MAY 24, 2014 MirTHErARoMENr IAN -Spe ctator Volume LXXXIV, NO. 44, Issue 4338 $ 2.00 NEWS IN BRIEF The First English Language Armenian Weekly in the United States Since 1932 Post-Foxman Suffolk One Armenian Killed, Another Injured in Controversy, ADL Aleppo Restates Position on ALEPPO, (Armenpress) — An Armenian man, Raffi Hekimian, was killed here on April 29, accord - ing to sources here. Additional information about his death has not been made available yet. BOSTON — This week, the Anti- The source also informed that on April 30, Defamation League (ADL) issued another Armenian Khajak Zhamkochian was injured after statement attempting to clarify its position his residence sustained damage from rockets. on the Armenian Genocide in the wake of He is a student at Karen Jeppe national college. the renewed attention on the ADL’s silence on or opposition to the recognition of the Armenian Genocide in the US Congress. Syrian Christians Face “Because questions continue to be raised about the Anti-Defamation League’s posi - ‘New Wave of Exodus’: tion on the Armenian Armenian Prelate genocide, we want to make clear that as we ALEPPO (PanARMENIAN.Net) — Syrian rebels said in August 2008, The proposed design are besieging Aleppo, the nation’s largest city, ADL recognizes the leading to “a new wave of the exodus of Armenian Genocide,” Christians,” a local prelate said, according to read a statement on Catholic Culture. the ADL website’s Genocide Monument to Be Built “The families waited for high school to end, Europe section. This then they took their luggage, closed their homes Abraham Foxman new statement then On Campus of Fresno State and fled to the coast and to Lebanon, using the recycles a 2008 ADL only road link with the outside world still statement on the FRESNO — Fresno’s Armenian Community has come together to form the viable,” said Armenian Catholic Archbishop Armenian Genocide. Armenian Genocide Centennial Committee (AGCC), an umbrella association Boutros Marayati of Aleppo. “Maybe they will However, a 2007 statement from ADL- established to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide come back in four months. Perhaps they will National Director Abraham Foxman throughout this year and 2015. Working under the theme “Commemoration, never come back again.” refrains from using the proper term: Education, Inspiration”, the committee is made-up of representatives from the “The areas where there are large power sta - Armenian Genocide. The “consequences of community’s religious, educational, social and political organizations. tions and water supply lines are all in the hands those actions were indeed tantamount to “The commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide is of the rebels, that open and close the valves to genocide,” stated Foxman. Furthermore, clearly a significant moment for all around the world,” said AGCC force the regime to negotiate,” Marayati told the “we continue to firmly believe that a chairman and Professor of Armenian Studies at California State University Fides news agency. “We do not know what these Congressional resolution on such matters Fresno Sergio La Porta. “As Fresno is one of the largest and most active negotiations aim to reach. We are with the peo - is a counterproductive diversion and will Armenian communities in the Western Hemisphere, I think it resonates partic - ple, and we do not understand very well what is not foster reconciliation between Turks and ularly strongly here. It is home to a proud and resilient Armenian community going on around us.” Armenians and may put at risk the Turkish and is an especially poignant place to commemorate those who died in the At least 150,000 people have been killed in Jewish community and the important mul - Genocide and those who toiled afterwards to insure that we would have a much Syria’s three-year-old civil war, a third of them tilateral relationship between , better world to live in.” civilians, according to the Syrian Observatory for and the United States,” Foxman’s 2007 see FRESNO, page 16 Human Rights. statement said. Before the civil war, Syria was home to 80000 The most recent ADL statement came in Armenians. At present, about 20,000 left the advance of Foxman’s appearance at the country, mainly for , Lebanon and the Suffolk University Law School graduation on Schiff Presses Erdogan, Gul on Armenian US. About 100 Armenians have died in Syria dur - May 17. Suffolk University’s choice of ing three years of war. Foxman as the 2014 commencement speaker Genocide, Blockade of Armenia, Kessab had stirred controversy within the school’s Heffern to Travel to US student body, as well as from Armenian WASHINGTON — As part of a Erdogan called for in his statement of April American organizations, who urged the uni - Congressional Delegation to the Middle 23rd, if Turkish professors, historians, jour - To Meet with Potential versity to reconsider. “Suffolk claims to East and Asia focused on terrorism, home - nalists and ordinary citizens still faced embody diversity and be a place for all peo - land security and the war in Syria, demotion, intimidation, potential prosecu - Partners for Armenia ple, but this clearly is a speaker who does not Representative Adam Schiff (D-CA) had sep - tion or violence for expressing the convic - YEREVAN — On May 17, US Ambassador John embody those values,” Amy Willis, president arate meetings with Turkish Prime Minister tion that the Armenian Genocide is a his - Heffern traveled to the US to meet with a series of the university’s National Lawyers Guild Tayyip Erdogan, President Abdullah Gul toric fact. of potential partners in several cities. During his chapter, told the Boston Globe . and other Turkish high government offi - In his meeting with Gul, Schiff said that trip, Heffern wants to speak with various part - A protest action took place outside the cials last week. he wanted to speak for the many tens of ners on cultural tourism/preservation, as well as Citi Wang Performing Arts Center In his meeting with Erdogan, Schiff chal - thousands of his constituents of Armenian science, technology and innovation issues. His Saturday, in which those against ADL’s lenged the notion expressed by the prime descent who may never get the chance to meetings will be followed by consultations in actions and statements on the Armenian minister in a recent interview that because address the president directly. Washington, DC. Heffern will return to Armenia Genocide handed out leaflets. there are Armenian survivors still living in “You will not find one of my 80,000 on June 12. The ADL’s restatement comes on the Turkey, there could have been no genocide. Armenian constituents untouched by the heels of the American Jewish Committee’s This is the equivalent, Schiff argued, of say - Genocide,” he said. “Each of them has lost (AJC) statement on April 23 whereupon ing that because some Jews in Europe a parent or grandparent, their cousins, they call on the Turkish Government to escaped death, there was no Holocaust. brothers or sisters, or their entire family. “address the realities” of the Armenian Schiff also questioned whether it was pos - Their pain is real, their wounds are open, INSI DE Genocide. sible to have the open discourse in Turkey this is no distant relic of the past. To say, as see FOXMAN, page 16 about the events of 1915-1923 that see SCHIFF, page 16 Major Armenische Waisenteppich Issued in German Miner the White House may acquiesce Page 5 By Muriel Mirak-Weissbach to public pressure and finally put the historic rug on display. Special to the Mirror-Spectator (See Armenian Mirror- Spectator , May 10, 2014) Now BERLIN — A little book weeks, the book, written by Dr. the same volume has been pub - INDEX which has fuelled a lively debate Hagop Martin Deranian, lished in German by Verlag Arts and Living ...... 11 in the United States about the President Calvin Coolidge and Hans Schiler in Berlin. Armenia ...... 2 Armenian Genocide is now the Armenian Orphan Rug , has I had read about the rug con - Community News...... 4 available to German readers. As just appeared in a second edi - troversy in the Mirror-Spectator, Editorial ...... 14 readers of the Mirror-Spectator tion in English, while discussion and was happily surprised to International ...... 3 have followed over the past is rife about the possibility that see TRANSLATION, page 13 2 S ATURDAY , M AY 24, 2014 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR ARMENIA News From Armenia Armenia’s Defense Ministry Launches New Scholarship Program with AGBU and American University of Armenia Yerevan’s Landmark YEREVAN — AGBU, the American University Sport and Concert of Armenia (AUA) and Armenia’s Ministry of Complex in Foreclosure Defense and Armed YEREVAN (PanARMENIAN.Net) — The Karen Forces have launched a Demirchyan Sport and Concert Complex (SCC), one new scholarship pro - of Yerevan’s architectural landmarks, is on the mar- gram that will serve sol - ket as it is being foreclosed, according to the offi- diers and representatives cial website of Armenia’s Ministry of Justice. of the military. The bidding price for the complex built in 1983 The initiative was offi - was set at 19,350,000,000 drams (around $47 mil- cially announced at a Representatives of Armenia’s Ministry of Defense and Armed Forces discuss the new courses and activi - lion). According to the website, the auction closes recent meeting attended ties that the American University of Armenia will offer to service members with funding from AGBU. on May 29. by AGBU Central Board The description of the auction lot says that the member Vasken complex, situated in Yerevan’s Kentron district, is a Yacoubian, Armenia’s Defense Minister pride and confidence for Armenians seven-storied building with a total area of 46335 Seyran Ohanian and AUA President Dr. everywhere. We believe that this new Karabagh: Minsk square meters and other auxiliary structures and Bruce Boghosian. Together at the min - program will further strengthen its effi - territories. It says that the building was an object istry, they signed an agreement detail - ciency and capabilities while continuing Group Sum up of mortgage, Armenia Now reported. ing the different courses and activities to produce highly qualified officers and The SCC owners had reportedly taken out a $20- that will be funded by AGBU and imple - professionals. AGBU is very proud to Regional Tour million loan secured on 75 percent of the Complex. mented by AUA. play a role in it working alongside the The program will provide new educa - ministry and AUA.” STEPANAKERT (ArmeniaNow) tional opportunities to service members These plans build on a longtime part - — The Organization for Security EP Deputies Urge Azeris at every phase of their military career. It nership between AGBU, AUA and the and Cooperation in Europe To Call Back Snipers will include trainings for the ministry’s Ministry of Defense. A number of min - (OSCE) has issued a statement English-language teachers; classes for istry members are already enrolled in summing up the results of the lat - YEREVAN (Armenpress) — On the 20th anniversary soldiers completing their last six courses at the AUA Extension Program, est regional tour of the troika of of the ceasefire agreement between Armenia and months of service; scholarships for min - among them a master’s degree candi - international mediators advancing , several members of the European istry representatives enrolled in AUA’s date who is receiving full funding from a peaceful settlement of the Parliament urged Azerbaijan to withdraw its Nagorno-Karabagh conflict. snipers from the contact line. The three co-chairs of the OSCE The European Parliament members were Eleni Minsk Group (Ambassadors Igor Theocharous, Frank Engel, Tatiana Zhdakova, Popov of the Russian Federation, Ewald Shtadler, Iñaki Irazabal Beyta, Michelle Jacques Faure of France, and Rivaz, as well as the member of the Parliament of James Warlick of the United States Spain John Iñárritu. In their statement they also of America) and the Personal said that the fragile peace has led to lives being Representative of the OSCE saved as well as providing a chance to search for Chairperson-in-Office, Ambassador peaceful means to the end of the conflict. Andrzej Kasprzyk, travelled to the “Unfortunately, despite all the efforts, the 20 – region May 16-19. They were years of ceasefire did not turn into a lasting and joined by Ambassador Pierre sustainable peace. From time to time we still Andrieu, who will take over as receive alarming news about the incidents taking French Co-Chair in June, during place regularly in the contact line. These incidents the tour that included stops in cause loss of young soldiers on both sides and can Armenia, Karabagh and lead to the resumption of hostilities,” the statement Azerbaijan. added. Below is the text of the state - ment published on the OSCE’s From left to right: AGBU Central Board member Vasken Yacoubian, American Syrian-Armenians University of Armenia president Dr. Bruce Boghosian and Armenia’s Defense official website: Minister Seyran Ohanian officially launch a new scholarship program that will serve “The main objective of their visit Create, Sell Original Art the Defense Ministry’s soldiers and staff. was to review the situation in Nagorno-Karabagh, Kelbajar, and YEREVAN (Armenpress) — The Syrian-Armenians Lachin, in accordance with their who settled in their homeland because of the undergraduate and graduate schools; AGBU. The AUA Extension Program mandate. In travelling through Syrian war and try to earn their own livelihood by as well as professional development also currently offers a free Leadership these areas, they saw signs of participating in an exhibition organized by the courses for military staff. and Management course, organized by improvements in infrastructure, Armenian Red Cross. Charles Aznavour square was Small classroom sizes and an individ - Dr. Arpie Balian, the Extension but could not observe any indica - more crowded than usual and the mood was festive ualized approach will give each partici - Program director, for cadets in the tions that the size of the popula - full of the performances of “Sasun” song-dance Vazgen Sargsyan Military tion had changed in recent years. ensemble. The Syrian-Armenians living in Armenia Academy Officers’ “They also visited the Sarsang showed and sold different works. Qualification Center. reservoir, and discussed its status The Chairman of the Red Cross Armenian Established in May 2013, the and operations with managers of Company Mkhitar Mnatsakanyan noted in a con- course is now a part of the the facility. They expressed their versation with the journalists that the Syrian- Academy’s Command Base hope that the sides will reach an Armenians have said many times that they need curriculum and is offered to agreement to jointly manage these assistance not by goods and food but by corre- middle and senior command water resources to the benefit of sponding tools as to be able to get their daily bread staff. the region. by themselves. Those officers are among “On May 19, the Co-Chairs the hundreds of students that crossed the Line of Contact near Armenia Plans 5-Percent AGBU supports around the Terter. They expressed regret for world; for the 2013-2014 aca - the continued ceasefire violations AGBU Central Board member Vasken Yacoubian Annual Tourism Growth demic year, the AGBU and consequent casualties. The signs an agreement for the new scholarship pro - absence of a mechanism for inves - gram developed with Armenia’s Ministry of Scholarship Program distrib - YEREVAN (Armenpress) — Armenia’s government is tigating these ceasefire violations Defense and Armed Forces. The program will be uted over $1.1 million to per - hoping that by implementing a series of measures, financed by AGBU and implemented by the forming arts, religious studies allows the sides to put the blame it would increase the country’s attractiveness to American University of Armenia. and international students in on each other. tourists, bringing in at least 5 percent annual nearly 35 countries. “In the course of the visit, the Co- growth in the industry through implementing the Chairs paid courtesy calls on senior projects of the tourism policy objectives and mea- pant the attention they need. officials in Yerevan and Baku as well sures to increase competitiveness in the global Enrollment will be no more as the de facto authorities and rep - tourism market. This program was approved at the than 18 students per course, resentatives of local administrations special session of the executive body on May 19. and one-on-one mentoring will in Nagorno-Karabagh and Kelbajar A Tourism Development Fund is planned. be incorporated into the cur - and visited Lachin. They also met Various events will be held in the communities ricula. Classes focused on the with representatives of the aimed at tourism development, rehabilitation of GMAT, GRE, LSAT and Azerbaijani Community of Nagorno- local traditions, discovery of tourism potential, TOEFL iBT exams will help Karabagh in Baku. In their meet - tourism product diversification, development of prepare those pursuing higher ings, they discussed elements of the Jointly with and a regional tourism education either at AUA or peace process, and stressed that the product will be formed, which will be presented to international universities. basis of a lasting settlement remains the global market. Yacoubian praised the ven - Armenia’s Defense Minister Seyran Ohanian those elements outlined in state - ture, stating, “The Armed adds his signature to the agreement for the ments by the Presidents of the co- Forces is one of our nation’s AGBU-supported scholarship program. chair countries from 2009 to 2013.” key pillars and a source of S ATURDAY , M AY 24, 2014 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 3 INTERNATIONAL First Liturgy in 50 Years at Sourp Asdvadzadzin International News Church in Turkish-Occupied Portion of Athens Holds Panel on , Cyprus (Cyprus Mail) — A 1858, the belfry was built in 1860 (one of Nicosia’s Armenians used to live and Divine Liturgy was carried out for the of the first in Ottoman Cyprus) and the work until the inter-communal troubles Criminalization of first time in 50 years in the Turkish- choir gallery was constructed in 1945. of 1963-1964, when Turkish-Cypriot occupied Armenian Church of Virgin In 1950 the belfry was restored, while extremists forced them to abandon their Genocide Denial Mary on May 11. between 1960-1961 the Antiquities ancient quarter. ATHENS (Armenpress) — The Journalists’ Union The Liturgy was carried out by the Hall in Athens on May 17 held a meeting titled Armenian Archbishop Varoujan “Barbarity is forbidden” devoted to the criminal- Hergelian and was also attended by ization issue of genocide denial. many ambassadors, representatives of Armenpress reports that the representatives of different religious denominations, other the co-organizer organizations, Araksi Abelyan official guests and hundreds of from the Armenian National Committee of Greece, Armenian Community members who Chairman of the Assyrian union in Greece Kyriakos had come from all over Cyprus and Batsaras and others made a welcoming speech. abroad. The main speakers were the director of the The church provided shelter for thou - Armenian Genocide Museum-Institute Hayk sands who fled the Armenians Genocide Demoyan, the Head of the Department of the between 1915-1923. Greek-Armenian friendship union, public figure Before 1964, the church complex, and lecturer Nikos Ligheros and the member of the also housed the Armenian Prelacy, the Genocide Scholars international association Melikian-Ouzounian elementary school, Vasileos Mikhanetsidis. a kindergarten and the Armenian Genocide Monument. The complex which was in a very bad Armenian Fine Arts condition was restored between 2009- 2012 by UNDP-ACT and USAID funding Popular in Germany and in close co-operation with the HALLE, Germany (Armenpress) — The Moritsburg- Armenian Representative and the Saxony-Anhalt region of Germany’s Stiftung Armenian Prelacy of Cyprus. Moritzburg museum recently hosted the exhibit The last wedding in Sourp “Minas and Narek Avetisyan. Modernity and van- Asdvadzadzin church in Turkish-occu - guard in Armenia.” pied northern Nicosia, took place 51 During the exhibition the audience enjoyed 19 years ago on December 22, 1963. That works by Minas Avetisyan and nine works by the couple, Antranik and Alice son of the painter Narek Avetisyan. Besides the Naltchadjian, was back for the service. exhibition, the German people were given opportu- The church was originally built in nity to watch two Armenian films. 1116 by the King of , Baldwin At the course of a press conference devoted to de Buillon, while after the Siege of the end of the exhibition, the painter Narek Jerusalem in 1187 it was used to house Avetisyan underscored that the exhibition had the administration of various religious great popularity among the German visitors. “The orders. A few years after the start of the interest was great, many visitors attended. People Frankish Era (1192), it became an also wrote about their impressions. I think that abbey for the Carthusian nuns. especially Minas Avetisyan was a discovery for the Gradually, the Carthusians disappeared, German society since by means of him they were but the Benedictines remained and able to imagine the Armenian art and rebellious were divided into two sub-orders, de spirit during the years of the Soviet Union,” Narek Tyre and de Tortosa; eventually, the Avetisyan said. Tyre nuns declined and they either left or joined the Tortosa ones, which is why this Gothic church is known either as Putin Discusses , Notre Dame de Tyre or as Notre Dame The ceremony included Archbishop Varoujan Hergelian, the Armenian Representative Customs Union With CIS de Tortosa. in the Cyprus Parliament Vartkes Mahdessian as well as Armenian Church Committee It is unclear exactly when and how Chairman Sebouh Tavitian. Leaders the compound came to the hands of the Armenian Orthodox Church, however — MOSCOW (RFE/RL) — The Kremlin says Ukraine’s judging by the accounts of chroniclers Department removed some of the medi - Between 1964-1998, the compound crisis and “collective security” will be the focus of Leontios Makhairas and George aeval tombstones from the floor and was used as barracks for the Turkish- talks in Moscow on May 8 between Russian Boustronius — this is more likely to have placed new flooring. The church had Cypriot militia and the Turkish soldiers. President Vladimir Putin and the presidents of happened during the late 15th century. stained glass windows and beautiful old In 1998 an earthquake partly damaged Armenia, Belarus, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. Architectural and documentary evi - icons. the porch. After that, it was abandoned But resistance of some countries to join a dence suggests that this probably took Between 1915-1923, the church by the military and until late Russian-led Customs Union also reportedly is on place after the destructive 1491 earth - received numerous persecuted 2006/early 2007 the compound was the agenda of some of the visiting leaders’ talks quake and, at any rate, certainly before Armenian Genocide refugees from Asia used to house families of illegal with Putin. 1504, at which time the church was Minor and Cilicia, some of whom tem - Anatolian settlers. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the visit- already Armenian. This should not porarily resided under its arches upon In 2005, following a recommendation ing presidents would have an informal meeting come as a surprise, as it is well-known arriving in Nicosia. Within the from the Nicosia Master Plan regarding together with Putin, but also would each meet sep- that many Benedictine nuns came from Armenian compound there was also the the revitalization of the buffer zone area, arately with the Russian president to discuss “bilat- Cilician-Armenian families, such as Armenian Prelature, the Melikian- UNDP-ACT carried out a preliminary eral relations.” Abbess Fimie (†1308), daughter of King Ouzounian School and the kinder - study for the potential restoration of the He said they also plan to attend what the Kremlin Hethoum II. The small canopy under garten, the Armenian Genocide complex, while in 2007 it conducted a is describing as a training exercise for Russian mil- the eastern arch of the cloister used to Monument and other auxiliary build - feasibility study. The restoration project itary forces. contain the coat of arms and sarcopha - ings, as well as the Melikian Mansion - finally began in October 2009, in close The gathering comes a day after Putin called on gus of Lady Eschive de Dampierre believed to be the original monastery co-operation with the Office of the pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine to post- (†1340), perhaps the convent’s most building and home to the Prelature Armenian Representative, Vartkess pone referendums on self-determination scheduled famous abbess. until the late 18th century. Mahdessian, and the Armenian Prelacy for May 11. Immediately after the conquest of Surrounding the compound was the of Cyprus. The restoration works were Putin also described a planned May 25 presiden- Nicosia in September 1570, the , where the majority completed in November 2012. tial election in Ukraine — previously condemned by Ottomans used the church as a salt the Kremlin — as a “move in the right direction.” store. However, it was returned to the In Washington, the White House responded to Armenians by a firman in May 1571, Putin’s statement by saying the local referendums issued by the Kadi of Nicosia. The Galust Sahakayan Receives Polish Ambassador should be canceled, not just postponed. Armenians were also granted the keep - The office of Kyrgyzstan’s President Almazbek YEREVAN (Armenpress) — The the official invitation for the participa - ing of Paphos Gate, a privilege which Atambaev, who arrived in Moscow on May 7, says Speaker of the Armenian Parliament tion in the celebrations dedicated to the they made use of only for a short time, Atambaev was likely to discuss Kyrgyzstan’s Galust Sahakyan, on May 20, received 25th anniversary of the first free elec - due to the large expenditure required. A prospects of joining a Russian-led Customs Union the ambassador of Poland to Armenia, tions in Poland, to be held on June 4, in second dictate formalized the church’s during his bilateral meeting with the Russian pres- Zdzislaw Raczynski. The meeting was Warsaw. Armenian ownership in May 1614. ident. attended by the Head of the Armenia- Expressing his gratitude for the con - In the over 400 years that it served Atambaev’s aide, Sapar Isakov said “consulta- Poland friendship group Hovhannes gratulations and invitation, the Speaker the small yet prosperous Armenian com - tions” over Kyrgyzstan’s potential accession to the Sahakyan. of the munity of Nicosia, the church under - group have been under way for five days, and that Raczynski congratulated Sahakayan Said Sahakyan, “The friendship and went various changes: it was restored in the details “are now being elaborated.” on his election as the Speaker of the cooperation between the Armenian and 1688, 1884 and 1904, its baptistery was National Assembly and conveyed to him Polish peoples have a long history, built in 1788, the buttresses supporting the best wishes of the chairmen of the which creates a good basis for the devel - the northern porch were erected in Polish Sejm and the Senate, as well as opment of today’s interstate relations.” 4 S ATURDAY , M AY 24, 2014 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR Community Ne ws

