Mary Fermanian, 88, passed peacefully at her home in Cranston on Sunday, June 28, 2020. Born and raised in Providence, she lived an extremely productive and rewarding life in her chosen field of education. She was a teacher in the Foster Glocester school system for 40 years. Her vocation was her life’s calling, a fact that was evident in her enthusiasm for teaching and her own life-long learning.  Children responded to her great sense of humor – her sense of fun was key.  She inspired young students for decades, many of whom kept in touch with her throughout her lifetime. 

Besides teaching in the public school system, Mary was the director of Sunday School at Sts. Vartanantz Church in Providence for 40 years. She became an important piece of the fabric of her church community in many ways. Besides directing the active Sunday School, Mary was a faithful church member and heartily supported the efforts of her church for her lifetime.

Mary was also a lifelong member and supporter of the Armenian Youth Federation (AYF). She made invaluable connections throughout the country through the AYF and believed in its mission in fostering an ethnic identity. 

In addition, Mary was a devoted member of the Armenian Relief Society (ARS) Ani Chapter, wholeheartedly embracing its humanitarian mission and actively participating in many ARS events over the years.

Mary was the daughter of Stepan Fermanian and Goulbig Bedrosian, survivors of the Armenian Genocide. She is predeceased by her sister Gladys Fermanian, her twin sister Queenie Haboian and her brother-in-law, Harry Haboian. In her life’s work of service, she assisted her family’s grocery business in Providence and put off her own advancement as a teacher until such time as she could earn her education degree from the University of Rhode Island. She also became the caregiver to her beloved twin sister, Queenie, for many years during her retirement and worked ceaselessly for her well-being. Mary is survived by many loving cousins.  

With a gentle and kind nature, Mary was also a determined individual. She persevered for her own goals and thus was an example to others. She had a love for so many diverse activities – she would be thrilled by a Red Sox or Patriots game as well as an evening at the symphony, an afternoon at the museum, a lecture at Brown University, a fantastic restaurant, a trip into the Big Apple or an afternoon on the beach. Family and friends will miss her enthusiasm.

She was always ready to recognize another’s achievements and encourage them further. She had a sincere interest in the well being of her students, family, colleagues and many friends. She will be remembered for her caring and support of countless people throughout her journey.

Services were held on July 6 at Sts. Vartanantz Armenian Apostolic Church in Providence. Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to Sts. Vartanantz Church Sunday School, 402 Broadway, Providence 02909.

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Guest contributions to the Armenian Weekly are informative articles written and submitted by members of the community, which make up our community bulletin board.

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The Pan Armenian Council of Western United States (PAC-WUS) and its member organizations stand in solidarity with the people of Armenia and its Armed Forces against the attempts of transgression by Azerbaijan’s military onto territories of the Republic of Armenia.  

The PAC-WUS also condemns the statement of the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs in support of the Azerbaijani attacks against the civilian villagers of Armenia.

Turkey and Azerbaijan have for decades utilized a policy of geopolitical and economic isolation of Armenia. We view these latest attacks on the territorial integrity of Armenian lands as escalation of their efforts to break the will and resolve of peace loving people of Armenia and Artsakh, and of the worldwide Armenian Diaspora. 

The PAC-WUSA and the tens of thousands of its members renew the pledge to support Armenia, in defense of our homeland by any and all means necessary.

Pan Armenian Council of Western United States of America and its member organizations.

Armenian Assembly of America
Armenian Bar Association
Armenian Catholic Eparchy of Our Lady of Nareg of North America
Armenian Democratic Liberal Party Western District
Armenian General Benevolent Union, Western District
Armenian Evangelical Union of North America
Armenian Missionary Association of America
Armenian National Committee of America, Western Region
Armenian Relief Society of Western USA
Armenian Revolutionary Federation of Western USA
Armenian Society of Los Angeles – Iranahay Miutyun
Armenian Youth Association of California – Irakahay Miutyun
Armenian Youth Federation of Western USA
Hamazkayin Armenian Educational and Cultural Society of the Western USA
Homenetmen Western USA
Iraqi Armenian Family Association of Los Angeles
Kessab Educational Association
Organization of Istanbul Armenians
Service Employees International Union – Armenian Caucus
Southern California Armenian Democrats
Tekeyan Cultural Association
Unified Young Armenians
Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America
Western Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America

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Guest Contributor

Guest contributions to the Armenian Weekly are informative articles written and submitted by members of the community, which make up our community bulletin board.

