NOVEMBER 14, 2015 Mirror-SpeTHE ARMENIAN ctator Volume LXXXVI, NO. 18, Issue 4412 $ 2.00 NEWS INBRIEF The First English Language Armenian Weekly in the United States Since 1932 Delegation from 65 Diasporan Tekeyan Members Visit Armenian Companies Headed for Tehran TEHRAN (PanArmenian.net) — A delegation Vahan Tekeyan Schools in Armenia repreesnting 65 top Armenian companies, headed by the country’s Economy Minister Karen Chshmarityan, left Armenia for Iran on November YEREVAN (Azg) — This year marks the 9. According to the Mehr news agency, Levon 15th anniversary of the founding of the Aharonian, the chief of the Armenia-Iran Joint Sponsor a Teacher Program of the Tekeyan Chamber of Commerce (AIJCC), relayed this infor- Cultural Association (TCA) of United States mation to reporters and added that the visit aims and Canada in Armenia and Karabagh. to boost trade and business cooperation. During the last 15 years, the project has The Armenian business heads are scheduled to raised more than $648,000 and reached meet with their Iranian partners and counter- out to 5,404 teachers and school workers parts. Referring to the prospects of Tehran- in Armenia and Karabagh. Throughout this Yerevan trade ties, Aharonian noted that Iran- period, Maro Bedrosian, treasurer of the Armenia trade volume amounted to $400 million TCA Board of Directors of US and Canada, from March 21, 2014 to March 21, 2015, and has headed the project. Letters of thanks to expressed the hope that the figures will be sponsors and donors have been mailed pro- improved in the future. viding the names of the teachers they have Armenia was the 23rd biggest importer of sponsored, visits to schools have been doc- Iranian non-oil goods in the first half of the current umented and photographed, and articles Iranian calendar year (March 21-September 22), have been written in various newspapers, according to the Iran Customs Administration. Iran including Azg in Yerevan; Abaka in exported bitumen, oil, industrial lubricants, and Montreal, Canada; the Armenian Observer soybean oil to Armenia and imported sheep, waste and Nor Or in California; and the Armenian aluminum and cast-iron in return. Mirror-Spectator in Boston, covering the Also Tehran exported $63.847 million worth delegations’ visits to the schools. Once a non-oil goods to Armenia and imported $5.409 mil- year, the names of all donors are published lion of non-oil goods from the country in the six- in the above newspapers. TCA members from US, Canada, England and Greece in front of the bust of Vahan Tekeyan month period. The Sponsor a Teacher Program began with students of Garpi School see TEACHERS, page 8 Historic Photo Genocide Concerning St. Nersess Nazarian Family Donates MRI Unit Museum Director Seminary To Heratsi Hospital in Yerevan NEW YORK — A historic photograph which per- Demoyan Reflects tains to the article “St. Nersess Seminary on the NEW YORK and YEREVAN — On September 23, a new MRI unit was inaugu- Threshold of a New Era,” written by Hagop rated at the Heratsi Hospital in Yerevan thanks to a $1.4 million donation by On Centennial Vartivarian in the October 31 issue of the Mirror- AGBU Board of Trustees Member Nazar Nazarian, his wife Artemis and their son, Spectator, sheds light on the efforts to raise funds AGBU Central Board Member Dr. Levon Nazarian. The ceremony was attended By Aram Arkun by AGBU President Berge Mirror-Spectator Staff Setrakian, Minister of Education of the Republic of WATERTOWN — Dr. Hayk Demoyan, Armenia Armen Ashotyan, director since 2006 of the Armenian Minister of Health of the Genocide Museum-Institute of the National Republic of Armenia Armen Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Muradyan and Yerevan State Armenia, the only major museum dedicat- Medical University (YSMU) ed primarily to the Rector Mikayel Narimanyan. Berge Setrakian and Mikayel Narimanyan signed Armenian Genocide in The MRI unit is an addi- a cooperation agreement to continue the partner- the world, recently vis- tion to the AGBU-YSMU ship between AGBU and YSMU. ited Massachusetts to for the seminary. From left, Mr. and Mrs. Arsen Levon and Claudia Nazarian speak about the latest Hanamirian, Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, the Radiology Center, founded in activities of the muse- late Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin I and Dr. 2010, and will allow the center to perform medical tests unavailable at other hos- um, especially in light and Mrs. Raffy Hovanessian are pictured meeting pitals in Armenia. The new device provides high quality images that enable accu- of the centennial com- rate diagnoses. Narimanyan said that, due to the new MRI unit, doctors will be at St. David’s Church in Florida. memorations. Hayk Demoyan see MRI, page 2 Demoyan has been deeply involved with the commemorations not only in his capacity as the museum director but also INSIDE as secretary of the coordinating commis- sion created by the government of Armenia in 2011 to promote the com- memoration of the centennial of the Armenian Genocide. 100 Lives Demoyan stated that the state commis- sion to commemorate the centennial is And More unique because nearly all Armenian orga- nizations throughout the diaspora were included. Demoyan noted that through this Page 4 body, “we had dialogue. Each community had its ties with the Armenian state com- mission, not as a subordinate but in a col- INDEX laborative manner.” Consequently, he Arts and Living ...... 10 worked on many occasions with different Armenia ...... 2 committees in different countries, with the Community News...... 4 The MRI unit is an addition to the AGBU-YSMU Levon and Claudia Nazarian cooperation of the Armenian Ministry of Editorial ...... 14 Radiology Center the Diaspora and a network was created. International ...... 3 Demoyan assessed its work as successful, see DEMOYAN, page 2 2 S ATURDAY, N OVEMBER 1 4 , 2 0 1 5 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR ARMENIA News From Armenia Genocide Museum Director Reflects on Centennial

DEMOYAN, from page 1 great many new traveling or temporary institute is attempting to assemble rele- with the organization of high-quality exhibitions and albums.” vant archival and primary source mate- President Sargisian events and exhibitions. Each day, the museum receives new rials from different countries in a cen- The Yerevan Genocide Museum alone objects and items. Demoyan said that tralized location to save scholars time, Receives Russian Foreign had temporary exhibits shown in more they are happiest when handwritten trouble and expense. Recently, for Minister Lavrov than 50 cities. Two halls of the Paris survivor accounts or recorded inter- example, Demoyan recently copied mayoralty presented Armenian views arrive, which happen once or some Armenian provincial newspapers YEREVAN (Armenpress) — On November 9, Genocide materials in the heart of twice a month. An interesting upcom- from the Vienna Mkhitarian President Serge Sargisian received the Minister of Europe, with the mayor present at the ing exhibit will focus on 100 objects, Monastery’s library as primary sources. Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation Sergey opening and the exhibit continuing for each one with its unique story, which The museum gives digitalized ver- Lavrov, who has arrived in Armenia on an official 1 ½ months. The Los Angeles Skirball can form a book. sions of original memoirs and other visit. Cultural Center exhibited the first The revamped museum exhibits in documents to students and scholars for The president welcomed Lavrov and expressed con- pages of contemporary international Yerevan have had many visitors. From use, and provides scholarships for for- fidence that as with his previous visits, the visit newspapers containing articles with April until the end of October, there eign doctoral students to come to ben- would be an important step toward strengthening visual material about the Genocide, were, for example, more than 300 efit from its resources. It publishes the relations between the two countries. while a huge Russian exhibition took Turkish visitors. sole periodical in the world focusing on Recently, the activity of the fourth forum of inter- place in one of the world’s largest war Demoyan said that one of the impor- the Armenian Genocide, the English- regional cooperation was successfully completed, to museums. Catalogues of the various tant approaches adopted by the muse- language International Journal of which Chairman of Russia’s Federation Council exhibitions were published in many um was to present the Armenian Armenian Genocide Studies, which is Valentina Matviyenko, arrived in Armenia on official local languages. tragedy through an individual’s story. peer reviewed. It provides information visit, participated. All the meetings and events, Demoyan had proposed as early as Genocide survivor and film actress to documentary filmmakers and jour- according to the President, were mutually beneficial 2012 that the state commission should Aurora Mardiganian is one example. nalists, many of whom frequently ask and effective. According to the Armenian president, have branches which should continue The museum had already been assem- for information and help. such intensity of communications state the two coun- in 2016 as a representative body for dis- bling material about her tragic life. In a Demoyan stressed that the museum tries’ mutual curiosity on developing the federal col- cussing pan-Armenian issues, and relative’s house, nearly 100 items, her as an educational and academic institu- laboration in all directions and about readiness to indeed President Serge Sargisian photographs, articles and writings, tion cannot be part of any political jointly discuss current issues within the existing announced in 2014 that this transfor- newspapers, and her personal Bible had activity. However, its work may indi- frameworks. mation would occur. been found. In 2015, several new dis- rectly have an influence on political Sargisian thanked Lavrov for Russia’s role in the Demoyan felt that Armenians should coveries were made. First, in January, activity. After all, aside from ordinary Nagorno Karabagh conflict resolution and in assur- not just sit on their laurels when the by coincidence, 1½ minutes additional tourists, presidents and other high- ing security and stability in the region. year 2015 concludes. Instead, he said, minutes from her lost film “Auction of ranking international officials frequent- Thanking Sargisian for his reception and convey- “We must turn the results of 2015, as Souls” (also known as “Ravished ly visit the museum as a part of state ing President Vladimir Putin’s regards, Lavrov important and tangible products, into a Armenia”) were found in the beginning protocol. In 2015, more than 300 dele- emphasized that Vladimir Putin is consistent in real- means for realizing our goals.” of a version of a film called “Der Zor” gations visited and learned about the izing Armenian-Russian high-level agreements. Demoyan expressed one major con- brought to Armenia decades ago by Genocide and Armenian history. cern. In the past few years, when the Yervant Setian, a repatriate. On the Demoyan himself is an active public Genocide Museum-Institute wanted to same reel was a silent film giving infor- figure in Armenia. He was appointed by US Embassy in Armenia organize events throughout the world, mation to students on the Armenian President Sargisian as a member of the Supports Rural Demoyan said, “it seemed like one por- Genocide. A hitherto unknown 36-person advisory Public Council of tion of the community did not want to Japanese translation of Mardiganian’s the Republic of Armenia in 2009, and Economic Development participate — in a word, it was a boycott book was located, dated 1923. Then, was elected several years ago to the 65- done in an organized manner.” her traveling suitcase, inscribed with person Yerevan City Council of Elders YEREVAN (Armenpress) — The US ambassador to Meanwhile, in Armenia, in order to her name and that of the film, turned as part of the Republican Party faction. Armenia Richard Mills recently declared: “I want to preserve the autonomy of the new up. He said that in this capacity “I always emphasize that our support for economic growth in museum exhibitions, and also on moral Soon, the Genocide Museum and express my opinions…I work for the Armenia puts great emphasis on the regions. For grounds, Demoyan said that he and his Institute will publish a volume on general interest.” instance, the US government has been actively help- wife, exhibit and publication designer Mardiganian, with separate English and Demoyan has a personal message for ing to develop the Armenian agricultural sector for Lusine Matevosyan, who works for the Armenian editions. There also is a cata- readers. He exclaimed: “I am very sorry more than 20 years. The sector employs 40 percent museum, refused to accept any money logue prepared of a traveling exhibition that we only have one Armenian of the Armenian labor force and accounts for 20 per- in their design and preparation. devoted to her experiences (The Road Genocide museum at the centennial. If cent of Armenian GDP, so agriculture is vitally He said, “My family made a decision of Aurora). Demoyan hopes to prepare there are people in Washington who important to the health and growth of the overall not to assemble a great sum of money, a documentary on her. are ready to make a museum, the cre- Armenian economy. Our agricultural support pro- but instead to create a great museum, Demoyan simultaneously is perpetu- ative body of the [Yerevan] museum is grams now implemented by USAID currently provide and a story which we can tell our chil- ating Mardiganian’s legacy in a differ- ready to prepare its design and the about $12 million in assistance to boost the compet- dren. We know our work is a duty and ent way. For the last two years, he has exhibits without pay…if the good will itiveness of Armenian agriculture and grow the a mission in the memory of the martyrs been donating whatever money is and interest exists.” He added that in economies of rural communities. In addition to our of the Genocide. We could not make raised from his lecture trips on his opinion, the Washington museum sustained partnership in the agricultural sector, we any money from presenting our nation- Mardiganian for Syrian Armenian relief. should focus on American humanitari- have also explored other means of boosting rural al tragedy.” Any revenue from books, postcards and anism, and show how it began with US development. For example – and unfortunately, I The general expenses of the museum other items sold will be given as aid relief for Armenians. This will be an can’t give too much away – we’ll be announcing later are paid for through a state budget, but symbolically in Mardiganian’s name. uplifting experience, he thought, not this month a very exciting tourism initiative, in coop- donors were found for technology and The Genocide Museum does not just the sad one a museum solely focusing eration with the Smithsonian Institution in the construction. Demoyan on principle organize exhibitions. It is an institute on the Armenian Genocide would pro- United States, that I believe will inject a burst of oxy- never approaches donors for money. He for research and study. Of the 65 people vide. gen into the economy of rural Armenia.” said, “I expect, perhaps naively, that working there, 15 are academics con- His present trip includes stops at people will come and ask, how can I centrating on catalogues, publications, Boston, Rhode Island, Paris, and Armenian Government help the museum.” There are a few translations and dissertations. The Beirut. donors, like the general manager of To Pay Compensation to VivaCell MTS Ralph Yirikian, Jevan Cheloyants of Moscow, the Syrian- Tula Bus Crash Victims Armenian Gabriel Jemberjian and two Nazarian Family Donates MRI Unit others, who have helped a great deal. YEREVAN (ArmeniaNow) — The government of There are none from the US, he noted. Armenia will compensate the families of nine To Heratsi Hospital in Yerevan The museum only shows about 5 per- Armenian citizens who were killed in the November cent of its holdings, which approaches MRI, from page 1 3 bus crash in Russia, Transport and 100,000 items (including 500 unique able to see cardiovascular pathologies at an earlier stage, observing changes, Communications Minister Gagik Beglaryan said on original Near East Relief photographs). without endovascular interventions, that may lead to heart attack and stroke. November 9. Demoyan said, “We would have to “The machine is a 1.5 Tesla ‘high-field’ unit, and therefore, expands the The official also said that financial compensations increase our display space five times range of MRI services that the hospital can offer patients,” said Dr. Levon will be given to dozens of other passengers of the over in order to show all our feasible Nazarian, a radiologist and vice chairman of the Department of Radiology at Moscow-Yerevan coach injured in the accident on a topics.” the Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia. “State-of-the-art highway near Tula, some 220 kilometers south of He added that when he had become imaging is essential if Armenia is to be seen as a center of medical excellence.” Moscow. “We will probably give the families of the director in 2006, there were practically During the inauguration, Muradyan highlighted the importance of intro- victims more than 1 million drams each ($2,100), no original items in the museum, so ducing modern equipment at YSMU, which enables young doctors to work while the injured persons will get up to 1 million that at first he had to find money to with new technologies used by the world’s best hospitals early in their drams each,” Beglaryan told the media. The official purchase them, and next to win over careers: “These technologies also allow specialists to send digital images emphasized that the state bears only “humanitarian people with important collections. to reference hospitals, which means that [Armenians] will be saved the responsibility” for that accident. “We must help our He noted, “I can say with happiness trouble of traveling to other countries for the purpose of diagnosis and compatriots at this difficult time,” Beglaryan said. and pride that the collection now is in will be able to receive the highest quality medical care in their home coun- According to the minister, an investigation will decide good shape, with many unique objects, try, in particular at the diagnosis stage.” He added that in the coming who bears the immediate responsibility for the crash — including those pertaining to Aurora months YSMU expects to receive two more similar devices that will meet whether it is the driver who was taken into custody in Mardiganian, Maria Jacobsen, Karen the needs of Armenia’s healthcare sector. Russia or the company that organized the transporta- Jeppe, Bodil Bjorn, Jakob “Papa” Before the start of the ceremony, Setrakian and Narimanyan signed a coop- tion of passengers from Moscow to Yerevan. Kunzler, Armenian sports and uni- eration agreement to continue the partnership between AGBU and YSMU. forms, and Armenian scouts collec- tions. In the coming years we easily can S A T U R D A Y , N O V E M B E R 1 4 , 2 0 1 5 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 3 INTERNATIONAL US, Russia Reject PACE Report on Karabagh International News

