassarjian, founder and chairman of the Re- AGBU Education Innovation, a new initia- expect to be.” patArmenia Foundation, raised the question tive to create e-learning apps to support the No matter how far the attendees had trav- of how the Armenian community can re- mission to make learning Armenian in the eled, they felt immediately at home at the fashion its relationship to the wider society: diaspora fun and exciting. TWIST Gallery for Thursday’s signature kick- “We need to start asking what we are giving The eighth biennial AGBU FOCUS week- off event, Perspectives, which opened with back to the global community. We need to end was one of the most diverse to date, with welcome remarks by AGBU Central Board move from this perspective of victim to one guests flying to Toronto from 160 cities in 14 member Lena Sarkissian. The panel included that says, ‘We’ve survived and now we’re countries: Armenia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Henri Arslanian of Hong Kong, Sarine Chit- ready to give back.’” The evening continued France, Italy, Lebanon, Mexico, The Nether- ilian of Canada, Alexis Halejian of the United with a networking reception for guests to lands, Saudi Arabia, Sweden, the United Arab States and Raffi Kassarjian of Armenia. It was share viewpoints on the topic. Emirates, the United Kingdom and the Unit- moderated by Arda Zakarian, reporter at On Friday morning, the AGBU Young ed States. For the first time, AGBU FOCUS CP24, a news station in Toronto. Professionals (YP) held their biennial as- had an active online presence with a live feed The discussion centered on ways young sembly. The YP Assembly provided a forum of Perspectives and posts on Facebook, Twitter professionals can shape the global brand of for the YP Network to convene, brainstorm, and Instagram throughout the weekend, using Armenia and being Armenian. The panelists and exchange ideas as well as discuss areas the hashtag #agbufocus to help those far away took up the task of imagining the future of an of opportunity for cross-cooperation and be part of the action. Armenian identity disassociated from the collaboration. Twenty-one YP leaders met Setting the stage for the weekend, attendees Armenian Genocide and focusing on success to discuss new ways to help build capacity were sent a special video message from world- stories in Armenia and the diaspora. Chitil- for the global organization and strengthen renowned Canadian Armenian filmmaker ian, a senior banking executive specializing in connections with the Armenian community Atom Egoyan, who welcomed them to his financial and operational risk management at large. The day continued with Taste of hometown of Toronto and praised AGBU for and YP Montreal chairwoman, said: “Each Toronto, the first-everFOCUS food crawl,

60 AGBU 2015 | www.agbu.org where guests explored the city through their weekend’s festivities, large-scale fundraising Karabakh, and particularly in supporting the palates at Toronto’s most iconic eateries, and efforts were coordinated between New York TUMO x AGBU center in Stepanakert, which in the evening, FOCUS attendees enjoyed and Toronto in order to give back to AGBU will open in the fall: “When the idea for the Club Night at Maison Mercer. and its newest initiative for alternative educa- center was still developing, we thought: why The following day,FOCUS on Art drew tion. In fact, AGBU FOCUS 2015 broke all not connect Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh guests to the Walnut Contemporary for an prior fundraising records raising $100,000 in to the world? We have the tools to make it afternoon of art with photographer Scout support of these initiatives and $30,000 in happen. What if we had a world-class innova- Tufankjian, who exhibited images from her event sponsorship. tion center to teach design, computer model- recent book There Is Only the Earth: Images Having identified a gap in quality Arme- ing and programming? Why not make Arme- from the Armenian Diaspora Project. After in- nian e-products for children, parents and nia 2.0 happen? Armenia 2.0 is the one Kanye troductory remarks, Tufankjian, whose book teachers, AGBU is actively working with ex- visits. It’s the one that George Clooney sup- chronicles contemporary community life perts and reputable institutions and organiza- ports and the one that Pope Francis is proud across the Armenian diaspora, led small tions to make educational apps, e-books and of and the one that System of a Down is so groups around the exhibit, sharing stories online language courses readily available for vocal about. It’s us.” about each photograph. all. AGBU FOCUS is also dedicated to AG- The weekend came to a close with a farewell At the AGBU FOCUS Gala on Saturday BU’s commitment to expand the reach of the brunch on Sunday. Not quite ready to catch night, guests filled ARD for dinner, dancing Tumo Center for Creative Technologies. their flights, guests continued mingling on the and speeches from Camilio Azzouz, a young With TUMO x AGBU locations opening in outdoor terrace. In the weeks following FO- professional living in London; Mihran Ega- Gyumri and Stepanakert, thousands of youth CUS, new Facebook connections and Insta- vian, FOCUS 2015 chair; and Ani Manouki- can take advantage of the unique afterschool gram friends are still being made, a testament an, AGBU Central Board member. All three learning experience, which has yielded many to the impact that FOCUS has in connecting speakers emphasized the potential for impact success stories in Yerevan. Guided by skilled Armenians around the world. that young professionals can have on the fu- teachers and advisors, students ages 12-18 re- Since premiering in New York City in ture of the Armenian community. “AGBU has ceive unparalleled hands-on exploration of 2001, AGBU FOCUS has distinguished itself always looked to the younger generation and technology. To date, 10,000 students have at- as a unique networking experience for global the new potential leaders for ideas, energy and tended classes at the flagship Yerevan center, Armenian young professionals. What began enthusiasm. It’s all about getting involved. with 100 children requesting enrollment each as a signature anniversary celebration is now a Many of our greatest programs, including the week. Determined not to turn a single eager sensational tradition, offering YPs an opportu- FOCUS and the Young Professionals move- learner away, TUMO x AGBU started registra- nity to connect with hundreds of internation- ment itself began with a group of young tion this May for fall classes at the Gyumri al peers while highlighting the direct and minds, an idea and a lot of enthusiasm. Think location and plans to open a location in Step- positive impact of AGBU’s programs on gen- of AGBU as an incubator: we are relying on anakert are in the works. erations of Armenians. Over the past 14 years, you and your projects to chart the course into Ending the short but empowering pro- AGBU FOCUS has united over 2,500 young the future,” said Manoukian. gram, Camilio Azzouz shared his personal professionals in seven different cities: New In thanking Gala guests for their support experiences in bringing big ideas to AGBU York City (2001, 2007), Montreal (2003), Mi- in joining the events throughout the week- and the impact the generation of his peers ami (2005), Chicago (2009), Paris (2011), San end, Egavian explained that prior to the could have in shaping Armenia, Nagorno- Francisco (2013) and now Toronto (2015).

Yerevan, Armenia AGBU Honorary Member Osep Sarafian Awarded Medal by the Prime Minister of Armenia On April 11, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Arme- nia Hovik Abrahamyan awarded AGBU Honorary Mem- ber, architect and philanthropist Osep Sarafian with a medal for his involvement in various programs implement- ed in Armenian communities worldwide and in the devel- opment of communities in the Republic of Armenia. For many years, Sarafian supported the Social Investment Fund's construction and renovation projects through the AGBU Detroit chapter. The ceremony was attended by Na- rek Sargsyan, Minister of Urban Development of the Re- public of Armenia; Ashot Kirakosian, Director of Armenia’s Regional Development Fund; and Hovig Eordekian, In- terim Director of the AGBU Armenia. The Prime Minister expressed hope that Sarafian would continue his efforts towards the preservation of the Armenian identity.