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The Armenian Revolutionary Federation Eastern Region (ARF), Armenian Youth Federation Youth Organization of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation Eastern Region (AYF-YOARF), Armenian Relief Society Eastern Region (ARS), Homenetmen Eastern Region and Hamazkayin Eastern Region strongly condemn the blatant attacks on the Republic of Armenia, a violation of international law, by Azerbaijan, and express our sincere condolences to the families of the Armenian heroes killed by Azeri fire. We will continue to stand with our brave soldiers, who protect our homeland and its people.

We emphatically stand in solidarity with the people of Armenia and unequivocally support Armenia’s right to self-defense against wanton violence and aggression.

We express in the strongest of terms our outrage at the violent, unprovoked actions of the Azerbaijani government and military in attacking the Republic of Armenia’s Tavush region. These attacks once again demonstrate Baku’s willingness to forgo any semblance of lasting peace in the region. It is clear these attacks only serve the Aliyev regime’s dictatorial ambitions by inflaming tensions while also fostering a state-sanctioned policy of hate and fear throughout Azerbaijan towards Armenians—hate reminiscent of the ethnic hatred utilized by the Young Turks in 1915 as justification for the Armenian Genocide.

The Azeri attacks against the Tavush Region of the Republic of Armenia, and elsewhere, remind us the importance of implementing the Royce-Engel peace proposals. The Aliyev regime will continue its aggression against the Republics of Armenia and Artsakh with impunity, and we demand the OSCE Minsk Group condemn the blatant attacks from Azerbaijan and deploy advanced gunfire-locator systems and sound-ranging equipment along the border to determine the source of attacks along the line-of-contact. We also call for the introduction of additional OSCE observers along the line-of-contact to better monitor any and all cease-fire violations and their origin.

The safety and security of the Republics of Armenia and Artsakh remain a priority for us. We call on the international community to stand up against Baku and the Aliyev dictatorship and impose sanctions on the government of Azerbaijan. Furthermore, we call on the US government to block any and all defense transfers or aid to Azerbaijan. 

We call on the international community to act, and we call on all Armenian Americans to join us now in the defense of the Republics of Armenia and Artsakh. 

The Armenian Revolutionary Federation Eastern Region (ARF) Central Committee
Armenian Youth Federation Youth Organization of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation Eastern Region (AYF-YOARF) Central Executive
Armenian Relief Society of Eastern USA Board of Regional Directors
Homenetmen Armenian General Athletic Union Eastern Region Executive
Hamazkayin Armenian Educational & Cultural Association Eastern Region Executive

July 19, 2020

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ARF Eastern US Central Committee

The ARF Eastern Region Central Committee’s headquarters is the Hairenik Building in Watertown, Mass. The ARF Eastern Region’s media and bookstore are also housed in this building, as are various other important Armenian community organizations. The ARF Eastern Region holds a convention annually and calls various consultative meetings and conferences throughout the year.

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The National Association for Armenian Studies and Research (NAASR) / Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation Series on Contemporary Armenian Issues will present an online discussion on Thursday, July 23, at 2:00 p.m. (Eastern U.S. time) focusing on the recent flare-up of violence on the Armenia-Azerbaijan border in Tavush.

The program will be moderated by Anna Ohanyan, Richard B. Finnegan Distinguished Professor of Political Science and International Relations, Stonehill College. It will feature a panel of experts including Antranig Kasbarian, Director of Development, Tufenkian Foundation; Arsen Kharatyan, Founder and Editor-in-Chief, AliQ Media, former advisor to Prime Minister; and Maria Titizian, Editor-in-Chief, EVN Report, Lecturer, American University of Armenia.

This event will be held live on Zoom (registration required) and streaming on NAASR’s YouTube channel.

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NAASR

The National Association for Armenian Studies and Research was launched in March 1955 with a vision to promote Armenian Studies by establishing endowed chairs at some of the foremost universities in the United States.

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The Ararat-Eskijian Museum, Project SAVE Armenian Photograph Archives and the National Association for Armenian Studies and Research (NAASR) will present an online lecture on Sunday, July 26, at 5:00 p.m. (Eastern U.S. time) by Prof. Zeynep Gursel entitled “Portraits of Unbelonging: Photography, the Ottoman State, and the Making of Armenian Emigrants, 1896-1908.” This event will be held live on Zoom (registration required) and streaming on NAASR’s YouTube channel.

“Portraits of Unbelonging” investigates the history of Ottoman Armenian emigration from the Ottoman east to the United States from the politically fraught and often violent 1890s to the end of Abdülhamid II’s reign in 1909. Between 1896 and 1909, Ottoman Armenian subjects could emigrate legally only if they renounced their nationality and promised to never return to the empire. Having their photograph taken was a key step in the process. These photos recorded their “renunciation of nationality” and became one of the first uses of photography to police borders anywhere in the world.