WASHINGTON — The Organization Minsk Group co-chairs before issuing person who was for many years a mem- for Security and Cooperation in Europe reports or resolutions on Nagorno ber of a pro-Azerbaijani group in the (OSCE) Minsk Group US Co-Chair Karabagh,” Warlick tweeted on Friday, British parliament and who is financed, 1000 Syrian Armenians Ambassador James Warlick and Russian November 6. according to British press reports, from Returned to Kessab, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov share Azerbaijan rejected Warlick’s criti- Baku, could not have had an impartial criticism of the Council of Europe’s cism and defended Walter’s resolution. position,” Nalbanian said at a joint news Historian Says Parliamentary Assembly (PACE) for “So far the work of the OSCE Minsk conference with Lavrov. issuing a report that demands Group has produced zero results,” Walter was named by the PACE lead- YEREVAN (PanARMENIAN.Net) — Around Armenian withdrawal from Nagorno Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry ership in 2014 to launch a fact-finding 1000 Armenians have returned to Kessab, a Syrian- Karabagh and the territory’s return to spokesman Hikmet Hajiyev said, accord- mission to the Karabagh conflict zone Armenian historian told reporters on Tuesday, Azerbaijan. ing to Haqqin.az. “Other international and draw up the resolution titled November 10. The resolution on Nagorno Karabagh structures trying to contribute to the “Escalation of violence in Nagorno “Armenians fleeing Aleppo contributed to the was drafted by Azerbaijan-affiliated for- conflict’s resolution do not need to con- Karabagh and other occupied territo- increase of population in Kessab, with the situation mer British Parliamentarian Robert sult with the Minsk Group co-chairs ries of Azerbaijan.” Armenian members in the town relatively stable,” Gevorg Yazchian said, Walter and approved by the PACE’s engaged in meaningless activities.” of the PACE and the Armenian Foreign according to Panorama.am. Political Affairs Committee on Similar to Warlick’s position, Lavrov Ministry argued that this title predeter- Yazchian noted that 50 Armenian civilians have Wednesday, November 4. The three- said that attempts by PACE to intervene mines Walter’s findings and runs been killed in Syria so far. Besides, 10 soldiers of page document calls for a peaceful set- in the unresolved conflict with such counter to statements made by the U.S., Armenian descent have died in the army, while tlement starting with “the withdrawal of documents only “harm” international Russian, and French mediators. Walter another 50 Armenians have been injured. Armenian armed forces and other irreg- peace efforts spearheaded by Russia, has also been accused of having close Referring to Aleppo, the historian said some ular armed forces from Nagorno the United States, and France. Lavrov ties with Azerbaijan’s government, say- 15.000-17.000 Armenians out of the 45.000- Karabagh and the other occupied terri- emphasized that only these three ing that he has repeatedly defended 50.000-member community have left the city for tories of Azerbaijan,” and “the estab- nations have an international mandate Baku’s dismal human rights record fre- their historic homeland, about the same number of lishment of full sovereignty of to mediate in the Armenian-Azerbaijani quently criticized by Western human people having fled to Beirut. Azerbaijan in these territories.” dispute within the framework of the rights groups. Walter is married to a “Some Syrian Armenians have relocated to the It also contains criticism of the OSCE OSCE Minsk Group. Turkish woman and became a Turkish Kurdish areas in the country’s northeast and are Minsk Group, saying that the body co- “Any drastic, radical actions, whoev- citizen. Turkey’s Foreign Minister being treated well enough,” Yazchian said. chaired by the United States, Russia er takes them, only harm this cause and Mevlut Cavusoglu was reported to have The historian noted that a considerable part of and France should “consider reviewing the work of the co-chairs,” Lavrov told personally handed a Turkish ID card to Syrian Armenians have no intention of ever return- its approach to the resolution of the reporters. “We — Russia, the United the retired parliamentarian at the ing to their homes, having lost everything there. conflict.” States and France — are firmly against Turkish Embassy in London. Peace proposals made by the three attempts to take this subject to other “It has turned from an organization 2,800-year-old ‘Burial mediating powers differ from the international platforms that do not deal protecting human rights into an organi- Karabagh settlement advocated by with the conflict’s settlement, instead of zation protecting special interests,” Jars’ Unearthed in Van Walter’s resolution. Instead, the a consistent, businesslike and patient Armenia’s Chief of Staff Davit OSCE Minsk Group Basic Principles dialogue on the Nagorno Karabagh set- Harutiunian said about the PACE. VAN, Turkey (PanARMENIAN.Net) — Nearly 40 prefer an internationally recognized tlement. At least, nobody has given “Unfortunately, recent years’ [PACE] archaeological experts at an excavation site in Van referendum in Karabagh in which the them such a task on behalf of the inter- votes on various issues testify to the province have uncovered 2,800-year-old pithoi, large disputed territory’s predominantly national community,” Lavrov said. fact that special interests have started ceramic storage containers. The latter have report- Armenian population would be able Armenian Minister of Foreign Affairs taking precedence,” he added. edly been used as tombs during the reign of the to reaffirm its de facto secession from Edward Nalbandian reaffirmed The Strasbourg-based PACE will Urartian Kingdom, which centered around Lake Van Azerbaijan. Armenia’s strong condemnation of the debate the proposed resolution on established in 860 BC, Daily Sabah reports. “PACE and other [international orga- proposed PACE document and accused Nagorno Karabagh at its next plenary The archeology team from Istanbul University has nizations,] should consult with OSCE Walter of working for Azerbaijan. “A session due in January 2016. been carrying out excavations in the region every year for the past five years to unearth artifacts from the Urartian Kingdom, which ruled the area until its defeat by the Medes in 590 BC. Assyrians, Armenians in Syria Protest Kurdish Confiscation of Property The pithos tombs, used as burial chambers at the time, give clues about some of the customs of the HASAKA, Syria (Public Radio of the following letter to protest YPD’s It’s worth noting that stance, taken by kingdom. Armenia) — Sixteen Assyrian and actions: many local Christians, of not selling nor Armenian organizations have issued a For over four years our country, Syria, appointing a proxy for their properties is Belarus Ambassador statement protesting Kurdish expropria- is struggling with tragic events. War dev- fully supported by both state and inter- tion of private property in the Hasaka astation and terrorism have caused all national law. Any claims of this being ille- Considers Armenia Vital province of Syria, the Assyrian ethnic groups much suffering. But we, gal are false. International News Agency inhabitants of Al-Jazeera, have kept so Taking all of the above into account Link between EAEU, Iran (AINA) reports. precious nowadays ideals of peaceful we believe that such actions of “Local YEREVAN (Armenpress) — The Eurasian Economic The statement accuses the Democratic coexistence between various communi- Administration” will cause ethnic cracks Union (EAEU) expects mutually beneficial coopera- Union Party (YPD), the Syrian wing of ties of our province. Due to extraordi- and turmoil. In order to avoid it and to tion with the Islamic Republic of Iran and Armenia the Turkish Kurdistan Workers’ Party nary situation and having safety in mind convince authors to abandon these regu- can be a connecting link which is very important, (PKK), of human rights violations, expro- Local Self-Administration was created, lations we hereby announce ourselves as according to the Ambassador of Belarus to Armenia, priation of private property, illegal mili- together with number of dependent insti- plaintiffs and prosecutors for any and all Igor Nazaruk. tary conscription and interference in tutions. Some of its regulations, however, cases under both state and international During an interview he referred to the role of the church school curricula. are not properly prepared nor thorough- tribunals and courts of law. Republic of Armenia in the framework of the EAEU YPD has gained some international ly measured. This causes valid concerns “Procedure on issuing permits and as very constructive. attention in its fight against ISIS, a fight among various ethnic and national licenses, new permits and licenses fees “I cannot recall any occasion during which which Assyrian fighters have joined, but groups. While it is happening official and taxes” is redundant and illegal. Armenia had any negative impact on decisions made it has been accused by Human Rights authorities are still performing its fiscal, Already existing permits and licenses are during discussions in the framework of the EAEU Watch of massive violations of human administrative, legal and military duties. absolutely valid. They were issued in during the current one year,” Nazaruk emphasized. rights, extending to forced evictions and Law on Emigrant Property accordance with the law by official According to the ambassador, Armenia should take the destruction of homes and property After careful consideration representa- Syrian authorities and did not lose their into account its obligations within the EAEU when of non-Kurdish populations in regions tives of Christian communities in legitimacy. Demand for their replace- formulating the provisions regulating trade turnover under its control. Some of the violations Qamishli agreed on following: ment and new fees, often exceeding their of the future agreement with the EU. “Information which impact the Christian Assyrian pop- Aforementioned Law on Emigrant holders financial capabilities, is unac- on the negotiations of the agreement testifies to the ulation are: Enforcement of new curricu- Property is in violation of Human Rights ceptable. fact that the future EU-Armenia agreement provi- la in private and public schools; conduct- Law, breaking fundamental Right to “Conscription Law”. Demanding mili- sions regulating trade turnover will have general for- ing forced recruitment of young people; property tary service by organization without mulations. Of course, we welcome such an approach, enforcing special taxes and occupation of Under no circumstances, nobody can state legitimization is preposterous. and consider that the EAEU members states must Assyrian owned public buildings. labeled as “traitor” just for leaving their Any interference into church private establish multidimensional and multifaceted rela- According to Assyrian leaders in home. schools in Al-Jazeera province in unac- tions with other countries without violating agree- Hasaka, the Kurds form about 30 per- Efforts at creating “Institution for ceptable. These institutions are sanc- ments reached within the EAEU,” Nazaruk said. cent of the population in Northern Emigrant Properties Redistribution and tioned by administrative and education “During the Eurasian Customs Union Belarus Syria’s Jazeera region (provincial capital Management” is an attempt of expropria- authorities. Pressure on these institu- President Alexander Lukashenko brought forth the Hasaka) but increasingly act as occupiers tion real estate under a guise of helping tions is viewed as an interference in edu- idea of ‘integration of integrations.’ That is to say, of the region. YPD militia killed David those in need. cation and upbringing of Christian chil- we should not be confined to ourselves. Yes, we can Jendo, the commander of the Assyrian These regulations create a dangerous dren and adolescents. create special conditions and relations for the orga- Khabour village guards, in April this precedence in Proprietorship Law in We appeal into everybody’s sense of nization of trade as the EAEU is first of all an eco- year. The guards were established to whole province of Al-Jazeera. responsibility and ask for restraint when nomic union. But we always view the EAEU from a defend the Khabur villages from ISIS. Additionally this will cause substantial handling matters that could limit rights broader point of view as our union will be more pow- Most recently the YPD has taken the demographic changes centered at local of both individuals and communities. erful if member countries have strong external rela- decision to confiscate what it calls “aban- Christians who will lose their homes. It’s Fundamental Human Rights have to be tions,” he said. doned emigrant property,” which is the worth mentioning that nearly 35 percent upheld in order for peace and safety to The members of the EAEU are Armenia, Belarus, property of internally displaced Syrians, of all real estate in the area is owned by once again grace all of Syria. We are hop- Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and the Russian Federation. driven away from their homes by the Christians. Expropriation of this proper- ing for continuous, peaceful coexistence The union was formed on January 1, 2015. Syrian conflict. ties will cause valid concerns amongst of all Al-Jazeera inhabitants, regardless of Assyrian and Armenian churches, both those who fled and stayed, prevent- their faith, ethnicity, nationality and cul- political and civic organizations issued ing the latter from ever coming back. ture. 4 S ATURDAY, N OVEMBER 1 4 , 2 0 1 5 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR Community News