South Florida A Time to Celebrate: Community ATP Los Angeles Gala Commemorates Marks 20 Years of Armenian Genocide Greening Armenia

BOCA RATON, Fla. — Last month, LOS ANGELES — Armenia Tree Project offi - hundreds of members, friends, acade - cially began its 20th anniversary celebrations mics, clergy and human rights activists with what can only be called a bustling outdoor from the South Florida Armenian gathering amid the lush gardens of the American community gathered at St. Huntington Library, Art Collection, and David Armenian Church to commemo - Botanical Gardens in San Marino, California. rate the 99th anniversary of the Long-time supporters and new friends joined Armenian Genocide. founder Carolyn Mugar to celebrate two Boca Raton City Councilman Mike decades of planting and greening all corners of Mullaugh attended the commemorative Armenia and promoting environmental con - service and read a proclamation from sciousness throughout the country. Susan Haynie, mayor of Boca Raton, After cocktails on the Art Gallery Loggia and which announced April 24, 2014 as dinner at the South Terrace of what was once Armenian Martyrs’ Day. The proclama - the Huntington family residence, senior Obama tion called upon the citizens of Boca administration official Matt Bogoshian began Raton “to join all Armenians worldwide the program as Master of Ceremonies. to observe the 99th commemoration of “Organizations like ATP are creating jobs, and doing it in a way that is good for the planet. It’s Martyrs’ Day in the hope that these Avedisian School students gaze at the prototype of their new school building now days of infamy will never be forgotten.” under construction all a part of the ‘triple bottom line,’” he As the Armenian community com - explained, alluding to the importance of people, memorated 99 years of a genocide profit, and the planet. unrecognized by its perpetrators, the Bogoshian, who promotes sustainability initia - focus of the program echoed a growing tives and develops policy on pollution prevention in shift. Instead of looking to the past, the Building for the Future the Obama Administration, addressed the role ATP evening highlighted the survival of the plays in reducing global climate change: “By planti - Armenian people and looked to the AMAA’s Khoren and Shooshanig Avedisian School and ng trees, ATP is actually at the cutting edge on this future, through artistic expression. issue. Your work can be used as a model to show Taniel Koushakjian, communications Community Center to Be Dedicated in October other countries how to do reforestation and intro - director of the Armenian Assembly of duce solutions to this global crisis. ATP can set an LEXINGTON, Mass. and YEREVAN — It started as a simple gesture in August of America, served as master of cere - example to save the world.” 1994 on the occasion of my mother Shooshanig’s 90th birthday. She didn’t really monies and took the crowd through the In his keynote address, Matthew Karanian, want a party, but, since the family was going to go ahead with one anyway, her evening’s events. The program included author of Armenia and Karabakh: The Stone requests were to make it simple and to have no gifts because “I have everything I several artistic performances by local Garden Travel Guide, spoke about the positive need and I could pass away tomorrow.” My siblings Paramaz, Zvart, Paul and I Armenians. Some read poetry, others ecological and economic impact ATP has on spent much time discussing the matter played the piano or violin, while still Armenia. “Reforestation is not as simple as and reminiscing over her life to try to others danced or sang. planting trees. Once a forest has been lost to find some way to honor her life that Fr. Galstyan of St. David Armenian By Edward Avedisian clear cutting, its biological diversity cannot eas - would truly make her happy. Church and Fr. Joulfayan of St. Mary ily be replaced,” Karanian explained. “The Tree Both of our parents placed an Armenian Church offered the memorial Project recognizes this, and this is why ATP extremely high value on education, what with our father’s early training for the service for the victims of the Armenian does more than plant trees. It also educates priesthood and mother’s fond memories of her education in the German Genocide. Fr. Saba of Saint George about the need to save, and manage, and con - Missionary Orphanage in Kharpert, where she met so many of the friends with Cathedral, Rabbi Rosenkranz of serve the trees we already have.” whom she would remain in contact for the rest of her life. Could we make an excep - Congregation B’nai Israel, Rev. Special guests who joined ATP to celebrate tional education and the opportunity to form lasting friendships a possibility for Endruschat of Good Shepherd the milestone included former Secretary of the those who had little to look forward to? If we could make this happen, it would Lutheran Church, Fr. Leondis and Fr. US Navy and Assistant Secretary of Defense surely please her and us as well. Klund of St. Mark Greek Orthodox Paul Ignatius and award-winning journalist and The celebration of Shooshanig’s 90th birthday was truly a momentous occasion, Church, Archpriest Gvosdev of St. author Mark Arax. with over 100 people in attendance, including long-time friends from near and far. Nicholas Orthodox Church, Fr. Introduced as a leader with a long resume of A representative from the Armenian Missionary Association of America (AMAA) Marashlian and Fr. Jebejian were also in effecting social change and a committed citizen was also in attendance to help share the news of how we were going to honor her attendance. changing the world, founder Carolyn Mugar life and remember our late father, Khoren, both of whom, in spite of limited means, This year’s commemoration followed addressed the human face of ATP. She expressed had given us so much for which to be thankful. And so the idea for the Khoren on the heels of the April 12 Walk heartfelt gratitude to the thousands of friends who and Shooshanig Avedisian School was born. It would, we hoped, open soon in a Against Genocide in Mizner Park, a have helped ATP fight poverty and unemployment poor neighborhood in Armenia, conforming to the standard of education as set walkathon organized to raise funds for in rural villages by establishing tree nurseries, com - forth by the Armenian Ministry of Education and operated by the AMAA. genocide awareness, community out - munity planting sites, and fruit orchards. “This pro - The word “soon” took on a truly Armenian connotation as a protracted search reach and advocacy for more compre - ject is you all, and our people in Armenia,” she said. for a suitable building ensued. We had looked long and hard in many areas when hensive genocide education in Florida “You won’t believe how much of ‘a village’ it takes I got a call that the Malatya-Sepastya District (located about 15 miles southwest public schools. to do all of this.” of Yerevan) would give us a free-use, 99-year lease on a Soviet-style building which David Silvers, Candidate for Florida She invited guests to visit ATP’s various pro - had housed a kindergarten. It was pointed out that it was in a very poor, rough House District 89, addressed the crowd jects and sites. “See it for yourself. See the nurs - and tough neighborhood; without hesitation I replied, “Great, that’s exactly where of over 250 walkathon participants that eries, education centers, and planting sites, and the school should be.” The building had been closed for some years and was day: “The actions of the Ottoman meet the people that are doing this work in extremely dilapidated. After necessary repairs were made in order to get the school Empire perpetrated on the Armenian communities all over Armenia and Artsakh. up and running, finally, after five years, on September 20, 1999, the Khoren and people was and is an affront to all of Please call us if you plan to go because every - Shooshanig Avedisian School opened with a kindergarten of 75 students — 25 humanity. I strongly believe that poli - one should do it.” each of 3-, 4- and 5-year olds. Yes, the school was now open; but the question was tics shouldn’t get in the way of facts. In closing, Mugar amusingly added, “ATP is did it have a future? It’s a fact 1.5 million Armenians died as not an NGO, a non-governmental organization, The AMAA had hired a young and energetic principal, Melanya Geghamyan, who a result of this genocide. It’s a fact that we are an NGU, meaning Never Give Up!” espoused the highest standards of education. My wife Pamela and I met her the national, state, and local governments day before the school opened and she was more than just excited as something all over the world have recognized this she had dreamt was about to become a reality. It was soon very clear that the genocide. It’s a fact that all of the lives school was gaining a reputation for excellence, as people were coming from all lost mattered and refusing acknowledg - around the area to have their children enrolled in the school. However, the school ment of this genocide is the type of was meant for the children in the depressed area in which it was put; and space political gamesmanship that’s beneath was extremely limited. the American people.” As each year a new grade was being added on so that the students could con - Both program were organized by the tinue their education, it became obvious that we would soon be out of space. With Armenian Genocide Commemoration that I invited my good friend and colleague at the American University of Armenia, (AGC) Inc., a nonprofit organization Dr. Mihran Agbabian, who was an engineer, to come and inspect the building. comprised of representatives from vari - After a thorough inspection, I asked what needed to be done to both get the ous Armenian American organizations see SCHOOL, page 7 ATP founder Carolyn Mugar, West Coast and churches in South Florida. Building Bridges Manager Anahit Gharibyan and Flora Dunaians S ATURDAY , M AY 24, 2014 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 5 COMMUNITY NEWS Miner Is Winner of National Heisman Award

PROVIDENCE (Providence Journal) — It is of activities coinciding with the national collegiate three days of treating several outstanding Heisman Award program. American Last month Miner joined former Hendricken By John Gillooly high school track star, and current Harvard student, Ryan student-ath - Meehan as the only Rhode Islanders who had letes like rock been selected national finalists in the 20-year his - stars, and East Greenwich High’s Andrew Miner tory of the high school Heisman award. was named one of the stars of the show. “It’s incredible what Wendy’s does for the final - This past December, Miner, the school’s star ists in New York. The whole weekend is amazing,” quarterback and baseball standout, was named said Miner early Saturday morning before he head - the male winner of the 2013 Wendy’s high school ed out with the other national finalists for a boat Heisman Award, the top prize in the national high tour around New York City. school awards program that recognizes outstand - One of the weekend activities is a Friday night ing athletic, academic and community involve - dinner honoring the high school award finalists, ment by senior high school students. which is also attended by the finalists for the col - The announcement of the two national award legiate Heisman award. winners, one male and one female, is the culmina - “I sat with Jameis Winston,” said Miner of the tion of a program that starts in the early fall with Florida State star freshman quarterback. “I picked 46,000 applicants from high schools throughout his brain about quarterbacking. We talked about the country. The female winner was Emily his chances of winning the Heisman, about him Granger of Saints Peter & Paul High School in playing in the NFL and about his recruiting expe - Andrew Miner Easton, Md. rience when he was in high school.” Miner, the son of Dr. Thomas Miner and Dr. “He’s so affable, so easy to talk to, and he’s Rosemary (Boghosian) Miner, who set virtually funny. He said the national title game is on his every East Greenwich High passing record over birthday so there’s no way [Florida State] is going performance, he was named an academic National ered his acceptance speech, Miner and Granger, the last three years, is the first Rhode Island stu - to lose.” Merit semifinalist in his junior year. were scheduled to be introduced on the national - dent-athlete to win the national award. Then, at the Best Buy Theater in Times Square, East Greenwich doesn’t academically rank its ly televised program. The selection process leading up to the nation - the national winners were announced in a pre- students, but Miner definitely is one of the top stu - On Sunday morning, Miner will have more al winners’ selections begins with state winners recorded show for ESPN2, similar to the format dents in the Class of 2014. He was the recipient of media interviews before heading back to Rhode being named from the individual high school nom - used in the collegiate Heisman announcement his class’ Harvard Book Award, as well as the East Island so he can be in class at East Greenwich on inees followed by regional winner selections. Then program. Greenwich 2013 Excellence in English Award. Monday morning. 12 national finalists (six males, six females) are “I was on autopilot when I walked up to the An outstanding musician, he is a member of the “Winning the award is an incredible honor,” selected and brought to New York for a weekend stage to accept the award,” said Miner. “I couldn’t Rhode Island All-State Band and the Junior All- said Miner, the son of Tom and Rosemary Miner. believe it. State Jazz and Concert Band. He was the winner “I really want to thank the entire community of “Last month I was telling my friends, I couldn’t of the Berklee Jazz Festival Outstanding Musician East Greenwich. The support I have received from believe I was one of the national finalists; now this. and Judge’s Choice Award. He also has won sev - my teammates, classmates, teachers, coaches, It’s amazing. I never thought it would get this far,” eral writing awards. friends and family in the worst of times and the Miner continued. He has been class president at East Greenwich best of times is what made this achievement pos - “I don’t know how I won. My athletic accom - since his sophomore year. He has organized food sible.” plishment don’t compare to some of the other and coat drives for the needy, as well as a school Each of the two national winners receives a finalists,” said Miner, who passed for 1,762 yards supplies drive for Hurricane Sandy victims. He’s $10,000 award from Wendy’s donated to their this fall. also captain of both the East Greenwich football high school in their name. But while the collegiate Heisman is based on a and baseball teams and a member of the school’s “The road to excellence is one I walk best when single-season football performance, the high drama club. I walk with my teammates,” said Miner after being school Heisman is awarded for a combination of Miner and Granger, along with the other 10 named one of the 12 national finalists last month. Andrew Miner and his mother, Dr. Rosemary achievements, and Miner has a complete package national finalists, were scheduled to be at the col - Miner is the grandson of Hagop and Mary (Boghosian) Miner of high school accomplishments. legiate Heisman Trophy presentation program on Boghosian of Narragansett. In addition to his school record-setting football Saturday night. After the Heisman winner deliv - He will attend Harvard this fall. 6 S ATURDAY , M AY 24, 2014 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR OBITUARY

and on the playground at St. Kevork’s Dr. Shahan Vartivarian Armenian Church Saturday School. It was on these fields that he formed several o f his long HOUSTON, Texas — Born in Beirut, Lebanon was truly gifted. He moved to Houston, Texas lasting friendships and gained the love and on October 28, 1982, Dr. Shahan Vartivarian with his mother, brother and grandmother dur - respect of the entire Armenian comm unity. always joked that he was “a jack of all trades, ing the summer of 1988. Passionate about his Although proud of his Armenian h eritage, he master of none.” Armenian roots, he was active in the Armenian was also a true Texan with a love fo r country From bringing a crowd to tears with his pow - community in Houston, serving as an altar boy music, steak and football. An avid f an of the erful delivery of “Gyank Bidi Linenk” at the age to St. Kevork’s Armenian Church as well as par - Houston Texans, his loyalty never faltered even of 4, to performing with the Houston Boys’ ticipating in the Armenian Youth Federation. as he moved to San Francisco after h is gradua - Choir to becoming a doctor, Shahan Vartivarian He spent countless Saturdays in the classroom tion from the University of Housto n with a bachelor’s in biology. While in San Francisco, he atte nded the

Anoosh (Babikian) Giragosian California School of Podiatric Me dicine at Samuel Merritt University where he e arned his doctorate in podiatric medicine (DPM ) and the SALEM, N.H. — Anoosh (Babikian) official title of “Doctor.” After his gra duation in Giragosian, 85, of Salem, NH died suddenly on 2009, he completed a three year su rgical resi - May 16. She was predeceased by her parents, dency at St. Mary’s Medical Center in San Haroutiun and Vartouhi (Pavlossian) Babikian, Francisco. He then went on to become a fellow and brother, Gregory H. Babikian. at the Broadlawns Medical Center wh ere he spe - She was born in Dorchester, Mass., on cialized in foot and ankle trauma a nd recon - September 2, 1928. structive surgery. She attended public school, graduated from During his fellowship, he was diagnosed with Dorchester High School, and went on to grad - an aggressive form of brain cancer. H owever, he uate from Fisher Junior College with a secre - refused to let the illness prevent him from pur - tarial degree in 1946. suing his passion for medicine and he lping care She met her future husband, Anthony for others. Within a couple months of undergo - Dr. Shahan Vartivarian Giragosian, in 1947, and they married in 1949. ing brain surgery and subsequent treatment, They raised four children in Methuen. Once all he completed his fellowship and bega n teaching were enrolled in school, she became the first podiatry at Samuel Merritt U niversity. has established the Shahan Vartivarian full-time teacher aide in the Methuen School Although he faced and fought his il lness with Memorial Fund to rebuild the playground at St. System until retiring in 1981. strength and courage, he lost his battle with Kevork’s Armenian Church, and, with the help She was always involved in her church, the cancer on March 15, 2014 at the age of 31. of Samuel Merritt University, the Dr. Shahan R. former Holy Cross Armenian Apostolic Church He is survived by his mother, brother and Vartivarian ‘09 Podiatric Medicine Scholarship of Lawrence, where she was a member of the grandmother. To honor his memory, the family Fund. Women’s Guild and the Mr. & Mrs. Club. She was also a member of the Daughters of Vartan, Tzouig Otyag. The Giragosians built a home in Salem, NH Boghigian of Windham, NH and their children Dr. Ara Tachjian to of Health Valedictorian Award in Kuwait. and moved there in 1989. They both enjoyed Gregory and Jonathan. She also leaves several Tachjian has authored articles and posters retirement, seeing their grandchildren, as well godchildren and cousins. Speak at St. James related to cardiology including a paper in as traveling extensively until Anthony A funeral service was held on Thursday, May the Journal of American College of Giragosian’s death in 2003. 22 at the Goundrey Dewhurst Funeral Home. Men’s Club Cardiology, discussing the safety of herbal She is survived by four children and 10 Burial followed in Pine Grove Cemetery in remedies and their potential and sometimes grandchildren: Andrea and her husband Robert Salem. WATERTOWN — Dr. Ara Tachjian, a life-threatening interactions with cardiac Korbey of Windham, NH and their children In lieu of flowers the family requests that senior resident in internal medicine at Beth medications, particularly among seniors. Cassandra and Ashley; Anthony Giragosian, Jr. donations be made to either: The Hye Point Israel Deaconess Hospital will speak at the After Beth Israel Deaconess, he will be a and his wife Kathleen of Atkinson, NH and their Building Fund, P.O. Box 8069 Ward Hill, MA St. James Armenian Church Men’s Club din - cardiology fellow at University of children Anthony III, Andrew, Aaron, and 01835, or Saints Vartanantz Armenian Church, ner meeting on Monday June 2, 2014. Massachusetts Medical School starting in Noelle; Ann and her husband Thomas Daw of 180 Old Westford Rd., Chelmsford, MA 01824- Tachjian’s topic will be “Stroke and July. Crompond, NY and their children Adrena and 1251. To leave an online condolence, visit Common Heart Conditions. The social hour starts at 6:15 p.m., fol - Emma; and Adrienne and her husband Gregory www.goundreydewhirstfuneral.com. Tachjian graduated as the valedictorian of lowed by a complete Armenian dinner at 7 his class at the Faculty of Medicine of p.m. The dinner meeting will be at the St. Kuwait University in 2008. He received sev - James Armenian Church, Charles Mosesian eral honors, including the Amir’s Cultural and Youth Center- Keljik Hall, 465 Carol Virginia Casparian Outstanding Students Award and Minister Mount Auburn St.

RYE BROOK, N.Y. — Carol Virginia Casparian Springs, NY, attended the Sorbonne of Rye Brook, formerly of Cranston, died on University in Paris during her junior year, Tuesday, May 6. and spent a summer studying at Berklee Telephone (617) 924-7400 Born in Providence, she was the daughter of College of Music in Boston. She enjoyed Gloria (Bedrosian) Casparian and the late Chief music, art and sports. She was a parishioner Public Defender for at St. Gregory the Enlightener Armenian Aram Bedrosian the state of Rhode Church in White Plains, NY where she was an Island, Richard M. alternate member of the Parish Council; a Funeral Home, Inc. Casparian. Carol member of the Women’s Guild and Cultural was the grand - Committee. Continuous Service By The Bedrosian Family Since 1945 daughter of the late The funeral service was on Monday, May 12 MARION BEDROSIAN Joseph and Virginia in Sts. Sahag & Mesrob Armenian Apostolic 558 MOUNT AUBURN STREET PAUL BEDROSIAN Casparian and the Church, Providence, followed by burial at WATERTOWN, MA 02472 late Harry and Alice Swan Point Cemetery, Providence. LARRY BEDROSIAN Bedrosian. She will In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be missed by uncles, may be made to: Sts. Sahag & Mesrob Church, aunts, cousins and friends. 70 Jefferson St., Providence, RI 02908 or St. Edward D. Jamakordzian, Jr. d/b/a She was a professional sales consultant in Gregory the Enlightener Church, 1131 North the real estate industry. Street, White Plains, NY 10605. She graduated from Cranston West High Arrangements were made by the Nardolillo School, Skidmore College in Saratoga Funeral Home. Edward D. Jamie, Jr.

ServiFng uthne eentrirea Alr mCenhiana Cpomemlu n ity Any Hour • Any Distance • Any Location Call (718) 224-2390 Toll Free (888) 224-6088

Bus. Reg. 189-06 Liberty Ave., Hollis, NY 11412 GF UiNrEaRgAoL sHiaOMn E Consultation Office: 217-04 Northern Blvd., (Suite 23), Bayside,NY 11361 James “Jack” Giragosian, CPC Mark J. Giragosian Funeral Counselors 576 Mt. Auburn Street, Watertown, MA 02472, TEL: 617-924—0606 ENNIS M. EVENEY & ONS www.giragosianfuneralhome.com D D S Cemetery Monuments Specializing in Donation Armenian Designs and Lettering 701 Moody St. Waltham, MA 02543 On the occasion of the tragic passing of their nephew, Dr. Shahan Vartivarian, Mr. and Mrs. Hagop Vartivarian donate $100 to the Armenian Mirror-Spectator . (781) 891-9876 www.NEMonuments.com S ATURDAY , M AY 24, 2014 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 7 COMMUNITY NEWS AMAA’s Avedisian School and Community Center to Be Dedicated in October

SCHOOL, from page 4 come free as this added to the cost of the project; the gift of the Krikor building in shape and to expand it. His remark in and it became very difficult to convince the and Beatrice a word was “a bulldozer.” It was clear that a new AMAA Board to approve it. In addition to help - Bilezikian Building facility would be needed soon and that was ten ing sustain the environment, the main advantage by Chuck in honor of years ago. So off we went again, looking for land of LEED was the many thousands of dollars it his parents, which in the area. would save the organization in annual opera - will house grades K-4 Meanwhile, the school was continuing to gain tional expenses. The bottom line was that the of the Avedisian in reputation, and was awarded a Gold Medal for added construction costs would be paid back in School. With this the best administered school in all of Armenia by 5-7 years, but huge savings would continue to go addition, the the Ministry of Education. This award is given forward every year. That feature carried the day Avedisian High only once every five years and was quite an and funding was approved; hence, this school School grew into the honor for this young institution. In addition the will now become the first LEED-certified build - Khoren and school’s Russian Language Team took first prize ing, not only in Armenia, but in the entire region. Shooshanig Avedisian two years in a row in country-wide competition. Cihan Sultanoglu, the UNDP assistant director School and The French Language Team, the Math Team and for Europe and the CIS States, became more Community Center. the Dramatic Arts Group have also taken first than just interested when she asked if there was The complex is now prizes over the years. an auditorium in the building and what its seat - complete with seven It wasn’t until 2009 that a suitable piece of ing capacity was. When I told her that we would interconnected. land was found and purchased for the school. By have an auditorium that seated 250 she quickly In addition to Faraj 2011 the school was bursting at the seams and asked, “Can the UNDP hold its biennial regional and Chuck, our com - Full view of the future Avedisian School and Community Center campus every available inch of space was being utilized, meeting there?” I told her yes, that it would be mittee has been to the point where, after the 9th grade, the stu - an honor to have her and the entire regional del - blessed with our dents were parceled out to other high schools. egation in our building for their meeting, the del - Senior Advisor Ronald Altoon, Jeanmarie Papelian, (The Avedisian family pledged $5 million We had set out originally to have a first-class egates of which come from countries extending our expert in many areas, Dr. Kenell Touryan in towards this project. Please help the AMAA building and we had the plans drawn up for it. from Portugal to Japan. As she explained, she Conservation, and Richard Youatt, our Project reach its goal of matching the Avedisian family’s However, after some discussion with architect wanted all the representatives to come, see, feel Accountant. I would like to again mention Dr. pledge. Additonal information about Khoren and Ronald Altoon, Dr. Kenell Touryan and Richard and move around in the reality of sustainable Armen Gharibyan, who, although not on the com - Shooshanig Avedisian School and Community Youatt, my accountant for the project, I conclud - design, a low-carbon footprint and low-cost build - mittee, is certainly part of the dream team. What Center can be found at www.amaa.org.) ed that given the success we had building the ing. This AMAA Avedisian School would serve as most don’t know is that Dr. Gharibyan was an state-of-the-art Paramaz Avedisian Building at the ideal model. AMAA and AGBU Scholarship student at AUA. He the American University of Armenia (AUA), we Putting this project together was possible is one of those young and bright lights in Armenia should continue and expand on those elements because of the “dream team” committee that we that no one ever hears about but he is carrying an AMAA’s Avedisian School of sustainable design. With that, an internation - have had. Most of this committee had experience extremely heavy load in getting us to a LEED Silver al certification from LEED (Leadership in working together in constructing the Paramaz Certificate. He has designed a unique solar system Of Yerevan Wins National Energy and Environmental Design) became our Avedisian Building at AUA; and it didn’t take much that will provide heat, hot water and power for the goal. Earlier, Jeanmarie Papelian had introduced to convince them to take on a new task. When I air conditioning. Nowhere in the world have all Debate Competition me to the Armenian Ambassador to the United approached Faraj Yeretsyan to be our project man - three been combined successfully. Last, but cer - PARAMUS, N.J. and YEREVAN — A team of Nations, Garen Nazarian. He was very interested ager, he emailed the following: “we confirm our tainly not least, are the workers at the construction students from the AMAA’s Avedisian School in in the idea and said he would help by arranging commitment to excellence on the Avedisian School site, who feel that this is their building and contin - Yerevan beat out 111 other schools on April 4 a meeting at the United Nations with the United project; and as I have mentioned many times before, ue to work each day with a dedication and exper - to take first place in a debate competition spon - Nations Development Program (UNDP) in hopes this project is our baby.” tise that is really something to experience. Hats off sored by the Jinishian Memorial Fund. This suc - of garnering their support for the project. It The professional expertise and personal inter - and kudos go to each of the above. cess is the latest of many awards and competi - turned out that the UNDP was more than just est of Charles Bilezikian has been something So what’s in the future for these poor stu - tions won by students in the Avedisian School’s interested and gave us a grant for $50,000. They none of us could duplicate. I met “Chuck” at an dents? Does education stop with a high school 15-year history. also funded a trip to Copenhagen, Denmark, for AMAA Board Meeting. I observed him sitting diploma? Thankfully not, because, if a student While the academic aspects of the School are me and Dr. Armen Gharibyan, our engineer and there with his arms folded across his chest, wishes, he or she can continue on to the tremendously successful, the present physical licensed LEED expert. The point of the visit was expressionless. It became quite apparent when American University of Armenia, tuition-free, as location leaves much to be desired. The build - to see their new UN City Building which was he started speaking, that he had been listening long as the entrance exam is passed. As a trustee ing is structurally unsound and cannot be close to completion. In inspecting it we would intently. He was always soft spoken and would of AUA, I look forward with pleasure, to the day repaired. In addition, the building has no room have the advantage of seeing how this new start by saying, “This is what I am hearing,” and when I can put a diploma in the hand of an for students beyond the ninth grade. LEED building was being constructed and gain would continue on with solutions to problems Avedisian School student as he/she crosses the The Avedisian family, in conjunction with the further knowledge for our own project. that were analytical, thorough and to the point. stage to graduate from AUA. Well done, Khoren Armenian Missionary Association of America However, going for LEED Certification didn’t A major development in this project has been and Shooshanig Avedisian! (AMAA) and many generous donors, is building a new state of the art campus which will house students from preschool through twelfth grade. The building, which will open its doors on September 1, 2014, will be the first LEED cer - tified building in Armenia, setting the standard for all countries in the region. When fully oper - ational, the new campus will serve 750 stu - dents, and be open daily from 8 am to 9 pm. In addition to continuing to offer first-class educa - tion for children from the economically disad - vantaged neighborhood of Malatia-Sebastia, it will serve as a community center where civic groups can meet, athletic teams can practice and courses will be offered for adults to devel - op employment skills. In time, colleges and uni - versities will be invited to offer courses for cred - it during the summer. The Avedisian family has pledged $5 million dollars toward this project. Please help the AMAA reach its goal of matching the Avedisian family’s pledge. For additional information about the Khoren and Shooshanig Avedisian School and Community Center, visit AMAA’s website at amaa.org

Members of the Avedisian School’s winning debate team after taking first place in the final round of competition. 8 S ATURDAY , M AY 24, 2014 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMUNITY NEWS Two Luminaries Honored at Diocesan Assembly

sult each other. She has always been there By Florence Avakian beside me, behind me, and most of the time ahead of me. She deserves this credit as much as I do,” he said. NEW YORK — It was an evening of appreci - He also praised his three children and ation and celebration, as two deserving and seven grandchildren, his brother and sisters, much admired individuals — church leader and and paid homage to his parents, orphans of benefactor Dr. Raffy Hovanessian, and famed the Genocide who “overcame the perpetra - rock star and benefactor of Armenia Ian Gillan tors by bringing into the world six children, — were honored at the 2014 Diocesan Assembly 12 grandchildren, and 16 great grandchil - Banquet, on Friday, May 2. The banquet was dren.” He reserved special thanks for his the culmination of the 112th Diocesan mother-in-law Araxie Varjabedian, visitors Assembly, which took place at the Diocesan Alex and Arda Yemenidjian, “my bosom Center. buddy Nazar Nazarian, who has called and The nearly 400 guests in attendance entered encouraged me every day — and everyone a visually transformed Haik and Alice who has been with me in all my efforts and Kavookjian Auditorium, with shafts of violet endeavors.” light illuminating the columns, gorgeously dec - In an unscheduled tribute, Armenian artist orated tables, and two mammoth projection Rudik Petrosyan presented a painted portrait to screens announcing the Diocesan Assembly Hovanessian. theme: “Living the Gospel of Christ.” Archbishop Khajag Barsamian — newly elect - A lovely square-bound booklet, as well as a ed that day to a seventh term as Diocesan gift basket featuring a Michael Aram ornament, Primate — arose to express his gratitude for the topped every seat. “opportunity to serve the Armenian Church,” Assembly Committee co-chairs George and and thanked all who had contributed to week- Lorraine Marootian — for whom the banquet long series of meetings, which included the was the culmination of some two years of effort Archbishop Barsamian and James Kalustian (right) present the “Armenian of the Year” award to Dr. annual Clergy Conference and Women’s Guild Raffy Hovanessian (center). organizing the 112th Diocesan Assembly — Assembly, as well as the Diocesan Assembly. began the evening with a warm welcome, not - The Primate also thanked the Diocesan ing that “it is so beautiful to recognize two indi - Council, Diocesan staff, Assembly co-chairs viduals who are truly ‘Living the Gospel of return trip to Armenia some 20 years later, he community,” said Gillan with obvious emotion. George and Lorraine Marootian, and banquet Christ.’” saw the dilapidated corrugated-metal shelters “Your aspirations are easily expressed and organizer Gregory Manuelian. Following the invocation by Archbishop that were still being used as classrooms for the understood.” “Tonight we have traveled on a journey with Yeghishe Gizirian, and the singing of the extraordinarily gifted young music students of The program turned to honoring the lifelong two individuals who exemplify, in their different American and Armenian national anthems, mis - Gumri’s Octet School. devotion of Dr. Raffy Hovanessian to the ways, the Gospel in action,” the Primate stated tress of ceremonies Sandra Shahinian Leitner Gillan and some fellow musicians vowed to Armenian church, community and nation. in his personal tribute to the two honorees. pointed out that the large number of guests pre - help them, and the project to rebuild the school It began with a second video: an interview “And both men stand as a testament to the fact with Hovanessian himself. With his warmth, that such actions can truly make a difference in candor and enthusiasm, he described his early the world.” life in Aleppo, his days in Beirut where he That spirit “compelled Ian Gillan to reach out began his medical studies, and his childhood to others half way around the world, in dream of following in the footsteps of the leg - Armenia, at a time of great desperation and endary humanitarian and missionary, Dr. Albert need. And 20 years later, he was inspired again Schweitzer. to return and help a new generation rediscover In a series of touching, philosophical, and the artistic riches of the Armenian heritage,” he often amusing stories, Hovanessian described said. the Vartanantz Day service where he met his Calling Gillan an “ambassador of hope,” future wife and life partner, Vicki Shoghag Barsamian said it was a “great privilege” to be Hovanessian; the impact his parents had on his present for the opening of the new music life; and his enduring friendship with the late school last year with Gillan, Armenian govern - Catholicos of All Armenians, Karekin I. A the - ment leaders, FAR Board members, and the matic thread throughout the video (produced Mardigian family. by the Diocesan Communications department) The Primate turned to Hovanessian, noting was the way his faith in Christ guided him to that the honoree is “admired by our people help his church, homeland and fellow country - throughout the world. He feels the church at men, and how it informed his profession as a the “molecular level” and cares deeply about physician. people — as shown in his profession as a healer, Following the presentation to Hovanessian, a and the way he lives his life.” Above all, he said, table of young priests spontaneously burst into Hovanessian is “a man of God.” song, singing with gusto the Armenian favorite, Paying tribute to Shoghag Hovanessian, the

Archbishop Barsamian and Randy Sapah-Gulian (right) present the “Friend of the Armenians” award to rock musician Ian Gillan (center). sent was a testimony to the high regard and was taken up by the Fund for Armenian Relief respect the two honorees have inspired in the (FAR), the humanitarian relief arm of the community. Eastern Diocese. With a donation by the The Shushi Dance Ensemble, clad in beauti - Mardigian Family Foundation, the school was ful Armenian costumes, delighted the audience completely rebuilt, and opened last autumn. with several traditional Armenian dances — all Dignitaries including President Serge Sargisian choreographed by the ensemble’s director, Seta joined Gillan, the Mardigians, Diocesan Primate Kantarjian, and executed with precision and Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, and members of grace by the young women onstage. the FAR board at the opening. Diocesan Council Chair James Kalustian At the May 2 awards banquet, Randy Sapah- spoke of the “significant contributions both Gulian, chair of the FAR board, presented the honorees have made to the worldwide 2014 “Friend of the Armenians Award” to Armenian community, and introduced two Gillan. “This world-famous rock star needs no entertaining videos that illustrated the efforts introduction,” said Sapah-Gulian, who in his that made the two honorees stand apart as wor - exuberant style sang a few bars of his thy of recognition. favorite Deep Purple song. “Ian got the ball Assembly Committee co-chairs George and Lorraine Marootian welcome guests. In the case of Gillan, the video documented rolling in rebuilding this music school, and the his 20-year relationship with Armenia, which Fund for Armenian Relief was drawn into the began in the aftermath of the 1988 earthquake, vortex.” Azg Parabantz, as the rest of the audience Primate noted that the couple worked together and reached its apex last year with the grand Gillan, in a generous message of appreciation, joined in. to help the earthquake victims, St. Nersess opening of a rebuilt Octet Music School in told of his childhood “growing up in a family In his own words of appreciation, Seminary, their home parish (the Sts. Joachim Gumri, Armenia. filled with music. I wept when I heard stories of Hovanessian noted that he has always been and Anne Church, of Palos Heights, Ill.) and The lead singer of the British band Deep the Armenian earthquake,” he said, recalling attached to the church. “This honor brings on individuals and families in need. Purple, Gillan had been deeply affected by the that many people in the Soviet Union learned the responsibility to do more in my capacity to He concluded by stating that the Armenian earthquake’s devastation and loss of life, and English by listening to rock music. serve the church and the Diocese.” He paid people “are fortunate to have such dedicated recorded songs and performed concerts to raise “It’s easy to be friends with Armenians and heartfelt tribute to his wife, “who has been a individuals as Ian Gillan and Dr. and Mrs. funds and awareness for the disaster. On a their strong spirit. It’s a bond we have with the full partner in all our endeavors. We always con - Hovanessian among us.” S ATURDAY , M AY 24, 2014 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 9 COMMUNITY NEWS Archbishop Barsamian Reelected As Primate