The goal of “Portraits of Unbelonging” is to link an Ottoman Armenian past to an American future to create a double-sided history of migration. Gursel follows the stories of emigrant families over a century through official documents, ship manifests, and family photo albums. This involves traveling all around the United States to meet with descendants of those photographed and hear what became of the families first encountered in the Ottoman archives.

Dr. Zeynep Devrim Gürsel is a media anthropologist and Associate Professor in the Department of Anthropology at Rutgers University. For more than a decade, she has been researching photography in the late Ottoman period. She is the author of Image Brokers: Visualizing World News in the Age of Digital Circulation (Univ. of California Press, 2016) and the director of the award-winning ethnographic film Coffee Futures.

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NAASR

The National Association for Armenian Studies and Research was launched in March 1955 with a vision to promote Armenian Studies by establishing endowed chairs at some of the foremost universities in the United States.

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On July 15, 2020, the Armenian Rights Watch Committee (ARWC) of the Armenian Bar Association sent official correspondence directly to OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs demanding direct and unequivocal condemnation of Azerbaijan’s attacks on Armenia, and Turkey’s support thereof, as a patent obstacle to security and stability in the region.  The text of the statement follows:

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Guest Contributor

Guest contributions to the Armenian Weekly are informative articles written and submitted by members of the community, which make up our community bulletin board.

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The following statements from Garo Paylan, an Armenian member of the Turkish Parliament of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP), were directed to Turkey’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu on July 20, 2020 following the Minister’s public condemnation of Armenia in the aftermath of deadly cross-border attacks from Azerbaijan.

Translated by Weekly intern Lillian Avedian

Several soldiers and civilians died as a result of the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan in the past week. 

While both sides blamed each other for instigating the conflict, Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu, as the Minister of Foreign Affairs, announced that “what Armenia did is unacceptable. Azerbaijan is not alone. We as the Republic of Turkey and Turkish people stand with Azerbaijan with all of our capabilities.” 

Similar statements were made by AKP party member and President of the Republic Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and the Minister of Defense Hulusi Akar.

Turkey, as a member of the OSCE Minsk group created to promote conflict resolution between Azerbaijan and Armenia, should have announced its intention toward resolution, whereas in the midst of these tensions did not remain neutral for other racial purposes and intensified the conflict through aggravating statements. 

Therefore:

1. Do you demonstrate partiality in the emergent conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan for racial purposes?
2. Have you not understood that racist foreign policy “pours kerosene on the flame” and only expands the problems?
3. The Turkish military industry wants to sell more ammunition to Azerbaijan. Is this the reason you aggravate tensions? 
4. Have you considered sending soldiers to Azerbaijan?
5. If Turkey does not belong to one race, why do you conduct foreign policy with racist considerations?
6. Do you sometimes remember that you are a member of the OSCE Minsk group, which was founded with the purpose of diminishing the tensions between Armenia and Azerbaijan?
7. Have you still not understood that the only victor in destabilization in the Caucasus is Russia?
8. How do you comment upon the threat posed by the Ministry of Defense of Azerbaijan that it is prepared to strike the nuclear power plant at the Turkey-Armenia border?

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WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed an amendment by Congressional Armenian Caucus Co-Chair Frank Pallone (D-NJ) today which calls for greater Congressional oversight over a U.S. military aid program under which Azerbaijan has received over $120 million in U.S. defense assistance, reported the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA).

Today’s vote comes just a week after Azerbaijani President Aliyev launched the deadliest attack against Armenia since 2016, resulting in the death of over 16 soldiers, the shelling of an Armenian kindergarten and other civilian targets, and Azerbaijani threats to bomb Armenia’s Metsamor nuclear power plant.

“We thank Congressman Pallone, Sherman, Speier and Schiff for demanding transparency and accountability from the administration regarding its reckless arming of an increasingly hostile and virulently anti-Armenian Aliyev regime,” said ANCA Executive Director Aram Hamparian. “Armenian Americans deeply appreciate the strong leadership of the Armenian Caucus on the full range of policy priorities of concern to our Congressional friends, community partners and coalition allies.”

The Pallone Amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA – H.R.6395), which was cosponsored by Representatives Brad Sherman (D-CA), Jackie Speier (D-CA) and Adam Schiff (D-CA), requires that the Defense Department submit a report to Congress on a U.S. military aid program (known as Section 333) that has sent over $120 million worth of defense assistance to Azerbaijan over the past several years. Congressman Pallone shared the importance of his amendment during an “ANCA Congressional Corner” video interview with Government Affairs Director Tereza Yerimyan last week. Rep. Sherman spoke in support of the amendment during floor consideration noting Azerbaijan’s gross human rights violations committed during its aggression against Artsakh and Armenia.