100 LIVES Joins Near All-Armenian Fund East Foundation to Affiliates Raising Announce $7 Million Funds for ‘Our Home’

Scholarship Fund LOS ANGELES/NEW YORK — Hayastan All- Armenian Fund affiliates in the United States of NEW YORK — A new eight-year educational America (Armenia Fund, Inc./Los Angeles and scholarship has been established to benefit 100, Armenia Fund USA/New York), this week at-risk children from the Arab Middle East. The announced the launch of their joint fundraising 100 LIVES initiative announced the new pro- campaign “Our Home.” This innovative campaign gram at the Near East Foundation’s Centennial will culminate with the live 12-hour broadcast of Gala on October 28 before an audience of the 18th Annual International Thanksgiving Day humanitarian aid leaders and members of the Telethon which airs on November 26. The Armenian community. telethon will air from Los Angeles and be broad- 100 LIVES and NEF developed the program cast from coast to coast and internationally on together as a way to express gratitude on behalf cable and satellite television as well as online: of the Armenian community to the people of www.armeniafund.org. the Middle East who offered shelter and food to This year’s flagship groundbreaking project is refugees of the Armenian Genocide a century the construction of single-family homes for fam- ago. ilies in Artsakh who have five children or more Valued at nearly $7 million, the 100 LIVES and lack adequate housing. There are already and Near East Foundation Gratitude 466 families identified in Artsakh who fit the cri- Scholarship Program will provide children teria and 211 are known to live in unacceptable affected by conflict, displacement and poverty housing conditions. the opportunity to study at UWC Dilijan, an “This is truly a humanitarian project and we international co-educational boarding school have received a great deal of positive feedback currently hosting students from over 60 coun- from our donors. It is tries, or other UWC network schools around not easy to raise five or the world. The program will be administered more children even in through the Scholae Mundi Foundation, which the United States, let aims to provide students with opportunities to alone Artsakh. We all develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes From left, Dr. Vahram Shemmassian, Dr. Rouben Adalian and Maurice Kelechian should pitch in to help needed to contribute to the international com- the parents who are munity and catalyze social change. raising the next genera- The 100 LIVES initiative was founded this tion of Armenia’s scien- year to celebrate those who helped destitute ANI Director Adalian Presents tists, doctors, statesmen and artists by providing Armenians one hundred years ago, allowing them adequate housing,” explains Antranik their descendants to survive and thrive. This Lecture at ‘Treasures of Western Baghdassarian, President of Armenia Fund, Inc. scholarship is one of the many ways 100 LIVES the US Western Region affiliate of Hayastan All- seeks to continue in their spirit by supporting Armenia’ Conference Armenian Fund. people and organizations working to keep the The homes that Armenia Fund constructs will legacy of gratitude alive today. MISSION HILLS, Calif. — On Sunday, October 25, the Ararat-Eskijian Museum, have land plots of 10,000 square feet each, where “We are proud to be able to help parents National Association for Armenian Studies and Research (NAASR), and the the families can grow fruits and vegetables. experiencing great Armenian Jewelers Foundation hosted “Treasures of Western Armenia: A Armenia Fund will provide furniture for every hardship and Conference on Material Culture & Genocide in Western Armenia.” The conference room in the house as well as provide household “We are proud to be uncertainty to was held at the Ararat-Eskijian Museum. appliances, including water heaters, refrigerators, secure a better able to help parents The conference was prompted by a washers, stoves and vacuum cleaners. future for their By Danielle Saroyan recent publication titled Treasures of “Coming off the heels of the 100th children, as our experiencing great Western Armenia, published by the Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, we parents and grand- Geneva-based Armenian Jewelers reflect not only on our survival but our future — hardship and parents were able Foundation and the Russian Museum of Ethnography. This book is an ethno- our children, the beneficiaries of this year’s to do for us,” said uncertainty to secure graphic collection, which includes records for the first time of the 1916 scientific Telethon’s target project. I am glad we are com- Ruben Vardanyan, expedition to Armenia led by Alexander Miller. Copies of the book Treasures of bining our efforts with our Western Region affil- co-founder of 100 a better future for Armenia were available during the conference. iate this year. It projects unity and highlights LIVES. “It is with Speakers included Armenian National Institute (ANI) Director Dr. Rouben the importance of this year’s project. By stream- their children, as our great pride that we Adalian who presented on “The Effects of Genocide on Culture and Civilization in lining our efforts and joining our unique talents announce our parents and grand- Western Armenia;” Armenian Jewelers Foundation Chairman Pierre Akkelian, who and resources, we will better serve Armenia and partnership with presented on “The Lost Treasures of Western Armenia: The Miller Collection of Artsakh by reducing costs and operational the Near East parents were able to 1916;” and Armenian expenses, thus allowing more funds to be allo- Foundation, and Rugs Society President cated for projects. We call on all Armenians in do for us” with eager antici- Hratch Kozibeyokian who the United States and around the world to pation that we –Ruben Vardanyan discussed “Traditional watch the Telethon and donate generously for look to identify the Armenian Design Patterns this noble program,” stated Khoren Bandazian, scholarship recipients.” Across Various Arts.” president of Armenia Fund USA, the US Eastern “By providing crucial access to education, we “The Armenian Region affiliate of Hayastan All-Armenian Fund. truly hope to be able to provide these children Jewelers Foundation has According to the program, priority will be opportunities to have the successful future they done a great service by given to low income families, as well as the fam- deserve — much like the extraordinary work the bringing public attention ilies of active duty officers of the armed forces, NEF has been committed to these past hundred to the discovery of a mar- families of veterans of the Artsakh Liberation years,” said Armine Afeyan. velous collection of his- War and to the survivors of soldiers who lost NEF will facilitate this scholarship as a part toric items retrieved from their lives defending Artsakh. of its larger mission to deliver education, com- Western Armenia during “This is a great partnership benefiting the munity organization and economic develop- the genocide. Now, children of Artsakh. Their parents do the heavy- ment throughout the Middle East and Africa. From left, Hratch Kozibeyokian, Dr. Rouben Adalian through a fine publication, lifting of providing for the children through Originally founded in 1915 as the American and Pierre Akkelian everyone can learn more their hard work, the government of Artsakh Committee for Armenian and Syrian Relief and about the arts and crafts of a does its part by providing subsidies and later incorporated as the Near East Relief vanished civilization,” said Adalian. “I was honored to be part of an event announc- allowances for every child, and we will build through an act of Congress, NEF has played a ing the launch of such a beautifully-produced catalogue,” Adalian said. them new beautiful homes. The Fund will only crucial role over the past 100 years in assisting Longtime California Armenian community educators Gabriel Injejikian and be able to do this with the support of our the world’s most vulnerable populations. Anahid Meymarian are among the many notable attendees. Injejikian, who found- donors, who we cannot thank enough for their “The Near East Foundation is proud to cele- ed Holy Martyrs Ferrahian Armenian High School in Los Angeles in 1964, pio- generosity and caring,” explains Ara Vardanyan, brate its centennial anniversary by enabling a neered Armenian schools in the United States. Meymarian played a significant role the Executive Director of Hayastan All- hundred driven and in-need students to receive in preserving the story of Armenian Genocide survivor Aurora Mardiganian, who Armenian Fund, Yerevan. a world-class education,” said NEF President is known as Armenia’s Joan of Arc. The Telethon airs for 12 hours on US Dr. Charles Benjamin. “We are excited to join An exhibition and reception followed the program at the Deukmejian Banquet Thanksgiving Day, November 26, beginning at 100 LIVES in rewarding talented students and Hall Foyer, showcasing valuable artifacts, traditional costumes, and jewelry made 10 AM Pacific Standard Time (1 p.m. Eastern). future leaders the opportunity to excel and suc- and used by ordinary Armenians at the time. Armenia Fund (Hayastan All-Armenian Fund) ceed.” is a non-sectarian, non-political, all-inclusive The first recipients of the scholarship will be worldwide Armenian charity with 25 affiliates in enrolled in UWC schools in 2016. 23 countries of the world. S ATURDAY, N OVEMBER 1 4 , 2 0 1 5 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 5 COMMUNITY NEWS Judge Zaven Sinanian and Judge Greg Keosian to Receive Top Honors at Armenian Bar’s Judges’ Night

GLENDALE — The centennial year of the years before becoming lawyers, charter mem- nature event, the Armenian Bar’s most-recent sacrificed everything so that we may live and Armenian Genocide has seen the Armenian bers and leaders of the Armenian Bar past chairmen, Armen K. Hovannisian, Garo prosper.” And Minassian summed up the Bar Association reinvigorate its membership Association, involved in the strengthening of B. Ghazarian and Edvin Minassian, are head- Armenian Bar’s position, “Teeming with joy and the broader community with movements the Diaspora and the Homeland, appointed ing the organizational initiatives. and flush with pride, we will gather in spec- and marches towards justice and Hovannisian explained: tacular fashion to honor two incredible men solidarity. One of the most daz- “Presiding in their separate who are cut from the same cloth, wear match- zling features on the Armenian courtrooms for more than a ing black robes, and share an exalted record Bar’s annual calendars of commit- dozen years, Zaven Sinanian of service to the United States and to their ment and action has been its and Greg Keosian have bur- Armenian heritage.” recurring Judges’ Night gather- nished their family names The Annual Judges’ Night Gala will take ings where the organization and professional reputations place on November 24, at the Vertigo Event invites legal professionals, law stu- and, together, represent the Venue, 400 W. Glenoaks Blvd., Glendale. dents, and the interested public to most positive values that honor two or three judges who are Armenians throughout the especially deserving of distinction. world have been known In the past, the jurists who have for. Smart and savvy, received the Association’s presti- straightforward and sophisti- Fresno SOAR Global gious acclaim have come from the cated, hard-working and effi- leadership ranks of the federal cient, qualities that have and state court systems. This made them the finest among Hosting Program year, the Armenian Bar Armenians and the best FRESNO — The Fresno Chapter of the Association does not look beyond among Americans.” Judge Zaven Sinanian and Judge Greg Keosian Society for Orphaned Armenian Relief its own fold for two peerless hon- Ghazarian pointed to the (www.soar-us.org/fresno) has established the orees who are worthy of the pro- historic nature of this year’s Global Hosting Program, designed to provide fessional and Armenian communities’ cheers to the California Superior Court within Armenian Bar Judges’ Night, “The similari- temporary relief for at-risk children coming and commendations. weeks of each other in 2002, and mentors to ties of Judges Sinanian and Keosian extend from disadvantaged families in Armenia. This year’s honorees are Judge Zaven a new generation of young lawyers and law far beyond their judicial sleeves and their The three-week program, set to launch in the Sinanian and Judge Gregory Keosian, whose students. gavels. They follow in the hallowed foot- summer of 2016, gives children an opportunity positive similarities are striking: friends for In recognition of the magnitude of this sig- steps and high examples of a generation who to experience life outside their village and live with a host family in the United States. The Global Hosting Program allows children who lack consistent shelter, are malnourished, orphaned, or neglected by their parents to enjoy a variety of fun activities and experiences that will enrich their lives. More importantly, the experience will forever connect two families that come from different parts of the world. Many children from Armenia who are from disadvantaged homes will never have the chance to experience life outside their own world. The cost alone is simply prohibitive. By participating in a summer camp, hosted by Camp Hye Sierra, these young individuals will be exposed to new and exciting activities, along with the attention of so many in the United States who want to share their love. The chil- dren will meet and become friends with Armenian children of the same age living in the Diaspora. This will facilitate their cross-cultur- al development and enhance their desire to become successful members of society. Camp Hye Sierra, serving Armenian youth since 1987, is operated by the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church, and offers a 160 acre property in Dunlap, Calif. The camp will host children from Armenia for one week. Other activities during the remaining two weeks will include: a trip to the Disneyland with one night stay in a hotel in Anaheim; a recep- tion to welcome the children by Honorary Consul of the Republic of Armenia Berj Apkarian; a trip to Fresno Chaffee Zoo; a day at Clovis Aqua Park; a trip to Shaver Lake and shopping and other local excursions with local volunteers. The children will have medical insurance dur- ing their stay, covered by IMG International Medical Group. SOAR Fresno Chapter Board treasurer Nar Blair, who works for Dr. Gardikas, will provide the children with a free physical examination with Dr. William Garnica in Fresno. The children will fly from Yerevan to Los Angeles via Moscow Sheremetevo Airport. SOAR-Fresno and the host families will greet the children at LAX airport and drive four hours to Fresno. There will be constant com- munication with the children’s families through Skype, Viber or phone. All expenses will be covered by the SOAR- Fresno, including visa fees, airfare, transporta- tion, accommodations, entertainment and allowances. Expenses for the entire program are being underwritten by local contributions from individuals in Fresno. To assist SOAR-Fresno with a financial con- tribution, serve as a host family, or otherwise help with the three-week program, contact Lucy Erysian, SOAR-Fresno Chapter President, at [email protected]. Donations for the Global Hosting Program can be made online at http://soar- us.org/donate.html#donation. 6 S ATURDAY, N OVEMBER 1 4 , 2 0 1 5 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMUNITY NEWS Reverend Dr. Movses Janbazian, Man of Vision with a Mission A Night of Remembrance soprano Sona Hovsepian’s rendition of “Medz Eh Havdarmutiunt” and Rev. Armenag Missirians “Hayr By Lori Janbazian Sarkisian Mer” (Lord’s Prayer). A heartfelt video about Janbazian’s life and work TORONTO — A commemoration event hon- was presented, after which oring the late Rev. Dr. Movses Janbazian’s Zela Kakousian memory, former executive director of the (Sarmazian) and Lori Armenian Missionary Association of America Sarkisian (Janbazian) intro- (1987-2000), was held at the Armenian duced the two keynote Evangelical Church of Toronto on Saturday, speakers, Rev. Hovhannes October 10. The event, organized by the Armenian Evangelical Church of Toronto, was held in honor of Janbazian’s 70th birth and 15th death anniversaries. Clergy representing the Armenian church- es of Toronto, members of Rev. Janbazian’s immediate and extended family, as well as sev- eral members of the Toronto-Armenian com- munity, took part in the commemoration The service for Rev. Dr. Movses Janbazian event. In his opening remarks, the evening’s Master of Ceremonies Mr. Mihran Jizmejian noted Rev. Janbazian’s countless contribu- S a r m a z i a n The Very Rev. Yeghia Kirejian, pastor of ered by Janbazian’s sister Ani Hasserjian, son tions to Armenian Evangelical Churches and Rev. Dr. the St. Gregory Armenian Catholic Church Vahak Janbazian and brother Hagop worldwide, his work within the Armenian R e n e of Toronto; Rev. Zareh Zargarian, pastor of Janbazian. Missionary Associations, and highlighted L e v o n i a n the Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic The commemoration event concluded with their close personal relationship and their respectfully. Church of Toronto; and Rev. Stepanos a prayer delivered by seven clergy members of experiences working together. The late Rev. Dr. Movses The two rev- Pashayan of St. Mary Armenian Apostolic the Armenian churches of Toronto, after Several performances took place during Janbazian erends spoke Church then delivered their remarks, in which a reception was held in the Rev. Dr. the event, including Lilit Smpadian’s rendi- e l o q u e n t l y which they highlighted Janbazian’s years of Movses Janbazian fellowship Hall of the tion of Aram Khachadourian’s Gayane’s about Rev. active service and commitment to the Armenian Evangelical Church of Toronto, Lullaby on the piano, Araz Tokjian’s rendition Janbazian’s commitment to the Armenian importance of interdenominational respect where guests reminisced and shared memo- of Chopin’s Nocturne n. 20 and Nahabed Church, the Armenian people, Armenia and and camaraderie in the Armenian church. ries of the late Reverend. Rusinian’s Giligia on the violin, as well as Artsakh, and to humanity at large. Remarks on behalf of the family were deliv-