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Tbilisi, Georgia AGBU Europe Held its 6th Annual GORIZ Leadership Seminar In October, AGBU Europe held its 6th annual AGBU GORIZ Leadership Seminar, gathering 37 young professionals from the Armenian, Jewish and Roma communities of Europe in Tbilisi, Georgia. This year’s seminar— co-organized by AGBU Europe, the European Center for Minority Issues, the European Union of Jewish Students, the European Roma Grassroots Organization Network and Hayartun (Diocese of the Armenian Church of Georgia), and supported by the Erasmus+ Program of the European Union—focused on negotiating identity within minority communities. The seminar aimed to raise awareness among participants about the ways iden- tity perception can affect their goals and their relationships with authorities. The event was comprised of lectures, workshops and visits to cultural sites in Tbilisi and the region of Samtskhe-Javakheti. Sessions were led by rep- resentatives from organizations like the United Nations, the Council of Europe, Open Society and the Tolerance and Diversity Institute as well as by clergy and community leaders in Georgia. Rockleigh, New Jersey AGBU Holds a Tribute Banquet for Founder of the Armenian Radio Hour of New Jersey On November 7, nearly 300 guests gathered at the Rockleigh Country Club in Rock- leigh, New Jersey to celebrate Vartan Abdo’s dedication to the Armenian community of the New York metropolitan area. In 1979, Abdo founded the Armenian Radio Hour of New Jersey, a bilingual radio program that highlights the week’s political and cultural happenings in the worldwide Armenian community. Abdo has volunteered his time and efforts as director without interruption Paris, France for the past 35 years. President Berge Setra- AGBU France Organizes Concert with the Armenian World kian ended the evening by offering Abdo a Orchestra in Honor of the Armenian Genocide commemorative glass plaque and congratu- lating him on his service. On April 21, AGBU France held an international concert entitled “Génocide arménien, 100 ans de mémoire : un concert pour la vie” [Armenian Genocide 100 Years of Memory: A Concert for Life] in honor of the centenary of the Armenian Genocide. The concert took place at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris and featured pieces by , Komitas, Michel Petrossian and Mozart. It was performed by the Armenian World Or- chestra, an ensemble of musicians of all ages from Armenia and throughout the Armenian diaspora, and led by renowned French Armenian conductor Alain Altinoglu. Held under the patronage of French President François Hollande and Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan, the concert drew more than 1900 members of the French Armenian and wider Parisian community and was a testament to the strong relationship among France, Ar- menia and the Armenian diaspora. The pieces were performed by soprano , t e

mezzo-soprano Nora Gubisch, tenor Liparit Avetisyan, basso Tigran Martirossian, pia- t on

nist Vahan Mardirossian, cellist Xavier Phillips, and violinist Jean-Marc Phillips-Varjabé- P t dian along with members of the Armenian World Orchestra and the Coro Gulbenkian, a symphonic choir based in Portugal. The concert’s live broadcast at the Yerevan State Opera House and on Armenia TV, a satellite station serving Europe and Russia, was made possible by the French Embassy in Yerevan and the Orange Foundation Armenia. It was also streamed live online at culturebox.francetvinfo.fr, where it is now available to watch in its entirety. Tina Tcholakian; Vincen Tcholakian; Tina

62 AGBU 2015 | www.agbu.org TINA TCHOLAKIAN; VINCENT PONTET AGBU Young Professionals

Athens, Greece YP Athens Organizes Komitas Concert to Fundraise for Armenian Genocide Commemorations On December 19, YP Athens held a concert of works by Komi- tas at the amphitheater of the Leondio College in Nea Smyrni. The concert was attended by the Minister of Diaspora of the Republic of Armenia Hranoush Hakobyan and more than 300 people, including Ambassador of the Republic of Armenia to Greece Gagik Ghalachyan, members of the clergy and repre- sentatives of political and community organizations. The audi- ence was given a unique opportunity to listen to 21 composi- tions by Komitas, remastered with jazz and classical influences by the State Song Theatre of Armenia under the direction of Artur Grigorian. The proceeds of the event were donated to the Centenary Committee of the Armenian Genocide in Greece for the commemorations in the spring. Beirut, Lebanon YP Lebanon Raises over $9,000 for AGBU Schools in Lebanon On February 11, YP Lebanon organized a movie pre- miere to fundraise for AGBU schools in Lebanon: the Levon G. Nazarian Elementary School, the Boghos K. Garmirian Elementary School and the Tarouhy- Hovagimian Intermediate School. More than 700 participants supported the initiative to enhance aca- demic activities and continue the mission of the AGBU Lebanon Education Committee. The event raised over $9,000 and marked an accomplishment in the work of YP Lebanon. Following the event, YP members met with Ara Vassilian, the principal of the AGBU schools in Lebanon and assessed areas of need to improve academic and recreational activities for Armenian students.

Amsterdam, The Netherlands The YP Network Launches YP Amsterdam Group On May 12, the YP Network celebrated the addition of YP Amsterdam with a gathering of ninety guests, including youth representatives from the AGBU Almelo chapter. The group’s inaugural leadership is comprised of chairman Vahag Avakian and steering committee members Haik Khanamiryan and Andranik Ayvazyan. The evening’s program includ- ed introductions, background and context about AGBU and the Young Professionals, a live connection with YP Groups from other countries, brainstorming sessions for the future and a champagne toast.

64 AGBU 2015 | www.agbu.org Buenos Aires, Argentina YP Buenos Aires Holds First Annual Professional Development Conference On October 9, YP Buenos Aires hosted an in- augural conference at the local AGBU Center, aiming to promote the professional develop- ment of Armenians ages 16 to 45 and foster the growth of the Argentinean Armenian commu- nity. Attended by over 100 participants, the conference featured Juan Carlos Balassanian, the vice president of distribution sales for the Latin American division of the Turner Broad- casting System; Adrián Gabriele, director of the sales and marketing firmH LT Network; Juan Pablo Artinian, a professor of history at the University of Buenos Aires and Matías Gainza Eurnekian, the president of Unitec Blue, the first microchip company in Latin America. Topics discussed included strategic negotiation, leadership and cultural change within compa- nies, academic development, planning and management within organizations and the de- velopment and administration of companies with diverse business models Montreal, Canada YP Montréal Donates $2,000 to AGBU Alex Manoogian School in Support of Syrian Armenian Students On January 29, YP Montréal held a Hockey Night raising $2,000 CAD for Syrian Armenian children attending the spe- cial welcoming classes currently offered by the AGBU Alex Ma- noogian School. YP Montréal Chairman Jean Akkoyan and Steering Committee Members Olga Markarian and Sandra Afeyan visited the Alex Manoogian School to hand deliver the donation. Accompanied by Principal Chahé Tanachian, they visited the welcoming classes and became more acquainted with the work the school is accomplishing in integrating the stu- dents. With many Syrian Armenians fleeing their homes due to the ongoing civil war, the initiative was implemented in re- sponse to the efforts needed to support the scheduled arrival of 700 families to Montréal. New York, New York YP Greater New York (YPGNY) Raises $21,000 for AGBU Humanitarian Emergency Relief Fund On January 31, YPGNY kicked off 2015 with its 14th annual Silent Auction & Cocktail Party at 121 Fulton Street in New York. The event raised $21,000 for the AGBU Humanitarian Emergency Relief Fund in support of the Syrian and Iraqi Armenian communities and drew 225 young professionals from through- out the tri-state area. It also attracted its first event sponsors: Tito’s Handmade Vodka, 90+ Cellars and Harvest Bistro. Throughout the evening, guests enjoyed music by Greg “DJ GLO” Stepanian and bid on a wide array of gifts, luxury items and services donated by leading businesses and generous individuals in the fields of fashion, sports, dining and entertainment. These included items from Michael Aram, Equinox, Khirma Eliazov, Henri Bendel and Maison Francis Kurkdjian, among many others.