Congressional Armenian Caucus concerns regarding the U.S. Defense Department decision to break the parity in military aid between Armenia and Azerbaijan have been raised repeatedly – most recently in May, 2020, when Congressional leaders shared “grave concerns” about Baku’s large-scale military exercises. In a letter to Secretary of State Pompeo and Secretary of Defense Esper, Rep. Pallone and 17 of his Armenian Caucus colleagues expressed concern about a $100 million allocation in U.S. security assistance to Azerbaijan, noting that “the aid appears to have allowed Azerbaijan to shift resources toward offensive capabilities and further threaten Armenian lives and regional stability as the Co-Chairs of the Congressional Caucus on Armenian issues warned in letters sent to you in September and November of 2019.”

The House vote on the National Defense Authorization Act, to which the Pallone amendment was added, will take place as early as Tuesday, July 21st. A Senate vote on its version of the NDAA is expected soon. The final bills passed by the two chambers will then enter a reconciliation process, with a final vote likely in November.

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ANCA

The Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) is the largest and most influential Armenian-American grassroots organization. Working in coordination with a network of offices, chapters and supporters throughout the United States and affiliated organizations around the world, the ANCA actively advances the concerns of the Armenian American community on a broad range of issues. To learn more, visit www.anca.org.

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WATERTOWN, Mass. – The Armenian Revolutionary Federation-Eastern Region (ARF-ER) will be hosting a live COVID-19 panel discussion on Facebook on Sunday, July 26 at 5 pm EDT as a public service to the community. The event will address reopening and the “new normal.” Panelists include moderator and public health expert Kim Hekimian, PhD, infectious disease specialist Dr. Tsoline Kojaoghlanian and ophthalmologist Dr. Lawrence Najarian.

The live panel discussion will be streamed on the ARF Eastern Region Facebook page. Viewers can also be taken directly to the live stream by clicking this link here and click “Get Reminder” to be notified when the ARF Eastern Region goes live on Sunday.

Panelists will be providing viewers with an update on COVID-19, a look at how hospitals and doctors’ offices are operating during the pandemic and what precautions Americans can take as they navigate going to the eye doctor, dentist, etc. Viewers will also be able to ask questions in the comments section on Facebook.

Kim Hekimian, PhD will serve as moderator. Dr. Hekimian is an assistant professor of nutrition in pediatrics (gastroenterology, hepatology and nutrition) at the Institute of Human Nutrition at Columbia University where she also serves as the associate director of education for the VP&S Program in Education in Global and Population Health. Highly regarded for her work in the field of public health, Dr. Hekimian co-organized a Public Health Working Group for Armenia this spring in response to the impact COVID-19 had on Armenia, specifically. The working group, which brought together a team of experts including epidemiologists, biostatisticians, public health policy makers and risk communication experts from academic centers around the globe, is aimed at supporting the efforts of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Armenia and the American University of Armenia School of Public Health with health system strengthening activities. A former professor at the American University of Armenia’s School of Public Health, Dr. Hekimian received her PhD in Health Policy from the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health. In her current role as an educator at Columbia, she teaches courses in public health nutrition and research methods; her research focuses on maternal and child nutrition. In addition to serving her school community, she is a member of Apgar Society of Medical Educators and serves on the executive boards of the Armenian American Health Professionals Organization (AAHPO), the Armenian Medical Fund (AMF) and the Columbia University Armenian Center. Dr. Hekimian is also active in the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA).

“During this very challenging time, sometimes we are overwhelmed by the seeming confusion about data regarding the coronavirus. I look forward to moderating a panel of experts who will be answering our community’s questions. What is meant by the stages of re-opening? Can someone get reinfected with the virus? How can we live our ‘normal’ lives, but also reduce risk to ourselves and to our families and neighbors? Can I go back to the doctor or dentist safely? Do masks really work? What are the chances for the vaccines? These are questions that we all have, and on Sunday we will be able to have a discussion about what we know, and what we don’t know, still, about this novel virus and the implications for our community,” said Dr. Hekimian.