Genocide Martyrs Icon Arrives at Telephone (617) 924-7400 Holy Trinity Church, Cambridge Aram Bedrosian

20th century.” He continued, “Our family tree Funeral Home, Inc. By Aram Arkun has generations of history and generations of stories to tell, but at the same time our family Continuous Service By The Bedrosian Family Since 1945 Mirror-Spectator Staff tree contains a branch that was dead. It was cut MARION BEDROSIAN off in the prime of life.” Yet now, he said, 558 MOUNT AUBURN STREET PAUL BEDROSIAN CAMBRIDGE, Mass. —On November 1, all through canonization of the martyrs, the WATERTOWN, MA 02472 LARRY BEDROSIAN churches in the Diocese of the Armenian branch had turned living and golden and the Church of America (Eastern) consecrated print- martyrs’ “blood, hope, faith and traditions run ed canvas replicas of the icon of the Holy through our lives.” Martyrs of the Armenian Genocide, originally The icon was cleansed first with water and painted by Tigran Barkhanajyan for the 2015 wine. The children of Genocide survivors Nardolillo Funeral Home ceremony of canonization. Holy Trinity cleaned it and then younger people of newer Armenian Church of Greater Boston was no generations came to dry it off. As the icon was Est. 1906 exception. brought into the church, Kouzouian noted how John K. Najarian, Jr. Its pastor, Fr. Vasken Kouzouian, later said “it it turned into the focus of attention of all. It had was a very emotional day. It left a powerful an unusual effect on those present. He said, Rhode Island’s Only Licensed Armenian Funeral Director impression on those participating — and many “There were tears flowing, and deep reflection 1278 Park Ave. Cranston, RI 02910 (401) 942-1220 generations participated, from the youngest to going on. People came up to kiss the icon in dif- the oldest. This was done intentionally, as it is ferent ways…It was a very beautiful and moving 1111 Boston Neck Rd. Narragansett, RI 02882 (401) 789-6300 our ancestry that we are venerating.” experience.” www.nardolillo.com Kouzouian declared in his sermon that In the future, the veneration day for this “many of us are going to feel a bond with this icon will be in April, because of the tradi- icon because a part of our family tree is depict- tional chronology of the Armenian Genocide, ed in it. The artist, who created this painting, but this year it was done on November 1, made an effort to portray every segment of immediately after the ancient Feast of All Armenian life as it was in the beginning of the Saints of October 31.

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Rose Mary Aznavorian, a descendant of a survivor of the Armenian Genocide, washing the Icon with wine, after Grace Boyajian, standing to the left, another descendant of survivors of the Armenian Genocide, washed the Icon with water. S ATURDAY, N OVEMBER 1 4 , 2 0 1 5 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 7 COMMUNITY NEWS Armenian Assembly Summer Internship Deadlines Near

WASHINGTON — The Armenian Assembly of the Knights of Vartan. In 2003, the Assembly’s America (Assembly) application deadline for the Summer Internship Program was renamed in 2016 Terjenian-Thomas Summer Internship honor of Aram and Florence Terjenian and Annie Program in Washington, DC is December 1. Thomas after the announcement of their pace-set- Additionally, applications for the Assembly’s ting $1 million donation to the program. Yerevan Internship Program in Armenia will be Partial and full housing scholarships for the accepted through January 10, 2016. Terjenian-Thomas Summer Internship Program The eight-week summer program is designed to in Washington, D.C. are available to qualified stu- provide college students of Armenian descent the dents on a competitive basis. Applications are opportunity to live and work in the nation’s cap- available on the Assembly’s website. ital, while taking part in a full schedule of educa- The Assembly also offers a similar internship tional, social, and cultural activities. Students program in Yerevan, Armenia. Now entering its accepted to the Washington program are assisted 16th year, the Yerevan Internship Program pro- in securing internships with congressional offices, vides students the opportunity to live and work in think tanks, media outlets, government agencies, one of the most historically and culturally rich or non-governmental organi- zations based on their edu- cational background and interests. In addition, Assembly interns will have the oppor- tunity to discuss Armenian American issues during meetings with Members of Congress and other govern- ment officials, industry pro- fessionals, and noted acade- mics through the Capitol Ideas and Lecture Series programs. Founded in 1977, the Armenian Assembly Summer Internship Program was the first intern- The 2015 Class of Assembly Terjenian-Thomas Summer Interns on ship program offered by an Capitol Hill with Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA). Armenian organization in America. In 2013, the Terjenian-Thomas Internship Program countries in the world. Students will work in announced that over 1,000 students of Armenian Armenian government agencies, non-governmen- descent have graduated through the Assembly tal organizations, medical centers, or media out- ranks. From its earliest phases the Armenian lets, as well as meet with Armenia and Nagorno community has consistently supported the Karabagh government officials and tour historical Assembly Summer Internship Program with sites in and around the country. major gifts from the Richard Tufenkian Memorial For more information on the Assembly intern- Fund, the John Hanessian Scholarship Fund, the ship programs or assistance with the application Armen Astarjian Scholarship Fund, the Ohanian process, contact Internship Program Director Memorial Fund, James and Connie Melikian, and Joseph Piatt via email [email protected].

!

A Special Tekeyan “Soccer” Movie Night featuring... Christiano Ronaldo & Henrikh Mkhitaryan

Join us at Michigan’s premier indoor soccer arena, Ultimate Soccer, to enjoy and be inspired by the stories of two great atheletes; Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Christiano Renaldo. First, enjoy a short film on highlights from the career of professional Armenian footballer Henrikh Mkhitaryan—Armenia’s all time top goal scorer since his debut in January 2007. He has been chosen “Armenian Footballer of the Year” five times. Then we will screen a documentary “The World at his Feet” on soccer player Christiano Ronaldo who made his international debut for Portugal in August 2003, at the age of 18. He has since been capped over 100 times and has participated in 6 major tournaments: three UEFA European Championships (2004, 2008 and 2012) and Chrisano Ronaldo! three FIFA World Cups (2006, 2010 and 2014). Ronaldo is the first Portuguese player to reach 50 international goals, making him Portu- gal's top goal-scorer of all time as well as the country's top scorer in the European Championship with 6 goals. He scored his first interna- tional goal in the opening game of Euro 2004 against Greece, and helped Portugal reach the final. He took over captaincy in July 2008, and he led Portugal to the semi-finals at Euro 2012, finishing the competition as joint-top scorer in the process. In November 2014, Ronaldo became the all-time top scorer in the UEFA European Championship (including qualifying) with 23 goals.

We would like to extend special thanks to George Derderian, Jr., for the use of Ultimate Soccer Arenas

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Open to the public—$5/person Refreshments are available Friday, November 13—doors open 7 pm and can be purchased in Movie begins at 7:30 pm sharp the first floor Arena Grill & Café and can be brought at the Ultimate Soccer Arenas into our meeting room. 867 South Boulevard., Pontiac MI 48341 Wine and Spirits also (248) 648-7000 available on second level. follow the signs at main entrance to conference room ADVERTISE IN THE for more information call Hagop at (248) 302-7576 !%JR%&`:1%VR&``QI& .V%V&V0VJ %&%%]]Q` & .V&2V@V7:J&>6]QJ%Q`&:&2V:H.V`?&]`Q$`:I&& MIRROR! supporng schools in Armenia and Karabagh& 8 S ATURDAY, N OVEMBER 1 4 , 2 0 1 5 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMUNITY NEWS Diasporan Tekeyan Members Visit Vahan Tekeyan Schools in Armenia

TEACHERS, from page 1 istry, physics and biology. argued that they had never when the difficult economic situation of Principal Dzovinar Martanian greeted the received such aid from the teachers working in Armenia’s schools after guests at the entrance of the school and the state, and they would have the collapse of the Soviet Union was brought dance group of the school presented Armenian liked similar efforts to be orga- to the attention of the TCA. The latter placed dances as a welcome to the guests. At the prin- nized on the state level. this issue on its agenda at its annual conven- cipal’s office, Martanian informed that 504 stu- The Sponsor a Teacher tion. It was reported that the teachers work- dents attend the school every day from kinder- Program has increased the garten to the 9th grade, they have participated prestige of the Vahan Tekeyan to many competitions that Tekeyan Cultural schools. Association of Armenia has organized and won The distribution of aid to the many medals. Then the teachers were present- schools in Karabagh and ed their identity cards and received their Gumri will take place in the stipends from the guests. near future. Members then toured many classrooms, including the French and English language classes. In every classroom, students recited poems written by Vahan Tekeyan. On leaving ABOVE: Gayane Mouradian the school, students again performed Armenian with the principal and teaching dances as gesture of goodbye to the guests. staff of Stepanavan School. The next stop was the Garpi Village Vahan LEFT: TCA Armenia Tekeyan School. The Garpi school has 722 stu- Representative Gayane dents. The entire school has been refurbished, Mouradian verifies the signature Dr. Haroutiun Arzoumanian giving the stipend to including the Cultural Hall, with new chairs of Lucine Melikian at Knarig Avedisian of Garpi School donated by Serop and Maro Bedrosian of Texas. Stepanavan School. The principal of the school, Arsen Ohanyan, said, “This philanthropic action is a bit of aid for the teacher in these difficult conditions. What is important is to be appreciat- ed. This did not just get us used to receiving aid, but also oblig- ed us to participate ourselves in the philanthropic work.” While seeing the guests off, the staff of the school, in a cus- tom special to the villagers, gave them fruits from their pri- vate gardens. The Stepanavan Vahan Tekeyan School has 250 stu- dents. Through the interven- tion of TCA Armenia, the Edmond Azadian listening to the recitation of the Hagopian school was included in the gov- twins, Garine and Irina ernment’s plan with the World Bank and received a new build- ing in Tekeyan schools were struggling finan- ing few years ago. Garabed Amirian of Garpi cially and thus were often forced to emigrate. The story of this school was extremely mov- Choral group of Garpi school performing for the guests school, 5, recites a poem. The convention collectively adopted a motion ing. When Assistant Principal for Instruction to launch Sponsor a Teacher in Armenia to Hasmik Ghazaryan related the story of the initially reach out to the three schools named founding of the school, she could not suppress after Vahan Tekeyan. At that time, teachers in her tears. She said, “I remember when after the the schools of Armenia were among the most earthquake classes were held in small huts, poorly paid professionals in the country. In where nothing existed. We worked without 2000, a teacher’s annual salary was $120 and now, since the involvement of the Tekeyan Cultural Association, the govern- ment has increased their salaries so that they make anywhere from $200 to $250 a month. The TCA Board of Directors raises funds and delivers them to the teachers through special yearly visits. Former TCA Executive Secretary Kevork Marashlian in an interview with the newspaper Azg said: “When we started this program, the economic situation of teachers in Armenia was quite dire. And now it already has been 15 years that this philanthropic endeavor has been Hagop Vartivarian giving the stipend to Dzovinar organized for the teachers and Martanian, principal of Yerevan School entire staff of the schools named after Vahan Tekeyan in Armenia and Artsakh.” The project is administered in Armenia by Gayane Muradian, rep- resentative of the TCA of US and Canada in Armenia, who distributes the funds. This year three members of the TCA Central Board, President Dr. Haroutiun Arzoumanian, Vice President Edmond Azadian and member Hagop Vartivarian along with Marashlian were in Armenia during the disbursement of the funds. They visited the Yerevan Eight-year-old Vartanoush Hovhannisian recites a poem at Vahan Tekeyan School on the Garpi School. November 2, accompanied by Tekeyan members from London, England, Mrs. Hratch Kouyoumdjian, Garabed salaries. While now I am happy when I see this Boyadjian, Jirair Kevorkian, Hagop Fesjian of school in good order.” And what do such phil- Athens, Greece and Sima Arzoumanian of anthropic efforts mean for a teacher? “The ped- Montreal, Canada. agogue feels that his work is being appreciated The school is located in the Malatya- — it is not as much financial aid as moral.” Sebastia district with laboratories for chem- However, in all three schools, the teachers S ATURDAY, N OVEMBER 1 4 , 2 0 1 5 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 9 COMMUNITY NEWS Berge and Vera Setrakian Host Reception for AUA President