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Vienna, Austria YP Austria Launches Piggy Bank Project for Syrian Relief In October 2014, YP Austria launched the Piggy Bank Project for Syrian Relief, distributing approximately 130 piggy banks to the students at the Hovhannes Shiraz Armenian Saturday School in Vienna. Each student received a piggy bank with her or his name on it and was en- couraged to save money until December 20, when they would send the money they saved to children in Syria. The idea was conceived by YP Austria Vice-Chair Pizant Chourpachian who, in his youth as a scout in Syria, participated in a similar project to help support the survivors of the 1988 Spitak earthquake in Armenia. The main goals of the project were to fundraise for Syrian Armenians, educate Armenian youth and their families about the values and mission of AGBU as well as the bond and connections that exist between diaspora communities.

Multiple Cities AGBU YPs Host Author Raffi Youredjian In March 2015, Raffi Youredjian, author of Tour de Armenia, ended his 12-city tour of AGBU chapters, schools, Young Professionals (YP) groups and partner organizations. Tour de Armenia is a lively account of Youredjian’s 1,000-kilometer bicycle trip through Armenia in search of adventure and identity. During his San Francisco, California trip, Youredjian stops in Etchmi- YP Northern California Organizes 15th Anniversary Winter Gala adzin and Shushi as well as in doz- From February 13 to 15, YP Northern California hosted its AGBU San Francisco Winter ens of smaller towns and villages, Gala 15th Anniversary Celebration. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the AGBU including Spitak, Jermuk, Alaverdi, Humanitarian Emergency Relief Fund for Syrian and Iraqi Armenians. The weekend kicked Haghpat, Sevan and Martuni. off Friday, February 13 with a welcome reception at the host hotel, the Sir Francis Drake in Youredjian was inspired to write the Union Square. Saturday, February 14 brought an all-inclusive wine trip to two of Napa Val- book to show the vitality of Armenia ley’s top wineries: Domaine Chandon and Sterling Vineyards. The trip included tours, tast- as it is today and to propose a pro- ings and a gondola ride. Saturday night was an Armenian culinary experience and kef night gressive way of thinking of Arme- complete with Armenian food, music and a hands-on culinary lesson in making traditional nian identity that goes beyond the Armenian desserts. Sunday, February 15 saw the return of another gala weekend favorite: the history of the genocide. The book San Francisco walking tour. Sunday night featured the weekend’s signature event, the 15th tour included stops in Vienna, Ath- Anniversary Gala celebration in the stunning Pavilion By the Bay on San Francisco’s Treasure ens, Frankfurt, Montréal, Toronto, Island. Complete with dramatic views of San Francisco, the evening closed with a buffet Boston, Washington D.C., Chicago, dinner and Armenian dancing. San Francisco, Fresno, Pasadena and Canoga Park.

66 AGBU 2015 | www.agbu.org www.agbu.org | 2015 AGBU 67 AGBU Chapters

Los angeles, California AGBU Asbeds Host Three-Day Series of Commemorative Events in Los Angeles From April 8 to 10, the AGBU Asbeds Committee hosted a series of events titled “What the World Witnessed a Century Ago” at the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles in conjunc- tion with the Armenian Genocide Museum-Institute in Yere- van. The series began with an opening reception for an exhibi- tion titled “Armenian Genocide: Frontpage Coverage in the World Press,” based on a book of the same name by Armenian Genocide Museum-Institute director Dr. Hayk Demoyan. The exhibition showcased two large rugs woven by Armenian chil- dren orphaned during the genocide. The series continued the following day with a lecture by Dr. Uğur Ümit Üngör titled “The Economics of the Armenian Genocide and its Conse- quences.” On the third and final day, over 300 guests gathered for a panel discussion on forcibly Islamized Armenians with His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese, and Raffi Bedrosyan, writer, activist and advi- sor to the Zoryan Institute in Canada.

Montreal, Canada AGBU Alex Manoogian School Celebrates its 45th Anniversary On May 2, the Armenian community of Montréal marked the 45th anniversary of the AGBU Alex Manoogian School. The celebration raised a total of $300,000, NEW YORK, NEW YORK $200,000 of which was donated by grand Writer Eric Bogosian Discusses New Book at AGBU Central Office in New York benefactors Mr. and Mrs. Arden and On April 22, the AGBU Central Office welcomed writer Eric Bogosian for a presenta- Christine Dervishian. The evening’s pro- tion about his new book, Operation Nemesis: The Assassination Plot that Avenged the Ar- gram included performances by notable menian Genocide. The book—the result of seven years of research—studies the plan de- school alumni, among them soprano Sa- vised by a network of Armenian professionals to assassinate the perpetrators of the sha Djihanian and musician Arden Ara- Armenian Genocide. The plot—called Operation Nemesis after the Greek goddess of pyan, and testimonials by alumni who retribution—included operatives on three continents who killed six Ottoman leaders in consider their alma mater an integral part Berlin, Constantinople, Tiflis and Rome. By the mid-1920s, the group had disbanded of their success. The evening concluded and the story of the secret operation faded from memory. Bogosian is the first writer to with remarks by President Setrakian, who offer a complete history of Operation Nemesis, drawing on newly uncovered documents congratulated the Montréal Armenian and previously untranslated texts to bring attention to a period characterized by violence community on strengthening Armenian and revenge. identity and helping Armenian culture flourish in the younger generation.

68 AGBU 2015 | www.agbu.org Toronto, Canada AGBU Toronto Holds a Commemoration on the Eighth Anniversary of Hrant Dink’s Assassination On January 18, members of the Toronto Armenian com- munity gathered to commemorate the eighth anniver- sary of the assassination of Turkish Armenian journalist Hrant Dink. Well-known for his efforts to promote rec- onciliation between Turks and Armenians, Dink was killed outside the newspaper office in Istanbul on January 19, 2007, sparking widespread international out- rage. Jointly organized by AGBU, , Nor Serount and the Bolsahay Cultural Association, the commemoration brought together more than 700 peo- ple, who filled the Armenian Community Centre to lis- ten to keynote speaker Fethiye Çetin, Hrant Dink’s for- mer lawyer who investigated the perpetrators of his murder. The commemoration began with a candlelight vigil and a moment of silence to remember Hrant Dink and the latest victims of intolerance toward free press— the journalists at Charlie Hebdo in Paris.