Infectious disease expert Tsoline Kojaoghlanian, MD, will provide an update on COVID-19 with respect to how hospitals and doctors’ offices are helping patients take precautions while attending to their healthcare needs. Dr. Kojaoghlanian is a physician at Maimonides Children’s Hospital in Brooklyn, New York, the only children’s hospital in the borough. She has been working tirelessly in all aspects of COVID-19 at her organization and has published in premier medical journals on the topic as well. She volunteers as a board member of the Armenian American Health Professionals Organization (AAHPO). She earned both her Bachelor of Science with honors and her medical degree from the American University of Beirut in Lebanon before moving to the US to complete her pediatric residency at Upstate Medical University in Syracuse, New York. She began her fellowship in pediatric infectious diseases at the Children’s Hospital at Montefiore in the Bronx, New York, where she served as a faculty member for 15 years. She has extensive expertise in treating a variety of infections in healthy as well as immunocompromised children, and she is a specialist in pre and post-travel counseling. Dr. Kojaoghlanian holds leadership positions on the hospital and departmental level committees, which include infection control, evidence-based treatment guidelines and trainee education. Her research focuses on adenoviruses, and she has been the principal investigator of multiple clinical trials. She has received a faculty teaching award and is a strong advocate for quality assurance in medical care.

The third and final panelist, Lawrence V. Najarian, MD, is a board-certified ophthalmologist who has served Bedminster and the surrounding communities for nearly 30 years. The founder and medical director of the Bedminster Eye and Laser Center in Bedminster, NJ, he received special training at Moorsfield Eye Hospital in London and Emory University and has served for nearly 30 years as a volunteer faculty member, teaching ophthalmology residents at New York University and New York Eye and Ear Infirmary. Dr. Najarian has been serving as president of the Armenian American Health Professional Organization (AAHPO) since 2006. He also served on the Board of the Armenian Eye Care Project, which recently honored him with a Silver Award for his service to patients. Through these organizations, Dr. Najarian has led and participated in multiple medical missions to Armenia, facilitated the donation of a $1 million microsurgical training laboratory, helped provide training to physicians in rural villages and raised funding for tele-health programming. A graduate of The John Hopkins University and the University of Pennsylvania Medical School, he completed his residency in ophthalmology at New York University-Bellevue Medical Center. Aside from his work as a physician, he also gives back to the communities he serves and is a proud recipient of the Ellis Island Medal of Honor, a prestigious award given in recognition of significant service to local, professional and immigrant communities, as well as the Good Scout Award for his service as a lifelong Boy Scout.

“ARF ER CC is privileged to host this panel of experts. We are lucky to have them as members of our communities,” said Ani Tchaghlasian, a member of ARF-ER Central Committee. “Through this panel, they will provide a better understanding of the current situation and how our community can best navigate through these trying times and stay healthy, most importantly.”

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ARF Eastern US Central Committee

The ARF Eastern Region Central Committee’s headquarters is the Hairenik Building in Watertown, Mass. The ARF Eastern Region’s media and bookstore are also housed in this building, as are various other important Armenian community organizations. The ARF Eastern Region holds a convention annually and calls various consultative meetings and conferences throughout the year.

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FRANKLIN, Mass. – What do you do when for the first time since its beginnings 70 years ago Camp Haiastan is not in session? Well, if you are part of the Providence community led by the Varantian Armenian Youth Federation (AYF) chapter and Sts. Vartanantz Church Men’s Club, you roll up your sleeves, don your mask, dress for the outdoors and get to work cleaning up the hallowed grounds of Camp.

Of course, all community Camp lovers are welcome to help, but this first Saturday, July 18, Providence volunteers headed to Franklin to begin by clearing brush, ridding the barbecue area of trash and cleaning out an abandoned building near the upper office. Per current pandemic conditions, the 23 dedicated individuals who made the trip wore masks and maintained an appropriate distance while working, successfully completing a great deal of necessary cleanup.

“If you didn’t know better, you would have thought it was 30, 40 or 50 years ago,” said one of the organizers Steve Elmasian, when commenting on the number of people who willingly gave of their time on a very hot summer day. With the hope that others will join the work, scheduled for every three to four weeks, Elmasian said, “Someday, years from now, people will speak of this community and say something like, ‘I remember the good old days when people would sacrifice their time and help out the camp located nearby in the heart of Franklin, MA.’”

Prior to Saturday, Elmasian sent out an email to the community outlining the plans for Camp, and at the end of the day he provided a brief recap which clearly touched peoples’ hearts. “You say 30, 40 or 50 years…try 70 years ago!” exclaimed Varoujan Karentz, adding his recollections when a couple of carloads containing Providence AYFers would head to Franklin week after week to spend the day cutting trees, clearing trails and creating roads through the woods. Karentz noted a typical crew would be about 10 to 12 people and congratulated this year’s much larger group. “The determination still remains,” he said.