NEW YORK — On October 10, AGBU than 20 different countries.” Lorraine President Berge Setrakian and his wife Vera Alexander, AUA vice president of develop- hosted a luncheon in honor of AUA President ment and external relations, and Dr. Larry Armen Der Kiureghian at the Waterside Pitts, chairman of the AUA Board of Restaurant in North Bergen, NJ. The event Directors, also addressed the audience: “Education is investment. When you invest in educa- tion, you are moving things forward for the future to take care of the overall needs of society,” said Dr. Pitts. Der Kiureghian is one of the founding members of AUA, founding dean of AUA’s College of Science and Engineering, former interim provost and currently the president of the university. He is also a scholar of inter- national fame and is the (left to right) AGBU President Berge Setrakian, AGBU Vice Taisei Chair in Civil President Sinan Sinanian, Mrs. Claudia Nazarian, AGBU Council Engineering Emeritus at the of Trustees member Nazar Nazarian and Mrs. Vera Setrakian. University of California, Berkeley. Der Kiureghian is On October 10, AGBU President Berge Setrakian and his wife Vera hosted a luncheon in honor of provided an opportunity to meet Dr. Der AUA President Armen Der Kiureghian at the Waterside Restaurant in North Bergen, New Jersey. Kiureghian and learn about the university. Among the guests were members of the AGBU Central Board and Council of an elected member of the US National Trustees, AUA Board of Trustees and alumni Academy of Engineering, the highest honor along with members of the Greater New York for an American engineer and an elected for- Armenian community. eign member of the National Academy of In his welcoming remarks, Setrakian Sciences of Armenia. He has served as visit- emphasized the partnership between AGBU ing professor in universities in Denmark, and AUA: “From its inception, AGBU believed Germany, India, Italy, Japan and Slovenia. that AUA could be in the best interest of As one of the founding organizations of Armenia to bring a Western-oriented educa- AUA, AGBU has been involved in the univer- tional institution to a country that was com- sity since its establishment in 1991. AGBU ing out of the Soviet era. It’s an institution has proven to be a champion for AUA that needs our continued support.” through financial assistance in the launch of At the luncheon, Der Kiureghian spoke at academic programs and scholarships, the length about the university and its impact on establishment of the AGBU Papazian Library Armenia: “AUA is the only US-accredited uni- Dr. Der Kiureghian is the founding dean of and the start of the AUA Extension-AGBU Dr. Larry Pitts, chairman of the AUA Board of versity in all of the former Soviet republics. AUA’s College of Science and Engineering and NKR Program to help reignite the workforce Directors, discussed the importance of invest- Ninty percent of our students are citizens of currently the president of the university. in the Nagorno-Karabagh Republic through ment in education. Armenia…but we have students from more various training courses. 10 S ATURDAY, N OVEMBER 1 4 , 2 0 1 5 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR Arts & Living

BOOK REVIEW Popular Songs ARAM ARKUN PHOTO By Boston Singers Is a Hit Ozone WATERTOWN — The Adele & Haig Der Journal Manuelian Galleries of the Armenian Museum of America were filled to capacity recently for the premiere performance of “The Bostonians” by Peter in a concert titled “Popular Songs by Armenian Composers.” The performance was the second in a series jointly sponsored by the Balakian Armenian Museum, the Composer’s Union of Armenia and the Amaras Art Alliance, and funded by the Dadourian Foundation. The standing-room-only audience was treat- By Keith Jones ed to the vocal talents of soprano, Nouné Karapetian; mezzo-soprano, Roselin Osser; In his most recent collection, Ozone tenor, Michael Calmés; and baritone, Philip Journal (2015), the poet Peter Balakian Lima, along with dazzling accompaniment on braids the “mental thing” of which da piano by William Merrill. Vinci spoke, with things, as he puts it, The wide variety of music moved from per- “on the horizon.” This new volume fectly synchronous quartets to a number of extends in feel and atmosphere, as well solos from each artist, with highlights includ- as in its tripartite form, Balakian’s previ- ing a heartfelt rendition of Im Yerevan ous collection of poems, (Vagharshag Kotoyan) from Calmés, along with entitled Ziggurat (2010), a marvelous more humorous pieces like Hor-Hor’s Cuplets combine, à la Rauschenberg, in which (Tigran Chukhadjian) from Lima, and a playful life-writing and grief-work interanimate duet of Yot Kuyrer (Aram Satunts) from at scales at once intimate and global. Karapetian and Osser. These two works — along with the long Each song, performed in Armenian, was poem that inhabits the second section of made even more impressive as, with the excep- Kristin Reeves as Victoria each of these volumes, a series beginning tion of Karapetian, who is of Armenian in Ziggurat (as “A-Train / Ziggurat / descent, none of the other artists speak the Elegy”) and continued in Ozone language. Osser, Calmés and Lima all learned Journal (as the eponymous “Ozone the texts of the pieces phonetically in order to Journal”) — refine Balakian’s larger poet- sing their respective roles so convincingly in Joyce Van Dyke’s ic project poignantly, with grace and Armenian, and were all awarded an honorary verve. “-ian” in their names at the conclusion of the If his concerns throughout his oeu- performance by Armenian Museum Director vre have been with history’s traumatic Berj Chekijian. The audience participated ‘Daybreak’ at Tufts shards, these enthusiastically in the encore song, Kenats recent works Yerg (Aram Meranglooyan), which was met by have an even a resounding standing ovation. Audience MEDFORD, Mass. – The final Tufts University performance of Joyce Van Dyke’s m o r e members had the opportunity to meet with play “Daybreak” took place on November 8 at the Balch Arena Theater of the Tufts e x q u i s i t e the performers at a reception following the Department of Drama and Dance. The actors, students at Tufts directed by Prof. compression concert. Barbara Wallace Grossman, did an impressively of the proxi- Konstantin Petrossian, co-chairman of the good job, delivering professional and moving mate and the Foreign Department of the Composer’s Union By Aram Arkun performances, while the theater setting itself far-flung, the of Armenia, a composer, pianist and conduc- Mirror-Spectator Staff was impressively transformed to reflect the i n t i m a c y tor, served as artistic director for the perfor- themes of the play. with which mance. Petrossian is a member of the The floor had a hand-stenciled lacework the global design (unfortunately to be painted over after the final performance), and hanging and the bands of fabric cocooning the inside of the amphitheater serving as screens for pro- earthly is jected colored lights and images initially reminded one of the inside of the now shared. Indeed a feeling for the col- Armenian Genocide memorial at Tsitsernakaberd in Yerevan, with its inwardly lectively shared — a sense that all histor- inclined twelve slabs of stone. ical events leave their deposits in each of The three-scene play deals with the experiences of two women who survived the us — is the broader spirit in which Armenian Genocide, and the way survivors dealt with the traumatic memories and Balakian’s poetry now achingly, now great personal losses over decades. It raises questions of memory and transmission, painstakingly proceeds. In this most and even manages to expose racism and prejudice among Armenian survivors, recent collection, the “Historical” breaks showing that no people are immune from such flaws. It imagines that with time, down into personal events and experi- something “beyond reconciliation” may occur, and though some may not agree ences that, while the speaker’s own, are with its formulation, the play does point people in a direction of hope and optimism The artists never his own entirely — never, as despite the grimness of its topic. Thoreau might put it, as a “solitary see DAYBREAK, page 12 agent.” Balakian’s is a poetics of the per- Composer’s Union of Armenia, ASCAP, the ARAM ARKUN PHOTO sonal vividly mired in the confusions of Armenian Musical Assembly. He also serves as the impersonal, of crises at various scales the President and Artistic Director of the that belong more to the thresholds of Armenian Music Festival of Rhode Island. self than to the self as such — Rimbaud’s The Composer’s Union of Armenia has an “I is the Other” in a globally self-con- 80-year history. Throughout all those years, scious, disaster-strewn age. members of the Union include such notable Through beautifully wrenching composers as Romanos Melikyan, Armen instances, Ozone Journal maintains Tigranyan, Ashot Satyan, Grigor Yeghizaryan, world-historic specificity (“All day I was Arno Babadjanian, Alexander Haroutunian, digging Armenian bones out of the Edgar Hovhannesyan, Avet Terteryan, Grigor Syrian desert”), while remaining attuned Hakhinyan, Edward Baghdasaryan, Alexander to the smaller fluctuations, more inti- Adjemyan, Chachatur Avetisyan, Konstantin mate, that impinge upon and make pos- Orbelyan, and many other world-renowned sible a poetic subject’s interiority. These composers. With new leadership of the Union are poems of rapturous diction — of sen- under the direction of Aram Satyan, there has suous, geographically specific, felt pere- been an active rebirth of creating new music grinations, the wanderings, or dérive, in and performing the new compositions outside which our own historical moment would of Armenia. appear to bring forth a seeker confront- The concert was made possible by a dona- ed by and recording this, our planetary tion from the Dadourian Foundation. The The cast of “Daybreak” at its conclusion spectacle. But if it is a work in which the Dadourian Foundation serves to promote the REVIEW, page 12 Armenian Christian faith and cultural identity. S ATURDAY, N OVEMBER 1 4 , 2 0 1 5 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 11 ARTS & LIVING

never discussed the horrors they had Journey of Migrations endured, but over time Michael learned of his In a heartfelt, extemporaneous discourse, family’s “extraordinary resilience, and the Michael Aram revealed his year-long personal ‘Migrations’ role they played in helping others survive.” journey which led to the creation of the To thunderous applause, she invited the sculpture. “How will I tell the story of my Primate and Michael Aram to unveil the cov- family, and the millions who found no words ered sculpture. to tell their story,” he said softly in an emo- Sculpture by Michael Aram Prayers were offered by the Primate, and tion-filled voice. Odabashian and Kiledjian, accompanied by “As descendants of the survivors, we have Manucharyan singing the chant Krisdos absorbed much pain and trauma. I wanted to Unveiled At St. Vartan Cathedral Dznav Yev Haydnetzav (Christ is Born and work with the image of the khatchkar (cross- Revealed). Then in a traditional age-old ritu- stone) as the framework of the victims, but I dren Anabel and Thaddeus; his parents John al, the Primate circled the sculpture, blessing trembled at the magnitude, the scope and the By Florence Avakian and Anita Wolohojian; and relatives Lucine all four corners. enormity of the great crime. The jagged cut Delins, Stefan Wolohojian, and Gregory and In his remarks, the Primate related that through the steel demonstrates how our Patrician Egavian. this chant is most closely related with homeland had been taken — the great void NEW YORK — It was an event — spiritual, On a podium decorated with vases of fall Christ’s resurrection, “a message of hope that rests in our identity and soul.” inspiring, uplifting — that long will be remem- flowers, community Birds have a “deep meaning in our culture, bered. On Tuesday evening, October 6, the activist and philanthropist, the release of the doves during profoundly meaningful sculpture, MC Sandra Shahinian Transfiguration,” he continued. “I thought of “Migrations,” dedicated to the Centennial of Leitner welcomed the the journey the Genocide victims took, the the Armenian Genocide was unveiled on the enthusiastic crowd, declar- journey of faith, of heavy sadness that Plaza of St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral ing that “as the descen- defines Armenian identity. I felt each bird in before a crowd of more than 350. dants of the survivors, the this sculpture has its own identity, some The powerful sculpture depicts the Genocide became central shrieking, some silent, some resolved, some Armenians, symbolized by hundreds of birds, to our identity. This great- making the ultimate sacrifice — multiples migrating from a carved map of historic est atrocity of the Great migrations. A lot of emotion went into it, peo- Armenia within a vertical polished stainless War has been met by 100 ple separated, lost, starved, tortured, orphans steel shape. The fleeing birds, revealing vari- years of silence and denial who lost their identity, shriveled humans ous traumatic emotions, resemble branches by the Turkish authorities, who looked like birds,” he said, his voice of a tree rising to the heavens. “The historic and remains unrecognized cracking. map is turned on its side, signifying the by the U.S. government.” “Tonight, my heart is so full of emotion. I upheaval of the country, and the emptying of The Armenian Genocide feel an incalculable debt to our ancestors the Armenian people from their homeland,” Centennial “has been who did so much for us. We are the seeds said Michael Aram who created, designed and marked by unprecedented who have sprouted and grown. There are generously donated the masterwork. notice, she noted, includ- Armenian communities all over the world. Dignitaries attending the special event ing world-wide rallies, the We are the living proof of the ultimate, amaz- included Primate of the Armenian Diocese special recognition by ing journey they took. This is also for those (Eastern) Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Pope Francis, the three- who are not Armenian, but who have taken Archbishop Yeghishe Gizirian, Diocesan day gathering in that journey,” he said to a lengthy ovation. Vicar General Very Rev. Simeon Odabashian, Washington, DC, and the The memorable evening concluded with St. Vartan Cathedral Dean Very Rev. profoundly meaningful two master musicians sharing their talents. Mamigon Kiledjian, St. Nersess Armenian canonization of the per- Michael Aram working on his sculpture, “Migrations” Manucharyan, an acclaimed interpreter of Seminary Dean Rev. Mardiros Chevian, ished as saints of the Italian, French and Russian operatic and con- Armenia’s Ambassador to the United Nations Armenian Church by the cert repertoire on world stages, sang two Zohrab Mnatsakanian, Metropolitan Opera Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II. She emerging from suffering, and of life tran- beloved and heart-rending Armenian selec- tenor Yeghishe Manucharyan, pianist Sahan paid tribute to Archbishop Khajag as the scending death.” And symbolizing this, 12 tions by Komitas — Groong (The Crane), an Arzruni and scholar Dr. Helen Evans. “quiet force” behind many of the Centennial doves are released every Easter at St. Vartan anthem relaying the plight of Armenians Also attending were members of Aram’s events. Cathedral. forced to leave their homeland, and Andouni family, including Aret Tikiryan and their chil- She revealed that Aram’s grandparents He recalled that it took many decades (Homeless). before Dr. Rafael Lemkin “created the right Manucharyan was accompanied on the word — Genocide, — to correctly describe the piano by noted recitalist, chamber music part- events of 1915, but even today, there are still ner and concert soloist Arzruni, who also some who deny this terrible tragedy.” Today, offered three Khachaturian solos, The Tekeyan the events of a hundred years ago are still Birthday, A Musical Picture and Two Funny Cultural “eternally relevant, and a source of moral and Aunties Have Quarreled. Association creative inspiration for us all. And that is A rousing rendition of Komitas’ presents tonight’s large message,” he declared. “Hayasdan” performed by both artists, Calling attention to the sculpture, the brought the event to a close. Many in the Primate stressed that “this extraordinary audience continued to stay long after, con- work of art speaks to us as the product of gratulating the artist, conversing with one profound inspiration, by an artist of supreme another, and taking photos of the sculpture sensitivity and creative ability. I am grateful which was surrounded by dozens of lighted REMEMBRANCE & REBIRTH to him for sharing the personal journey of candles. A Classical Concert Commemorating the Centennial of Armenian Genocide himself and his family which led to this beau- Distinguished curator at the world famous tiful work, and tonight’s unveiling.” Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, This sculpture, he related, “will stand as an and noted Armenian scholar Dr. Helen Evans enduring testimony that our common voiced the feelings of many by expressing her humanity is shown not in a tragedy itself, but “deep admiration” for the sculpture. Evans Merkin Concert Hall SATURDAY in our miraculous response to the tragedy. was responsible for bringing a magnificent 129 West 67th Street • New York City Let us show our loving concern for one Khatchkar from Armenia to the Metropolitan NOVEMBER 21, 2015 another, and our solidarity with all others where it sits proudly on display. She revealed who have and are still suffering, and let it that Armenians were the first to see the bird 30 lead us to a path of justice, mercy and as the soul flying to salvation, a symbol so Featuring World Renown Artists 7pm peace.” powerfully displayed in “Migrations.”

SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE Students of Armenian Descent Having Completed One Year of College by June, 2016

Karén Alexander Hasmik Arkady Applications and other information may be obtained from Hakobyan Chaushian Papian Leytush Pianist/Composer Cellist Soprano Principal Conductor ARMENIAN STUDENTS’ ASSOCIATION Scholarship Committee with World Peace Sinfonietta Chamber Orchestra 333 Atlantic Avenue • Warwick, RI 02888 Artistic Director Music Director Tickets: Karén Hakobyan Arkady Leytush $100/$75/$50 Tel. 401 461-6114 • Fax 401 461-6112

KaufmanMusicCenter.org e-mail: [email protected] Featuring works by Box Of ce: (212) 501-3330 Bach, Komitas, Babadjanian, Hakobyan, Diana: 201-790-0397 Sharafyan, Mirzoyan & others Helen: 917-589-4749 Deadline for returning completed Applications: March 15, 2016 12 S ATURDAY, N OVEMBER 1 4 , 2 0 1 5 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR ARTS & LIVING Balakian to Lecture on Elia Kazan, Recipe Armenian Genocide and Hollywood FAIR LAWN, N.J. — Peter Balakian will lec- and Shadow: Essays on the Lyric Imagination, ture on Elia Kazan and his 1963 Oscar-winning Poetry, Art and Culture, which features pieces Corner film, “America, America,” on Thursday, on Charents, Gorky and Siamanto, as well as November 19. Balakian argues that Kazan’s Bob Dylan, Hart Crane, Joan Didion and others. depiction of the Armenian Massacres of 1896 Balakian’s new book of poems Ozone Journal by Christine Vartanian Datian following the Ottoman Bank incident is a land- was published simultaneously — both by The mark chapter in the history of cinema and in University of Chicago Press. the history of the representation of the He is Donald M. and Constance H. Rebar Armenians in the Ottoman Empire. Professor in the department of English at Lentil, Potato and Kale Soup “Kazan’s presentation of the plight of the Colgate University. Nutrition-packed meal is disguised as a delicious soup. Armenians and Greeks in Turkey is not only The lecture will take place at 7:45 p.m. at St. Leon groundbreaking in the history of Hollywood Armenian Church, 12-61 Saddle River Road. cinema,” Balakian says, “but it has been ignored The event is jointly sponsored by AGBU and misunderstood.” Ararat, Armenian Network of America- Greater INGREDIENTS The presentation will be accompanied by a NY, National Association for Armenian Studies 1 1/2 pounds dried brown or green lentil beans, washed and drained screening of the dramatic Armenian scenes and Research (NAASR), St. Leon Armenian 1 large onion, diced or sliced from the film. Church and Tekeyan Cultural Association. The 3 stalks celery, including tops, diced Balakian’s chapter on Kazan’s “America, event is free. A reception will follow the discus- 2 carrots, diced America” is from his new book of essays Vice sion and book signing. 3-4 cloves garlic, minced 1 small baking potato, peeled and diced 1/2 medium green or red bell pepper, diced 6 cups beef, lamb, vegetable, or chicken broth 4 cups water Ozone Journal by Peter Balakian 1 cup crushed tomatoes (Italian style) or fresh chopped seeded tomatoes 1 tablespoon each red wine vinegar, kosher or sea salt, and Worcestershire sauce REVIEW, from page 10 ly in the aether of the Anthropocene, “tenants” 1 teaspoon each dried cumin and basil global body politic is crisscrossed, examined, into “fumes.” 1/2 teaspoon each black pepper, paprika, red pepper flakes, and cayenne pepper anatomized and exhumed, it is simultaneously a Part of what is so astonishing in these poems 1/4 cup fine bulgur work attuned to the most minute genealogies of is that even with their attention on the granular 1/2 bunch flat-leaf parsley, chopped self, of personal histories, of a kind of biologism and their alertness to the slightest fluctuations 2 cups fresh kale, cleaned, stemmed, chopped at once vulnerable, fraught, ever undergoing within or at the edges of things, they neither veer Fresh garlic croutons or sliced Italian bread (optional) erasures, blurs, and disappearances. into reductive thought nor posit a crude or Olive oil We strolled over the river, heavy-handed equivalency. In an early poem of as the ultraviolet rays split off chlorine this collection, entitled “Joe Louis’s Fist,” the PREPARATION: atoms riots and their aftermath in “Detroit in ’67” In a large soup pot, sauté the onions, celery, carrots, garlic, potato, and bell pepper in a Ani wrapped in infant pink and white; remind a state trooper of “Berlin in ’45,” but few tablespoons of olive oil for 5-8 minutes, tossing until the onions are translucent. at 161st we found the bleachers these seemingly discrete instances are sum- Add the lentils, broth, water, tomatoes, vinegar, bulgur, Worcestershire sauce, and spices where the lights blinded the moths. moned not as correspondent but as orbital, a (to taste), mix, and bring to a full boil. Cover, reduce heat to medium low, and cook for one Dominican boys ran from scalpers/MLB constellation of temporalities shattering the hour, stirring occasionally until the lentils and vegetables are fully cooked. cowhide on the hand and heart — chronological presumptions, and assumed lin- Before serving, toss in the parsley and kale, mix, and cook uncovered for 10-12 minutes Later walking back over the Macomber earity, of “History.” In such a mesh or weave, longer. Bridge — these poems let things flit past, meanings pour- Check seasonings and use a hand blender to smooth soup ingredients for one minute, if chlorine monoxide left us lighter. ing through like water or light; events get stuck desired. Serve soup topped with garlic croutons or a slice of Italian bread. The poem’s speaker and his daughter, Ani, are or caught or shape-shift before our eyes, dissolve Drizzle with olive oil to taste. Serves 4-6. the “we” of this section within the long poem, at the tip of our tongues. At one point in “Ozone “Ozone Journal.” At the upper edge of a mid- Journal” the page becomes a tree, the tree To see more of Christine’s recipes, go to:http://www.myrecipes.com/search/site/Datian 1980s Manhattan Island they pass into the Bronx becomes like lungs, leading the poet to say that orhttp://www.thearmeniankitchen.com/ at the same scale as “rays” and “atoms,” inno- the “yellow haze of the Jersey side” was a “green- cents seemingly untouched by the deaths of house-sky” where, canopied along the river, Christine Vartanian Datian is a native of Fresno, California and now lives in Las Vegas. moths, the slaughter of cattle, euphemistically “trees breathed in our respiration.” No thing, no She is a graduate of California State University, Fresno (CSUF), and holds a Master of marked, but recorded all the same. Even the person, no event, no “state” appears fixed or per- Arts Degree (MA) in Mass Communications. She has been published in Sunset and “Dominican boys” seem lightly threatened by manent. Even the recurrences of the speaker’s Cooking Light Magazines for over a decade. something unnamed, their only salvation pledg- wife and daughter, his cousin, his father and ing allegiance to a game that would not have uncle, underscore this impermanence. Neither them but for those things, “hand” and “heart,” it they nor he recur as coherent, stable selves. All extracts from them as tribute. Back over a bridge, is flux, people even more so than events. For in indefinite space, the speaker will say, “chlorine where, as these poems suggest, can the intensity monoxide left us lighter,” and here we have that of events — or even the historical as such — be Van Dyke’s ‘Daybreak’ at Tufts sense of a radical particularity and porousness of said to reside if not in “the hidden abode” (in form that is Ozone Journal’s theme. Marx’s great phrase) of subjectivity? DAYBREAK, from page 10 porary emotional respite. Throughout the long poem “Ozone Journal,” The final poem of Ozone Journal, entitled The skillful use of music, sudden Armenian At the end of the play, after a brief break, the attention turns exquisitely, granularly par- “Home,” stages a series of displacements. It dance sequences, surrealistic elements like Grossman introduced Dr. Lerna Ekmekcioglu ticular, alive to that very something in the air opens in radical disjuncture: “Driving Route 20 lace handkerchiefs falling from the ceiling or of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology we moderns breathe, as if sub rosa. to Syracuse past pastures of cows and falling sky, and, in the background, whirling images and Aram Arkun, historian and executive direc- accidents, river haze, CS gas, we moved silos / you feel the desert stillness near the of lace or circular Armenian eternity symbols tor of the Tekeyan Cultural Association, who with whatever floats — dispersions of self refineries at the Syrian border.” In Balakian’s projected onto the vertical strips of fabric, spoke about the themes of the play and the and industrial manna, poems, no place — no space and time — is sin- emphasize the dreamlike nature of shifts in power of literature and drama. The playwright the shirtless exiles walking up 158th gular. We are at once in upstate New York, the time from present (1938 and 1978) to past or Joyce Van Dyke was present in the audience, along the river where your jewelry was Middle East, the Hamptons, New Jersey, future. The dance sequences break up the and was joined by the cast members after they stolen in an apartment Australia, Jerusalem, Kolkata, London, the intense and often poignant emotional changed out of costume. A discussion with audi- with jerry-rigged fire escapes, an inside job Ivory Coast, Cyprus, and Manhattan Island. The exchanges of the play and give viewers tem- ence participation ensued. done by poet’s felt sense of place names, tied as each is ARAM ARKUN PHOTO mild-mannered tenants who disappeared to his own (or his family’s) peregrinations, spins into soot fumes the globe on the head of a pin, where, in a dif- and the nanoparticles of spray-can mist; ferent episteme, there were once angels danc- by the time we realized what happened ing. But because ours is a world of interpene- they were in another state. trating worlds, the poet moves us from “fallen The particularity here involves as much silos” to “desert stillness,” from Syracuse to “nanoparticles,” or, (as in other invocations of Syria, with the ease and speed of a line break. the atmospherically molecular elsewhere The itinerary here concerns his uncle and leads throughout the poem) CFCs, ultra rays, UVBs, as well to flashes of his father. Such restless dis- and ultraviolet, infra-CO2, as it does something placement is the diasporic subject’s share, as fine as a dissolving “mist” at once of graffi- “never returning to / the Armenian village near tists and cat burglars. It is as if the Don DeLillo the Black Sea.” of White Noise and the Alfred Hitchcock of “To What is “Home,” the poem asks, but a kind Catch a Thief” teamed up to shoot a caper in of memory palace, a building haunted by nos- the old Hollywood style. But what is disquieting talgia’s evocations? And whose “I” is the I here is the weight these various “dispersions” remembering when one’s inheritance is a per- take as the last word, full stop (“state”), speaks manent state of dispersal, of bloodlines wherein not of territoriality, which is at first glance part memory itself functions ethnographically, of the pun, but of a total dematerialization of transpersonally, as something akin to a foren- the agent or agents responsible for the theft. sics or ventriloquism of lost peoples, places, sen- This “state” the thieves vanish into, of course, sitivities or sensibilities, at the edges of encoun- is spatial, the city itself and its warrens. But at ters, instants, sensoriums, events, with time The Balch Arena Theater set at the start of “Daybreak” a trace level what we have is the rendering of a itself a misplaced or misbegotten thing? In whole “industrial” era, “whatever floats” literal- continued on next page S ATURDAY, N OVEMBER 1 4 , 2 0 1 5 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 13 ARTS & LIVING CC AA LENDARLENDAR