Montevideo, Uruguay AGBU Montevideo Co-Organizes a Photography Exhibit on the Armenians of Uruguay On May 30, AGBU Montevideo, along with Municipality of Montevideo, the Centro de Fotografía de la Intendencia de Montevideo and the Armenian Cultural Association of Uru- guay, held the opening of a photography exhibit titled “A cien años del Genocidio, Uruguay y los armenios hacen historia” [100 Years of Genocide, Uruguay and the Armenians Make History]. The exhibit documented one hundred years of history of the Armenian community in Uruguay with photographs and his- torical documents provided by the families of immigrants. The documents included photos of their towns of origin, as well as materials on the genocide, the exile of the Armenians and their arrival in Uruguay. The exhibit presented more than 180 photo- graphs, maps and documents and ran until August 26 at the Fotogalería del Prado. Buenos aires, argentina AGBU Buenos Aires Publishes New Issue of Generación 3 In April 2015, AGBU Buenos Aires Liga de Jóvenes [Youth Committee] published the latest issue of Generación 3, a biannual Spanish-language magazine relating to Armenia and the Armenian diaspora, focusing specifically on the Armenian communities of South America. The April issue focused on the Armenian Genocide, including a report on the current atmosphere in Turkey regarding the rights of minorities, an article on films about the Armenian Genocide from 1902 to the present and a list of projects, websites and cultural events launched in honor of the centenary of the Armenian Genocide. The issue was also comprised of an exclusive interview with chess champion Levon Aronian, an overview of the growing IT industry in Armenia and highlights from TEDxYerevan events. Three thousand copies of each issue of Generación 3 are distributed free of charge to Armenians in Buenos Aires, Córdoba, Rosario, Mendoza and Mar del Plata, among other cities in Argentina, as well as in Montevideo, Uruguay and Santiago, Chile. The volunteer editorial team is composed entirely of alumni of the AGBU Marie Manoogian Institute in Buenos Aires, who invite special contributors to share their expertise and opin- ions on the fields of architecture, history, culture and science.

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SÃO PAULO, BRAZIL AGBU São Paulo Celebrates the 50th Anniversary of its Founding On November 16, AGBU São Paulo celebrated its 50th Anniversary in the presence of 400 guests, who came together to honor the organization.  e Nor band from Argentina entertained guests with Armenian folk music and Dr. Antranik Kissadjikian, a donor and supporter of AGBU, was named AGBU Man of the Year 2014.  e event was attended by His Excellency Ashot Galoyan, Ambassador of the Republic of Armenia in Brazil; Her Excellency Hilda Diruhy Burmaian, Honorary Consul of the Republic of Armenia in São Paulo; and Central Board representative Artoun Hamalian.

CÓRDOBA, ARGENTINA AGBU Córdoba Draws Hundreds Every Friday for its Restaurante Armenio Each Friday, AGBU Córdoba holds its Restau- rante Armenio [Armenian Restaurant] at the AGBU Center. Throughout the week, mem- bers of the AGBU Córdoba chapter prepare typical Armenian dishes like sarma, keufté, lahmajoun and pakhlava, drawing hundreds AGBU Córdoba prepares a madagh of people, most of whom do not belong to the meal for Father’s Day. Armenian community. PARIS, FRANCE The AGBU Nubarian Library’s Études arméniennes contemporaines Becomes the First Armenian Studies Journal Published Online In January 2015, the editorial board of Études arméniennes contemporaines, a publication of AGBU Nubarian Library, announced that the journal would be available free of charge on revues.org. With the support of CLEO [Centre pour l’édition électronique ouverte] and OpenEdition, all three issues of Études arméniennes contemporaines as well as the  nal issue of its precursor, Revue arménienne des questions contemporaines, are now accessible in their entirety at eac.revues.org. In September 2013, the AGBU Nubarian Library published the  rst issue of Études arméniennes contemporaines, an aca- demic and multidisciplinary journal that examines current issues facing Armenians both in Arme- nia and in the diaspora. Published in French and English, the journal examines political, historical, cultural and geographical challenges in Armenia, the Caucasus, Turkey and the Middle East. With special themed issues, it also seeks to explore broader subjects involving international relations, na- tionalism, migrations, diaspora, heritage, memory and mass violence. As part of the revues.org da- tabase, Études arméniennes contemporaines joins web-based versions of more than 400 humanities and social science journals in French and other languages.  is editorial evolution enables the journal to contribute more substantively to the  eld of Armenian studies, which lacks an academic journal speci cally dedicated to the modern and contemporary periods.

70 AGBU 2015 | www.agbu.org London, England AGBU London Hosts Cultural Event in Honor of the Centenary of the Armenian Genocide On June 26, AGBU London commemorated the cente- nary of the Armenian Genocide at the Chelsea Old Town Hall. The “Living Memory” evening began with an exhi- bition of paintings and sculptures dedicated to the work of artist Nairi Afrikyan. Speakers included Mr. Assadour Guzelian on the moral imperative for the United King- dom, United States and Israel to recognize the Armenian Genocide, Baroness Caroline Cox who presented “The Spirit of Armenia: Beauty from Ashes of Destruction” and Mr. Ara Sarafian who delivered a lecture titled “Let Us Remember the Armenians Living In Turkey.” The evening concluded with Armenian music and dance per- formances by Anais Heghoyan Tereza Gevorgyan, Artur Bobokian, Kristina Arakelyan, and Seta White with par- ticipation of Jenya Nersisyan People’s Artist of Armenia.

Sofia, bulgaria AGBU Sofia Holds a Series of Per- formances in Honor of the Centenary of Plovdiv, bulgaria the Armenian Genocide AGBU Plovdiv Hosts Theatrical Premiere of Varujan Throughout the month of April,AGBU Vosganian’s The Book of Whispers Sofia commemorated the centenary of the Armenian Genocide with a series of artis- On April 25, AGBU Plovdiv hosted a premiere for the Malvina Manukyan Children’s tic programs to highlight the survival of Theater Group’s theatrical performance of the 2009 novel The Book of Whispers [Roma- the Armenian community in Bulgaria. nian: Cartea soaptelor] at the State Puppet Theater in Plovdiv, Bulgaria. The Book of Whis- The chapter collaborated with Armenian pers is set in the Armenian quarter of the eastern Romanian town of Focşani in the 1950s, and non-Armenian organizations to hold but travels through Armenian history, touching on the legends of Ara the Beautiful and concerts, dance recitals and poetry read- Tigran the Great, the Armenian Genocide and Stalinist Armenia. Through the narrative, ings and welcomed Gagik Agopyan, Eth- Vosganian addresses notions of individual and collective trauma, both past and present. ery Hovanesyan and Diana Vardanyan, Varujan Vosganian is one of Romania’s leading contemporary writers and was the Minister three young musicians from Armenia, to of Finance and the Economy in Romania from 2006 to 2008. Vosganian—one of the four participate in the series. The performance Romanian writers nominated for the Nobel Prize for Fiction in 2014—is an economist and featured classical Armenian music with mathematician as well as the author of several volumes of poetry, prose and non-fiction Agopyan on the duduk, Hovanesyan on pieces. He is also vice president of the Romanian Writers’s Union and president of the the kanun and Vardanyan on the oud and Union of Armenians in Romania. the kanun.

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Milan, italy AGBU Milan Exhibits Artwork in Honor of the Centenary of the Armenian Genocide On June 6 and 7, AGBU Milan hosted an art exhibit at the Casa Armena in honor of the centenary of the Arme- nian Genocide. The event, which ex- hibited work by both Armenian and non-Armenian artists, was organized by Vera Yemenidjian-Astourian and AGBU Milan chairperson Gueguel Khatchadourian and attended by Fr. Pieces by Vera Yemenidjian Astourian Tovma Khachatryan, head of the Ar- menian Apostolic Church in Italy as well as members of the Italian Arme- nian community. The event also fea- tured a recital by Susanna Hagopian who played sang and played pieces by Gomidas Vartabed and Sayat Nova.

Almelo, The Netherlands AGBU Holland Partners with Dutch Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) PAX Kinderhulp On January 11, AGBU Holland held a fundraiser in Almelo, the Netherlands to benefit underprivileged Armenian children. For the past four years, AGBU Holland has collaborated with the Dutch non-governmental organization (NGO) PAX Kinderhulp during the NGO’s four-week program for twenty disadvantaged children from Vardenis, Armenia. The program is designed to introduce the children to Dutch culture and society. In Armenia, many live in orphanages or in bunkers without heat, electricity or running water. During their stay, the children—aged eight to twelve—stay with host families in Apeldoorn, the Netherlands and participate in an array of cultural activities. As part of the program of activities, AGBU Holland partnered with and the Armenian Church in Almelo to organize a fund- raiser for the children. Profits from the fundraiser—totaling €2836—were donated to the Armenian children from Vardenis and the PAX

Kinderhulp Foundation. Manvelyan Suren

72 AGBU 2015 | www.agbu.org Cairo, Egypt AGBU Cairo’s Dziadzan Children’s Choir Holds its Tenth Anniversary Performance On November 30, AGBU Cairo’s Dziadzan Chil- dren’s Choir celebrated its tenth anniversary at the Belekdanian Hall in Heliopolis, a suburb of Cai- ro. The choir of 35 children dazzled the audience of nearly 150 people, who had gathered to enjoy a lively musical interpretation of Katch Nazar’s New Adventures, a folktale by famed turn-of-the- century writer Hovhannes Toumanian (1869- 1923). The success of the evening was a team ef- fort, starting with Kohar Ghazelian, who supervised the theatrical script and acting, and Maestro Mihran Ghazelian, who served as the artistic director of the performance. The dances, which added a special flavor and charm to the evening, were choreographed by Alissa Depoyan and former choir member Vartan Terzibashian.

Larnaca, Cyprus AGBU Larnaca Hosts Presentation on Soviet Armenian Astrophysicist On April 17, AGBU Larnaca hosted a presentation on Soviet Armenian scientist and astrophysicist Victor Hambartsumyan at the AGBU Armenian Cultural Centre. The guest speakers were George Troullias, director of the Kition Planetarium and Observa- tory in Larnaca, and his colleague Alexander Prokofiev. The presentation highlighted Hambartsumyan’s many discoveries and achievements and his founding of the Byurakan Observatory in Armenia in 1946. Ni cosia, Cyprus AGBU Nicosia Celebrates its Hundredth Anniversary On October 25, AGBU Nicosia celebrated its hundredth an- niversary with an evening of speeches, tributes and perfor- mances. The event took place at theAGBU Club in Nicosia and was attended by prominent members of the Cypriot Ar- menian community, including Archbishop Nareg Alemezian, Vartkes Mahdessian, representative of the Armenian com- munity in the Cypriot House of Representatives, and Benon Sevan, the former head of the United Nation’s Oil-for-Food Program, along with other political and religious figures. The celebration was organized by the AGBU Club’s cultural com- mittee and headed by Maggie Haladjian Eskidjian, who be- gan the evening with a welcome speech and introduced the Sourp Asdvadzadzin Church Children’s Choir. The concert was followed by performances by two young musicians, saxo- phonist Garen Zartarian and violinist Lucy Hovhanessian. Today’s Cypriot Armenian community numbers between 3,000 and 3,500 people and is centered in Nicosia, with small- er groups scattered across the island in Larnaca, Limassol and Paphos. Though the existence of the community dates to the Byzantine period, the majority of today’s Cypriot Armenians are descendants of Armenian genocide survivors who fled Suren Manvelyan Suren from Cilicia.

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Damascus, Syria AGBU Gullabi Gulbenkian Students Compete in Armenian History Contest Latakia, Syria On May 1, fourth, fifth and sixth grade students at the AGBU Gullabi Gulbenkian School took part in an inter- AGBU Latakia Organizes a Commemoration of school competition dedicated to the centenary of the Ar- the Armenian Genocide in Arabic menian Genocide. The competition brought together On April 22, AGBU Latakia organized a commemoration of the Armenian students from four Armenian schools in Damascus. The Genocide entirely in Arabic for the first time in the history of the chapter. The event, organized by the Armenian Genocide Centenary students of the AGBU-AYA conceived of the idea with the thought of including Committee of Damascus, was held at the Armenian the larger Arabic-speaking community of the city in the commemoration. They Catholic Church’s Aminian Hall and the questions were gave historical presentations, and with the help of the AGBU-AYA Armenian prepared by the Armenian-language teachers at all four Genocide Centenary Committee of Aleppo, prepared a short video in Arabic on schools. The objective of the competition was to encour- the genocide to show the guests. age students to learn more about Armenian history. Kamishli, Syria The AGBU Kamishli Women’s Guild Celebrates the Feast of the Ascension On May 14, the AGBU Kamishli Women’s Guild organized its annual breakfast to celebrate the Feast of the Ascension at the AGBU Anahid Yacoubian Hall. The event drew 80 people for a homemade breakfast prepared by members with the goal of momentarily forgetting the hard- ship in their lives.

Aleppo, Syria AGBU Aleppo Celebrates the 60th Anniversary of the AGBU Lazar Najarian-Calouste Gulbenkian School On March 15, AGBU Aleppo held a celebration for the 60th anniversary of the founding of the AGBU Lazar Najarian-Calo- uste Gulbenkian School. The event was attended by current and former students and was comprised of an artistic program that included performances of pieces for voice, piano and violin as well as readings of works by Zahrad and Mıgırdiç Margosyan. The evening also included speeches by chairman of theAGBU Syria District Nerses Nersoyan, the current principal of the school, Kayané Tumbalian, and former principals Roupen Bog- hossian, Hagop Mikayelian and Avedis Bakkalian.

74 AGBU 2015 | www.agbu.org Stepanakert, Nagorno-Karabakh The AGBU Karabakh State Chamber Orchestra Tours the United States TheAGBU Karabakh State Chamber Orchestra, in coopera- tion with the International Competitions and Festivals and the Ministry of Culture and Youth Affairs of the Republic of Nagorno-Karabakh, gave two performances in the United States in March 2015. The first concert on March 13 took place at the Alex Theater in Los Angeles. On March 15, the orchestra gave another sold-out concert at the Boston Na- tional Heritage Museum, presenting pieces by Komitas, Sayat Nova, Eduard Mirzoyan and other prominent Arme- nian and non-Armenian composers. A reception in honor of the musicians and conductor Gevorg Muradyan was orga- nized by AGBU at the AGBU Center in Boston. Yerevan, Armenia AGBU Partners with MIT, the Ayb Educational Foundation and the Luys Foundation for Educational Program in Armenia On July 17, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), AGBU, the Ayb Educational Foundation and the Luys Foundation held a joint press conference at the Ayb School in Yerevan to discuss the MIT Global Teaching Lab program. Global Teaching Labs is a pilot sum- mer program designed to shape a new culture of learning in Armenia by introducing a different method of instruction. The Global Teaching Lab course began on June 22 and ended on July 31. The classes—held at the Ayb School—introduced 110 students from across Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh to emerging disciplines, such as neurocomputing, machine learning, and electricity and magnetism, and encouraged hand-on learning to bring theory into practice. During the course, 32 students from outside Yerevan were hosted by AGBU at the AGBU Vahe Karapetian Center where extracurricular activities were orga- nized each day. Beirut, Lebanon AGBU Lebanon Brings HARUR to Beirut Design Week On June 5, 2015, the AGBU Lebanon Cultural Committee and AGBU Young Professionals of Leb- anon (YP Lebanon), in collaboration with the Schiz- zo Design Art Gallery, held the opening night of HARUR, a design exhibition in honor of the cente- nary of the Armenian Genocide. HARUR is the first partnership between AGBU Lebanon and Beirut Design Week, a platform to network, share knowl- edge and showcase talent to strengthen creative econ- omies, develop entrepreneurship and promote Leba- non’s innovative culture. AGBU Lebanon shared with over 200 visitors the artwork of internationally re- nowned artists, such as Guvder, Bernard Khoury, Léda Keuchguérian, Delphine Gebrane Markarian, Sara Melki & Jean Paul Karajian, Vahram Najjar- Aghazarian and Raffi Tokatlian. The featured artists have donated the proceeds from the sale of their art- work to AGBU Lebanon to promote and support the chapter’s artistic projects. The exhibit has been ex- tended to June 26.

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Melbourne, Australia The AGBU Melbourne Hagop Baronian Theater Group Performs an Original Play On July 25, the AGBU Melbourne Hagop Baro- nian Theater Group staged a production of 100 Years Later, an original play by Berge Zeytuntsian. The play is a dramatization of a meeting between the grandsons of a Turkish official responsible for the orchestration of the Armenian Genocide and the grandson of the man who assassinates him. This play, staged in honor of the centenary of the Arme- nian Genocide, is a departure from the comedies the group typically performs. It was done in Arme- nian with the English translation projected on screen above the stage in order to make it accessible to a wider Australian audience.

S ydney, Australia AGBU Sydney Launches the Tamzara Armenian Folk Dance Group On May 23, AGBU Sydney held the official launch of the Tamzara Armenian Folk Dance Group with an event at the AGBU Com- munity Centre. The group, comprised of more than 30 members of the Sydney Armenian community, was formed with the goal of disseminating traditional folk dance in the Armenian diaspora and the wider Australian community and with the intent of deepening knowledge of and passion for Armenian culture among its members and audience.

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NEW NEW Modern for the Raffi: The Prophet from Payajuk Item Number: 016 $40.00 English-Speaking World Item Number: 014 $80.00 Raffi: The Prophet from Payajuk is the first Modern Western Armenian for the English-Speaking comprehensive English language biography World is an introductory, yet complete first-year of iconic Armenian writer Raffi (Hakob Melik course for adults in the English-speaking world. It —Hakobian). Featuring nearly 500 refer- is a handbook for both the prospective teacher and ences from 80 sources, author Murad A. the student of Armenian. However, the full guidance Meneshian spent a collective 10 years on given in this textbook will allow motivated learners this project.This is an account and analysis to use it for self-instruction as well. The book incorp- of the life and works of Raffi, describing orates the recent achievements of applied linguistics little-known aspects of the man, his times, into the instruction of Western Armenian. Although grammar is treated and his enduring significance in modern as an important aspect in mastering the language, other linguistic areas Armenian literary and political history. Raffi is considered the founder also receive attention. of the Eastern Armenianmodern language. He set the foundation for Armenian prose and developed the primitive, rough, and disorganized Author: Dora Sakayan language into the rich, gentle, and organized language of the nascent Publisher: Arod Books modern Armenian novel. He wrote in simple, clear, flexible, and vigorous Format: Paperback ashkharhabar. His style was elegant and lyrical; his works were beautiful, encouraging, and enchanting. He wrote enthralling novels and became the most ardent and zealous interpreter of Armenians’ bitter and anguished The Armenian Genocide, Evidence from the German experiences and the most skillful interpreter of the nation’s thoughts Foreign Office Archives, 1915-1916 and emotions. He instilled patriotic ideas in his readers and aroused their Item Number: 001 $90.00 national pride and bravery and inspired new hopes for a rebirth. He In 1915 the Armenians were exiled from their motivated and galvanized a generation and gave the Armenian people land, and in the process of deportation 1.5 personality and character. He was the greatest force behind Armenia’s million were killed. The 1915-1916 annihilation of emancipation and liberation from servitude and domination. He was the Armenians was the archetype of modem the apostle of freedom by revolution. He was a tireless advocate of his genocide, in which a state adopts a specific people’s freedom of thought and conscience. Raffi is the nation’s novelist. scheme geared to the destruction of an Author: Murad A. Meneshian identifiable group of its own citizens. Official Publisher: Mayreni Publishing German diplomatic documents are of great Format: Paperback importance in understanding the genocide, as only Germany had the right to report day-by-day in secret code about the ongoing genocide. The motives, methods and after-effects of the Armenian Genocide echoed strongly in The Knock at the Door: A Journey Through the subsequent cases of state-sponsored genocide. Studying the factors that Darkness of the Armenian Genocide Item Number: 303 $20.00 went into the Armenian Genocide not only gives us an understand- ing of historical genocide, but also provides us with crucial information In this riveting book, Ajemian Ahnert relates for the anticipation and possible prevention of future genocides. her mother Ester’s terrifying experiences Wolfgang Gust is an independent scholar based in Germany. For during this period of hatred and brutality. At many years he was Foreign News Editor and Correspondent with the highly age 15, Ester was separated from her foster respected German news magazine Der Spiegel. He is the author of two family during a forced march away from her previous books about the Armenian Genocide and the Ottoman Empire, as birth town of Amasia. She faced unspeakable well as several articles related to the subject. horrors at the hands of many she met on the “Wolfgang Gust documents, in this excellent political-historical edition road and was forced into an abusive marriage, from contemporary German sources and the Foreign Office of the Reich but she never lost her faith, wit or ability to see government, the murderous events themselves…as well as the political the good in people. Eventually, she escaped co-responsibility of the German state.”—Forum Wissenschaft and made her way to America. Compiled by: Wolfgang Gust Author: Margaret Ajemian Ahnert Publisher: Berghahn Books Publisher: Beaufort Books Format: Hardcover Format: Hardcover

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NEW Shirak’s Dictionary of Armenian Names Magical Item Number: 243 $20.00 Item Number: 015 $39.95 A name is the first priceless gift that parents bestow With this wonderful talking Aypupen (Armenian on their newborn. This dictionary contains 1,500 Alphabet), it is possible to easily and quickly learn names, including the origin and meaning of each, to read, write and pronounce the letters of the Arm- complete with nicknames and variations. enian Alphabet. Teaches the Armenian alphabet in Author: Ohannes Hannessian Western Armenian. Children could press on each Publisher: Shirak Publishing letter, which sounds out the letter in Armenian, Format: Paperback along with a word and a sound effect. Excellent way for children to become familiar with the Armenian alphabet. Author: Samuel Hovhannesyan NEW Publisher: Abril Publishing On the Monster’s Back Format: Boardbook Item Number: 018 $25.00 In 1908, a twelve-year-old Armenian boy and his mother find themselves the only members of their Armenian Coloring Book family left in Turkey after the others are smuggled Item Number: 296 $14.00 away to America. The two are in the city of Smyrna Read, write and learn Armenian while coloring and and watch horrified as events build toward hundreds learning the language and its pronunciation. of thousands of their fellow Armenians being caught Author: Taline Najarian up in the genocidal events unfolding. Publisher: Playpen LLC By 1915, the Turkish government has ordered the Format: Paperback elimination or deportation of all Armenians. From a nightmare dream, Souren, now nineteen, realizes that his only chance of survival is by deception of the corrupt government and military—the monster in his nightmare. As long as he remains on the monster’s back it cannot devour The Armenian Genocide him. His amazing journey leads him through a series of audaciously Item Number: 1015 $30.00 creative deceptions and daring escapes until he finds protection as a trusted The complete story of the first genocide of the aide to a German general—for a time. 20th century-the story of the deaths of over one Based on the personal memoirs of Souren Barkev Tahsjian and years of million Armenians at the hands of the Ottoman conversation with the author, On the Monster’s Back is a stirring story of Turks during . This unprecedented courage, devotion, wit, and survival that also illuminates the parallels between and powerful one-hour documentary was written, that one-hundred-year-old tragedy in Turkey and present-day events. directed and produced by Emmy Award-winning Author: Robert D. Lamson producer Andrew Goldberg of Two Cats Prod- Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform uctions in association with Oregon Public Broad- Format: Paperback casting. The Armenian Genocide is narrated by Julianna Margulies and features extensive, never before-seen footage. Artist: Andrew Goldberg Producer: Two Cat Productions Flavors with History: Item Number: 301 $25.00 Format: DVD Recipes collected from various Armenian regions and towns in , Armenia proper and Nagorno-Karabakh: Treasured Armenian Recipes Van, Erzurum, Mush, Aintab, Urfa, Adana, Item Number: 101 $20.00 Gyumri, Etchmiadzin, Yerevan, etc. Arranged according to categories, from appetizers to Author: AGBU Buenos Aires Ladies Committee desserts, these recipes will conjure up memories for Publisher: AGBU many and awaken others to the pleasures of Armenian Format: Paperback cooking. Author: AGBU Detroit Women’s Chapter Publisher: AGBU Format: Paperback

78 AGBU 2015 | www.agbu.org NEW My First Book of Armenian Words Operation Nemesis—The Assassination Plot that Item Number: 259 $18.00 Avenged the Armenian Genocide A wonderful way for children to learn Armenian. Colorful Item Number: 012 $15.00 pictures accompany each word with English, Armenian In 1921, a tightly knit band of killers set out to and English transliteration letters. avenge the deaths of almost one million victims Author: Ani Gigarjian of the Armenian Genocide. They were a Publisher: Gigarjian/Avedikian Publishers humble bunch: an accountant, a life insurance Format: Paperback salesman, a newspaper editor, an engineering student, and a diplomat. Together they formed one of the most effective assassination NEW squads in history. They named their operation Nemesis, after the Greek goddess of retribu- Portraits of Survival—Armenians of Bourj Hammoud Item Number: 008 $30.00 tion. The assassins were survivors, men defined by the massive tragedy that had devastated their people. With Bourj Hammoud in northeast Beirut is home operatives on three continents, the Nemesis team killed six major Turkish to a close-knit, vibrant Armenian commu- leaders in Berlin, Constantinople, Tiflis, and Rome, only to disband and nity of shopkeepers, craftspeople and artists, suddenly disappear. The story of this secret operation has never been fully young and old, a thriving combination of told, until now. modern commerce and traditional trades. In Eric Bogosian goes beyond simply telling the story of this cadre of less than a century the area has transformed Armenian assassins by setting the killings in the context of Ottoman and itself from a tent city of refugees—the Arm- Armenian history, as well as showing in vivid color the era’s history, rife enians who fled Turkey in 1915 and began with political fighting and massacres. Casting fresh light on one of the great flocking here in the 1920s—to a bustling urban crimes of the twentieth century and one of history's most remarkable economic center. acts of vengeance, Bogosian draws upon years of research and newly It is here that Ariane Delacampagne, a photographer of Armenian uncovered evidence. Operation Nemesis is the result—both a riveting read descent, chose to focus her lens. She spent years developing close and a profound examination of evil, revenge, and the costs of violence. connections to the remarkable people working and living here: the tailors and cobblers, embroiderers and clockmakers, jewelers and gem cutters, Author: Eric Bogosian and the families. The result is an unforgettable portrait of the spirit and Publisher: Hachette Book Group courage, the enterprise and heritage, which forms the soul of Bourj Format: Hardcover Hammoud. Ariane Ateshian Delacampagne is a photographer of Armenian descent NEW who was born in Lebanon. Her work on the Armenian community of Bourj Hammoud has been the focus of solo exhibitions in Barcelona (2007), Seeroon Darer—Armenian Ornate Initials Beirut (2010), and Paris (2011). She currently lives and works in New York. Item Number: 013 $125.00 Author: Ariane Delacampagne Seeroon Darer is the culmination Publisher: Somogy Editions d’Art of tireless work and a true labor Format: Hardcover of love by contemporary artist Seeroon Yeretzian. Borne onto the pages of Armenian illuminated NEW manuscripts during the Middle Ages, the Armenian ornate ini- The Forty Days of Musa Dagh Item Number: 313 $25.00 tials come to life once again in the 21st century through Yeretzian’s hand. This book presents a once-in-a- It is 1915 and the ottoman authorities have begun a lifetime accomplishment dedicated to revealing the intrinsic beauty of systematic policy of extermination against their own these mystical letters. Open the covers of Seeroon Darer to find a subjects, the Armenians. One man leads 5,000 villagers treasure of aesthetic expression, rich colors and majestic elegance with to the mountain Musa Dagh to fight and resist the over 850 Armenian ornate initials, 248 of which are original designs by onslaught. the artist herself, all accompanied by illuminations, ornamentations and “A true and thrilling novel…of the plight of the Armenians poignant insights. under the Turks.”—The New York Times Author: Seeroon Yeretzian Author: Franz Werfel Publisher: Abril Publishing Publisher: Carroll & Graf Format: Hardcover Format: Paperback

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NEW The Armenian Genocide: A Complete History Item Number: 304 $70.00 Historic Armenia After 100 Years The Armenian Genocide was one of the greatest Item Number: 010 $40.00 atrocities of the twentieth century, an episode In the groundbreaking new book in which up to 1.5 million Armenians lost their Historic Armenia After 100 Years, lives. In this major new history, renowned histor- author Matthew Karanian cele- ian Raymond Kévorkian provides an authoritative brates the Armenia that has account of the origins, events, and consequences avoided destruction: its monu- of the years 1915 and 1916. This is also a geo- ments, churches, and people—the graphical account of the genocide, documenting who have per- its course region by region, including a complete severed in the face of persecution. account of the deportations and massacres Historic Armenia After 100 Years shines a light on the Western Armenia that that occurred. He considers the role that the Armenian Genocide played defies eradication, and leads us on a journey of rediscovery. For the first in the construction of the Turkish nation-state and identity, as well as the time since the Armenian Genocide, the cultural wealth of the Armenian ideologies of power, rule, and state violence. He examines the conse- nation in Western Armenia is presented in one readable and beautifully quences of the violence against the Armenians and attempts to bring those illustrated volume. This book will guide you to the history and culture of who committed the atrocities to justice. the ancient Armenian homeland—whether you intend to travel there in Author: Raymond Kévorkian person, or only through the pages of this book. Historic Armenia After 100 Publisher: I. B. Tauris Years is the product of several years of research and photography. The Format: Hardcover book’s 176 pages are illustrated with 125 color photographs and maps, including antique photos from one century ago. Author: Matthew Karanian Publisher: Stone Garden Press Stories My Father Never Finished Telling Me: Living Format: Perfect Paperback with the Armenian Legacy of Loss and Silence Item Number: 008 $16.00 Stories My Father Never Finished Telling Me NEW recounts author Douglas Kalajian’s lifelong attempts to overcome his father’s reluctance to Daylight After a Century Item Number: 011 $30.00 speak about his life as a survivor of the Armenian Genocide. In piecing together the scattered bits Dr. George Djerdjian (1870-1947), grand- his father reluctantly shared, Kalajian reflects on father of the writer, took 240 photographs how his father’s silence affected his own life of his hometown of Arabkir and his college and his identity as an American of Armenian town of Erzeroum between 1900 and 1907, descent. Kalajian is a retired journalist who of which only about 100 survive. These worked as an editor and writer for the Palm Beach photographs capture the way of life of a Post and the Miami Herald. He is author of the nonfiction book Snow people that within a decade would become Blind and co-author of They Had No Voice: My Fight For Alabama’s extinct in Anatolia, their homeland for over Forgotten Children. 3,000 years. The photographs are varied and have been arranged under separate Compiled by: Douglas Kalajian headings, such as water, land, people, Publisher: 8220 Press churches, schools, economic life, social life, and political life. For over Format: Paperback a century, these photographs were stored in a grey steel box, which migrated from Arabkir to Alexandria, Egypt, where it stayed for almost 50 years. Then it moved with descendants to Khartoum, Sudan, where it stayed English/Armenian Pocket Dictionary for 20 years, then onto London, England for 30 years, and then to Washington Item Number: 150 $10.00 DC for about 10 years. Now this collection of photographs has finally The ultimate pocket dictionary for those travelling to been exposed to daylight after a century of darkness. Armenia. Includes list of pronunciations and abbreviations. Author: George Jerjian 280 pages. Publisher: Pen & Ivy Author: Haitook Mansoorian, Hrair Simonian Format: Hard Cover Publisher: AGBU Format: Paperback

80 AGBU 2015 | www.agbu.org NEW The Grandchildren—The Hidden Legacy of “Lost” There is Only the Earth Item Number: 005 $45.00 Item Number: 017 $40.00 The Grandchildren is a collection of intimate, The story of the Armenians has always been one harrowing testimonies by grandchildren and of upheaval. For the past three thousand years, great-grandchildren of Turkey’s “forgotten Armen- waves of immigrants left their homes—following ians”—the orphans adopted and Islamized by ancient trade and pilgrimage routes, driven out Muslims after the Armenian genocide. Through by the 1915 Armenian Genocide, and fleeing them we learn of the tortuous routes by which countless wars, revolutions, and massacres. they came to terms with the painful stories of Despite this history of exile, today’s Armenian their grandparents and their own identity. The diaspora is strong and vibrant—with over eight postscript offers a historical overview of the million Armenians living in more than eighty-five silence about Islamized Armenians in most histories of the genocide. countries across the globe. The story of these survivors, however, has When Fethiye Çetin first published her groundbreaking memoir in Turkey, been largely untold. Until now. With more than 160 photographs, this My Grandmother, she spoke of her grandmother’s hidden Armenian book is a beautiful and loving portrait of the global Armenian community identity. The book sparked a conversation among Turks about the fate of captured in joyful detail by an exceptional photographer—highlighting this the Ottoman Armenians in Anatolia in 1915. This resulted in an explosion ancient community’s strength, versatility, and ability to survive. of debate on Islamized Armenians and their legacy in contemporary Author: Scout Tufankjian Muslim families. Publisher: Melcher Media, SLP Edition The Grandchildren (translated from Turkish by Maureen Freely) is Format: Hardcover a follow-up to My Grandmother, and is an important contribution to understanding survival during atrocity. As witnesses to a dark chapter of history, the grandchildren of these survivors cast new light on the workings NEW of memory in coming to terms with difficult pasts. Armenian Pillow Covers Author: Fethiye Çetin and Ays e Gül Altınay Item Number: Art 2e $48.00 Publisher: Transaction Publishers Custom monogram throw pillow in Arm- Format: Hardcover enian. This pillow design is a silver paisley print adorned with a silver monogram. It’s easy and simple to personalize your own pillow for The Gardens of Silihdar a special person in your life. Time to snuggle Item Number: 004 $20.00 up on your favorite chair, grab a book and From her earliest years until her tragic enjoy your personalized pillow. Born on death, Zabel Yessayan championed social Bowery handcrafts each piece in New York, justice and women’s rights. Even as a using beautiful fabrics and accents. Your choice of monogrammed young woman, she fought against the Armenian letter (one capital letter per pillow). For other beautiful designs, injustices she saw at school, refused to visit our website. accept the restrictions placed on girls in her Manufacturer: Born on Bowery community, and demonstrated a fierce Size: 16"x16" (fits pillow insert up to 18"x18") determination to succeed in the literary world at a time when few women were allowed entry. Yessayan authored several novels, short stories, newspaper articles The Recipes of Musa Dagh Item Number: 300 $20.00 an eyewitness account of the aftermath of the 1909 massacres of the Armenians. Her 1935 memoir, The Gardens The Armenian villages of Musa Dagh (Mount Moses) of Silihdar, is a poignant narrative of her childhood and a vivid account of were among the very few that resisted the 1915 Ottoman Armenian community life in Constantinople (Istanbul) at the end of the forced marches. Victoria Magzanian was 9 years old nineteenth century. Author, educator, and social activist, Zabel Yessayan when she climbed the mountain. These are the recipes (1878-1943) is recognized today as one of the greatest writers in Western of Victoria who ultimately survived and learned the . cooking of her beloved Musa Dagh homeland. Her daughter Anna eagerly learned her mother’s recipes over the many years Author: Zabel Yessayan they lived together. Publisher: Armenian International Women’s Association Format: Paperback Author: Alberta, Anna and Louisa Magazanian Publisher: AGBU Format: Paperback

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Item Number: 1030 Item Number: 1030-A Item Number: 1030-B Item Number: 1030-C Item Number: 1030-D

Taline: The Complete Collection Kids love Taline, as all Armenian parents know. Now you can get the complete collection of all five DVDs at the incredible $75.00 price of $75 or buy them separate at the price of $25 each. Running time: 45 minutes each. or ach ollection Artist: Taline & Friends E e C Producer: Taline Productions ntir E Format: DVD $25.00for

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