MAY 2, 2020 Mirror-SpeTHE ARMENIAN ctator Volume LXXXX, NO. 41, Issue 4634 $ 2.00 NEWS The First English Language Armenian Weekly in the United States Since 1932 IN BRIEF Trump Again Refrains From Saying ‘Genocide’

WASHINGTON (RFE/RL) — In contrast with landmark resolutions adopted by the US Congress late last year, President Donald Trump again declined on April 24 to describe the 1915 mass killings of Armenians in Ottoman Turkey as genocide. Just like his predecessors, Trump continued to use instead the Armenian phrase “Meds Yeghern” (Great Crime) in a statement on the 105th anniversary of the genocide. “Today, we join the global community in memorializing the lives lost during the Meds Yeghern, one of the worst mass atrocities of the 20th century,” read the statement. “Beginning in 1915, 1 and a half million Armenians were deported, massacred, ARMENIA MARKS GENOCIDE ANNIVERSARY YEREVAN (RFE/RL) — Armenia’s leaders laid flowers at the Tsitsernakabert memo- or marched to their rial in Yerevan on April 24 during official commemorations of the 105th anniversary of the Armenian genocide in Ottoman Turkey which were deaths in the final scaled back due to the coronavirus pandemic. (See Anniversary, page 2) years of the Ottoman Empire.” “On this day of IMF Plans $280 Million Appreciation: remembrance, we pay respect to those who suffered and lost their In Emergency Funding Ambassador Shougarian’s Deep lives, while also renewing our commitment to fos- tering a more humane and peaceful world,” it For Armenia said, praising the “strength and resiliency of the Armenian people in the face of tragedy.” YEREVAN (RFE/RL) — The Impression on US, Armenia Trump has previously issued virtually identical International Monetary Fund will likely dis- statements on what the White House calls burse next month $280 million in emer- By BOSTON — Rouben Shougarian, who in 1993 became newly Armenian Remembrance Day marked on April 24. gency loans designed to help Armenia fight Stephen independent Armenia’s first ambassador to the United States The US House of Representatives and Senate the coronavirus outbreak and mitigate its Kurkjian and spent his career as a diplomat, academic, writer, advocate recognized the Armenian genocide in separate economic consequences, a senior IMF offi- for democratic values and champion of Armenia’s well-being, Special to the resolutions passed in October and December cial said over the weekend. Mirror-Spectator passed away in Boston on Tuesday, April 21. respectively. Yulia Ustyugova, the fund’s resident repre- Shougarian, 57, had lived in The Trump administration distanced itself sentative in Yerevan, told RFE/RL’s Armenian the Boston area since 2008 with from the resolutions. service that the IMF is also planning $140 mil- his wife, Lilit Karapetian- The two leading Armenian-American advocacy lion in additional funding to Armenia. Shougarian, a renowned pianist, groups strongly criticized Trump for not follow- The Armenian government announced and three sons Narek ing the US lawmakers’ example. last week plans to borrow around $540 mil- Shougarian, Tigran Shougarian “The Administration’s statement falls short of lion for cushioning the impact of an unfold- and Haik Shougarian. In a state- the national consensus as reflected in the ing economic recession in the country. ment posted on social media, unequivocal affirmation by the Congress of the Finance Minister Atom Janjughazyan said the family stated: “It is with United States which overwhelmingly adopted H. the government needs to offset a major great sorrow that we announce Res. 296 and S. Res. 150 last fall, as well as by 49 shortfall in its tax revenues and to contin- that our loving father and hus- American states,” Bryan Ardouny, the executive ue financing coronavirus relief measures. Amb. Rouben Shougarian at Boston University band, Ambassador Rouben director of the Armenian Assembly of America, see IMF, page 16 see APPRECIATION, page 8 said in a statement. “Despite last year’s near-unanimous Congressional recognition of the Armenian Benefactor, Entrepreneur Genocide, President Trump has, once again, granted Turkish President Erdogan — an openly 9 tion and the organizations, institutions, restaurants and entertainment that are Aso Tavitian Dies anti-American dictator — a veto over honest US CORONAVIRUS vital elements to the lives of Armenians remembrance of Turkey’s WWI-era genocide of STOCKBRIDGE, Mass. — Aso O. Tavitian throughout the metropolis, are still on millions of Armenians and other Christians,” VID-1 passed away on April 21, 2020 after a bat- O lockdown as citizens become accus- charged Aram Hamparian, the executive director C UPDATE tle with cancer, with his wife, Isabella of the Armenian National Committee of America. tomed to a new way of life. Meisinger, at his side. Following Governor Gavin Newsom’s Tavitian was born in Sofia, Bulgaria. In statewide shutdown that was echoed by LA Community in 1959, after leaving Communist Bulgaria, he Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, the arrived in Beirut, Lebanon. After learning City of Glendale declared a state of Wait-and-See Mode English from an Armenian English High emergency on March 19 and ordered all INSIDE School teacher in Beirut, he was accepted nonessential businesses to close and at Haigazian College on a full scholarship declared residents to stay at home, By Taleen Babayan but couldn’t afford his living expenses and according to former Mayor and coun- Special to the Mirror-Spectator thought he would not be able to pursue his cilmember Ara Najarian. Metro Detroit education when an anonymous benefactor “Glendale took specific steps on this altered his life. Tavitian later learned that LOS ANGELES — The epicenter of matter and closed all city events, play- see TAVITIAN, page 16 Comes Together the Armenian-American community in grounds, pools and hiking trails,” he the United States adapted across all said. “We increased social services sectors when California’s “Safer at including our senior meal program and Page 4 Home” mandate went into effect in we delivered meals to the homeless and March, ordering citizens to stay at obtained temporary lodgings for them home and non-essential businesses to in motel rooms.” close as a way to counter the COVID-19 Glendale acted fast and made its citi- INDEX pandemic and flatten the curve of zens and sanitation its priority by Armenia ...... 2 cases. Although the number of infec- installing portable bathrooms and Community News...... 4 tions, approximately 20,000 in Los handwashing stations throughout the Editorial ...... 14 Angeles county, did not ravage the city city, waiving fares on all municipal International ...... 3 as much as anticipated, government buses, developing a COVID-19 telephone Aso Tavitian with former Primate of the Diocese of leaders are erring on the side of cau- see CORONAVIRUS, page 10 the US (Eastern) Khajag Barsamian 2 S ATURDAY, M AY 2 , 2 0 2 0 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR ARMENIA News From Armenia

COVID-19 Cases in Armenia Still Rising YEREVAN (PanARMENIAN.Net) — The novel coronavirus continues rapidly spreading world- wide, including in Armenia, the neighboring coun- tries and the region in general. The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Armenia reached 1867 on Tuesday, April 28. A total of 866 patients have recovered from the disease so far, while 30 have died. The number of cases of coronavirus infection has increased to 511 in Georgia, where six people have died from Covid-19 complications. 5085 people are quarantined, and 558 are watched by doctors across the country. In Russia, health officials reported the largest one- day increase ever with 6411 new cases, bringing the total number to 93 558. The country has also con- firmed 867 deaths so far. A military honor guard at the Armenian Genocide Memorial Complex in Yerevan, April 24, 2020. A total of 1717 people have contracted the disease in Azerbaijan, 22 of whom have died as a result. Iran’s death toll from the new coronavirus has increased to 5,877, a health ministry spokesman Armenia Marks Genocide Anniversary said, adding that the total number of cases has climbed to 92,584. ANNIVERSARY, from page 1 last month. Heeding a government That is why we declare that we remem- In Turkey, Covid-19 has so far claimed 2,900 lives, President Armen Sarkissian, Prime appeal, many of them turned off the ber and demand.” while 112,261 have tested positive for the disease. Minister Nikol Pashinyan, Parliament lights in their homes and lit mobile Both Pashinyan and Sarkissian Speaker Ararat Mirzoyan and phone flashlights by their windows for thanked the three-dozen countries, Science Lab Develops Air Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin three minutes in memory of the dead including the United States, France, II, the supreme head of the Armenian on the evening of April 23. Churches Germany and Russia, whose parlia- Sterilizer Apostolic Church, visited the hilltop across the country tolled their bells in ments and/or governments have recog- memorial separately, observing social the meantime. nized the Armenian genocide. YEREVAN (Armenpress) — Scientists at the distancing rules aimed at stopping the “The Armenian Genocide perpetrated Sarkissian urged more states to do the Alikhanian National Science Laboratory headed by spread of the virus in the country. by the Ottoman Empire was a crime not same. Ani Aprahamian have developed an ozone generator KarekinII and several other senior only against our ethnic identity but also “We cannot on one hand declare which can sterilize areas of up to 140 cubic meters clergymen prayed by its eternal fire for against human civilization,” Pashinyan that we are going to fight together every hour. some 1.5 million Armenians who were declared in a televised address to the against xenophobia, discrimination, “Generally, our lab doesn’t do such work, but killed during the Armenian Genocide. nation broadcast live from intolerance, anti-Semitism, denial and because of the coronavirus and the state of emer- For the first time ever, ordinary Tsitsernakabert. other all-human vices, and on the gency we decided to do something. And we conclud- Armenians were not allowed to walk to “More than a century has passed but other hand ‘play diplomacy’ with ed that the best thing would be to develop something Tsitsernakabert because of a coron- the consequences of the Genocide have Turkey on the Armenian Genocide,” that would sterilize,” Aprahamian said on April 27. avirus-related nationwide lockdown not been eliminated,” he said. “Turkey the president said in a statement Aprahamian says she recalled the idea of an ozone imposed by the Armenian government has not yet apologized for what it did. released on Thursday. generator from a conversation she had with a Diaspora-Armenian doctor, whom she contacted in Armenia and after improving the design they launched the development. Ozone is harmful to breathe. That is why the gen- erator must be placed in an empty room when Aurora Initiative Announces Humanitarian switched on. When Aprahamian’s team developed the prototype, Candidates on April 24 Webcast the Ministry of Healthcare of Armenia dispatched specialists to review it, and after approval it request- ed 20 devices. YEREVAN — On April 24, the Aurora Yacoobi. “Aurora is about building a others” Comparing to similar generators made in China, Humanitarian Initiative hosted an broader humanitarian movement and Afeyan drew parallels between the Aprahamian says her team’s development turned out online discussion to honor those who maintaining a cycle of giving and is inspiration behind the Aurora to be “something of an average quality.” perished a century ago during the focused on gratitude in action. By Humanitarian Initiative and the current “The cost of materials per unit totaled 42 thou- Armenian Genocide and celebrate mod- bringing these traditions online today, crisis: “The human spirit that motivates sand drams, and we did the work for free,” she said, ern heroes, including those fighting the we are adapting to our current situa- people to save others is the one that very adding that they can sell a unit somewhere between global outbreak of COVID-19. tion, bringing people together, remem- few of us have experienced but that 60 to 80 thousand drams. In accordance with the symbolic tra- bering the kindness of humanity and many Armenians are the beneficiaries of. The 20 units were made by Aprahamian’s 8-man ditions upheld by the Initiative for many celebrating the work of these heroes,” Today, that same spirit is being thrust team, mostly by hand, in ten days. years, Aurora revealed the names of said Darzi. upon all the world. There are modern “If the production were in a plant, it would’ve been 2020 Aurora Humanitarians, chosen by On behalf of the survivors of the day saviors in every community and much easier, assembling by hand is a pretty difficult the Aurora Prize Selection Committee Armenian Genocide and in gratitude to there are survivors who can’t understand job,” she said. for their courage, commitment and their saviors, an Aurora Prize Laureate why this is happening with the virus. impact. is honored each year with a $1,000,000 And they feel now what Armenians felt a “We’re part of the globe; we’re part of award and a unique opportunity to con- 105 years ago. I can’t but point out that Protests After Gas, humanity. We’re setting an example tinue the cycle of giving by supporting while the perpetrator is different, the that morally righteous nations can the organizations that have inspired effect is much the same.” Electricity Cut off remind the humanity occasionally, dur- their humanitarian action. The 2020 Vardanyan highlighted the signifi- YEREVAN (Panorama.am) — A group of citizens ing terrible times, that we are not alone. Aurora Humanitarians have nominated cance of the date and called for new staged a protest outside the Armenian government We are each other’s keepers. We repre- the following organizations: solutions to come out of the crisis. building on April 28, complaining that their elec- sent the nation that stands for solidari- Fartuun Adan and Ilwad Elman – “What we’re commemorating today is tricity and natural gas supplies were cut off after ty and compassion,” noted Vartan Love Does, Panzi Foundation and crucial not only for the Armenians but they failed to pay the utility bills. Gregorian, co-founder of the Aurora Prajwala; also for the world. We are facing a new “We have gathered here to ask the prime minister Humanitarian Initiative and Aurora Angélique Namaika – Invisible challenge now, and it’s all about the key who we have elected why he broke his promise,” one Prize Selection Committee member. Children and Caritas Internationalis; issues – our human values. Looking for- of the protesters said, referring to Nikol Pashinyan’s The online discussion, titled “Aurora. Sophie Beau and Klaus Vogel – SOS ward and remembering your past, I promise that the utility companies will not discon- Standing in Solidarity,” moderated by MEDITERRANEE; think, are the critical messages for nect the gas and electricity supplies to people failing Nicola Stanisch, Aurora’s executive Sakena Yacoobi – Afghan Institute of today. The pandemic crisis creates a to pay their bills due to the coronavirus crisis. director, brought together Noubar Learning, Creating Hope International new reality that we have to accept. But Police officers urged the protesters to return to Afeyan, Vartan Gregorian and Ruben and Women’s Refugee Commission Inc. while we’re isolated locally, we at the their places of isolation. Vardanyan, co-founders of the Aurora Barankitse brought up all the ways same time remain connected globally. “I think it is a very urgent purpose. Under the Humanitarian Initiative; Lord Ara solidarity can strengthen a community We’re all part of the global picture,” he state of emergency, I have been left without gas and Darzi, chair of the Aurora Prize and benefit humanity on a global level: said. electricity. There are people with children who can- Selection Committee, and Marguerite “I think that we should stand up togeth- During the online discussion, the not take part in the [remote] classes due to being left Barankitse, inaugural Aurora Prize er. There are so many people and we Aurora Humanitarian Initiative also offi- without power,” another man said. Laureate. can share; we can break this indiffer- cially announced the opening of the They promised to continue the protests despite Darzi took the virtual stage to ence and create compassion. Aurora nomination period for the 2021 Aurora police threats of fines. announce the 2020 Aurora Prize creates a brotherhood of people Prize and called for putting forward Humanitarians: Fartuun Adan and who have lost so much. If those sur- inspiring humanitarians, including Ilwad Elman, Angélique Namaika, vivors can say: ‘OK, I can give back to those fighting the global outbreak of Sophie Beau and Klaus Vogel, Sakena others,’ then we can also give back to COVID-19. S ATURDAY, M AY 2 , 2 0 2 0 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 3 INTERNATIONAL I Stay Home, I Remember International News German Parliament rent generation. By Muriel Mirak-Weissbach Prof. Elke Hartmann, who teaches Offers April 24 Turkology at Hamburg University, Special to the Mirror-Spectator developed the concept of cultural sur- Statement vival in a presentation of the BERLIN (Armenpress) — Vice President of the FRANKFURT — Every year on April lined the importance of recognition of Houshamadyan project, which she German Bundestag Claudia Roth and member of 24, the French Cathedral in Berlin wel- the genocide. Albert H. Weiler recalled cofounded in 2010 together with other Committee on Foreign Affairs Cem Özdemir issued a comes Armenians and Germans to com- the breakthrough on June 2, 2016, descendants of genocide survivors. The joint statement on the occasion of the 105th anniver- memorate the anniversary of the 1915 when the Bundestag (Parliament) offi- meaning of April 24, she said, is differ- sary of the Armenian Genocide. genocide. I usually travel to the capital cially and unanimously passed a resolu- ent for each generation. The The joint statement, published in gruene-bun- for the solemn ceremony. In Frankfurt, tion recognizing the genocide. Houshamadyan, which is a website, pro- destagde, notes that April 24 is a special day in the the historic Paulskirche is the venue for Regretting that the same has not vides the space for a new form of mem- memories of Armenia, Germany, Turkey and the a parallel ceremony that my husband occurred in Turkey, Weiler expressed ory, in that it researches Armenian life international community. regularly attends. optimism, however, that the theme has in the Ottoman Empire prior to the “We commemorate the memory of the victims of Every year, but not this year. found its place in political discourse in genocide, and, by documenting the loss, the genocide against Armenians and other Christian Due to the extraordinary circum- Turkey, and stressed the need to brings the villages and towns back to minorities in the Ottoman Empire and bow particu- stances created by the coronavirus pan- respect and support those who are life. She showed how the website works, larly in front of those who demonstrated humanism demic, tradition had to bow to necessi- courageously campaigning for justice. how someone today might search for and were able to save numerous lives. The German ty. But a commemoration did take Without recognition, he stated, there information about life in the village Bundestag recorded in a resolution adopted almost place. Thanks to the AGBU Germany can be no reconciliation or friendship. where one’s ancestors lived. The richly unanimously that the genocide against Armenians is and the Deutsch-Armenisches Forum, Cem Özdemir, of Turkish heritage illustrated material comes from individ- part of the history of Turkey and to some extent of prominent members of the Armenian and a parliamentarian for the Green uals who have made available memoirs Germany. As an ally of the Ottoman Empire today we community, as well as representatives of Party, was among those leading the and photographs of family members had to recognize that genocide,” reads the state- other victimized communities, were drive for the Bundestag resolution. and of precious personal items saved ment. able to join with personalities from Recognition, he said, is important not from destruction. “Perhaps one might Roth and Özdemir demand the federal authorities German political life and talented only for Armenians, but also for find where one’s grandparents or great- that according to the resolution adopted by the Armenian musicians, to pay homage to Germans, in light of the role Imperial grandparents lived and where they Bundestag, the theme of the Armenian Genocide the memory of those who perished. Germany, the Ottoman Empire’s went,” she said, adding that such recon- committed in the Ottoman Empire be included in the Under the rubric, “Stay Home and wartime ally, played at the time. struction of a past threatened with German educational programs and be brought to Remember,” the relatively new German German diplomats and others knew annihilation is of extreme importance classrooms. chapter of the AGBU and the forum what was unfolding, but turned a blind especially for the younger generations “From our German experience we know how diffi- founded in 2015 by CDU/CSU parlia- eye. In this sense it is important to raise today. cult it is to face the dark pages of the history, but we mentarian Albert Weiler, provided an the issue of complicity, and it has been Vahan Alaverdyan, father of pianist also know how healing that facing can be. We highly online encounter for participants from raised. As for the role of Turkey and Narek, who had played an etude by appreciate the courageous steps of the civil society of many countries — all appearing from Turks today, Özdemir said it is not a Rachmaninoff, addressed the same mat- Turkey aimed at facing their history through democ- their home offices, often with banners question of guilt but responsibility, to ter in personal terms. Now, in spring- ratic, scientific and academic approaches,” reads the visible: “I stay home, I remember.” ensure the same does not happen again, time, he began, when we all rejoice in statement. It is important, AGBU Germany and made reference to the massacre of Nature’s awakening, we think back 105 President Nadia Gortzounian said, to Kurds in Dersim in 1938. He quoted years, when that spring brought not life, remember the genocide not only of the Hrant Dink, from whom he first learned but death. It was a death that humanity Macron Reiterates Armenians, but — as genocide is a crime about the Armenian genocide, on the had not seen before, the death of two- against humanity — of all those who fact that Turkey had an “official histo- thirds of a people in a short time. Yet Commitment to have been or are being threatened. In ry” and a “true history.” through a miracle, there were those Genocide Recognition commemorating the death of the vic- To illustrate his “vision” of future who managed through an invincible will tims, we at the same time honoring the relations, Özdemir cited the precedents to save themselves, to leave Armenia PARIS — French President Emmanuel Macron has resilience of the survivors. of German-French and German-Polish and to spread throughout the world. sent a letter to Armenian President Armen Thus, Dariyel Damir, representing the reconciliation; although the Germans in One of those survivors, a seven-year-old Sarkissian on the occasion of the 105th anniversary Aramaic community in Germany, noted World War II committed the most atro- girl, he explained, was his grandmother, of the Armenian Genocide. that it is usually on June 15 that they cious crimes against both, today the the great-grandmother of the young Macron conveyed his sentiments to President join with Armenians and Greeks, to borders are open, young people study pianist who had just performed. Sarkissian, and the Armenian people. commemorate massacres of their peo- and work in their neighboring coun- Through her having survived, 38 mem- “On April 24, France commemorates the massacre ple in Mardin, Urfa and so many other tries. “My vision,” he said, “is that one bers of the family came into this world, of 600 Armenian intellectuals in Constantinople, Ottoman locations. Just two days earli- day the border between Turkey and the among them, he and his son. Each gen- which marked the beginning of the genocide. Today, er, they had gathered to remember the Republic of Armenia will be open.” It is eration, he said, has a different task, more than ever, France is committed to protecting more recent persecutions of Christians the responsibility of the later genera- first to survive, then to remember, to the memory of its victims, fighting against denial, in war-torn Syria and Iraq; it was seven tion, he concluded, to oppose racist resurrect. In springtime when we cele- and learning a serious lesson from the pages of this years ago on that day that two madness; “we owe it to the victims.” brate resurrection, for Armenians, it is a tragic story, Macron said in the letter. Archbishops had been kidnapped and The Deeper Meaning of celebration of survival and culture, “Last year, my country followed my commitment to not seen since. Damir recalled the Survival which go hand in hand. declare April 24 as Armenian Genocide words of Interior Minister Talaat Pasha The central issue the unique online It was precisely the several musical Remembrance Day. I have decided that, strictly a century ago, who explained that the encounter tackled and most movingly offerings interspersed in the program, adhering to the instructions dictated by the current Young Turks aimed to utilize the condi- treated was the question: what does it masterful performances by members of health situation, this year the day should also be tions created by the world war to rid mean to survive? Articulated in words the youngest generation diaspora marked in Paris with a brief ceremony in the pres- the Ottoman empire of its Christian and music, the answer was: survival is Armenians that represented a proud ence of members of the French government,” the populations without being disturbed. more than staying alive; survival means defiance of genocide. French President said. Messages came also from representa- continuing to live on, in one’s own Concluding the commemoration, as “That legacy, and the shared memory between our tives of communities persecuted by meaningful existence, and to provide for always, was a religious service. Bishop two countries, is the basis for such a unique rela- Nazism. Emran Elmazi, read a message the next generation, and those coming Serovpé Isakhanyan, Primate of the tionship. Today, the world’s coronavirus epidemic is by Romani Rose, chairman of the thereafter. It means keeping one’s own Diocese of the Armenian Church in forcing us all to face new health, economic and social Central Council of the Sinti and Roma, identity alive, and that of one’s family Germany, joined by two clergymen, challenges. We will face these challenges together. communities subjected to the worst and community. It means above all, pre- officiated in an otherwise empty And I am convinced that France and Armenia will crimes of Hitler. Traumatized, like the serving the history and culture of the church. Following the service in work together in the international arena for the ben- Armenians, they too demand recogni- people, and developing cultural excel- Armenian, he addressed the virtual efit of more effective multilateralism and newly tion; it is not only a question of justice lence further. participants in German, and elaborat- established solidarity,” Macron stated. but also a means of defeating racism in This message was embedded in the ed on the message of Easter. In cele- today’s world. very format of the event, whereby per- brating the resurrection, we celebrate Speaking for the Jewish community sonal remarks and greetings alternated the victory of life over death, he said, Knesset Member Seeks was Benjamin Fischer, former President with brief musical offerings, whether on comparing the martyrdom of the Recognition of of the European Union of Jewish the piano, on the flute or violin, or Armenians in the genocide 105 years Students, and Henryk M. Broder, jour- vocally. The pieces performed were ago to the crucifixion, and stressing Armenian Genocide nalist and author. Broder, a prominent either classical works, by Bach or the importance of the fight for justice, voice in Germany, highlighted the expe- Chopin (Ronja Tischkov), Komitas liberty and truth in the shadow of this TEL AVIV, Israel (Armenpress) — Yair Lapid, a riences and traits that Jews and (Gurgen Baveyan, Nora Shekyan), death. It took many years, he went on, member of Parliament (Knesset) of Israel, and chair- Armenians share. The Armenian Rachmaninoff (Narek Alarverdyan), for for our ancestors to overcome the trau- man of the Yesh Atid party, again urged Israel to rec- Genocide was “a blueprint for the example, or new works by contempo- ma, to look to the future with confi- ognize the Armenian Genocide. Holocaust,” he said, and he honored rary composers, sometimes even com- dence. He said that remembrance and Lapid also tweeted on April 24,“Today is both peoples for their indomitable will positions by the young performers the fight for justice have united mil- Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day. Just as in to survive. themselves. Tamar Eskenian presented lions of Armenians, something that previous years, we have proposed a law to recognize Remembrance and her 2018 piece, In Memorium, on a tra- even the terrible Coronavirus pandem- the Armenian Genocide. It is our moral responsibili- Reconciliation ditional Armenian flute. A brief record- ic cannot prevent. There is no desire ty as the Jewish State.” The first of three political figures who ed selection of Eduard Bagdasarian, by for enmity, he concluded, but a com- Lapid made the same post also in Armenian. participated, parliamentarian Michael world class musicians Sergey and mitment to remembrance and demand G. Link, member of the national leader- Lusine Khachatryan (violin and piano) for justice. ship of the FDP (Liberal Party), under- illustrated the achievements of the cur- We stayed home and remembered. 4 S ATURDAY, M AY 2 , 2 0 2 0 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR Community News