gourmet foods, delicacies and pastries; raffles, and CONNECTICUT more. Activities for Children, Peter Adamian Hall: Friday, 7-9 p.m., All Aboard “The Polar Express” Pajama NOVEMBER 21 — Annual Holiday Fair, featuring the sale Party, recommended for children ages 6 and older; of delicious Armenian and American delicacies and Saturday, 10:45-11:30 a.m., The Magic and Juggling of foods, Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., 1910 Stanley St., New Robert Clarke, aka “LuckyBob,” for “children of all ages.” Britain, the Armenian Church of the Holy For further information, contact the church office Resurrection. There will also be vendors and an opportu- at 617.354.0632, or log onto www.htaac.org/calen- nity to catch a quick bite to eat at the Kitchen dar/event/111/. Café. Come join us and pick out your desserts for DECEMBER 5 — Lowell ARF “Aharonian” Gomideh Thanksgiving and get some Christmas shopping in at the 120th anniversary celebration, 6:30 pm, Kazanjian same time! Memorial Pavilion, Sts. Vartanantz Church, 180 Old Westford Road, Chelmsford; dinner and program; MASSACHUSETTS Armenian National Committee Freedom Awards to James Milinazzo, former Lowell mayor; Daniel Varoujan NOVEMBER 14 — “Rediscovered Master: The Art of Hejinian, noted artist; David Boyajian, Simon Samsonian” exhibition closing reception, journalist/Armenian activist; Community Service Awards Saturday, 6-8 p.m. The Armenian Museum of America, to Kathy Cryan-Hicks, Chelmsford Public Library; The 65 Main St., Watertown. The event will include a short Lowell Sun newspaper; Jennifer Doaks, Chelmsford High lecture involving reminiscence on the artist by family instructor; musical oud performance by Datev Gevorkian; members, and a reception held in the Adele & Haig Der Peter Balakian will speak about the donation, $50 adults, $15 students; reservations, Armen Manuelian Galleries on the third floor of the museum. Jeknavorian, (978) 256-2538 or [email protected]. The event is free and open to the public, and light classic film by Elia Kazan, DECEMBER 6 — The Greater Worcester Armenian refreshments will be served at the reception. “America America,” on Tuesday, Chorale presents a special Christmas Concert led by NOVEMBER 14 — Holiday Arts & Crafts Fair, 10 a.m. to December 1, at a program jointly Artistic Director and Conductor Konstantin Petrossian, 4 p.m., at Jaffarian Hall, St. Gregory Armenian Church, sponsored by the Tekeyan Cultural Sunday, 1:30 pm, with a fellowship at 12:30 p.m., at Holy 158 Main St., North Andover; handcrafted items by local Association, the Armenian Mirror- Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church, 635 Grove St., crafters & artisans; light lunch served; further details, Worcester. Admission is free. Soprano Knarik Dorothy (978) 686-7769 or Rose (978) 256-0594. Spectator and Facing History and Nerkararyan is the guest soloist. For additional informa- NOVEMBER 15 – Razmik Mansourian – Live in Concert with Ourselves, Armenian Museum of tion call 508-963-2076. Albert Bulbulyan and Hovhannes Meghrilyan, 5 p.m., America, Watertown, at 7 p.m. He DECEMBER 7 — Aram Arkun, Historian and Executive Charles and Nevart Talanian Cultural Hall, Holy Trinity Armenian will also sign copies of his two new Director of Tekeyan Cultural Association and Assistant Church, 145 Brattle St., Cambridge. Tickets are $35 and $40; books. Editor of the Armenian Mirror Spectator will be the advance purchase recommended. For tickets or speaker at the St. James Men’s Club. Topic will be further information, call 617.842.6552,781.241.2118, “Zeytun: The Armenian Eagles’ Nest.” Losh Kebab and or 617.458.0903, or log onto Holy Trinity’s website Kheyma Dinner Social Hour (mezza) 6:15 p.m. Dinner 7 www.htaac.org/calendar/event/148/. Proceeds to benefit the p.m. $14 per person. St. James Armenian ChurchCharles Holy Trinity Armenian School. NOVEMBER 21 — Presentation of a new book and book sign- Mosesian Cultural & Youth Center - Keljik Hall 465 Mt. NOVEMBER 20-21 — Sts Vartanantz Armenian Church ing of Muron Scented Whispers by Monsignor Andon Auburn St., Watertown. Ladies welcome. of Chelmsford Annual Bazaar and Food Festival. Atamian, new pastor of the Holy Cross Armenian Catholic DECEMBER 13 – St. James 84th Anniversary Name Day Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. Lunch and dinner Church. Presentation by Avik Derentz Deirmenjian, 7 p.m., Holy Celebration & Banquet Honoring Raffi & Carol featuring lamb shish kebab, chicken kebab and losh Cross Armenian Catholic Church, Atinizian Hall, 200 Lexington Yeghiayan, Parishioners of the Year. Save the Date, kebab. Served from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Takeout available. St., Belmont. Reception to follow. details to follow. St. James Armenian Church, 465 Mt. Homemade Armenian pastries. Booths include Armenian DECEMBER 1 —The Tekeyan Cultural Association, the Auburn St., Watertown. country store with wide variety of dry goods, jewelry, Armenian Mirror-Spectator and Facing History and DECEMBER 13 — Christmas Holiday Concert – Erevan white elephant tables, arts and crafts, silent auctions and Ourselves are presenting a talk by Peter Balakian on Choral Society and Orchestra, 7 p.m., Church cash and prize raffles. On Saturday, November 21: the classic film “America America” written and directed Sanctuary, Holy Trinity Armenian Church of Greater Backgammon (Tavloo) Tournament, 2 to 4 p.m., and live by Elia Kazan. The film is about a young Anatolian Greek Boston, 145 Brattle St., Cambridge, MA. Save the date; Armenian music and dancing featuring Jason Naroian man from the provinces who loses his family fortune on details to follow. Ensemble, 4:30 - 7:30 p.m. Sts. Vartanantz Church is his way to Constantinople and is dreaming of going to DECEMBER 31 — St. James 2016 New Year’s Eve Celebration. located at 180 Old Westford Road, Chelmsford. America. 7 p.m. Balakian will also sign copies of his two Entertainment by Arthur Apkarian and Band from NOVEMBER 21 — Join Project SAVE Archives as it cele- recent books, Ozone Journal and Vise and Montreal. Save the date, details to follow. St. James Armenian brates 40 Years and Beyond preserving and promoting Shadow: Essays on the Lyric Imagination, Poetry, Art, Church, 465 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown. our Armenian heritage through photography, Saturday, and Culture. At the Armenian Museum of America, Scottish Rite Masonic Museum and Library (Previously together with the National Association for Armenian National Heritage Museum), 33 Marrett Rd. Lexington, Studies and Research (NAASR). NEW YORK Cocktail Reception- 6 p.m. Program 8 p.m. DECEMBER 4 and 5 — Trinity Christmas NOVEMBER 19 — Four Authors in Search of a Featuring Nubar Alexanian Documentary Photographer Bazaar, Friday, 12-9 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Holy Past: History, community, inspiration. A reading and Filmmaker and Scout Tufankjian Photojournalist and Trinity Armenian Church of Greater Boston, 145 Brattle with Nancy Agabian, Haig Chahinian, Lola Koundakjian Author. Wine Pull and Book Signing to Benefit Project St., Cambridge. Featuring delicious Armenian dinners, a and Veronica Pamoukaghlian. 7 p.m., Saint Illuminator’s SAVE $125 per person. la carte menu and take-out meals; booths and vendors — Armenian Apostolic Cathedral, 221 East 27th Street, New http://www.projectsave.org/eventpage.asp perfect for doing your Christmas shopping; Armenian York. A reception will follow.

from previous page summonings to enter. Indeed, “at the big glass entrance door,” we uesque moment chiseled out of consonant blends and an imag- keeping with this puzzle, the “you” of the poem is without a are reminded that all place is for us, finally, an inner geography — istic, jazzman’s ear for vowels. There is a textured, nuanced shored-up referent. At one point, the poem’s speaker and his uncle that “walking” is but a kind of mood or habit of mind, one which music in his jagged motifs, in the quiet, intimate transfigurations fuse, merge into an atmosphere of dispersal. No “you” is one’s literally lies interstitial to the phenomenological world as such, of his lines, as if in keeping with what the speaker of these poems alone, as the poem makes clear. What confounds is whether the ontologically and existentially. The “wet grass, clouds / clumped tells us Miles Davis once said, “the softer you play, the stronger “you” of a topaz ring seen at first in Aleppo and then in a pawn on a hillside, a subway station sliding into water” is neither pas- it gets.” The grandeur and force of Balakian’s Ozone Journal shop off Lexington Ave., and the “you” at the beginning and end toral nor a-pastoral, but an attunement to the kind of architec- recalls, too, what Agnes Martin once said in praise of Mark of the poem were or are or could ever have been identical to its tural there-ness that the poetic I’s imagination is, the reflection of Rothko — that he “reached for zero so that nothing could stand various appearances or iterations. Significantly, at poem’s end — “the big glass entrance door” as real as reality itself — a thing of in the way of truth.” These are poems of fulsome, kind, painter- which is the end of this collection of poems — “Home” as a place the mind as much as of memory and no less significantly there ly perceptions, their truths our truths, beautiful, haunting, plain- of arrival vanishes even as its “entrance” appears: for being a “mental thing” (da Vinci). This threshold encounter is tive, urgent. In our dying world’s age, these poems legislate a at the big glass entrance door, you’re walking through wet emblematic of all that the poet leaves behind even as he is “walk- vital comportment to the demands of our shared present, timely grass, clouds ing through,” passing over but not into, staring directly at while and untimely both. clumped on a hillside, a subway station sliding into water. looking away from desire, from what or where it ought to be, but In this final line, we are left with a moving image of banish- never is. Such is the zero-degree of these poems, those places or (Keith Jones is the author of Fugue Meadow (Ricochet ment, the speaker staring at or into the place he can never whol- sites or instances in which “O” is at once a number prior to num- Editions 2015) and Surface to Air, Residuals of ly enter or be absorbed by. The wall of glass he walks into is the bering and an utterance at the threshold of language and yet con- Basquiat (Pressed Wafer 2012). His poems have wall of glass he is ever walking out of and away from, the place taining all of its expressivity, from terror to awe. It is also the “O” appeared or are forthcoming in Chicago Review, Denver of desire a place of fleeting refuge. In this sense, “home” is never in ozone, the oxygen without which no speaker speaks. At the Quarterly, Flag + Void, Let The Bucket Down, No a place of origin but rather a threshold site where one crosses cusp of ozone depletion, the poet says, “no plankton, no world — Infinite, Sundial, Verse, and The Winter Anthology. His over and returns to first instances; a place, in other words, always who can take in the dread.” chapbook manuscript, The Lucid Upward Ladder, was returned to in an effort at reconstruction. Whatever its meanings, These subtle shifts in tone and feel and scale are what named a finalist for Verse Magazine’s 2015 Tomaz “Home” lies forgotten or buried, is belated and previous to and Balakian is a master of — the drifting, split-second mirage, the Salamun Prize. He lives in Boston, Massachusetts. This yet lying before us, requiring no end of restless, even phantasmal, cinematic dissolve and cross-cut as well as the sculptural, stat- review originally appeared in Consequence Magazine.) 14 S ATURDAY, N OVEMBER 1 4 , 2 0 1 5 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMENTARY

COMMENTARY Mirror Turkey After the Elections

In his post-election speech, Erdogan said that he would con- Spectator By Edmond Y. Azadian tinue the fight against the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) “until its militants buried their arms.” During the November 1 snap election, AK regained the parlia- Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had triggered a polit- mentary majority, winning 317 (49 percent) of the 550 seats, only ical tempest in his country and the region earlier this fall, which 13 short of the number needed to call a referendum to make con- many believed would spin out of control and create an all-out civil stitutional changes. EstablishedEstablished 1932 1932 war. But the November 1 election results indicate that he has The scare tactic that Erdogan used has yielded handsome An ADLAn Publication ADL Publication assured his march towards a “constitutional dictatorship,” as was results for his AK Party, by symbolizing it as the base for Turkey’s characterized by the Kurdish leader of the People’s Democratic stability. Thus, almost a million Kurdish and left-wing voters have Party (HDP), Selahattin Demirtas. switched from the pro-Kurdish HDP to AK party since June, The June parliamentary elections were inconclusive for which barely met the 10-percent minimum limit, taking 59 seats, Erdogan’s Justice and Development (AK) Party to form a single- EDITOR 21 fewer than in June. Alin K. Gregorian party government and to carry out the constitutional reforms, It is believed that allowing the 10 percent to the Kurdish party paving the way for a presidential system that would concentrate was also Erdogan’s doing because otherwise, all the Kurds would ASSISTANT EDITOR power in the hands of Erdogan and expand his power through- go underground and complicate his plan. Aram Arkun out the region. Thus, he decided to schedule a snap election on The three Armenian candidates running in three different par- November 1. ART DIRECTOR ties have retained their seats to serve their cosmetic role in Marc Mgrditchian Unlike the United States, there are no checks and balances on demonstrating to the EU that Turkey remains an inclusive democ- the executive branch through the legislative and the judiciary racy with Kurds, Assyrians and Armenians being represented in branches in Turkey. the parliament. Demirtas believes that the AK-dominated government will resume negotiations with the Kurds sooner or later but refuses SENIOR EDITORIAL COLUMNIST: to support Erdogan’s plan for constitutional changes which Edmond Azadian would put more power in the hands of the presidency. “We would have to lose our minds to agree to this,” he said in CONTRIBUTORS: an interview. “Erdogan’s plan for the executive presidential sys- Florence Avakian, Dr. Haroutiun tem is not a model for an executive presidency but [rather] a one- Arzoumanian, Taleen Babayan, Diana man rule, a constitutional dictatorship that merges all authority Der Hovanessian, Philip Ketchian, into a single hand.” Kevork Keushkerian, Harut Sassounian, Hagop Vartivarian, Naomi Zeytoonian Despite his categorical refusal to endorse Erdogan’s bid for constitutional changes, Demirtas may eventually acquiesce to the CORRESPONDENTS: change, first because Erdogan has been threatening “to go to the Armenia - Hagop Avedikian people” to approve the new constitution and second, because Boston - Nancy Kalajian Demirtas has proven to be a political realist throughout his rise Philadelphia - Lisa Manookian to power, believing that diplomacy is the art of the possible. While Berlin - Muriel Mirak-Weissbach the PKK opts for a maximalist position of seeking independence, Demirtas has entertained a more moderate goal of achieving Contributing Photographers: By the estimation of many analysts, Erdogan is poised to Jacob Demirdjian and Jirair Hovsepian some degree of autonomy for the Kurds within the system. When become the strongest ruler in Turkey since Ataturk. the government initiated the negotiations, even the jailed leader, In the aftermath of the reelection, markets have rebounded in Abdullah Oçalan, had agreed to autonomy versus full indepen- the country and the Turkish Lira has enhanced its value, indi- dence. Should that goal be achieved, Erdogan has some tangible The Armenian Mirror-Spectator is published cating that the stability of the country is around the corner. results to show to the West. Through the recent turmoil, he weekly, except two weeks in July and the first All of the above indicate that Erdogan was vindicated in his week of the year, by: proved to be the Teflon politician who won 5 million more votes gambit. What he primarily did was to launch an atmosphere of than in the June election. Baikar Association, Inc. fear throughout the country by abandoning unilaterally the On a side note, Turkey is moving from a parliamentary system 755 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA 02472-1509 peace negotiations with the Kurds, which had yielded some pos- to the presidential system, while Armenia is moving in the oppo- Telephone: 617-924-4420 itive results since 2013. site direction. FAX: 617-924-2887 Two major terrorist attacks in Suruc and Ankara against the Erdogan’s position was also enhanced by outside factors; www.mirrorspectator.com Kurds, engineered by the Erdogan administration through ISIS Germany’s Chancellor Angela Merkel came to his rescue by visit- operatives, served their purpose. The perpetrators of those E-Mail: [email protected] ing Ankara on the eve of the election and moderating her stand crimes have yet to be found. For advertising: [email protected] on Turkey’s admission to the European Union. The US looked As Roger Cohen has indicated in a New York Times article, the other way when Turkey continued bombing Kurds under the the throat-cutting Jihadists circulate freely in the country and pretext of going after ISIS. Even Russian-Turkish relations were the police look the other way. The prime minister designate, not broken after Erdogan threatened to do so following Russian Ahmet Davutoglu, maintains that they cannot be incarcerated jets violating Turkish air space. And lastly, the Israeli-Turkish until they have been caught red-handed, while on the other front was inordinately quiet, as Israel looks to preserve its hege- SUBSCRIPTION RATES: hand, many Kurds are being assassinated or jailed on mony in the region, in cooperation with Ankara and Riyadh. trumped-up charges, without being caught red-handed com- International tolerance is already on the horizon for Erdogan’s mitting a crime. rise. It remains to implement his constitutional reform to consol- U.S.A. $80 a year “What does Erdogan — in theory a key American ally leading a idate his power at home. NATO state — see in the knife-wielding Jihadis of the Islamic Then the world should be ready to deal with Sultan Erdogan. Canada $125 a year State? They are useful in confronting Turkey’s age-old nemesis, the Kurds who have taken over wide sections of north- Other Countries $190 a year ern Syria and established self-government in the area which they call Rojava. That in turn has raised the specter of a border-straddling Kurdistan, the nightmare © 2014 The Armenian Mirror-Spectator of Turkish Republic.” (Roger Cohen, “Turkey’s Periodical Class Postage Paid at Boston, MA Dangerous Polarization,” New York Times, November 8, and additional mailing offices. 2015) ISSN 0004-234X The Kurds have an odd status on Washington’s politi- cal radar; they are labeled terrorists in Turkey and a use- ful ally in Syria and Iraq. That may be a tactical choice of POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The the US, and the alliance may dissipate any time. On the Armenian Mirror-Spectator, 755 Mount Auburn other hand, the Kurds also must have figured out well St., Watertown, MA 02472 through experience in their entire history, since they Other than the editorial, views and opinions have been used, abused and abandoned by all the pow- expressed in this newspaper do not necessarily reflect the policies of the publisher. ers in the region. Erdogan pleaded with Washington for a long time to establish a no-fly zone in Syria, under the pretext of pro- tecting the refugees. Washington did not pay more than lip service to the idea. Then Erdogan bargained to exchange the use of Incirlik Airbase by the US Air Force Copying for other than personal use or internal reference is prohibited without against a free hand to bomb Kurds in Syria and Iraq. express permission of the copyright Now that the Turkish plan to eradicate the Kurdish owner. Address requests for reprints or autonomous region in Syria — mostly by Russian inter- back issues to: vention — has failed, Prime Minister Davutoglu has indi- cated that Turkey is willing to introduce ground forces in Baikar Association, Inc. Syria — a factor meant to further complicate the quag- 755 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA 02472- mire on the battlefield. 1509 S ATURDAY, N OVEMBER 1 4 , 2 0 1 5 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 15 COMMENTARY

