NOVEMBER 21, 2015 Mirror-SpeTHE ARMENIAN ctator Volume LXXXVI, NO. 19, Issue 4413 $ 2.00 NEWS INBRIEF The First English Language in the Since 1932 Philanthropist Pledges ADL, Tekeyan $1 million for Telethon — The Hayastan All-Armenian Fund Members announces that Russian-Armenian industrialist and benefactor Samvel Karapetyan has pledged to con- tribute $1 million to the fund’s upcoming Convene in Thanksgiving Day Telethon. The telethon’s primary goal this year is to raise funds for the construction of single-family homes for families in Nagorno Karabagh who have five or YEREVAN — On November 2, members more children and lack adequate housing. Thanks and leaders of the Armenian Democratic to Karapetyan’s donation, some 115 children and Liberal Party (ADL) from several countries their parents will be provided with comfortable, assembled at the entrance of Building No. fully furnished homes. 47 of Yerevan’s Republic Street (formerly “We are grateful to our friend Samvel known as Alaverdian Street) to attend the Karapetyan, who for years has generously support- dedication of the ADL premises. ed our projects,” said Ara Vardanyan, executive The building, which houses the offices of director of the Hayastan All-Armenian Fund, and the ADL-Armenia, the editorial offices of added, “I’m confident that many of our compatriots Azg newspaper, the library, and the meeting will follow in his footsteps.” halls, has been fully renovated and refur- The telethon will air for 12 hours on bished by ADL friend and well-known phil- Thanksgiving Day, November 26, beginning at 10 anthropist from New Jersey, Nazar a.m. Pacific Standard Time. Nazarian. The center is named the Nazar Gabriel Aljalian with Patriots quarterback Tom Brady and Artemis Nazarian Center. Armenian Among Dead First to address the assembled group was ADL US and Canada Eastern District In Attack PARIS (Combined Sources) — A 17-year-old French- Paying it Forward on Team G Armenian girl, Lola Ouzounian, died during the November 13 attack in Paris. WATERTOWN — The Aljalian family of Watertown — Rev. Arakel Aljalian of St. Lola, a Parisian, was at the Bataclan concert hall James Armenian Church and his wife, Yeretzgin Natasha Aljalian and their son, on the evening of November 13. Ouzounian had Gabriel, 3, — received the worst news possi- come to Bataclan concert hall with her father, but ble on November 3, 2012: their beautiful boy when violence broke out, the father was unable to had leukemia. By Alin K. Gregorian find her. Fast-forward three years: Gabriel’s cancer Mirror-Spectator Staff Two natives of Armenia were in the Bataclan is in remission and the family now includes concert hall as well during the attack but miracu- the rambunctious little Mary. lously survived. The family decided to recast November 3, a day awash with dark memories, as a Hilda Tchoboian, Member of the Rhone Alpes day for all things good. Young Gabriel came up with the idea for Gabriel’s Day of Regional Parliament in France, said the two were Kindness, a day when everyone was encouraged to do something selfless. in the hall, when the terrorists burst into the build- The social media campaign spread like wildfire and this day was celebrated ing. They had gone to the bathroom and hearing see GABRIEL page 6 the shots, fled. President Serge Sargisian sent his condolences to French President Francois Hollande. It read, in part, “I’m deeply shocked by the news of this Balakian Finds His Place unprecedented act of terrorism in Paris. I strongly condemn these actions, which claimed the lives of From left, Edmond Y. Azadian, Hagop a dozens of innocent people. We have to join efforts in Dual Cultural Identity Vartivarian, Hagop Avedikian, in front of the to expose and eradicate all factors that cause such ADL Nazar and Artemis Nazarian Center horrifying expressions of radicalism. At this diffi- cult time, Armenia stands by France.” Aleppo, and Diyarbakir. He The Armenian parliament observed a minute of has published two new books By Aram Arkun Chairman Edmond Azadian, who presented silence for the victims of the terror attacks in Lecture on this year in different genres: Mirror-Spectator Staff a comprehensive list of the beneficence of Beirut and Paris. “We strongly condemn those bar- Ozone Journal, a volume of the Nazarians in Armenia, including in baric acts and reject any manifestation of terrorism. December 1 poetry, and Vise and Shadow: see ADL, page 8 On behalf of the National Assembly of Armenia, we Essays on the Lyric HAMILTON, N.Y. — Poet, offer our heartfelt condolences and support to the Sponsored by Imagination, Poetry, Art and memoirist and academic Peter French and Lebanese colleagues and the friendly Culture. He recently reflected Balakian has been in constant peoples of France and Lebanon,” Speaker Galust Tekeyan, on what this all meant person- European Green Party motion over the last few years, Sahakyan said. ally, as well as the broader sig- and particularly in 2015. He More than 130 people were killed during the Facing History nificance of the Genocide cen- Adopts Resolution on has crisscrossed the globe, unprecedented attacks on the French capital. engaging with Armenian communities in tennial commemorations. disparate places like Sydney, Buenos Aires, see BALAKIAN, page 12 LYON, France — A resolution on the Armenian Genocide was adopted by a large majority at the 23rd European Green Party INSIDE Council in Lyon, on Sunday, November 15. The text acknowledges that the perpetrated Genocide against the Armenian people. It also calls on to Heart recognize the Armenian Genocide and work towards reconciliation with the Armenia and its people, the press service of Strings European Friends of Armenia (EuFoA) reported. Page 10 With this initiative the European Green Party calls upon all countries which have not yet done so to publicly recognize the Armenian Genocide. It underlines that INDEX doing so will positively impact the normal- Arts and Living ...... 10 ization of the relations between Turkey and Armenia ...... 2 Armenia and help prevent further crimes Community News...... 4 against humanity. Editorial ...... 14 International ...... 3 The European Green Party is a pan- at the ruins of Ani European political party which federates see RESOLUTION, page 3 2 S ATURDAY, N OVEMBER 2 1 , 2 0 1 5 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR ARMENIA News From Armenia

Hovik Abrahamyan Visits French Embassy YEREVAN (Armenpress) — Accompanied by Minister of International Economic Integration and Reform, Vice Prime Minister Vache Gabrielyan and Minister- Chief of Government Staff David Haroutunyan, Prime Minister Hovik Abrahamyan visited the Embassy of France in Armenia. On behalf of the government of Armenia and him- self, Abrahamyan expressed his condolences to French Ambassador Jean-Francois Charpentier, embassy staff and the people of France on the ter- rorist attacks in Paris. The prime minister wrote a note in the Condolence Book of the Embassy of France. Tie and Wind Rally Promotes Bicycle Culture Karen Chshmaritian, minister of economy, with Elizabeth Hafner, deputy assistant US trade representative In Armenia YEREVAN (PanARMENIAN.Net) — A Tie and Wind Cycling Rally was organized at the Armenia-US Council Hold First Meeting Sunchild International Environmental Protection Festival on Sunday, November 15. YEREVAN (Public Radio of Armenia) and Social Affairs Arayik Petrosyan, rep- were discussions on intellectual proper- The Foundation for Preservation of Wildlife and — The first meeting of the Armenia-U.S. resentatives from the Ministry of ty rights, customs clearances, technical Cultural Assets of Armenia and Amateur Cycling and Council on Trade and Investment was Foreign Affairs, Economy, Finance, barriers to trade, sanitary measures for Cycling Tourism Federation collaborated in organiz- held here on November 17. Agriculture, Development Foundation of agriculture, investment promotion ing the event, while the Foundation’s general part- This council was established in May Armenia, Chamber of Commerce, the efforts, private sector engagement, gov- ner VivaCell-MTS supported the project. under a Trade and Investment Union of Manufacturers and ernment procurement, WTO Trade More than 60 cyclers started the tour at Freedom Framework Agreement (TIFA) between Businessmen (Employers) of Armenia, Facilitation Agreement, and environ- Square to pass through Yerevan’s central streets, the governments of Armenia and the the American Chamber of Commerce in mental and labor issues. wearing official suits. The tour aimed to draw soci- United States for further strengthening Armenia (AmCham) and other interest- “By identifying and addressing these ety’s attention to air pollution, stressing the impor- and deepening of Armenian-American ed institutions. technical issues, we will deepen the tance of cycling in big cities. economic cooperation, as well as expan- Addressing the meeting, trade relationship between the U.S. and Representatives of state, social and educational sion of turnover of products and ser- Chshmaritian said: “Armenia is ready to Armenia,” said Mills. institutions and citizens supporting the idea took vices between the two countries. become a center of interests for interna- In addition to the bilateral meeting, a part in the event. The Armenian delegation was headed tional business community, adding tra- roundtable discussion was held with Also joining the rally was the chairman of by Karen Chshmaritian, minister of ditional Armenian hospitality to the interested private sector stakeholders. Foundation for Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural economy, while the US delegation was favorable conditions for business activi- This was the first such meeting, with Assets of Armenia Ruben Khachatryan. led by Elizabeth Hafner, Deputy ties. In this context I would propose to plans to continue them annually. Assistant US Trade Representative. consider the opportunities to establish “Business leaders and the private sec- Sharmazanov Excludes The Council on Trade and Investment headquarters of international compa- tor play an important role in policy and included a high-level US delegation from nies in Armenia, especially considering, regulatory decision-making,” Mills said. One-sided Concessions the US Department of Commerce, that the U.S. investors have already “This roundtable discussion helped pro- Department of State and the trade rep- appreciated the opportunities of vide an opportunity for stakeholders to In Karabagh Settlement resentative’s office. The meeting was Armenia, particularly in the spheres of consult on the on-going trade discus- attended by the Ambassador of the tourism, information and high technolo- sions.” YEREVAN (Armenpress) — “There is no new process United States of America to Armenia gies, consulting.” A joint action plan outlining further in the Nagorno Karabagh conflict settlement: one- Richard Mills. Opportunities of the growth of mutu- steps for promoting mutual trade and sided concessions are excluded,” according to Vice- Also attending the meeting were al trade and investment between investment, as well as expanding areas President of the Armenian National Assembly Deputy Minister of Economy Garegin Republic of Armenia and the United of cooperation is expected to be adopt- Eduard Sharmazanov. He spoke on this topic at the Melkonyan, Deputy Minister of Labor States were discussed. On the agenda ed at the outcome of the meeting. National Assembly, responding to Armenian National Congress faction member Lyudmila Sargsyan’s state- ment, who referred to some previous days media reports on surrendering NK surrounding regions to Azerbaijan. “Those press reports are false and have nothing in common with the reality,” Sharmazanov stated. He US Ambassador: The Whole Economy stressed that “the fate of Nagorno Karabagh will be determined exclusively by citizens of the Republic of Suffers from Corruption in Armenia Nagorno Karabagh.” YEREVAN (news.am) — The whole corruption affects more than just the He added that the US will work with Armenian Government economy — indeed the whole country — economy. Corruption undermines Armenian groups that demonstrate a suffers from corruption in Armenia, the democracy and rule of law. It breeds commitment to fighting corruption. To Pay 1 Million Drams US Ambassador to Armenia Richard instability and mistrust in institutions, This will include US Embassy grants to Mills stated on November 9 at a meeting and it can threaten a nation’s national NGOs engaged in anti-corruption activi- To Families of Bus Crash with the representatives of security,” said Mills. ties and that cooperate with govern- Victims the American Chamber of Commerce in In his words, corruption definitely hap- ment bodies that make progress in fight- Armenia. pens everywhere, including in the United ing corruption and increasing trans- YEREVAN (Hetq) — Armenian Minister of “I must be frank with our Armenian States. “The key questions for any nation parency. Our work will also include sup- Transportation and Communications Gagik friends about the very real toll that cor- are whether there is political will to port to the government’s Anti- Beglaryan told reporters on November 9 in Yerevan ruption exacts on Armenia. I hear about attack corruption, whether the media Corruption Council. Our financial assis- that the Armenian government’s sole responsibility that toll from potential US business and civil society feel empowered to speak tance to the Council supports concrete regarding the November 3 bus crash in Russia, in investors and from average out against corruption, and whether activities, such as the continued devel- which nine Armenians died and scores injured, was as I travel the country. When competi- there are reliable judicial processes in opment of its anticorruption strategy to provide humanitarian assistance and solace. “We, tion among businesses is not fair and place to investigate and prosecute the and the establishment of an action plan. as the state, must assist our fellow citizens and stand not based on objective commercial cri- cases that are brought to light. I would like to emphasize that we have by them in these troubled times. After the investiga- teria, when there are powerful interests “My decision to devote US govern- conditioned our support to the Council tion is completed we will be able to say who will be that have disproportionate economic ment attention and resources to fight- on the attainment of measurable held responsible. That responsible party, however, and political influence, it limits econom- ing corruption is not one made in a vac- achievements. If the Council does not isn’t the government,” said Beglaryan. Talking of ic growth,” he said. uum; the impetus comes from the very deliver, our support will end, plain and compensation, Beglaryan said that most likely the According to him, foreign businesses top of the US government. In his 2015 simple. We also encourage NGOs to Armenian government would pay the families of vote with their investment dollars and if National Security Strategy, President serve on the Anti-Corruption Council, those who died in the bus accident around one mil- they see a country suffering the ills of Obama outlines why America — at all for we see it as an opportunity for civil lion drams, and would pay for all transportation, corruption they either don’t invest at levels and in all sectors — is partnering society to constructively engage in funeral and other arrangements.a all, or may decide to pull their money with nations and institutions fighting direct dialogue with the government. out. “Among Armenians, the burden of corruption across the globe. With that The US Embassy, he added, will “help corruption falls on the most vulnerable, in mind, let me explain how I, and our civil society shine a spotlight on corrup- the small business owners struggling to Embassy here in Yerevan, plan to tackle tion and combat it,” the ambassador start and maintain their operations. But this issue.” said. S A T U R D A Y , N O V E M B E R 2 1 , 2 0 1 5 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 3 INTERNATIONAL US, Russia Reject PACE Report on Karabagh International News

WASHINGTON — US Organization cism and defended Walter’s resolution. retired parliamentarian at the Turkish for Security and Cooperation in Europe Similar to Warlick’s position, Lavrov Embassy in London. Man Convicted in Dink (OSCE) Minsk Group Co-Chair said that attempts by PACE to intervene “It has turned from an organization Murder Offers New Ambassador James Warlick and Russian in the unresolved conflict with such protecting human rights into an organi- Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov share documents only “harm” international zation protecting special interests,” Testimony criticism of the Council of Europe’s peace efforts spearheaded by Russia, Armenia’s Chief of Staff Davit Parliamentary Assembly (PACE) for the United States, and France. Lavrov Harutiunian said about the PACE. (PanARMENIAN.Net) — The man con- issuing a report that demands emphasized that only these three “Unfortunately, recent years’ [PACE] victed of murdering editor-in-chief Hrant Armenian withdrawal from Nagorno nations have an international mandate votes on various issues testify to the Dink has appealed to the court, seeking to give new Karabagh and the territory’s return to to mediate in the Armenian-Azerbaijani fact that special interests have started testimony, Hurriyet Daily News reported. Azerbaijan. dispute within the framework of the taking precedence,” he added. Ogün Samast has also asked for a transfer to a The resolution on Nagorno OSCE Minsk Group. The Strasbourg-based PACE will prison in Istanbul. Karabagh was drafted an Azerbaijan- “Any drastic, radical actions, whoev- debate the proposed resolution on Since he was sentenced by a juvenile court to 22 affiliated former British er takes them, only harm this cause and Nagorno Karabagh at its next plenary years in jail in July 2011, Samast has not attended Parliamentarian Robert Walter and the work of the co-chairs,” Lavrov told session due in January 2016. hearings at the Istanbul 5th Heavy Penal Court. approved by the PACE’s Political Affairs reporters. “We — Russia, the United Dink was one of the founders of the bilingual Committee on November 4. The docu- States and France — are firmly against Turkish-Armenian Agos and was killed outside his ment calls for a peaceful settlement attempts to take this subject to other office in Istanbul on January 19, 2007. starting with “the withdrawal of international platforms that do not deal His murder sparked widespread protests and led to Armenian armed forces and other irreg- with the conflict’s settlement, instead of Bono Honors speculation about the involvement of far-right groups ular armed forces from Nagorno a consistent, businesslike and patient and claims of a cover-up. Karabagh and the other occupied terri- dialogue on the Nagorno Karabagh set- Jailed Azerbaijani Samast, who was 17 at the time of the killing, tories of Azerbaijan,” and “the estab- tlement. At least, nobody has given claimed he killed Dink for “insulting Turkishness.” lishment of full sovereignty of them such a task on behalf of the inter- Rights Activist An earlier investigation showed that the prosecu- Azerbaijan in these territories.” national community,” Lavrov said. tors who worked on the case ignored serious allega- It also contains criticism of the OSCE Armenian Minister of Foreign Affairs WASHINGTON (PanArmenian.net) — tions of the involvement of top police officers in the Minsk Group, saying that the body co- Eduard Nalbandian reaffirmed U2 frontman Bono delivered a speech at murder. chaired by the US, Russia and France Armenia’s strong condemnation of the the Washington Oxi Day Foundation’s should “consider reviewing its approach proposed PACE document and accused Fifth Annual Celebration, hailing Leyla Bodies of Five Armenian to the resolution of the conflict.” Walter of working for Azerbaijan. “A Yunus, an Azerbaijani human rights Peace proposals made by the three person who was for many years a mem- activist who was sentenced to 8.5 years Crash Victims Will Be mediating powers differ from the ber of a pro-Azerbaijani group in the in jail for speaking out on the Karabagh settlement advocated by British parliament and who is financed, deplorable situation of human rights in Sent to Yerevan Azerbaijan. Walter’s resolution. Instead, the OSCE according to British press reports, from YEREVAN (Armenpress) — The Civil Aviation Minsk Group Basic Principles prefer an Baku, could not have had an impartial On 28 April 2014, Arif Yunus and his wife Leyla were detained at the Heydar Department reported that on November 12 the bodies internationally recognized referendum position,” Nalbanian said at a joint news of the five Armenian citizens who perished when an in Karabagh in which the disputed ter- conference with Lavrov. Aliyev International Airport on their way to Doha, Qatar over allegation of AN-12 Soviet-built cargo plane that crashed in Sudan ritory’s predominantly Armenian popu- Walter was named by the PACE lead- on November 4, would be transported home soon. lation would be able to reaffirm its de ership in 2014 to launch a fact-finding spying for Armenia. On August 13, 2015, the Baku Court The victims are aircraft commander Gevorg facto secession from Azerbaijan. mission to the Karabagh conflict zone Tovmasyan, Second Pilot Samvel Hambardzumyan, “PACE and other [international orga- and draw up the resolution titled on Grave Crimes sentenced Leyla Yunus to 8 years and 6 months in prison and Engineer Samvel Mkrtchyan, and Technicians Armen nizations,] should consult with OSCE “Escalation of violence in Nagorno Antonyan, and Suren Petrosyan. Minsk Group co-chairs before issuing Karabagh and other occupied territo- her husband, Arif Yunus, to 7 years in prison. Five members of the crew of the cargo plane that reports or resolutions on Nagorno ries of Azerbaijan.” crashed in South Sudan today were citizens of the Karabagh,” Warlick tweeted on Friday, Turkey’s Foreign Minister Mevlut “This is a moment to talk about peace as an action. It’s not wishful thinking. Republic of Armenia, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs November 6. Cavusoglu was reported to have per- informs. Azerbaijan rejected Warlick’s criti- sonally handed a Turkish ID card to the Creating peace is a gift to make as well as to receive. Azerbaijan is a beautiful According to reports, the plane was overloaded and country, run by an ugly dictator, who crashed along the banks of the Nile River after taking puts his own people, your people, our off from South Sudan’s capital. people behind bars for the crime of European Green Party Adopts expressing an opinion and seeking jus- Armenian Women’s tice. What a crime,” the singer noted. Resolution on Armenian Genocide Speaking about the plight of the Team Beats human rights advocate who remains RESOLUTION, from pge 1 da and raising the level of violence. We imprisoned in Azerbaijan, Bono said England over 45 Green parties across Europe, cannot continue like this, we have to Leyla wants peace and reconciliation REYKJAVIK, Iceland (PanARMENIAN.Net) — The present also in Eastern Partner coun- reverse this vicious spiral with an even between Armenia and Azerbaijan. She 4th round of European Team Chess Cham- tries. In the European Parliament their more opened democracy and also the wants truth from a dictator, who loves pionship was held here on Monday, November 16. members sit in the Greens – European duty to recognize the errors and crimes to lie, he said. Armenian men’s and women’s teams played against Free Alliance parliamentary group total- that led to the current situation. “So, what Leyla seeks should not be those of England; the men’s game ended in a 2-2 draw, izing 50 seats. The European Green Party resolution seen as anything other than fundamen- while Armenian women gained a 3-1 win. The European Green Party mourns on the centenary of the Armenian tal right. And yet she is viewed as a trai- The 5th round was set to take place Tuesday, with the destruction of the Armenian cul- Genocide aims at reminding every coun- tor and is, as we speak, jailed. We, in the Armenian men’s and women’s teams to play tural heritage and calls upon the try that they have a part to play for a this room, all know the free speech and against Italy and Serbia, respectively. Turkish government to respect the more peaceful world. This is one of the expression are the building blocks of Armenian beat the Armenian cultural legacy and take reasons, why Turkey has to stop now its peace. People’s rights are still denied for reigning world chess champion Magnus Carlsen in the strong measures to protect it. The res- state policy of denial. Because denial is so many people around the world. 3rd round of European Team Chess Championship olution asks the Turkish government the fuel that feeds the engine of hate Leyla, you are on the right side of his- helping his team to a 2.5 – 1.5 victory over Norway. to re-evaluate historical and cultural and prevents us from reaching peace. tory. Thanks for your courage,” Bono The Armenian team – Aronian, , narratives and open its archives to his- Turkey will only find advantages in concluded, expressing hope to ever be and - gained a 4-0 torians, researchers and academics in finally recognizing the Armenian useful to Leyla. victory over Iceland, further losing 1.5-2.5 to France an effort to come to terms with the Genocide and step into history. There Astronaut, senator and American in the first two rounds. past. The logical continuation of this will be no peace without recognition of hero, John Glenn, and Prince Philip, would be to immediately abolish the Armenian genocide.” The Duke of Edinburgh, the husband of Article 301 of the Turkish penal code, As 2015 marks the centenary of the Queen Elizabeth, joined other world Armenia Gets Most which censors political and public Armenian Genocide many other leaders lauding the people of Greece in debate on the genocide. European countries, Pan-European their courageous fight against Hitler’s Humanitarian Aid from The text emphasizes that everybody institutions and political parties have Axis Forces and the Holocaust and cele- Australia has the right to have their history rec- acknowledged or reaffirmed their recog- brating those who today exhibit the ognized and their culture respected. By nition of the Armenian Genocide and same kind of Oxi Day valor. This was all YEREVAN (Armenpress) — In the months of acknowledging the Armenian Genocide have urged Turkey to so as well. part of the Washington Oxi Day January-September 2015, Armenia got 2,000 tons of the European Green Party wants to pay “I am very pleased to see a growing Foundation’s fifth annual celebration goods in humanitarian aid, the total value of which due respect to its victims as a step number of European Political families on October 28, the 75th anniversary of was $30.8 million, a reduction of 24 percent as com- towards reconciliation and historical recognizing the Armenian Genocide,” that historic moment that changed the pared with the same period of the last year. reparation. said Eduardo Lorenzo Ochoa, director trajectory of the Second World War. As the National Statistical Service of Armenia MEP Michèle Rivasi, who is vice-chair of European Friends of Armenia The foundation is dedicated to noted, Australia provided the most humanitarian aid of the Greens/EFA Group in the (EuFoA, www.EuFoA.org). “The informing American policymakers and to Armenia with the amount of $9.1 million: It European Parliament and member of European Green Party resolution is the public about the profound role increased by 36.3 percent as compared with the first the European Friends of Armenia especially important because it not only Greece played in bringing about the out- nine months of 2014. 1 million and 276.8 thousand Advisory Council, comments: “As the pays tribute to the victims of the first come of World War II and celebrating dollars was sent to Armenia from Italy, the US sent tragic events in Paris reminds us: the Genocide of the 20th century, but also modern day heroes who exhibit the $5.8 million, China sent $3.5 million and India sent world is in trouble, more than ever. For explains clearly the importance of doing same courage as the Greeks did in con- $1.5 million to Armenia. many years hate speech has not been so if we want to secure a common tinuing to fight to preserve and promote sufficiently condemned, and helped future and prevent further crimes freedom and democracy around the extremists in spreading their propagan- against humanity.” world. 4 S ATURDAY, N OVEMBER 2 1 , 2 0 1 5 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR Community News

American University of New Monument in Las Armenia Back in the US for PETER VANDERWARKER PHOTO Vegas Commemorates Recruitment and Community Armenian Genocide Outreach Events NEW YORK — The American University of By Ann Friedman Armenia (AUA) Office of Admissions kicked off a second round of community outreach events in the LAS VEGAS (Las Vegas Review-Journal) US starting on November 9 — this time on the East — Growing up in Cairo, Las Vegas resident Mary Coast. The events highlighted the variety of acade- Rose Simon was raised by her grandmother, a sur- mic offerings at AUA that are available to American- vivor of the Armenian Genocide. Armenian students who may also wish to experi- “She instilled in me the Armenian values,” said ence life in the homeland. Simon, one of 12,000 Armenians who live in Clark From AUA’s Study Abroad program to degree pro- County. “And she had no grudges at all.” grams leading to a bachelor’s or a master’s degree, the A monument was unveiled earlier in November university can meet a variety of student needs and at Sunset Park to commemorate the about 1.5 mil- interests. AUA offers three undergraduate and eight lion Armenians who were exterminated by the graduate degree programs in which 1,500 students are Ottoman Turks from 1915 to 1923. currently enrolled. The AUA Study Abroad program is “When you grow up with a lady who had currently in its third year of existence. Last summer, it wounds and you heard about how they happened, attracted students from the US and other countries. it didn’t set in until just now looking at this mon- AUA is the first stand-alone, US-accredited university in ument,” she said. “This is a gift to the community all of the former , and most course cred- and we’re putting Clark County on the map.” its offered through the Study Abroad program can be The monument is a replica of the one that was transferrable. dedicated in 1965 in Yerevan, Armenia, a small Since its establishment in 1991, AUA has devel- Armenian Heritage Park nation and former Soviet republic just east of oped a well-established reputation as a quality high- Turkey. It’s made out of precast concrete and has er education institution within the borders of 12 pillars, which represent the 12 provinces where Armenia. It now aims to expand its reach interna- Armenians were massacred, as well as a bench and tionally and to gain wider recognition for the edu- Armenian Heritage Foundation dedication plaque on an adjacent boulder. cation it offers at a fraction of the cost of universi- Members of the Armenian-American Cultural ties in the US. Embarks on Final Campaign Society of Las Vegas and Adroushan Andy With access to state-of-the-art facilities, AUA is Armenian, honorary consul of the Republic of also a research-oriented institution with nine Armenia in Las Vegas, first approached Clark research centers that complement the educational Phase for Park’s Care County Commissioner Marybeth Scow nearly 10 goals of the institution. Its experienced and dedi- — As the Armenian Heritage Foundation — sponsor of Armenian years ago with the idea for the monument. cated faculty from Armenia and around the world Heritage Park on the Greenway — gets closer to concluding its successful fundrais- Scow said she decided to put a policy in place are easily accessible. ing campaign, funds are now being raised to fully fund the endowment for the before taking action to construct the monument The university is affiliated with the University of park’s ongoing care so that the park is cared for year round. in her district. California system. Its American-style education is To date, $1.7 million has been raised of the $2 million goal to fully fund the “I wanted to make sure we were doing this in a grounded in principles of academic freedom, knowl- park’s endowment for care, with $300,000 remaining. The focus is both on secur- fair way so having a policy in place would help edge-based learning emphasizing inquiry and criti- ing major gifts, and encouraging everyone to participate at all levels of support. A judge what rises to the level of doing something cal thinking, and multidisciplinary studies. The uni- few remaining naming opportunities at the Park are available with a contribution like this,” she said. “The purpose was to establish versity strongly advocates for public service and of $50,000 and above. criteria for guidelines and consideration.” democratic values, anchored in an ethical and merit- “This is a wonderful opportunity for everyone to be a part of this living legacy Scow added that she ensured the monument, based environment. in a major metropolitan city,” comments Gail Talanian O’Reilly, on behalf of the which is at the eastern part of the park along By appealing to both Diasporan Armenian and Charles Talanian Family, one of the park’s first benefactors. Sunset Road, was in a location that wouldn’t inter- international students, the university hopes to Annually, the park’s endowed funds for care, collectively, need to generate the fere with the recreation purpose of the park as attract students with different backgrounds and to annual interest to both support the year round care of the park and reinvest a por- well as that the Armenian organization would be increase diversity on its campus. tion of the monies raised to allow the fund to grow and keep pace with inflation. responsible for upkeep and repairs. Tanya Koroyan, from the University of San The annual cost of care and maintenance is close to $82,000 which includes land- “By having it in Sunset Park, a lot of people can Francisco, was thrilled to take part in the program last scaping, cleaning of fountains, litter removal, plantings, snow removal and utilities. see it and it will be a great tool for our community summer. “This was a life changing experience and the The utility costs at the park are minimal as the lights are LEDs (light emitting to remember what happened,” she said. “I’m really perfect way to visit Armenia. I learned so much about diodes) lasting hundreds of hours and consuming very little energy. In addition, looking forward to having and appreciating it.” Armenian identity and culture. I was able to learn the waters from reflecting pool upon which the Abstract Sculpture sits and the The more than 200 attendees also had a about the history of Armenia and about the current fountain at the center of the Labyrinth are re-circulated, reducing water costs. moment of silence at the monument unveiling to state of the country, while traveling and seeing many All supporters will be acknowledged in the park’s Commemorative Book in the pay tribute to the least 120 people who were killed famous locations...Being in Armenia while learning category of giving that combines all their contributions since the campaign’s by terrorists in Paris on Friday. about these locations was an amazing experience! This inception and received by June 1, 2016. Friday’s attack also served as a reminder of why will be a part of my focus for my Master’s Capstone pro- A Thank You Reception and Celebration for all supporters of the campaign will remembering senseless crimes is important, ject,” Koroyan said. be held in November 2016 where all contributors will receive the Commemorative Simon said. Jonah Torossian, who studies at Southern Book. “The timing couldn’t have been better,” she Nazarene University and was also at AUA last sum- Contributions may be made online at ArmenianHeritagePark.org or by mail, said. “Terrorism is happening everywhere and mer, strongly encourages others to take advantage with a check, made payable to the Armenian Heritage Foundation, to the while they’re working hard to destroy humanity, of the university’s educational opportunities. Her Foundation, 25 Flanders Road, Belmont, MA 02478. If you have a question we’re here counteracting what they’re doing.” simple advice is, “Do it!” regarding the naming opportunities, please call Jim Kalustian 781-643-7758; John Dolmayan, a Las Vegas resident and drum- During the November tour of the East Coast, Charles Guleserian, 617-484-6100; Haig Deranian 617-489-9465; Walter mer of the Armenian-American rock band, System Arina Zohrabian, AUA Director of Admissions, and Nahabedian 781-891-7249; Astor Guzelian 781-326-5764; George Elanjian 781- of a Down, said the Paris attacks hit close to AUA Assistant Director of Development Mathew 888-2227 or Barbara Tellalian 617-803-8785. home. Senekeremian will meet with Armenian communi- The campaign was successfully launched in 2005 when every parish and orga- “My friends the were supposed to play ty and church leaders, Armenian youth groups and nization and individual serving on the foundation’s Board of Directors made a a show tonight at the venue where the attacks student associations, area university Study Abroad commitment of financial support. In addition, through the generosity and support happened,” he said of Le Bataclan concert hall. “It directors and other officials, and Diasporan media of lead and major gift supporters, funds were raised to both construct and main- was just a bunch of kids going to a rock show, representatives. tain the park and endow numerous public programs. These programs include the what have they done?” For more information about AUA’s degree pro- Annual Reconfiguration of the Abstract Sculpture and Park’s Care endowed by Dolmayan attended the monument unveiling to grams and the AUA Study Abroad program, visit Charles and Doreen Bilezikian, Najarian Lecture on Human Rights at Faneuil Hall pay tribute to his heritage, which he said is the the university’s website at www.aua.am. endowed by K. George and Dr. Carolann S. Najarian, and public programs most important thing. Arina Zohrabian is the director of admissions at endowed by Anna and Noubar Afeyan. Several other public programs, including “Something like this is for Armenians and non- AUA, and manages the strategy and operations for the Sunday Afternoon at the Park for Families and Friends, are offered with Armenians to enjoy because it will help people undergraduate and graduate admissions, national thanks to generosity of gifts in kind. remember about the atrocities that were commit- and global outreach, and international student ser- “These programs have attracted visitors from all walks of life, Armenian and ted,” he said of the monument. “It will also help vices at AUA. Previously, she served as the Regional non-Armenian, to enjoy our community’s gift to the city of Boston, as well as serv- prevent it from happening again.” Director for Education Programs and Country ing as the epicenter of our community’s gathering place,” said Arlette Yegumians, Like Dolmayan, Gerard Costantian, an Director for the International Research & a supporter, actively involved with the Friends of Armenian Heritage Park. Armenian and Las Vegas resident, hopes the mon- Exchanges Board (IREX) Armenia office, managing Armenian Heritage Park on the Greenway, a gift to the City of Boston and the ument serves as an educational tool for years to and implementing higher education programs Commonwealth from Armenian-Americans, is designed to celebrate the immigrant come. funded by the US Department of State and other experience and contributions made to American life and culture. The Abstract “I hope people walk through, see it and learn private sources. Zohrabian, whose parents hail from see PARK, page 5 something about this event,” he said. “I’m hoping Isfahan, moved to Yerevan in 2002 as a volunteer. it will bring awareness to one of the most signifi- What was meant to be a one year trip evolved into cant events in history.” a life-changing experience. S ATURDAY, N OVEMBER 2 1 , 2 0 1 5 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 5 COMMUNITY NEWS Trinity Christmas Bazaar to Be Held December 4, 5

to 6 p.m. Kheyma will be offered on Saturday only. By Seta A. Buchter Take-out meals and an a la carte menu will also be available. This year, optional seating for families with children will be available. CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — The Holy Trinity Children will be able to enjoy the Bazaar with Armenian Church of Greater Boston will usher their own special activities on both Friday in the holiday season with its annual Trinity evening and Saturday morning in the Peter Christmas Bazaar, on Friday, December 4, and Adamian Hall. The “Polar Express” Pajama Saturday, December 5, in the Charles and Party will take place on Friday evening, from 7 Nevart Talanian Cultural Hall, 145 Brattle St. to 9 p.m. Children are encouraged to come Bazaar hours are Friday, from noon to 9 p.m., dressed in their Christmas pajamas as we watch and Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. this classic. The movie is recommended for chil- Bazaar Co-Chairmen are Gregory A. dren ages 6 and older (a supervising adult must Kolligian, Jr., Chairman of Holy Trinity’s Parish remain on the Church grounds); children ages 6 Council, and Ara Hollisian, both of whom have and under may attend with an accompanying been chairing the Bazaar for several years now. adult. The movie running time is 92 minutes. Along with their committees, they have been On Saturday morning, The Magic and Juggling working tirelessly since the summer to ensure of Robert Clarke, aka “LuckyBob,” will enter- that this year’s Bazaar offers something for tain from 10:45 to 11:30 a.m. Admission is free everyone from the young to the young-at-heart for both “The Polar Express” and “LuckyBob.” including new booths and menu options. Raffle tickets for Apple prizes are available “Our parishioners and friends look forward for purchase, $5 each, $25 for six, or $50 for 12. to attending each year to see friends, enjoy deli- From left to right, Gregory A. Kolligian, Jr. and Ara Hollisian, Bazaar Co-Chairmen, with Fr. Vasken First prize is an iPad Air 2, Wi-Fi 64GB Silver; A. Kouzouian, Pastor, Holy Trinity Armenian Church] cious food and browse the many booths. This second prize, iPad mini 4, Wi-Fi 64GB Silver; year’s Bazaar is the perfect place for people to and third prize, Apple Watch 38 mm, Silver do their Christmas shopping as there will be a Silent Auction offering an array of fabulous New this year are Touchstone Crystal by Aluminum Case, White Sport Band. wonderful selection of gift items to purchase,” items; “The Punch is Right” for Kids; Jewelry; Swarovski and Tupperware. Parking courtesy — where it says “permit stated Kolligian and Hollisian. the Sweet Candy Shoppe; Made in Armenia Making his annual visit to the Bazaar is parking only” — is allowed around the immedi- The Bazaar’s traditional favorites will include Direct; Poinsettias and Beautifully Decorated Santa Claus who will be stopping by on ate perimeter of the church complex over the the “Farmer’s Market” with fresh fruits and Wreaths; KEZI (handcrafted jewelry); Saturday, December 5, from 1 to 2 p.m. two days of the Bazaar. vegetables; the “Country Store” with nuts and ArmenianVendor.com; Love on A Plate – Armenian dinners will be served on Friday from The Bazaar Committee invites the entire sweets; the exciting Sports Silent Auction; the Armenian Cooking Videos; Raffles and More. noon to 7:30 p.m., and on Saturday from 11:30 a.m. community to attend.

Middlesex Sheriff’s Office Launches Monday Moments Speaker Series

BILLERICA, Mass. — Middlesex Sheriff Peter J. Koutoujian has launched a new program designed to provide inmates battling addiction an opportunity to hear from community mem- bers about the effects of substance abuse on families, careers and communities. Social and political humorist — and Middlesex County native — Jimmy Tingle kicked off the Monday Moments Speaker Series October 26, addressing a group of 60 inmates. “I quit drinking 27 years ago,” said Tingle, explaining why he agreed to be the first Monday Moments speaker. “I wanted to give some hope and carry a message to the alcohol and drug treatment program [participants] that things can get better.” “It’s important for those in our custody bat- tling addiction to not only interact with our treatment and medical staffs, but also to hear from others who have overcome their own addic- tions, as well as those who have lost loved ones to addiction,” said Koutoujian. “My hope is Monday Moments will serve as a spark for con- structive dialogue and reflection for those in our treatment program.” Koutoujian credits Tingle for planting the original seed for what has become Monday Moments. “We were having a conversation and he offered to come speak to inmates,” said Koutoujian. “That got me thinking about how we could not only bring in guests to talk on occasion, but how we could create a series which would fit with our goal of preparing these men to successfully re-enter the community at the end of their sentence.”

Armenian Heritage Foundation Embarks on Final Phase for Park’s Care

PARK, from page 4 Sculpture reconfigures annually, symbolic of the immigrant experience and is dedicated to lives lost during the Armenian Genocide of 1915- 1923 and all genocides that have followed. The Sculpture sits atop a Reflecting Pool; its waters wash over its sides and re-emerge as a single jet of water at the Labyrinth’s center, representing hope and rebirth. The Labyrinth celebrates life’s journey. Art, Service, Science and Commerce are etched around its circle in tribute to contri- butions made to American life and culture. 6 S ATURDAY, N OVEMBER 2 1 , 2 0 1 5 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMUNITY NEWS Paying it Forward on Team G

GABRIEL, from page 1 to someone else or use it for a good deed. in all 50 states of the US as well as several “When we shared the cards with him, and countries. The hash tag was used by many peo- told him that Gabriel wanted to give him his ple who went on to say what they had done, $10, the football great was so surprised, and from buying items for the needy to a young girl visibly moved. His response was genuine and saying that she sought out a fellow student who kind; he then smiled, leaned down and asked always ate alone. Each act written down in turn Gabriel to give him a hug. Indeed, no act of inspired yet another person. kindness — towards anyone, however large or On her facebook page, Natasha Aljalian small — is ever wasted,” his mother wrote. wrote, “On that day [November 3, 2012] our Brady shared that he was going to tape the world forever changed and our 3-year-old son $10 to his locker for good luck until the end of started the fight of his life. This day is always the season, then donate it. “So the fact that dark, difficult and emotional to remember. Yet, Gabriel had the innocence and faith to show an through his fight, even in the darkest moments, act of kindness toward a football great, when Gabriel always found a way to smile and let his others would not have, speaks volumes to his brave and bright spirit shine through. We want joyful and giving heart,” she added. to change what November 3 means for him, and Natasha Aljalian hopes that in the long term, change this dark day into one full of light and Gabriel will continue to be healthy and cancer- happiness. We ask you to join in our gratitude free. by performing acts of kindness in Gabriel’s “We hope that he will keep his beautiful spir- honor on November 3rd!” it and kind heart, and continue — in whatever One way or another, this day changed many he chooses to do — to touch people around the

Telephone (617) 924-7400 Aram Bedrosian Funeral Home, Inc.

Gabriel Aljalian with his mother, Yeretzgin Natasha Aljalian Continuous Service By The Bedrosian Family Since 1945 MARION BEDROSIAN 558 MOUNT AUBURN STREET lives other than his. world. We are certain that whatever he does, it PAUL BEDROSIAN Gabriel and his family and friends took gifts will involve him throwing a football around,” WATERTOWN, MA 02472 LARRY BEDROSIAN to kids at Children’s Hospital and the Dana she told CNN HL. Farber Cancer Center on November 3. She added, “We are simply overwhelmed by Another group of family friends made care the response to Gabriel’s Day of Kindness. We packages for homeless people and gave them really believe that light will always overcome out in Harvard Square. According to Maria darkness, and love and kindness will always pre- ENNIS M. EVENEY & ONS Derderian, they gave out gift cards, socks and vail. This has reaffirmed our faith in humanity D D S food. One of the people they met was so and the desire of people to do good in the Cemetery Monuments touched that after she received her package she world. It also helps for us to know that every- took an old envelope and wrote Gabriel a thank thing that Gabriel experienced, all the pain he Specializing in you note. “I said that I hope he recovers and went through, has resulted in good in some thank you for caring. And I said you have an way.” Armenian Designs and Lettering angel’s name,” the homeless woman said. The family are especially grateful to Make-a- 701 Moody St. Waltham, MA 02543 Gabriel received coverage locally and was Wish and Rhode Island for mak- having a great week. But his week was about to ing his wish come true and for meeting the (781) 891-9876 www.NEMonuments.com get even better. With fortuitous timing, Make-a- other kids that were there with Gabriel. “Each Wish of Massachusetts and Rhode Island ful- is a hero and each had a beautiful heart. It was filled his wish — meeting and tossing a football an honor to meet them and their families,” with the New England Patriots’ Tom Brady — Natasha Aljalian wrote. only a few days later, on Saturday, November 7. Plan on doing something great November 3, The two made even more news when Gabriel 2016. For motivation and inspiration, visit passed along a note of thanks to “Mr. Brady” https://www.facebook.com/gabrielsdayofkind- with $10 enclosed that he had received from ness/?fref=ts F UNERAL H OME someone else, explaining all about Gabriel’s (CNN Headline News and WBZ-TV con- Giragosian Day of Kindness, asking Brady to pass it along tributed to this report.) James “Jack” Giragosian, CPC Mark J. Giragosian Funeral Counselors OBITUARY 576 Mt. Auburn Street, Watertown, MA 02472, TEL: 617-924—0606 www.giragosianfuneralhome.com Margaret Scott Nalbandian

SEATTLE, Wash. — Margaret Scott Nalbandian tioned at the US Army Base in Hanford, Texas. of Seattle died on June 27. She was 81. They were married on September 2, 1956 in Memorial services were held in Seattle on Richland, Wash., and moved to Boston, where September 20. Noubar Nalbandian was attending Wentworth Nalbandian, known as Maggie to her friends Institute. During their stay in Boston, their and family, was the wife of the late Noubar daughter Jana was born in 1957. When Noubar Nalbandian of Watertown and is survived by Nalbandian returned to Seattle, he graduated her daughters, Dr. Jana Nalbandian, Laura from Washington State University with a Nalbandian, Dana Nalbandian and son Gregory degree in electrical engineering. He worked at Nalbandian, all now living in Seattle. Boeing for 35 years. She also leaves her grandchildren Aaron and Margaret Nalbandian became an astrologer Jennifer, Jessica Rose, Jessica and Katherine. and founded the Keplan College of Astrology She met her husband-to-be when he was sta- Art and Science. S ATURDAY, N OVEMBER 2 1 , 2 0 1 5 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 7 COMMUNITY NEWS Diran Apelian Receives British Institute of Cast Metals Chicago Bids Farewell to Fr. Jebejian Engineers’ John Campbell Award WORCESTER — Diran Apelian, Alcoa- CR3 is one of three research centers that fall CHICAGO — St. Gregory the Illuminator Metropolitan Chicago; Jebejian’s sister Howmet Professor of Mechanical Engineering under the umbrella of the Metal Processing Church of Chicago bid farewell to its long- Rena Megrdichian; Parish Council Chair at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) and Institute, which Apelian founded in 1996. The time pastor, the Very Rev. Aren Jebejian, Arden Karian; Very Rev. Fr. Thomas Baima, director of WPI’s Metal Processing largest industry-university alliance in North over the weekend of October 24-25. Vicar for Ecumenical and Interreligious Institute (MPI), received the 2015 John America, MPI is dedicated to advancing the Jebejian has been appointed as the new Affairs of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese Campbell Medal from the Institute of Cast field of materials processing through research pastor of St. John Church of Detroit. of Chicago; as well as other parishioners Metals Engineers in the United Kingdom. The in the areas of metal casting (in the Advanced In Chicago on Saturday, October 24, and friends. award was presented in October during the Casting Research Center, or ACRC), heat treat- parishioners gathered in the church hall for The organization Ecumenism of Metro institute’s national awards ceremony at the ing (in the Center for Heat Treating Excellence, a farewell banquet. Archbishop Khajag Chicago presented Jebejian with a Birmingham (England) Botanical Gardens. or CHTE), and resource recovery and recycling Barsamian, Diocesan Primate, presided. Waterford crystal cross. The St. Gregory Apelian is widely known for his leadership as (in CR3). “Here in Chicago, Hayr Aren has proven the Illuminator parish presented him with a researcher and an educator. An international- Apelian served as the 52nd president of a cross made in ly recognized pioneer in metals research, his TMS and was one of six Anniversary Laureates Armenia. work in molten metal processing, new alu- at the TMS annual meeting in 2007, the soci- “It was bittersweet to minum alloys, and innovative casting tech- ety’s 50th anniversary year. He is one of only say goodbye to a com- niques has resulted in more than 600 publica- 100 living TMS Fellows and was the first person munity I have grown so tions and 11 books, which he co-edited, and close to for nearly 18 helped lay the foundations for significant indus- years. A shepherd, like a trial developments. He is a member of parent, always wants to the National Academy of Engineering. protect his flock and The award is named in honor of John worries for their well- Campbell, who presented the medal to Apelian. being,” Jebejian said. A British engineer, Campbell is one of the “As long as we pray for world’s leading experts on the casting industry, one another, miles can with approximately 150 papers and 20 patents. never separate us. God He is a fellow of the Royal Academy of brings us together with- Engineering and the chair of casting technolo- in one another’s gy at the University of Birmingham. hearts.” In addition to the Campbell Award, Apelian On Sunday, October has received numerous honors for his contribu- 25, Jebejian celebrated tions to research and education in materials sci- the Divine Liturgy. At a Very Rev. Aren Jebejian with altar servers and choir members at ence and engineering. In April, he received the Diran Apelian reception following ser- St. Gregory the Illuminator Church. Audubon Society’s Joan Hodges Queneau vices, parish organiza- Palladium Medal, an award administered by the tions presented their from WPI to be named a fellow of APMI American Association of Engineering Societies, himself to be a person whose acts of com- outgoing pastor with scrapbooks, pho- International, the professional society for indi- “for articulating an inspiring vision of sustain- passion and generosity are part of a whole tographs, and other mementos. viduals involved in powder metallurgy technol- able stewardship of our earth’s resources and way of life — a vocation—which honors God, On November 1, Jebejian celebrated his ogy and particulate materials. He is also an hon- then rallying varied disciplines and constituen- and lifts up His children,” the Primate said. first Divine Liturgy in Detroit as the new orary member of the French Materials cies within the science and engineering com- “I know he will carry the spirit he received pastor of St. John Church. He gave a ser- Engineering Society, a fellow of ASM munity to collaborate meaningfully toward out- here, from all of you, throughout his days — mon on the significance of forming new International, and a foreign member of the comes that satisfy the interests of industries wherever our Lord may call him to serve.” relationships with his parishioners, and National Academy of Sciences of the Republic and conservationists alike.” Remarks were also made by the Rev. said that as a native of Detroit he felt that of Armenia. He received an honorary doctorate His previous honors include the 2010 Robert Stanley L. Davis, co-executive director of this new position is a spiritual homecoming from Northwestern Polytechnic University in Earll McConnell Award from the American the Council of Religious Leaders of for him as a pastor. Xian, China, in 1997. Institute of Mining, Metallurgical, and After earning an undergraduate degree in Petroleum Engineers (AIME), and the Acta metallurgical engineering at Drexel University Materialia Inc. J. Herbert Hollomon Award, the and a doctorate in materials science at MIT, Brimacombe Prize, and the Bruce Chalmers Apelian worked at Bethlehem Steel’s Homer Award from The Minerals, Metals & Materials Research Laboratories and then joined Drexel, Society (TMS), one of the four AIME member where he ultimately was named vice provost. At societies. WPI, he served as university provost from 1990 Apelian is founding director of the Center for to 1996. Since then, he has focused on teaching Resource Recovery and Recycling (CR3), a and research in materials processing. WPI has member-driven collaborative led by researchers twice honored him: in 2006 with its Board of at WPI, the Colorado School of Mines, and KU Trustees’ Award for Outstanding Research and Leuven in Belgium that advances technologies Creative Scholarship, and in 2009 with its for recovering, recycling, and reusing materials Chairman’s Exemplary Faculty Prize. throughout the manufacturing process.

TCA’s Aram Arkun to Speak at St. James Men’s Club December 7

WATERTOWN — On Monday, December 7, Aram Arkun, historian, executive director of the Tekeyan Cultural Association and assistant edi- tor of the Armenian Mirror Spectator, will be the speaker at the St. James Men’s Club and the topic will be “Zeytun: The Armenian Eagles’ Nest.” The mountaineers of Zeytun inspired sev- eral generations of Armenians through their heroic battles and became the subject of song, poetry and art in the 19th and 20th centuries. Arkun, is a specialist in modern Armenian history who has published a number of articles on the Armenians of , and other Ottoman and Iranian-Armenian topics, as well as trans- lations of books and articles from Armenian, French and Turkish. Formerly the Coordinator of the Krikor and Clara Zohrab Information Center of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern) and editor of the quarterly English-language Aram Arkun Armenian periodical Ararat published by the Armenian General Benevolent Union, Arkun is a Princeton University graduate (B.A.), with a starts with Mezza, at 6:15 PM followed by a master’s degree in international relations complete kheyma and losh kebab dinner 7 p.m. (University of Pennsylvania),and a C. Phil. from $14 per person. The dinner meeting will be at UCLA. He has taught at , the St. James Armenian Church, Charles UCLA, and the University of Michigan at Ann Mosesian Cultural and Youth Center - Keljik Arbor. Hall. This will be a very interesting and informative The program is open to the public and ladies talk, accompanied by slides. The social hour are welcome. 8 S ATURDAY, N OVEMBER 2 1 , 2 0 1 5 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMUNITY NEWS ADL, Tekeyan Members, Leadership Visit Armenia

ADL, from page 1 facing multiple challenges. She also suggested a Echmiadzin, and in other communities in the more expanded particpation from the diaspora in world. Azadian underscored the patriotism of the summer youth programs of the ministry, the Artemis Nazarian, a descendent of a devoted goals of which are preservation of Armenian ADL family in Boston. identity for the new generations and the Hagop Vartivarian, chairman of the Tekeyan strengthening of their ties with the homeland. Cultural Association (TCA) of Greater New York, spoke next, expressing gratitude to the philan- ADL of Armenia Assembly thropic couple, and praised this most recent On October 31, the ADL held its 23rd achievement. He said the new center will signif- Delegates’ Assembly (the second after the icantly promote the political activities of the reform of the party) at the premises of the organization which is now established in a quar- Tekeyan Center in Yerevan. The Assembly ter of Yerevan where the Prosperous Armenia received the report of the previous three years Party, the Social Democrat Hnchagian Party, and deliberated on a series of important issues. the Armenian Revolutionary Federation and the The Assembly dealt with party-related and inter- ruling Republican Party headquarters are locat- nal political challenges. The stance of the party ed, as well as the Armenian General Benevolent regarding proposed changes in the country’s Union Center which has also been sponsored by constitution was clarified in a formal resolution. the Nazarian benefactors. The Assembly also discussed the situation of the Syrian-Armenian refugees in great detail. Visit to Catholicos of All Armenians The Assembly appreciated the activities of Karekin II the past three years, and specified and clarified On November 7, Catholicos of All Armenians future plans and stances. The presence of 97 Karekin II received Azadian and Vartivarian, elected delegates out of the total of 105 dele- accompanied by Baydzig Kalaydjian from Edmond Azadian speaking at the Vanadzor Genocide Monument gates was appreciated. Lebanon. Even though the Catholicos was pre- A large number of ADL members, intellectu- siding over the sessions of the Supreme als and leaders from the Diaspora took part in Spiritual Council, he still managed to meet with tion of the country’s independence, the prime cially in spreading the news of progress of the Assembly as observers. Also present at the the ADL delegation. The visitors congratulated minister considered it a major step forward in Armenia in the Diaspora. Assembly was former president of the party him on the occasion of his 16th anniversary of the perfection of the governing process of the Rouben Mirzakhanian. Veteran member of the enthronement, and offered the allegiance of the country. The changes proposed in the consti- Meeting Diasporan Minister Hranoush ADL Varaztad Avoyan was elected as chairman tution, based on the experience of a quarter Hakobian of the Assembly. Edmond Azadian from the century in the third Armenian Republic, were On November 3, Minister of the Diaspora USA spoke on behalf of the diasporan guests. brought forward to assure further progress in Hranoush Hakobian received a delegation of At the end of the meeting the Nomination democratization. The ADL delegation American leaders of the ADL and the TCA, Committee proposed to reelect Hagop expressed its satisfaction in view of the pro- including Azadian; Dr. Haroutiun Avedikian as chairman; the proposition was posed adoption by the gov- adopted unanimously. The ernment of the parliamen- chairmen then presented the tary system and its support 21-member board of directors. of the choice of a referen- Gayane Muradyan presented dum as the means to the resolution that had been achieve this goal. clearly formulated after a delib- Also discussed during the erate discussion of the pro- meeting were issues related posed changes in the constitu- to the Diaspora, more specif- tion of the country. It was clear- ically, the concerns of securi- ly evident that the party was in ty in Syria and more gener- favor of the proposed changes. ally in the Middle East, as Hagop Avedikian reminded the well the importance of con- members about the formal solidating Armenian meeting and discussion he had resources in facing issues ADL meeting with Minister, from left, Baydzig Kalaydjian, Dr. with the president of the related to Armenian rights. Haroutiun Arzoumanian, Edmond Y. Azadian, Minister Hranoush Hakobian, Hagop Republic regarding the pro- To assure a more balanced Vartivarian, and Sima Arzoumanian posed changes of the constitu- From left, Hagop Vartivarian, Baydzig national political life in the tion and declared, “Our chief Kalaydjian, Catholicos Karekin II, and Edmond concern has been that any law, Y. Azadian Diaspora, it was considered essential to create a rearrangement of forces for Arzoumanian, chairman of the TCA of the US especially a fundamental law, has to be formu- the future based on more earnest and unselfish and Canada; Sima Arzoumanian; Vartivarian; lated and realized without loop holes, because relations. and former editor of the ADL newspaper of to have a good law is still not sufficient if it does ADL membership to the Mother See of Holy Beirut , Kalaydjian. not pertain to all situations.” Echmiadzin and to the Catholicos. A range of issues related to Armenian culture and the preservation of Armenian identity were During the course of the frank conversation, On the subject of the centennial of the Dedication of Memorial in Vanadzor Armenian Genocide, the delegation commend- On November 1, the formal inauguration of a ed the initiatives of the Armenian Church: the memorial dedicated to the Armenian Genocide sanctification of the million and a half martyrs was held in front of the ADL Center at 44 of the Genocide, the historic declarations by the Dikran Medz St. of Vanadzor, Lori Province, leader of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis, while inside the building the artistic creations the participation of the Church of Armenia and of painter Samuel Gharipian were exhibited. Christian churches throughout the world to Taking part in the program were ADL leaders commemorative events, and finally the blessing and members from Lebanon, the East and West of the Holy Muron. Coasts of the US, Canada, Great Britain, The Catholicos spoke about propositions France, , Iraq and Greece, as well as local related to the internal organizational issues of writers, artists, intellectuals, soldiers, and oth- both patriarchal chairs, on the efforts toward ers from Armenia. the eventual reestablishment of the unity of the TV producer Ivan Andonian served as the Armenian Church, on the mission of the spiri- master of ceremonies. Encouraging words were tual colleges and on the internal reorganization addressed by the Primate of the Diocese of of some diasporan dioceses. Gugark, Archbishop Sepuh Chulchian, who Karekin II appreciated the role of the ADL in highly appreciated the initiative of the president the Diaspora and emphasized the importance of the ADL Lori Province Seyran Gharipian. and the necessity of the unconditional coopera- The actual inauguration was performed by tion between the Mother See and the ADL. Gharipian and the vice governor of Lori ADL/TCA Delegation Meets Prime Province, Tigran Badoyan. The master of cere- monies then presented the meaning of various Minister From left, Vartan Nazirian, Edmond Y. Azadian, Prime Minister Hovik Aprahamian, Hagop Vartivarian, Prof. Ruben Mirzakhanian parts of the monument according to explana- On November 3 a delegation of leaders of the tions provided by the sculptor, most significant- ADL and TCA paid a courtesy visit to Prime ly the sword that symbolizes the continuation Minister Hovik Aprahamian at the headquar- of our struggle of liberation. ters of the Republican Party of Armenia. The discussed in depth. The Tekeyan Cultural the delegation informed the minister that the Association’s high-quality programs for expand- restoration of ADL unity throughout the world The formal allocution was presented by the delegation consisted of Azadian; the chairman editor of Azg newspaper Hagop Avedikian. He of the Central Committee of the Tekeyan ing the scope of culture in almost all communi- and the election of a united world ADL Central ties worldwide were revealed and were com- Committee was examined at the ADL Armenia said, “This memorial is a witness of our com- Cultural Association of Armenia, Prof. Rouben mitment to the memory of our victims and to Mirzakhanian; Vartivarian; and ADL Western mended by the prime minister. Assembly of Delegates. Azadian offered details on specific future pro- Hakobian appreciated the decisions of the our obligation and will to persist in our District former Chairman Vartan Nazirian. demands and our national rights. This memori- Discussions centered on the proposed jects of the ADL and praised the achievements ADL Assembly, and stressed the importance of of ADL of Armenia. Vartivarian reported on the the reunification of the ADL in the diaspora as a al is intentionally built low, so that the passer- changes in Armenia’s constitution and their by will have to bow in respect of our martyrs.” connotations. As part of the continuing evolu- role of the ADL press in the last 90 years, espe- necessity for preserving Armenian identity and S ATURDAY, N OVEMBER 2 1 , 2 0 1 5 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 9 COMMUNITY NEWS

Also addressing the gathering was the chair- Edmond Azadian’s Opening Remarks crushed under the heavy Turkish yoke. ten by ADL activist of New Jersey Hagop man of ADL Eastern US and Canada District, At the Seminar “The histories of our political parties in gen- Vartivarian, took place in the National Academy Edmond Azadian. He stressed the importance of “This is the appropriate time to reevaluate eral have been written by party members or of Sciences. The first of a projected series of six the symbolism of the memorial, which indicates and reappraise the Armenagan party based on their affiliates who have not been always con- volumes, this publication is devoted to the his- that the only the sword and the arm, i.e. labor, objective historical evidence, and it was appro- cerned by the concept of impartiality and have tory of the Armenagan party and the Popular can build a free and independent Armenia. priate for Armenia’s Democratic Liberal Party, overestimated their party’s merits and underes- Party. Brief addresses were presented by playwright the worthy heir of the Armenagans, to be the timated those of other parties, or worse, have Secretary of Armenia’s ADL Republican and distinguished artist of the Armenian initiator of this venture. dismissed their existence altogether. Committee Suren Sargisian talked about the Republic Samuel Khalatian, President of the significance of this volume in the context of the Lori Province of the Armenian Writers Union period’s national liberation movement, and Manuel Mikoyan and President of the Lori appraised its value and significance. Province of the Armenian Painters Union Vartivarian expressed gratitude to the Papaz Aloyan. National Academy of Sciences for honoring his Following the official program, the gathering book through the presentation in the presiden- moved into the hall to enjoy an impressive tial hall and for the traditional “kinetson” (wine exhibit of 33 paintings by Samuel Gharipian dedication) ceremony. and a reception. President of the Armenian In his remarks, Avedikian, who knew the Painters Center Khachik Aprahamian offered author since his childhood in Beirut, praised the explanations and personal memories of the late latter’s political party and general Armenian artist. Seyran Gharipian offered one of his archives, as well as his collections of publica- brother’s oil paintings, “Haghardzin,” to tions. He highly valued the recently published Chulchian. Also addressing the gathering was volume. He then invited the dean of Armenia’s the chairman of the Tekeyan Cultural Khachatur Abovyan Pedagogical University, Association of US and Canada Dr. Haroutiun Mirzakhanian, to conduct the actual ceremony. Arzoumanian from Montreal. Vartivarian expressed his gratitude and signed copies of his book at the end of the event. Seminar Devoted to the 130th Anniversary of the Armenagan Party Tekeyan Delegation Visits Yerevan, Newly elected ADL Republican Committee of Armenia On November 3, a seminar was held in the Stepanavan and Garpi’s Vahan Tekeyan Armenian National Academy of Sciences in Schools Yerevan on the occasion of the 130th anniver- “The Armenagan party had the singular char- “But today, when situations are being reeval- There are five schools named after Vahan sary of the Armenagan political party. The acteristic of being formed on native Armenian uated, alongside the recognition of commend- Tekeyan functioning in Armenia and Artsakh. opening session of the seminar was attended by territory, and now when we look back on the able achievements, the examination of the mis- In the last 15 years the Tekeyan Cultural the president of the Academy, Radik past history of 130 years, we affirm that as pol- takes of the parties can be turned into a learn- Association has been overseeing the needs and Martirosian. In his opening remarks, the eru- icy and ideology it had adopted the most realis- ing process. Therefore, each party as well as our problems of these schools located in Yerevan, dite academician Suren Sargisian congratulated tic and achievable political direction. The party historiography in general will benefit by analyz- Stepanavan, Garpi, Gumri and Berdzor, and the full house for this jubilee and reiterated that was born on historic Armenian lands today ing the past objectively. motivates the staff in their educational mission. that the Armenagan party was the first in the is returning back to the Armenian lands. “On the occasion of the centennial of the TCA Boston central offices’ former director Genocide we published Yervant Odian’s volume Kevork Marashlian said in an interview with the called The Cursed Years, to bring out the story Yerevan newspaper Azg, “When we started this of an entire nation’s holocaust. In order to keep program the social status of the teachers was a straight view we should have simultaneously pitiful. For the last 15 years we have established published also another of Odian’s books, a humanitarian program to aid teachers and Parasites of the Revolution, to recognize the non-teaching staff in the Vahan Tekeyan tremendous sacrileges committed on the holy schools of Yerevan and Artsakh.” fields of liberty. And to rightfully adjust our Since its inception, this program has been insight we should have read Arpiar Arpiaryan’s directed by Maro Bedrosian, the treasurer of Garmir Jamuts book. The authors of these the Central Board of Directors of TCA. The books have been persecuted or even murdered monetary funds necessary are solicited from in their days, but they still send us from eterni- the community in US and Canada. After distri- ty their lessons of realism. bution of the allocations, the name of each “The arches of this National Academy of recipient is submitted to the corresponding Sciences suggest to us prudence as we immerse donor. For 15 years this distribution has been ourselves in the chaos of 130 years of history. A performed by Gayane Muradyan. serious seminar has been prepared which does The TCA was established in 1947 in Beirut, not allow us any partisan conceit. Our honor- and in 1969 in the US in Boston. Later branch-

Armenagan Party Symposium at the Armenian Academy of Sciences liberation movement that had erupted in the “After six centuries, when we have returned Armenian world. He remarked that it was born to being a people with a state, that characteris- from conditions that developed following the tic obliges us, to reexamine and reappraise Treaty of Berlin and sponsored by the three objectively, just like the history of the Mgrdichs of the revolutionary era: Khrimian Armenagans, the history of all political parties Hayrig, Portukalian and Avedisian. dedicated to the liberty of our people. A people The senior member of the Academy Prof. with a state does not have the right to hold Nikolay Hovhannisian and its diasporan mem- back the legacy for the coming generations ber, Edmond Azadian, welcomed the scholars. (and especially the legacy of struggle for liber- Six papers were presented on the Armenagan ty) at an amateur level. organization and evaluated their role in the “Today, placing the past of all Armenian polit- Armenian national liberation struggle. ical parties on a historical basis, it seems to The historians who contributed by their dis- belong to the entire Armenian people. Their vic- sertations were: Prof. Levon Shirinian, Doctor tories are the victory of the entire people; simi- of Political Sciences, who spoke on the theme larly, their omissions and shortcomings belong of “the ideal of political liberty and the to the entire Armenian population and emanate Hagop Avedikian, second from left, and Hagop Vartivarian, second from right, with local artists and Armenagan Ideology”; Knarik Avagian, doctor- from six centuries of the lack of the experience journalists al aspirant in history sciences, discussed the of statehood. subject of “the activities of Armenagans in the “The history of the Armenagan party is a United States”; Prof. Hamlet Kevorkian, Doctor poorly studied area in our historiography, able scholars will open for us the veil of history es in Canada, others cities in the US, and in var- of Historical Sciences, presented “Episodes of despite the fact that twice this party has been so that we shall see both victory and mistakes ious European and Middle Eastern countries Relations between the Armenagan and the subjected to the harsh test of reality and has as well as an impartial evaluation. followed. Armenian Revolutionary Federation Political proven its authenticity on the battlefield. The “I wish all scholars to leave this hall by tak- The Sponsor a Teacher program that started Parties”; Ruben Sahakian, Doctor of Historical first was the 1896 self-, terminat- ing with them only the truth of historic facts, in year 2000 is still quite timely. As in previous Sciences, discussed “, the ed by the martyrdom of more than 800 of its because we shall build our new statehood on years, leaders and members of the TCA recent- Activist of the Liberation Struggle”; Prof. Ashot armed forces. Nevertheless it preserved its vital- that truthfulness. I salute all participants and ly visited the schools named after Vahan Nersisian, Doctor of Historical Sciences, dis- ity to carry out the second self-defense in 1915. our ardent listeners.” Tekeyan in Yerevan, Stepanavan and Garpi (in cussed “An Evaluation of the Armenagan’s “The party’s itinerary emanated from one of Arakadzodn District). Thanks to this annual Liberation Strategies for ”; the most essential requirements for men, that of Presentation of New Vartivarian Book on program, teachers and non-teaching staff of the and Armen Karapetian, aspirant of Historical self-defense, and to that end it prepared itself ADL History at National Academy of schools receive a donation. “This act of benev- Sciences concluded the presentations dis- secretly, to raise its fist at the most crucial time. Sciences olence is a small bit of aid in these difficult cussing “Mgrdich Avedisian, collaborator of [the For any revolutionary person or group the On November 3, after the seminar dedicated times. The importance is the feeling of being newspaper] Armenia.” temptation of following the international ide- to the 130th anniversary of the Armenagan appreciated. This has taught us not just to This seminar was organized jointly by the ologies widely accepted in Russia and European party, a book presentation of The Travelers of expect donations, but the obligation of benevo- National Academy of Sciences and the Ramgavar countries would have remained incompatible the Big Dream and Comprehensive History of lence on our part,” said the Garpi school’s prin- Azadagan (Democratic Liberal) Party. with the fortune and destiny of peoples being the Armenian Democratic Liberal Party, writ- cipal Arsen Ohanian. 10 S ATURDAY, N OVEMBER 2 1 , 2 0 1 5 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR Arts & Living NAASR Christmas “A Genocide Open House to Film with Vision Feature Talk by —- And Hope” Christina Maranci

BELMONT, Mass. — Dr. Christina Maranci, the By Tom Vartabedian Arthur H. Dadian and Ara Oztemel Professor of Armenian Art and Architecture at Tufts BRYN MAWR, Penn. — Filmmaker Stephanie University, will be the featured speaker at the Ayanian is on a long, yet relentless journey 2015 NAASR Christmas Open House on toward fruition. Thursday, December 10. The Open House will Ayanian is a year into her hour-long docu- begin at 6:00 p.m. with Maranci’s talk set for mentary called “A New Armenia,” combing the 7:30 p.m. The evening’s events will take place at roads and byways for engaging stories about the NAASR Center, 395 Concord Ave. Armenians in the Diaspora. Maranci’s illustrated talk draw on her recently She’s 50 percent there and keeps the flicker- published book Vigilant Powers: Three Churches ing flame of expectation burning at both ends. of Early Medieval Armenia (Brepols, 2015), Hopefully, viewers may get to see it as a feature which offers in-depth examinations of three on PBS sometime over the next year. important sculpted and inscribed Armenian With a proposed budget of $760,000, tens of churches (Mren, Zvartnots, and Ptghni), pro- thousands of miles logged and up to three crew duced during the “global” wars of the seventh The Hovsepian Trio with dad Jirair, mom Ani and son Haig members, the question remains: Will it end up century. In her talk, Maranci will share both her in a primetime PBS slot or will public television scholarly insights into these remarkable monu- stations across the United States screen it inde- ments as well as her personal experiences of the pendently? trials and tribulations of fieldwork in Western “If for some reason PBS doesn’t wish to air it Armenia. Music and Family Mix on prime time, there are a number of other pub- Both before and after the lecture, NAASR’s lic television distribution models we will pur- bookstore will be open and feature a 20-percent- sue,” said Ayanian. “We’ve never had an issue off sale. Numerous recently published titles will Well for Hovsepians getting our films screened on public television. be available. Refreshments will be served. Every film we have ever made for public televi- Vigilant Powers opens to the reader the world sion (five total) has screened broadly across the of early medieval Armenia: its sacred landscapes, BELMONT, Mass. — You can title this work a “Rhapsody on a Hovsepian Theme.” United States on PBS stations.” There is Haig Aram, a talented 16-year-old violin virtuoso who has obvious poten- The feedback from PBS executives was pretty tial for stardom in the professional world. straightforward: Make sure the film is relevant His mom is right there as pianist, accompanying her son at concerts while con- to non-Armenian audiences. PBS is watched by tinuing her own career. 211 million Americans through TV with a There to tie the whole production together as a photographer and video spe- primetime audience that is larger than many fea- cialist is dad Jirair. Where you often find one, you usually get all three. tured networks combined. “We’ve always been a close-knit fam- The glass remains half full when you’re a film ily. But music certainly has brought us producer laden with optimism. Ayanian follows her By Tom Vartabedian even closer together,” says Ani. “When path with a work that is destined to capture an we are not practicing, we’re either talk- audience and bring awareness to our rich culture. ing about music, attending a concert or Over the past year, Ayanian and her crew have planning a future event. Getting through many obstacles that the process inevitably been able to research and develop 11 requires has certainly been an additional binding force.” stories. They have completed filming two of Throughout her career, Ani Hovsepian has appeared in piano and ensemble per- them and are in the midst of six others. Three formances in her homeland of Armenia, along with the former Soviet Union and other stories are in the waiting stages. United States with various soloists and groups. Her travels have gone universal, covering Prior to immigrating here in 1991, she taught at the Yerevan State Conservatory, such areas as Boston, , Philadelphia, conducted a research on Armenian-American composer Alan Hovhaness, and Dr. Christina Maranci New York and Armenia. The miles logged have worked as a freelance correspondent for newspapers in Armenia. been tens of thousands. She currently works at Brandeis University and operates a private studio in “The inspiration,” she says, “comes from Belmont, teaching piano and music theory. In the long run, it doesn’t get any bet- everywhere. It evolves in the lives of individuals, ter than accompanying your own son. While performing, they are not simply moth- stories of people willing to share their dreams, er and son; they are colleagues. those who’ve overcome adversity to succeed.” “Whether it’s Haig or any other soloist, the challenges present themselves in She calls it a “labor of love,” yet Ayanian many aspects,” she admits. “But playing with your own son is a beast of a different knows nothing comes easy. She’s halfway there nature. When Haig was young, I used to feel his heartbeat when we played togeth- … and counting. With an estimated budget of er. Now that he has grown older and matured as a musician, he is the one listen- $760,000, funding is a concern. But people are ing to my heartbeat. I’m thrilled to witness the process of reversed roles.” buying into it. It is not very often a teenager gets to play Khachaturian’s Violin Concerto in “Although my filmmaking partners are not Boston’s Jordan Hall but that is the privilege you get at winning the New England Armenian, they have sacrificed a lot to make Conservatory Prep School’s Concert Competition. To do it, he beat out a strong this film,” said Ayanian. “I expect that of myself, group of young musicians playing Dvorak and Haydn. as I am Armenian, and I expect to put in ‘vol- Haig Hovsepian is a student at Belmont High School and the New England unteer’ time on this project. Each has gone Conservatory Prep School. He is also an avid saxophonist, member of the high above and beyond the call because they love this school Wind Ensemble and prize-winning Jazz Collective, no stranger to pop music project, believe in its stories, and have a great and occasionally pays homage to break dancing. deal of respect for the Armenians. “I love hanging out with my friends and playing basketball with them,” he Her subjects remain just as excited. A photo admits. “If I have free time, I enjoy playing video games. As for break dancing, the of prominent musician Richard Hagopian and rhythm and movement is most exciting. I have to remain still when I play violin. his grandson Andrew is but one example. The opposite is true of break dancing.” “Richard is a gem of a human being and has At a mother-son concert in Merrimack Valley this September, the selections they tremendous talent,” Ayanian describes. “Others performed works by composers such as Khachaturian, Spendiarian, Baghdasaryan, have shown me what it really means to be striking churches, and rich literary and religious and Sardarian. Armenian. They are talented, humble and traditions; and demonstrates the close engage- And what does Haig think of his collaborator? thoughtful — and they have maintained our ment of Armenia with Byzantine imperial inter- “I may take her for granted,” he points out. “I can’t imagine how it would be if Armenian culture in America.” ests and with contemporary events in the Holy I didn’t have her as a built-in accompanist always standing by. That makes me very Producing a work of this magnitude is one Land. The seventh-century monuments of fortunate.” objective. Marketing it is another. After filming Armenia are important not just as an extraordi- Besides being a proud dad, Jirair Hovsepian doesn’t sit still for a second. He has comes the editing process, then distribution and nary moment of local cultural production; they got the cameras working in overdrive. When needed, he produces CDs, DVDs, pho- outreach. Screenings, discussions and live cultural fill a crucial gap in our knowledge about the tos for auditions and competitions attended by his son. events like music, dance and cuisine are planned. medieval traditions of the Christian East at a Though he doesn’t perform publically, Jirair Hovsepian enjoyed studying and “These events are intended to draw a non- time from which little survives from playing the accordion as a child. He has participated in the Tekeyan Dance Group Armenian crowd to enjoy an immersive cultural and the imperial heartland. and Daron Dance Ensemble while also singing with the Komitas Choral Society experience with Armenians that will evolve into Vigilant Powers is the first English-language under Rouben Gregorian and Jimmy Garabedian. a lasting impression,” Ayanian points out. book devoted to the subject. see FAMILY, page 13 Both Ayanian’s grandparents are genocide Admission to the event is free (donations survivors. She and her partners have made appreciated). see FILM, page 11 S ATURDAY, N OVEMBER 2 1 , 2 0 1 5 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 11 ARTS & LIVING Los Angeles TCA Chapter and AIWA Pay Tribute to Writer Siran Seza

Hayouhi, (The Young By Kevork Keushkerian Armenian Woman), found- ed in 1932. This journal was published from 1932 ALTADENA, Calif. — Tekeyan Cultural to 1934 and then from Association’s Los Angeles Chapter, in collabora- 1947 to 1968. tion with Istanbul Armenians’ Cultural Annie Kupelian, the Association and the Armenian International daughter-in-law of Siran Women’s Association (AIWA), organized a public Seza, presented a forum to present two recently published books PowerPoint presentation. by the late Siran Seza. The slides depicted the old This event took place on November 5, at the Istanbul suburbs where Tekeyan Cultural Association’s Beshgeturian Seza was born and raised. center in Altadena. Despite the fact that it was a It also featured some of weekday, there were well over 150 people in the historic sites of the attendance. Nazig Kojayan was the mistress of famous city. ceremonies. A musical interlude fea- Siran Seza, born Siranoush Zarifian in tured the mother and Istanbul in 1903, was the sister of author Mateos daughter duo of Sossie Zarifian. After her primary education in an and Salpi Kerkunian, on Armenian school, she attended the American harp and clarinet, respec- College for Girls and then traveled to the United tively. It included a song The speakers at the TCA event honoring Siran Seza States to get her higher education at Columbia from Armen Dikranian’s University in New York. She then returned to “Anoush” opera, Alakiaz Beirut, and became an ardent advocate for by Gomidas and Spanish Romance from an nation, lost his mind and was confined to an asy- revolving around family and household chores. women’s rights. She passed away in 1973. unknown composer. lum. Thus, in this particular instance, we see how Furthermore, she had published two other Maria Krisian was called upon to present Dr. Minas Kojayan presented Seza’s second life reflects art, and art reflects life. books during her lifetime in Beirut, Lebanon: Seza’s first book, Book of Genesis (Kirk book, Shattered Lives (Khordagvatz Gyanker). Rosaline Madoyan, representing the Istanbul The Barricade (Badneshu) in 1959 and The Tznntots). It is a fascinating third-person Kojayan had flown in from Jerusalem especially Armenians’ Cultural Association, reiterated the Sinning Woman (Meghavorouhin) in 1960. account, written simultaneously as both a mem- for this occasion, as he was the editor of the fact that Seza was a true fighter for Armenian At last, Rev. Dr. Zaven Arzoumanian offered oir and a novel that tells the story of a young book. He said that the book was a novel, a women’s rights, at a time when Armenian the Benediction, which was followed by recep- heroine growing up under difficult circum- unique literary depiction of the lives of women were confined to the home, their duties tion. stances. As the story develops, the reader follows Armenians in Istanbul from the year 1912 to the along as the young protagonist evolves into an year 1918. Seza wrote it when she was only 21 independent person with a grounded, relatable years old. point of view, articulating pointed and insightful Kojayan dwelled upon the setting of the novel, cide?” Ayanian wonders. “We are thriving but convictions on social affairs. This book reveals which conveys the inner turmoil of Istanbul’s A Genocide Film what does the future hold? No one was tackling the perspective of an innovative author who was Armenian youth, revealing how their romantic these questions in this way. So my partners and far ahead of her time. dreams were shattered and their aspirations for With Vision I started developing ‘A New Armenia.’ We’re Next, Silvia Kachigian, representing AIWA, a bright future had collapsed around them. It is looking at what it means to be a survivor and the took to the podium. Kachigian called Seza a pio- important to note that around this time, the FILM, from page 10 challenges we face in America generations after neer for feminism who invited Armenian women same time in which the events of the novel take multiple films that have been screened across arriving here.” to stand up for their rights and independence. place, prominent Armenian intellectuals, includ- the United States, shown internationally at fes- With the plethora of films, books and events Seza, Kachigian continued, promoted gender ing , Taniel Varoujan and tivals, winning awards. marking the centennial, Ayanian said that sees equity and criticized “stagnant minds” in her were massacred, while Gomidas A successful Kickstarter campaign has been this project as being different from the rest; it is monthly publication of the journal Yeridasart Vartabed, not able to endure the sufferings of his complemented by benefactors and donors who more of an opportunity to celebrate what we have bought into the project. For areas outside have accomplished as strong, vibrant communi- the country, the film will be available on DVD ties. and Blu-ray. It may also be considered for film fes- Ayanian holds an undergraduate degree in Film tivals and live on at public screenings and events. and Video from Penn State University and a Master “We lack a film that documents and cele- of Fine Arts in Film & Media Arts from Temple brates the joys, struggles and values of these University. ,” Ayanian maintains. She previously worked as a senior “We’re peeking into their kitchens imparting producer/director for Penn State Public thousand-year-old recipes. We’re sharing social Broadcasting where she was a producer and direc- and religious traditions with laughter and tor of “Liquid Assets.”As an independent producer, solemnity, huddling with business leaders as her film “Kinderwald” was an Official Selection of they bring honor and financial security to their Munich International, Seattle International, families and communities.” Slamdance and Napa Valley film festivals. The audience will be introduced to the geno- She concluded, “I’m inspired by writers, film- cide for a foundation of understanding, then makers, musicians, artists, dancers, chefs, doc- meet survivor families, delving into their lives tors, lawyers, businesspeople and scientists who and accomplishments. share their stories. It thrills me to watch people “Where are we now, 100 years after the geno- create, think and share their gifts with others.”

“Drifting Clouds over Mountains” Tashjian Pictures at Santa Fe Gallery

SANTA FE, N.M. — The Santa Fe Six Art Exchange Winter Show features the works of six local artists, including Richard H. Tashjian. Since relocating to Santa Fe several years ago, and until now, at age 90, he is still awestruck by the western landscape. A native of Watertown, he has painted the landscapes of New admissions.aua.am *Calculated using the average cost of Fall 2016 tuition for international students England, traveled to Armenia in the 1990s, Crimea, Russia and France. [email protected] enrolled in AUA’s undergraduate programs and the average cost of 2014-2015 for events in your area visit tuition and fees of public four-year in-state and out-of-state, private nonprofit, The exhibit will be at the Santa Fe Six Art Exchange Gallery, 60 E. San Francisco Suite 10, admissions.aua.am/recruitment-tour and for-profit universities per bit.ly/YVIk4T. through January 31. 12 S ATURDAY, N OVEMBER 2 1 , 2 0 1 5 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR ARTS & LIVING Balakian Finds His Place in Dual Cultural Identity

BALAKIAN, from page 1 professor at Lafayette College, organized a sym- ary tradition, Balakian also ended up as part of meaning of the lyric imagination as expressed “I think that it is fair to say that the world posium at Columbia University in February a literary tradition in his own family. He said, in various domains. The essays deal with poet- coverage of the centennial of the Armenian 2015 after their inspiring journey to the “As time unfolds and you explore the other writ- ry, art, film and music (song lyrics). Several con- Genocide was singular and perhaps even medieval city of Ani together in May 2014. ers of your family, in my case three of them cern Armenian writers, artists or topics: beyond our expectations. That the New York In the United States, Balakian said he feels across three generations — my great-uncle Siamanto, Yeshishe Charents, Arshile Gorky, Times would cover the Armenian Genocide that Armenian-Americans have been resource- the bishop, my aunt Anna and Elia Kazan’s film “America, America.” with three days of two-page spreads with full ful and creative in many ways. “There is a lot of Balakian, the scholar of French poetry, and my Others explore issues that are important for the color images and focus on the ethical problems cultural vitality in the Armenian-American aunt , New York Times book Armenian experience, such as poetry as witness of Turkish denialism really does represent a scene. However, there needs to be more unity, review critic and writer — you find that there to violence, collage and modern poetic form, decisive move forward” in the history of the and, from my perspective as a writer and a are some interesting preoccupations and pas- the literary rock of Bob Dylan. aftermath of the Armenian Genocide, Balakian scholar, more backing of cultural institutions sions that seem to have continued across gen- He pointed out that “America, America” “has said. He found this emblematic of the general and funding of culture. We need to build muse- erations.” been a misunderstood film, and a misrepresent- world response, with coverage of declarations ums, think tanks, translation centers, and be In his last two books of poems Balakian has ed film.” Though most of the movie examines by Pope Francis, the pop culture Kardashian really aggressive about bringing out culture been able to push his form further. He said anti-Greek and anti-Armenian violence in the sisters, and various world governments amplify- into the mainstream. This can’t be done without about many of the poems in his new book Ottoman Empire in the late 19th century, in ing the “adamant outcry about the degree of money and organization,” he said. Ozone Journal, “I’m interested in pursuing the particular the Hamidian massacres of injustice that still exists in the aftermath of this Balakian bemoaned the absence of literary shifting perspectives and the jolts in conscious- Armenians, it is popularized on American tele- large human rights crime.” and cultural publications, however. He said, “I ness as the mind takes in the “I think that the issues are more bare and think Ararat [the quarterly published by the wired and discordant realities of open than they have ever been,” he continued. Armenian General Benevolent Union until our contemporary culture and “There is an opportunity for the Armenian com- recently] was a really important journal for I’m interested in bringing land- munity to pursue the impunity problem with decades. It did so much to define and nurture scapes of difficulty and violence Turkey, in perhaps new ways that are more cre- Armenian talent, and I think Armenian Forum into an expansive form.” The ative and have more world support than before. was a wonderful journal, though it could not poems in this volume shift from In 2015, Balakian gave more than 25 lec- stay afloat for long. I think we need good jour- the Native American pueblos of tures. He took this, he said, as “a sign that the nals for and culture. It New Mexico to inner city mainstream institutions want this history to be takes care, money and some thought, but this is Detroit, to the slums of Nairobi, front and center on their college campuses. I’m a good time for thinking about such a project.” and to the border of Turkey sure this is true for many others in our field Balakian writes in English, not in Armenian, with Armenia at the Kars-Gumri who were on campuses this year. I think it is and he is an American poet, yet he also consid- line. due to an evolution and growth in the dis- ers it an organic continuity to call himself an Ozone Journal includes a long course that has come into its own. … Our his- Armenian diasporan poet and writer. He said, 55-section eponymous poem torical past has been solidly situated in an aca- “My immersion in Armenian culture and histo- framed by two sections of lyric demic, cultural and global discourse, and the ry has had a big impact on my imagination and poems. Balakian’s persona in issue of Turkish impunity and Turkish denial- on my literary forms and my language, which is these poems engages with vari- ism is seen clearly as an ethical problem that English; but meanings and materials, significa- ous places and explores self and needs to be dealt with properly. There is world tions and tropes are inflected by my Armenian cultural location. Some of the community engagement and concern about this sensibility and preoccupations; the same is true, poems reflect, through invented in a way that there never has been before.” He I’m sure for visual artists and composers. In my lenses, Balakian’s life experi- exclaimed that in the perspective of the course poems there are fusions of Armenian iconogra- ences and the lives of family of the last 90 years, this is a really dramatic phy and imagery and culture with my American members while exploring the change, and although it is unclear how the next poetics and form. In the 1970s, I wrote poems idea of diaspora and connec- chapters will unfold, it seems that Armenians that dealt with Armenian memory and the lost tions with historical pasts with a are in the strongest place they have been in world of Anatolia in the wake of the Genocide, sense of the perpetual motion decades. and my grandmother was the voice of the trans- of the self. The threads of His international travels over the past few mission of trauma across generations. In the Armenian cultural realities are years, Balakian said, “created a very rich per- 1980s I found myself embedding threads and ever-present here. For example, “Ozone Journal” begins with the persona digging bones out of the Syrian desert with a television crew, with vision as a movie about the American immi- whom he is filming a segment on the Armenian grant story. Only the last 15 or 20 minutes of Genocide, and the rest of the poem is a flash- the film take places in the US. back from that present. Balakian said, “It deals Balakian said, “It is original and edgy and with the complexity of life in the 1980s in New groundbreaking as a film. The film is very auto- York City as AIDS becomes a crisis and the biographical. It is almost a memoir, in which beginning of awareness of environmental ero- Kazan tells the story of his Greek family’s harsh sion and climate change become another kind journey out of Turkey and in doing so tells the of crisis.” It is the second work in a trilogy. The history of Greeks and Armenians under first was “A Train — Ziggurat Elegy” (2010), Ottoman rule. Kazan states in the opening of which dealt with New York both in the after- the film that that Greeks and Armenians were a math of the 9/11 terrorist attacks and then colonized people. The film was completely with a memory of New York culture in the ahead of the grain of the world at that time. It 1970s. is valuable and important as a work of art and Both poems have some dimensions of a love as a work of history. Kazan called it his favorite poem interwoven in them, and incorporate film.” many complex allusions. Balakian explained Balakian’s chapter in Vise and Shadow exam- that, “My long poem poetics is tied to a collage ines the myths in understanding of this film, form of lyric segments that create threads as and its strange reception, which perhaps was they unspool through the poem. My hope is due to various political reasons at the time. that the reader will find the intended ways that He will be screening a brief excerpt from the Peter Balakian with writers Elif Shafak at left, and Maureen Freely, in Istanbul after their reading in the threads weave themselves together.” film and discussing it at a free 7 p.m. December October 2014 Balakian feels that “every poet hopes readers 1 lecture sponsored by the Tekeyan Cultural will read a poem first for its texture and energy Association and Facing History and Ourselves. and its language rhythms that draw the reader The lecture, cosponsored by the Armenian spective for me as a person and as a writer. I pieces of Armenian culture into my poems.” in. However, I, like many poets, still work out of Museum of America, with the National have been able to see a great deal and listen to For example, in 1987, a poem of his appeared the assumptions of early literary modernism, Association for Armenian Studies and a lot of voices.” His trips to Turkey, he contin- in Poetry Magazine with a whole stanza devot- that the poem should be an intellectual chal- Research, will take place at the museum. ued, “have let me see the complexity of life in ed to the Armenian medieval miniaturist Toros lenge for the reader, as well as something that Looking back on his career, Balakian said, Turkey and gain a sense of the progressive voic- Roslin. While Balakian says he does not know the reader will enjoy.” “I’m incredibly grateful to the Armenian read- es which are working hard for democracy and what American readers made of this, he hoped He hopes that Armenian readers who have ership for its embrace of my books over the intellectual honesty, and I’ve had a rich and they would go and do what T. S. Eliot urged his been raised on an Armenian poetic tradition years. It’s spiritually important for writers to rewarding time with fellow Turkish and Kurdish readers to do — look it up. continue in the US to remain connected to the know that readers are engaged in their work. writers While this has been an affirmative He said, “It is a way of bringing the Armenian great art of poetry, because poetry “poetry is It’s important that Armenians in America and encounter, he continued, “in traveling to east- tradition into the American tradition, and cre- the animating force of all literature;it is lan- elsewhere continue to embrace their culture ern Turkey/Historic Armenia, I’ve had to stare ating a richer form. In various new poems, guage at its most compressed, searing, primal and to pass it on to the next generation. at the ruins of our ancient civilization; it’s hard there are Armenian elements twined through- and elemental; remember that the poem takes Intellectual and artistic work is at the core of to take in. It’s bitter-sweet, because you also out various landscapes. I hope readers will read us back to song and chant and prayer, and our culture, it’s how we stay together, how we acquire a great deal of knowledge in going my new poem ‘Near the Border,’ which deals dithyramb,” back to the beginning of the have conversations about who we are and there; you can see, feel and smell the great with Armenian diasporic and transnational human voice. where we’re going; it connects past and present. buildings of the Armenian past, and you can complexities.” In a feature spread of Balakian’s Along with poetry, Balakian is a master of The Armenian cultural present is as rich as it’s feel the beauty and achievement of Armenian poems in the prestigious German literary jour- the essay form. His new collection Vise and ever been. There are so many terrific writers, culture, and the landscape where Armenians nal Neue Rundschau, Balakian’s work was Shadow includes essays written between 1988 artists, and scholars out there.” lived.” introduced with the heading “Peter Balakian, and 2012, some of which have been expanded (For more information or to RSVP, email One of the outcomes of his trips was creative Armenien 2015.” “I guess that’s one way the and revised. Like his poems, the essays move Elana Megerian at Elana_Megerian@facinghis- productivity. In addition to fueling his own writ- outside world sees me,” he said. from one cultural and geographical zone to tory.org or Aram Arkun at ing, he and Dr. Rachel Goshgarian, assistant Aside from feeling part of the Armenian liter- another, but all deal with the power and the [email protected]). S ATURDAY, N OVEMBER 2 1 , 2 0 1 5 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 13 ARTS & LIVING CC AA LENDARLENDAR

Mosesian Cultural & Youth Center - Keljik Hall 465 Mt. MASSACHUSETTS Auburn St., Watertown. Ladies welcome. DECEMBER 10 — Christmas Open House, 6-11 p.m., with DECEMBER 1 —The Tekeyan Cultural Association, the talk at 7:30 by Christina Maranci, “Vigilant Powers: Three Armenian Mirror-Spectator and Facing History and Churches of Early Medieval Armenia,” at NAASR, 395 Ourselves are presenting a talk by Peter Balakian on Concord Ave., Belmont. Contact NAASR at 617-489- the classic film “America America” written and directed 1610 or [email protected] more information. 20% off all by Elia Kazan. The film is about a young Anatolian Greek on-site purchases. man from the provinces who loses his family fortune on DECEMBER 13 – St. James 84th Anniversary Name Day his way to Constantinople and is dreaming of going to Celebration & Banquet Honoring & Carol America. 7 p.m. Balakian will also sign copies of his two Yeghiayan, Parishioners of the Year. Save the Date, recent books, Ozone Journal and Vise and details to follow. St. James Armenian Church, 465 Mt. Shadow: Essays on the Lyric Imagination, Poetry, Art, Auburn St., Watertown. and Culture. At the Armenian Museum of America, DECEMBER 13 — Christmas Holiday Concert – Erevan together with the National Association for Armenian Choral Society and Orchestra, 7 p.m., Church Studies and Research (NAASR). Sanctuary, Holy Trinity Armenian Church of Greater DECEMBER 3 — Richard Hovannisian, “The First Boston, 145 Brattle St., Cambridge. Founded by the Very Republic of Armenia and Its Importance Today,” at Rev. Fr. Oshagan Minassian (1930-2008), and now under First Armenian Church, 380 Concord Ave., Belmont. 7:30 the direction of Composer Konstantin Petrossian, Music p.m. Presented by NAASR and co-sponsored by Armenian Director and Conductor, the concert will feature the Assembly of America, Armenian National Committee of Vocal Quartet from the Bostonians, and Knarik America-Eastern Mass., Armenian Cultural Peter Balakian will speak about the Nerkararyan, Soprano. The program will consist of a vari- and Education Society, and First Armenian Church. classic film by Elia Kazan, ety of traditional Armenian and Western sacred and hol- Contact NAASR at 617-489-1610 or [email protected] for iday music. The public is warmly invited to attend this more information. “America America,” on Tuesday, complimentary concert which is a gift to the community. DECEMBER 4 and 5 — Trinity Christmas December 1, at a program jointly For further information, contact the Holy Trinity Church Bazaar, Friday, 12-9 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Holy sponsored by the Tekeyan Cultural office, 617.354.0632, or email [email protected]. Trinity Armenian Church of Greater Boston, 145 Brattle Association, the Armenian Mirror- DECEMBER 31 — St. James 2016 New Year’s Eve Celebration. St., Cambridge. Featuring delicious Armenian dinners, a Spectator and Facing History and Entertainment by Arthur Apkarian and Band from la carte menu and take-out meals; booths and vendors — Ourselves, Armenian Museum of Montreal. Save the date, details to follow. St. James Armenian perfect for doing your Christmas shopping; Armenian Church, 465 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown. gourmet foods, delicacies and pastries; raffles, and America, Watertown, at 7 p.m. He more. Activities for Children, Peter Adamian Hall: will also sign copies of his two new Friday, 7-9 p.m., All Aboard “The Polar Express” Pajama books. RHODE ISLAND Party, recommended for children ages 6 and older; DECEMBER 5 — The Cultural Committee of Sts. Sahag Saturday, 10:45-11:30 a.m., The Magic and Juggling of and Mesrob Armenian Church in Providence pre- Robert Clarke, aka “LuckyBob,” for “children of all ages.” sents “Silent Night, Holy Night” Christmas Concert fea- For further information, contact the church office DECEMBER 6 — The Greater Worcester Armenian turing The Armenian Chorale of RI, with special perfor- at 617.354.0632, or log onto www.htaac.org/calen- Chorale presents a special Christmas Concert led by mances by Joanne Mouradjian, Gohar Manjelikian, Debra dar/event/111/. Artistic Director and Conductor Konstantin Petrossian, Pjojian and Junior Choir - Saturday, 6:30 p.m. in the DECEMBER 5 — Lowell ARF “Aharonian” Gomideh Sunday, 1:30 pm, with a fellowship at 12:30 p.m., at Holy Church Sanctuary. Light refreshments following concert - 120th anniversary celebration, 6:30 pm, Kazanjian Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church, 635 Grove St., Donation $10. Those attending the Christmas Concert Memorial Pavilion, Sts. Vartanantz Church, 180 Old Worcester. Admission is free. Soprano Knarik will receive $10 off the admission to the ACYOA dance !! Westford Road, Chelmsford; dinner and program; Nerkararyan is the guest soloist. For additional informa- DECEMBER 5 — ACYOA Annual Holiday Kef, Saturday, Armenian National Committee Freedom Awards to James tion call 508-963-2076. at 8:30 p.m. in the Egavian Cultural Center Sts. Sahag Milinazzo, former Lowell mayor; DECEMBER 7 — Aram Arkun, Historian and Executive and Mesrob Armenian Church. Adults $25, Students, $15 Hejinian, noted artist; David Boyajian, Director of Tekeyan Cultural Association and Assistant (ID required). Mezze & Cash Bar. Featuring Mal journalist/Armenian activist; Community Service Awards Editor of the Armenian Mirror Spectator will be the Barsamian (Clarinet); Jason Naroian (Dumbeg),m Ken to Kathy Cryan-Hicks, Chelmsford Public Library; The speaker at the St. James Men’s Club. Topic will be Kalajian (Guitar), Brian Ansbigian (Oud), David Lowell Sun newspaper; Jennifer Doaks, Chelmsford High “Zeytun: The Armenian Eagles’ Nest.” Losh Kebab and Hoplamazian (Violin). Reservations and information, con- instructor; musical oud performance by Datev Gevorkian; Kheyma Dinner Social Hour (mezza) 6:15 p.m. Dinner 7 tact Christina (401-256-2686) or Greta (401-556-0771). If donation, $50 adults, $15 students; reservations, Armen p.m. $14 per person. St. James Armenian ChurchCharles you attend the Cultural Committee’s Christmas Concert, Jeknavorian, (978) 256-2538 or [email protected]. you will receive $10 off of the cost of the dance!

Music and Family Mix great satisfaction to see this energy brought to Lowell Tech Armenian Radio Hour. the same as interpreters,” he notes. “Learning light for others to enjoy. Watching the audience As a producer, his passion extended to to play music is like learning to speak many lan- Well for Hovsepians respond gives me the utmost satisfaction and human rights issues, specifically the Armenian guages at once. The more of them I speak, the sense of pride for my family.” Genocide, serving with the Boston more audiences I can communicate with.” FAMILY, from page 10 Jirair looks back with fondness upon his days Commemorative Committee. Recently, he video- The family ties extend to a violin-playing “It is always amazing to witness the hard as an engineering student at UMass/Lowell taped the complete events of the centenary grandmother, the renowned Anahit Tsitsikian, labor that takes place at home and see it trans- when he and colleague Ara Jeknavorian started commemorations and aired them on has provided her own inspiration. Haig’s formed to the stage,” he confirms. “It gives me the Armenian Club there and also launched the Belmont Municipal Cable Channel. role model and favorite violinist, however, is the “As an avid photographer, I believe that a inimitable Sergey Khachatryan. memorable event is like a blink of an eye,” he “He’s also fearless when it comes to per- says. “It instantly becomes history if not pre- forming, driving race cars or exploring new served by the blink of the camera.” ideas,” he says. “I admire those qualities in him. SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE This past summer offered many momentous I hope that someday I have the honor of play- occasions for the youngest Hovsepian. He ing with him.” received an invitation to participate in a perfor- The challenges have been innumerable. Students of Armenian Descent mance with The Piano Guys at the world- Finding the right teacher. Maintaining reason- renowned Summer Festival at Tanglewood, the able balance between school work and practic- Having Completed One Year of College by June, 2016 summer home of the Boston Symphony, in the ing. Juggling between the violin and saxo- Berkshires. phone. Coordinating complex schedules at Applications and other information may be obtained from “Next morning Haig woke up and went right Belmont High and the Conservatory, not to back to practicing,” Jirair Hovsepian added. mention the travel, lessons and recitals — rain ARMENIAN STUDENTS’ ASSOCIATION “Nothing really changed. It was all in a day’s or shine. The motivation becomes self-induced work.” when you pursue success. Scholarship Committee Becoming a professional musician and travel- “Regardless, it all becomes worth it,” agrees 333 Atlantic Avenue • Warwick, RI 02888 ing the world with his violin has always Jirair Hovsepian. “The world would be a differ- Tel. 401 461-6114 • Fax 401 461-6112 remained Haig Hovsepian’s biggest dream. ent place without people carrying this ancient, After graduating from high school, he plans to unique and original form of art in an age of e-mail: [email protected] move on to a school where he can continue robotics and technology.” mastering the skills of music interpretation. As Ani Hovsepian sees it, “We love it. We love Deadline for returning completed Applications: March 15, 2016 “Historically, Armenians were always known what we do and do what we love. It doesn’t get to the world as the greatest translators which is much better than that as a family.” 14 S ATURDAY, N OVEMBER 2 1 , 2 0 1 5 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR COMMENTARY

COMMENTARY Mirror Armenia’s Entangled European Ties

In this particular case, former British Parliamentarian Robert Spectator By Edmond Y. Azadian Walter had a checkered past, as described by Armenia’s Foreign Minister Eduard Nalbandian. Walter has been accused of having close ties with the Azerbaijani government. He has repeatedly Armenians feel a natural affinity with Europe. They feel that defended Baku’s dismal human rights record, which has fre- culturally and through history, Armenia has a virtual place in quently been criticized by Western rights groups. Europe. But that feeling — more often than not — is shaken by Walter is married to a Turkish woman and recently became a EstablishedEstablished 1932 1932 realpolitik, as European countries pursue their perceived political Turkish citizen. His new Turkish ID was personally delivered by An ADLAn Publication ADL Publication interests, ignoring Armenia. Turkey’s Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu — very much like By the same token, many Armenians take for granted that Matthew Bryza, who caused so much damage to the Karabagh , being the only other Christian nation in the South process as the co-chair of the Organization for Security and Caucasus, must be Armenia’s natural Cooperation in Europe (OCSE) Minsk

EDITOR ally. But recent history has demon- Group and later as the US ambassador Alin K. Gregorian strated time and again that to Azerbaijan. Bryza’s true colors were coordinates its policies and economic revealed when news came out that his ASSISTANT EDITOR interests with its Muslim neighbors elaborate wedding to his Turkish wife Aram Arkun Ankara and Baku, at Armenia’s was financed by the Azerbaijan gov-

ART DIRECTOR expense. ernment. Marc Mgrditchian Some recent developments in Unfortunately, Armenia does not Europe made Armenia’s political plan- possess similar resources and has to ners painfully aware that often rely on traditional diplomacy rather Armenia is a diplomatic orphan at than cash or caviar, in order to present best. its case to the world. SENIOR EDITORIAL COLUMNIST: Those developments center on two In the case of the PACE debacle, the Edmond Azadian major issues: the verdict of the reaction was prompt and constructive European Court of Human Rights, in a rare scenario of cooperation when CONTRIBUTORS: which struck down a Swiss court’s two co-chairs of OSCE expressed oppo- Florence Avakian, Dr. Haroutiun guilty verdict brought against Dogu sition. Arzoumanian, Taleen Babayan, Diana Perinçek for his denial of the “PACE and other [international Der Hovanessian, Philip Ketchian, Armenian Genocide, as well as the organizations] should consult OSCE Kevork Keushkerian, Harut Sassounian, Hagop Vartivarian, Naomi Zeytoonian Council of Europe Parliamentary Minsk Group co-chairs before issuing Assembly (PACE) proposal about reports on resolutions on Nagorno CORRESPONDENTS: Nagorno Karabagh. Karabagh,” US Ambassador James Armenia - Hagop Avedikian Armenia is being snubbed by Warlick tweeted on November 6. Boston - Nancy Kalajian Europe because of its fragile political stranding and because of Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov concurred, stating, Philadelphia - Lisa Manookian its ties with Russia; Moscow seldom compensates Armenia in the “We — Russia, the US and France — are firmly against attempts Berlin - Muriel Mirak-Weissbach arena of world politics for this close alliance. to take this subject to other international platforms that do not Contributing Photographers: The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) ruled on deal with the conflict’s settlement, instead of a consistent busi- Jacob Demirdjian and Jirair Hovsepian October 15 that a Turkish politician, Dogu Perinçek, should not nesslike and patient dialogue on the Nagorno Karabagh settle- have been prosecuted for denying that the mass killing of the ment. At least, nobody has given them such a task on behalf of Armenians by Ottoman Turkey in 1915 was a genocide. In a land- the international community.” mark free speech ruling, the ECHR judges ruled by a vote of 10 As we can see, Europe has been using a stick and carrot poli- The Armenian Mirror-Spectator is published to 7 that Perinçek, the chairman of the Turkish Workers’ Party, cy vis-à-vis Armenia, on the one hand recognizing the Genocide weekly, except two weeks in July and the first week of the year, by: should never have been convicted of racial discrimination by a and on the other, undermining its Karabagh position. Right now, Swiss court for saying that the “Armenian Genocide is a great a European delegation is in Armenia to work out a legal frame- Association, Inc. international lie.” work of economic cooperation. 755 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA 02472-1509 This was a devastating blow to the Armenian case, which ren- Armenia has to navigate through these contradictory political Telephone: 617-924-4420 dered nil the efforts of international lawyers Geoffrey Robertson positions to find its own place within the international commu- FAX: 617-924-2887 and Amal Clooney. It also dampened the significance of the nity. www.mirrorspectator.com European Parliament’s motion earlier this year that the massacre Foreign Minister Lavrov’s unscheduled visit to Armenia a few E-Mail: [email protected] of 1.5 million Armenians by Ottoman Turkey was a genocide. days ago has been taken as a reassuring signal and at the same For advertising: [email protected] On the other hand, it was a victory for Turkey, which was being time, has indicated that some behind-the-scenes movement is in criticized by the international community for its penal code arti- cle 301 (insulting Turkishness) restricting freedom of speech. Armenian lawmakers tried to find some saving graces in the ECHR verdict by arguing that the court did not deny the veraci- ty of the Genocide itself, yet dwelt only on the legal aspect of free- SUBSCRIPTION RATES: dom of speech. But unfortunately, the impact of the ruling will be far reaching. In a smart move, the court made a clear distinction with U.S.A. $80 a year Holocaust denial, whose specific history meant its denial would always be “seen as a form of incitement to racial hatred” in cer- Canada $125 a year tain countries. Thus, it blocked the argument that Holocaust Other Countries $190 a year denial should be considered a crime and the denial of the Armenian Genocide only as an issue of freedom of speech. This is the nature of European justice. Further impact will still be forthcoming because it is a moot © 2014 The Armenian Mirror-Spectator issue if will maintain its laws or revise them to con- Periodical Class Postage Paid at Boston, MA form to the ruling of the European Court. Moving further one and additional mailing offices. step, the ruling will provide ammunition to French legislators ISSN 0004-234X who were opposed to the law in France similar to the Swiss law. Following flip-flop position of President Nicolas Sarkozy, the incoming French president, François Hollande, had pledged iron- POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Armenian Mirror-Spectator, 755 Mount Auburn clad provisions to the criminalization of the Armenian Genocide St., Watertown, MA 02472 denial. That pledge is still on the back burner in the French par- the offing, to force Armenia to make some territorial concessions Other than the editorial, views and opinions liament and may be impacted severely by the ECHR ruling. in Karabagh, in return for Russian guarantees, including station- expressed in this newspaper do not necessarily The other slap on the face for Armenia came when PACE decid- ing of Russian peace-keeping forces on the contact line. Also, a reflect the policies of the publisher. ed to meddle in the issue of Nagorno Karabagh. Indeed, a three- complicating issue is Russia’s decision to install an air defense page document was prepared by a former British parliamentarian system in Armenia. But it is ironic that the more Russia increas- and approved by PACE’s political Affairs Committee on es its military assets in Armenia, the more vulnerable the latter November 4, calling for a peaceful settlement of the conflict start- becomes, not necessarily stronger, because the move serves as a ing “with the withdrawal of Armenian armed forces and irregular legitimate target for the opposing side. Copying for other than personal use or armed forces from Nagorno Karabagh and other occupied terri- International political order is such that every time there is a internal reference is prohibited without tories of Azerbaijan” and “the establishment of full sovereignty of positive movement or statement, Armenia’s foreign policy plan- express permission of the copyright Azerbaijan in these territories.” ners have to look also behind the statements for a hidden agen- owner. Address requests for reprints or back issues to: If the proposal is not stopped in its tracks, it may end up on da. Earlier this month, US Ambassador to Armenia Richard Mills the agenda of the plenary session of PACE in January 2016. stated that Armenia’s relations with Russia and the West were It seems that Azerbaijan’s caviar diplomacy is sometimes more not mutually exclusive. A promising sign if taken at face value. Baikar Association, Inc. successful than Armenia’s more penurious diplomacy. There are But at this moment, Armenia has a huge task ahead of it, sort- 755 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA 02472- always calls for better Armenian representation in Europe. ing out its entangled relations with Europe. 1509 S ATURDAY, N OVEMBER 2 1 , 2 0 1 5 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR 15 COMMENTARY

about the Armenian Genocide, regardless of political party risks destroying diplomatic relations with a key, strategic ally affiliation. Liberals are slightly more knowledgeable than in the Middle East”; 22.5 percent disagree; and 38.5 percent Moderates and Conservatives. Surprisingly, the majority of don’t know. ‘Tea Party’ and ‘Occupy Wall Street’ sympathizers are cog- • 63.2 percent agree that “if an ally of the United States nizant of the Armenian Genocide. initiates a program to eradicate, persecute or displace popu- My Turn • College graduates are more likely to know about the lations within their own country, the U.S. should end eco- Armenian Genocide than those who are not. nomic and/or military aid to that ally”; 10.5 percent disagree; By Harut Sassounian • The 25-34 age group is the most knowledgeable about and 26.3 percent don’t know. the Armenian Genocide, while the least knowledgeable is the • 20.1 percent believe that when a country commits geno- 35-53 age group. cide, it should pay reparations “in cash”; 11.8 percent say Only 35 Percent of Americans Are •Hispanics are far more knowledgeable than ‘Whites’ that it should compensate by returning the occupied “land”; Aware There Was an Armenian about the Armenian Genocide; African-Americans and Asian- 10.7 percent, “by other symbolic act”; 9.4 percent, “no repa- Americans are the least knowledgeable. rations should be paid”; and 48 percent don’t know. Genocide • Catholics are more aware of the Armenian Genocide • 31.3 percent believe that the United Nations should than Protestants. determine what the reparations should be when genocide is For the first time, a prestigious nationwide survey, con- • West Coast Americans are more aware of the Armenian committed; 23.8 percent say it should be decided by the ducted on November 9 by Zogby Analytics, reveals the extent Genocide than their counterparts in the East; while those International Criminal Court; 12.1 percent, the United States of the American public’s knowledge and opinion on the living in Central and Southern US are the least knowl- Congress; 3 percent, Amnesty International; 2.5 percent, the Armenian Genocide and Artsakh (Karabagh). The survey edgeable. European Court of Human Rights; 0.8 percent, the Pope; and results, made available exclusively to this writer, have a +/- • Americans with the highest income category 26.5 percent don’t know. 3.1 percent margin of error. ($100,000+) know the most about the Armenian Genocide; • 37.9 percent believe that the United States should use To the question, are you aware that there was an Armenian those making $35,000-$50,000 a year know the least. “economic sanctions” against a country that “refuses to rec- Genocide, surprisingly only 34.8 percent of those surveyed In summary, the American most informed about the ognize and take responsibility for its crimes against humani- answered “yes”; 49.6 percent “no” and 15.6 percent “not Armenian Genocide is: male, right or left wing political ty”; 16.4 percent say the U.S. should use “political/diplo- sure.” One would have expected that a much higher per- activist, college graduate, 25-34 years old, Hispanic, Catholic, matic pressure”; 8.6 percent, “embargo”; 2.6 percent, the U.S. centage of US citizens would be aware of the Armenian lives on the West Coast, and makes over $100,000 a year; should declare war; 4.5 percent, “do nothing”; and 30 percent Genocide, particularly after the large-scale Centennial com- whereas the American least informed about the Armenian don’t know. memorative events this year. The fact that half of all Genocide is: female, mainstream political party member, not • 38.3 percent agree that “the United States should inter- Americans have never heard of the Genocide of 1.5 million a college graduate, 35-53 years old, African-American or vene if Azerbaijan acts to expel the ethnic Christian Armenians indicates that a major effort is needed to educate Asian-American, Protestant, lives in the Central or Southern Armenians [of Artsakh] who have resided there for cen- the public. states, and makes $35,000 to $50,000 a year. turies”; 21.8 percent disagree; and 39.9 percent don’t know. Zogby Analytics provides extensive information about the Here are eight other genocide and Artsakh-related ques- • 40.4 percent agree that if Azerbaijan attacks Artsakh, background of the participants in the survey. Here are some tions that survey participants were asked to answer: the United States should call on Israel, which is selling interesting details: • 46.5 percent of Americans agree that the United States sophisticated weapons to Baku, to cut off its diplomatic rela- • While male respondents are evenly divided on the above government should call on Turkey to publicly admit the tions with Azerbaijan; 16.9 percent disagree; and 42.7 per- question, there is a serious imbalance among women — twice Armenian Genocide; 16.1 percent disagree; and 37.4 percent cent don’t know. as many females are unaware of the Armenian Genocide com- don’t know. This first of its kind survey could serve as a valuable guide pared to those who are. • 39 percent agree that “the U.S. Congress should pass a to the Armenian-American community to know where to con- • Around half of all respondents are equally ignorant resolution recognizing the Armenian Genocide… even if it centrate its educational efforts and lobbying resources.

Alexanian Offers Conservative Response Armenians have legal claims, but it takes enor- Where Do We mous effort to do the research, write the briefs and To the Editor: present the case. However, there is in history, a I would be remiss if I didn’t respond to Berge Tatian’s letter to the editor dated time when it is more auspicious to act than not. October 31, 2015. It never ceases to amaze me that American Liberals like Berge Geoffrey Robertson, the international jurist, recent- Tatian imagine that regurgitating a list of Democratic National Committee talking Go From Here? ly stated that this is the best legal climate in which points is a substitute for intellectual engagement. to launch these cases in the inter- Tatian accuses the Republicans of “blaming all of the ills of society, foreign and national courts. The issues of reparations and domestic on those weak minded liberals.” Well yes, Liberals certainly have a lot to By Mary Ann Kibarian recovery have been studied by academicians, such answer for. But true to form as a liberal ideologue Tatian as the Armenian Reparations Study Group. doesn’t present any facts to refute the ones that I present- This is a daunting task, and I know Armenians LETTERS ed in my previous letter, but just expresses upset and opin- I enjoyed reading Noubar Afeyan’s open letter to are risk averse, but we owe it to those who per- ions. As far as the “blame game” goes, President Obama UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon in the October ished, as well as to those who survived and strug- didn’t invent it but he certainly exacerbated it by con- 3 issue regarding the Genocide Centenary activi- gled to make a new life. It is the best way we can stantly blaming President George Bush for all of America’s ills.” It speaks volumes ties. I am certain I speak for the majority of the demonstrate our respect for their sacrifices and that the majority of Americans feel that the country is going in the wrong direc- community in saying that we are very grateful that we will not rollover and die tion. Noubar picked up the gauntlet to chair this monu- Armenians have always believed that education There are myriad examples of missteps and contradictions by Liberals in the mental event for all Armenians. Being a vision- was the best and most lasting investment. To pre- areas of foreign policy and the economy but let’s use one issue that Tatian refers ary leader, he rose to the occasion to successfully vent future Genocides, we need to support and to in his letter as an example. As far as “curbing gun violence goes,” I’m tempted organize appropriate gatherings to mark this enlarge Genocide Education. When one speaks to an to say that people in glass houses shouldn’t fire bullets. Unless Liberals are will- solemn occasion. average Turkish person, we see the effect of early ing to defund sanctuary cities, and hold their government officials’ “feet to the In the letter, Noubar stated the goals of the education on Turkish youth as a result of what is fire” to enforce the laws that are already on the books to prosecute, to the full Centenary were to raise awareness, offer grati- taught today in Turkish textbooks. We need to edu- extent of the law, criminals who commit gun related violent crimes, including and tude and to forge a more peaceful future by work- cate American students about our Genocide. especially illegal aliens, they can’t point fingers at the Republicans. Harry Reid, an ing together. I feel the first two objectives were There is already in place a very able Genocide ultra liberal, just prevented Kathy’s law from passing, a law which the majority of met. The following are my thoughts on how we can Education Project headed by Sara Cohan. It needs Americans agree with, which would prevent convicted illegal immigrants from go forward for the next five years to embrace the to be enlarged with an objective of introducing reentering the US. I think that the phrase “selective morality” can be applied here. third goal. I believe it is time to embark on new American students not only to the Armenian President Obama has been the most divisive president in the history of the ideas to give some closure, shed more light on our Genocide, but also to Armenia. United States. He has misguidedly pitted black against white; women against men; Genocide and to strengthen our heritage. Last, but not least, it is critical that we not lose and Democrats against Republicans thus preventing the “common sense solu- For more than 50 years we worked very hard to touch with the Homeland. We must stay close to tions” that Tatian yearns for. have the Truth believed. We had a lot of courage to Armenia and give our support where we can. The Like most Armenian Liberals, Tatian is simply an apologist for what is arguably persist year after year. However, having this as our Armenian people need to know we care about their an anti Armenian administration. For 40 years now the Democrats in general and main effort and expecting it to bear the freight of ame- fate regardless of what we think of the leadership. more recently President Obama in particular have been touted to Armenian liorating such a cataclysmic event was not wise. Yes, Administrations come and go. We need to focus on Americans as our sympathetic allies who will advance our aspirations for Genocide we learned a lot, but we also used up a great deal of keeping the people in Armenia whole and safe. recognition and bring Turkey to some measure of justice. President Obama has political and financial capital to say nothing of time. Yerevan is in great shape. proved that sales pitch is less than truthful. Today in the centennial of the Now, as we enter the second century after the We need to help lessen the disparity of develop- Genocide we are no closer than before to American recognition of the Genocide. Genocide, we should put our learned skills to use, ment between Yerevan and the villages. It is imper- In fact, the most Liberal president in history who has good things to say about along with all the other bag of tools we have to bring ative that we work to reduce this gap and it is every real or imagined victim, cannot bring himself to utter the word Genocide a better focus on our future needs. important to give the villagers the tools for a bet- which he solemnly promised to do in 2008(so far only Reagan, a Republican has What happened to the Armenians was so horrif- ter future. had the courage to use the word Genocide) Turkey is the President’s favorite “ally” ic that it has taken a long time and great efforts to We all need a community of involvement to do and Erdogan has been strengthened instead of being weakened by Obama’s poli- lessen the pain. But we do have a hundred years of something to preserve this wonderful country. cies. education, experience and capital that we can bring Choose a program or cause and begin work. This is exactly the opposite of what we were promised by our Armenian ”lead- to the table. We just need to pull out the stops to My inspiration for feeling so strongly about this ers” when they endorsed Obama for president in 2008 and 2012. In retrospect use this cumulative wherewithal to be more effec- is the memory of the celebration the First those endorsements were clearly wrong and ill-advised. It seems that since those tive. Anniversary of the Republic. I watched those who so-called “leaders” still continue to protect and defend Obama, despite his failed As the survivors’ descendants, many of us ask attended singing for the first time in 70 years the presidency, perhaps using the Genocide issue was just their way of getting what is the best way today to neutralize hundred Mer with tears streaming down their Armenians to support their Liberal presidential choice. years of cynical deceit — by law? I propose that a cheeks. These were the tears of joy because, once The question remains: When are those who were duped by these Armenian pro- Genocide Survivors’ Legal Defense Fund be creat- again, they had a viable independent Homeland. Obama “leaders” going to receive an apology for misleading them in this way? ed to deal with the return of confiscated properties, We must never let that go. For them, and for you, Adrienne Alexanian loss of livelihood and lack of fulfillment of interna- I don’t want anyone to become an Armenian with- New York, New York tional agreements by current governments. out an Armenia. 16 S ATURDAY, N OVEMBER 2 1 , 2 0 1 5 T HE A RMENIAN M IRROR -S PECTATOR