16-Year-Old Killed in Djihanian Promotes Crash amid LA Business Interests Armenian Genocide During COVID19 Anniversary Caravan Crisis for US Chamber Of Commerce in By Brian Day Western USA

LOS ANGELES (KTLA.com) — A 16-year-old boy was killed and four other teens were hurt in a rollover crash on the 10 Freeway in Los By Aram Arkun Angeles’ Jefferson Park neighborhood Friday, Mirror-Spectator Staff April 24. Witnesses reported the incident involved a car taking part in a caravan marking the anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, GLENDALE — Vartan Djihanian has authorities said. been working for the US Chamber of The crash took place about 3:20 p.m. in the Commerce (https://www.uschamber.com/) eastbound lanes of the 10 Freeway near to advance the cause of member busi- Crenshaw Boulevard, according to the nesses, and now is focusing on COVID- California Highway Patrol (CHP). 19 related problems. He is manager of A 16-year-old boy was at the wheel of a 2019 the chamber’s western region of Congressional and public affairs, one of Dodge Charger, with three other 16-year-old Manoogian Manor Nursing Home boys riding as passengers, when he lost control, seven regions of the US, and his juris- according to the CHP. diction encompasses California, Arizona, “For reasons still under investigation, (the Nevada, Utah and Hawaii. Djihanian is driver) failed to maintain control of (the Dodge) Metro Detroit Armenians based in Glendale together with a col- and collided into the center divider wall,” the league but, until the COVID-19 pandem- CHP said in a written statement. The car ic, traveled frequently for his job to meet flipped onto its roof, throwing one of the pas- Band Together during with local chambers of commerce and sengers from the wreckage. business people. All four teens were taken to a hospital, where Each state and local area or munici- the victim who had been ejected from the car COVID Crisis pality can have its own chamber of com- was pronounced dead, officials said. merce. Thus, for example, there is a The driver and two other passengers were DETROIT — The Metro Detroit Armenian community, like the rest of the Glendale Chamber of Commerce, a being treated for injuries described by the CHP world, has been dealing with the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic for the past California chamber, and of course the as moderate. month and a half. With a community of some 40,000 Armenians amongst a US Chamber. All organizations, Investigators said they could not indepen- population of around 4 million Djihanian said, are independent from dently confirm the witness reports of the Dodge inhabitants, Michigan, and in one another. The Glendale chamber has being involved in a caravan commemorating the By Harry A. Kezelian III particular the Detroit area, has the option of joining the higher-level 105th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. Special to the Mirror-Spectator been hit hard by the pandemic. chambers and pay them dues. “The cause of this collision and sequence of There have been 37,203 con- Djihanian serves as the liaison events are still under investigation by the firmed cases of Covid-19 between the California chamber and the California Highway Patrol Central Los Angeles throughout the state as of Saturday, May 25, and the state and its governor, US chamber as well as advocating for Area,” according to the CHP statement. Gretchen Whitmer, has been making it into the national news. the business community in his region. Video posted to social media claiming to Fortunately, the Armenian community of Metro Detroit, by taking stringent Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, every show the moments just before the crash show a measures early on, has remained mostly safe from the virus, and few cases or six weeks or so he would go to car swerving back and forth across traffic lanes, deaths have been reported. Washington, D.C. to meet with lawmak- with people hanging out of each rear passenger One of the most vulnerable populations in terms of the current pandemic has ers and promote the views of his con- window, before spinning out of control. The been the elderly and particularly the residents of nursing homes and assisted stituency, which he said included lower video was subsequently deleted. living centers. The Manoogian Manor, also known as the Michigan Home for taxes, smaller government and fewer reg- (With reporting by Alexandria Hernandez) the Armenian Aged, is home to 70 residents, Armenian and non-Armenian, at ulations. Djihanian said, “My main goal their center in the Detroit suburb of Livonia. Christine Derdarian, Esq., execu- is to advocate for the priorities of the US tive director of the Manor, said she was “very much aware that our residents Chamber of Commerce to the members would be at elevated risk…and we were determined from the onset to do every- of Congress in my area.” Financial Woes for Eastern thing in our power to protect residents and staff.” The US Chamber, with its headquar- Diocese Hit during Pandemic The Manor had one resident who contracted the virus 6 weeks ago, but there ters in Washington, D.C., has 3 million has not been another case. Aggressive protocols have been instituted for staff members throughout the country, and is NEW YORK – The Eastern Diocese of the and residents, which have succeeded. the largest business federation in Armenian Church of America has been hit hard Manoogian Manor has been the beneficiary of generous outreach from the America. While 95 percent of its mem- by the COVID- families of residents, the City of Livonia, and the Detroit Armenian community bers are firms with fewer than 10 19 pandemic. at large, in particular St. John Armenian Church of Greater Detroit located in employees, Djihanian said that some of By Aram Arkun It appears to Southfield. Computer tablets have been purchased and FaceTime meetings set the largest businesses in America also Mirror-Spectator Staff be the first of up to keep residents in contact with their families. Many visitors have come and see GLENDALE, page 12 the major set up chairs outside the windows of their loved ones in order to speak to them. institutions of Members of the Manoogian Manor Board, as well as the mayor of Livonia have the Armenian-American community to imple- offered personal protection equipment (PPE) for staff. Several family members ment temporary furloughs of staff, along with of residents have also contributed funds to help honor the staff. The Very Rev. salary reductions. Aren Jebejian, pastor of St. John, as well as assistant pastor Rev. Armash On Friday, April 24, already an inauspicious Bagdasarian, have been checking in periodically, and the latter has been visit- day for Armenians, the leadership of the ing the building, where he circles the perimeter from the outside, offering Diocese, including clergy, delegates and parish prayers to the residents who attend from their windows. council chairs, was notified that the Primate Derdarian attributed the success and safety of the Manor to the speed with and Diocesan Council decided to make salary which they responded to the outbreak; lockdown was instituted even before it reductions across the board, beginning with the was demanded by the governor, and the most stringent protocols were adopted, Primate and including part-time employees, going above and beyond the recommendations of the Centers for Disease while placing a number of employees on tem- Control. Derdarian praised the staff as “remarkable, dedicated, and coura- porary furloughs. geous.” Those furloughed include staff who have The second residence for older members of the Armenian community in served for many decades and now are forced to Michigan is the St. Sarkis Towers, an independent living apartment building for seek unemployment. seniors, located on the grounds of St. Sarkis Armenian Church in Dearborn. Fr. Krikor Sabounjian, Diocesan Council There have been a couple of cases of the virus in the Towers, but things are chairman, wrote that suspending operations in generally fine, said Rev. Hrant Kevorkian of St. Sarkis Church. New York resulted in a significant reduction of “We hired a professional cleaning company to sanitize the hallways, and the revenue. It took action, he said, to avoid per- church provides for their needs to help them stay in.” He added, “we are thank- manent layoffs and maintain financial stability, ful to St. John’s” that they are providing two days of food per week for residents Vartan Djihanian honors US Senator and would continue to evaluate the situation of the Towers. The Armenian Relief Society also provides one day of food, and Martha McSally (R-AZ) with the US St. Sarkis Church itself provides another day of food. Chamber’s Spirit of Enterprise Award at a and take all necessary steps to serve the needs press conference in Chandler, Arizona of the parishes and faithful. see DETROIT, page 11 The Mirror has contacted Diocesan officials and will present a follow-up article next week. S ATURDAY, M AY 2 , 2 0 2 0 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 5 OBITUARIES Charles Shahe Guleserian Florence Active in Church, Co-Founder of Armenian Heritage Park (Bazarian)

ARLINGTON, Mass. — Charles Shahe He was a member and past president of the Aharonian Guleserian of Arlington and Cape Cod passed Armenian Council of Executives. He was a away on April 21, 2020 after a courageous bat- member of Knights of Vartan Ararat Lodge No. Dedicated to Family, tle with Parkinson’s Disease. 1 and Past Commander in 2003. He was named He was the beloved husband for 60 years to Man of the Year in 2014. Hair Stylist Joyce Kachadorian Guleserian and father of He also was president of the Rotary Club of three sons; Mark Guleserian from Powder Belmont and received an award for his leader- WATERTOWN — Florence (Bazarian) Springs Georgia and his companion Deborah ship in raising sums for a hospital in Armenia Aharonian, 87, of Watertown, died on April Clabough, Gary Guleserian and his wife for testing and prevention of Prostate Cancer in 18, in her home surrounded by her family. Elizabeth from Burlington and Matthew Men. Raised in Watertown, she was the daugh- Guleserian and his wife Terri from Westwood. He was a Mason and Past Master in 1976 for ter of the late He loved and adored his five grandchildren, Mount Olivet Lodge in Cambridge. Avedis and Arika Samantha, Michael, Isabella and twins Lillian Charles looked forward to the weekends when Bazarian. She was and Gunther. he could go to his Cape Cod house, relax, work the wife of the He was the son of the late Papken and in his yard and especially go fishing on his boat late George with friends. Arshulous Guleserian and was predeceased by Aharonian; the his brother Norman from Winchester. He also Due to the unfortunate circumstances of the Covid-19 crisis funeral services will be private. mother of Gail leaves his brother-in-law Leon Kachadorian Poirier and hus- from Belmont. A celebration of his life will be announced at a band Larry Charles graduated from Belmont schools and later date. In Lieu of Flowers donations in was a graduate of Wentworth Institute with a Charles Memory can be made to: St. James Poirier of Arlington and son George Aharonian of Bachelor of Science in architectural engineer- cially at St. James Armenian Church in Armenian Church, 465 Mount Auburn Street, ing and a graduate of Northeastern University Watertown. He served on the Parish Council Watertown, MA. 02472 OR Armenian Heritage Watertown and grandmother to Lauren R. with a Bachelor of Science in structural engi- for many years and was a Diocesan Delegate for Park Foundation, P.O. Box 77, Watertown, MA. Poirier; sister to Harry Bazarian and wife neering. Charles owned his own business MGM over 23 years, as well as being on the Board of 02471. Bonnie of Florida and the late Gus Contracting named after his three sons. He Trustees. On December 2013 he was honored Bazarian. She leaves many loving cousins worked right up until his illness for over 50 Parishioner of the year. Close to his heart was (The staff of the Armenian Mirror-Spectator and friends. years as a commercial real estate developer in being the co-founder and co-vice president for and the Board of the Tekeyan Cultural Florence worked for many years as a hair Belmont and Cambridge. the Armenian Heritage Park Foundation at the Association express their condolences to the stylist in Watertown as well as the Star He was very active in his community and espe- Rose Kennedy Greenway. Guleserian family.) Market in Cambridge. She was a loving and caring person who touched the lives of many. Due to the COID-19 Pandemic and ongo- Koudsy Mikaelian ing public safety measures, funeral services Alice will be private. Memorial contributions may Writer, Mother be made in her memory to: Susan G. Gelenian Komen Foundation, PO Box 98060, PHILADELPHIA — Koudsy Mikaelian died In 2018, Viken and his sister, Tamar June, Washington, DC 20090-8060. Dedicated to Church, Friends on April 19, 2020. She was 89. decided to move their mom to Reno, NV, where She was born in Aleppo, Syria, the daughter Tamar resides. This gave Tamar the opportuni- BELMONT, Mass. — Alice Gelenian of of Abraham and Makrouhi Basmajian. One of ty to spend more quality time with her mother Belmont passed away on April 18, 2020 Nazely six siblings, she moved to Beirut, Lebanon, for the last two years of her life, when she died. in her home at where she married her childhood sweetheart, Koudsy was a devoted mother and is survived the age of 89 due (Partamian) Diran Mikaelian, in 1950. by her son, Viken, and his wife, Olga; her daugh- to age-related car- She graduated from Beirut College for ter, Tamar June, and her partner Kevin Marlo; diac issues. Sanentz Women with a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing. her brother, Vahan Basmajian and his wife, She was raised In Beirut, Koudsy achieved in Watertown recognition in the Armenian com- Dedicated to Armenian and lived in munity, early on, through her vol- Belmont for most unteerism and literary works. Education of her life. She The family immigrated to the was the daughter WATERTOWN — Nazely (Partamian) United States in 1970 and settled of the late Sanentz, of Watertown, died on April 12, in the Philadelphia area. Koudsy Maushegh and 2020. She was 94. enjoyed her life in Philadelphia, Grace (Shenorik) (Kouyoumjian) She was the wife of the late Paren and was passionate about serving Gelenian. She was predeceased by her (Kazanjian) Sanentz, mother of Ara- the Armenian community. She brother Ara Arthur Gelenian. Baruyr, Shahé, and Léna, and grandmoth- regularly attended services and She is survived by her sister-in-law er of Arman. organized events at St. Sahag and Maryann Gelenian of Mansfield. She was She was St. Mesrob Armenian Apostolic a loving aunt to Andrea Gelenian of born in 1926, Church and St. Gregory the Mansfield, Ara Gelenian of Mansfield, in Kessab. She Illuminator Armenian Apostolic Sarah and John Abrahamsen of Groton, passed away on Church of Philadelphia. and their children Bee and Luke Easter Sunday Koudsy was a prolific writer in Abrahamsen of Groton. She was an aunt 2020, in both Armenian and English. For to, and predeceased by, her niece Laura Boston. many years, she regularly pub- Gelenian to whom she helped take great She had ded- lished articles in Baikar, an care of during her battle with cancer. icated her Armenian language weekly based She lived a long, full life, rich with entire profes- in Watertown, the Armenian friends, family, hard work, travel, and sional career to Mirror-Spectator and the hobbies. She leaves behind a legacy of various diasporan Armenian educational Armenian Reporter. She also love, strength, and generosity. She was institutions, from Aleppo to Beirut and wrote several books in both happiest at church events enjoying deli- from Beirut to Boston, as an exemplary Armenian and English. cious food, the music, and the people she teacher, while also contributing to the In her later years, Koudsy began many cultural programs of the AGBU and loved. She found peace relaxing on her Sandra; her brother Vasken Basmajian, and his developing Alzheimer’s Disease. Her son, Armenian compatriotic unions, thereby back porch enjoying a beautiful day. wife Shoghig; and numerous nieces and Viken, helped her move from Wynnewood, earning the love and admiration of her stu- Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic and nephews. She is preceded in death by her hus- Penn., to a nursing facility in Valley Forge, dents and the Armenian community at ongoing public safety measures, funeral band, Diran Mikaelian, MD. Penn., where he visited her regularly. Some of large. services will be private. Memorial contri- In lieu of flowers, the family asks that con- her closest friends often visited her, too, In-lieu-of-flowers donations can be made butions may be made in her memory to tributions be sent to charities that support especially Rose Bazarbashian. to the “St. Sahag & St. Mesrob Armenian Holy Trinity Church and Saint James the Armenian culture, including the She was an active member of the School,” mailed to St. James Armenian Armenian Church. Armenian American Museum in Glendale, Philadelphia chapter of the Tekeyan Church, 465 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, and the AGBU. Cultural Association, serving on the local MA 02472. group’s executive board.

Telephone (617) 924-7400 Aram Bedrosian GiragosianF UNERAL H OME Funeral Home, Inc. James “Jack” Giragosian, CPC Mark J. Giragosian Continuous Service By The Bedrosian Family Since 1945 Funeral Counselors MARION BEDROSIAN 576 Mt. Auburn Street, Watertown, MA 02472, TEL: 617-924—0606 558 MOUNT AUBURN STREET www.giragosianfuneralhome.com PAUL BEDROSIAN WATERTOWN, MA 02472 LARRY BEDROSIAN 6 S ATURDAY, M AY 2 , 2 0 2 0 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR OBITUARIES

devotion were returned tenfold. Dr. Aris Aroutiounian John was a loving and passionate human being, grateful and car- Leading Obstetrician, Dedicated to Family ing son, brilliant student, gener- ous and devoted friend, prolific NEW YORK — Dr. Aris Aroutiounian died on ication to his profession and his patients and deep thinker, and talented March 31, 2020. He was 70. became strikingly apparent when life-saving, writer. His deep and enduring He was born on June 13, 1949 in Gyumri urgent surgeries were performed under horrific faith in God led him to explore (a.k.a. Leninakan), the second largest city in circumstances without electricity, running religion in ways that inspired Armenia. Medicine was his calling, and in 1973, water, or necessary medical supplies. The med- others. after graduating from the Kuban State Medical ical professionals who served Armenia during He spoke several languages, University in Krasnodar, Russia, he returned to those years were heroes and patriots with a and had traveled the word exten- his hometown and began his practice in obstet- true calling to help their countrymen and sively. Although he was a citizen rics and gynecology at the Regional Maternity women. Aris was among them. of the world, John was proudly Hospital in Gyumri. In 1992, Rouzan Karabakhtsian, MD, PhD, vocal about his Armenian her- Aris continued with specialized training as an made a visit to her cousin in New York, and itage and well versed in the his- Ob/Gyn Fellow from 1977 to 1979 at the decided to stay and pursue her medical career tory of its people. In 2008, while Armenian Research Center of Maternity and in the United States. Aris soon followed, and so in high school, John successfully Child Health Protection, a leading medical and did the birth of their son, John Aroutiounian, lobbied the office of the gover- research center in Yerevan. who arrived the following year. The two young nor of Kentucky, and single- The two-year Fellowship at the Center doctors, Aris, 42 and Rouzan, 36, confronted handedly obtained statewide marked the beginning of Aris' remarkable med- the same obstacles that still exist for emigrating recognition of the Armenian ical career. It was also where he first met Dr. physicians: the necessity to take their medical Genocide. It became the 41st Rouzan Karabakhtsian. She was just starting training all over again. Rouzan wanted to con- Dr. Aris Artoutiounian and his late son, John state to recognize the Armenian her Ob/Gyn Fellowship training at the Center tinue and re-establish herself. Aris, having Genocide. and would become Aris’ wife. reached the pinnacle of his medical career in John graduated with distinc- Upon completion of the Fellowship, Dr. Armenia, could have done the same, but did the Department of Biological Sciences at the tion from Yale University in 2015 with a double Aroutiounian was offered the position of not. All he really wanted was to spend most of Hunter College, City University of New York major in History and EP&E (Ethics, Politics & Attending Ob/Gyn Physician at the same insti- his time raising his son John. Aris considered it from 1995 to 2002. While at Hunter, Aris also Economics). He was a columnist for Yale Daily tution. He ultimately became head of the a luxury to experience fatherhood to the fullest taught undergraduate courses in Anatomy & News, and founder of the Yale Armenian Obstetrics Delivery Division at the Center. while allowing Rouzan to further her career in Physiology. His students flourished as a result Network. From 2016 to 2017 he attended During that time and throughout his career, practical medicine. So, he entered the second of his extensive background, dedication, and Oxford University and earned a Master's Degree Aris developed and mastered unique techniques phase of his life, and dedicated it completely wonderful sense of humor. in Classical Armenian Studies. He was in his sec- of an Extraperitoneal Cesarean Section that and selflessly to his family. From 2002 to 2006, Dr. Aroutiounian ond year at Columbia Law School and a recipi- enabled him to save countless lives of mothers Although it was a struggle at first, the became a Senior Pathology Associate at ent of the prestigious Dolores Zohrab Liebman and babies in complicated pregnancies. In 1987, Aroutiounians were incredibly happy. Hackensack University Medical Center in Fellowship, when he was diagnosed with cancer. after serving eight years in that position, Dr. Wherever she was in training, sometimes as Hackensack, NJ. He continued in the same He died on May 3, 2019 at the age of 26. Aroutiounian was appointed as Medical far away as Pittsburgh or Buffalo, Aris and John capacity at the Pathology Department at the John’s death was a devastating blow to every- Director of Maternity Hospital #2 of the would always drive to see her for weekend vis- University of Kentucky in Lexington, from 2006 one who knew and loved him. Aris and Rouzan Yerevan State Medical University. This academ- its. Aris was a constant physical presence in the to 2011. He then returned to Hackensack both experienced profound grief but handled it ic hospital specialized in surgical and non-sur- life of his son – cheering him, comforting him, Medical Center in 2011 and resumed his former in different ways. Rouzan was determined to gical deliveries of complicated and preterm reading to him, sharing his knowledge and position as Senior Pathology Associate there compile John's essays and articles for a book to pregnancies. Later that year, after national world view with him, and sitting up until all until March 20, 2020. During his tenure, Aris share his legacy, but Aris could not even bear to recognition for his outstanding professional ser- hours while John did homework so he would provided highly specialized pathology services, look at his photos, or to recall the words and vice, Dr. Aroutiounian was also appointed Chief not feel alone, but loved and protected. Aris and also taught and instructed hundreds of voice of his beloved son. He experienced a deep Obstetrician and Gynecologist of Yerevan. cherished every minute of it. pathology residents and fellows who greatly and unrelenting sadness, and succumbed to res- Aris held these crucial medical administrative He used his medical credentials to first appreciated his talent as a senior colleague and piratory illness on March 31, 2020. positions during the devastating years of the become a Research Associate at the Institute of educator. Dr. Aris Aroutiounian will be remembered for 1988 Earthquake in Armenia and Karabakh Cancer Research, College of Physicians and Rouzan and Aris were blessed to experience his lifetime of dedication and service to the War between 1988 and 1994. The two events Surgeons, at Columbia University from 1993 to 26 years of most incredible, happiest, and mag- medical communities both in Armenia and the took a heavy toll on Armenian nation. His ded- 1994. It was followed by a similar position at ical life with their son John. Their love and United States.

Izabelle Kandarjian Narguis (Chahinian) Kanian Interior Decorator, Daughter of Genocide Survivors Volunteer, Dedicated to Family NORTH BERGEN, N.J. — Izabelle “Zabel” working in custom dressmaking. Haddad Kandarjian, of Cliffside Park, NJ, Zabel moved with her mother, brother and BOSTON — Narguis (Chahinian) Kanian passed away peacefully on April 24th, 2020 passed away on April 17, 2020. She was 95. sister from Aleppo, Syria to Beirut, Lebanon in at the Armenian Nursing Home in Jamaica Plain after a brave battle with COVID-19. She was born in April 1925 in Aleppo, Syria. 1949 due to political and economic instability She was born on May 15, 1937 in She was the wife of the late Antranig in Syria. Beirut, Lebanon to the late Mardiros Kandarjian, who died on October, 18, 1989. She On January 6, 1952, she married Antranig and Mayreni (Tatiossian) Shahinian is survived by her children Bedros, twins Robert Kandarjian in Beirut, who, like her parents, was from Roumdigin in Western Armenia. and Rose, Lenna Freedman and Vahe. She was born in Dikranagerd, Turkey. She was the wife of the late Krikor the sister of Loutfi Haddad, Susan Ameika who The Kandarjian family with their five children Kanian, who passed away in 2012. She passed on October 24, 2017 and Rosa Cholak moved to the US on March, 22, 1969 and in is survived by her daughter, Susie who passed in 1999. Loving Grandmother to 1972 settled in Cliffside Park, NJ. Zabel was a Kanian-Andriole, and her husband, Alek, Ani, Christian and Bridget, and aunt to custom dressmaker and interior designer. Richard. She was the grandmother of She spoke four languages: Armenian (stan- Alec Krikor and Lily Chahine Andriole. dard and Dikranagertsi dialect), Arabic, She was the dear sister to the late English, Turkish and a little French. Gulbenk Shahinian, the late Araxi She cherished her Armenian roots and her- Nalbantian and to younger brother itage, the church and Armenian cooking, and Krikor Chahinian and his wife Nazeli. was famous for her Khavourma recipe at the She is also survived by nieces and many church bazaars at Sts. Vartanantz nephews Liza, Apo, Vahe, Maral, Armenian Church in Ridgfield, NJ. Zarmig, Talar, Sako, Ishkhan, Mardiros, She learned how to drive a car at age 50 and Silva, Hasmig, and Rina, many great- would drive to New York City with her husband nieces, great-nephews and cousins to buy fabrics and explore the city. whom she loved. She had a thirst and deep curiosity for world Narguis immigrated to the US in events and read daily the latest news and 1971 after marrying her husband watched her international news channels; she Krikor in Beirut. They started out in Watertown but she and her family spent most of rarely watched movies saying, “My life has been their years living in South Boston. a movie.” She loved spending time with her chil- She cared for her beloved grandson for five years and for her precious granddaugh- nine nephews and two nieces. dren, grandchildren, extended family and ter for six months until she was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in 2010. Her parents, Daoud Haddad and Yeranik friends and like many Armenian women of her She moved in with Susie, Richard and her grandchildren in 2012 in Framingham Nanorian, both from Dikranagerd, Western age and tradition, she was a great cook with a until her condition deteriorated; she moved into the Armenian Nursing Home in Armenia (current day Diyarbekir, Turkey) mar- refined palate who showered her love through Jamaica Plain in 2017. ried in 1919 and moved to Aleppo, Syria in 1925. memorable Armenian dishes. Prior to her illness, she spent a lot of time volunteering in the Armenian communi- She was the first born child to her parents who In Lieu of flowers, those who would like to ty. She was a 40+ year member of the Armenian Relief Society (ARS). Her participa- had survived the Armenian Genocide, and, like make a donation, please gift to: Sts. Vartanantz tion began in Beirut and continued on in the U.S. as a member of the “Shushi Chapter.” her parents, she was a survivor of many hard- Armenian Church, 461 Bergen Blvd. Ridgefield, She spent countless hours volunteering for the Armenian Cultural and Center events. ships with enormous reservoir of endurance, New Jersey 07657, in honor of Zabel Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and current public safety measures, services adaptability and courage. Her father died in 1943 Kandarjian. A Private Burial was held at George must be private. Memorial contributions may be made in her memory to the Armenian and Zabel, who loved education and was a model Washington Memorial Park on Wednesday, Relief Society “Shushi” Chapter or St. Stephen’s Armenian Apostolic Church. student, dropped out of the French Missionary April 22, 2020. Arrangements by the Konopka School for Girls to help support her family by Funeral Home, North Bergen, NJ. S ATURDAY, M AY 2 , 2 0 2 0 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 7 OBITUARIES

to her home with special attention and enthusi- Ann Assadourian asm, making all feel uniquely appreciated, her sense of fun and slightly mischievous inclinations, Polyglot, Dedicated to Family her enjoyment of entertaining longtime friends at late night bridge games, her love of classical music, NORTH BERGEN, N.J. — Ann Assadourian in Armenian causes and the Armenian Church. nature and small animals, her warm and vibrant (neé Mendikian), age 89, of North Bergen, NJ, She was a dedicated parishioner and member smile, typically colored in lively coral, and her died on Thursday, December 19, 2019. of the Women's Guild of Holy Cross Armenian favorite things: sunflowers, cardinals, and the Born in Washington Heights, New York, to Church, of Union City, NJ. color yellow. Aram Mendikian, of Kayseri, Turkey, and Rose She also was a steadfast assistant to her hus- She was the wife of the late Dr. Fred (Tekeyan), of Izmir, Turkey. band in the editing and reviewing of Armenian Assadourian; mother of Gary and his wife, Ana, She was raised in Flushing, New York. books and publications. She poured love and Brian and his wife, Lisa; grandmother to their She graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Queens attention into everything she did, whether advo- son, Aram and sister of the late Margaret College, of Flushing, NY. cating for Armenian causes, nurturing her fam- Mendikian. She was an exceptional academic who spoke ily or friendships, or attending to her garden. The family received friends and extended fam- six languages, including Armenian, Turkish, She will be forever and lovingly remembered for ily on Monday, December 23, 2019, at St. Spanish, French, Portuguese and English. her quick mind, inquisitive nature, inexhaustible Leon's Armenian Apostolic Church, Fairlawn, She married Dr. Fred Assadourian in 1954. patience, her astute insight and wisdom, her NJ. Interment followed at Cedar Grove Their two-month honeymoon in Europe was endearing sense of humor and love for a play on Cemetery, Flushing, NY. In lieu of flowers, just the first of their many adventures through- words, her gentle heart, her ever supportive and donations may be made to St. Leon's Armenian out the world. In addition to travel, they both encouraging ways, her particular gift for welcom- Church, Fairlawn, NJ, or Holy Cross Armenian shared a passion for, and were actively involved ing and engaging each and every caller and visitor Church, Union City, NJ.

John Topalian Varoujan Badrikian Army Veteran Born in Syria BOSTON — John Topalian, age 90, of Dorchester, Milton and Hingham, Mass., died on WALTHAM, Mass. — leaves many nieces, April 16. Varoujan Badrikian of nephews and great- Born in Dorchester, Mass. on July 22, 1929, Waltham passed away on nieces and great- he was a graduate of English High School, April 22, 2020. nephews. Boston University, a Master’s degree and a PhD He was the husband of He was born in candidate at New York University. Enna (Pilavdjian) Syria on August 19, He was the son of the late Levon and Badrikian; father of 1947. He moved to the Makrouhi (Muncherian) Topalian from Marash, Vicken Badrikian and United States in 1973 Turkey who were survivors of the Armenian Shant Badrikian and his where he worked as a Genocide. wife Tanya; grandfather mechanic until his John was predeceased by his wife Patricia Ann ("Babik") of Ariana and retirement in late Gallagher. Karina Badrikian. He was 2018. Varouj loved to John served in the US Army, stationed in the son of Hripsime travel with his wife, Japan as a military police officer. John served in nieces and nephews as well as loved by many Badrikian and son in law watch sports with his the Middle East with the State Department cousins, extended family and dear friends. of Rosine Pilavdjian; family, take care of his working for the National Security The family also wishes to extend their deep brother of Sarkis growing garden, and Administration. appreciation to Michael McDonough for his lov- Badrikian and his wife pick tomatoes with his He was the father of Laura (Topalian) ing care and devotion in being John’s caretaker Yeghsapet and family, the granddaughters. Ahlstrom, the late John Ahlstrom of New York for the past five years. late Mousegh Badrikian In lieu of flowers, and Leon and Kimberly (Smith) Topalian of John was laid to rest at Milton Cemetery. Due and his wife Mayda and memorial gifts may be North Carolina. He was the grandfather of to the impact of COVID- 19, a Celebration of Life family, and the late Zohrab made to St. Stephen’s Jonathan, Hannah, Isabella and Sophia Topalian will be announced at a later date. The family Badrikian and his wife Armenian Elementary of North Carolina and of Patricia, Gabriel, and requests donations to be made to the Armenian Aida and family; brother- School, 47 Nichols Liam Ahlstrom of New York. He was the broth- Memorial Church, 32 Bigelow Avenue, in-law of Khoren and Maro Avenue, Watertown, er of Nora (Topalian) Soderquist and the late Watertown, MA 02472. Also, mail to Honor Jamgotchian and family, MA 02472. Carl T. Soderquist. He was the uncle of Cara and Flight New England, PO Box 16287, Hooksett, Roupen and Rita Panian and family, Hrair The family will have a service and celebra- Dr. George Haleblian, Taleen and Sonya. He also NH 03106 in memory of John Topalian or online and Arpi Avakian and family, and Sarkis tion of life at a future date when it is safe to leaves his brother-in-law Robert and Faythe HonorFlightNewEngland.org. Please indicate and Seta Ourfalian and family. He also do so. Gallagher and the late Willard, Edward and John Topalian’s memory in the notes section Francis Gallagher. He was the uncle to many online.

Donations The Tekeyan Cultural Association of the United States and Canada gratefully acknowledges the following donations to the Krikor and Makrouhi Kuredjian Educational Fund.

Edmond Y. Azadian $100 Van and Priscilla Krikorian $100 Hagop Vartivarian $100

D ENNIS M. D EVENEY & S ONS Cemetery Monuments Specializing in Armenian Designs and Lettering 701 Moody St. Waltham, MA 02543 (781) 891-9876 www.NEMonuments.com 8 S ATURDAY, M AY 2 , 2 0 2 0 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMUNITY NEWS Ambassador Shougarian’s Deep Impression on US, Armenia

APPRECIATION, from page 1 Shougarian, PhD, passed away peacefully this morning in Boston, Massachusetts after suffering a stroke last week.” Since coming to the United States, Shougarian served as the academic force for the program at Tufts University’s Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy that trained hundreds of Armenian civil servants in public policy and administration. But as important, he became a leading voice – pragmatic as well as idealistic – for the Armenian-American diaspora as well as a suc- cession of Armenian administrations on the multiple challenges facing the fledgling democracy. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said in a statement that Shougarian, whom he knew well and admired, “embodied the best features of an Armenian intellectual, with a broad world- view, an active civic attitude, patriotism and firmness in his Ambassador Rouben Shougarian beliefs.” Added Armenia’s Foreign Minister Zohrab Mnatsakanyan, “Armenia has lost one of its best and brightest,” in an interview. first Ambassador to the United States. On being officially intro- compatriots who have risen to struggle for freedom, protection “Rouben’s composure and judgement were so important in duced at the White House, President Clinton, then in his 40s, of the right to a fair election and establishment of true democ- forging Armenia’s relationship with the United States. He set a said to Shougarian that it was “nice to see someone younger racy in Armenia.” They appealed to all parties, and “especially very high standard at a time when Armenia was going through than me” coming to work in Washington. to the representatives of all the structures in the country some of its darkest hours.” Shougarian’s unexpected death elicited statements of sad- responsible for the maintenance of public order and peace to Mnatsakanyan said Shougarian traveled often back to ness as well as appreciation from numerous Armenian- avoid the temptation of using force as a solution to these prob- Armenia and maintained his interest and concerns about the American leaders and organizations that had gotten to know lems.” health and political well-being of Armenian citizens. He said he Shougarian well since he settled in the United States in 2008. The statement was disseminated in Armenia, including at a was heartened by 2018’s Velvet Revolution in which citizen Among them the Armenian Assembly of America, whose presi- rally in Yerevan where it was read out loud by the man who is protests led to the Pashinyan’s ascension as head of the gov- dent, Carolyn Mugar, said: “Rouben Shougarian was among now Armenia’s prime minister, Nikol Pashinyan. ernment. His last contact with Shougarian had come in on April Armenia’s pioneer diplomats who served the very young In an interview, one of the four signatories to this statement, 8, Mnatsakanyan said, during a video conference in which they Republic of Armenia with great skill and distinctive profession- Ambassador Armen Baibourtian, now consul general of had discussed with other officials how Armenia was responding alism. A devoted son of Armenia, he subsequently applied his Armenia in Los Angeles, explained that it was not intended as to the Coronavirus crisis. knowledge and experience in training Armenia’s next genera- a political statement and was motivated by a desire to prevent Varuzhan Nersesyan, Armenia’s current ambassador to the tion of public servants by directing the Tavitian Scholars violence. Baibourtian said that Shougarian was the driving United States, was also on that video call with Mnatsakanyan, Program in Public Policy and Administration at the Tufts force behind the statement because he felt a strong sense of and said Shougarian’s “institutional memory” was valuable in University’s Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy shaping the responsibility towards the Armenian people and that “democ- values for Armenia that all future genera- racy doesn’t have an alternative.” tions can be proud of.” All four signatories were dismissed from their positions and “Ambassador Shougarian was an expelled from the Foreign Ministry; the violent crackdown they insightful analyst of Armenia and Artsakh had hoped to prevent unfolded on March 1, 2008. Shougarian and the region,” remarked Marc A. was also stripped of his ambassador title in the dismissal, but Mamigonian, director of academic affairs friends recalled that he had called them in a happy mood more at the National Association for Armenian than a year ago and told them that his rank had been restored Studies and Research. “He was a man of by the government. genuine integrity who brought incredible In an interview, Baibourtian credited Shougarian for estab- knowledge grounded in his experience lishing while ambassador an enduring constructive relationship and his studies. He was able to be both an between Armenia and the US government. “He was there at the objective observer and critic while also beginning and was the architect in establishing the cordial and deeply committed to Armenia’s well-being pragmatic relationship that is based on trust that exists and freedom.” between the two countries,” Baibourtian said. In addition to his achievements as a Following his dismissal from the diplomatic corps and his diplomat and in academe, Shougarian uncertain future status, a number of concerned Armenian- published numerous articles on conflict Americans including Carolyn Mugar and Dr. Joyce Barsam, a resolution, regional cooperation and the trustee of Tufts University, sought a solution. The result was new geopolitical identity of the Black Shougarian’s hiring by Tufts’ Fletcher School of Law and Sea/South Caucasus region. Dr. Diplomacy and assuming a crucial role with the Tavitian Scholars Shougarian also authored three program which annually brings members of Armenia’s govern- books: West of Eden, East of the ment for a 6-month program in Public Policy and Administration. Chessboard (2010); The Politics of (In a cruel twist, Aso O. Tavitian, the Armenian-American busi- Ambassador Rouben Shougarian meeting Spain’s King Juan Carlos Immaculate Misconception: The Ides of nessman and philanthropist who has funded the Armenian schol- the Post–Secular Age (2013) and Does ars program, also passed away suddenly last week.) Armenia Need Foreign Policy? (2016; Barsam credited Shougarian with expanding the program recalling how the two countries had worked together with pre- Second Edition, 2019). from its initial focus on future diplomats to training civil ser- vious health crises. Born in Moscow, Shougarian moved to Armenia with his fam- vants throughout the Armenian government. “He was the back- In a statement, Nersesyan said of Shougarian: “He was ily in 1966 and received undergraduate and graduate degrees bone of our program, and the students were drawn to him,” among the first who at a very young age became engaged in the in world history and international relations from universities in Barsam said. “He had a deep knowledge of history, diplomacy, state-building processes in post-independence Armenia, and Yerevan in the 1980s. When Armenia gained its independence literature and music. And he was the personification of integri- unreservedly dedicated himself to its strengthening and devel- from the Soviet Union in September 1991, his foreign policy ty and honesty.” She said at last count more than 330 opment. As Armenia’s first Ambassador to the United States, he training earned him a position as an adviser to the parliament’s Armenian civil servants had graduated from the program. made invaluable contributions to shaping the foundations of foreign relations committee. Within months, he was elevated to Lilit, his wife, said that while her late husband had helped Armenian-American relations, setting a high standard of excel- the role of spokesman for the government of Ter-Petrossian’s shape the history of Armenia’s democracy, he had recently told lence for all future diplomats.” government. her that he now saw the key importance of being an educator. Michael Lemmon, who served as US ambassador to Armenia In 1993, Ter-Petrossian named Shougarian as Armenia’s first “It was important task for him to help his students in thinking between 1998 and 2001, greatly admired Shougarian’s intellect ambassador to the US. His intelligence and warmth served him more broadly, independently and creatively,” she said. “He will and integrity in working to repair the relationship between the and Armenia well in Washington’s diplomatic circles. He served be missed a lot but his work and legacy will live on in people’s two countries after an effort to negotiate a settlement with as ambassador to the U.S. for six years, returning to Yerevan in lives and hearts.” Azerbaijan on Nagorno-Karabagh foundered. In addition, 1999 to take on the position as Armenia’s deputy foreign min- Anna Ohanyan, professor of political science and international Lemmon credited Shougarian with fostering a pragmatic ister, where he remained until 2005 when he was appointed to relations at Stonehill College, remarked that “his work with the Armenian foreign policy of “complementarity” with the West be Armenia’s ambassador to Italy, Spain and Portugal. Tavitian program has been of critical importance to Armenia’s and Russia, and “advancing the vision of a ‘new Armenia’ that But his long-standing belief that Armenia needed to stay com- state-building. Training successive groups of professionals, he has is secure, democratic, prosperous, at peace and fully integrated mitted to democratic values and standards cost him those posi- made enormous contribution to strengthening the institutions of into regional and international processes and institutions.” tions. Concerned by the lack of fairness and openness that char- Armenia’s nascent statehood. As such, his work in this program, Dr. Gerard J. Libaridian, historian and a senior advisor to the acterized Armenia’s national elections in 2008, Shougarian and along with his years of diplomatic service, were nothing short of first President of independent Armenia Levon Ter-Petrossian, three other Armenian diplomats issued a public appeal on state building for Armenia and its people.” stated that Shougarian was “a statesman by nature” and “an February 23. integral part of the decision-making process” who “contributed The statement expressed the signatories’ “feeling of respon- (Stephen Kurkjian, an award-winning reporter and editor for substantially to the expansion and deepening of relations sibility before the Republic of Armenia and the Armenian peo- the Boston Globe, spoke to Ambassador Shougarian’s between the two countries.” ple” and their “profound respect for the right of Armenian citi- Fletcher’s class on three occasions in recent years about the Shougarian was only 30 when he was named as Armenia’s zens to choose at free elections,” as well their “support to our role of a free press in a democracy.) S ATURDAY, M AY 2 , 2 0 2 0 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 9 COMMUNITY NEWS Chess in Los Angeles Goes Virtual in the COVID-19 Era The Saga of the American Chess Academy

GLENDALE — Armenians have played chess since medieval times and the game is considered a national pastime. It is not a surprise that Armenians are active in the game in the Los Angeles area. One of the main institutions teaching chess there is called American Chess Academy. It was founded in By Aram Arkun 2008 in Glendale as a nonprof- it organization by Armen Mirror-Spectator Staff Chess class in 2017 at the Glendale chapter of the American Chess Academy Ambartsoumian, a former first head coach of the national chess team of the Republic of Armenia and a FIDE (International Chess Federation) Senior Trainer, and it has enroll as many people as possible and not lose the children they held open or online and generally are with classic time control many Armenian coaches. had. (lasting 5-6 hours per game). Over the years, the academy expanded, opening seven The afterschool programs could not be continued. The stu- At present, the academy uses various third-party websites to branches in the Los Angeles area in places like Pasadena, dents there were not as dedicated to the game, and the more assist in online lessons, but Ambartsoumian said that if the Burbank, North Hollywood, Van Nuys, Simi Valley and serious ones in any case already would come to the academy’s COVID-19 situation continues for a long time, it would be nec- Calabasas, Thousand Oaks. A branch in Reseda eventually was clubs. essary to make more expenditures on their own website. It closed. Ambartsoumian said that perhaps 70-80 percent of the Tatev Abrahamyan, coach at the Glendale branch, said that as would not make sense to do this if the situation would end in students in Glendale were Armenian, 70 percent in North the tournaments she was going to play in have been cancelled, a month or two, he said. Hollywood, and 50 percent in Pasadena, but the more one went her main focus is online teaching now. Abrahamyan was born If it did end, with the practicing of social distancing continu- to the west the fewer Armenians. in Armenia but came to the US in 2001 and was coached by The largest club, in Glendale, had somewhere between 130 Ambartsoumian. She tied for first place in the US Women’s and 150 students this year prior to the COVID-19 crisis. Chess Championship in 2004, 2011 and 2014, was a member of Ambartsoumian said, “We had two goals. First was to intro- the US Women’s Olympic team since 2008 and a bronze medal- duce the game of chess to students, and through games, con- ist in the 2008 Olympiad. She is one of the highest ranked duct an educational program and teach children to think. female chess players in the US. Second was sports success, since we have well known and Abrahamyan said that at the end of March, it was unclear how respected trainers and good results.” The clubs produced many long the academy would have to stay closed but many students might not come back as time would pass. Therefore, the coaches began emailing all of the parents to see if there was interest in resuming online, and on April 3 the first lesson began. The students were split into five groups by their chess ratings, Abrahamyan said. Zoom was used for lessons and various chess websites or pro- grams were used for demonstrations. She would share her screen, with a chessboard, and give a lecture. Audio was on but not video, to avoid dis- tractions. There are two sessions per week for each group. Abrahamyan organizes tournaments among the students on a website and observes. Abhramayan said that there were some advan- tages to this setup compared to physical lessons. She said, “It gives me more control than you have Armen Ambartsoumian in a classroom…The students are generally respectful. Though sometimes they speak out of turn, that always happens.” champions and became well known in the US. The youngest Another difference is in the structure of the lessons. The American grandmaster, Samuel Sevian, was a former student at classroom lessons, Abrahamyan said, were one hour long, the academy. including 40-45 minutes playtime with corrections and 15 min- Ambartsoumian said they would organize five or six tourna- utes of lecture, and for the advanced group, one and a half ments a year, with at least 200 people participating in each one. hours long, including one hour of playtime. The online version In addition to the students studying in classes or taking private is more lecture, with less playtime, as this is harder to do. Tatev Abrahamyan (photo Eric Rosen) coaching at the clubs or branches, the academy provided after- Abrahamyan said she hoped that the students will play more school programs at 17 schools for more than 400 children con- on their own to make up for these constraints. She also said she ducted by 14 or 15 coaches. These were six-week programs in noticed that some are more engaged now, as they do not have ing, Ambartsoumian said the academy would try to reopen general, but every school was different. their friends around to provide distractions and fool around as physically too. He said, “We can do it the way restaurants are There was one private school, the Laurence School, which much. doing it, only using a small percentage of their full capacity.” itself paid for the lessons. Most of the schools were public ones Abrahamyan estimated that perhaps half or a bit less of the The future appears unclear for chess because of the uncer- at which the parents paid monthly tuition to the school, which students at the Glendale chapter have continued online. tainty about how society will manage the ongoing COVID-19 would then pay the academy. Among the list of schools partici- Perhaps, she said, some of the parents are waiting to see if pandemic. The American Chess Academy is discussing the situ- pating in the past are two Armenian ones, St. Gregory Alfred things will turn back to normal soon, while others are strug- ation with some of the schools with more active programs and and Marguerite Hovsepian School in Pasadena, which had gling financially. making proposals for May. lessons for four years till 2019, and the Armenian Sisters The Long-term Outlook Ambartsoumian said, “If this lasts a long time, with the Academy in Montrose. While Zoom classes may help, Ambartsoumian still was con- uncertainty and most parents having lost their incomes, I don’t There were summer chess camps at which champions were cerned. He said, “When there are no tournaments, and we not know how it will end.” Those who are having trouble paying invited like Levon Aronian, one of the highest rated players in see each other, it is like other sports like basketball or football. rent will not be able to send their children for chess lessons. history, who won the FIDE World Cup twice . When there are no competitions, it will die. It would take a lot One bright side is that Ambartsoumian said it is becoming Coronavirus Strikes of work to turn this into an interesting system.” more practical to give chess lessons to students living outside “In one day, everything collapsed,” Ambartsoumian Abrahamyan said that it is very different playing online. It is of California now. Abrahamyan noted that several people from exclaimed. “This was a great blow. We did not know what to hard to focus as much and the same tension of playing in a different parts of the country have contacted her for lessons. do.” The academy chapters had to be shut down in mid-March. physical tournament is not there. Interestingly, the quick play For more information on the American Chess Academy, see Seeing children being taught via Zoom in schools, the academy or shorter time per game open tournaments held online at pre- its website, http://www.achessacademy.org/ or Facebook site, decided to try this for its branches. Ambartsoumian said that he sent also are problematic because of the possibilities of players https://www.facebook.com/American-Chess-Academy- was charging six dollars, an extremely low rate per class, to cheating. Prestigious tournaments in the past were not usually 166005496743079/. 10 S ATURDAY, M AY 2 , 2 0 2 0 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMUNITY NEWS Los Angeles Community in Wait-and-See Mode

CORONAVIRUS, from page 1 er was in need. Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese, Armenian orphans. hotline where residents could report abuses of “It was definitely a learning curve and we had $100,000 was raised and transferred to the Mihran Toumajan, Western Region Director city orders or request special assistance, order- some bumps in the road but luckily we have a Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin to support of the Armenian Assembly of America, said the ing all residents to wear a face covering outside great IT service provider and a good group of edu- humanitarian programs in Armenia to help organization has long been part of commemo- the home and implementing an eviction mora- cators who sprung into action,” said Avanesian, those affected by the pandemic. rative programming in Los Angeles and this torium and a freeze on all rent increases. In who individually targeted the needs of the ele- During a time of high-demand for COVID-19 year’s Feeding America initiative, launched on addition, the City Council focused on educat- mentary, middle school and high school students. antibody blood testing, the Western Diocese April 17 via Facebook’s fundraising platform, ing residents by sending out mailers informing “We wanted to maintain the same school day has mobilized a drive-up testing center site in was a valuable way to contribute during the them of the COVID-19 orders, enacting auto- structure online so when the kids came back it the parking lot of St. Leon Armenian pandemic. mated calls to all households and preparing was a seamless transition for them.” Cathedral, in collaboration with HOT Clinic, to “Initially our aim was to secure funding to informational videos about the coronavirus in She conceded at times there were glitches set up a mobile serology testing clinic. provide 1.5 million meals, in memory of the 1.5 Armenian, Spanish and English. with the wifi and technology from Google “Having antibodies to COVID-19 is key in million Armenian lives lost during the geno- “The residents of Glendale have adapted fair- Meets, Zoom, Seesaw and other such plat- getting people back to a normal version of real- cide,” said Toumajan. “When we exceeded our ly well although it has taken weeks for many to forms, but they kept communication lines open ity,” said Edward Zaghikian, operations man- aim on Monday, April 20, we shifted gears and wear face coverings in stores and now outside with parents and “readjusted based on feed- ager of HOT Clinic, who estimates test results set our sights on raising 3 million meals.” of their homes,” said Najarian. back from families and students and we bal- within 10 minutes. “If we have enough of the They again surpassed their goal and within a One source of frustration have been reports anced out what we felt was appropriate.” public with the IgG antibodies, we will have week, 3.3 million meals were donated by con- that residents continue to hold celebrations While high school students were more inde- heard immunity and can get back to our lives.” tributors. Toumajan expressed thanks to and get-togethers with family and friends, con- pendent in terms of logging into the virtual By offering the service as a drive-up testing Feeding America, a nationwide nonprofit orga- gregate outside, and open up stores for busi- classroom, the elementary-aged students had a site, staff and patients are protected during the nization with over 200 food banks and several ness, which violate the emergency orders set different experience since their needs placed process. Hundreds have already taken advan- food pantries located across America, for part- forth by the city. more pressure on parents who had to help tage of the conveniently located site in nering up with their coalition. He also praised “As our stay at home enters the second their children log on and sit with them through Burbank and HOT Clinic has secured enough the Tony Robbins Foundation that matched month, it’s clear that people are becoming classes. testing kits to fulfill patient requests. what was raised dollar for dollar. impatient and want to return to a normal life “The elementary students have also felt “The response has been extremely positive “The ‘Feeding America’ initiative is a mani- sooner than the medical authorities and gov- more uneasy and have been asking why they from participants,” said Zaghikian, who said festation of Armenian Americans’ efforts to ernments will allow,” said Najarian. Like many are home from school as they grow accus- patients can book their appointments online at “pay it forward,” and show their gratitude to around the country, residents are questioning tomed to online learning,” said Avanesian, who www.hotclinic.com. “Patients are very grateful the American people and to Near East Relief, and challenging the mandate, with some say- acknowledged that students miss the dynamic for this type of service and we try to make the who raised over $116 million between 1915 ing it’s too much and others expressing it’s not with their teachers and classmates. “In process as easy possible by providing quick and 1930,” said Toumajan. “They directed the enough. response, the teachers went the extra mile and results as well as minimizing wait times.” funds to save the lives of millions of genocide “Placing orders that are often done with lit- recorded and posted their lessons so students Although church doors remain closed at the survivors, Armenians, Assyrians, Syriacs, tle warning or time for debate draws the ire of have it for reference anytime.” Western Diocese (https://www.wdacna.com/) Greeks and others, dispersed across the Middle many residents,” he said. “What they don’t All of the school’s staff continue to go and all in-person liturgical services and cultur- East or having found refuge within the borders understand is that as leaders we have to act beyond expectations, the nurse checks up indi- al programming is on pause, social media has of the first Republic of Armenia between 1918 quickly and we do not always have the luxury vidually on each student and teachers offer been a significant mode of communication and 1921.” of time.” one-on-one tutoring through Zoom, virtual with the faithful. Thanks to a state-of-the-art Restaurants Out of Bounds Najarian is aware that the emergency orders office hours and compiling extra resources. studio located in-house at the Cathedral, The Los Angeles community is ripe with fall on the front line of elected officials, includ- “We noticed competition runs very deep in videos, podcasts and other technological pro- highly praised and critically favored restau- ing the City Council and mayor and they are our blood as Armenians and many parents were gramming are available online as free resources rants of Armenian and Middle Eastern cuisine, well aware of the public input that is discussed requesting additional work so we created online to anyone around the globe and are also broad- where the appeal lies in the cozy atmosphere online and over the telephone, text and email, resource folders for those who wanted to com- cast on a weekly basis on USArmenia and reminiscent of home. Large groups are known in addition to conversations at stores and City plete extra assignments,” said Avanesian. PanArmenian TV television stations. to sit family style in close quarters and share Council meetings. For AGBU-MDS’s preschool, instruction had “When the pandemic forced us to close the meals and conversation, but since the pandem- “Clearly these times call for courageous lead- to be removed since a significant part of the doors of our churches, we were able to bring the ic, restaurants have been forced to close their ership and I appreciate that I am in this posi- day is socializing, playing with friends and churches to the homes of our faithful through ambiance-filled doors and focus on take-out tion at this time of crisis to lead Glendale to a receiving care from teachers, according to the use of social media,” said Diran Avagyan, and delivery. While some eateries decided to safer future,” said Najarian. Further updates Avanesian, who noted that tuition was sus- program director and assistant to the primate. forego take-out and delivery orders because of can be found on the City of Glendale’s website pended for preschool families but the Board “Having all the necessary tools to act, we live- the unpredictable climate of the months ahead, https://www.glendaleca.gov/. maintained everyone on payroll and preschool streamed the church services, including the one well-known family-owned chain, Zankou Employees of non-essential businesses, such staff continue to teach and reach out to the lit- Holy Week and Easter and on a weekly basis Chicken, a staple in the California food scene as the beauty services sector, now find ample tlest ones with fun daily activities through recorded messages of encouragement and other since the 1980s, remains open. Though the cri- time on their hands as they await instructions Zoom and social media platforms. materials for spiritual nourishment, including sis has affected the day-to-day operations, the on when they can return to work. Many are Avanesian, who has been the principal at devotional messages and spiritual reflections by multiple restaurants throughout the state con- using their wide-open days to pursue projects AGBU-MDS for the last five years, also made an the Diocesan Primate and other clergy.” tinue to serve their customers while imple- they had put on the back-burner, including effort to find roles for each staff and adminis- The Primate’s Easter messages, recorded in menting new guidelines for their loyal cus- Glendale hair stylist Tamara Arakelyan. While tration member whose on-campus roles didn’t both Armenian and English, were a highlight tomers and workers on the frontline. her days were usually spent styling, cutting and necessarily translate to the virtual experience, for the community, where over 200,000 view- “We are thankful that we are still open and coloring the hair of local women in the heart of such as cafeteria workers and on-campus coun- ers tuned in on Facebook. The Western now offering Uber Eats and Grub Hub,” said the city at Fantastic Sam, located by the trendy selors. She tasked them with important assign- Diocese has also prepared and released special Dikran Iskenderian, Director of Marketing for Americana outdoor mall, Tamara found herself ments, including tracking down student partic- video editions specifically for children. Zankou (https://zankouchicken.com/). “We without her daily routine when the salon shut ipation in classrooms and increasing communi- Through the Zoom platform, Saturday and are also working hard to keep our employees down on March 16. Instead of lamenting the clo- cation with parents. The cafeteria staff’s abili- Sunday schools remain functional as well as safe by providing masks, hand sanitizers and sure, she found a new way to create and put her ties are now being used to package boxes for meetings, Bible study sessions, ACYO and anything else they may need. We are thankful hands to good use by fulfilling her longtime AGBU Global’s “AGBU Cares Campaign.” Nerouj discussions. to our customers and prayerful that our com- interest in fashion and jewelry. Other social services including donating food In a recent show of solidarity, priests around munity gets back to normal safely and soon.” “I wanted to stay productive during my time to Armenian families affected by COVID-19 and the Western Diocese organized virtual candle- In the San Fernando Valley, the popular off work so I started sewing bags with fine making care packages in an attempt to help lighting ceremonies and welcomed prayer Furnsaj Bakery & Restaurant, famous for its leather and making bracelets,” said Tamara the greater Armenian and Los Angeles area cit- requests. Parishes are remaining active by variety of flatbreads, is a favored spot for who set up a website for her designs (tamsele- izens as a whole. keeping in contact with their faithful individu- Armenians and is also driven by take-out and gance.wixsite.com). “I miss my job but I’m While there have naturally been drawbacks ally and organizing food preparation and deliv- delivery (www.furnsaj.com). At the outset, the improving on my skills everyday and putting in over the last couple of months, including the ery for the elderly and less fortunate. restaurant decided to pursue its operations the effort to create my own line of products cancellation of fundraising opportunities usu- April 24 Commemorations and focus on enhancing deliveries and take-out and see what else I can accomplish.” ally scheduled for the Spring and the possible Another casualty of the pandemic was the orders, such as free delivery options effective Schools Go Online postponement of graduation, Avanesian is stay- chance for Armenians around the world to May 15. With the pandemic came school closures as ing positive and doing her best to provide an unite and commemorate the 105th anniversary “We are staying positive in the eye of the the state of California halted in-person instruc- alternate experience for the graduating class. of the Armenian Genocide. For the last 55 storm and continue to serve our customers tion to help stem the spread of COVID-19. A “Most of our seniors have been at our school years, the Armenian-American community in while abiding by the Mayor’s and city ordi- number of Los Angeles-based Armenian pri- for over 14 years, since preschool, and this isn’t Los Angeles gathers on April 24 to follow a nance,” said Mel Succar, who owns the vate schools quickly adjusted to the suspen- how we want to usher them out so we are fig- decades-old tradition that includes a requiem Lebanese-Armenian cafe with his brother and sion of classes, including the AGBU uring out what to do,” she said. “We are all sad service at the Armenian Genocide Martyrs chef Charlie Succar. “We love our community Manoogian-Demirdjian Armenian School in and uncertain during this time, and we want to Monument in Montebello, the March in Little and decided from day one to stay open and Canoga Park (https://www.agbumds.org/). In be together, but I have to make sure the edu- Armenia and the protest demonstrations in maintain our service-oriented dedication to our a short amount of time, the staff handled the cators, students and administration have what front of the Los Angeles Turkish Consulate. customers.” transition from in-person learning to remote they need and that they feel supported.” Due to this year’s stay at home orders, the In Need of Laughs instruction for its 700 students, from K-12, Armenian Genocide Committee, United In times of despair, the world finds solace in under the leadership of Principal Arpi Western Diocese Programs Armenian Council of Los Angeles and the the arts and entertainment, particularly come- Avanesian and her dedicated team. The Western Diocese of the Armenian United Young Armenians, in coordination with dy, which provides an upbeat outlet from the “Once we got the stay at home orders, we Church of North America maintains its integral major area organizations, including the consequences of a crisis. Two Los Angeles- knew time was of the essence,” said Avanesian. roles as a religious, cultural and humanitarian Western Diocese and the Armenian Assembly based actresses, Mary Basmadjian and Helen The closure went into effect on March 13, giv- organization and is delivering much-needed of America, memorilized the past while giving Kalognomos, have teamed up to unite their sig- ing her only a few days to help train teachers assistance to the most vulnerable populations back by organizing a humanitarian fundraiser nature personas of the Hayastantzi Vartoush and students on the virtual classroom experi- of the community by supporting various initia- to support Feeding America and honor the Tota and the Barskahye Clodette, to film brief ence, order resources from Amazon and pro- tives in the Diaspora and in the homeland. Near East Relief’s aid to Armenians during the satirical and comedy-filled sketches and videos vide laptops and document cameras to whoev- Through the efforts of Archbishop Hovnan genocide, which helped save over 130,000 continued on next page S ATURDAY, M AY 2 , 2 0 2 0 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 11 COMMUNITY NEWS Metro Detroit Armenians Band Together during COVID Crisis

DETROIT, from page 4 Apostolic Churches have been on lockdown, The pastor of St. Sarkis Armenian Church, whom have lost their jobs, are starting to Closed Schools parishioners forbidden from gathering, and Rev. Fr. Hrant Kevorkian, also shared his appreciate the interpersonal resources of the Like all schools during the crisis, the AGBU badarak offered by a priest with a few deacons parish’s situation. The church is continuing to community more. The young adults Bible Alex and Marie Manoogian School in and singers. Holy Communion is only being offer prayers behind closed doors. All services Study led by Katherine Banerian has also Southfield, has also been impacted. The consumed by the celebrant priest. St. John’s are livestreamed, and Kevorkian has been become more popular and is now meeting school is the only K-12 Armenian day school and St. Sarkis are no exceptions to this. offering special services on Monday evening once a week rather than every other week. in the US outside of California. An outreach program was implemented (a prayer service for those infected and those All the churches have been working togeth- The Principal of the Lower School, Sonia immediately at St. John’s, with the center- going into work), Wednesday morning, and er at this time, including the small congrega- Kalfayan, shared that, naturally, the school piece being the “Sirov Jash” program. The Friday evening. The Sunday School is offering tion of St. Vartan Armenian Catholic Church, has been forced to adopt Distance Learning. A food is prepared in the St. John’s industrial Bible story time every day at 3 pm, with led by the Very Rev. Andon Atamian. He “Continuity of Learning” plan was established kitchen by catering director Paul Yousoufian livestreamed readings for the children by reports there are no cases in his community. and Google Classroom is being utilized. and an assistant. The meals are then delivered Haigan Tcholakian. An outreach program has He thanks God and attributes this to the fact Lesson plans are emailed to families and stu- to the doorsteps of the recipients without any been started by volunteers raising funds, help- that everyone is following the law and remain- dents. There is a Zoom schedule for the entire physical contact between the recipient and ing the elderly by doing deliveries or picking ing home. Badarak is being held on Sunday school, including preschool. Teachers are also the person making the delivery. There is also up groceries, and buying essentials for fami- with one or two people assisting the priest, setting up tutorial sessions for kids that need the option for someone to come to the church lies in need. Bible study and prayer sessions and is also being livestreamed. extra help. and pick up a meal for an elderly relative or with college students is continuing over Genocide Commemoration Things are going well,. Kalfayan said, friend. Youth Coordinator Lisa Mardigian, Zoom, while all church employees are working Detroit’s four Armenian churches have for though the transition was difficult at first, as who is a full time employee of the church, has from home. many years been doing a United this was a new platform for everyone. All par- stepped up to the role of running the Sirov The recently re-invigorated Armenian Commemoration of the Armenian Genocide on ents have been reached by phone, and they Jash program along with the two members of Congregational Church of Greater Detroit, led April 24. This year, the commemoration was have been appreciative of the school’s efforts. the clergy. Half a dozen volunteers have by Pastor Hagop Haroutunian, has benefitted held at St. John’s and was limited to the clergy Jebejian has reached out to the school with joined them as delivery people. greatly from the fact that a completely new and master-singer Deacon Rubik Mailian of St. St. John’s “Sirov Jash” program, and the Another ministry of St. John’s in the time of and modern website was built a few months John’s. The service of intercessory prayers to school is helping anyone that they know who coronavirus are the “Wellness Calls” being prior. the sanctified Martyrs of the Armenian needs help, especially first responder families. made to the most vulnerable parishioners of Director of Youth and Young Adult Genocide was led with prayers by Kevorkian of This is a big concern as there are a number of the church – people who are shut-ins, have no Outreach, Michael Banerian, said online St. Sarkis and a homily was offered by guest parents from the school who are in the med- Internet, and no family that looks in on them. accessibility of Sunday services, bible studies clergyman, Fr. Imad Al-Banna of the Sts. Peter ical field, doctors, nurses, or otherwise, and Volunteers coordinated by the church are and prayer groups was already being dis- and Paul Syriac Orthodox Church in are acting as first responders. The school is making telephone calls to this group, which cussed by the church when the pandemic Southfield, a sister church in communion with doing what it can to show appreciation for numbers “at least twenty” individuals. Fr. broke out. Unlike Apostolic services which are the Armenian Apostolic. Atamian, on doctor’s what the first responders are doing for the Armash has been keeping in contact with the livestreamed, the services are pre-recorded for orders, was unable to attend due to his age. broader community and society. members of the Women’s Guild. high quality on the audio-visual side, and Kevorkian in his prayers asked the martyrs for Popular local caterer of Armenian cuisine, “This whole pandemic has changed the way Banerian, working with the pastor, has been their intercession with God on our behalf in Gary Reizian, proprietor of Uptown Catering we do our ministry here at St. John Armenian able to add some changes that would have regard to the current crisis. in Keego Harbor, has even sent baskets of Church,” said Jebejian. He has been also been been harder to do in person. More contempo- Other organizations have been reaching out food items on behalf of the AGBU Manoogian doing some “drive-by prayers,” calling parish- rary music and more contemporary approach- to those stuck at home. The Tekeyan Cultural School to these first responder families. Most ioners and checking in on them by driving in es to how the sermon is conducted, such as Association has reached out with educational importantly, while the state of Michigan had front of their house, saying hello and offering mood music behind the sermons, have been resources in connection with April 24, while until April 26 to restart public school pro- a prayer and blessing from his car. explored. the Detroit chapter of the AGBU Young grams, the AGBU Manoogian School (which is Many church ministries are now being oper- Banerian feels that this provided an oppor- Professionals led by Naera Haghnazarian has operated as a public charter school under ated by way of Zoom conferences. The “Little tunity to explore some changes in the Sunday participated in the AGBU YP worldwide net- Michigan law), restarted their Distance Saints” program meets every Saturday morn- service that may have met with resistance work’s entertaining Zoom conferences, Learning two weeks early, and so in this case ing rather than the previous once a month. from older parishioners if they were imple- intended to give stressed out young people as well, the Armenian community’s response The two pastors, and the locally-based mented during normal times, when everyone working from home some respite from their to coronavirus has been to take action early Diocesan Youth Director Jennifer Morris have was at church in person. The church experi- situation. ACYOA members in the area have and decisively. been meeting with about 30 small children 4 ences moderate attendance on Sundays nor- also participated in the National ACYOA’s Houses of Worship and under with their parents. Parish Council, mally, and the views they are getting on diocesan-wide spirituality discussion groups The Metro Detroit area is home to four Women’s Guild, and ACYOA Juniors and streaming services show a much higher rate via Zoom, with the encouragement of dioce- Armenian houses of worship: St. John Seniors, and groups of students away at col- of participation. There is also a larger amount san youth director Morris. Armenian Church (Diocesan); St. Sarkis lege have also been meeting on Zoom. ACYOA of people in the Bible Study and Prayer Although the members of the Detroit Armenian Church (Prelacy); the Armenian Day, which occurs on Palm Sunday, was cele- Group. Sunday School lessons, run by Leslie Armenian community are at this point Congregational Church of Greater Detroit; brated by a Junior-Senior Zoom meeting Banerian, are also now online with videos and exhausted by this ordeal, they continue to and St. Vartan Armenian Catholic Church, all where Senior members Celene Philip and weekly lessons for Elementary and Upper remain strong to their values, as individuals, of which are currently streaming their Sunday Lerna Lacinian described their experiences Elementary groups. The Prayer Group in par- members of their respective churches and morning and other services online, as well as participating in the ACYOA’s national volun- ticular has been acting as a “counseling ses- organizations, and as a community which has participating in community outreach. teer Habitat for Humanity trip which took sion” for the fact that people are drained by shown time and time again its ability to stick Thanks to the unified front displayed by place in Atlanta in February, before Covid-19 the Covid-19 situation, quarantine, etc. together and help one another as members of both Echmiadzin and Antelias, all Armenian became a national concern. Parishioners, who are shut in, and some of the Greater Detroit Armenian family. Los Angeles Community in Wait-and-See Mode from previous page sound bites a clash of Armenian cultures and camaraderie on topics ranging from the coronavirus to I’ve had in my results in pure laughter. matchmaking to chicken and pilaf recipes. As head for years,” “Now that everyone is at home and worried creative professionals, Basmadjian and s a i d about everything going on, I’m more likely to Kalognomos have dedicated more time to cre- Kalognomos make videos addressing the general concerns ating digital content and becoming an even who shares her through the voice of Vartoush Tota,” said more active presence on social media viewing videos on insta- Basmadjian, who has developed the beloved platforms since live performances have been gram @kalog- character for over 6 years. “She was influenced postponed for the time being. n o m o s . by many characters I met throughout my life As a make-up artist regularly on set for films “Humor is and she vibes with Clodette because of how dif- and television shows, such as HBO’s “Curb Your such a big part ferent they are from one another.” Enthusiasm,” Kalognomos went on hiatus when of how I deal Basmadjian finds herself spending more time productions shut down in Hollywood due to the with life so the in front of the camera these days, which took pandemic. To nurture her artistic edge, she videos are help- some time for her to modify her mindset. slipped back into her Clodette character, which ing distract me “It does feel weird not to be on stage,” said mirrors her Armenian-Persian upbringing. Helen Kalognomos from the stress Basmadjian, whose material and booking infor- “Clodette was inspired by many women I’ve of our current mation can be found on www.marybasmadjian- known or seen in my life,” said Kalognomos. “I situation. The comedy.com and @marybasmadjian on love her interactions with her friends and fami- introvert in me is happy being home with lots Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. “I miss the Mary Basmadjian ly, and that nothing has really changed for her of time to make them.” audience, the energy and the build up.” since the pandemic started. For Clodette it’s A fixture on the Armenian comedy circuit, She notes that some comics have started doing just another day.” Basmadjian, who is a stand-up comedian, actress shows on the virtual platform Zoom but she’s not Armenian young woman, Basmadjian uplifts Quarantined at home along with much of the and producer, makes regular appearances in Los sure if she’ll dive into that territory yet as “the those on their special days. rest of the world, Kalognomos found herself with Angeles area comedy clubs like Flappers in stand-up world is still split up” on the idea. “I’ve been getting great feedback from the few distractions and increased her video production Burbank and The Ice House in Pasadena. She’s What she has been focusing her efforts on public and it’s helping people who are stuck at over the last month, filming and editing her clips particularly known for her character Vartoush are personalized video messages for fans who home on what are supposed to be happy and and making sure to subtitle her Armenian language Tota, a busybody Armenian aunt who emulates are celebrating birthdays or anniversaries while celebratory occasions,” said Basmadjian. “It videos so everyone can follow along. the accents and gestures of an off-the-boat immi- in quarantine. Dressing up in character as makes me feel good that I can make people “If it’s not about the pandemic they’re about grant. When fused with Kalognomos’s Clodette, Vartoush Tota or Piso, a superficial and vapid laugh during such a difficult time.” 12 S ATURDAY, M AY 2 , 2 0 2 0 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMUNITY NEWS Washington State’s Holy Resurrection Armenian Apostolic Church Desecrated

REDMOND, Wash. — The Armenian community in Washington State is devastated by an incident that took place on the campus of Holy Resurrection Armenian Apostolic Church late last week. During this already difficult time, when much of the world is in quarantine, and Christians around the world celebrated Easter in isolation, the commu- nity was shocked to find the church desecrated. Specifically, on Sunday morning, April 19, when the pastor walked into the church, he discovered the glass window behind the altar shattered by a brick, which lay on the altar, surrounded by glass shards. After investi- gating the perimeter of the church, he also found that a stained-glass win- dow portraying Jesus Christ was also broken, with two large rocks lying next to the window. To make matters worse, it appears that the brick used to break the altar window was taken from a memorial wall on the church’s grounds dedicated to the victims of the Armenian Genocide of 1915, which is commemorated by Armenians around the world on April 24, later the same week. A police report was filed after Sunday online mass. The Redmond Police Department is investigating this hate inci- dent. There should be no place for such hate incidents or hate crimes in our community, and especially to any house of worship. The Armenian community consists of over three thousand families in the greater Seattle area, many of whom live in Redmond. Holy Resurrection Armenian Apostolic Church is the only Armenian church in Washington State, and acts as the epicenter of the community. The church is flanked by a community center, used for social gatherings, as well as for Armenian language and Sunday school classes offered to the youth. This hate inci- dent is not only difficult for the church to sustain from a financial per- spective, but also spiritually challenging for our community. (The above information was released by Fr. Vazgen Boyajyan, pastor, and the parish council of Holy Resurrection Armenian Apostolic Church, Redmond.) When asked by the Mirror-Spectator whether there might be any groups or individuals who are being considered suspects, on April 24 Nairy Boyajyan responded on behalf of the church as follows: “In regards to the vandalism, we don’t know who would do such a thing because we haven’t received any threats nor had issues with any groups of people. We don’t know who did this, but are working with police to find whoev- er is responsible. As a community, we get along with everyone and never had any issues, disputes nor disagreements with anyone in or outside of the community.”

Djihanian Promotes Business Interests During COVID19 Crisis Western USA

GLENDALE, from page 4 thousand-dollar emergency grants. This loan employing a lot more people… In our area, from supported that. are included. It spends the most money on polit- program also has run into a lot of hiccups, Sarkis Pastry to Service Titan, Glendale’s Unfortunately, at the last minute, Speaker ical lobbying of all groups in the United States, Djihanian said, and ran out of money like the Armenian-owned businesses supercharge job Hastert withdrew the resolution. Djihanian greatly exceeding the second-place National Paycheck Protection Program, so the US creation and economic growth.” said, “Even though we were extremely disap- Association of Realtors (https://www.opense- Chamber is advocating additional funding for it Djihanian called for Armenian businessmen pointed that the resolution did not end up crets.org/ federal-lobbying/top-spenders?cycle= also. For more information, see and women to become more politically active. coming to the House floor for a vote, the effort 2019). https://www.uschamber.com/sites/default/fil He said, “I would love to encourage Armenian- by Congressman Rogan helped raise further With the advent of the new coronavirus, es/uscc_covid19_sb-economic-injury-disaster- American small business owners to join their awareness about the Armenian Genocide and Djihanian said, “We are working extremely hard loans.pdf. local chamber of commerce, join the chamber’s brought us one step closer to gaining to help small businesses weather the storm as The House and Senate passed a new $484 bil- government affairs committee, advocate to Congressional approval of the Armenian we get through the next few months.” There are lion dollar coronavirus relief package which was Congress, attend town hall meetings, volunteer Genocide resolution.” around 28 million small businesses in the US signed by President Donald Trump on April 24. and donate to political campaigns, and most Djihanian was born in Lebanon but came to which create 2/3 of all jobs, he said. To help It included $310 billion of new funding for the importantly, develop relationships with their the US when he was around 2. He grew up in these firms, the US Chamber was working on Paycheck Protection Program and $10 billion elected officials because that is the greatest Glendale, he said, and became involved in a the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic for EIDL. form of advocacy that they can have. They can mock trial afterschool program when he was at Security Act (CARES), the 2.2 trillion-dollar The US Chamber of Commerce Foundation talk directly to them about the issues that mat- Toll Middle School. The culmination was to pre- stimulus bill which passed in Congress a few itself has a program to help small-scale employ- ter most to their community.” sent a case in front of a real-life judge. He lost weeks ago to help businesses of every size and ers in economically vulnerable communities The US Chamber of Commerce is trying to the case, but the judge was running for state most industries. There are two programs con- during the COVID-19 crisis with $5,000 grants publicize the various ways the US government legislature and Djihanian, 13-years-old, volun- nected to this act which Djihanian and the US through the help of its corporate and philan- is helping businesses through the media and teered for his campaign. Chamber have been advocating for in particu- thropic partners (https://www.savesmallbusi- webinars with local chambers of commerce. This early start in politics continued when the lar. ness.com/). Unfortunately, this program too has Djihanian said, “I myself have done additional former judge, Jim Rogan, ran for Congress and The first one is called the Paycheck run out of funding due to the great demand. outreach to the Armenian community, working won. In high school, Djihanian was appointed Protection Program. Djihanian said that he par- Armenian Businesses with the Armenian National Committee of by Newt Gingrich as a Congressional page ticipates in Zoom calls with chambers of com- Djihanian said that while he did not have spe- America (ANCA), social media, and local cham- (https://www.latimes.com/socal/glendale- merce around the country many times a day, cific statistics on the Armenian business com- bers of commerce in the Glendale area.” news-press/news/tn-gnp-xpm-1999-12-30- including with those in Southern California, munity in Southern California, he knew that Djihanian’s Background export51564-story.html), and after graduation and the participants all repeat that their busi- Armenians are clearly affected by the coron- Djihanian is well prepared through his prior from UCLA worked for a number of members of nesses are in dire straits right now. The pro- avirus shutdown. He said that in general, immi- career in politics for both his broader tasks for Congress in Washington. During election years, gram ran out of money a week ago, before some grants play an oversize role in commerce, with the US Chamber of Commerce as well as for he managed political campaigns in different businesses even had time to submit their appli- nearly two-thirds of all “main street” businesses working with the local Armenian business com- parts of the country, most recently as the com- cations, so Djihanian and his colleagues in the in the Los Angeles metropolitan area owned by munity. He has worked closely with the munications director for Tommy Thompson’s US Chamber are trying to get Congressional immigrant entrepreneurs, according to a Armenian Assembly of America and ANCA on Senate campaign. members to replenish those funds. It is a 350- January 2015 survey (https://www.as- issues like Armenian Genocide recognition in Djihanian said that he noticed that many billion-dollar loan program but if used properly coa.org/sites/default/files/ImmigrantBusiness the past. members of Congress did not know how to even for payroll and certain other business expenses, Report.pdf). When he was in Glendale working for local look at a balance sheet, and that led him to it will be forgiven for the borrowers and thus More specifically, he said, “Armenians tradi- congressman Jim Rogan, back in August 2000, want to go to business school to learn more turn into a grant. tionally are risktakers and entrepreneurship Djihanian said he helped organize the meeting about economics and finance. He went back to The second program is the preexisting Small seems like a natural place for many of us to go. at the former’s behest of Speaker Dennis UCLA, and after graduating from the Anderson Business Administration’s Economic Injury Sometimes immigrants when they first arrive Hastert and Glendale Armenian community School of Management there, found a position Disaster Loan Program (EIDL), which CARES do not have transferrable skills or degrees. They leaders. Hastert had pledged at that meeting to at the US Chamber of Commerce. Djihanian expanded. It is supposed to offer loans up to 2 don’t have a network to be able to find a job, so bring the Armenian Genocide resolution to the said with his current position, “I get to work at million dollars at favorable rates as well as ten- they create their own businesses and end up House floor for a vote, and Rogan had strongly the intersection of politics and business.” S ATURDAY, M AY 2 , 2 0 2 0 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 13 COMMUNITY NEWS Karl Lagasse: ‘Our Ancestry Plays a Role Even if We Are Unaware’