Israel. Among the distinguished speakers were: Jacob Metzer, not the murdered.” President of The Open University of Israel; Prof. Yair Auron; — I must include in this list of Righteous Jews, Professors Prof. Israel Charny; Prof. Elihu Richter; Prof. Dina Porat, Israel Charny, Yair Auron, Yehuda Bauer, Nobel Peace Prize Chief Historian of Yad Vashem; Dr. Stefan Ihrig, author of winner Elie Wiesel, and a large number of Jewish scholars “Ataturk in the Nazi Imagination”; Ragip Zarakolu, a promi- who were the trailblazers in writing articles and books on My Turn nent human rights activist from Turkey; Prof. Ayhan Aktar the Armenian Genocide, even before Armenian scholars. from Istanbul Bilgi University; Ya’akov Ahimeir, journalist — I must also commend Knesset members and former By Harut Sassounian and editor of Israel Broadcasting Authority’s weekly interna- Knesset Chairman Reuven Rivlin — the current President of tional news survey on Channel 1; Benny Ziffer, editor of the Israel —who staunchly supported Armenian Genocide recog- literary and cultural section of Haaretz newspaper; and nition despite his government’s vehement opposition. Met with Israel’s President, and George Hintlian from Jerusalem’s Armenian community. As it is well known, the Armenian Genocide was the “pro- Spoke at Armenian Genocide In my conference presentation, I expressed regret that the totype” of the Shoah in view of German complicity in the State of Israel has yet to acknowledge the Armenian extermination of Armenians in the Ottoman Empire. In the Conference Genocide. Here are excerpts from my remarks: process of that criminal cooperation, the German “I must first draw an important distinction between the military learned from its Turkish ally practical evil lessons on Last week I spoke at the first conference on the Armenian position of the Israeli government and the people of Israel how to organize and implement the elimination of an entire Genocide in Israel, gave a lecture at the Armenian and Jews around the world who have been some of the lead- race! Hitler was emboldened by the silence of the world while Patriarchate in Jerusalem, and attended a meeting with ing voices calling attention to the Armenian Genocide and its Armenians were getting wiped out, to confidently declare on Israel’s President Reuven Rivlin. recognition: the eve of his invasion of Poland in 1939, “Who, after all, President Rivlin was a staunch supporter of Armenian — Henry Morgenthau, U.S. Ambassador to the Ottoman speaks today of the annihilation of the Armenians?” Genocide recognition while he was Chairman of the Knesset Empire, during the Genocide; Consequently, the State of Israel should have been the first (parliament). As President, he is now more circumspect, not — Franz Werfel, the Austrian Jewish novelist, who wrote in country, and hopefully not the last, to recognize the wishing to contradict his government’s reprehensible silence 1933 the international bestselling novel, “The Forty Days of Armenian Genocide! Who should empathize more with the regarding the Armenian Genocide. However, during his meet- Musa Dagh.” His book was translated into Hebrew in 1934 victims of a genocide than those who have suffered a similar ing with the scholars attending the genocide conference last and was widely read by Jews everywhere, particularly in the fate? week, President Rivlin left no doubt that his position on the Warsaw ghetto, as a source of inspiration for survival and Those who give Realpolitik reasons to justify Israel’s reluc- Armenian Genocide has not changed. He even used the term resistance to the Nazis during the Shoah; tance to acknowledge the Armenian Genocide, should “Armenian Genocide” during the meeting. He also recalled — Raphael Lemkin, the Polish Jewish lawyer, who coined answer the following question: Would they accept the denial his speech at the UN General Assembly earlier this year in the term genocide. He disclosed during a 1949 interview on of the Shoah by another country, simply because it is in which he specifically referenced the Armenian Genocide. the CBS-TV Program Face the Nation: “I became interested that country’s strategic interest to do so? I reminded President Rivlin that over two dozen countries in genocide because it happened to the Armenians”; Equally illogical is the claim that now is not the right time have already recognized the Armenian Genocide and that — I would add to these historical figures the name of to recognize the Armenian Genocide! When is a good time to Israel should also acknowledge it simply because it is the Yossi Beilin, who spoke out on the Armenian Genocide as recognize a genocide? Isn’t 100 years of waiting long enough? right thing to do! I expressed the hope that with his contin- Israel’s Minister of Justice on April 24, 2000, and as Deputy Moreover, for years, we were told that acknowledging the ued support Israel would complete ‘the missing page’ of my Foreign Minister in 1994, despite heavy pressures and criti- Armenian Genocide would ruin Israel’s good relations with book which lists the countries that have recognized the cisms from the Israeli government; Turkey. Now, we are being told that Israel cannot acknowl- Armenian Genocide! — We also fondly remember Minister of Education edge it in order not to make its bad relations with Turkey I then handed President Rivlin my book, The Armenian Yossi Sarid who was the keynote speaker in Jerusalem on worse! Genocide, The World Speaks Out: 1915-2015, Documents & April 24, 2000, the 85th anniversary of the Armenian It would be immoral to exploit the recognition of the Declarations, a copy of the speech I delivered at the confer- Genocide. He declared: “I am here, with you, as a human Armenian Genocide as a bargaining chip between Turkey ence, and my newspaper, the California Courier. being, as a Jew, as an Israeli, and as Education Minister of and Israel. No political, economic or military interest should The Armenian Genocide conference was organized By the State of Israel…. Whoever stands indifferent in front of it override the recognition of any genocide! Prof. Yair Auron and the Department of Sociology, Political [genocide], or ignores it, whoever makes calculations, who- Israel should recognize the Armenian Genocide for one Science and Communication at The Open University of ever is silent always helps the perpetrator of the crime and reason only: It is the right thing to do!”

You Cannot Honor the Graves without Honoring the Bodies Themselves

which “protects” the old orphanage site, is photographic record of the Armenian they were reburied with honor under their By Robert Fisk to rent the land to a company that plans to Genocide — the first genocide of the 20th own individual tombstones and their disin- construct a beach-front boutique hotel of century. Pictures of the dead hang in cor- terment was in the interest of a project Do we honor the dead or the corpses? wooden villas and, while the land where ridors haunted by most beautiful that would benefit a new generation of I’m not talking about those poppy fashion the graves now stand cannot be used for Armenian liturgical church music. humanity. accessories worn by the BBC’s clones, or construction – it is too near the ancient “Remember!” it says in Armenian on a Besides, when tens of thousands of sol- PR Dave’s obscene bit of crimson Roman city – it will be landscaped and nearby wall. “Life is short, death is real, diers “known unto God” were simply atom- Photoshopping, but the real, actual used, it now seems, for wedding pho- eternity is immortal.” Which, I suppose, is ized into the fields of the Somme by shell- remains of the human beings slaughtered tographs. The brides and grooms will not the Armenian version of our own remem- fire during the war itself, should bones in the Great War of 1914-18. And, in this know whom they have displaced. brance of those who grow not old as we really carry the same power as our histori- particular case, I’m talking not of the sol- But Vartan Avakian will know. He took grow old. cal memory? And didn’t we ourselves bring diers but of the civilians buried in 33 me to Byblos to show me the tomb of his But moving the dead worries me. True, back an “Unknown Soldier” to lie in state graves which I looked down upon last own great-grandfather Hagop in this very in 1918 the Armenian survivors carried forever in London? week from a windy hilltop beside the old cemetery, and Hagop’s remains will be some of the bones of their own dead from But to stand on the Somme and know Roman city of Byblos in Lebanon. Beneath among those disinterred. “Those who the Syrian Desert to a chapel at Antelias, that a dead man, often named, lies just those tombstones lie the bones of some below the ground a few feet from us pro- survivors of the greatest war crime of that vides a most unique reflection on humani- titanic conflict, the Genocide of a million ty’s cruelty and tragedy. Hagop was a sur- and a half Armenian Christians by the vivor but his bones, albeit unseen, and his Turks in 1915. They died in one of the ....in 1918 the Armenian survivors carried some of tombstone possess an individuality that huge orphanages opened for thousands of recovers the dead and brings them back, in children amid cholera and disease by the bones of their own dead from the Syrian our consciousness, to the world of the liv- European doctors and NGOs after the ing. A common grave may be a place of Great War ended, and were buried in the prayer — surely that is what the ash pits of orphanage grounds. Desert to a chapel at Antelias, north of Beirut, Auschwitz have become — but it cruelly Many of them saw their parents slaugh- destroys the unique identity of each tered in front of them, but escaped the human being who died there — which, in massacre only to die in Lebanon. Some where they can be seen to this day. the case of Auschwitz, was, alas, the Nazis’ lived on to work among the orphans and intention. died of old age. But they are the ‘honored’ escaped the mass graves of our Genocide north of Beirut, where they can be seen to Time matters, of course. We do not weep dead, as surely as the soldiers who lie should not be moved into another mass this day. I have myself dug the skulls of for the dead of Agincourt and Waterloo. today in the cemeteries of the Somme and grave,” he said bitterly. Vartan and seven dead Armenians from the killing fields of They were routinely thrown into mass Verdun and the graves of those who other Armenian friends have been hunting northern Syria — originally left by their graves. And our world is for the living, not endured the conflict. Or are they? For through local construction documents and Turkish murderers to be covered by the the dead. Ashes do return to ashes. Yet in these individual Armenian graves, most of discovered that the exclusive resort will be waters of the Khabur River — and given the shadow of the last century’s Golgotha, them bearing the names of the survivors, called the Diplomatic Club. So poor old them to the priests of the genocide memo- I suspect that bodies, corpses, human are soon to be disinterred and buried – Hagop, who witnessed but survived the rial church at Deir ez-Zor. But these bones remains — however decayed — should still mixed together – in a ‘common grave’ Genocide at the age of 21, must make way had been lying unknown, without any be important to us. Their identities are beside the nearest Armenian church. Their for the wealthy company that will rent this Christian grave. They were placed in the more important than poppies — and cer- names already appear on a marble stone land from the church for its privileged crypt amid other remains where, alas, they tainly more profound than the profits of a near the hole where their bones will be hotel guests. were discovered by Islamist fighters last boutique hotel. placed — but their individuality will disap- The Armenian church can say — justifi- year — and hurled into the street before the pear, skulls and backbones and femurs ably — that the names of the dead will be church was dynamited. True, graves of (Robert Fisk is the award-winning chief jumbled together. What is left of their bod- more greatly honored, because their cock- British soldiers on the Somme were Middle East correspondent for The ies will have lost their uniqueness. tail of bones will lie beside an Ottoman removed to another cemetery when a new Independent (UK) daily. This column origi- Worse still, their own Armenian church building that now houses a magnificent French motorway route to the Channel nally ran in the November 8 edition of the museum of the Genocide, containing a was under construction not long ago. But paper.) 16 S ATURDAY, N OVEMBER 1 4 , 2 0 1 5 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR