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Volume LXXXXI, NO. 42, Issue 4684 MAY 8, 2021 $2.00 Rep. Kazarian Is Artsakh Toun Proposes Housing Solution Passionate about For 2020 Artsakh War Refugees Public Service By Harry Kezelian By Aram Arkun Mirror-Spectator Staff Mirror-Spectator Staff EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. — BRUSSELS — One of the major results Katherine Kazarian was elected of the Artsakh War of 2020, along with the Majority Whip of the Rhode Island loss of territory in Artsakh, is the dislocation State House in January, but she’s no of tens of thousands of Armenians who have stranger to politics. The 30-year-old lost their homes. Their ability to remain in Rhode Island native was first elected Artsakh is in question and the time remain- to the legislative body 8 years ago ing to solve this problem is limited. Artsakh straight out of college at age 22. Toun is a project which offers a solution. Kazarian is a fighter for her home- The approach was developed by four peo- town of East Providence and her Ar- ple, architects and menian community in Rhode Island urban planners and around the world. And despite Movses Der Kev- the partisan rancor of the last several orkian and Sevag years, she still loves politics. Asryan, project “It’s awesome, it’s a lot of work, manager and co- but I do love the job. And we have ordinator Grego- a great new leadership team at the ry Guerguerian, in urban planning, architecture, renovation Khanumyan estimated that there are State House.” and businessman and construction site management in Arme- around 40,000 displaced people willing to Kazarian was unanimously elect- and philanthropist nia, Belgium and Lebanon. He exclaimed, come back, which means roughly 7,000 fam- ed Majority Whip, the third highest James Tufenkian. “we are facing “We should realize that we are facing a ilies needing 7,000 homes. Der Kevorkian a humanitarian humanitarian catastrophe. We are not sure The Project and Guerguerian catastrophe. that people realize this.” He observed that Guerguerian, born and raised in Par- are based in Brus- We are not sure recently, when going to the office of Hayk is, moved to Belgium four years ago. He sels, Belgium, that people Khanumyan, Minister of Territorial Admin- worked for many years in the field of infor- Asryan in Step- realize this.” istration and Infrastructure of the Republic mation technology before going to Indonesia anakert, Artsakh of Artsakh for a meeting, the building was in 2012 and opening a series of French bak- Movses Der Kevorkian empty early in the morning. However, when and Tufenkian in ery/cafes, for which he continues to work as he opened the door to leave sometime before the United States. noon, the corridor was full of people from sales and marketing manager. The 42-year- Der Kevorkian, born in Lebanon, is the Shushi, Hadrut, Kashatagh, Karvajar and old also has been volunteering for vari- founder of Sill and Sound architects in Bel- all over Artsakh, all desperate for houses or ous Armenian projects since the age of 19. gium and has over 15 years of experience places to stay. Their needs are immediate. see HOUSING, page 5 position in the legislature, this year when there was a change in lead- ership. The Rhode Island House Nora Azadian: Celebrating an Speaker lost his election and a new speaker needed to be chosen from Artist’s Purposeful Life within the body’s membership. K. DETROIT — Nora Azadian always wondered why nature did not fashion the life of hu- Joseph Shekarchi (D-Warwick) mans as it did that of trees, which lose their foliage in the fall and are revived in the spring. was elected Speaker on a bill that This year, once again, the trees are in full bloom, but now without Nora, who passed away included Christopher Blazejewski on April 29. (D-Providence) as Majority Lead- Nora was one of the rare types who er and Katherine Kazarian (D-East was fully content with her life. She was Providence) as Majority Whip. full of a creative spirit and expressed that Nora Azadian Laid to Rest “I was in a sweet spot where I creativity in many ways. Even her ordi- have been in the House for eight DETROIT — Nora Ipekian Azadian nary daily life brimmed with nobility and years, and we’ve seen young peo- passed away in her sleep on April 29. grace. ple run for office, and they wanted She is survived by her husband Edmond She always claimed that in life she someone young and more women in Y. Azadian and son Gerald Papasian. had received everything she had wished the leadership team,” she said. Nora Azadian with her portrait of Visitation was on Tuesday, May 4, with for and never envied others for status or Kazarian fit the bill: not only is a poetess from Armenia (1968) a Dan Gark Service at St. John Armenian material goods and never asked for more she young and female, but since she Church. than she had. That is why she thought she has been a member of the legislature The funeral was on Wednesday, May 5. lived her life the way she wanted, full of for eight years, she has valued expe- In lieu of flower donations are desig- enthusiasm and vivacity. rience that other young lawmakers nated to: Tekeyan Cultural Association, She looked upon death stoically and may lack. “Sponsor a Teacher Program” 755 Mt. philosophically. She courageously faced “They liked my style of working Auburn St., Watertown, MA 02472. the finality of human life and peacefully with others,” Kazarian said. “I was https://givebutter.com/DrFm0n made the transition. unanimously elected by the Demo- see AZADIAN, page 10 crat members — the Whip is a party position — and it felt good.” see KAZARIAN, page 20

YEREVAN DETROIT BOSTON Armenians Forward Sisters Publish Peace of Art Together Forum Preschool Responds to Armenian President Biden Alphabet Book Page 3 Page 12 Page 7 2 SATURDAY, MAY 8, 2021 ARMENIAN MIRROR-SPECTATOR

ARMENIA NEWS from ARMENIA Two More Russian 2021 Aurora Humanitarians Announced YEREVAN — The Aurora Humani- tions, empower survivors of gender-based will be added to the manuscript as well. Military Sites Set up in tarian Initiative on April 24 revealed the violence and reintegrate internally dis- A special ceremony took place at the Armenia’s South names of five 2021 Aurora Humanitari- placed persons: Fund for Congolese Wom- Matenadaran, the national repository of YEREVAN (PanARMENIAN. ans, chosen by the Aurora Prize Selection en, League for Congolese Solidarity and ancient manuscripts, located in Yerevan, Net) — The Russian military has Committee for their courage, commitment Association of Mothers for Development Armenia. Among around 23,000 ancient set up two new military sites in the and impact. The announcement was made and Peace. manuscripts preserved, studied and re- south of Armenia near the border at the Matenadaran, the national repository Ashwaq Moharram (Yemen), a physi- stored in Matenadaran, the Chronicles of with Azerbaijan as an “additional of ancient manuscripts located in Yerevan, cian who provides life-saving support to Aurora is the only one that was created in security guarantee” both for the Armenia. During this special event, the at- the starving population of Hodeida, fac- the 21st century and crafted according to province of Syunik and the country tendees also paid tribute to the great schol- ing a humanitarian crisis in the aftermath the ancient Armenian traditions by using as a whole, acting Prime Minister ar and philanthropist Vartan Gregorian, of conflict and blockade. Dr. Moharram only natural materials, as it has been done Nikol Pashinyan told lawmakers Co-Founder of the Aurora Humanitarian has nominated two organizations that pro- for centuries. on Monday, May 3. Initiative and member of the Aurora Prize tect the future of children and provide free “This is like creating a new history. “It’s no secret that two strong- Selection Committee, who earlier. In ac- healthcare services to the people affected When we just presented the manuscript, it holds of the 102nd Russian military cordance with the tradition, the names of by the ongoing conflict in Yemen: Save the seemed to be about modern days, but time base were established in the Syunik the 2021 Aurora Humanitarians have been Children and Doctors Without Borders. passes, and with every year, this becomes province,” Pashinyan said. inscribed in the Chronicles of Aurora, a “It is a great honor to have the opportuni- history. There is no doubt that the value “This is an additional security unique 21st century manuscript containing ty to recognize these distinguished men and of this manuscript will only increase with guarantee not only for the Syunik the depictions of the Aurora Humanitarian region but for Armenia.”France- Initiative activities. Group 5-8 One of the Humanitarians will become the 2021 Aurora Prize Laureate and will re- ceive an opportunity to continue the cycle Karabakh’s Secure of giving by sharing a $1,000,000 award Existence within with the organizations that help people in need. The 2021 Aurora Humanitarians are: Azerbaijan Impossible, Grégoire Ahongbonon (Côte d’Ivoire), Says Mirzoyan founder of the St Camille Association, YEREVAN (PanARMENIAN. which helps people in West Africa suffer- Net) — The secure existence of ing from mental illness and seeks to end the the Armenians of Artsakh (Na- inhumane local practice of keeping them in gorno-Karabakh) within Azerbai- chains. Mr. Ahongbonon has nominated jan is impossible, and the world three organizations that promote interna- should recognize their right to tional solidarity and support people with self-determination, speaker of the intellectual disabilities and mental illness- Armenian National Assembly Ara- es: CRÉDIL (Lanaudière’s Regional Com- rat Mirzoyan said on Tuesday, May mittee on Education for International De- velopment), L’Arche Canada Foundation, 4. Lord Ara Darzi, left, and Ruben Vardanyan at the Matenadaran According to Mirzoyan, barbar- and St Camille Association. ity towards Armenian captives be- Ruby Alba Castaño (Colombia), a hu- ing held in Azerbaijan, as well as man rights activist and founder of ASO- women from all over the world. The 2021 time,” said Vahan Ter-Ghevondyan, direc- the opening of the “disgraceful” CATDAME (Meta Association for Peas- Aurora Humanitarians are individuals who tor of the Matenadaran. trophy park in Baku are evidence ants, Rural Workers and Defenders of the truly believe in the basic human rights and “The generational change is symbolic of of Azerbaijan’s position. Environment) who works to protect the have dedicated their lives to helping peo- this unique manuscript and the whole cere- The speaker said fighting for the rights of thousands of Colombian peasants ple in areas of adversity. They are also rec- mony. And this should remain continuous, recognition of Artsakh’s right to that are subjected to persecution, forced ognized for the huge impact that even one manifesting as proof of a prosperous life self-determination is the policy disappearances and displacement. Ms. individual can have by helping thousands and not just survival of a nation or a family. that the Republic of Armenia will Castaño has nominated three organizations and, most importantly, inspiring millions at Once the connection between generations continue to pursue. “We shall work that advocate for the rights of the peasant the same time,” said Lord Ara Darzi, Chair is interrupted, anything can happen to us,” closely in this direction with our in- and impoverished communities in Colom- of the Aurora Prize Selection Committee. noted Marine Ales, Chair of the Aurora Hu- ternational colleagues,” he added. bia: ASOCATDAME, Claretian Corpora- “The outstanding accomplishments of manitarian Initiative Creative Council. tion Norman Pérez Bello (CCNPB), and the 2021 Aurora Humanitarians show their The Chronicles of Aurora was first pre- National Federation of Agricultural Unions unyielding willingness to act in response to sented on April 24, 2018, opening a new President Receives (FENSUAGRO). the needs of people around them. Aurora page in the written story of universal human French Parliamentary Paul Farmer (USA), a medical anthropol- believes deeply in the power of humanity values. Three years later, the Matenadaran ogist, professor at Harvard Medical School, to improve and save lives and has come ceremony was held without Co-Founder Delegation co-founder and chief strategist of Partners up with the concept of “Gratitude in Ac- of the Aurora Humanitarian Initiative and YEREVAN (Armenpress) — In Health (PIH), an international non-prof- tion” that describes the human spirit that Aurora Prize Selection Committee member President of Armenia Armen Sark- it organization that brings the benefits of can motivate humanitarian activism. The Vartan Gregorian for the first time, as he issian received a French parliamen- modern medical science to those who need heroes we are honoring today are the role has recently passed away. tary delegation led by Guy Teissier, it the most. Dr. Farmer has nominated two models the world needs now more than “I was honored to be part of the Aurora vice-president of the French Na- organizations that deliver healthcare to the ever before,” noted Marguerite Baranki- Humanitarians’ selection process together tional Assembly’s Armenia-France world’s poorest communities and build a tse, founder of Maison Shalom and REMA with Vartan Gregorian. He studied every Friendship Group and Chairman global movement of social medicine edu- Hospital and the inaugural Aurora Prize nomination very carefully and would al- of the France-Artsakh Friendship cators and practitioners: Partners In Health Laureate. ways repeat, that everyone deserves to be Caucus, on April 28. and Equal Health. At the event, the Aurora Humanitari- called an Aurora Humanitarian and de- The delegation consisted of Sen- Julienne Lusenge (Democratic Republic an Initiative also officially announced the serves the Prize,” recalled Lord Ara Darzi, ator, Vice-President of the French of the Congo), a human rights defender, opening of the nomination period for the Chair of the Aurora Prize Selection Com- Senate’s Armenia-France Friend- co-founder of Women’s Solidarity for In- 2022 Aurora Prize and encouraged every- mittee. ship Group and Founding Member clusive Peace and Development (SOFE- one to put forward inspiring modern-day “Today is a historic day for all of us, as of the France-Artsakh Friendship PADI) and Fund for Congolese Women heroes. Earlier that day, Aurora represen- the Aurora Humanitarian Initiative trans- Caucus Valérie Boyer, MPs Jac- (FFC), who has been helping the victims tatives had commemorated the Armenian forms the tragic experience with its mission queline Dubois, Francois Pupponi of wartime sexual violence for years. Ms. Genocide by attending a flower-laying cer- and vision of Gratitude in Action, honoring and Xavier Breton. Lusenge has nominated three organizations emony at the Tsitsernakaberd memorial in those who save lives today, like all the hu- “I am glad for your visit to Ar- that support grassroots women’s organiza- Yerevan, Armenia, dedicated to the victims manitarians that saved Armenians a cen- menia and Artsakh, and I am dou- of the first genocide of the 20th century. tury ago. Today, for the first time, Vartan bly happy and know that you are Gregorian, a friend of ours and Co-Founder the good friends of Armenia,” the CORRECTION Chronicles of Aurora: Inscription of the Aurora, is not present with us. Un- Armenian President said while Ceremony at Matenadaran fortunately, we have to inscribe this loss in Because of an editing error the welcoming the guests at the Pres- The names of the Aurora Humanitarians the Chronicles of Aurora, too,” said Ruben name of the publication that orig- idential Palace. of the year were inscribed in the Chroni- Vardanyan, lamenting the loss of the great inally carried the commentary by Teissier, in turn, stated that he cles of Aurora, a unique 21st century man- scholar and philanthropist and an outstand- Peter Balakian in last week’s paper, and his colleagues have long been uscript containing the depictions of the ing Armenian-American humanitarian Var- “To Armenians, Biden’s Recognition the friends of Armenia and Art- Aurora Humanitarian Initiative activities, tan Gregorian. of the Genocide Means the World,” sakh, and noted that their number featuring the stories of the Aurora Human- The Chronicles of Aurora will be on dis- was left out. The piece originally ap- could be much more because Ar- itarians and Laureates, and reflecting the play and accessible to the public only for peared in the Washington Post. menia has many friends in France. Aurora Prize impact. Later this year, the a month, till May 24, at the Old Printed name of the 2021 Aurora Prize Laureate Books’ Hall at the Matenadaran. SATURDAY, MAY 8, 2021 ARMENIAN MIRROR-SPECTATOR 3

ARMENIA 19 Armenian Prisoners of War, Civilians, Tortured and Killed YEREVAN (PanARMENIAN.Net, RFE/ which on the one hand is connected with RL) — At least 19 of the hundreds of Ar- the April 24 [anniversary of the Armenian menian civilians and servicemen who were genocide] and on the other the fact that there taken captive by Azerbaijan during mili- is no progress on Armenian prisoners and tary hostilities in Artsakh (Nagorno-Kara- other issues,” he said. bakh), have been tortured and killed, which Russia, France and the United States have amounts to a war crime, according to the de- long been spearheading international efforts fenders of the rights of Armenian captives in to end the Karabakh conflict in their capacity the European Court of Human Rights, Artak as co-chairs of the Organization for Security Zeynalyan and Siranush Sahakyan. Four of and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Minsk them were women. Group. Moscow single-handedly stopped Civilians captured and killed by Azer- the autumn war over the disputed territo- baijan are: Eduard Shahgeldyan, Arsen ry with an Armenian-Azerbaijani ceasefire Gharakhanyan, Benik Hakobyan, Elena deal brokered by Putin on November 9. Hakobyan, Serzhik Vardanyan, Ella Var- “The objective is to step up the work danyan, Genadi Petrosyan, Yurik Asryan, of the OSCE Minsk Group,” said Lacote. Misha Movsisyan, Anahit Movsisyan, Nina “Russia is obviously part of this process Poster for a youth education related forum by Armenians Forward Together Davtyan and Misha Melkumyan. because Moscow is present in Karabakh, The servicemen captured and killed by and the objective is the resumption of a po- Azerbaijan are: Erik Mkhitaryan, Gagik litical process so that issues that were not Mkrtchyan, Arayik Poghosyan, Vardges settled by the November 9 document are Armenians Forward Together Forum Ghazaryan, Yuri Adamyan, Arthur Manve- discussed.” lyan and Narek Babayan. “We have a ceasefire, which is an import- By Tamara Babaian The lawyers said they have applied to ant achievement, but there are also many YEREVAN — Armenians Forward Together is a Forum that will take place in the European Court of Human Rights in unresolved issues that need to be addressed Yerevan, Armenia this year on August 12-14 in the Ibis Hotel located in the center connection with the torture and murder of in the Minsk Group format,” the envoy of the capital. Barring COVID-related emergencies, and with full commitment to prisoners of war and detained persons. Ac- stressed, adding that the unconditional re- health and safety, the forum will take place in-person with some virtual partic- cording to them, Armenian civilians and lease of the Armenian prisoners is one of ipation. The purpose of the forum is to facilitate all-Armenian collaboration in prisoners of war were being captured both them. strengthening and development of our Motherland. during and after the war, unleashed by Azer- The Kremlin reported earlier this week The idea of the Armenians Forward Together Forum originated in the immediate baijan in September 2020. that Putin and Macron “reviewed the devel- aftermath of the Artsakh war of 2020, when it became obvious that many people The European Union said on April 28 that opments around Nagorno-Karabakh.” in the diaspora are looking for ways to get involved in the rebuilding and develop- all remaining Armenian captives must be set “The parties expressed mutual readiness ment of Armenia and Artsakh. For our generation, the challenges facing our nation free “as soon as possible” and “regardless of for coordination on various aspects of the have never been greater. Financial contributions notwithstanding, many Armenians the circumstances of their arrest.” Nagorno-Karabakh settlement, including living abroad wish to put their knowledge and skills towards some worthy cause, France has joined international efforts to through the OSCE Minsk Group,” it said in working together with our compatriots in Armenia and Artsakh. Yet, for many of us secure the release of Armenian soldiers and a statement. there is no clear way to go about it. While there are a great number of organizations civilians remaining in Azerbaijani captivity, The truce agreement calls for the release and individuals selflessly and quietly doing amazing work in Armenia and from the French ambassador to Armenia, Jona- of all prisoners held by the conflicting abroad, it is, however, far from obvious how an individual can learn about their pri- than Lacote, said on April 30. sides. A total of 69 Armenian prisoners of orities and needs, and how Lacote said the issue was on the agenda war (POWs) and civilians have been freed to partner with these orga- of French President Emmanuel Macron’s to date. More than 100 others are believed nizations. This is the need April 26 phone call with Russian President to remain in Azerbaijani captivity. Baku is that the forum is aiming to Vladimir Putin. reluctant to repatriate them, having branded address. “There is an intensification of processes, them as “terrorists.” To give participants the opportunity to find a proj- ect in which they choose to be involved, the forum will include a day of short Armenian Army Chief Visits Moscow presentations by organi- MOSCOW (RFE/RL) — Armenia’s and for a second time in as many weeks. zations, describing their Russia’s top army generals have met in According to the Defense Ministry in Ye- work and outlining their Moscow for talks highlighting high-level revan, Shoigu and Davtyan discussed Rus- plans for involving new military contacts between the two states sia’s ongoing peacekeeping operation in members. Presenting organizations that have already committed their participation that have intensified after last year’s war in Karabakh, activities of a joint Russian-Ar- come from a variety of domains: healthcare, education, community development, Nagorno-Karabakh. menian military contingent and “the main and others. The Armenian Defense Ministry said on directions of large-scale reforms” of the The second type of event that will be held at the forum is a thematic workshop, Friday, April 30, that Lieutenant-General Armenian army launched after the war. which is an opportunity for the workshop organizers and participants to define Artak Davtyan discussed with his Russian Harutyunyan also discussed the reforms their own goals and plans together. For example, one of the currently proposed opposite number, General Valery Gerasi- with Gerasimov in a March 23 phone call. workshops is aiming to define new ways of providing educational and mentorship mov, “a number of issues of bilateral mil- The minister’s press office said they agreed opportunities to the youth living in Armenian regions. This workshop, titled “De- that a high-ranking Russian delegation will livering Online and Offline Classes for Youth in Armenian Regions” is proposed visit Armenia soon for more detailed talks by the MEM Social-Educational Community Organization of Armenia. Another on the subject. workshop will address the problem of matching the needs of Armenian healthcare A delegation led by one of Gerasimov’s system with the resources that can be provided by the professional medical asso- deputies already held weeklong negotia- ciations and individuals from the diaspora. Our website has a list of workshops tions with the Armenian army’s top brass proposed so far, and it is being updated with new proposals regularly. in Yerevan in January. Harutyunyan said The forum organizing committee includes people with strong ties in Armenia afterwards that the talks were aimed at “as- and diaspora, experienced in volunteering in, creating and leading collaborative sisting us in the reform and modernization projects in different domains in science, technology, art, and education, within pro- Lieutenant-General Artak Davtyan (L), of Armenia’s armed forces.” fessional and philanthropic organizations. We are committed to helping each work- chief of the Armenian amy’s General Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said the shop reach and find people interested in advancing their goals. Staff, and his Russian counterpart Russian military is already providing such The philosophy behind the Forum s for it to be open and free, to activate the General Valery Gerasimov assistance when he spoke after meeting full potential of the expertise and good will in the diaspora and in Armenia. Only with Russian President in Moscow on April together we can conquer the many existential challenges faced by our nation today itary cooperation” during the meeting held 7. Pashinyan told Armenian lawmakers and in the nearest future. on Thursday. afterwards that the two sides are holding All interested individuals and organizations are invited to submit proposals for A short ministry statement gave no de- “quite productive discussions” on a possi- workshops or presentations, or to join one of the proposed workshops. The details tails of Davtyan’s trip to Moscow. The ble deployment of more Russian troops to and deadlines are described at our website (armeniansforward.org). To contact the Russian Defense Ministry issued no press Armenia and its southeastern Syunik prov- forum organizers, you can write an email to [email protected] or con- releases on the talks. ince in particular. nect with us through the https://armeniansforward.org/#contact. Our Facebook and The chief of the Armenian army’s Gen- Syunik borders Iran as well as districts Twitter pages provide updates regarding new workshops and other developments. eral Staff flew to the Russian capital five southwest of Nagorno-Karabakh which (Tamara Babaian, on behalf of the Armenians Forward Together Forum Organiz- days after Russian Defense Minister Ser- were retaken by Azerbaijan during and ers [https://armeniansforward.org/about#organizers]) gei Shoigu and his Armenian counterpart after a six-week war stopped by a Rus- Vagharshak Harutyunyan spoke by phone sian-brokered ceasefire on November 10. 4 SATURDAY, MAY 8, 2021 ARMENIAN MIRROR-SPECTATOR

INTERNATIONAL INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Lithuanian Foreign Minister Says Country China Sends Largest Batch of Supports Genocide Recognition During Azerbaijan Visit Vaccines Yet to Armenia YEREVAN (RFE/RL) — The Armenian sition lawmaker, Pashinyan pointedly speed up their vaccination campaign de- YEREVAN (Armenpress) — government kept encouraging people to refused to reveal the type of the vaccine spite a steady decrease in daily coronavirus Foreign Minister of Lithuania Ga- get vaccinated against COVID-19 after re- which was injected into him at a state-run cases reported by them over the past week. brielius Landsbergis announced in ceiving at the weekend 100,000 Baku on April 30 that his country doses of a vaccine donated by recognizes the Armenian Geno- China. cide, answering the question of The shipment of the Coro- a reporter following his meeting naVac jab manufactured by with Azerbaijani Foreign Minister the Chinese company Sinovac Ceyhun Bayramov. “The lessons marked the single largest batch of history are very difficult, partic- of a coronavirus vaccine airlift- ularly for those who were not part ed to Armenia so far. of it. We learn to understand the po- “Hard times reveal true sitions of the other side, look at the friends who join forces to fight history from their viewpoint and against the pandemic,” the Chi- put ourselves in their shoes. This nese Embassy in Yerevan said, process is time-consuming. Some announcing the shipment on Fri- processes are much easier than oth- day, April 30. ers. We saw that the US President Armenia received 24,000 dos- recognized a clear historical jus- es of AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 tice, like Lithuania has done,” the vaccine on March 28 and 43,000 foreign minister of Lithuania said. doses of Russia’s Sputnik V jab in the following weeks. Armenian and Chinese officials pose for a photograph at Yerevan’s Zvartnots airport after 121 MEPs Sign Letter The government’s vaccination the delivery of 100,000 doses of a Chinese coronavirus vaccine, May 1, 2021 campaign launched on April 13 Demanding Release of has attracted little public interest Armenian POWs so far. According to Health Minister Anahit medical center in Yerevan. “I can only say The Ministry of Health said on Monday Avanesyan, only about 3,000 Armenians that one of the deputy prime ministers was morning that only 145 people tested posi- STRASBOURG (PanARME- making up roughly 0.1 percent of the coun- vaccinated with AstraZeneca while the oth- tive for the coronavirus in the past day. NIAN.Net) — On May 4, 121 try’s population had received a first vaccine er will get Sputnik V,” he said. Members of the European Parlia- dose as of May 2. Many Armenians seem wary of getting ment signed a letter demanding the “We are calling on our fellow citizens to AstraZeneca shots because of recent re- release of Armenian prisoners of actively apply to polyclinics and get vac- ports linking the vaccine to a rare blood war “illegally being held in Azer- cinated,” Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan clotting disorder. Both Pashinyan and Ava- Paylan Files Criminal baijan for months,” Member of Eu- wrote on Facebook after he and his wife nesyan insisted last week that the risk of ropean Parliament François-Xavier Complaint against were inoculated on Monday morning. He such side-effects is minimal. Bellamy said on Twitter. Bellamy warned that countries around the world The vaccinations were initially limited joined forces with Vice-Chair of Politician Issuing Threats may ban unvaccinated foreigners from en- to medical workers, seniors and chronical- the EPP Group in the European ANKARA (Armenpress) — Armenian tering their territory later this year. ly ill people aged 55 and older. They are Parliament Andrey Kovatchev and HDP deputy Garo Paylan of the Turk- Pashinyan repeated the warning when he eligible only for the AstraZeneca vaccine. MEP Loucas Fourlas to arrange ish parliament filed a criminal complaint spoke in the Armenian parliament later in For safety reasons, younger people deemed for and send the letter to President against Turkish politician Ümit Özdağ. the day. He said vaccinations are also im- most at risk from the coronavirus are of- of the European Council Charles The Turkish lawmaker of Armenian de- portant for attracting more tourists to the fered Sputnik V. Michel and President of the Euro- scent representing the Peoples’ Democratic country. Later in April, Avanesyan allowed med- pean Commission Ursula von der Party (HDP) delivered his annual Arme- “In Yerevan and other popular parts of ical workers to administer AstraZeneca Leyen. The 121 MEPs who have nian Genocide Remembrance Day state- Armenia we can already see tourists, and if shots to all people willing to take them. Ac- signed the letter represent the entire ment on April 24. Shortly afterwards, Ümit we properly organize the vaccination cycle cording to the health minister, the use-by political spectrum, Bellamy wrote. Özdağ threatened him. we could regain the [tourism] volumes of date of the first batch of the British-Swed- “It is an obligation under interna- In his April 24 statement, Paylan criti- 2019,” he said. ish vaccine is May 31. tional law. An urgency for so many cized the naming of streets in Turkey after Answering a question from an oppo- The Armenian authorities are trying to families suffering from this terrible Talaat Pasha, a political leader of the Otto- uncertainty. We must act to obtain man Empire in the early 20th century who the freedom of these soldiers kept was the architect of the Armenian Geno- as hostages,” the MEP added. cide. Majeel el-Shafie: Crimes against “We are walking on streets 106 years lat- Slovak Television Covers er named after Talaat Pasha, the architect of the genocide. We send our kids to schools Armenian Genocide Humanity Do Not Expire named Talaat Pasha. We are living in a Tur- Commemoration By Haykaram Nahapetyan meeting journalists in the bunker-based key like what Germany would have been if press-center of Artsakh. there had been streets and schools named YEREVAN (Armenpress) — Mirror-Spectator Video Correspondent He is highly dissatisfied with the current after Hitler in Germany today,” tweeted Public TV of the Slovak Republic TORONTO — In the beginning Rev. Ma- situation considering the existence of Arme- Paylan. (RTVS) covered the honoring of jed el-Shafie’s interest in Armenian issues nian POWs and the continuing danger for This statement seemingly infuriated Armenian Genocide victims by was limited to Armenian Genocide recog- Artsakh’s churches. “We saw horrible im- the nationalist MP Özdağ, who tweeted: the Speaker of the National Coun- nition. His Canada-based organization, One ages. War crimes were being committed. It “Shameless, provocative man. If you are cil of the Slovak Republic Boris Free World International, was trying to pro- was the continuation of the Armenian Geno- not very pleased [about living here], go to Kollár and Ambassador of Arme- mote such recognition both in Canada and cide,” Rev. el-Shafie said in the interview hell...” nia to Slovakia Armen Papikyan worldwide, as well as fighting against Turk- over Zoom. He blames the international “When the time comes, you will and near the khachkar in memory of ish denialism in Turkey where its members community, both states and organizations, should also go through a Talaat Pasha ex- the Armenian Genocide victims in travelled. But in 2016 when Azerbaijan at- for not engaging enough to assist the people perience,” Özdağ concluded. Bratislava. “Slovakia is among the tacked Artsakh a four-day war followed. The of Nagorno Karabakh. Paylan filed the complaint under the pe- nearly 30 countries that have called focus of his organization expanded to include El-Shafie is working on a film dedicated nal code articles of “incitement of enmity,” the slaughter of Armenians in the Armenian Artsakh. “We took members of to Artsakh. Titled “We Are Our Mountains,” “insults and threats” and “incitement to Ottoman Empire a genocide. The parliament with us and visited the president he gave it the name of the famous monu- commit a crime.” Speaker of the National Council of of Artsakh. We went to see the damage that ment of the Artsakh native grandfather and “Calls for violence against minorities Slovakia condemned the forceful had been done,” el-Shafie recalls. grandmother in Stepanakert. “It is in the open the way to hate crimes. Discrimina- keeping of hundreds of Armenians Last year when Azerbaijan with the help editing process. When we release the film tion and hate speech should not go unpun- by Azerbaijan. According to the of Turkey and mercenaries attacked Artsakh, it will reflect both the recent one and the ished,” Paylan said in Ankara on Wednes- agreement reached in November, el-Shafie traveled to Nagorno-Karabakh one [film] that was [made] five years ago,” day. 2020, the sides had to exchange again. While the bombs were exploding out- el-Shafie stated. The Commission against Racism and all war prisoners. Azerbaijan has side and the missiles hitting Stepanakert’s See the video of the interview with Rev. Discrimination of the Human Rights Asso- failed to do it so far,” RTVS said. houses and hospitals, el-Shafie and a dep- Majed el-Shafie at the Mirror-Spectator ciation, a Turkish organization, also filed a uty from Iceland who joined the trip were website. complaint against Özdağ. SATURDAY, MAY 8, 2021 ARMENIAN MIRROR-SPECTATOR 5

INTERNATIONAL Artsakh Toun Housing Solution for Artsakh Refugees HOUSING, from page 1 construction materials must be imported, Guerguerian, prior to the 2020 war, was Der Kevorkian said, due to the need to working with Tufenkian on an agriculture quickly prepare housing before next win- project for the Kashatagh region of Art- ter, but local contractors in Artsakh and sakh, which of course had to be cancelled. Armenia have been identified. Asryan, he Tufenkian and he then came up with the said, had built perhaps thirty percent of idea of finding the most adaptive solution Stepanakert, so his local connections are for housing refugees from Artsakh. invaluable in this regard. Guerguerian began collecting informa- In the future, Guerguerian said, the ideal tion but it turned out to be too technical would be to set up a manufacturing plant for him, he said, so he reached out for help in Armenia, perhaps with a branch in Art- from Der Kevorkian and Asryan, who sakh, which could produce the necessary have extensive relevant knowledge. By concrete panels, and maybe even export the end of De- them eventually. This would bring poten- cember 2020, tial foreign investment and boost the local the team was economy while breaking dependence on set up, and the outside manufacturers. members began The structures designed by Der Kev- to design six or orkian and Asryan are suitable for adding seven options solar and thermal panels. Guerguerian said for housing that the French Armenia Fund has expe- construction, rience in this kind of work so it may be from cheap to possible that they come with a specific more expen- brigade to install such panels. He said that sive, which Greg Guerguerian China produces them at reasonable prices could be built from the span of a few days and pointed out that Artsakh lost a lot of to that of several months. After preparing its electrical production capacity due to the a catalogue, they began presenting it to dif- war so solar energy is helpful. ferent organizations to do fundraising and Finances of Artsakh Toun will be kept start the project. transparent, Guerguerian said, with a CFO Der Kevorkian explained that the efforts and accountant hired, and information to construct housing in Gyumri after the communicated to all donors and published. 1988 earthquake provided the group good The Future lessons in potential problems to avoid. In the long-term, Guerguerian said, after First and foremost, he pointed out, was to housing is provided, and then energy, the act quickly and not begin projects which next stage will be to provide the residents might last forever, as it seemed happened with a way to earn a living. Guerguerian in Gyumri. Secondly, container housing was optimistic for the future, declaring: has a bad reputation now among Arme- “There is a strong mobilization taking nians because of what happened there. Al- place. I can feel it. At the moment, in post- though the technology for the construction war Artsakh, there are a lot of experts that of such housing has advanced and is better are joining in to help solve problems.” now, it will not be accepted. Guerguerian pointed out that ultimately, Der Kevorkian said that they reoriented the choice of what approach to take con- their research towards stable solutions. He cerning housing is in the hands of the Ha- said, “That is why we ended up choosing yastan All-Armenian Fund (Himnadram), cement panels, which are very solid and at because it has an estimated budget of some the same time very handy. We can build 200 million dollars collected during the these houses very quickly. This approach is recent war. The governments of Armenia between two extreme solutions, one being and Artsakh have limited resources and the container panel housing, and the sec- other outside organizations at the most ond, building something very solid, with each stage in the project with Artsakh gov- be 20-25 houses, he continued. can probably donate several hundreds of basalt, stone and heavy materials.” The ernment officials like the aforementioned If the Artsakh Toun approach is accept- thousands of dollars, while the scope of latter is the traditional Armenian approach Khanumyan and Chief of the Presidential ed, the first full-scale project will be to set- the housing need is much greater. Conse- to homes. However, using prefabricated Staff Artak Beglaryan. Guerguerian said, tle 107 families displaced from the Hadrut quently, it is HAAF which must to choose cement panels both allows for solidity and “We are not reinventing the wheel. We just region villages of Mokhrenes, Taghot and the best solution and do the coordination. relative speed of construction, he said. are making sure that the design is adapted Hakaku in a group of villages, including There are other competitors to Artsakh The prefab concrete panel construction to the final users.” Dahrav, some 10 kilometers. north of Ste- Toun, Guerguerian admitted, such as a system can be used in four types of lay- Der Kevorkian summarized the value of panakert. Guerguerian said that the budget group doing cheap wooden houses, but he outs, from one bedroom to four per house, their approach: rapidity, insulation which for this would be 3.5 million dollars just felt they were not resistant. and the aim is to deliver housing before the is a must in Artsakh where there are energy for the houses, not including other con- Guerguerian said that HAAF has a great first of September. and water problems, and the initiation of nected work that must be done. deal of experience in construction, with a Guerguerian interjected that they did new types of construction systems. Der Kevorkian said while it would be manager working in this field for 17 years. not want to choose a solution without any The Next Stage ideal to keep all families from specific vil- Its traditional approach in building is fine, knowledge of how the people in Artsakh Guerguerian stated that he and Der Kev- lages as in the Hadrut area which are lost he said, but slow. HAAF is a large organi- actually lived. They saw other proposed orkian are operating as a company, with to Armenians together in new villages, zation and its decision-making process is designs, including one from Boston, salaries and expenses. He said, “I don’t it is very difficult to found a new village also slow. which would have forced the local people want people who work on this project to from scratch. It costs a lot because creat- Guerguerian said, “I have been asking to change their lives to adapt to it. Asry- be volunteering. I think we need to switch ing a new infrastructure, with roads and them for three months now. It is taking too an as part of the team was able to provide to a more professional mode.” The compa- electricity and utilities is difficult, and will long…If we wait too long, the refugees in the knowledge of local life. Their design ny itself will be a nonprofit, however. Its take a lot of time. The fear would be that the best scenario will move to Armenia. was able consequently to take into consid- mission is to build houses and give them to money will run out before the new village In the worst scenario, they will leave the eration the needs of people. For example, the Artsakh government. The government is complete. Instead, he said, Artsakh Toun country.” His hope is that HAAF will take the lack of roads means it is always mud- then will make arrangements with future proposes adding a small number of new action soon. dy outside and having places to store dirty tenants or owners. The first stage is to do houses to existing villages, so that they can In the meanwhile, he and Der Kevorki- boots or shoes is important. a pilot demonstration project, hopefully to use the existing infrastructure, if necessary an want people to learn about their project Der Kevorkian related, “We went and build 15 houses. with some renovations and additions. The and attract experts such as engineers and visited so many sites around Stepanakert, Artsakh Toun has been working with the existing villages will be stabilized and architects to join their efforts. If people Martuni, and other parts of Artsakh. The Hayastan All-Armenian Fund (HAAF). made more viable. also want to donate, they can send money idea was to find a way to integrate our Guerguerian said, “They are interested in The Artsakh government will decide to the Armenia Fund or HAAF, and type project as much as possibly socially and our solution. They just need to see some which villages are suitable, and how many in Artsakh Toun as the desired destination. architecturally in the existing landscape.” proof.” A purely French organization houses are needed, and Artsakh Toun will For more information, see the Tekeyan Security is also considered in the urban called Oeuvre d’Orient, which helps East- serve as the solution provider. Der Kev- Cultural Association video interview with planning design, Der Kevorkian noted, ern Christian peoples, agreed to provide orkian said that discussions are ongoing Kevorkian and Guerguerian conducted by with a safe underground gathering site in an initial grant to start work on a village with the government, with weekly online Arto Manoukian at https://www.youtube. case of complications a possible addition. and hopefully HAAF will order five more meetings to clarify this approach. com/watch?v=zNvQRoNNWgc&fea- They also have been in close contact at houses to add to this pilot project so it can In the initial stages of the project, the ture=youtu.be. 6 SATURDAY, MAY 8, 2021 ARMENIAN MIRROR-SPECTATOR Community News Rep. Levin Expresses Diocese’s Zohrab Support for Armenian Information Center Community at Virtual Coffee Hour Begins New Collaboration with By Harry Kezelian Mirror-Spectator Staff Fordham University WASHINGTON — Congressman NEW YORK — The Eastern Di- Andy Levin has represented the 9th ocese of the Armenian Church of district of Michigan in the US House America, under the auspices of Di- of Representatives since 2019. The ocesan Primate Bishop Daniel Find- son of previous 9th district Represen- ikyan, has entered a new agreement tative, Sander Levin, and nephew of with Fordham University, which will longtime US Senator from Michigan, reconfigure the director’s position of Carl Levin, he comes from a family the Zohrab Information Center into a with a long history in Michigan and post-doctoral fellowship. national politics. All Democrats, the Under the new arrangement, the Levins have had a long and posi- directorship of the Krikor and Clara tive relationship with Michigan’s Zohrab Information Center has be- and Metro Detroit’s large Armenian come a rotating position, of two to community. Therefore, when Levin three years’ duration, where each suc- announced that he was conducting a cessive director will simultaneously virtual coffee hour to discuss issues hold a post-doctoral research fellow- with community members and open ship at the Orthodox Christian Stud- the floor to questions, the move was ies Center of Fordham University. both welcome and anticipated. The position will now be official- It was especially crucial at this ly designated the “Postdoctoral Re- time, given the recent war in Artsakh, search Fellow in Armenian Christian the incoming Biden presidency, and Studies, and Director at the Krikor the prospect of the official US rec- and Clara Zohrab Information Cen- ognition of the Armenian Genocide. ter.” Applications are currently being With these issues in the forefront, as solicited from qualified candidates, well as a desire to speak to the Ar- with a submission deadline of May menian community about the Covid 15, 2021. pandemic, Levin held the “coffee Application submission details and hour” discussion with Armenian a job description can be found on Lena Gasparyan celebrating Armenian culture the Eastern Diocese’s website, here: https://armenianchurch.us/employ- ment-opportunities/ The arrangement with Fordham University was pioneered by Dr. AIWA Thrive Celebrates Christopher Sheklian during his ten- ure as Zohrab Center director (2018- 2020), with the active encouragement Prospering Armenians All of Findikyan. “I want to express my thanks to Dr. Sheklian for proposing this exciting Over the World new vision for the Krikor and Clara By Sara Janjigian Trifiro SAN FRANCISCO — How do we honor our Arme- Zohrab Information Center of the nian history while celebrating the global resilience of the Eastern Diocese,” said the Primate, Armenian spirit that has thrived for 106 years? That is what Christine Soussa asked himself a former director of the cen- the Armenian International Women’s Association San Francisco Chapter (AIWA-SF) ter. “I am fully convinced that this ex- Rep. Andy Levin four years ago. From there, AIWA Thrive was born, an April venture to share stories of citing plan will breathe new life into individuals from around the world who are positively impacting our community as they the center, bringing it into the Third community members over Zoom on lead with purpose. Millennium—and thereby more ef- Saturday, April 17. “It’s all about building, honoring and elevating community. We are incredibly inspired fectively realizing the expectations First of all, Levin shared that he by the profound talent and wis- of its founder, the late Mrs. Dolores found the situation in Artsakh this dom of our International commu- Zohrab-Liebmann.” past year “troubling,” and stated that nity. There are so many amazing “The plan propels the Zohrab he had personally focused on it in a individuals and teams who enrich Center to the academic forefront of “pretty bipartisan way”. (Based on their societies in endless ways; we Armenian Studies globally; draws it this discussion , bipartisanism with- wanted to share these stories” re- more tangibly into Armenian Church out abandoning his progressive val- marks Christine. “When I joined Studies, specifically through St. Ner- ues seems to be a hallmark of Levin’s the international board, I shared sess Seminary; attracts and supports pragmatic political approach.) A this vision with the team and they young scholars in Armenian Chris- member of the House Foreign Affairs were delighted to support taking tianity; and establishes the Zohrab Committee, Levin has a large role Thrive to the next level.” Center more securely into the Dio- in foreign policy issues discussed in Like seeds from a flower blow- cese’s mission and efforts to Build Congress. He was one of the orig- ing in the wind, Armenians were Up the Body of Christ,” the Primate inal co-sponsors of H.Res. 1165, scattered all over the world and said. “Condemning Azerbaijan’s military found fertile ground to regrow A Rarity in the Academic operation in Nagorno-Karabakh and and Thrive. Some incredible fea- World denouncing Turkish interference in tures include Alexandra Narine The Zohrab Center’s collaborator the conflict,” which was introduced Kaprielian, head of US distribu- in this new undertaking, Fordham’s by Representative Jackie Speier of tion for Takri Wines. Kaprielian Orthodox Christian Studies Center, California. Levin also stated that he is working with the team at Takri is a rarity in the academic world: a has urged President Biden to support to rebuild after the loss of several center dedicated to the study of Or- better relations with Armenia as well employees and their vineyards as thodox Christianity, which is unaffili- as to support Artsakh. Levin shared a result of the 2020 war. ated to a seminary. In recent years the with community members the fact Sadly, the story is all too famil- two co-founding directors, George that Turkey and Azerbaijan are lob- iar to her. “Our family had vine- Demacopoulous and Aristotle Papa- bying in a major way in Washington, yards in 1915 which were also nikoloaou, have worked to include and spreading false information. taken by the Turks during the Oriental Orthodox churches in see LEVIN, page 8 see AIWA, page 7 Christine Soussa see ZOHRAB, page 9 SATURDAY, MAY 8, 2021 ARMENIAN MIRROR-SPECTATOR 7

COMMUNITY NEWS

Peace of Art Responds: ‘We thank President Biden for Recognizing the Armenian Genocide’ BOSTON – In March 2021, on the eve of the 106th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, Peace of Art, Inc., launched its annual education campaign by dis- playing electronic billboards in the state of Massachusetts, USA. The message on this year’s billboards asks, “Mr. Pres- ident, with honor, dignity and courage recognize the Armenian Genocide.” The media reacted quickly, as it was broadcast on Armenian public television. The result was noticeable. We received various letters and phone calls from both deniers and supporters. On March 17, Peace of Art, Inc., received an offer to support the installation of a similar static billboard in Cleveland. Then on March 19, the Philadelphia Armenian Genocide Commemoration Committee praised our initiative and proposed to erect similar

America to recognize the Armenian Peace of Art, Inc., was formally Genocide. On April 24, 2021, President founded in Massachusetts in 2003, but Biden honored his promise and recog- it has been active since 1996. Peace of nized the Armenian Genocide. Art, Inc., is a non-profit educational or- An electronic Peace of Art billboard ganization with no political nor religious erected on one of the busy highways in affiliations. Peace of Art uses the univer- the state of Massachusetts presents two sal language of art for the betterment of alternating screens. On the first screen, humanity, to promote peaceful solutions we thank President Biden for recog- to conflict, and the international recog- nizing the Armenian Genocide, and on nition of the Armenian Genocide. Peace the second, we quote President Biden’s of Art, Inc., is dedicated to the peace- statement on the occasion of Armenian keepers of the world, all those who risk Remembrance Day: “’The American their lives for the welfare of the people. electronic billboards in Philadelphia and sored by the Armenian National Com- people honor the memory of all Arme- Since its inception, Peace of Art, Inc., sponsor them. During the month of April mittee of Merrimack Valley. nians who fell victim to the genocide 106 has not requested nor received funding 2021, an additional electronic billboard For the past twenty-five years, Peace years ago today.’ President Joe Biden, from individuals, organizations or other was installed in Massachusetts spon- of Art, Inc., has continuously called on April 24, 2021.” sources.

AIWA Thrive Celebrates Prospering Armenians All Over the World AIWA, from page 6 footsteps! the genocide so it was very painful to see history re- “If you want to see the change, you must be the change,” peating itself. But we also decided that we would not al- says Teny Avakian who was featured on April 9. She be- low that to stop us from producing Armenian wine and we lieves investing in children and youth is an obligation have already secured new lands to continue.” of every Armenian, which is why she transitioned to non-profit work as CEO of Girls Of Armenia Leadership Soccer (GOALS). Currently GOALS is working through the Assarian Relief Initiative which seeks to support chil- dren of war and those suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), creating a safe space to develop skills and work on their physical and mental well-being. In the past, Thrive has shared the remarkable stories of a wide range of individuals, including children, educators, community leaders, entrepreneurs, artists, and business leaders. They have featured Anahit Stelmashova, an inter- national award winning pianist who was 11 at the time; Joel A. Martin, creator of the incredible Jazzical Komitas; Lucy Mirigian, the oldest Armenian who was featured at the age of 114; educators such as Mary Papazian, president of San Jose State University; business leaders such as Nina Achadjian, Partner at Index Ventures, and many more. Most recently, AIWA Thrive recognized Arevik Ash- kharoyan, a literary agent with ten years of experience in publishing. In 2016, she established ARI Literary and Talent Agency, representing a dozen writers of Armenian origin from all over the world. ARI Foundation is also sup- Arevik Ashkharoyan, Literary Agent porting the Armenian community with Write in Armenia On April 2, Thrive honored Lena Gasparyan, president International Writing Camp, Zabel International Wom- of the Armenian Cultural Association, South Australia, en Writers Forum, and Let’s Read! (ARI Kardanq) book Narine Kaprielian, Head of US Distribution for Takri who works for the Multicultural Communities Council of clubs to ensure there are inspired writers throughout the Wines South Australia, the state’s top organization for culturally community. national.org. and linguistically diverse communities. She states that the Soussa’s dream for Thrive is to continue building and AIWA connects, inspires and empowers Armenian wom- Armenian fedayi or freedom fighter Sose Mayrik was and bringing our global community together. Read and follow en throughout the world to bring about positive change in is her superhero and she wanted to be just like her, “serv- AIWA Thrive at https://aiwainternational.org/Thrive/ and their lives and in their communities. This year AIWA is ing and saving my people.” She is clearly following in her nominate an AIWA Thrive honoree at info@AIWAinter- celebrating its 30th anniversary. 8 SATURDAY, MAY 8, 2021 ARMENIAN MIRROR-SPECTATOR

COMMUNITY NEWS Rep. Levin Expresses Support for Armenian Community at Virtual Coffee Hour

LEVIN, from page 6 committed a crime, and while these crimes In relation to foreign aid from the US to that they were planning to bring the issue might have been real, they could be minor Armenia, Levin stated that he was “push- up with the State Department. Question and Answer Session infractions. Twenty years after a minor in- ing for increased aid in the new budget.” As the floor was opened to questions, fraction, the individual is a contributing He added that he thought “we will achieve Armenian Genocide Levin was asked “what’s your driving member of society who runs his own busi- increased aid, but it’s part of the whole Recognition force behind your support of the Armenian ness and goes to church every week, yet the package.” Levin also shared that “there’s In regard to a question about President community?” Though he seemed to find government is trying to deport him. This a new isolation in the Trump wing of the Biden’s possible recognition of the Arme- the question unexpected, his answer came was a major issue in Michigan a few years Republican party that is hostile to foreign nian Genocide this year, Levin stated “we quite naturally. “The Armenian community ago and Levin stated that he has “spent aid.” He added that even Republican poli- won’t let him not” recognize is. Levin stat- is not an abstraction to me,” Levin stated, a huge amount of time trying to help the ticians who were not “Trump Republicans” ed that “learning about these things, hold- and shared that growing up in Metro De- Chaldean communities.” fear the electoral backlash from the “Trump ing up their truth” is very important and troit and being part of the Levin family in Levin further stated that he stands up for wing” of the party and have taken a more that “no country should think they are im- politics, there was always a relationship religious minorities and the underdog ev- isolationist approach to foreign aid and oth- mune.” Unfortunately, there are countries with the Armenian community. He recalled erywhere, no matter who it is. He gave the er issues. For this reason, Levin stated “It’s like Turkey that “try to deny the reality of yearly attendance at the St. John’s food fes- example that as a young man he studied Ti- hard to build bipartisan consensus. I think history,” and that if we let that happen we tival/bazaar in Southfield, as well as other betan Buddhism, and planned on a career as we will have more aid, but it is difficult.” might allow history to repeat itself, Levin Armenian affairs and interactions/relation- said. [This report was written before April ships with the Armenian community. 24.] Levin further shared his personal experi- “National borders grow up because of random In the same regard, Levin discussed his ences. “Growing up Jewish in [the Detroit things and historical accident. Artsakh is an relationship with Rep. Gregory Meeks (D- suburbs]…there was a ton of anti-Semi- Armenian place but surrounded by Azerbaijan, so NY), who is now chairman of the Foreign tism,” even to the extent of other children Affairs committee. In the past, Meeks had asking why if he was a Jew he “didn’t have [the issue is] how do you protect people?” not necessarily been a supporter of Artsakh. horns.” These early experiences led Levin Levin stated that “I realized Meeks was go- to a place where he is “always for the un- a professor of Asian religions. Yet, he found Levin was also asked about the lit- ing to win and I’m going to help him. I am derdog, and religious minorities around the that his zeal for Tibetan human rights led tle-known Trump memorandum with the convinced it was the right thing to do. We world.” He mentioned that “National bor- him more naturally to a career in politics. Turkish government, which suggests that have a more active foreign affairs commit- ders grow up because of random things and Levin stated, “I love Buddhism, but yet in Turkey has the right to reclaim any his- tee than we have had in the past. I don’t historical accident. Artsakh is an Armenian Myanmar the Buddhist majority is oppress- torical artifacts held within the US that know his history, but he wants to empow- place but surrounded by Azerbaijan, so [the ing the Muslim minority.” Levin passion- originated on Turkish soil. Because the er the membership of the committee as a issue is] how do you protect people?” ately concluded in relation to the oppres- memorandum was signed on the last day whole, and be a chair that earns the loyalty He added that he is also an opponent of sion of religious minorities and Armenians of Trump’s administration, and the issue of his membership.” Levin added that “I Islamophobia, while at the same time has in particular, “We cannot let it happen. We has been overshadowed by the Armenian think chairman Meeks is going to be fine always taken a stand for religious minori- must protect Artsakh, and I will not stop.” POW issue and other issues related to Art- on this issue.” ties in majority-Muslim countries. Notably, sakh, few are aware of it. Yet, the status of Levin believes in regard to foreign policy since Levin represents the Detroit suburb POW and Foreign Aid Issues Armenian heritage artifacts originating in and the US role in the world, “it’s not about of Sterling Heights, “I represent the most Levin was asked whether he has been Anatolia and which are held by Armenian being the big kid in the sandbox. It’s about Iraqi-born people of the whole House. aware of or advocating for the release of groups in America and even by such insti- playing a constructive role and leading.” And it’s mostly Chaldeans.” (Chaldeans Armenian POWs held by the Azerbaijan. tutions as the Metropolitan Museum of Art He added “the truth is not negotiable – the are the Aramaic-speaking Catholic natives He responded that he was aware of it and in New York, are in danger. Levin respond- truth of history…to have a healthy future of Northern Iraq, who in the US primari- “We’re trying to raise it up with the Biden ed honestly that he was not aware of the is- we have to, not just admit it, but sit with it.” ly live in the state of Michigan.) “I’m out administration and say that we need to use sue but would look into it, and thanked the Levin also discussed various subjects of there fighting for them. When Trump be- the levers that we have in diplomatic rela- questioner for bringing it to his attention, general interest such as the pandemic, and came president they started to mass deport tions to force Azerbaijan’s hand,” and that because “it’s important” even if POWs and trade agreements (which he believes have Iraqi nationals.” Levin shared that the de- “we are trying to pressure Azerbaijan and Artsakh are a priority right now. A few days gutted American industry, an issue import- portations were done to anyone who had Turkey.” later a communique from his office shared ant to Michiganders).

OBITUARY Alice Haidostian Concert Pianist and Fundraiser

BLOOMFIELD HILLS, Mich. — Alice Berberian Haidostian, born Sep- tember 21, 1925 in Highland Park, MI, passed away peacefully at her home on March 24, 2021. As she was frequently known to say in her later years…”I have lived a great life.” She was preceded in death by her parents, Siroun and Haroutune (Harry) Berberian. She was the oldest of four children, Hasmig Imirzian, Ara Berbe- rian and Balig Stein. Her sister Balig survives. Her marriage to Dr. Berj H. Haidos- tian on October 1, 1949 lasted until his death in March 1993. Theirs was a mar- riage of great love, respect and commit- ment to each other. They were the par- ents of Cynthia (Roy) Wilbanks, Ypsilanti; Christine (Michael) Garry, Barrington, Ill.; and Dicran (Aralynn) Haidostian, Bloomfield Hills. In addition to her children, she is survived by five grandchildren: Lauren Garry (Brandt Brownlee), Armen (Erica) Garry, Kristen (Michael) Oziemkowski, Allison (David) Baron, and Lisa (Connor) Gants. She had five great-grandchildren, Kyleigh and Jay Oziemkowski, Maya Garry, Elina and Jack Baron, Mara Gants; and two more on the way. She leaves behind nieces and nephews, cousins and many, many friends. A celebration of her full and impactful life will be held later this spring. When finalized, additional information will be available through the Edward Korkoian Funeral Home website - www.ekfh.net. SATURDAY, MAY 8, 2021 ARMENIAN MIRROR-SPECTATOR 9

COMMUNITY NEWS Diocese’s Zohrab Center Begins New Collaboration with Fordham University

ZOHRAB, from page 6 the center’s orbit, and to advo- cate a broadly ecumenical ap- proach to the study of Christian Orthodoxy. “By working with the Ortho- dox Christian Studies Center, the Eastern Diocese, through its unique institution of the Zohr- ab Information Center, has the possibility to support and even transform the academic study of Armenian Christianity in Amer- ica,” said Sheklian in a descrip- tion of the vision behind the new agreement. “At this moment, there are only a handful of academic po- sitions in Armenian Studies in the United States, and other than at St. Nersess Seminary, there is study of Armenian Christianity in Ameri- ber of the Diocesan staff, the director will Manhattan), and stipulates that one day per not a single position dedicated specifical- ca.” be expected to contribute to Diocesan min- week should be spent at St. Nersess Semi- ly to the study of Armenian Christianity,” As a practical matter, the director will istries projects, and the cultural and edu- nary’s Armonk, NY, campus. he said. “Through this joint venture, the be based at the Zohrab Center itself, which cational life of the community. The agree- The position is open to candidates with a Diocese will simultaneously ensure the occupies a suite of offices, research library, ment makes provision for the director to Ph.D. in a field related to Armenian Stud- dynamic future of the Zohrab Information and presentation facility at the Diocesan spend some time in research and teaching ies, and command of at least one dialect of Center while offering crucial support to the Center in New York. As an integral mem- at Fordham University (located in uptown Armenian. According to the terms of the agreement between the Diocese and Ford- ham, the selection committee assessing ap- plicants will include a representative from the Diocesan Council and a member of St. Nersess Seminary’s faculty; additionally the Diocesan Council must approve the committee’s selection before any candi- date is sent to Fordham University for its approval. About the Zohrab Center The Krikor and Clara Zohrab Informa- tion Center was established by the Eastern Diocese three decades ago as a resource, research, and teaching facility to promote Armenian studies, and to assist students, scholars, the Armenian community and general public in deepening their appre- ciation for Armenian faith, history, civ- ilization, and culture. It was established through the generous gift of Mrs. Dolores Zohrab Liebmann, in memory of her par- ents: Krikor and Clara Zohrab. Krikor Zohrab was one of the towering Armenian intellectual leaders in Constan- tinople, who lost his life in the Genocide of 1915. Vasken I, the late Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, presided over the Zohrab Center’s dedication ceremony on November 8, 1987, during the primacy of the late Archbishop Torkom Manoogian. Since its founding, the Zohrab Center has enjoyed a distinguished lineage of scholars serving as director and assistant director, including Fr. Krikor Maksoudian, Rachel Goshgarian, Aram Arkun, Fr. (now Bishop) Daniel Findikyan, and Christopher Sheklian. At present, its interim director is Jesse Arlen, a scholar in the field of Arme- nian theology and early Christian studies who is completing his doctorate at UCLA. Under every administrator, the heart of the center has always been its research li- brary, whose holdings exceed 40,000 books, periodicals, photographs, and assorted re- sources in all areas of Armenian Studies. Of special note would be the center’s collection of Armenian periodicals and newspapers from across the world; its vast collection of 19th/20th-century Armenian literature; and a precious treasury of rare books and manuscripts. A number of titles are found in no other library in the western hemisphere. Learn more about the Eastern Diocese’s Krikor and Clara Zohrab Information Cen- ter, and follow its activities on its website, www.zohrabcenter.org, and its Facebook page. Click the link to find a job descrip- tion for the Postdoctoral Research Fellow and Director position. 10 SATURDAY, MAY 8, 2021 ARMENIAN MIRROR-SPECTATOR

COMMUNITY NEWS Nora Azadian Celebrating an Artist’s Purposeful Life

AZADIAN, from page 1 In the 1950s through 1970s, the majority of Egyptian artists were of Armenian extraction and even the local Early Childhood Egyptian talents were the students of the Armenian artists. Nora was born into a privileged family in Alexandria. The artists who dominated the art market in Egypt in- Both sides of her family were involved in professional cluded Ashod Zorian, Onnig Avedissian, Puzant (Goja- theater. Even her paternal grandfather, Kevork Ipekian, manian), Simon Samsonian, Alexander Saroukhan, Ha- had been on the stage, although he was an entrepreneur gop Hagopian and Hrant Antranikian. who had moved from Samson to Alexandria to introduce Nora developed her artistic talent early on to join that cigarette manufacturing in Egypt, while two other broth- group of artists, among whom she held her own. ers, Gaspard Ipekian and Armen Ipekian, acted profes- Nora participated regularly in Cairo’s annual salon. sionally in the Armenian and European theater world. She held individual art shows and participated in group Gaspard Ipekian’s wife, Hripsig, had just finished read- shows in Egypt, Lebanon, Armenia, Europe and the Unit- ing Henrik Ibsen’s play, “A Doll’s House,” when Nora ed States, mostly to critical acclaim. was born. Therefore, she suggested naming her newborn She was the first one to introduce in Egypt textile great-niece after the protagonist in the play. Destiny had paintings and her exhibitions featured women’s dresses, decided that Nora would grow up and assume the role of scarves, tablecloths and items in Mondrian’s design or in Nora in an Armenian translation of “A Doll’s House.” abstractions of her imagination. Nora attended Armenian elementary school, and the She had a mastery of watercolor, wherein she exhibit- rest of her schooling was in French at the Lycée Français ed spontaneity, poetry and command of vivid colors. Her of Cairo, from which she graduated with a baccalaure- oil paintings were heavier, allocating dignity and grace to ate. Her superb Armenian was learned in the family home street vendors or veiled Egyptian female figures. and the community. In addition, she possessed a working In later years, she realized she had been an astute por- command of English and Greek. traitist, without giving too much thought to the genre. field, but she molded two particular talents to attain inter- Writing in Journal D’Egypt, art critic Antoine Gennaoi national fame: Chant Avedissian and Varteni Mosdichyan. stated: “Four paintings by Nora Azadian emanate ravish- Avedissian’s life and destiny in particular were com- ing grace, a grace more beautiful than beauty itself. This plicated. He was brought back from the brink by Nora master of portraits subtly deforms her ‘Two Nubian Fig- Azadian. Chant came from a difficult background, direc- ures,’ enveloping them in vivid light and rare colors of a tionless and undisciplined, a potential high-school drop- sensuous art.” out. The exasperated Kalousdian administration decided Armenian-American sculptor Ruben Nakian, after to expel the unruly student. Nora raised hell with them viewing her art show in Boston, wrote in the guest book, “There is nothing static in Nora Azadian’s art, everything is moving in graceful patterns.”

Educator in Art Nora was a passionate teacher of art. She always looked for young talents to train and guide in the fundamentals of art and to im- Nora Azadian with her former daughter-in-law Nora part to them her philosophy. Armani This method of teaching art was de- rived from Herbert Reed’s book Education Through Art. She taught art in the Lycée Français, the French nuns’ school and the Kalousdian Armenian School. After moving to Detroit, she taught Ar- menian history through art at the Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU) Alex and Marie Manoogian School. She never promoted her art as vigorous- ly as those of her students. Her students in Egypt have won gold medals at internation- al art competitions at UNESCO in Warsaw, Nora Azadian with her husband, Edmond, right, and son, Gerald and Shankar in India. Papasian behind her. In addition to teaching art, she ran her art studio where advanced students took lessons. She would to retain Chant at school and challenged them by stating, put her heart and soul into the students’ development. She “Tomorrow you will be as proud of Chant as you were Nora Azadian and her son, Gerald Papasian never isolated the visual arts from other artistic expres- with the famous French-Armenian artist Carzou,” who sions, as she believed in overall development of the artist, also had graduated from the Kalousdian School. Nora’s mother, Chake Damadian Ipekian, was an ac- who should also be well-versed in music, theater, opera, Lo and behold, Chant Avedissian became an artist no complished pianist and actress in the Armenian theater. etc. less prominent than Carzou, with one painting in the per- For a long time, she served as president of the Armenian Many of her students chose professions in the artistic manent collection of the British Museum in London, and Artistic Union in Cairo. Her father, Aghassi, was the di- two pieces at the Smithsonian in Washington. Eventually rector of sales at the Ipekian Cigarette Company, while he he vindicated Nora’s prophesy. volunteered as the administrator of the theater group of the Armenian Artistic Union. Performing Arts Nora’s training in the piano was under the rigorous During her student years at the French Lycée, Nora guidance of her aunt, Nevart Damadian, a concert pianist was absorbed in studying the French classics. Later on, and professional Cairo Conservatory of Music. with a perfect command of the language, she joined a Nora’s favorite composer was Chopin, whose waltzes French-speaking drama group, assuming lead roles in comprised her main repertoire, although she also played plays by Moliere, Racine and Corneil. But most of her Bach and Beethoven. dramatic activity was confined to the Armenian theater. She both directed and assumed major roles in Arme- Development in Arts nian plays. Cairo’s Armenian Artistic Union sponsored Nora studied art for four years at the studio of promi- a theater group under the guidance of a professional nent Egyptian-Armenian Ashod Zorian, where her class- movie director, Vahe Boyadjian. Most of the actors were mates included the ex-queen of Egypt Farida, Parisian either professionals or semi-professionals. Because of caricaturist Edmond Kiraz, Yasmin, Joe and Shushan the paucity of Armenian dramatic literature, the group Egoyan (Atom Egoyan’s parents), Arte Topalian and ventured to translate plays form European playwrights. Rose Papasian. Nora played the lead role in the Armenian plays by Yer- Later on, she received an arts degree from the ABC Art vant Odian (“The French-Turkish War”), Shirvanzadeh School in Paris. Nora Azadian with Varteni Mosdichyan at left continued on next page SATURDAY, MAY 8, 2021 ARMENIAN MIRROR-SPECTATOR 11

COMMUNITY NEWS

Tekeyan Թէքէեան Cultural Մշակութային Association, Inc. Միութիւն

755 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA 02472-1509 USA. Tel: 617-924-4455. Fax: 617-924-2887. Email: [email protected]

May 1, 2021 Board of Directors of USA and Canada Edmond Y. Azadian W. Bloomfield, MI President Edmond Azadian Dear Edmond,

Vice President Nora and Edmond Azadian with Richard Manoo- The Central Board of the Tekeyan Cultural Association of the United States and Canada Dr. Arshavir Gundjian learned with great sorrow of the loss of your life’s companion and great love, Nora

gian at left Ipekian Azadian. We and the members of the Tekeyan Cultural Association in North from previous page Secretary Hagop Vartivarian America and throughout the world feel as if we too have lost a family member, one of (“Armenuhin”) and Michael Gurjian (“Twenty Years lat- great refinement who served as a shining example for several generations of true service er”). She also performed plays translated into Armenian, Treasurer to Armenian culture and the Armenian nation. such as Marcel Pagnol (“Topaz”), Alejandro Cassona Maro Bedrosian She passed down to us the spirit of her maternal grandfather Mihran Damadian, the great (“Trees Die Upright;” The Boat without the Fisherman”) Assistant Treasurer revolutionary and Armenian Democratic Liberal Party leader who strove all his life to and others. Kevork Marashlian fight for Armenia and our heritage. She transmitted to us what she learned at the hands Nora exercised a very strict discipline when it came to of the great poet Vahan Tekeyan, and helped keep his legacy alive. preparing to take the stage. As a result she dominated the Members stage with a tremendous stage presence. Dr. Haroutiun Nora Azadian was a talented artist who not only created her own art, but nurtured new Egyptian-Armenian playwright Baruyr Massikian had Arzoumanian generations of artists both in Egypt and in the United States. Chant Avedissian is but one Carl Bardakian characterized Nora’s voice as “the oboe in a symphony example. She taught Armenian art and history for many years in Armenian schools. As a Hilda Hartounian skilled pianist, her aesthetic skills extended to the realm of music, and even to her orchestra.” Kevork Keushkerian person, as she was a paradigm of elegance. As part of her performing arts, she attained a reputation Arto Berdge Manoukian for her recitation of Armenian poetry. Her erudition in lit- Mihran Minassian In short, she was someone unique who added much good to this world. Her optimism erature combined with her dramatic skills made her one Vatche Semerdjian and passion coupled with an intellectual’s view of the world no doubt made life in the Hratch Torikian of the prominent interpreters of Armenian poetry. Armenian diaspora brighter and better, and we were lucky to benefit along with you. The great example of your mutual love and care stands as an inspiration to all couples. She specialized in reciting and interpreting the poetry Executive Director

Aram Arkun of Vahan Tekeyan, and some works by Arshag Choba- Nora Azadian will be missed sorely. The Central Board of the Tekeyan Cultural nian, which she did as close to perfection as possible. West Coast Association expresses its profound condolences to you on behalf of its members and Tekeyan was a friend of Mihran Damadian, Nora’s Executive Secretary supporters. We wish you the consolation of her everlasting memory and strength through grandfather, and a frequent family guest. Mayda Kuredjian your sorrow. Nora’s shining star remains in all our hearts and souls as an inspiration and The poet himself had taught Nora how to recite his po- guiding light. EMERITUS HONORARY MEMBERS IN MEMORIAM Sincerely, Hampartzoum Berberian Dr. Nubar Berberian Flora Gopoian Antranik Poladian Dicran Simsarian Hagop Vartivarian Dr. Arshavir Gundjian Secretary Vice President

ems. Hagop Avedikian, the editor of Azg newspaper in Yerevan, wrote in his obituary about Nora Azadian, that Tekeyan’s poem, “The Armenian Spirit” (Hayoo Hokin), “was as if it were written for Nora Azadian.” Nora drew a dramatic portrait of Tekeyan. Nora Azadian with the UCLA Vem Ensemble 2019 Social and Family Life Nora’s parents and grandparents had all been part of the political and artistic elite of Egypt. Their homes often served as salons for literary and artistic gatherings, where writers, musicians, members of the clergy and artists would mingle. Therefore, Nora could not imagine a dif- ferent lifestyle. That is why she continued that tradition herself, at her homes in Cairo, Boston and finally Detroit. Nora served as president of the Tekeyan Cultural As- sociation in Detroit for 13 years, organizing art shows, staging plays, concerts and exuberant Christmas parties. She also served for 30 years on the Fine Arts Committee Nora Azadian, Edmond Azadian and Nora Armani of St. John’s Armenian Church and together with Zabel Belian and the other committee members, brought to life She had one son, actor Gerald Papasian, from her first the Armenian art world in Detroit. marriage. Gerald is following in the footsteps of his mother and the rest of his family and is a professional actor and director based in Yerevan and Paris. Nora married writer and editor Edmond Y. Azadi- an. They had much in common; their lifestyle and their philosophies were perfect matches. They had a harmoni- ous and loving family. The one sore point was that Nora had been a graceful dancer of Viennese waltzes while Edmond was an awkward dancer and could not keep up with her. It was her only frustration in life that she and her husband could not manage a single decent dance to- gether. As the last chapter of her life is concluded, the rever- berations of her lush recitations will remain in the mem- ory of all who had met her. She had touched many lives with compassion, grace and dignity. They all remem- ber her aristocratic and artistic personality as expressed Hagop Alexanian with a sketch of Vahan Tekeyan by through her humility. Nora Azadian Nora Azadian with Diana Alexanian 12 SATURDAY, MAY 8, 2021 ARMENIAN MIRROR-SPECTATOR Arts & Culture a Conversation with... ‘Celestial Music’ Comes Down to Shayne Earth During Eastern Diocese’s David Sacred Music Hyrapiet Festival NEW YORK — The Eastern Di- ‘We Are More Indian ocese of the Armenian Church of America held its third “Sacred Mu- Than Armenian’ sic Festival” on Friday and Saturday, April 16-17. Conceived by the Dio- By Artsvi Bakhchinyan cese’s Sacred Music Council at the Special to the Mirror-Spectator instigation of Diocesan Primate Bish- op Daniel Findikyan, the festival was YEREVAN/KOLKATA — Shayne a celebration of Armenian liturgical David Hyrapiet, is an Indian singer Sisters Publish Preschool music, featuring educational presen- and professional entertainer of Ar- tations and recitals. menian descent who rose to fame as Like its immediate predecessor, the a vocalist after winning a series of Armenian Alphabet Book, Spring 2021 Sacred Music Festival competitions during his schooling went forward as an online gathering years. The Indian mass media called this time with an international flavor him “a phenomenal versatile track Carrying on Mother’s — under the theme “The Holy Bada- performer the city of Kolkata has pro- rak: Our Musical Sacrament.” duced over the last decade.” The Sacred Music Council held its Born on May 21, 1980, he has been Legacy of Teaching first festival in 2019, as a live event singing since 2001 and has now be- in Evanston, IL. A year later, under come one of the most recognized fac- DETROIT — Hourig Toukhanian Jacobs was one of those By Harry Kezelian the constraints of the COVID-19 pan- es in the entertainment circuit in In- people who seem to singlehandedly keep the Armenian cul- Mirror-Spectator Staff demic, the fall 2020 festival was held dia with an equally large international ture alive. as an online event — and actually market to compliment his growing For some 50 years she was active in the Metro Detroit area as an Armenian language expanded its reach among the pub- popularity. teacher with Armenian Relief Society-affiliated schools. She was translator, a cata- lic, inspiring additional online work- Shayne has covered over 400 loguer at the Armenian Research Center at University of Michigan — Dearborn, and shops and gatherings for musicians in events spanning solo concerts, cor- an expert on Armenian history and culture who was often asked to speak at community subsequent months. porate launches, private parties, affairs, meetings of the still-active Van-Vasbouragan society, and elsewhere. She was “Naturally, the circumstances weddings, sangeets and club nights. an active member of the Armenian Congregational Church of Greater Detroit where forced us to move to a virtual cele- His list of music spans the very lat- she headed up the Sunday School, served on the board of deacons, and spoke at parish bration of the festival last Fall,” ex- est and best Bollywood hits, Punjabi events and women’s gatherings. plained Fr. Hovhan Khoja-Eynatyan, Bhangra, the good old Hindi remixes When Toukhanian Jacobs passed away in 2017, it was an immense loss not only to her pastor of the St. James of Nisibis and English hits covering the genres family but to all Armenians in Metro Church of Evanston, IL, chairman of rock and roll, ballads, disco and Detroit. Yet from that loss, two of her of the Sacred Music Council, and a pop. Shayne has performed with daughters were propelled — by ne- deeply learned professional musi- Shaan, Bombay Viking, Atif Aslam, cessity if nothing else — to innovate cian in his own right. “While we are Stereo Nation, Shibani Kashyap, Jal, in the field of Armenian-language missing the physical presence of each Sukhbir, Kunal Ganjawala, K.K. and education. other and musical fellowship, the on- has also performed for the President Filling a Need line format has allowed us to bring of India. Shayne has performed in Jennifer (Jacobs) Mullen, a former together people from all the parts of Canada, the United States, and Mid- high school math teacher, and daugh- the United States and Europe.” dle East and has toured Switzerland, ter of Toukhanian Jacobs, had a prob- “It’s been a successful experi- Australia, Bangladesh and India ex- lem. Having decided to home-school ment,” he added, “and we plan to tensively. her children, she knew they wouldn’t continue offering online events in the have the benefit of the Armenian-lan- future even after the current crisis has guage environment of Southfield’s passed.” AGBU Manoogian School, and the A Sublime, Celestial Art Detroit-area extracurricular Armenian schools were held far from where she Following a Friday evening ves- lived. But having been taught fluent pers service, Findikyan opened the Armenian by her mother, Mullen said festival with a welcome to the par- to herself “I can do it at home.” ticipants, before turning the program Yet, Mullen had planned all along over to a special guest presentation. to rely on her mother to bolster her That presentation, broadcast live kids’ Armenian education. Toukha- from Europe, was a lecture-recital by Hourig Toukhanian with her Kharpertsi nian Jacobs, unsatisfied with the ex- the internationally-known conductor, mother Eugenie, in Beirut, 1963 isting materials, had almost always musician, and scholar Dr. Haig Uti- created her own curriculum and was djian, titled “The Celestial Melodies an expert educator. But with her mother gone and unable to devise handmade lessons, of the Divine Liturgy.” Dr. Utidjian, Mullen had to begin her own search for printed materials. who is also an ordained deacon, illu- First, she went to another pillar of the Armenian community, Gyumri-born “Digin” minated the rich history of Armenian Anahit Toumajan. (When Armenians from Detroit mention the word “Digin” by itself, sacred music, revealing the origin they only mean one person — Toumajan, another long-time Armenian language edu- and evolution of its melodies, hymns, cator.) Toumajan supplied her with useful materials — useful for kindergarten, Mullen and chants. says. It wasn’t what she was looking for. The lecture expertly wove to- Mullen felt there was a specific lack of books for pre-school age children. Mullen gether examples of hymns written Shayne, I first heard about you in wanted a Western Armenian equivalent to the big workbooks produced for American by our church fathers, ranging from the Indian documentary “My Ar- preschoolers to learn the alphabet. Mullen didn’t find much, and what she did find, she 12th-century figures like Khachadoor menian Neighborhood” by Samim- felt to be out-of-date compared to what was available for learning American English. of Daron and St. Nersess Shnorhali, itra Das about the Armenians in Mullen reached out to her older sister, Cathy Jacobs Brito, an artist who had assisted to such 19th and 20th-century emi- today’s India. Your name in Arme- their mother in her Armenian language classes growing up and had often designed/ nences as Pietro Bianchini, Komitas nian is pronounced Hayrapet. How drawn the lesson materials. And so was born the project of creating an alphabet work Vartabed, and Amy Apcar. Dn. Haig do the Indians and Westerns pro- book that would serve the practical needs of Armenian children in the Diaspora: The offered soulful renditions of these nounce your name? Big Book of Armenian Letters. lesser-known melodies, granting see HYRAPIET, page 15 see ALPHABET, page 13 see FESTIVAL, page 16 SATURDAY, MAY 8, 2021 ARMENIAN MIRROR-SPECTATOR 13

ARTS & CULTURE Sisters Carrying on Mother’s Legacy of Teaching ALPHABET, from page 12 almost all of them. A Powerful Legacy “My mom was an Armenian teacher and almost always Born in Beirut, Lebanon and educated at the famed created her own curriculum,” says Mullen. “She had the Nshan Palanjian Jemaran, the authors’ mother, Hourig special ability to teach kids that didn’t speak Armenian Toukhanian Jacobs, immigrated to Detroit in the late in the home. In the beginning it was kids who spoke with 1960s and attended Wayne State University. There, she ob- grandparents. Then it was kids who heard Armenian spo- tained her education degree, focusing in foreign language ken around them, but didn’t really understand much of teaching with a major in French and a minor in Spanish. it. Then it was kids who were Armenian, went to church, An interesting piece of trivia is the fact that Toukhanian but didn’t know anything of the language. Finally, toward played for the Homenetmen basketball team in Lebanon the end, she was teaching non-Armenian spouses how to during her Jemaran days, and tried out for basketball at speak Armenian.” Wayne State, where the coaches, observing her not-so-flu- Armenian Easy id movements, put her on the JV team. Then Toukhanian Toukhanian Jacobs’ motto was to make Armenian easy. surprised them all. “They put her in for one game, and af- And so the sisters have branded their first product under ter seeing her play, immediately moved her up to Varsity. the company name “Armenian Easy.” The alphabet book is She didn’t move in a fluid way but she could see the plays, their first, but they plan to come out with more in the future. she was that kind of player.” Toukhanian Jacobs used to give it “piece by piece to the After completing her required student teaching at Mum- kids,” Mullen says. The Big Book of Armenian Letters at- ford High School in Detroit, Toukhanian Jacobs devoted tempts to do the same. Multiple pages of assignments are the rest of her life to the Armenian community. At first, geared toward the same set of three letters of the Arme- she taught at the Armenian Relief Society day school in nian alphabet. Then the child moves on to the next three Dearborn. But Metro Detroit’s mid-size Armenian com- letters. The lessons are repetitive to a grown-up eye but munity didn’t have the population to support more than are set up in a way that is fun and engaging for preschool- one day school. The ARS closed down their school and ers and allows them to learn the alphabet by repetition in a AGBU Manoogian in Southfield became the only choice way that they won’t find boring. The authors are confident for parents wishing to give their children an Armenian day it will work, because rather than patterning the lessons af- school education. ter previous Armenian-language materials, they copied in But the ARS continued to fill an educational need. a large part the format of some of the best-selling products Those parents who wanted to enroll their children in the on the market for American preschoolers. Hourig Toukhanian Jacobs, Detroit-area Armenian The book has other features. The instructions such as language teacher “color in the square with the letter Ayp,” are written en- tirely in Armenian. Some parents who don’t speak Arme- a minimum of English content and most of the book is in nian and saw a preview of the book were disappointed Armenian, “so it can be used, say in Argentina or in other they couldn’t read it themselves to help their child with countries of the Diaspora,” says Mullen. the lessons. But there is a purpose behind that, and ac- The book is 320 pages and is illustrated by Brito, includ- tually Mullen and Brito are aiming to reach out to that ing a colorful cover. Farm and zoo animals and other fea- population. “There are a lot of people who don’t speak tures of typical American children’s learning materials are Armenian, but they want their children to learn Armenian. included, along with some ethnic Armenian references. An We are trying to serve that population. But we wanted the interesting feature of the book is that the reader is informed book to be an immersive experience. If the child sees the that certain letters, for example the second letter of the Ar- English letters, their eyes will go to that and not focus menian Alphabet, Pen, “sounds like the ‘p’ in pen,” with a on the less familiar Armenian letters. As for the parents sidenote, “It should have a sound somewhere between ‘p’ who don’t speak or who don’t read Armenian, there are in and ‘b’. This nuance is all but lost in modern Western Ar- depth descriptions and instructions of each lesson in video menian speech.” The sisters were led to include this valu- form on our website, which users can subscribe to for a able information by their mother’s upbringing. “My grand- minimal fee.” mother was born in Kharpert, but raised in an orphanage, Indeed, the Armenian Easy website has extremely help- so she learned the Armenian they taught in the orphanage, Sisters (left to right) Jennifer (Jacobs) Mullen and ful videos by Mullen narrating in a simple way and with how it’s spoken today. But her older brother had grown up Cathy Jacobs Brito a gentle voice the instructions for each page of the book. in Kharpert and he pronounced the letters a slightly dif- The first few pages’ corresponding videos are free to look ferent way, which is how they are really supposed to be. public schools to have a mainstream American education- at. “Another thing is that I wish they would show you Unfortunately, that has been lost, but it was often a topic al experience, but also send them to “Saturday School” what’s in the book. When we were searching for materi- of discussion in our family.” Given that various authorities as had been typical since the 1920s, looked to the once- als, it just would say what the book was and how much it have stated that the Kharpert dialect is among the closest of a-week classes that the ARS set up under the Zavarian was, maybe show the cover. I thought, ‘We need to show the regional dialects to the written Western Armenian lan- name. Due to this state of affairs, depending on their ed- people what’s in this book.’” The website allows consum- guage, this theory makes some sense. ucational preferences, Armenians from both sides of the ers to take a peek inside the book and see if it looks like The stated audience of the book is “children age 4” but political spectrum attended the ARS Zavarian school, and something they would find useful. it “can be used for children as young as 3 and up to age Armenians from both sides attended the AGBU Manoo- There are other reasons the book is entirely in Armenian. 6, depending on the child.” The introduction also states gian school — a fact that has contributed significantly to First of all, the authors made the instructions kid-centric that “the creators believe this workbook can be beneficial community cohesion in the Metro Detroit area. rather than teacher centric. Instead of the old-fashioned to: pre-kindergarten Armenian school students, children Toukhanian Jacobs became one of the most-loved Armenian format using the infinitive, which translates as, of families who are unable to attend an Armenian school, teachers in the ARS “Zavarian” one-day school program. for example “to color the box red”, because the child is to and young children whose parents desire them to contin- Teaching primarily out of West Bloomfield, Toukhanian color the box red, Brito and Mullen’s book has written in ue practicing Armenian lessons over the summer or other Jacobs, having the benefit of a American college educa- Armenian “color the box red” using the imperative form breaks from school.” The book further states that the goal tion and a stellar Armenian education at Lebanon’s Jema- of the verb. This will also help the parent who has some is to “provide Western Armenian educational materials for ran, was renowned for her ability to tailor her lessons for Armenian language knowledge to remember the correct young children in the diaspora” and “facilitate Armenian students who didn’t necessarily speak Armenian with their word to use with their child. Also, Brito and Mullen hope language learning for all, including those who may not have parents. When she got to Detroit in the late 1960s, that was the book can be used throughout the Diaspora, so there is the benefit of hearing Armenian spoken in their homes.”

Armenian Pharmacists to Hold Online Auction on Mother’s Day to Benefit Armenian Wounded Heroes BOSTON — The Armenian American Bidding for Mother’s Day gifts couldn’t tion on how his book played a major role in No interest in bidding, contribute any Pharmacists’ Association (AAPHA.org) be easier, sign up for a free account with the success of the series! Included also orig- amount in the designated area for secured is a charitable non-profit organization of Biddingforgood.com/armenianampharm inal works of fine art and Armenian coffee donations at Biddingforgood.com/armeni- pharmacists of Armenian heritage dedi- and explore the one-of-a-kind services of- lovers will enjoy freshly ground Armenian anampharm. cated to serving the Armenian community. fered by The Indoor Oasis a new relaxation coffee from San Francisco’s Henry’s House We are sincerely grateful to our “Arme- With Mother’s Day approaching the AA- Spa and Newton Chiropractic and Wellness of Coffee along with a gift set of Armenian nia’s Heroes” for their service and recog- PHA fundraising committee, the Friends Center, health and beauty gifts, yoga class- coffee cup and dessert plates donated by nize the sacrifices the families they have of AAPHA and Armenian businesses span- es, fine jewelry, specialty Travel Service CA-based Illustrator, Arpi Krikorian but left behind. It is with your help and support, ning from MA to CA together welcome the and gift-certificates to restaurants. there’s more…our corporate sponsor, La together, we will impact the lives of others, public to the first ever, on-line Mother’s For fans of Netflix’s smash hit documen- Perla Home, laperlahome.com of Montrose, be sure to Bid High and Bid Often, for all Day Auction fundraising event from April tary series, “This Is a Robbery,” don’t miss CA donated Noah’s Ark centerpiece by Mi- Mothers, Grandmothers, Aunts, Sisters and 25th to May 8th with proceeds to benefit out on bidding for this lot. acclaimed, author chael Aram and ZatikNatural.com donated the special women in our lives who care for the Armenian Wounded Heroes Fund (ar- of Master Thieves, Stephen Kurkjian, has exclusive gift sets of skin, body, hair, and us and love us unconditionally! Good Luck menianwoundedheroes.com). donated a one-hour virtual private presenta- health products! to all, thank you and Happy Mother’s Day! 14 SATURDAY, MAY 8, 2021 ARMENIAN MIRROR-SPECTATOR

ARTS & CULTURE Books The Armenian of Aintab: The Economics Of Genocide in an Ottoman Province with Ümit Kurt and Dirk Moses FAIR LAWN, N.J. — On Tuesday, May urban and local elites, wealth transfer and 11 at 7:30 p.m. (ET), join historians Ümit nationalism. He received his Ph.D. from Kurt and Dirk Moses for a conversation on the Department of History at Clark Univer- Kurt’s new book, The Armenians of Aint- sity. He is a former post-doctoral fellow at ab: The Economics of Genocide in an Ot- Harvard University, the current Polonsky toman Province. Fellow at Jerusalem’s Van Leer institute “If genocide, as a practice that includes and teaches in the department of Islamic murder and plunder, is orchestrated by a and Middle Eastern Studies at the Hebrew central authority but implemented at the University of Jerusalem. local level,” Kurt asks, “what is the rela- Moses is the Frank Porter Graham Dis- tionship between local and central authori- tinguished Professor of Global Human ties?” What are the incentives and motives Rights History. Raised in Australia of par- that leads to mass participation? ents with professional interests in German In his new book, Kurt challenges the de- history, Moses naturally gravitated to the piction that state-sponsored genocide in all study of the Australian and German pasts. its dimensions could be carried out by the While completing his first book,German central government by edict and, instead, Intellectuals and the Nazi Past (2007), he examines how local actors and even ordi- edited three anthologies on genocide and nary Muslims are complicit. colonialism: Genocide and Settler Society: To borrow from former House Speaker Frontier Violence and Stolen Indigenous Tip O’Neill, Kurt shows how “all genocide Children (2004), Colonialism and Geno- is local” and invokes Donald Bloxham and cide (2007), and Empire, Colony Geno- Moses’ observation that “location tells us cide: Conquest, Occupation and Subaltern much about the political calculus underpin- Resistance in World History (2008). ning genocide.” Since then, he has been researching Kurt and Moses will examine how prima- postcolonial conflict in Africa and South ry sources from Armenian, Ottoman, Turk- Asia for his project on the “Diplomacy of ish, British, and French archives, as well as Genocide.” His investigation of the ori- memoirs, personal papers, oral accounts, gins and function of the genocide concept and newly discovered property-liquidation appears in his second monograph, “The records together provide an invaluable ac- Problems of Genocide” (2021). Dirk is count of genocide at ground level. also working on “Genocide and the Terror of a local story yielding broad historical The event is jointly sponsored by AGBU Kurt a historian of the modern Middle of History” about traumatic memory and insights.” Go to http://bit.ly/Aintab to reg- Ararat, Ararat-Eskijian Museum, Arme- East, with a research focus on the collapse the constitution of genocidal subjectivities. ister. nian Democratic Liberal Party-Ramgavars, of the Ottoman Empire, specializes in the In his spare time, he edits the “Journal of To watch on YouTube, go to https://bit. Armenian Network of America—Great- late Ottoman socio-economic history, Ar- Genocide Research.” ly/StLeonEvents at 7:30 on Tuesday, May er NY, Daughters of Vartan-Sahaganoush menian genocide, mass violence and inter- Register now to spend an evening in 11. To purchase the book, go to https:// Otyag, Knights of Vartan-Bakradouny ethnic conflicts. His broader training also conversation with Kurt and Moses and naasr.org/. For more information, call Lodge, National Association for Armenian includes the comparative empires, popu- discover why Raymond Kevorkian writes Ara Araz at 917.837.1297 or email ara@ Studies and Research (NAASR) and Saint lation movements, history of the Ottoman that Kurt’s work is a “perfect illustration edrcorp.net. Leon Armenian Church.

4-year-old son along the way, and would stay in hid- ing for years, repeatedly changing residences. Over Diary of Genocide the course of her long time underground, she kept a notebook to more or less regularly set down her ex- Deportee Published perience and the events she heard about in a personal diary of sorts, written in Armenian, then French, with some passages in Greek. In this fragmented narra- In France tive, she described her journey across Anatolia, sub- PARIS — Serpouhi Hovaghian: The Earth Alone sequent to her deportation from Trebizond where she Can Help Us , Notebook of an Armenian Genocide lived with her family in June 1915, and her reclusive Deportee was published on April 29 by the Biblio- life in Giresun. theque nationale de France (BnF). To understand and elucidate this fragile, heart-rend- This critical edition is by Raymond Kevorkian and ing document, the Editions de la BnF worked with Maximilien Girard. Raymond Kevorkian, a leading specialist in Armenian Having gathered dust for decades in an attic before history, who present an indispensable critical edition. being added to the collections of the Bibliotheque na- On May 11, extracts from the notebook will be tionale de France, Serpouhi Hovaghian’s notebook is read by actress Anna Mouglalis at the BnF. The read- one of the few known contemporary witness accounts ing will be preceded by an introduction to the book of a victim of the Armenian genocide. This present crit- by Anny Romand, granddaughter of Serpouhi Hov- ical edition of the narrative it contains plunges us into aghian and a presentation by Raymond Kevorkian one of the darkest periods of the twentieth century. and Maximilien Girard. “We walked haphazardly, six hours a day, without The BnF preserves a unique heritage in the world: eating or drinking. Walk, walk down the road until more than 40 million documents, including 15 mil- you’ve put paid to your life [...].” lion books and magazines, but also manuscripts, On October 25, 1915, a young 22-year-old Arme- prints, photographs, maps and plans, music sheets, nian woman escaped from a convoy of deportees that coins, medals, sound documents, videos... had reached the harbor of Giresun on the Black Sea. The BnF transmits part of the memory of the The genocide carried out by the Young Turks against world. Its encyclopedic collections — physical and the Armenians of the Ottoman Empire had been un- digital — have fueled thought for nearly 5 centuries. derway since April. Like so many of her unfortunate To watch the program on YouTube visit youtube. companions, Serpouhi Hovaghian had to give up her com/user/BibliothequeBnF/featured SATURDAY, MAY 8, 2021 ARMENIAN MIRROR-SPECTATOR 15

ARTS & CULTURE Shayne David Hyrapiet: ‘We Are More Indian than Armenian’ HYRAPIET, from page 12 So do you divide your life between two I do not think there is any Armenian public expressed your hope to visit Armenia in The Westerners mostly get it right. Some- professions or singing is your main occu- life in Kolkata. near future, so it has not happened yet? times Indians who are not familiar with the pation? Please tell us about your family. Unfortunately, no. I have not been able to name say Harpreet thinking that I am Punjabi. It is my main occupation. I am terrible at My father Peter is half Armenian, half visit Armenia yet. Hopefully – one day! For my generation Indian pop sing- math and accounting. I sing mostly Bolly- Anglo-Indian. My mother, Heather Hyrapi- How did COVID-19 influence your ac- ing is connected with the songs from wood Punjabi and English songs at clubs, et is Anglo-Indian too. My father has been tivity? the movie “Disco Dancer” and Mithun hotels and weddings around the country. the president of the Armenian Club of Kolk- It brought my life as a singer to a com- Chakraborty. Where is Indian pop music At one time India was a home to a pros- ata. My wife Nidhi is Punjabi Christian and plete halt. Work has dwindled but I believe now? perous Armenian community. Now there my two girls are baptized Armenians. in miracles and I am sure things will get bet- Unfortunately, it is in an advanced stage are a handful Armenians in all over In- Have you ever cooperated with any Ar- ter in the future. of degeneration. Any nonsensical lyrical dia. Less than 100 Indian Armenians live menians worldwide? In our times it is hard to talk about up- rubbish can be turned into a hit once a beat in Kolkata. Does your family keep some I was coordinating with some ex-Arme- coming projects. Do you have some? is added to it. Armenian traditions? If yes, how? nian college friends of mine to perform in I have none at this time. I spend all my Iran or Armenia, but it did not work out. days with my two Beautiful daughters Skyla Maybe we will try again sometime in the Serah, who is gonna be ten and Sierra Ann, future. who is going to be seven and my family for Ten years ago in a message to me you which I am most grateful. CALENDAR ON-LINE EVENTS & PROGRAMS MASSACHUSETTS

MAY 13-AUGUST 15 — The Armenian Heritage Park will hold a series of events during the spring and summer: •Thursday, May 13 at 5pm DISCOVER ARMENIA: Cultural Fabric, Cuisine & Wine CELEBRATING WHAT UNITES US! special virtual cooking & wine pairing pro- gram RSVP [email protected] •Wednesday, May 20 PARK’S GIVING DAY! Support the Park’s Care and Maintenance at ArmenianHeritagePark.org/Support •Wednesday, May 26 at 10am CELEBRATING WHAT UNITES US! virtual se- Shayne David Hyrapiet with his family ries Mediterranean Cuisine Oldways Instructor Register: bit.ly/32FfCjp Indian pop singers particularly com- Apart from celebrating Christmas on Jan- •Wednesday, June 9 at 4pm TEA & TRANQUILITY ARMENIAN HERITAGE bine lots of dance and acting in their per- uary 6 we are mostly Indian Armenian in PARK ON THE GREENWAY, Boston Meet & Greet at the Park. Walk the Lab- formances. nature, blood and manne, meaning, we eat yrinth. View the Abstract Sculpture. Tie a Ribbon on the Wishing Tree. RSVP I guess they do it to take away the audi- lots of Indian food and celebrate all the In- [email protected] ence’s attention from the bad lyrics. Not in dian festivals and also wear Indian clothes. •Sunday, June 13 at 2pm LABYRINTH WALKING WELLNESS program ARME- all cases though, some songs do have good Honestly speaking, we are more Indian in NIAN HERITAGE PARK ON THE GREENWAY, Boston Meet & Greet at the meaning. our ways, than Armenian. Armenian food Park. Introduction to the many benefits. Walk the labyrinth. A part of The You have been singing since your school and feasts are very rare in our lives, and I Greenway Fitness program. RSVP [email protected] years, yet you studied in St. Xavier’s Col- am not familiar with Armenian music either. •Sunday, July 11 at 2pm LABYRINTH WALKING WELLNESS program ARME- lege for a bachelor’s degree in commerce. However, we do go to church often. But and NIAN HERITAGE PARK ON THE GREENWAY, Boston Meet & Greet at the Park. Introduction to the many benefits. Walk the labyrinth. A part of The Greenway Fitness program. RSVP [email protected] System of a Down Drummer Dolmayan, Staunch Trump •Wednesday, July 14 at 4pm TEA & TRANQUILITY ARMENIAN HERITAGE PARK ON THE GREENWAY, Boston Meet & Greet the Boston Mayoral can- Supporter, Thanks Biden for Recognizing Genocide didates at the Park. Walk the Labyrinth. View the Abstract Sculpture. Tie LOS ANGELES (Blabbermouth) — This is extremely important but only a Ribbon on the Wishing Tree. RSVP [email protected] System of a Down Drummer John milestone towards the long road of justice •Wednesday, August 11 at 4pm TEA & TRANQUILITY ARMENIAN HERI- Dolmayan has publicly expressed his grat- ahead with Turkey and its imminent need TAGE PARK ON THE GREENWAY, Boston Meet & Greet at the Park. Walk itude to President Joe Biden for officially to do the same and make amends towards the Labyrinth. View the Abstract Sculpture.Tie a Ribbon on the Wishing Tree. RSVP [email protected] recognizing the Armenian Genocide of the descendants of 1.5 million Armenians, •Sunday, August 15 at 2pm LABYRINTH WALKING WELLNESS program. AR- 1915. “I would like to thank President @ Greeks, and Assyrians systematically slaughtered by its Ottoman Turkish ances- MENIAN HERITAGE PARK ON THE GREENWAY, Boston Meet & Greet at the joebiden for recognizing officially that the tors. Today, I will say thank you to the US Park. Introduction to the many benefits. Walk the labyrinth. A part of The Armenian Genocide perpetrated by the Ot- and all those who have fought hard for this Greenway Fitness program. RSVP [email protected] toman Empire (Turkey) happened and that statement over the years.” JUNE 16 — SAVE THE DATE: BUILDING FOR ETERNITY~ NAASR’s Virtual Gala. this crime against humanity emboldened Last year, Dolmayan praised former US Join us as we honor Edward Avedisian, NAASR Board member and philan- Hitler and many other genocidal dictators President Donald Trump and accused Dem- thropist, during NAASR’s Building for Eternity Virtual Gala, on Wednesday, throughout the last century,” John wrote ocrats of “demonizing” the real estate mo- June 16, 2021, at 7:00m Eastern / 4:00pm Pacific. Edward Avedisian is the principal benefactor of NAASR’s Vartan Gregorian Building and will be recog- on Instagram on April 24. “I will forever gul and “blaming him for everything under nized for his outstanding dedication and distinguished service in advancing be grateful to this administration as an Ar- the sun.” The drummer called Democrats education in the United States and Armenia. He is an extraordinary philan- menian and as a proud American. I would “the true bigots” who “fought to maintain further like to comment on the genocide of thropist and serves as a Director of NAASR, a Trustee of the American Uni- slavery” and were “directly responsible for versity of Armenia, and a Director of the Armenian Missionary Association native Americans throughout North, Cen- 70 plus million abortions, a large majority of America. Special guest, New York Times bestselling author Chris Bohjalian tral, and South America and how the in- of whom were black.” will also join us in a unique conversation with Dr. Khatchig Mouradian, Arme- digenous people who lived here before us Tankian discussed his relationship with nian and Georgian Specialist at the Library of Congress. deserve not only our empathy but also our Dolmayan, who is his brother-in-law, RHODE ISLAND support. Ultimately we are all one people during a recent interview with Conse- regardless of our beliefs or other differenc- quence Of Sound. He said: “We’re very MAY 14-28 — Sts. Sahag and Mesrob Church of Providence continues program- es, hopefully one day we as humans will good friends, we’re family, and he’s my ming the Armenian Cultural Hour programs, every Friday at 7:30 p.m. The accept that fact and live in peace.” drummer in my band, so, of course, we’ve program can be livestreamed on the church’s Facebook page by everyone at https://www.facebook.com/armenianchurchprovidence A few hours before Dolmayan’s post, talked about many, many different things, System singer Serj Tankian, whose grand- May 14 - Armenian music and songs (Concert from Montreal, Canada) including political views. When you don’t parents all fled the Armenian Genocide, May 21 - Our Youth Talents, issue two agree with someone after a while about a also thanked Biden for his declaration, May 28 - Celebration concert, dedicated to 100th Anniversary of the First Re- writing on social media: “Thank you to certain topic … look, it doesn’t mean that public of Armenia President Joe Biden for properly recog- we don’t agree about other stuff. We agree nizing the #ArmenianGenocide today. a lot about Armenian stuff for example...” 16 SATURDAY, MAY 8, 2021 ARMENIAN MIRROR-SPECTATOR

ARTS & CULTURE ‘Celestial Music’ Comes Down to Earth During Sacred Music Festival FESTIVAL, from page 12 “The Badarak is absolutely filled with ing,” said Dn. Mark Krikorian, of St. Mary bers. Dn. Haig’s lecture showed me how listeners a new perspective on the vast an- joy,” the Bishop concluded. “It is an expe- Church in Washington, DC. “Apart from vast and rich our sacred music tradition is, thology of the Armenian sacred music tra- rience of joy: to celebrate and realize our the music itself, I especially appreciated and brought to light numerous melodies I dition — no less than an appreciation for union with God; to celebrate that fact every the emphasis on choir members and altar had never heard before. Srpazan’s talk was the scholarship required to interpret the time we enter our church. If our churches servers learning the meaning of the words extremely helpful in demonstrating how cryptic neumes in which such melodies our empty, it is because we as a church do they’re singing.” miraculous and transformative the Bada- were recorded. not exude joy.” Dn. Ari Terjanian, who directs the choir at rak is — and how this should guide our Dr. Utidjian’s personal anecdotes from “Why?” he asked. “Because we have not St. Gregory of Narek Church in Cleveland, singing. Both experienced and new mem- his work as an historian — seeking ancient captured that joy ourselves. We have not OH, called the festival “truly inspiring and bers of our choir found the talks extremely manuscripts in the Mkhitarist libraries of realized the joy that is in our hands. We as informative for myself and our choir mem- informative and inspiring.” San Lazarro and Venice, and gaining knowl- musicians have a big part in that: a respon- edge from great peers and teachers such as sibility and opportunity to bring the joy of Archbishop Zareh Aznavourian or Krikor the Gospel to our people.” Pidejian — coupled with his experiences training non-Armenian choirs in Prague and Enlightening Copenhagen, added a level of detail that In the afternoon sessions that followed, raised the discourse from a dry academic expert practitioners of the liturgical art Recipe exercise to an inspired, living journey. shared their wisdom — their “musical q “Remember that it has taken more than pearls” — with the listeners. a thousand years to bring us to where we Fr. Arshen Aivazian spoke about the are,” said Dr. Utidjian by way of conclu- melodies and odes — megheti, in Arme- sion, “so let us cherish our sacred music nian — that are sung in specific celebra- Corner tradition. The rules of this art have the tions of the badarak. Examples were illus- power to render our chants sublime, celes- trated through the vocal gifts of Fr. Voskan tial, and pleasing to both our ears and our Hovhannisyan. hearts.” Fr. Avedis Kalayjian expounded on Mid- day Hymns (jashoo sharagan) and their A Living Experience of Joy biblical references, with vocalist Edita Saturday began with a morning service Dolunts-Kalayjian bringing the hymns to and Findikyan’s keynote presentation on vivid life. the festival theme: “The Holy Badarak: Finally, Dn. Rubik Mailian gave a riv- Our Musical Sacrament.” eting talk on the diverse settings of the Bishop Daniel’s talk emphasized the Badarak written by various composers, profundity of Armenian sacred music, and and he encouraged choirs to incorporate how its theological implications should unfamiliar versions into the traditional set- guide our rendition of this glorious music. ting of Sunday worship. Judicious variety Srpazan emphasized the Badarak is not a of musical expression, Dn. Rubik assert-

Birds Nest Baklava Original recipe courtesy of Salpy’s International Kitchen

FILLING: Speakers during the Eastern Diocese’s spring Sacred Music Festival included (l to 1 cup shelled walnuts r): Fr. Avedis Kalayjian, Fr. Voskan Hovhannisyan, Diocesan Primate Bishop Daniel 3 tablespoons granulated sugar Findikyan, Dr. Haig Utidjian, and Dn. Rubik Mailian. The festival was held as an 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon online gathering on April 16-17, 2021. A pinch ground nutmeg performance; rather it is a mysterious “sac- ed, would give a new, vivid power to the In a small food processor, grind the walnuts, just until broken down into small rament” in which we offer a love song to ancient prayers, arresting the attention of bits; mix in the sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg, set aside. our Creator. Badarak was explained to be worshippers, and allowing them to experi- a transcendental experience in which the ence the words in a fresh way. BAKLAVA: congregation draws together in unison and Geeragamdeets vespers (“Entering the 1 (1 lb.) package filo dough, thawed overnight in the refrigerator in communion with God — into Whose Lord’s Day”) concluded the virtual cel- 1 cup clarified butter, melted midst we enter. ebration of Armenian Church music and Armenian sacred music in the church is musicians. In addition, three worship ser- SIMPLE SYRUP: the Armenian peoples’ age-old love song vices were conducted in three parishes of 2 cups granulated sugar to God. The faithful sing love songs to our the Diocese: St. James of Nisibis in Evan- 1 cup water Savior every Sunday. Within the “family” ston IL; St. Sarkis in Dallas, TX; and St. 1 tablespoon lemon juice of worshippers, related by faith and not Stepanos in Elberon, NJ. 1 teaspoon orange blossom water merely genetics, the love song evolves and “As always, hearing Srpazan Daniel develops. speak was enlightening,” said participant PREPARATION: After expounding upon the profound Raffi Bandazian, of St. James Church in To prepare the syrup topping, dissolve sugar in water over medium heat, add the nature of our sacred music and liturgical Richmond, VA. “I learn something new ev- lemon juice and orange blossom water and bring to a boil. sacraments, Bishop Daniel proceeded to ery time. The lecture about sharagan, tagh Let it boil for 5-7 minutes or until thickened, then allow to cool completely. explain how this should influence the way and megheti enhanced my understanding Place one sheet of filo dough on the table, cut in half widthwise, fold each one into choirs approach their singing. That sing- of the Sourp Badarak and gave me a deeper two, brush with butter. ing should be a reflection of joy, he said, appreciation of the service and my partici- Place a wooden dowel about a half-inch in diameter above the bottom of the and should inspire joy in the congregation. pation in this Holy Sacrament.” sheet, and roll the dough loosely leaving one-inch drape at the end. Singing should be joyful and upbeat, and “The Sacred Music Festival was a great Place your fingers at the ends of the dough and gently push towards the center, should be prayed, not performed. Organists experience. The introduction to the many crimping the dough as you go, push the dough off the dowel. Bring both ends should serve as a subtle aid in the back- different renderings of the Badarak, and close together, using the drape as the bottom to form the nest. Use all remaining ground, barely perceptible. the stories behind them, was eye-open- filo the same way. Arrange nests on a buttered baking pan. Brush with butter. Place a tablespoon of the filling in the nest of each round. Bake in a 350°F preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove from the oven and let it cool down completely. Drizzle cold simple syrup on each individual piece of baklava. For this recipe, go to: https://www.facebook.com/SalpysInternationalKitchen/ ADVERTISE photos/a.193156930836425 IN THE MIRROR /1720065451478891/?type=3&theater SATURDAY, MAY 8, 2021 ARMENIAN MIRROR-SPECTATOR 17

COMMENTARY THE ARMENIAN Mirror SPECTATOR Since 1932 Reactions to Biden in Turkey By Raffi Bedrosyan ist versions of history have now merged into one grand lie, irra- tionally contradicting one another. The so-called experts argued It has been a week now since US President Biden’s April 24, that nothing happened, that Armenians massacred millions of 2021 statement recognizing the Armenian Genocide. This was Moslems, Turks just defended themselves, there were massa- a long overdue acknowledgment by the US of an event that cres on both sides, worse massacres happened by Germans and took place 106 years ago, about which there is already general Russians on other fronts, deportations were only for rebels in An ADL Publication worldwide acceptance of the historic facts. The only issue left war zones, all of the Armenian intellectuals arrested on April was the reluctance of a few states to define the 1915 event as 24, 1915 returned safe and sound after the war, the state protect- The First English Language genocide, in deference to Turkey. The symbolic genocide rec- ed the Armenians but Kurds attacked the deportation convoys, Armenian Weekly in the ognition by the US is a political non-event, except for the trau- deportations were militarily necessary and if needed, the state United States matized Armenians and paranoid Turks. should do it again, etc., etc. This obsession with properly naming it as genocide has caused One of the main conclusions was that “evidence shows only EDITOR many generations of Armenians to be traumatized, not able to 150,000 Armenians died, of whom 50,000 were volunteers who Alin K. Gregorian move past 1915, spending enormous amounts of energy, aca- had died after joining the Russian army. But since Armenian demic, historic, political talent and resources at the expense of historians always add a zero to their numbers of the dead, that is MANAGING EDITOR more productive activities for the growth of Armenia, Artsakh how Armenians keep claiming 1.5 million dead.” Compared to Aram Arkun and diaspora. The Armenians’ trauma is directly caused by a sim- past frivolously published papers which at least admitted some ilar and more obstinate obsession by the Turkish state in denying massacres during the deportations, this conference produced ART DIRECTOR the true facts of 1915, spending not only enormous amounts of completely laughable lies. Mark (Mgrditchian) McKertich energy, academic, historic resources in Turkey but also hundreds After Biden’s statement, the floodgates opened, and every SENIOR EDITORIAL COLUMNIST of millions of dollars in lobbying activities in the US, as well politician in the ruling party as well as in opposition (except Edmond Y. Azadian as buying out a few foreign academics to advance their denial- the pro-Kurdish HDP), every journalist, every academician, ist version of history. The Turkish denial is caused by paranoia every talk show host attacked Biden, the Americans, the EU, STAFF WRITER and fear of the 3R’s – recognition, to be followed by retribution the West, and of course all the Armenians past and present. The Harry Kezelian III (compensation), to be followed by restitution (of land). only Armenian MP in the Parliament, Garo Paylan, was threat- This vicious cycle of genocide denial versus forced geno- ened with the same fate as what Talat Pasha did to the treason- CONTRIBUTORS cide recognition, fueled by paranoia and trauma, could only be ous Armenians. Almost every talk show started with grateful Christopher Atamian, Florence Avakian, reversed by starting dialogue between Turks and Armenians, commemoration and prayers for the heroic leader Talat Pasha. Taleen Babayan, Artsvi Bakhchinyan, based on the historic realities of 1915, as advocated by the late There is no longer any shred of empathy for the millions of Raffi Bedrosyan, Christine Vartanian Hrant Dink. And the vicious cycle could only come to an end civilian Armenians, Pontic Greeks, Assyrians or Yezidis who Datian, Dr. Arshavir Gundjian, Philippe by having the Turkish Parliament acknowledge the historic re- perished during a few short years during the First World War. Raffi Kalfayan, Ken Martin, Gerald alities of 1915, instead of parliaments of third states. President Erdogan, after staying silent for three days while Papasian, Harut Sassounian, Hagop For a few years in the mid-2010s, there was a glimpse of hope his cabinet members and presidential spokespersons fiercely at- Vartivarian that there could be some baby tacked Biden, announced Biden’s REGIONAL steps in Turkey toward facing his- statement to be baseless, and CORRESPONDENTS tory, at least allowing discussion. added: “I am speaking based on LOS ANGELES: Ani Duzdabanyan- The genocide word was not pun- This vicious cycle evidence, unlike Biden. We have Manoukian, Kevork Keushkerian, ishable anymore and many books over 1 million documents related Michelle Mkhlian acknowledging the genocide were of genocide denial to the 1915 events in our archives. YEREVAN: Raffi Elliott published or translated. There versus forced genocide I am wondering how many docu- BERLIN: Muriel Mirak-Weissbach were conferences, and talk shows ments the United States has. They PARIS: Jean Eckian where pro- and anti-genocide recognition, fueled by have none. Armenian gangs, who SAN FRANCISCO: Kim Bardakian viewpoints were freely discussed. paranoia and trauma, could were at least 150,000 to 300,000 CAIRO: Maydaa Nadar April 24 commemorations were people, carried out massacres in allowed in many cities, including only be reversed by starting Turkish territory. Furthermore, PHOTOGRAPHERS Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir and Diyar- they partnered with Russian forc- Jirair Hovsepian, Ken Martin bakir. Ittihadist leaders, the perpe- dialogue between Turks and es to fight against us. Ottoman

VIDEO CORRESPONDENT trators of the Armenian Genocide, Armenians, based on the authorities only took precau- Haykaram Nahapetyan were condemned. Messages of tions. Biden’s biased statement on condolences for “losses suffered historic realities of 1915 1915 events will be destructive to The Armenian Mirror-Spectator is by the Armenians during the First US-Turkey relations and the re- published weekly, except two weeks in World War” were proclaimed by cently established stability in the July and the first week of the year, by: the government leaders. Caucasus. We believe that Mr. Baikar Association, Inc. Some minority-owned properties illegally expropriated in the Biden’s statement was due to pressure from radical Armenian 755 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA past were returned. Reconstruction of a few Armenian churches figures.” 02472-1509 was permitted, including the largest one in Diyarbakir – Surp The opposition politicians were much more vocal in their Telephone: 617-924-4420 Giragos Church. Restoration of the ruins of Ani were started protests against Biden, and in fact, egged on Erdogan for not FAX: 617-924-2887 with the cooperation of historic restoration experts from Arme- protesting more forcefully, “meowing like a cat instead of roar- www.mirrorspectator.com nia. Along with these positive steps of democratization, peace- ing like a lion.” ful reconciliation initiatives toward the only remaining sizable It seems that the Turkish denial is now even more intensified E-Mail: [email protected] minority, the Kurds, were advanced. and reaching new heights. What is even worse is the attitude of For advertising: [email protected] But then what happened? All these initiatives were thrown the Kurds. In recent years, Kurdish intellectuals and political away starting in 2016. Islamic ideology merged with nationalist leaders had readily acknowledged their role in the Armenian fascist ideology, creating a viciously intolerant and dictatorial Genocide, and their violent treatment of the Armenians before SUBSCRIPTION RATES regime where only Sunni Turks, or rather, Sunni Turks loyal to the genocide. There was even a memorial sculpture installed in U.S.A. $80 one year the ruling party are allowed to live and all others have become Diyarbakir for the Armenian and Assyrian victims of 1915. Un- Canada $125 one year barely tolerated second class citizens. Journalists, academics, fortunately, most of these progressive Kurdish political leaders Other Countries $200 one year hundreds of thousands of citizens, Kurdish political leaders – in are now jailed and there is a new ominous reality. short, anyone questioning the authority of the ruling party, were Historian Prof. Dr. Taner Akçam just published a new book © 2014 The Armenian Mirror-Spectator dismissed and jailed. Even before Biden’s statement, April 24 in Turkish, called An Abbreviated History of the Armenian Periodical Class Postage Paid at Boston, commemorations were banned. Genocide. One historical fact he points out is related to Kurdish MA and additional mailing offices. The Turkish President’s Office arranged for a three-day his- tribal chiefs who ruled over Armenian villages in Eastern Ana- tory conference about the 1915 events starting April 20, where tolia (Western Armenia), called “the right of the first night.” ISSN 0004-234X more than 25 Turkish academicians presented papers “proving” It is documented that in many provinces, Kurdish tribal chiefs that there was no genocide, not even a massacre. It was just a claimed the right to rape Armenian brides on the wedding night, Postmaster: Send address humane relocation of the Armenian rebels from the war zone to before the marriage took place. This is a known reality: in fact, changes to The Armenian a safer location in Syria within the country, in order to prevent I know of Armenian families who hastily escaped from their Mirror-Spectator, 755 Mount them from backstabbing the Turkish army. And I kept scream- village to Istanbul during the wedding night in order to avoid Auburn St., ing at my computer screen: “How about my pregnant grand- the rape of the Armenian bride girl. However, some Kurdish in- Watertown, MA 02472 mother deported from Bursa to Damascus? Was she a rebel? tellectuals have now started a protest campaign against Akçam, Was she in the war zone?” denying that Kurds have ever done such a thing in the past. Other than the Editorial, views I listened to all nine hours of the conference, with the papers It is utterly disappointing and one more step backward to and opinions expressed in this at the level and quality of high school compositions, each pre- see the Kurds joining the Turks in their denials against historic newspaper do not necessarily senter competing to outdo the lies of the others, parroting their facts. But truth always comes out in the end, sooner or later, no reflect the policies of the “research facts from the archives.” It seems that all past denial- matter how hard someone tries to hide it or stop it. publisher. 18 SATURDAY, MAY 8, 2021 ARMENIAN MIRROR-SPECTATOR

COMMENTARY

My Turn for everyday political purposes. The tension caused by the usage of the issue in How Can the Armenian parliamentary agendas for decades has not served the rapprochement of the two nations. On the contrary, it provokes hostile feelings and delays peace. We, Patriarch Be as Pro- just like our predecessors and late Patriarchs, will continue to wish for peace, friendship and well-being between Turks and Armenians. We will encourage Turkish as Erdogan? the rebuilding of relations based on neighborhood and common grounds speed- by Harut Sassounian ily. We prefer to be one of those who hopefully expect the revival of neighborly The Armenian Patriarch of Turkey, Sahak Mashalian, relations, which are unique to these lands and exist in the traditions of the two once again issued a pro-Turkish statement, this time on the eve of the anni- communities, between Turkey and Armenia’s authorities. Dear Recep Tayyip versary of the Armenian Genocide, trying to please his Turkish masters and Erdogan, during his time as both Prime Minister and President, has been the undermine President Joe Biden’s April 24 acknowledgment. only top state official in the history of the Turkish Republic to give messages We all understand that the Armenian community and the Patriarch in Tur- on this occasion. These messages show a spirit, sharing our pain and a certain key are hostages in the hands of the Turkish government. As such, they are respect for the children of our nation that lost their lives in exile. In our opinion, under pressure to make pro-Turkish statements. However, there are red lines it would be appropriate to take these as positive steps towards rapprochement that no Armenian should cross, regardless of the circumstances or reasons. Our in the future. If only the joint history commission they [Turkey] proposed could ancestors sacrificed their lives during the genocide, not succumbing to Turkish have been established, then at least 15 years of progress would have been made. pressures and physical threats. The Patriarch, who is supposed to be a man of If only the [Armenia-Turkey] protocols could have been implemented, borders God, is obligated to tell the truth even if his life is in danger. could have been opened. Then the resolution of the Karabakh [issue] could As I have suggested before, if the Patriarch does not want to get in trouble have resulted differently. We still do not think it is late. The project to build a with the Turkish authorities, he should simply keep his mouth shut. He should six-country basin, proposed by our Dear President for Caucasia, can bring the not volunteer to issue statements on non-religious issues and not desecrate the peace of the century to the communities in the region.” memories of 1.5 million perished Armenians. We should not jump to the con- Leaving no doubt as to the pro-Turkish position of the Patriarch, Turkey’s clusion that every time the Patriarch issues a pro-Turkish statement he is nec- Communications Director Fahrettin Altun endorsed his statement: “Sahak essarily doing it under duress. Furthermore, the Patriarch should ask himself Mashalian, the Armenian Patriarch of Turkey, aptly noted that past sufferings if the Armenian community has received any benefits in return for his multiple must not be exploited for short-term political gains. [The Patriarch said]: ‘We pro-Turkish statements. will continue to live together, peacefully and as brothers and sisters, in this Certainly, the Turkish government has repeatedly exploited the Patriarch’s land.’” words to disseminate pro-Turkish propaganda worldwide. For example, on Turkey’s presidential spokesman Ibrahim Kalin also expressed support for April 23, 2021, when it became known that President Biden would issue his Mashalian’s remarks: “Abusing history for a narrow political agenda helps much anticipated acknowledgment of the Armenian Genocide, the Anadolu neither the past nor the present.” Agency (AA), the official Turkish government’s news service, reported Patri- Interestingly, President Erdogan sent a letter to the Armenian Patriarch on arch Mashalian’s condemnation of President Biden’s upcoming statement. The April 24, denying the Armenian Genocide and agreeing with the Patriarch’s AA headlined its “news” with the Patriarch’s words: “Using 1915 incidents for words. It is not surprising that the Turkish government supported Archbishop politics saddens Armenians.” Mashalian’s candidacy for the Patriarchal elections over other less subservient How could President Biden’s acknowledgment of the genocide, welcomed by candidates. Armenians worldwide, “sadden Armenians?” On the contrary it saddened the The Patriarch must realize that by making propaganda statements on behalf denialist Turks and thrilled Armenians. Patriarch Mashalian should just stick of Turkey, he is losing the respect of Armenians both inside and outside Turkey. to religious subjects and not pronounce judgements on other matters. Regard- His anti-Armenian words are viewed as those of a sold out Turkish agent. The less of whether he is pressured by the Turkish government to make political Armenian Church and Armenians in Turkey should pressure the Patriarch to statements or does it voluntarily, the Patriarch should refrain from taking such resign since he has lost the support of the Armenian community and can no positions, saying that as a clergyman he only deals with religious subjects. longer function as their religious leader. Here are excerpts from the pro-Turkish statement made by Patriarch The only countries around the world that criticized President Biden’s April Mashalian on April 23, 2021, to the Anadolu Agency which was publicized 24 statement were: Turkey, Azerbaijan, Pakistan and the unrecognized Turk- widely in the Turkish media: “It saddens us to see that the suffering of our peo- ish Republic of Northern Cyprus. This places the Armenian Patriarch in the ple and the suffering of our ancestors are instrumentalized by some countries shameful company of the enemies of the Armenian nation!

distinguished Turkish historian Taner Akcam faced such threats. The prominent Turk- ish Armenian journalist Hrant Dink was assassinated. Even here in North America, denialist pressure exists. In my case as a professor at the Royal Military College in an Remembering the earlier decade, the Turkish government attempted to silence me and threatened both the Canadian government and military, if I did not stop writing about the Armenian Genocide. The Canadian government and my university refused to be intimidated. My personal response was to pen the book Just Poems: Reflections on the Armenian Geno- Armenian Genocide cide. I also continued to teach and speak on the subject. It was what I needed to do. By Alan Whitehorn The magnitude of 1,500,000 dead is so vast that most of us have enormous difficulty comprehending. When teaching about genocide, I would often show a book with a Amidst the memorials to other genocides in this chilly and rainy month, we pause million dots. Students were always shocked at how many pages it took. To overcome on April 24 to remember the 1915 genocide of a million and half Armenians. We are this statistical and emotional challenge of scale, I usually also talked at a more personal also historical witnesses to the hundreds of thousands of other ethnic and religious mi- level. I would tell of my own painful family odyssey. norities killed in the Ottoman Empire. Accordingly, we remember the Greek, Assyrian My grandmother — my metzmama — was an orphan of the 1915 genocide. She and other victims. The state-sponsored Young suffered so much. She did not know her Turk mass deportations and killings were part real name or age. She lived in orphanages of a long historical pattern of inequality, injus- The magnitude of 1,500,000 dead is so and refugee camps for over ten years. She tice, prejudice, discrimination, repression and vast that most of us have enormous endured as a young child, then teenager, massacres by an authoritarian regime. It should mother, grandmother, and finally ever so be noted that the Turkish leadership’s ethnic difficulty comprehending. When briefly as a great grandmother. On aspe- and religious persecution predated and post- teaching about genocide, I would cial day, her elderly weathered hand held dated 1915. For example, in the 1890s, Sultan the tiny newborn. In the end, life and love Hamid II had directed the Hamidian Massacres often show a book with a million dots. prevailed over death, but the dark shadows that led to the deaths of hundreds of thousands Students were always shocked at how of the genocide haunted us all. Even today, of Armenians. In 1909, tens of thousands of Ar- we hear and see the Turkish government’s menians were also massacred by the Ottoman many pages it took. animosity and hate speech towards Arme- Turk regime. Amidst the increased secrecy and nians during the recent war of 2020 in the concentrated state power during World War South Caucasus. Turkish-made deadly mil- One, the revolutionary Young Turk government’s slaughter of its Christian civilian itary equipment was used by Azerbaijan against Armenian civilians in Karabakh. The population reached a deadly crescendo in 1915. The magnitude of the horror was such crimes against humanity continue. that the allied Entente powers of England, France and Tsarist Russia issued on May 24, And so as a grandson of an orphan of genocide, I need to speak out for all the orphans 1915 an international warning to the Turkish government that it was committing “new of genocide, whether they be from yesterday, today or even tomorrow. crimes…. against humanity and civilization” and its leaders would be held “personally We remember. responsible” after the war. We speak out. Even after the killing stops, genocide often continues in a number of ways. More than And we stand up against such injustice. a century later, the contemporary Turkish government maintains its aggressive policy So that the candle of freedom and hope can remain as a guide to those still in the of official state denial. But denial is an inadequate term to describe the magnitude of the darkness. ongoing malevolent acts. They can, of course, include denying the historical documen- Merci. Thank you. tation, but also involve arbitrary restricting access to official state archives, destroying (This speech was the keynote address at the Armenian Genocide Memorial event, historical records, penning false histories, renaming places of mass atrocities, further Toronto, April 25, 2021. Alan Whitehorn is Professor emeritus at the Royal Military discrimination and violence against the victims, and even threatening academics, jour- College of Canada. He is the editor of The Armenian Genocide: The Essential Refer- nalists and human rights activists who dare to speak up for their fellow citizens. The ence Guide and author of Just Poems: Reflections on the Armenian Genocide.) SATURDAY, MAY 8, 2021 ARMENIAN MIRROR-SPECTATOR 19

COMMENTARY Belichick’s Spotlight on Armenian Genocide Pays off By Peter Lucas cide in launching the Holocaust that took the lives of six NATO summit in the U.K. million Jews and others during World War II. “Who, after What does this have to do with Belichick? Forget Annapolis. all, speaks today of the annihilation of the Armenians?’ Last year the normally wordless Belichick raised the is- If any town wanted to honor New England Patriots Hitler asked upon invading the Soviet Union. sue of Turkish actions against Armenia, not only for the Coach Bill Belichick with the key to the city it should be Many of those who survived the Armenian Genocide Armenian Genocide but for Turkish support of the attack Yerevan. fled to the United States, and for years sought recognition, on Armenia by neighboring Azerbaijan. Yerevan, population 1.1 million, is the capitol of Arme- as well as accountability, for the atrocity. “I hope that our country will take action against Turkey nia. Although quite modern, it is one of the oldest, contin- The Turkish government, despite the historical record, and Azerbaijan for their unprovoked and deadly attacks on uously inhabited cities in the world. has consistently denied the genocide, arguing that the Ar- Armenians,” Belichick said. And while it has nothing to do with Thursday night’s menians revolted and sided with the invading Russians He added, “We’ve seen when humanitarian crises and NFL draft, Armenia owes Belichick. during the chaos of the war. things like ethnic cleansing go unpunished, they just con- Belichick, who grew up in Annapolis, and who played Many Armenian Americans, ranging from the late play- tinue to happen. I hope we can put a stop to that.” lacrosse at Annapolis High School, was honored last week wright William Saroyan to Cher, have long campaigned Belichick’s remarks were not widely reported. After all, at an Army-Navy lacrosse game. He was presented the for such official recognition. while he is a great football coach, he is not a diplomat or award by Annapolis Mayor Gavin Buckley. And while president after president has promised to offi- a politician. In accepting the key, Belichick, who earlier turned down cially recognize the genocide, even at the risk of alienating So, why would anyone pay attention to Belichick out- former President Donald Trump’s offer to grant him the Turkey, a NATO ally, President Biden is the first president side of football? Probably because Belichick knows some- Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian award, to come through. thing about ethnic cleansing. said it was “an incredible honor. There’s nothing bigger Last week, on Armenian Remembrance Day, Biden ful- Belichick is of Croatian descent and has visited Croatia, than that.” filled a campaign promise by officially declaring the- Ar where he has relatives, many times. Well, there might be something bigger. And that is the menian massacres to be genocide. If you are from Croatia, you know about ethnic cleans- normally reticent Belichick’s outspoken support of the de- “Over the decades Armenian immigrants have enriched ing. It was there where countless thousands of innocent cades-long campaign to get the United States to officially the United States in countless ways, but they have never Serbs and Croats fell victim to the ethnic cleansing mad- recognize the genocide committed against the Armenian forgotten the tragic history that brought so many of their ness that swept over the region upon the fractious breakup people by Turkey during World War I. ancestors to our shores. We honor their story. We see their of the former Yugoslavia in the 1990s. That was when some 1.5 million Armenian men, wom- pain. We affirm the history. We do not cast blame but en- Belichick knows football all right. He also knows about en and children were systematically and horrifically mur- sure that what happened is never repeated,” he said. ethnic cleansing. Somebody listened. dered in a campaign of ethnic extermination by the Otto- Turkey, whose relations with the U.S. has declined over man Empire, at the time an ally of Germany. the years, rejected Biden’s statement. Biden is expected to (Peter Lucas is a veteran Boston political reporter and Hitler was reportedly inspired by the Armenian Geno- meet with Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan in June at the columnist for the Boston Herald. This column appeared in Blinken’s Cynicism Post-Genocide Recognition Emboldens Further Aggression By Michael Rubin either unity with Armenia or independence. In the wake of the terror attacks on September 11, 2001, Congress amend- RMENIANS and the Armenian diaspora in the United States celebrated ed the Freedom Support Act to enable a waiver to Section 907. The amendment President Joe Biden’s formal recognition of the Ottoman-era genocide called for a designated State Department official to waive the prohibitions against Anatolia’s Armenian population. For Armenians, the move on Azerbaijan if it “is necessary to support United States efforts to counter was important not only for historical justice but also because international terrorism; is necessary to support the operational readiness Turkish and Azerbaijani actions and rhetoric suggested a desire to of United States Armed Forces or coalition partners to counter international continueA the genocide. Their celebration was short-lived. Just two days later, terrorism; is important to Azerbaijan’s border security; and will not undermine Armenians and the U.S. Congress learned not from the State Department but or hamper ongoing efforts to negotiate a peaceful settlement between Armenia rather from Azeri media that Secretary of State Antony Blinken had quietly and Azerbaijan or be used for offensive purposes against Armenia.” waived Section 907 of the Freedom Support Act to enable continued military Azerbaijan and Turkey’s surprise September invasion of Armenian-held por- aid to Azerbaijan despite in contravention of both the letter and spirit of the law. tion of Nagorno-Karabakh certainly hampered “ongoing efforts to negotiate a The move represents State Department cynicism at its worst and, rather than peaceful settlement between Armenia and Azerbaijan.” Aliyev dismissed the assuage both sides, will hemorrhage trust, further reduce American influence idea of further negotiations after his territorial re-conquest and then belittled on across the region, and could actually increase the likelihood for renewed conflict. Azeri television the American co-chair of the Minsk Group, the organization First, some scholars question whether the Young Turk leaders in the Ottoman charged with negotiating a diplomatic resolution to the problem. There could Empire planned and coordinated the genocide. Recent archival work, howev- be no more clear violation. Nor does the realist desire to embrace Azerbaijan er, suggests beyond any reasonable doubt that they did. as a counter-terror hub make sense given Aliyev’s acceptance and utilization of Second, some suggest contemporary diplomats from World War I-era Allied Syrian mercenaries, some of whom fought for Al Qaeda-affiliated groups or the Powers exaggerated atrocity reports to sully the Ottoman Empire. The Arme- Islamic State. nian Genocide museum in Yerevan, however, has chronicled numerous instanc- Blinken knew he was wrong. If he thought he could easily defend his actions, es in which German diplomats and officials—allied with the Ottomans during then he would not have surprised Congress but made his case openly. Perhaps the war—reported the Turks’ deliberate slaughter of Armenians. This is similar within the State Department, diplomats argued that waiving Section 907 and to what Armenia’s American and French counterparts did. continuing foreign aid and military assistance was necessary to keep Azerbai- Third, while it is true that some Armenians had risen up against Ottoman Em- jan at the bargaining table. Put aside the violation of U.S. law and the insult to pire, there were frequent national liberation movements in the late nineteenth Congress. In reality, what Blinken’s waiver does is undercut future diplomacy and early twentieth century; none justified genocide. for it sets a new standard that Azerbaijan can expect to act without consequence Finally, some scholars and foreign policy specialists put the debate aside and so long as they kill fewer than seven thousand men and only displace a few simply argue that the United States needs Turkey and Azerbaijan as a bulwark hundred thousand. against Russia. Armenia, they allege, is under Russia’s influence. This is lazy, Further, Blinken signals to Azerbaijan that it will face no consequence — however. Under Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Turkey has repeatedly compromised and, indeed, reap a reward — for holding a couple hundred prisoners-of-war American interests to Russia (and Iran). Meanwhile, Azerbaijani dictator Il- long after the date on which they were to be released. In effect, what Blinken ham Aliyev has in recent years increased trade with Russia by several orders of and his Caucasus team have done is undercut the possibility of meaningful di- magnitude. plomacy and rewarded terror and hostage-taking. Nor will the ramifications be Certainly, by any reasonable standard — historical accuracy, morality, or limited to the South Caucasus. Blinken, with one fell swoop, has not only un- self-interested realism — Armenia genocide recognition was justified but what dercut the moral clarity and emphasis on human rights tied to the Armenian about the Section 907 waiver? genocide resolution, but he has also signaled not only to Azerbaijan but also to Section 907 of the Freedom Support Act determined that U.S. aid “may not Turkey, Russia, Iran, and other aggressors that the State Department stands for be provided to the Government of Azerbaijan until the President determines, nothing and U.S. law without meaning. and so reports to the Congress, that the Government of Azerbaijan is taking Moral equivalency is not sophisticated. For the United States’ position in the demonstrable steps to cease all blockades and other offensive uses of force world, it can be disastrous. against Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh.” The origin of such language lies in the fighting and ethnic cleansing that occurred against the backdrop of the Soviet Union’s collapse and fighting between Azerbaijan and Armenia sparked Michael Rubin is a resident scholar at the American Enterprise Institute by the petition and then plebiscite of residents of Nagorno-Karabakh seeking (AEI). You can follow him on Twitter: @mrubin1971. 20 SATURDAY, MAY 8, 2021 ARMENIAN MIRROR-SPECTATOR

and saw the house seat was open. I mulled it The Rhode Island Armenian community dangerous. ‘Divide and conquer’ is a strate- Kazarian Is Passionate over with my mom and sister,” she recalled. holds a combined youth day every year with gy, and as we saw in the case of Trump, it’s With her degree in urban studies, Kazari- representation from the Diocese, Prelacy a strategy that won the election, but it’s not about Public Service an felt she was qualified for the role. So she and Armenian Protestant churches. “Before what’s best for the American people.” ran — and won. the pandemic, I used to speak at Youth Day Kazarian continued, “What’s better is KAZARIAN, from page 1 Kazarian experienced the frustration of about running for office. Talking about the when we stop looking at each other for our “I’ve always been passionate about be- hearing older generations vent about millen- Genocide resolution and the Genocide man- differences. Our similarities are truly great- ing a young Armenian woman in the State nials. During the Great Recession, there was datory education which we passed. And the er than our differences!” House in Rhode Island. I like helping young a major brain drain from the state, she said, importance of voting. My hope is that the people get elected and helped Armenians and young people were going elsewhere for kids will think ‘if she’s doing it, I can do it Legislative Accomplishments get involved in politics. And I think we career opportunities. But some of the old one day too,’” she said. Kazarian said her proudest accomplish- really saw that with Joe Biden. In order guard were skeptical of young people’s mo- ment was in 2016 when she helped get man- for [Genocide recognition] to happen we tives. One day on the floor of the house, a Political Divisiveness datory Holocaust and Armenian Genocide need Armenians in politics on all levels to member of the legislature commented that Like President Biden whom she supports, Education passed in Rhode Island. make our voices louder. [In Rhode Island] “Millennials don’t want to work hard.” Ka- Kazarian wants to focus on a message of “I’m the only Armenian in the legisla- we passed a resolution so everyone in that zarian was shocked. She rose to the floor unity. ture,” she said. “We were able to come to- chamber knows about it.” and responded: “Millennials are drowning “This is something I learned from knock- gether and work with the Jewish community Kazarian’s other passion is something in student loan, trying to find the best-pay- ing on doors during the transition from and I thought about all the groups that had that all politicians should strive for: “What I ing job, and trying to find a place to live Obama, to Trump and now to Biden — the suffered atrocities. And we all came to- think about is, how can I help my neighbor- that’s affordable,” Kazarian argued, as to things that differentiate us are very small.” gether on this bill to make sure our history hood, my state, and my colleagues.” Help the reasons her generation was leaving the Kazarian feels that the problem of divi- wouldn’t be twisted or warped or forgotten.” her colleagues? “To work with others in state. “I felt I could bring a young voice,” siveness over the last several years has been Kazarian is passionate about the remem- the State House, help them with what they she recalls, because some of the older mem- manufactured: “Especially because of the brance aspect of Genocide recognition. “In are trying to accomplish. Basically, to help bers didn’t understand the problems of her political rhetoric — especially from Trump a hundred or two hundred years,” she asks good bills pass. That I really enjoy. And I generation in regard to the recession. — it made us hate each other and vilify each rhetorically, “when we are all gone, who feel a bill is like a puzzle, and I work on Kazarian is passionate about getting other for our differences, but we are really is going to make sure that what happened them every day. And I enjoy it.” young people more involved in politics. “I not that different. Most people want the to my great-grandparents is remembered? “I graduated from Barnard in 2012 and go and speak to students, even the local el- same things, education for their children, That’s why we had to make sure it was in President Obama was the commencement ementary school, and I always talk to them city services like the fire department, to be the curriculum.” speaker. And he was so cool and inspira- about running for office. If you get them able to feed their children, have health care, Stemming from her Armenian back- tional. And his message to us was getting in- thinking about public service, the more like- and so on.” ground, she is passionate about civil rights. volved in our communities. And he urged us ly they are to say yes. I never envisioned it, Rather, she feels that “the rhetoric out “This year we are working on a voting to run for office. After that I was determined and then I ran.” there that’s looking to divide us is the most rights bill to make sure everyone eligible to work on a campaign. And I came home to vote is able to vote.” She also mentions “commonsense gun control” as a key issue for her, noting that banning assault weapons and high-capacity magazines in Rhode Is- land is one of her priorities. The Tekeyan Cultural Association Is Rolling Up Its Sleeves Again The covid pandemic, however, brought a new set of issues and challenges as a state Before the 44-day war, we supported the development of the strategic Berdzor corridor legislator: “Covid really changed the game and made large investments in the region. Berdzor and its neighboring regions (Kashatagh) because so much of our politics [on the state level] is knocking on people’s doors. It also have now fallen into enemy hands. All of a sudden, its residents, students and teachers changed the issues people were facing. Peo- were forced to become refugees and are now helplessly scattered all around Artsakh and ple who all of a sudden had no childcare, or Armenia. They have lost everything and their living conditions are less than desirable. people who lost jobs overnight because they The good news is that once more Tekeyan is engaged to make their lives better, so that worked in the service industry. Or people they remain in Armenia and become part of the nation-building process. who had to choose between going to work This time though the help will be achieved through investments and not through and risking getting sick. I learned so much about what we need to do as a state. Making donations. The creation of a sustainable economy is the aim of this appeal. sure people have access to healthcare is one Through small contributions / mass funding we will create income-generating of the important things.” opportunities for the displaced families. Tekeyan of Armenia in association with a local reputable NGO (Shen or Syunik or Kashatagh) will make investments in agriculture and/or Armenian Roots housing to create income or comforts for their beneficiaries. The recipients get these funds Kazarian attends Sts. Sahag and Mesrob conditional that they give back on an annual basis the equivalent in produced goods of 5% Armenian Church in Providence. She was involved in the Armenian Church Youth Or- of the amount of assistance they have received. ganization of America (ACYOA) Juniors Contributors in this funding will be gratified to: and Seniors as a youth, and she also attend- a) Alleviate the hardship of these forcefully displaced families ed the Diocese’s Camp Vartan. b) Receive a 5% annual return – goods which in turn will be redirected to schools or other “I was very fortunate to have a great, strong Armenian community around me needy institutions. in Providence. I was really instilled with Armenian culture at a young age and it’s a huge part of who I am,” she said. Her fellow ACYOA members who knew Kazarian growing up recall her as a spirited, warm individual who loved “kef” music and was always on the dancefloor at communi- ty events. She laughed when this is brought up: “I love to dance! It’s Armenian music, how can you not dance? I grew up with the Armenian music and when I hear it, it brings back great memories. And I need to put the kef music on when making cheoreg!” It is easy to see that the passion for music and dancing that her friends always noticed in her early years is matched by an equal- ly exuberant passion for helping people through public service and advocacy. “I want to add something,” she said in a serious tone. “Being Armenian really taught me how to advocate for change. We march for the Genocide every year, that kind of thing is familiar to us. When the Black Lives Matter movement started, my friends wanted to go to a march. But when it was time to go they said ‘I’ve never been to a march before.’ For us as Armenians, we are raised in that environment of advocating for our people, and now it’s time for me to ad- vocate for others.”