NEW YORK — The quadrennial election for the office of Diocesan Primate — held on May 2 as part of the 112th Assembly of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America — was one for the history books, for two reasons. First, the presiding Primate, Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, was elected to an unprece - dented seventh term of office, making him the longest-serving Diocesan Primate on record. Second, it took five ballots to arrive at that result. The delegates of the 112th assembly, repre - senting clergy and lay leaders from every parish of the Eastern Diocese, were obliged to cast their votes five separate times, to break a deadlock between the two leading candidates: Archbishop Barsamian and Archbishop Vicken Aykazian. Aykazian is the ecumenical director of the Eastern Diocese, and a former president of the National Council of Church of Christ in the USA. Diana Burggraf (at right) was honored for her lifelong dedicated service to the Women’s Guild and the Armenian Church. A third candidate in the election, the Very Rev. Sooren Chinchinian, was eliminated after the first ballot. The Diocesan Bylaws stipulate that every Women’s Guild Presents ‘Woman of Wonder’ Award four years, the Diocesan Council must submit a slate of three candidates for an election to fill the office of Primate. The bylaws further recounted with emotion, and adding that her grandmother is also direct that if no single candidate for the office By Florence Avakian “an amazing cook.” receives a majority of the vote, the low vote Diana Burggraf emphasized that her family and church always getter is dropped from consideration, and a come first. “I am still driving without glasses,” she said to sus - run-off is held between the remaining two can - NEW YORK — Under a huge tent on the St. Vartan Cathedral tained applause. “I never believed I would get this award, or that didates. plaza, decorated with palm plants, a special luncheon was held on anyone knew me. No one expects to be honored for what they do. However, there is no provision in the Bylaws Saturday afternoon, May 3, honoring 91-year-old Diana Burggraf They do it because they want to do it.” for breaking a continuing deadlock between for her lifelong service to the Women’s Guild, her parish of the “I have not accomplished things alone. We have done them two candidates. As a result, the Assembly del - Holy Cross Armenian Church in Union City, NJ, and the Diocese together,” she said to a standing ovation. egates had to cast votes in a series of run-offs of the Armenian Church. In presenting the gift of a framed painting from Armenia of the in the hope that enough votes would be The occasion marked the 5th annual “Woman of Wonder” event Last Supper to the honoree, Nancy Kassabian paid tribute to her changed to shift the balance one way or the organized by the Diocesan Women’s Guild Central Council humility and dedicated work. other. (WGCC). Diocesan Primate Archbishop Khajag Barsamian expressed grat - It was a far cry from the experience of Following an opening prayer by the Very Rev. Simeon itude to the WGCC for choosing Bruggraf for this honor. “Diana recent elections, which have been conclusive Odabashian, and a warm welcome by WGCC chair Charlotte asked, Who knows her? Well, I know her. My parents knew her. on the first ballot. And the run-offs had reper - Sevazlian, the Very Rev. Vasken Karayan, pastor of the Holy Cross We know that the church has been your life. You truly represent cussions for the rest of the Assembly. Plans for Church, poetically noted that “decades ago, with deep faith and ‘Living Gospel of Christ,’ and you are a role model for the young the Friday afternoon session — calling for del - humility, women with oil lamps lit the Armenian Church which generation,” he declared. egates to break up into smaller discussion kept the church functioning. Those who have departed now cele - “You are young in spirit and mind. Your family and your devo - groups — had to be scrapped by the Assembly brate with us, and are present in spirit.” tion to our church are the good fruits of your life, and set a won - chairman, Raffi Balian, until a decisive result He went on to express the gratitude of the church’s parish coun - derful example for others to follow. God grant you and your fami - could be reached in the election. cil and membership for selecting “our pioneer Diana” for this ly many years,” the Primate said. Fewer than 200 people cast ballots to honor. “Her contributions are beyond words.” Burggraf’s service to the Armenian Church and community has determine the Primate of the Eastern Burggraf’s son, Gary, spoke of his mother’s passion for her spanned many decades, including 33 years as an executive board Diocese. At this year’s Diocesan Assembly, church and family. Her sister, Julliet Borgersen, related that the member in many capacities of her parish Women’s Guild. She is 157 delegates were registered, representing church “was always the backbone of our family. The church was currently its chairperson. In her earlier years, she sang in the parish pastors and retired clergy, parish most important in Diana’s life. The church has given her life,” she church choir, was a parish council member serving as its chair for council chairs, and delegates elected by each said and revealed that under Diana’s leadership, the Holy Cross several years, as well as a charter member of the ACYOA. local parish in proportion to its membership. church raised $500,000 through flea markets, luncheons, bazaars In 1995, she was honored as the “Woman of the Year” by the A simple majority of 79 votes (half the num - and many other events. Holy Cross Church of Union City, N.J. In addition to her church ber of registered delegates, plus one) was Thirteen-year-old granddaughter Samantha Burggraf noted that service, she has also been involved in the AGAU Alumni needed by either candidate to win the elec - her grandmother has “always taught by example. From the earth Association Scholarship Fund, and was honored in 2003 as their tion. For each ballot, the delegates made to the sky, nothing matches the love of a grandmother. You’ve “Woman of the Year.” She truly represents a “Woman of Wonder” their selection in secret on a paper ballot been the ‘woman of wonder’ every day and year for us,” she in the community. form; then each had the ballot collected as his or her name was read out from the dais by Nubar Kupelian, a long-serving and distin -

guished staff member of the Diocesan Center. annual awards banquet scheduled for later In keeping with his longstanding custom, that evening. Barsamian departed from the Assembly just Shortly after the announcement of a winner, prior to the initial balloting and did not take the clergy of the Diocese escorted Barsamian part in the voting, although he was eligible to into the sanctuary with the traditional wel - cast a ballot. coming hymn. The Primate thanked the dele - After four inconclusive votes on Friday after - gates for the privilege to continue his service noon, a fifth ballot returned with a majority to the Eastern Diocese and its people. for the incumbent. The news was announced Aykazian also gave some brief, gracious in the sanctuary of St. Vartan Cathedral, remarks by way of concession. where the delegates had reconvened after When his current term expires in 2018, departing Haik and Alice Kavookjian Archbishop Barsamian will have served as Auditorium, which had to be prepared for the leader of the Eastern Diocese for 28 years — surpassing the previous record for continu - ous service in that role held by the late Archbishop Torkom Manoogian, who won six LEFT: Diocesan Council Chair James Kalustian elections and served as Primate for 24 years congratulates Archbishop Khajag Barsamian on (from 1966 to 1990), before departing the his reelection. Diocese to become the Armenian Patriarch of Jerusalem. 10 S ATURDAY , M AY 24, 2014 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR Arts & Living Bitlis Explored Chobanian At Fresno State Conducts Parma Program Symphony BEREA, Ohio — Baldwin Wallace University Professor Emeritus and Composer-in-Residence Loris Ohannes Chobanian conducted the By Denise Altounian Parma Symphony Orchestra, on May 4. He con - ducted his composition Tango Fantasy For FRESNO (Hye Sharzhoom) — For many Guitar and Orchestra , with Marija Temo, fla - Armenians in Fresno, the city of Bitlis holds a menco/classical guitar. special place in their hearts. Not only was it the The near capacity audience in the Valley birthplace of the family of noted Fresno native Forge High School auditorium responded to William Saroyan, but also the birthplace to the performance with appreciative enthusiasm. many of the Armenians who settled in Fresno Temo is considered one of the world’s great - in the years following the Armenian Genocide. est guitarists who could excel equally well in fla - For much of its history, including the menco and classical guitar renditions. There are Ottoman period, Bitlis flourished as a center of very few who could match her interpretations Armenian culture and tradition. Much of this and technical dexterity. Chobanian was Temo’s legacy has almost vanished in the nearly hun - first guitar teacher and composed Tango dred years following the Genocide of 1915. Fantasy especially for her. Another composi - However, in recent months there has been an tion the composer wrote for her was the fla - attempt to shed light on the history of the city menco inspired guitar concerto Concierto Del and the impact Armenians had there. Ara Fuego , which Temo premiered with the BW Sarafian, director of the Gomidas Institute in Symphony Orchestra conducted by Dwight London, England, returned to Fresno State to Oltman. discuss his most recent endeavor, a “bridge- According to the program notes, “ Tango building initiative” which was started in June Fantasy combines the characteristic qualities of 2013 to build contacts between Armenians, both the Argentinean Tango and the Flamenco Turks, and Kurds. Tango of Andalusia. Over the years, continents On Sunday, March 30, Fresno State students, apart, these two dances by the same name have faculty and the community were invited to the pursued their own individual paths and have opening of a new exhibit, “Remembering the developed their own distinct personalities. Armenians of Bitlis,” on display at the Henry However, there are noticeable characteristics Madden Library for the month of April. The that hint at their common ancestry. In both exhibit was organized by Sarafian, with the sup - dances, for example, we witness a compulsive port of Prof. Barlow Der Mugrdechian and the need for the phrases to end in resolute and Armenian Studies Program, to highlight some excited pulsation.” of the new documentation on Bitlis and to Middlesex County Sheriff Peter Koutoujian talks with 102-year-old Nellie Nazarian In February 2007, the composer and his wife, show never before seen photographs of Bitlis. by A Mother’s Hands Memorial after unveiling. Nellie is the lone remaining geno - Deanna, visited many cities in Andalusia, Spain cide survivor in Merrimack Valley. and heard numerous excellent performances of flamenco music. The idea of composing Tango Fantasy germinated during that time in Spain. Melodic patterns of flamenco music have often Lowell Genocide Memorial been influenced by those of the Middle East, especially in the vocal renditions of flamenco. Tango Fantasy uses Middle Eastern melodies. Is Unveiled Years ago, when flamenco guitarist Carlos Montoya heard that the composer had lived in Baghdad, he said: “You have come from the LOWELL, Mass. — Knot by knot, a land of my ancestors.” By Tom Vartabedian mother’s hands weave the history of her Another work Chobanian conducted on the people. program was Emmanuel for Orchestra by These hands performed another ritual Chobanian’s student Randy Rivera. The mes - May 10 when they welcomed a crowd of more than 300 people to their side at sage of Emmanuel is “Hope to the world, God From left, Fresno State Prof. Barlow Der Lowell City Hall. is with us.” The audience expressed special Mugrdechian, Ara Sarafian of the Gomidas At long last — three years in the making — this unique genocide memorial stands appreciation for the lyrical qualities of the com - Institute and Dr. Sergio La Porta. proudly at City Hall Plaza — the first time such a monument finds itself on munic - position. ipal land in America. The second half of the concert was conduct - While other monument unveilings went through some tenuous moments in other “This initiative is an important step in the ed by the orchestra’s music director, Dr. parts of the world, this one was dedicated and blessed with obvious fanfare as dif - process of recovering so much of Armenian cul - Randolph P. Laycock, who presented excellent ferent churches and organizations staged a united stand behind a group called the ture lost as a result of the Genocide,” stated Der renditions of Espana by Meyerbeer and the Merrimack Valley Armenian Monument Committee. Mugrdechian, director of the Armenian Studies Second Movement of Mahler’s First The stone exceeds six feet in length and takes its place in Monument Park where Program. “It is also a way to build bridges Symphony . other ethnic groups are represented. Due to its conspicuous site, anyone entering between people.” Since his retirement in 2010 Chobanian has or leaving the building is bound to take notice. Sarafian was on hand in Fresno to open the been very active composing and conducting. The mother’s hands juts out over a khatchkar (cross stone) wrapped around an exhibit and to give a talk “Down and About During the 2013-2014 academic year, he has elaborate border with an emotional message below. At the base, an inscription reads Bitlis: An Exhibition on Bitlis Armenians on the had eight world premieres of new compositions. “In Memory” and “E Hesh-a-dag” in both languages. Shores of Lake Van.” He conducted the premiere of Bouquet — Four “There are approximately 230 monuments dedicated to the Armenian Genocide Sarafian initiated contacts with residents of Armenian Melodies for Symphonic Wind in 42 countries around the world,” said designer Daniel Varoujan Hejinian. “Most Bitlis last year, and the exhibit was a culmina - Ensemble in Virginia, where he was guest com - of these monuments are located in land belonging to Armenian churches and orga - tion of extensive research in Russian, Ottoman poser at Christopher Newport University. nizations. What’s so special about this is the fact it is a first in the Diaspora —an and Armenian archives to examine the number On January 17, The Soldier Returns was pre - Armenian Genocide memorial in front of a government building.” and role of Armenians in the , miered by Louise Zeitlin, viola, professor of Combined with bronze and granite, the stone shows a mother’s weaving hands especially the eastern region. This culminated viola at Baldwin Wallace University and James sculptured in clay, then refined through an elaborate process to create a three- in an exhibition, “The Armenians of Bitlis” Howsmon, professor of piano at Oberlin dimensional effect. (Bitlis Ermenileri), that first debuted on March Conservatory. The composition was also per - As a model, the artist used his sister Lena’s hands. Buried into the foundation of 1-2, in Tatvan, Turkey, located on the shores of formed at the Cleveland Composer’s Guild con - the stone was an actual piece of crochet done by Hejinian’s mother as a symbolic Lake Van. cert with Jeffrey Irvine, viola and Javier gesture of his family history and all the qualities that enhanced the concept. As Sarafian explained, some people were Gonzales, piano. The Soldier Returns makes a “In spite of the pain and horror of our genocide, the Armenian people everywhere doubtful that it would be possible to display strong statement against senseless and unnec - cast their hopes and dreams — knot by knot — as they bloom and prosper,” added data that directly contradicts the Turkish gov - essary wars that are often perpetrated by self Hejinian, who has personally erected over 50 genocide billboards around Greater ernment position on the Genocide. However indulging egomaniacs who want to prove their Boston the past 18 years. this project represents a new opportunity for importance and acquire a place in history. “Our mothers were dream weavers,” he added. “They worked the mills in Lowell, scholarship in the area. The display consisted of On January 25, Vocalise was premiered by holding down nearly two-thirds of all textile jobs in this city. They came here to ethnographic maps and photographs of two sopranos, BW Professors Tracy Grady and weave the fabric of our culture and we owe them all a debt of gratitude.” Armenians living in Bitlis, documenting the his - Cynthia O’Connell. They were accompanied by Ironic that the unveiling took place on the eve of Mother’s Day after an earlier toric presence of Armenians there. The exhibit Bryan Reichert, guitar. Vocalise could be per - see LOWELL, page 11 were based on research at the ABCFM Archives formed either by a choir of two high female see BITLIS, page 11 see CHOBANIAN, page 12 S ATURDAY , M AY 24, 2014 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 11 Lowell Genocide Memorial Is Unveiled

LOWELL, from page 10 in Armenia, making its first stop here, then pro - the deceased, we also celebrate those who sur - He served as honorary chairman of the project. date had to be postponed due to a conflict. The ceeds through communities across America vived, worked the mills and raised their families “The memorial represents the true fact it rained did little to deter the crowd. before winding up in Historic Armenia next with dignity.” Armenian-American dream — an opportunity for Chairman Armen Jeknavorian found a promi - April. US Rep. John Tierney (D-Mass.), another us to show the public who we are and what we nent Mother’s Day saying in capturing the Children from different church schools held strong advocate on Armenian issues, described teach,” he stressed. “The more we teach, the moment, “The earth’s warmth is in the moth - banners and marched with their elder counter - the monument as a symbol of this community’s sooner people will realize the truth about our er’s hands.” parts amid a police escort. Umbrellas were the strength and resilience in the face of adversity. genocide. Your effort here is compatible with He, too, looked to the mills for a symbolic order of the day before it finally cleared for the “Rest assured that I connection to the memorial. Like his parents dedication ceremony shortly thereafter. will continue my efforts before him, they coped with difficult times in In attendance was Nellie Nazarian, the lone to address core humani - bringing homage to the community. Genocide survivor in Merrimack Valley, joined tarian and economic diffi - “The Armenian population in Lowell during by her family. The 102-year-old was embraced culties that face the the early 1930s was significant,” he noted. by Armenians and Americans alike for her Armenian population,” “They built and consecrated their own church resilience as she posed for photographs before he confirmed. in 1916. Our history remains proud with pros - the stone. Other proclamations perity.” In a special certificate from US Rep. Niki and remarks were issued A procession in the downtown sector was led Tsongas (D-Mass.), she applauded the coura - by state Sen. Eileen by members of the Sam Manoian Post, geous Armenian men and women who have Donaghue, state Rep. Armenian-American Veterans, led by thrived to become a vital part of her communi - David Nangle, Mayor Commander Richard Juknavorian. ty. Rodney Elliott, City A torch bearing an eternal flame made its “This first monument of its kind in Lowell Manager Kevin Murphy, way to the entourage, led by youth activists stands as a testament to Armenians throughout City Councilor Rita Garo Tashjian and Mgo Kassabian. It originated history,” she pointed out. “While we remember Mercier, a former ANCA Freedom Award winner, and City Councilor James Milinazzo, who embraced Replica of A Mother’s Hands memorial is presented to designer Daniel the monument idea and Varoujan Hejinian, center, by Merimack Valley Armenian Monument Bitlis Explored at Fresno State Program selected the site as for - Committee. Making the presentation were Chairman Armen mer mayor. Jeknavorian, left, and Dr. Ara Jeknavorian. BITLIS, from page 10 One outcome of the initiative was the Youth of the communi - (Houghton Library, Harvard University), Mt. immense support and interest in the project ty presided over a flag- Holyoke College Archives (Mass.), AGBU shown by the Kurdish population of Bitlis. Many raising ceremony following the monument what was accomplished at Armenian Heritage Nubarian archives (Paris), and the Ottoman Kurdish youth acknowledge the Armenian blessing. Park in Boston. Heart. Commitment. Energy. Prime Ministry Archives (Istanbul). Genocide and want to know what role they can An ambitious fund-raising effort launched a All the qualities go into it.” The photographs represented a milestone, play in moving forward. Several Kurdish politi - year ago brought in the $35,000 needed by Three students were called upon to read their because many people in Eastern Turkey had cians and prominent attorneys attended the Skylight Studios of Woburn for construction. winning essays on a theme that reflected the never actually seen an Armenian face before. debut of the exhibit in Tatvan. According to Another $15,000 is being used for its perpetual monument. They were: Anna Shahtanian and The photos showed the daily lives of the Sarafian, as many as one in six Kurds in these care. Contributions poured in from around the Matthew Kochakian, both of St. Gregory Armenians, their schools, churches and more. areas may have Armenian ancestors. country from donors who found the concept Church, North Andover, and Isabelle Kapoian, The maps, based on demographic research This exhibit was a significant step forward in both eclectic and ingenious. Sts. Vartanantz Church, Chelmsford. from Russian and Turkish sources, displayed the future of Armenian Studies in Turkey. It is A reception followed at Lowell High School The event was televised by Haykaram the ethnic composition of the Ottoman Empire. important that projects like these continue to where miniaturized replicaa of the memorial Nahapetyan, representing public television of The research indicates that Armenians and record history before it is lost. Many Armenian were presented to Hejinian by committee mem - Armenia H1 and also received front-page cover - Kurds in the Bitlis and Van provinces actually landmarks still exist in Turkey and any attempt bers as a gesture of gratitude. age in the local press. made up the majority of the population, with to falsify history can never eliminate local mem - A cultural interlude was provided by soloist Serving as master of ceremonies throughout few Turks in the region. The Turkish govern - ories. The Armenian issue is far from closed and Sevan Dulgarian. the day was Dr. Ara Jeknavorian, committee ment has deliberately argued that Armenians it is up to the new generation to continue schol - Middlesex County Sheriff Peter Koutoujian activist and co-chairman, Armenian National and Kurds were not in the majority. arship in the area. spoke both at the unveiling and the luncheon. Committee of Merrimack Valley. 12 S ATURDAY , M AY 24, 2014 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR ARTS & LIVING

Chobanian Conducts Parma Symphony Orchestra

CHOBANIAN, from page 10 premiere of Rhapsodic Variations for Cello voices or by two female soloists. The voices in and Piano. The complex variations were per - Vocalise are accompanied by the classical guitar, formed brilliantly. Several melodic ideas are an instrument that sounds an octave below its individually varied and transformed creating an written notes and because of its low range intricate interplay as each unit develops. The becomes an ideal instrument to support and high - piano part creates further intricacy by intro - light the higher overtones of the female voice. ducing unexpected rhythmic contradictions. On January 31, Fantasia For Two On May 1, the BW String faculty Professors Saxophones and Piano was premiered by the Julian Ross and Samuel Rotberg, together with Trio Bel Canto ensemble, Patrick Meighan, alto four students, presented the world premiere of Just sax from Florida State University, John Moore, Violins for Six Violins. The composition explores tenor sax from Indiana Southeast University the brilliant potential qualities of the violin creating and Krista Wallace, piano from University of textures that highlight individual instruments as Louisville. They were accompanied by the BW well as those of the entire ensemble. Extreme con - Symphonic Wind Ensemble conducted by trasts are achieved by diversifying of the textures. Dwight Oltman. The composition was later per - There are many passages where bowings of arco and pizzicato alternate. On May 18, Variations On An Israeli Theme For Two Guitars was premiered by two of the composer’s former guitar students, Bryan Carla Garapedian and Kim Kardashian Reichert and Christopher Ellicott. The Israeli theme Erev Shel Shoshanim (Evening of Roses) by Yosef Hadar has become very popu - Kim Kardashian Shows Support for Armenian lar in the Middle East, and the song has been translated to Armenian. Genocide Films at USC Shoah Banquet The theme is not stated at the begin - The three members of the Trio Bel Canto ensemble with the LOS ANGELES — While President Barack Obama was the honored guest at the USC ning of the composition and is intro - conductor Dwight Oltman and composer Loris Chobanian Shoah Foundation’s Ambassadors for Humanity banquet on May 7 in Century City, Los duced gradually. The last 18 mea - Angeles, the 90-plus Armenians who attended the event were more interested in Kim sures of the composition evolve into Kardashian and the 100-year-old Armenian Genocide survivor, Yevnige Salibian, who were formed at the North American Saxophone a gentle presence. Variations on an Israeli seated at the same table. Alliance Conference in University of Illinois. Theme is dedicated to the memory of the vic - The banquet marked the 20th anniversary of the Shoah Foundation. Now housed in the On March 2, BW Professor of Piano Robert tims of the Holocaust. The premiere was pre - USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, the USC Shoah Foundation has expand - Mayerovitch premiered the Mayerovitch Piano sented at the BW International Guitar Festival. ed to include testimonies from genocides of other peoples, including the Rwandan, Sonata. A long time colleague and friend of the This year the successful festival featured artist Cambodian and the Armenian genocides. The Armenian Genocide Testimonies Collection, composer, Mayerovitch had premiered many of guitarists such as Vladimir Gorbach from filmed by the Armenian Film Foundation, was recognized at the banquet amongst other col - his piano compositions. The sonata uses Russia and Gohar Vardanyan from Armenia. lections in the Shoah Foundation’s Visual History Archive. themes derived from his name. Similar to the Chobanian’s Requiem April 24 performed by Documentary filmmaker Carla Garapedian is leading the Armenian Film Foundation’s techniques of Soggetto Cavato used by the the BW Chorus and Chamber Orchestra, con - project to preserve and integrate Hagopian’s collection into the Visual History Archive. The Renaissance composers, pitches have been ducted by Dirk Garner, can be heard on You goal is to begin making the testimonies available to watch and search in the VHA in 2015, extracted by matching the letters of the name Tube. The composition uses Haigouhi the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. Mayerovitch to a continuously recurring chro - Seropian’s powerful Armenian text, which Salibian, a survivor from Aintab, is one of the last survivors to be filmed for the Armenian matic scale. The four movements of the sonata makes a compelling statement against the his - Film Foundation’s collection. The collection was largely filmed by the late J. Michael are characterized by contrasting textures. toric persecution of Armenians. The compos - Hagopian, whose wife, Antoinette Hagopian, was also present at the banquet. The Armenian Because of their complex and intricate con - er’s parents were victims of the Armenian Film Foundation recently provided digital copies of the 400 interviews to the USC Shoah struction most of the vertical sonorities are Genocide. Chobanian is making his score avail - Foundation for inclusion in Shoah’s Visual History Archive, while retaining the original introduced in an arpeggiated fashion. able to all Armenian choruses and university interviews on 16mm film. On April 14, Prof. Regina Mushabac, cello ensembles in order to perform Requiem April and William Shaffer, piano, presented the world 24 during the centennial year of April 24, 1915. S ATURDAY , M AY 24, 2014 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 13 ARTS & LIVING Hovannisian to Speak About Gesaria at Armenian Museum CC AA LLEENNDDAARR WATERTOWN — The Armenian Museum of America on Saturday, June 14, presents “The Armenians of Gesaria: From Evkere and Talas to Mount Arkeos, Chomakhlu and Evereg,” a lecture by Dr. Richard G. Hovannisian. Hovannisian was the UCLA Armenian Educational Foundation Chair in Modern MASSACHUSETTS Armenian History and Distinguished Chancellor’s Fellow at Chapman University, MAY 29 — Friends of Holy Trinity 1000 Club Spring Dinner Orange County. He is a Guggenheim Fellow and Drawing, 6:30 p.m., Charles and Nevart Talanian Cultural and has received many honors for his schol - Hall, Holy Trinity Armenian Church, 145 Brattle St., Cambridge. arship, civic activities, and advancement of Everyone is invited to a losh kebab and pilaf dinner followed by Armenian studies, including election to the the monthly drawing at 8 p.m., plus five additional cash prizes. Armenian National Academy of Sciences. “One-time” numbers will be sold the night of the dinner. Special Drawing on his research for contribution to offer: purchase five “One-time” numbers for $20 and save $5. the 12th in a series of volumes on historic Chance to win a One-Year 1000 Club Membership for those Armenian cities and provinces, Armenian attending dinner. Dinner tickets on sale at the door; donation, Kesaria/ Kayseri and Cappadocia, $7.99. For further information, contact the Church Office at Hovannisian will give a presentation and 617.354.0632, or email [email protected]. selected film shorts of the region’s Armenian JUNE 2 — St. James Men’s Club features speaker Dr. Ara history and the significant roles played by Tachjian, senior resident – internal medicine, Beth Israel Armenians, both in urban and rural Gesaria. Deaconess Hospital. Topic: “Stroke & Common Heart The Armenian presence in Cappadocia and Conditions.” Losh Kebab and Kheyma Dinner. Social Hour Gesaria/Kesaria dates back to the times of (mezza) 6:15 p.m. Dinner 7 p.m. $14 per person, St. James Tigran the Great and Gregory the Illuminator. Armenian Church, Charles Mosesian Cultural & Youth Center - Down through the centuries, Armenian com - Keljik Hall, 465 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown. Ladies welcome. munities in the area grew in number and size. JUNE 5 — Avak luncheon, noon, St. Gregory Armenian Church, This event begins at 7 p.m., and is free and 158 Main St., North Andover, MA; speaker, US Army Major Felix open to the public. Gregorian, “To America With Love,” on his pending fifth deploy - ment to the Middle East. The documentary “Finding Zabel JUNE 6, 7 — Armenian Memorial Church Annual Fair, open Yessayan” will be shown at the Armenische Friday from 5 to 8 p.m., serving kebab meals, entire fair open Watertown Public Library, 123 Main St., Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Armenian meals served all day. at 7 p.m. on June 12. The film inspired the Waisenteppich Issued in Armenian delicacies bake sale, silent auction, craft fair, indoor yard sale. Armenian Memorial Church, 32 Bigelow Ave., translation of two books by the ground - German Watertown, wheelchair accessible. Admission free. For informa - breaking author, the only woman who tion, call 617-923-0498. was rounded up on April 24, 1915, along TRANSLATION, from page 1 JUNE 12 — “Finding Zabel Yessayan,” the documentary that with fellow intellectuals. For more infor - learn that the publisher was the Armenian inspired the translation of two books by groundbreaking Ottoman mation, call the Armenian International Cultural Foundation, which our family has been Armenian author, Zabel Yessayan, will be shown at the Watertown closely associated with. After I read a copy sent Women’s Association at 617-926-0171 or Public Library, 123 Main St., 7 p.m. For more information, contact me by Ara Ghazarians, the foundation’s curator contact them at their email address, [email protected] or call 617-926-0171. and editor of the book, it occurred to me that it [email protected] JUNE 14 — The Armenian Museum of America presents “The might be of interest to a German reading public. Armenians of Gesaria: From Evkere and Talas to Mount Schiler-Verlag, which has published several Arkeos, Chomakhlu and Evereg” by Dr. Richard G. books related to Armenian issues (including Hovannisian, UCLA Armenian Educational Foundation Chair in mine), was immediately interested. Within weeks, Modern Armenian History and Distinguished Chancellor’s Fellow the parties signed a contract and Ortrun Cramer, at Chapman University, Orange County, California. He will give a professional translator who has dealt with sim - NOVEMBER 8 — Armenia Tree Project’s 20th Anniversary a Power Point presentation and selected film shorts of the ilar themes, set to work on a German version. Celebration. Reception and dinner at the Grand Atrium of the region’s Armenian history and the significant roles played by The new Armenian ambassador in Berlin, Dr. John Joseph Moakley United States Courthouse overlooking the Armenians, both in urban and rural Gesaria. The Armenian pres - Vahan Hovhannesyan, was well informed about Boston Harbor. Reserve the date, additional details to follow. For ence in Cappadocia and Gesaria/Kesaria dates back to the times the controversy around the rug in the US, and information about ATP’s programs, visit www.ArmeniaTree.org of Tigran the Great and Gregory the Illuminator. 65 Main St., 7 was eager to support efforts to make the book p.m. Free and open to the public known here as well. The embassy plans to host a JUNE 16 – The Gregory Hintlian Memorial Golf Tournament presentation of the work. RHODE ISLAND sponsored by Holy Trinity Armenian Church at Marlborough Verlag Hans Schiler is a relatively small pub - Country Club, Marlborough; 9:30 a.m., registration; 11 a.m., JUNE 13 — 100 Anniversary of the Sts. Sahag & Mesrob lishing company which features books about “Shot Gun.” Join us for a day of golf - player’s fee: $175 Armenian Church, under the auspices of Archbishop Khajag the Middle East and Caucasus, both fiction and (includes hospitality, lunch, dinner, green & cart fees, prizes and Barsamian, Primate, Diocese of the Armenian Church of America non-fiction, historical studies on the culture and gifts) or just dinner and a social evening ($50 per person). (Eastern), 7 p.m. Concert in celebration of a century of faith, religion of the regions as well as poetry and Limited to 128 players. Tournament and tee sponsorships avail - hope and faith, featuring soloists from Armenia, New York, prose, often in bilingual editions; in a related able. RSVP deadline, June 9. To register or for further informa - Massachusetts, Rhode Island, the Amrenian Chorale and enterprise, it sells Arabic-language books tion, contact the Holy Trinity Church Office, 617.354.0632, or Orchestra of Rhode Island, under the direction of Maestro online. The announcement of the new book email [email protected] Konstantin Petrossian at the new Saint Mary and Saint Mena came in a release on its website www.schiler.de SEPTEMBER 26, 27 — Armenians and Progressive Politics Coptic Orthodox Cathedral, 2433 Scituate Ave., Cranston. with a description excerpted from the Foreword Conference returns to Boston. Keynote speaker will be Noam Spiritual and traditional Armenian music, also, premier of songs by Ghazarians: “Near East Relief was the suc - Chomsky. Details to follow. composed especially for this event. Free and open to the public. cessor to the American Committee for Armenian and Syrian Relief, established in 1915 in response to urgent pleas from Henry Morgenthau, the American Ambassador to Turkey. As such the Near East Relief embarked on a herculean task of saving the lives of over 1,000,000 refugees, including over 100,000 people.” accounts to the effect that public pressure of the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung , the Armenian orphans scattered throughout the A short biographical sketch is provided of may have been behind it, “because its public journal of record nationally. It read “Erdogan Middle East and the Caucasus in the aftermath author Deranian, whose mother had been display would raise questions about the nicht willkommen” (Erdogan not welcome) and of the Armenian Genocide.” among those saved by Künzler. It was this Armenian genocide.” detailed the remarks of leading politicians The release goes on to quote: “The history of never-forgotten link that drove him to write the Now, of course, the appearance of the book protesting Erdogan’s plan to speak at a rally in this period is replete with untold stories of hero - story. in Germany will also raise those same ques - Cologne later in May. ism and sacrifice — a testimony to the triumph In an epilogue written specially for the new tions, and in a country with the largest popula - In light of the “brutal treatment of the of the human spirit over adversity. One little translation, Ghazarians recounted the curi - tion of Turks outside Turkey. Turkish government against demonstrators in known anecdote is the Near East Relief’s ous fate of the rug since the English book The timing is particularly sensitive, consider - Soma,” the article opened, many considered it orphanage in Ghazir, Lebanon, then Syria, and had appeared last autumn: from requests to ing recent political developments in Turkey. If unwise for him to make such a public appear - its rug factory. Administered by Swiss mission - have it exhibited to refusals by the White the statements made by Prime Minister Recep ance in Germany. ary Jakob ‘Papa’ Künzler, known as the ‘father House and heated debate in the media. “As Tayyip Erdogan and Foreign Minister Ahmet Both on the regional level and in Berlin, sev - of the Armenian orphans’ and his wife, the German edition goes to press,” he wrote, Davutoglu about the Genocide have unleashed eral political figures across party lines explicit - Elizabeth ‘Mama’ Künzler, over 1,400 orphan “the issue is still unresolved and remains a new round of debate around the govern - ly recommended that he cancel or postpone his girls, mostly Armenian, were sheltered as early mired in controversy.” In fact, at the ment’s unwillingness to recognize it, the level of visit. Scheduled for May 24, it would be one as 1922. In the mid-1920s the Künzlers decided Armenian Museum of America exhibit of rugs anger against Erdogan in particular, has day before the European parliament elections, to have a rug woven by the orphan Armenian by orphans and widows that began on reached new heights following the coal mine and is also seen as a campaign event for girls and presented to President Calvin February 17 of this year, “Dr. Deranian did disaster in Soma. Erdogan in his bid to win Turkish voters for his Coolidge in the White House as an expression participate in the opening,” he reported, but To give a sense of how controversial Erdogan presidential candidacy in summer. If the event of the profound gratitude to the American peo - “visitors could see an empty place on the wall has become in Germany, suffice it to cite the takes place as planned, it will be greeted by ple and government on behalf of the Armenian reserved for the Ghazir rug.” He cited press banner headlines of the May 18 Sunday edition demonstrations. 14 S ATURDAY , M AY 24, 2014 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMENTARY

COMMENTARY THE ARMENIAN Mirror Beware the Hornet’s Nest

not to overstep our boundaries. The fact that some Jews have Spectator By Edmond Y. Azadian also joined the anti-ADL and anti-Foxman campaign indicates that some internal policy issues or personal quarrels are involved, which may entangle the Armenians unnecessarily. Armenian-Jewish relations have a very special significance Mr. Foxman is a power broker in Washington and the ADL and are expressed in a variety of dimensions. The basic tenet is equally powerful and no Armenian organization can match that binds the two groups is falling victim to mass murder. their influence should push come to shove. EstablEisshteadbl1is9h3e2 d 1932 The two groups understand each other and they are poised The writing is already on the wall; on May 13, 2014, the An ADALnP AuDblLic Patuiobnlication better than other groups to empathize with each other, hav - ADL issued a statement trying to clarify its position on the ing experienced the horrors of ethnic cleansing or extermina - Armenian Genocide. However, the angry tone of the state - tion. ment is more of a warning than an apology or clarification. By However, those relations may manifest in many different reiterating its statement of August 22, 2008, the new state - EDITOR ways when political considerations weigh in. The fact that the Alin K. Gregorian ment says, “We are deeply concerned by ongoing questions state of Israel is not among the 20-some nations that that about our organization’s position with regard to the have recognized the Armenian Genocide is a sore point in Armenian Genocide. The ADL has never denied the tragic and ASSISTANT EDITOR Gabriella Gage those relations. But the saving grace is that bona fide schol - painful events perpetrated by the Ottoman Empire against ars and legislators in Israel articulate better than any other the Armenians and we have referred to those massacres as ASSOCIATE EDITOR group Israel’s moral obligation to recognize the Armenian genocide. All of the ADL’s anti-hate programs classify geno - Aram Arkun Genocide in the face of political expediency. cide as the ultimate crime against humanity.”

ART DIRECTOR It does not take a conspiratorial mind to observe the influ - Although there is an explicit acknowledgment of the Marc Mgrditchian ence of Israel and its lobbying arm in the US and in this coun - Armenian Genocide, there is no denial of Mr. Foxman’s or the try’s legislature. Therefore, as the Armenians take up the chal - ADL’s active role against Armenian Genocide resolutions in lenge of extracting Genocide recognition from the US gov - Congress. Instead, there is a stern warning which should be ernment, first and foremost, they have to capitalize on the taken very seriously: “There is simply no basis for the false SENIOR EDITORIAL COLUMNIST: Edmond Azadian sympathies of these lobbying groups. accusation that we engage in any form of denial and we Also, it is an important factor to harmonize and coordinate believe this characterization of the ADL crosses the boundary CONTRIBUTORS: Armenian interests with the political interests of those of acceptable criticism into the category of demonization.” Florence Avakian, Dr. Haroutiune groups. Working at cross-purposes guarantees defeat. A more ominous echo comes all the way from Jerusalem. Arzoumanian, Taleen Babayan, Prof. In recent years, a controversy has been introduced in these Normally the press in Israel is very favorable to the Armenian Vahakn N. Dadrian, Diana Der delicate relations, that of the Armenian Genocide policy of the cause but an article published in the Jerusalem Post on May Hovanessian, Philip Ketchian, Kevork Anti-Defamation League (ADL), reflected mainly in the 18 by a novice called Tal Buenos is vitriolic. Under the title of Keushkerian, Sonia Kailian-Placido , actions and words of its national director, Abraham Foxman. “Abraham Foxman’s Good Name,” the writer not only defends Harut Sassounian, Mary Terzian, Hagop A vigorous campaign was conducted mostly in New his mentor but also attacks virulently the basic facts of the Vartivarian, Naomi Zeytoonian England and to a smaller extent, nationally, to expose the Armenian Genocide, generously borrowing words and state - CORRESPONDENTS: ADL’s active participation with Turkey in defeating all resolu - ments from the official Turkish denialist lexicon. Armenia - Hagop Avedikian tions in the US Congress recognizing the Armenian Genocide. One of the writer’s laughable statements goes like this: Boston - Nancy Kalajian That campaign yielded some positive results, especially in dis - “Foxman is not a denier. He has never refused to recognize Philadelphia - Lisa Manookian crediting the ADL’s anti-bias program, No Place for Hate, as a existing facts about the Armenian tragedy of World War I. On Berlin - Muriel Mirak-Weissbach hypocritical façade for the organization’s disingenuous and the contrary, he has expressed genuine interest in learning Contributing Photographers: active campaign against other human rights causes, including more facts about what has happened.” Jacob Demirdjian, Harry Koundakjian, Jirair the Armenian Genocide. If Mr. Foxman has yet to learn the facts about the Armenian Hovsepian Certainly it was an indirect victory when on the eve of the Genocide after 126 Holocaust and Genocide scholars affirmed 2014 Genocide memorial day, the American Jewish the incontrovertible fact of the Armenian Genocide on June 6, Committee released an unequivocal statement of support, 2007, it is too late for him to catch up. Besides, if he does not The Armenian Mirror-Spectator is published which said, in part, “In a month of solemn remembrance of have all the facts about the issue, why is he campaigning weekly, except two weeks in July and the first the atrocities of the last century — from the 20th anniversary against a cause that he does not know enough about? week of the year, by: of the Rwandan genocide to the annual commemoration in It is very difficult to isolate a single quote statement from Baikar Association, Inc. Israel and the Untied States of the Holocaust — we pause in Mr. Buenos’ article, because he offers many gems. The fol - 755 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA 02472-1509 mournful tribute to the memories of the estimated 1.5 million lowing statement seems to have been borrowed from Prof. Telephone: 617-924-4420 victims of the Medz Yeghern, the genocide of the Armenians, Ahmet Davutoglu’s history lessons: “It is only through the FAX: 617-924-2887 committed in the final years of the Ottoman Empire.” study of authentic documents that one may formulate an We may also consider partial victory in defeating the nom - informed opinion on whether the Ottoman government www.mir rorspectator.com ination of Joseph Berman by Gov. Deval Patrick to the acted with the intention to destroy the Armenian people — E-Mail: editor@mirrorspectator .com Massachusetts Superior Court as a result of a sustained and as the genocide label would warrant — or in consideration of For advertising: [email protected] well-orchestrated campaign, although Mr. Berman’s case was wartime necessities to clear vulnerable areas within its ter - only tangentially germane to the Genocide issue. A number of ritory of a population whose leaders were colluding with the negative factors were used against his nomination: his lack of enemy.” criminal experience, slight knowledge of drug issues, his Mr. Buenos, as a PhD candidate in political science, does SUBSCRIPTION RATES : attempts to buy political influence through hefty campaign not have enough sense that his same argument may turn contributions and his representation of a Guantanamo against him and may be used by unscrupulous people in the inmate. Perhaps his affiliation with the ADL was the straw Holocaust narrative. U.S.A. $80 a year that broke the camel’s back. One scathing view is the following: “In a dramatic twist, the Canada $125 a year The campaign against the ADL and its leader, Foxman, has term genocide has become a burden on the memory of the not abated for the last few years. On the contrary, it has been Holocaust.” Other Countries $190 a year gaining momentum, which culminated in the confrontation Then he continues his denials by upholding the uniqueness between the Ad Hoc Greater Boston Committee for Human of the Holocaust and accuses the Armenians of the very sin Rights and the Suffolk University Administration. Mr. Foxman that he is in the process of committing: that the Armenians © 2014 The Armenian Mirror-Spectator was invited to deliver the commencement address at Suffolk are politicizing the Genocide agenda. Periodical Class Postage Paid at Boston, MA Law School graduation. The protest against Mr. Foxman’s Ironically, there is not much about Mr. Foxman in the entire and additional mailing offices. presence began in April by Suffolk’s student chapter of the article, which seems to have been ordered by the Turkish National Lawyers’ Guild. The main reason for the initiative ISSN 0004-234X Foreign Ministry. was Mr. Foxman’s and the ADL’s long-standing collusion with With Israel’s participation, the confrontation has been turn - POSTMASTER : Send address changes to The Turkey, a major human rights violator, in campaigning to ing very ugly and certainly counterproductive. The debate Armenian Mirror-Spectator, 755 Mount Auburn defeat US congressional resolutions on the Armenian must not pit Jews against Armenians, genocide against the St., Watertown, MA 02472 Genocide. Holocaust, because then we will be the certain losers. Other than the editorial, views and opinions Anti-Foxman actions also included a call to Sen. Edward Spearheading a political movement is healthy. The fact that expressed in this newspaper do not necessarily reflect the policies of the publisher. Markey (D-Ma), another invitee to the Suffolk ceremony, to we do not generate enough mobilization undermines the boycott the affair. strength of the leaders. Comparing and contrasting the It was a valiant campaign and an effective exercise of polit - Genocide and the Holocaust is a dangerous game. Each case ical activism, which unfortunately did not achieve its intend - should be analyzed based on their own circumstances. ed results. Mr. Foxman delivered his commencement address, Otherwise, the exercise undermines the moral foundation of and was awarded an honorary Juris Doctor degree. And in the each case. Both have to be elevated to a universal realm in melee, he also referenced the Armenian Genocide. order to uphold their lessons for a global audience. Copying for other than personal use or But the defeat will be more instructive if we are prepared to There is an old saying in Armenian which is still topical: internal reference is prohibited without study its lessons. Mr. Foxman would not have stood behind Sahman kachats zenen yuriants, in the classical Armenian, express permission of the copyright owner. Address requests for reprints or the podium had the Suffolk administration not felt strong on which literally means, the boundary of the valiants is the back issues to: its grounds. It looks also as if this campaign has reached its extent of their weapons. Interpreted, it says that overexten - point of saturation. In economics and in politics, there is sion may be counterproductive but above all, let’s not stir the Baikar Association, Inc. something called a law of diminished returns, which warns us hornet’s nest. 755 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA 02472-1509 S ATURDAY , M AY 24, 2014 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 15 COMMENTARY

to pay $41 million, plus any tax and interest (if not paid with - remain a member of the Council of Europe. There have in three months) for 1,456 Greek Cypriots missing as a result been some ECHR cases where Turkish officials had initial - of Turkey’s invasion of Cyprus in 1974. By another 15 to 2 ly vowed that they would not pay the assessed penalties, votes, ECHR judges decided that Turkey had to pay an addi - but eventually fully paid the required compensation plus tional $82 million plus any tax and interest (if not paid with - interest. My Turn in three months) for damages suffered by residents of the If the Turkish government sticks with Davutoglu’s boast - Greek Cypriot enclave of Karpas peninsula in Turkish-occu - ful rejection, not only Turkey could be stripped of its mem - By Harut Sassounian pied . bership in the Council of Europe, but also forfeit its slim Right before the court’s judgment, Turkish Foreign chance of joining the European Union! Minister Ahmet Davutoglu made a vain attempt to derail Member states of the Council of Europe do not have the Turkey Becomes a Rogue State ECHR’s anticipated negative decision by warning that a right to decide whether they are willing to abide by ECHR’s By Rejecting European Court’s ruling against Turkey would undermine the ongoing nego - judgments. Otherwise, why would 47 European countries tiations to reach a settlement on the Cyprus conflict. The collectively spend almost $100 million a year to maintain a Verdict court rightfully ignored Davutoglu’s threat and went on to court if its judgments are meaningless or subject to volun - issue its firm judgment in favor of Cyprus. tary compliance? The European Court on Human Rights (ECHR) issued Having failed to bully the judges, Davutoglu disdainfully Recently, Turkish leaders have gone on a rampage flaunt - on May 12 its largest judgment ever against any country, declared that Turkey rejects the verdict of Europe’s top ing domestic and international laws, by jailing a record ruling that Turkey had to pay $123 million as compensa - human rights court and boasted that his country will number of journalists, firing on peaceful demonstrators in tion to relatives of missing Greek Cypriots and residents of refuse to pay the $123 million in damages. Gezi Park, beating family members of a mine explosion vic - a Greek enclave in Northern Cyprus. Davutoglu should be reminded that ECHR’s “Grand tims, making anti-Semitic statements, threatening to expel The Cyprus vs. Turkey lawsuit was filed in 1999, 25 years Chamber judgments are final” — not subject to appeal — the US Ambassador, and waving a finger at Pres. Obama in after the Turkish occupation of Northern Cyprus. In 2001, and “all final judgments are transmitted to the Committee the White House! after ruling that the Turkish government had violated of Ministers of the Council of Europe for supervision of The Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers should numerous articles of the European Convention on Human their execution,” according to the court’s records. not tolerate a rogue member state which is a major viola - Rights, ECHR postponed making a determination of the Turkish Foreign Minister’s arrogant declaration will cer - tor of human rights. The Council should put Turkey on penalty to be assessed to Turkey. tainly come back to haunt his government in the not too notice that unless it makes immediate arrangements to pay That decision came earlier this month, when the 17 judges distant future. All members of the Council of Europe, with - the $123 million penalty, it would be expelled from the of ECHR’s Grand Chamber issued their final judgment. By a out exception, are obligated to comply with ECHR’s rul - Council of Europe and have its assets in third countries vote of 16 to 1 (the Armenian and Cypriot judges voted with ings. The court’s judgments are binding on all member seized to enforce the court’s judgment. the majority, while the Turkish judge was the lone dissenter), states. During the past several decades, Turkey has lost Europe should take a firm stand on this judgment, as ECHR ruled that the intervening 13 years had not invalidat - hundreds of judgments in the European Court and has there will be many more such verdicts against Turkey on ed the court’s 2001 judgment, as claimed by Turkey. By a paid, whether it liked it or not, countless millions of dollars Cyprus and possibly someday on Armenian restitutional vote of 15 to 2, ECHR held that the Turkish government had in penalties. Turkey has no other choice, if it wants to and territorial demands…. Tourism Is Armenia’s Future Economic Solution

food and souvenirs. “Tour d’Armenie” to copy the Tour de France third major airport just outside Istanbul and By Miran P. Sarkissian On the other hand, it is officially reported or the Giro d’Italia could become a major event hotel and resort development to accommodate that some 3,000,000 Armenians visited Georgia on a global basis and brings thousands of 40 million tourists by the end of 2025. On the in 2013 while visitors to have reached some enthusiastic participants and their followers to other hand, Greece with a population of no Reading about the new appointments in the 125,000 with some 20,000 from Armenia her - spend money in Armenia and her villages. more than 11 million hit 18 million tourist reshuffled Armenian government since the new self. In addition, religious tours specializing on arrivals in 2013 and is looking at some 20 mil - prime minister’s arrival, I was looking to see So, the obvious question is what is Armenia’s monasteries and churches or art tours special - lion for 2014. who the new government official would be plan to attract tourists? izing on museums and art galleries could also Comparatively speaking, for a country like responsible for tourism. Shame on me, of First and foremost, the current infrastructure be a cultural jewel offered by Armenia to the Armenia with less than 3 million people, we course, for not knowing that tourism is a small in Armenia does not meet the rudimentary world. Other thematic tours to be offered could should be seeing more than 5 million tourists department of the Ministry of Economics which requirements of quick and safe transportation. be for tourists to be directed to Armenia’s vine - every year. That would mean a tenfold increase does have a new Minister but no new deputy Highways connecting Yerevan to, say Gumri, yards or Armenian villages concentrating in the from 2013 to 2025. minister responsible for tourism. oblige potential visitors spend at least half a day production of special fruits like pomegranates Tourist development in Armenia will bring Why is that important, you ask? to visit there. A trip to Sardarabad will take an or quince and their derivative products. immediate employment opportunities in many Well, simply because since Armenia is not entire day. An excursion to Lake Sevan will The new wing of the Yerevan airport by bene - segments of the economy and if the Plan is cre - known for her great manufacturing base with probably take close to another half day. So, factor Eduardo Eurnekian is adequate to ative and imaginative as well as funded proper - lots of products to export except for pomegran - first step is to fix the roads. accommodate many more tourists flying into ly to produce a 25% annual increase of high dol - ate wine and quince jam, the intelligent action Secondly, hotels are totally inadequate to the country than ever before. The question is lar or high Euro and Ruble spending visitors, to take for a country like Armenia in order to accommodate large numbers of visitors year whether there are enough airlines flying into we shall see a renaissance of the Armenian hos - create employment, investments and income, round. Are there enough hotel rooms to accom - Armenia from an adequate or increasing num - pitality spirit unequaled in the world. would be tourist development, wouldn’t it? modate large professional conventions? ber of destinations in Europe, the CIS or the Will it happen? We shall see. Let us quickly assess the world situation There are thousands of Armenians trained in Middle East and Asia. The immediate answer is today. People continue to look for vacation the medical profession and its corollaries. that flying into Yerevan as a final destination is places with some interesting offers, whether Relatively modern hospitals built with dona - more of a challenge than people think. Do the LETTERS that may be the sun and the sea like in tions from Diaspora Armenian doctors are avail - responsible people in Armenia know TUI of Mediterranean countries or mountain and nat - able in Yerevan today and up-to-date equipment Germany or Club Med of France and other ural beauties like in Central Europe, but also for various specific fields like ophthalmology major travel agencies which organize and han - destinations of historical and cultural impor - has been supplied and operating in various dle millions of tourists every year? In Appreciation of tance like Egypt, Greece, Israel and . In the medical centers in the capital city. Why not, Recently, Armenia has participated in some meantime, however, political events are making therefore, promote “specialized medical major tourist exhibitions around the world but Azadian, Mirror previously desirable destinations difficult to tourism” in Armenia to attract patients from given the competition for tourist monies, have choose as in the cases of Tunisia, Egypt, Turkey the region or the Middle East? they spent enough to create a memorable To the Editor: as well as the recent civil turmoil in Thailand. In sports tourism, a Yerevan Marathon, for enough impression to end up with contracts of I would like to express my great satis - Younger people from Europe are today look - example, could be held this year with some tourist operators who will create the demand of faction for the editorials in your newspa - ing for destinations where they can get the 5,000 runners and grow to 10 or 15 thousand potential holiday makers wanting to visit per written by Edmond Azadian. The last biggest bang for their Euro, have physical expe - such participants from around the world Armenia? The answer is no. The Armenian gov - three have been of special interest riences like biking, hiking, rock climbing or raft - attracting the world’s attention to the country. ernment voted to spend 75,000,000 drams for because of their focus on events of rele - ing and kayaking while being close for relax - Rafting and kayaking on Armenian rivers and tourism development in 2014 — exactly vance to Armenia in the context of ation in modern night spots with lots of drinks lakes could entice such enthusiasts to try $182,038. How can you promote an entire Ukrainian-Russian events. Azadian’s edi - and modern music. Armenia as an “exotic” adventure compared to country to the world with that amount? torials reveal a highly informative and CNN Europe has seen its TV stations inun - their well-known and already used European or In addition, Armenia’s direct promotional illuminating mind at work, which pro - dated with commercials by Azerbaijan, North American routes. efforts have not necessarily met with great suc - vides perspective and clarity to these Kazakhstan and other Eastern countries. Hiking for young and middle age tourists can cess. Only recently did we hear that the potentially dangerous developments. Tourism in Armenia has traditionally been attract middle income and retiree groups from Armenian government hired a branding compa - Please convey my gratitude to him and to based on Diaspora Armenians visiting their around the world. European retirees from ny out of Toronto, Canada, to develop you for publishing them. homeland with neighboring Russians and other Central European countries like Germany and Armenia’s image and create a plan for tourist An additional observation: A few years CIS country citizens visiting spas and interest - Austria with high pensions and a love for development. back, when I was invited by the ing spots like Lake Sevan. The latest statistics nature could find Armenia’s forests and natural The only successful efforts in promoting Armenian Foreign Ministry to serve as an showed that tourists visiting Armenia increased beauty highly interesting, I am sure. Armenia have been executed by NGOs on an advisor, a senior official told me: “ The from 280,000 in 2011 to 678,000 in the first Boating on Lake Sevan with small craft com - individual basis with programs like Birthright Armenian Mirror-Spectator is the nine months of 2013. What we are not sure of, petitions could definitely attract such enthusi - Armenia. I am, here, advocating a planned cam - best and most highly valued Armenian however, is whether this increase also includes asts who are constantly looking for new water paign directed to the Diaspora Armenians with newspaper published abroad that we Armenian who left their country to seek bodies to sail and conquer. Biking trails in the messages such as “Come home and bring a receive.” employment in Russia or the Ukraine and have Armenian countryside could become highly friend!” Edward Alexander come back to visit their families during these interesting experiences for the biking enthusi - Just as a matter of comparison, Turkey with Washington, DC years thus making it difficult to count pure asts of the flat countries of Europe (Belgium, some 23 million tourists in 2013 announced Retired US Diplomat tourists who visit and spend on hotels, tours, Netherlands, and Scandinavians) whereas a their development plan till 2025 included a 16 S ATURDAY , M AY 24, 2014 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR

Genocide Monument to Be Built on Campus of Fresno State Post-Foxman Suffolk FRESNO, from page 1 for secondary teachers of the Fresno and Clovis es, the Raising of US and Armenian flags on the The centerpiece of the AGCC’s efforts will be Unified School districts as well as other area steps of Fresno City Hall, the commemoration Controversy, ADL the monument that will be constructed on the districts to inform them how best to educate at the Ararat Cemetery, and the Fresno State Fresno State campus. Designed by Fresno their students about the Armenian Genocide. remembrance in the university’s Free Speech Restates Position on architect Paul Halajian, the structure will The proposed lesson plans not only address the Area. embody symbols of cultural meaning to the Armenian Genocide in particular, but also place The following organizations comprise Armenian Genocide Armenian people. Built from béton brut and Armenia’s tragedy within the larger historical Fresno’s AGCC: First Armenian Presbyterian FOXMAN, from page 1 Tufa stones, its principal components will be context of Man’s Inhumanity to Man, including Church, Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic “This is the beginning of a process to nine columns arranged in a circular pattern and the treatment of Native Americans, the Church, Pilgrim Armenian Congregational better understand if Mr. Foxman and angled inwards, reminiscent of the Holocaust, and the more recent state-sponsored Church, St. Gregory Armenian Church, St. the National ADL are sincere in turning Tsitsernakabert monument in Armenia. The ethnic cleansings in Rwanda and the Balkans. Mary’s Armenian Church, St. Paul Armenian towards a new and clear course on nine pillars represent the six provinces of his - The committee stresses that though the Church, St. Sahag Mesrob Armenian Church, Armenian Genocide affirmation,” stated toric Armenia, Cilicia, the Diaspora, and the Genocide occurred a century ago, the crime is Ani Guild, Ararat Armenian Cemetery Armenian Assembly of America Board Republic of Armenia. The columns will gradual - still very much a modern human rights issue — Association, Armenian General Benevolent Member Anthony Barsamian. “As a ly descend in height around the circle, with the especially in light of the maneuverings of the Union, Armenian Museum of Fresno, graduate of Suffolk University Law first measuring 19 feet high and the last 15 to Republic of Turkey to deny or revise this his - Armenian National Committee (Central School, this issue becomes ever more underscore the significance of the year 1915. torical fact. California), Armenian Relief Society (Mother personal as the Armenian community of An incomplete halo will be set above the In conjunction with the Fresno Chapter and Sophia Chapter), Fresno State Massachusetts remains skeptical of Mr. columns, symbolizing both the fracture left by Philharmonic, the committee will host a con - Armenian Studies Program, Fresno State Foxman’s position on the Armenian the Genocide and the unity of the Armenian cert to be held on April 25th at the Saroyan Armenian Students Organization, Armenian Genocide and efforts in Congress. people. Theatre. The AGCC hopes that the evening’s Technology Group, Inc., Armenian Youth Actions speak louder than words, how - In keeping with the group’s mission to edu - program — which will include scared, classical, Federation (Kevork Chavush Chapter), ever, given the university’s decision to cate, the AGCC plans several endeavors to and new pieces — will celebrate the spirit of the California Armenian Home, Charlie Keyan proceed with Foxman, and the recent reach out to the broader Central Valley to raise Armenian people even in the wake of the Armenian Community School, Hamazkayin ADL statement, he now has a unique awareness about the Armenian Genocide. A San Genocide. Also as part of the centennial’s musi - Educational and Cultural Association, opportunity to address and make clear Joaquin Town Hall event titled “Man’s cal events will be a performance by the Homenetmen Scouts, Knights and Daughters his organization’s position on the Inhumanity To Man—The Last Hundred Years” Khachaturian Trio for clarinet, violin, and piano of Vartan, Tekeyan Cultural Association, Triple Armenian Genocide,” Barsamian said. will be held on March 18, 2015 at the Saroyan at Fresno State on November 14, 2014. X Fraternity (Fresno Chapter and Selma Theatre, and a dramatic play about the These and other events and activities will Chapter). Genocide is in the works, scheduled to open at supplement the Fresno Community’s tradition - For more information about the groups and Fresno State on May 1, 2015. al roster of commemorative gatherings, includ - to keep posted of its upcoming events, check The committee also plans to offer workshops ing the religious ceremony of the local church - out the AGCC website at www.agcfresno.org/ Schiff Presses Erdogan, Gul on Armenian Genocide, Blockade Of Armenia, Kessab

SCHIFF, from page 1 you and the Prime Minister have, that yes, Armenians suffered but so too did Turks dur - ing World War I, is akin to saying that the Germans also suffered during World War II. It is true that many German civilians died, many noncombatants, but that does not negate the Holocaust any more than the fact that many Turks died could negate the Genocide. To propose, as you have, that a his - toric commission be established to ascertain the facts of the Genocide is not unlike sug - gesting that a commission needs to be estab - lished to determine whether the Holocaust took place.” Schiff also raised the issue of Kessab, and his concern over the forced evacuation of the historic Armenian community there and the wellbeing of those residents who are now refugees in Turkey. He also urged Turkey to decouple the blockade of Armenia from reso - lution of the issues concerning Nagorno Karabagh, so that we can bring about an end to Armenia’s economic isolation and a nor - malization of trade relations. Schiff represents California’s 28th district.

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