monumental sculpture for the 65th Festival of from just a dollar. But really, what captured my light in the darkness. We can have a great By Artsvi Bakhchinyan Cannes in cooperation with Corbis. Since 2017, attention was the phrase on the back of the bill, impact for the good if we all just give a little of Lagasse has been the creator of the trophy for “In God We Trust.” I was awestruck that such our gifts. Special to the Mirror-Spectator the American Film Festival in Deauville. an admirable expression, so far from what I sup- Please tell us about your parents. Winners of the American Film Festival trophy posed commercial trade to be, would be seen on I have been influenced by many great artists, YEREVAN/PARIS — French painter, sculptor include Johnny Depp, Sarah Jessica Parker, a bill. This led to me exploring more of what it my parents included. I choose the things I and photographer of Armenian descent Karl Morgan Freeman, Elle Fanning, Kate would mean to have the dollar as an art piece. admire in their characters and I implement Lagasse began his artistic journey with his col- Beckinsale, Darren Aronofsky, Jason Clarke, You successfully cooperated with film festi- them not only in my professional life but per- lages when he was 7 years old. French sculptor Jeff Goldblum, Laura Dern, Michelle Rodriguez, vals – Cannes and Deauville. What can a sonal as well. Thanks to my parents, I was able César Baldaccini Pierce Brosnan, Robert Pattinson, Sophie sculptor offer to contemporary film world? to see that art can be more than just pleasure, inspired Karl to con- Turner and Woody Harrelson. I know my skill as a sculptor has been height- but also a profession. I might not have chosen tinue developing his In 2009, Artprice named Karl Lagasse as one ened with exposure to the film world. All art to be an artist if I hadn’t been already exposed work. In 2003 Lagasse of the top 10 sculptors under 30 in the world. forms are tightly woven together whether it is to the notion. prepared his first In 2012 the New York publishers Farameh film, music, painting, sculpture, music, poetry, Although you deal with painting, collages exposition in Paris. selected Lagasse for their book, For Which It dance, architecture. It is hard for one to thrive and photography, you consider yourself more His first solo show, Stands: Americana in Contemporary Art, in without the assistance of another art form. A sculptor. Maybe working with stones comes presenting his which he is represented as one of the 50 best sculptor has the ability to quite literally set the from your Armenian genes? “Building” sculptures, contemporary artists who found inspiration scene, be it for film or other occasions. I have It does feel as if I was always meant to do was in 2006 in through traditional American icons. collaborated with Maserati on several occa- what I am doing in sculpting. Our ancestry Brussels. Two years During the 2016 Art Paris Art Fair, the sions, one of which, I created an installation plays a role even if we are unaware. The path later, at the Theatre President of the France personally congratulat- called “A Piece of Heaven on Earth.” I’m on in life was laid out for me long before I Espace Pierre Cardin ed Lagasse for the success of his 2-meter Your works bear a message of peace, which came into being. The journey that led me to in Paris, Lagasse bronze “One Dollar” sculpture displayed at the is urgent for our troubled times. Do you where I am today, started in Armenia with my Karl Lagasse showed paintings Grand Palais. believe in having a special mission and the ancestors. There might have been even another and sculptures with Dear Karl, in 2009 you came into promi- influence of art on the world? sculptor in the mix. I feel the importance of the added elements of nence with your “One Dollar” sculptures. Let Absolutely! We, all of us, possess gifts. My gift steps taken by those that came before me, as do videography and photography. me start our interview with a joke – how is in artistry. The more I have grown as a per- I feel the importance of the steps I take for the In Deauville in 2012, Lagasse offered the city many dollars bring your “One Dollars?” son and artist the more I’ve seen the impor- generations to come. his bronze “Cryptogram One” with a message I am humbled to be able to make a living with tance of sending out into the world positive Have you any idea where your Armenian of peace and love, which has been installed at just a $1. I started out with the idea because I messages. I choose to share my gifts with the ancestors came from and is anything the entrance of the city. In 2012, he created a was intrigued with the notion of making art world in a positive way, if only to shed a little Armenian in your personality and art? One of my kids has a birthmark thanks to his Armenian ancestry. It is endearing. I am sure there are a lot of Armenian traits that I possess that I am not even aware. I have been to Armenia in search of answers to many ques- tions, but I still have much to learn. The art field is quite active and interesting in Armenia and the Diaspora. Do you have any Armenian inspirations? I must say that music is very inspiring and important in helping me create. This is how I met my wife, who is a singer. I enjoy the Armenian singer Liz Sarian among many oth- ers. I would love to visit more and discover more of the art scene. “One Dollar” is a kind of symbol of American dream. What about creating “Armenian Dram” – as a symbol of Armenian statehood and desire for increasing of Armenia’s economy? The symbolism within the “One Dollar” is universal that is another reason why I chose it. I believe it represents us all. Strength, freedom, and the self-made man are just some of the pow- erful messages I wish to communicate to the

The “One Dollar” sculpture

world as a whole. Honestly, I would love to be the artistic mind behind the creation of a real currency. If I could do this for Armenia, that would be an honor. In 2014 you traveled to Armenia. Do you think about returning with a special project? I have many projects in the near future and some of them will impact the Armenian people directly. I immediately fell in love with the coun- try and its people. I felt very alive and inspired during my last visit. I will bring my family the next time I come and look forward to my return very soon. 14 S ATURDAY, M AY 2 , 2 0 2 0 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMENTARY

EDITORIAL Mirror Armenia and Russia on a Collision Course

Putin visited Armenia to attend an alliance conference, he took Spectator By Edmond Y. Azadian time in his tight schedule to visit Bella Kocharyan, the former president’s wife. Authorities in Armenia were not oblivious to the gesture but they kept Kocharyan in his jail cell, refusing to As Armenia was engulfed in internal squabbles, a Russian consider his presumption of innocence before the trial and its bomb was lobbed into the political forum which mushroomed to subsequent verdict. cover the entire horizon. This was either an arrogant political affront to Russia’s presi- EstablishedEstablishe d1932 1932 Since the middle of March, the entire state apparatus, with its dent or it was commissioned by outside quarters to intimidate ministers and parliament members, was mobilized to criticize Russia’s president. AnA nADL AD LPublication Publication His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians, for a sin- This unfolding case, accompanied by an anti-Russian chorus gle sentence in which he asked for house arrest for former comprising government ministers, members of parliament and a President Robert Kocharyan, instead of prison, in light of the plethora of news outlets friendly to the government, did not danger of COVID-19. leave observers in Moscow indifferent. EDITOR The controversy had hardly died down when the same estab- On the Armenian front, the anti-Russian campaign conducted Alin K. Gregorian lishment, aided and abetted by a friendly press, had found anoth- by such prominent commentators such as Levon Shirinyan,

ASSISTANT EDITOR er piece of trivia to turn into a huge political controversy: a stu- Hakob Patalyan, movie director and president of the European Aram Arkun dio technician had left a mike live 15 minutes before the prime Party Tigran Khzmalyan and a number of government officials minister’s planned nationwide address last week. Recriminations writing under assumed names. ART DIRECTOR Mr. Lavrov’s other bomb was more frightful and damaging. He Marc Mgrditchian were made and resignations demanded. Unfortunately, that kind of mobilization of forces against stated that the foreign minsters of Armenia and Azerbaijan had minor issues reveals nervousness by the administration. One been negotiating on a document which calls for a) a phased solu- begins to wonder if the new government believes itself to be so tion to the Karabakh conflict, b) that the first step has to be the weak that it is shaken by such trivial problems. partial evacuation of Armenian forces from territories around Those issues should fade into the background as Sergey Karabakh and c) no changes could be made to the format of SENIOR EDITORIAL COLUMNIST: Edmond Y. Azadian Lavrov, Russia’s foreign minister, detonated a much larger bomb negotiations proposed by one party. for Armenians to worry about. The attack came as a surprise but This last item refers to Armenia’s plea to involve representa- CONTRIBUTORS: Florence Avakian, Dr. Haroutiun Arzoumanian, Philippe Raffi Kalfayan, Philip Ketchian, Kevork Keushkerian, Harut Sassounian, Hagop Vartivarian, Naomi Zeytoonian

CORRESPONDENTS: Armenia - Hagop Avedikian Boston - Nancy Kalajian Los Angeles - Taleen Babayan Berlin - Muriel Mirak-Weissbach

Contributing Photographers: Jirair Hovsepian

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in fact, had been in the making for a long time. tives of Karabakh as a third party at the negotiation table. U.S.A. $80 a year Lavrov’s public statement puts Armenian-Russian relations A comment is appropriate here: Russia has acted as a ballast into a new perspective instantaneously. Canada $125 a year as the co-chairman of the Organization for Security and On April 21, Lavrov lobbed two consecutive salvos at Yerevan. Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Minsk Group, not necessarily to Other Countries $190 a year The first was a response to Yerevan on Moscow’s decision to favor Armenia, but to have control of the situation. Now that raise gas prices, and the second was a blunt statement on the Moscow has let loose, the other two chairs, US and France, will solution to the Nagorno Karabakh (Artsakh) impasse, which be on the same side, tilting towards Azerbaijan. © 2014 The Armenian Mirror-Spectator turns on its head all the negotiations, expectations and methods When a NATO member (Turkey), and a virtual NATO member Periodical Class Postage Paid at Boston, MA that the Armenian side has entertained and relied on. (Israel), have set up shop on Azerbaijan’s territory, it is not dif- and additional mailing offices. Years ago Armenia signed a lopsided deal with Russia to buy ficult to imagine that France and the US will side with gas. Moscow determines the price of gas delivered to Armenia and Azerbaijan. And now that Russia has decided to teach a lesson ISSN 0004-234X the latter has to accept it, since it has no alternative. What is to Armenia, the wishes of the two other chairs has been fulfilled. unusual is that demand is at its lowest point now. Had it been a The Russian foreign minister was referring to the Madrid POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The moment where there is a high demand on energy, Moscow could Principles which call for stage-by-stage solutions. Armenians Armenian Mirror-Spectator, 755 Mount Auburn at least have a fig leaf to justify its decision. However, there is a have been adamantly opposed to those principles, because they St., Watertown, MA 02472 glut of gas and oil and prices are plummeting globally. Therefore, don’t address the status issue at the outset. Other than the editorial, views and opinions the price increase indicates a political punitive message. Reacting to Lavrov’s statement, one Karabakh leader, Ashod expressed in this newspaper do not necessarily This is not the first time that Moscow has used its energy Ghoulyan, said that the stage-by-stage solution can be consid- reflect the policies of the publisher. resources for a political end. We have witnessed this in Ukraine ered, depending which stage comes first. Under Mr. Lavrov’s pro- and elsewhere in Europe. posal, ceding territory without a counter measure will only leave This time around, Russia did not need that fig leaf, as Mr. the Armenian positions vulnerable. As territorial concessions Lavrov’s response was accompanied by a reprimand that when will leave the Armenian position weakened, we cannot rule out Russia delivered gas to Armenia and Belarus below market Azerbaijani aggression to use that weakness. As such, no soon- Copying for other than personal use or price, considering them strategic allies, there was no complaint. er had Mr. Lavrov made his statement than an Azerbaijani drone internal reference is prohibited without And then, he went on to lambaste Armenia’s launching a crimi- was shot down over Karabakh territory. express permission of the copyright nal law suit against Gazprom and the South Caucasus Railway, On the other hand, a mysterious chain of events was owner. Address requests for reprints or both Russian companies that operate in Armenia. unleashed to attack Azeri Foreign Minister Elmar back issues to: The signals indicating tensions had been given much earlier Mammadyarov, paving the way for Hikmet Hajiyev, the foreign when President Vladimir Putin sent birthday messages to affairs advisor to President Ilham Aliyev. Mr. Hajiyev’s first Kocharyan when the latter was behind bars. And when Mr. continued on next page Baikar Association, Inc. 755 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA 02472-1509 S ATURDAY, M AY 2 , 2 0 2 0 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 15 COMMENTARY

Genocide. The only reason he used Meds Yeghern is to avoid 1) He also used the Armenian term Meds Yeghern, follow- saying Armenian Genocide. Meds Yeghern was used by ing in the footsteps of President Barack Obama. Fortunately, Armenians before Raphael Lemkin coined the term Armenian he also used the term Armenian Genocide which President Genocide in the 1940’s. Meds Yeghern is merely a description Trump did not do. of what happened to Armenians in 1915, while genocide is a 2) Amazingly, never once in his lengthy statement Mr. My Turn term of international law that has legal consequences. The Biden mentions the name of the country that perpetrated the two are not the same at all. Genocide. He mentions neither the Ottoman Empire nor By Harut Sassounian President Trump continued his four-year long evasive posi- Turkey. This is a very serious issue that goes far beyond mere tion on the Armenian Genocide despite the fact that last fall negligence. It must be an intentional avoidance for political both the House and Senate overwhelmingly adopted a reso- purposes which raises the concern that if Biden is this sensi- Trump Does not Have the Guts to lution acknowledging the Armenian Genocide against the tive about Turkey now as a candidate, how sensitive would he Call it ‘Armenian Genocide’ wishes of the White House. Regrettably, Turkophile Trump is be if elected President? not about to go against the wishes of Turkey’s President Of course, many Armenian-Americans will not forget that as On April 24, 2020, President Donald Trump issued anoth- Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Trump’s beloved friend and anti- President Obama’s Vice President, Biden did not try to con- er one of his denialist statements on the Armenian Genocide, American dictator. vince the President to keep his multiple promises on the calling it “Armenian Remembrance Day.” This is the fourth Justifiably, both Armenian-American organizations in Armenian Genocide, unless he did it quietly behind closed year in a row that as president he has issued the same evasive Washington, D.C., criticized President Trump for his unwel- doors. In his defense, Vice Presidents do not decide policy; statement which uses every euphemism for genocide except come April 24 statement. The Armenian National Committee Presidents do. I agree with all those who do not trust promis- the one word that truly characterizes the mass crime that of America (ANCA), in a statement titled, “President Trump es made during presidential campaigns which are forgotten Ottoman Turkey committed against Armenians 1915-1923. Tightens Turkey’s Grip over White House Policy on the soon after assuming the presidency, since the Armenian- Hopefully, with the coming presidential elections on Nov. 3, Armenian Genocide,” sharply condemned the President by American community was deceived many times during previ- 2020, this will be his last year as President and his last such calling him, “the last remaining American enforcer of ous presidential campaigns by candidates from both parties. statement! Ankara’s gag-rule against honest U.S. remembrance of this At least in the case of President Trump he did not make any Someone close to President Trump has to tell him that his crime.” ANCA’s Executive Director Aram Hamparian stated: campaign promises on the Armenian Genocide, but he did annual meaningless statements on April 24 are not winning “Armenian Genocide denial is a policy manufactured in not recognize it either. him any points with the Armenian-American community. On Ankara, exported to America, and enforced in Washington by In conclusion, President Trump and his predecessors since the contrary, he is offending them by issuing the same denial- President Trump. Once again, President Trump copied and President Reagan have no valid reason to be concerned ist statement year after year. He should be told that if he can- pasted the transparently euphemistic, patently offensive April about Turkey’s negative reaction to US recognition of the not tell the truth, he should not say anything at all. He is in 24th evasions issued by Barack Obama and his other prede- Armenian Genocide. As we saw last fall, after the House and fact offending the Armenian-American community. President cessors — essentially isolating his Administration as the last Senate adopted resolutions on the Armenian Genocide, there Ronald Reagan, a much more popular president than Trump, major American co-conspirator in Turkey’s obstruction of jus- was hardly any reaction from the Turkish government, except issued a Presidential Proclamation on April 22, 1981, tice for the Armenian Genocide…. Having promised an for a brief and mild expression of its unhappiness which was acknowledging the Armenian Genocide. So, we do not need America First presidency, President Trump has pursued a soon forgotten. Therefore, the obsessive fear of a harsh reac- President Trump’s euphemistic words on the Armenian Turkey First policy on the Armenian Genocide.” tion from Turkey is pure fantasy and not a valid concern! Genocide! The Armenian Assembly of America also criticized Those who think I am criticizing President Trump for par- Instead of Genocide, here are the words that President President Trump in a press release: “President Donald tisan political reasons, I would like to remind everyone that I Trump used in this year’s April 24 statement: “Armenian Trump’s April 24th statement on the 105th anniversary of have written many articles harshly critical of President Bill Remembrance Day,” “the lives lost during the Meds the Armenian Genocide misses the mark, fosters denial, and Clinton and President Barack Obama, both Democrats. Yeghern,” “one of the worst atrocities of the 20th century,” does not reflect America’s proud record of genocide affirma- Update on April 24 Virtual March “1 and a half million Armenians were deported, massacred, or tion…. The Administration’s departure from the norms of As a follow-up to my last week’s note urging everyone to marched to their deaths in the final years of the Ottoman human rights, established over a century ago, diminishes the join the April24.HyeID.org’s virtual march, I am pleased to Empire,” “those who suffered and lost their lives,” “tragedy,” standing of the U.S. government in the world community. It report that over 340,000 Armenians and others from around “painful history,” and “those who suffered and perished.” remains for the Administration to unequivocally affirm the the world clicked on the link demanding justice for Turkey’s Most troubling was President Trump’s use of the Armenian Armenian Genocide.” Genocide of 1.5 million Armenians in 1915. This initiative was term “Meds Yeghern,” which means “Great Crime,” but is On the other hand, Democratic Presidential candidate Joe organized by the HyeID non-profit organization that will meaningless for most Americans. Yet, there are politically Biden issued a statement on April 24, titled: “Statement by announce shortly its initiative of setting up a network that naive Armenians who are fooled by this term, thinking that Vice President Joe Biden on Armenian Genocide will enable Armenians worldwide to elect local Armenian rep- President Trump is acknowledging the Armenian Genocide. If Remembrance Day.” Candidate Biden said all the right things resentatives from throughout the Diaspora who will form the that was the case, he would have used the term Armenian in his statement, except for two key points: Diaspora Armenian Parliament.

Armenia and Russia on a Collision Course Reflections on the from previous page future status of Karabakh. reaction to those developments was to issue his own ulti- As we can see, Moscow has landed a two-pronged matum that given Armenia’s intransigence; there remains attack on Armenia to weaken the country’s economy 105th Anniversary no alternative but a military one. It is interesting that and to place a big question mark on the strategic while these co-chairs were negotiating on the principle alliance of the two countries. Referring to the alliance, that there can be no military solution to the conflict, Mr. Lavrov stated, “Yerevan too should demonstrate its Of the Genocide there was complete silence to the Azeri statement. commitment to the Russian-Armenian alliance by drop- Throughout all the negotiations, no matter what for- ping ‘inappropriate’ criminal proceedings against major mat was proposed by the co-chairs, Azerbaijan persis- Russian companies.” By Serena Hajjar tently held to one single position: To allow a special But the mood in Armenia is oblivious to the gravity level of autonomy for Artsakh under Baku’s rule. of the situation. Indeed, one of the most popular com- Today, Armenians worldwide commemorate the 105th anniversary of President Aliyev went even further, claiming Armenia mentators in Armenia, Levon Shirinyan, is asking the the Armenian Genocide, the first genocide of the 20th century. As we itself as “historic Azerbaijani territory,” again with no Armenian government to “nationalize” the Russian honor the memory of the 1.5 million Armenians annihilated at the hands reaction from the co-chairs. companies. of the Ottoman Empire, I was inspired to reflect on what it means to be Azerbaijan has not agreed to any other solution, nei- The other threat is more serious as it refers to an Armenian in the Diaspora. ther publicly nor during the negotiations. Therefore, Karabakh. Being Armenian is something that permeates every aspect of my being. weakening the Armenian position will strengthen The Armenian side is putting too much emphasis on “Armenian-ness” exists not simply in the foods I eat. It is embedded in the Baku’s hand to become even more belligerent. the Russian military base in Gyumri. It is no secret that thoughts I think, the words I see, the music I hear, and the world I touch. Here below is Mr. Lavrov’s statement. Referring to Russia’s military presence in Armenia goes far beyond There is no sound sweeter than that of my mother tongue, no melody that documents on the negotiation table, Lavrov said, guaranteeing Armenia’s security, by projecting the pulls at my heart strings like one by Arno Babajanian. “Those documents imply progress in the settlement on Russian forces throughout the Middle East. But observ- “Armenian-ness” is not just a costume I can selectively don and shed at the basis of a phased approach. I believe the first stage ing Russia’s behavior or the military presence issue, we my convenience. It is a sacred element of my past and an inescapable part is the solution of the most pressing problems, the liber- can safely assume that Russia can survive without that of my future. ation of a number of areas around Nagorno Karabakh base. With the current technology of warfare, Russia Indeed, being Armenian today is nothing less than a privilege, a testa- and unblocking of transport, economy and other com- can find alternatives; it launched air raids over Syria ment to my ancestors’ survival. With this tremendous privilege comes a munications.” from Iranian territory and hit missile targets in Syria remarkable amount of responsibility - a duty to honor our brave forefa- Once the Armenian forces move out of those territo- from its naval forces in the Caspian Sea. Also, when thers and vibrant culture by living my heritage every day: speaking the lan- ries, Azerbaijan’s population will return, no one knows Georgia asked for the removal of the Russian base in guage, remembering the history, and, eventually, baptizing my future chil- if armed or unarmed. And yet, the status issue will be Javakhk, Moscow complied even before the expiration dren in “Armenian-ness,” as my parents lovingly did for me. up in the air with the potential danger of co-chairing of the treaty. The same thing happened when It is an undeniable fact that the Genocide remains a deep and painful countries colluding with Baku to forcing the Armenian Azerbaijan asked for the removal of a listening post trauma in our history, a wound which will fester as long as its existence side to be left to the tender mercies of Azeri authorities. from its territory. continues to be denied and erased by nations around the world. Armenia’s Foreign Minister Zohrab Mnatsakanyan In light of this record, the comment of a government Nevertheless, being Armenian does not begin - and most certainly does not responded with a statement, which leaves many critical official hiding behind the assumed name of Aram end - with the Genocide. To think otherwise would be an insult to our pro- issues unanswered. Amadouni sounds hollow as he states, “If Russia loses lific culture and tenacious survivors. Mr. Mnatsakanyan stated: “The top priority for the its base in Armenia, it will lose the Caucasus.” We have repeatedly proven throughout our ancient history that for Armenian side is security. As for the territory that Mr. The situation should not have gotten to this point. every attempt by an outside force to extinguish our fire, our spirit burns Lavrov mentioned, it is among other things, a security We have a confrontation on our hands. Armenia and a bit brighter. Imagine how splendidly it burns today, 105 years later, as belt and a defensive line. In no way could Armenians Russia are on a collision course. Somebody in this we all unite to proudly proclaim our “Armenian-ness.” even imagine endangering the security of the people of young and proud government has to be able to stop this Nagorno Karabakh.” dangerous course in its tracks and chart a wiser one. (Serena Hajjar is graduating from the University of Pennsylvania in Noticeably absent in its statement is the issue of the May. She was a former intern at the Armenian Mirror-Spectator.) 16 S ATURDAY, M AY 2 , 2 0 2 0 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR

Gyumri and return to my hometown near Washington, D.C. As other half to Aregak Bakery & Café, Armenia’s first café to it is, 95 percent of my job duties have been moved online, so employ people with disabilities. Right now, they’re running a Searching the transition to remote work has been only a bother, not a cri- campaign called “Our Daily Bread” to bake and send free sis. I still earn my paycheck, and with no dependents, I live loaves to the most vulnerable among us. They need all the comfortably on the few hundred dollars/month I make here. help they can get. That is more than can be said for the majority of residents. Of course, many of you who are reading this are also in des- For Silver In 1988, Gyumri and its surrounding region was decimat- perate straits. I’m glad that there is a check coming your way. ed by an earthquake that razed more than twenty factories I also know that many of you, like me, are blessed to be work- and killed 25,000 people. The city has never recovered. When ing from home. If you are financially able, would you consid- I ride the marshrutka (minibus) to work each day, I pass several rubble strewn Linings buildings and domiks, “temporary” homes made of shipping containers in which some families are still living more than 30 GYUMRI, Armenia – When my colleague and I called years after the quake. Since 1988, the Katrin for a video-chat check-in, the 10-year-old floored us. economy has profoundly suffered. Before “This quarantine has helped me improve my relationship the pandemic, the unemployment rate with my little brother,” she told us matter-of-factly. hovered over 18 percent; now, it’s climb- Katrin is one of the 120 ing higher, and affecting families like children who attend Emili Katrin’s and Grigor’s*. By Sarah Stites Aregak, the social therapeu- Ten-year-old Grigor has elfishly mis- tic center for kids with dis- chievous eyes, a sunny smile and Down abilities in Gyumri, Syndrome. He too attends our center for Armenia, where I work. She loves to speak Russian, is usual- socialization activities and lunch, and like ly sporting two braids, and has cerebral palsy. Katrin’s, his family operates on a tight Many of our kids who use wheelchairs rarely leave the budget. For Grigor’s father, cleaning a house, due to the inaccessible stairs, sidewalks and trans- graveyard plot was the last in a string of portation in our community. But Katrin’s mom has always seasonal, low-pay jobs. His earnings? $6. Grigor participating in music therapy at Emili Aregak prioritized integration. She pushes hard to make sure Katrin Usually, the family buys food on credit and enjoys a life similar to those of others her age. pays their local market upon receiving While this time at home has been difficult for Katrin, she some government support at the end of the month. But now er giving all or a portion of your $1200 to a worthy nonprofit has been an example to me as she searches for the bright side that many families are in tight straits, the store manager has which will allocate it to the most vulnerable – kids like Katrin and thinks of others less fortunate than she. been forced to turn them away. Grigor’s family is well and Grigor? The car Katrin’s dad had been using for his taxi service acquainted with living on bread alone. If our center hadn’t Let us pray for a swift end to this global catastrophe. In the broke down some time ago and he didn’t have the funds come through to help them, they’d be doing so now. meantime, may you simultaneously search for the silver lin- needed to fix it. He rented another, and then Coronavirus When I read about the $1,200 I’d be receiving from the ings and remember those suffering more intensely than you. struck and the taxi industry took a hit. Until our center U.S. government, it seemed so unjust in the light of these brought food and hygiene items, the family didn’t know how children’s stories. But then, like Katrin, I found the silver lin- (A native of the Washington, D.C. metro area, Sarah it would weather the storm on the small disability and wel- ing. I have been given a unique opportunity to bless others, Stites is an alumna of Birthright Armenia. She currently fare checks they receive. so I’ll donate half of that money to Emili Aregak, a nonprof- works as the communications and fundraising officer at Fast forward to me. If things got really bad, I could leave it I trust to help the families I know and love. I’ll give the Emili Aregak, a project of Armenian Caritas in Gyumri.) Benefactor, Entrepreneur Aso Tavitian Dies

TAVITIAN, from page 1 Tavitian Foundation where his generosity and Ohanessian. He was predeceased by his par- called me giving the sad news that the doc- his English teacher of minimal means made his passions flourished. Always keeping his her- ents, Ohanes Garabed Tavitian and Armeno tors diagnosed him with cancer. He sounded education possible. itage close to his heart, he strived to strength- Mavi Tavitian and brother, Henry O. Tavitian optimistic and positive. This act of generosity and kindness is one en the governance of the Republic of Armenia and his first wife, Arlene Tavitian. “Three days before his passing when I was that he never forgot. Throughout his life’s as well as providing educational opportunities In a lengthy appreciation, former Primate speaking with Aso I reminded him the Easter journey, Tavitian was a model of integrity and for individuals of Armenian ethnicity. Tavitian of the Diocese of Armenian Church of the US celebration at St. Vartan Cathedral in 2011, decency. He approached every part of life with supported research on issues of significance (Eastern), a longtime friend, said, “In Aso when he became the godfather of the release intellectual rigor but also with enthusiasm for a globalized world and his love of the arts. Tavitian’s person I saw a great example how of 12 doves on the plaza of the Cathedral fol- and a generosity of spirit. He was passionate His Foundation’s work on strengthening an Armenian today needs to be. He was patri- lowing the celebration of the Divine Liturgy. about the arts and his heritage. He was loved the governance of the Republic of Armenia otic but also religious. In his mind Nation and The release of the doves on Easter Sunday has and respected by all who knew him. includes the organization of a series of six- Church are united. He understood very well been the great symbol of Christ’s Resurrection Tavitian attended Columbia University and month special training programs for mid-level the role of the Armenian Church in the past, and through which the gift of eternal life given graduated in 1965 with a Master of Science employees in various Armenian ministries and today and in the future. He was always ready to us by God. Aso with a joyful voice respond- degree in nuclear engineering and in 1969, he governmental institutions. These programs to help and support Armenia and the ed to my reminder saying ‘Srpazan, we will do co-founded Syncsort Inc. and was its CEO have been designed in conjunction with the Armenian Church. His very close and warm it again.’ I am sure Aso’s deep conviction of the from 1975 until April of 2008 and continued faculty of the Tufts University Fletcher relationship with His to be involved with Syncsort at the Board School of Law and International Diplomacy Holiness Karekin II, level until 2015. and are taught at Fletcher. The pride in his Catholicos of All In 1995, he established and funded the work could not be more evident than when Armenians has been attending the student graduations. There great demonstration have been close to 350 graduates of this pro- that besides the per- gram, Tavitian Scholars. sonal feelings Tavitian’s efforts were by the government of towards Vehapar he IMF Plans $280 Million in Armenia through the awarding of the Order was also a strong sup- of Honor on October 7, 2017 as well as the porter of the Emergency Funding For Prime Minister’s Medal in 2012. Tavitian was Armenian Church Armenia awarded Honorary Doctorates from Tufts hand its center, he University and Yerevan State University. Mother See of Holy IMF, from page 1 (To see a feature about Tavitian by corre- Echmiadzin. Ustyugova said that IMF officials have rec- spondent Florence Avakian, visit https://mir- I saw my beloved ommended the $280 million disbursement to rorspectator.com/2017/11/02/aso-tavitian- good friend Aso dur- the fund’s executive board, which should life-full-grace-giving/) ing last November, at Tavitian was a member of the Council on his town house in approve it in the second half of May. She said Aso Tavitian with religious leaders the sum includes a $248 million “stand-by Foreign Relations, the Board of Trustees of New York when I was arrangement” which was allocated to Armenia the Carnegie Endowment for International accompanying His in May 2019 and has not been used by the lat- Peace, the Board of Trustees of the Frick Holiness Karekin ter until now. Museum in New York, NY and the Board of Catholicos for a meeting there with some life’s eternity and that spiritual connection and “Also, the [Armenian] authorities have Trustees of the Clark Museum in other Armenian leaders. The discussion was the loving, caring and sincere relationship requested additional financial help from the Williamstown, Mass. “the Armenian Church in the 21th century”. remains always eternal.” IMF to help pay for the economic support pro- He is survived by his wife, Isabella This very timely and important project was A private service was held for immediate gram and necessary healthcare expenditures in Meisinger; his stepdaughter, Natalie Barnett led by Aso responding to Vehapar’s request. family members and a memorial service will the current environment,” said Ustyugova. (Forrest Barnett); granddaughter, Annika; He was leading this project very passionately, be planned at a future date. The Armenian government has promised a cousins, Anahid Tatcheva, Anahid because he was aligned with Vehapar to see a In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to wide range of coronavirus-related compensato- Hatzigeorgiou (Aristotle Hatzigeorgiou); his much better organized Armenian Church in The American Red Cross towards the ry measures, including cash payments to a large godsons, Aris Hatzigeorgiou and Athan this 21th century. Coronavirus Outbreak fund https://www.red- part of the population, financial assistance to Hatzigeorgiou; cousins Philippe Ohanessian “We used to speak with each other on the cross.org/ . To send remembrances to his businesses and loan subsidies for farmers. (Sylvia Ohanessian) and Jean Philippe phone regularly. About six months ago he family go to www.finnertyandstevens.com