Newly appointed Camp Haiastan Executive Director Kenar Charchaflian expressed her gratitude to the Providence volunteers for “choosing to leave it [Camp] better than it was,” especially in light of pandemic constraints. “Saturday served as my first in-person community interaction since I became Executive Director, and days like this validate my decision to take on this role,” she said, adding the hope that other communities will follow suit. Reiterating that Camp requires the support of the community to succeed, Charchaflian asked anyone wishing to help or schedule a work day to reach out to either her or a member of the Board of Directors.

“I’m proud to be able to follow in the footsteps of our parents and grandparents, the visionaries who had the foresight to purchase Camp Haiastan and build the foundation for what it is today – a jewel in our Armenian community,” said Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF) Eastern Region Camp liaison Steve Mesrobian. “It is a labor of love for my friends and I to put some sweat equity into the camp and ensure it is a resource for our next generations!”

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Pauline Getzoyan

Pauline Getzoyan is an active member of the Rhode Island Armenian community. A longtime member of the Providence ARF, she is also a 15-year member of the Armenian Relief Society (ARS) having previously served on the Central Executive Board. Pauline has been a long-time advocate for genocide education through her work with the ANC of RI. She is co-chair of the RI branch of The Genocide Education Project, as well as a member of the RI Holocaust and Genocide Education Coalition. Pauline holds a BA in Communications from Rhode Island College and an MA in Education from Roger Williams University. She has been an adjunct instructor of developmental reading and writing in the English department at the Community College of Rhode Island since 2005.

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A virtual forum hosted by the progressive Boston-based Armenian activist collective Zoravik on Monday evening explored a shared history of subjugation, violence, exclusion and denial to advise what the Black Lives Matter movement can and should mean for Armenians.

“People will say this conversation…is anti-American, but we are simply holding this nation accountable to its ideals,” said Dr. Richard Reddick of the University of Texas at Austin’s College of Education. Dr. Reddick, who serves as the College of Education’s Associate Dean for Equity, Community Engagement, and Outreach, was a key voice in the online event titled Black Lives Matter for Armenians, which garnered the attention of more than 300 live viewers and has since been widely shared on social media. 

The panel was co-moderated by Dr. Henry C. Theriault, Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs at Worcester State University and President of the International Association of Genocide Scholars, and Dr. Laure Astourian, Assistant Professor of French at Bentley University. The panel also included Aram Goudsouzian, Ph.D. (history professor at the University of Memphis), Kohar Avakian (Ph.D. candidate in American Studies at Yale University), Levon Brunson (computer science undergraduate at Brown University), Anaïs DerSimonian (writer and filmmaker) and Carene Mekertichyan (actress, writer, singer and educator). Zoravik member and Harvard University lecturer Lisa Gulesserian, Ph.D also participated. 

The panelists addressed a range of themes, including intergroup solidarity, white supremacy, Armenian identity and white privilege. 

Significantly, Mekertichyan addressed the contested question of the relationship between the Armenian community and racism in the US. Mekertichyan, as a Black-identifying Armenian, explained the difference between anti-Black racism and ethnic prejudices experienced by many Armenians. She described the history of racist systems, such as policing, redlining, housing discrimination and the school-to-prison pipeline, put in place by white supremacy to target the Black community that Armenians have never experienced.

“You cannot compare your experience in America to the experience that the Black community has had in this country,” she asserted, addressing the Armenian community. “Saying, why can’t they just do what we do, and this ‘pull yourself up by the bootstraps’ mentality, it’s false and it’s very hurtful and detrimental to the current movement, because we need to be uniting.”

The panelists also discussed the many manifestations of white supremacist ideologies, both in conferring privileges upon the Armenian community and in enacting cultural erasure.

Avakian, who participated in a similar panel late last month, stated that many of the issues facing the Armenian Diaspora may be rooted in white supremacy. She pointed to the damaging psychological impacts of white assimilation on an already traumatized community that immigrated to the United States fleeing assimilationist violence. “We need to ask ourselves the many ways that [whiteness] manifests in such toxic ways in our community, whether it’s colorism, anti-Blackness [or] homophobia,” she suggested. 

The panelists agreed that the current moment places an imperative upon Armenians to recognize their privileges and mobilize their resources to center and uplift Black voices. 

Mekertichyan suggested sharing space with a Black Lives Matter chapter, participating in protests or donating to local movements. She also recognized that Armenian allyship must be inclusive of those members of the Black community who are struggling the most. “If your activism does not include Black Trans women, then it’s not good activism,” she upheld.

The conversation also revealed the importance of intergroup solidarity. The panelists agreed that the struggles facing the Armenian community do not exempt its members from working to dismantle systems of oppression and supporting others. Rather, the panelists argued that everyone has a stake in ending white supremacy, both because of its ubiquitous harms and because advocating for justice is the morally correct stance. 

Brunson, who identifies as Black and Armenian, attested to his passion for fighting on behalf of Black Lives Matter and the Armenian cause simultaneously. “The Armenian Genocide, being as horrible and nefarious and evil as it was, should have prompted people to look past the issues that they were immediately facing and come and help,” he claimed. “Inability to look past one’s own immediate issues and apply attention elsewhere is what breeds and fosters the environment in which genocide can be perpetrated.” 

“If your allyship is something based on your desire to get others to show up for you, that’s self-serving, and that isn’t the way that you build real allies, because allyship means action,” Avakian articulated. “It means showing up for others because you genuinely care and because you genuinely feel a passion against the deep injustice that’s happening.” DerSimonian, for her part however, suggested the use of the term “accomplice,” arguing, “When you’re an ally it implies that you are ‘for’ a marginalized group, so you have this sort of savior complex, you are on the sidelines, you are pro-Black Lives Matter, but it’s not really your movement, whereas an accomplice implies ‘with.’ It’s your battle too.” 

During viewer questions, the issue reemerged of whether Armenians should divide their attention between the difficulties facing their community and anti-Black racism. One person posed the hypothetical of whether or not Armenians would be more willing to support other causes, like Black Lives Matter, if Turkey recognized the Armenian Genocide. 

Dr. Goudsouzian identified that question as a dodge to avoid addressing the central importance of allyship revealed by the forum. “How can we as Armenians, if we claim to identify with oppressed people, if a big part of our identity revolves around this historic oppression, how can we not stand with others?” he asked. 

For further information, the audience was directed to armeniansforblacklives.org, a running list of articles and op-eds authored by Armenians about Black Lives Matter and compiled by activists at Zoravik. 

Author information

Lillian Avedian

Lillian Avedian is a journalist based in Los Angeles, California. She has written for the Daily Californian, Hetq and the Armenian Weekly, covering topics ranging from the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Armenia to the Armenian feminist movement on Instagram. She is a graduate of the University of California, Berkeley with a Bachelor of Arts in Peace and Conflict Studies and a Bachelor of Arts in Armenian Studies, and applies her human rights expertise to uncover silenced narratives. When she is not on the hunt for a story, Lillian enjoys writing poetry and attending quarantine "Zoom-ba" classes.

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WASHINGTON, DC—The U.S. House Rules Committee – under the leadership of Chairman Jim McGovern (D-MA) – has cleared the way for the ANCA-backed amendment calling for continued US aid for Artsakh demining to be considered and voted upon by the full US House of Representatives, reported the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA).

The U.S. House is set to take up the amendment as early as Thursday, July 23, as it begins consideration of the Fiscal Year (FY) 2021 Foreign Aid Bill (H.R.7608). Artsakh aid supporters can contact their U.S. Representatives to vote “yes” on the amendment by visiting anca.org/call.

“We want to thank Chairman McGovern for ensuring that the full U.S. House has the opportunity to show support for Artsakh and all Armenians in the wake of the deadliest Azerbaijani attack in years,” said Aram Hamparian, Executive Director of the ANCA. “Our community is deeply grateful for the leadership of Representatives Jackie Speier, TJ Cox, Gus Bilirakis, Raja Krishnamoorthi, Brad Sherman, Devin Nunes, Jim Costa and all those who are working so hard for peace.”

The Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) aid amendment #49 to H.R.7608 calls for $1.4 million in U.S. aid to Artsakh to continue the life-saving de-mining efforts of The HALO Trust. The bi-partisan amendment was led by Congressional Armenian Caucus Co-Chair Jackie Speier (D-CA), Representatives TJ Cox (D-CA), Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), and Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) and supported by over 30 House members including Representatives Tony Cárdenas (D-CA), Judy Chu (D-CA), David Cicilline (D-RI), Gil Cisneros (D-CA), Jim Costa (D-CA), Danny Davis (D-IL), Ted Deutch (D-FL), Anna Eshoo (D-CA), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), John Garamendi (D-CA), Jimmy Gomez (D-CA), Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ), Jim Langevin (D-RI), Susie Lee (D-NV), Andy Levin (D-MI), Ted Lieu (D-CA), Zoe Lofgren (D-CA), Carolyn Maloney (D-NY), Grace Napolitano (D-CA), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Devin Nunes (R-CA), Ilhan Omar (D-MN), Max Rose (D-NY), Harley Rouda (D-CA), Linda Sánchez (D-CA), Janet Schakowsky (D-IL), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Brad Schneider (D-IL), Brad Sherman (D-CA), Dina Titus (D-NV), Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), Paul Tonko (D-NY), and Juan Vargas (D-CA).  No other amendment to the FY2021 Foreign Aid Bill had as many co-sponsors.

The Rules Committee ruled “out of order” Amendment #69, introduced by Congressional Azerbaijan Caucus and Turkey Caucus Co-Chair Steve Cohen (D-TN), which sought to block any US funding for humanitarian de-mining in Artsakh. A similarly hostile amendment, offered by Rep. Henry Cuellar (D-TX), was withdrawn earlier today. The panel also ruled out of order the ANCA-backed Speier-Sherman-Costa Amendment #50 which would have increased US aid to Armenia by $20 million.

Continued aid to Artsakh to support demining and rehabilitation efforts has been a key part of the ANCA’s 360-degree policy priorities to ensure Artsakh security and freedom. In testimony to the House Appropriations Committee earlier this year, ANCA Government Affairs Director Tereza Yerimyan argued that “The U.S. aid program to Nagorno Karabakh may require only a small expenditure, but it represents a major American investment in peace.” She went on to note that despite exceptional progress in The HALO Trust’s effort to make Artsakh mine-free, more needed to be done. “While the exact percentage of territory requiring clearance remains uncertain, The HALO Trust’s village-by-village resurvey has already identified 1.8 million square meters of additional contamination in the highly populated Martakert region, a figure that will certainly increase as the re-survey continues. All told, 385 people have been killed or injured by landmines or other explosives in Nagorno Karabakh since 1995, including several HALO trust employees in just the past few years,” explained Yerimyan.

The United States has been funding humanitarian programs in Artsakh since 1998, providing clean water to rural communities, support for maternal and child health, and life-saving demining assistance. Artsakh assistance has been long under attack by Azerbaijan’s Aliyev regime, and over the past two years, aggressively targeted by the Trump administration, even as it ramps up U.S. defense and security aid to Baku.

Tens of thousands of advocates have contacted Congress in support of continued US demining assistance to Artsakh through the ANCA’s online action portals. ANCA Leo Sarkisian and Maral Melkonian Avetisyan Summer program participants have been rallying nationwide constituent outreach in support of continued Artsakh aid. Letters to Senate and House members can be sent by visiting anca.org/alert. Constituents can be directly connected to their US Representative by phone through the ANCA’s Quick Connect system by visiting anca.org/call. Grassroots outreach to Congressional offices will continue until the FY2021 Foreign Aid Bill is finalized.

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ANCA

The Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) is the largest and most influential Armenian-American grassroots organization. Working in coordination with a network of offices, chapters and supporters throughout the United States and affiliated organizations around the world, the ANCA actively advances the concerns of the Armenian American community on a broad range of issues. To learn more, visit www.anca.org.

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If I am encouraging everyone to share their favorite AYF Olympic photos and memories, I should be the first to share such.

Like many of you, I have many wonderful memories of the AYF Olympics. In the case of my most special memory, the 85th Annual Olympics Games in Philadelphia came to mind. Yes, my favorite Olympic memory is from 2018, two short years ago.

It is special because it involves my first-born grandchild, Aris Gabriel Gavoor. He was just four years-old at the time. It also involves my father, Aram “Sonny” Gavoor, who passed away in June of that year.

We were having breakfast at the hotel on Sunday morning. I was sitting next to Aris, and we were enjoying our waffles. My wife Judy, his grandmother, asked him if he was excited to be running in his first kiddie race at the Olympics. He nodded and said, “Yes.” A bit later, he turned to me and said, “You know, I am very fast.” He said it in a kind solemn whisper and full of confidence at the same time. I got the impression he was sharing some important privileged information with me. I eloquently replied, “I see.  Thank you for telling me, Aris. I can’t wait to watch you run.”

Later at the track before the opening ceremonies, I was taking photos of the long jumping, field events, and track prelims. I found myself repeating Aris’ words, “You know, I am very fast…” even out loud. I knew Coach Sonny would have loved hearing his great-grandson say it. I was smiling each time I repeated it.  

My dad loved the Olympics. He especially loved the Track and Field, his favorite part of the games. Emotions were swirling during the opening ceremonies when the Detroit team sported tee-shirts that read, “It’s Always Sonny” on the front and “Gavoor” on the back. Coach Sonny would have loved that. I loved that.

When it came time for the kiddie races, both Aris and his sister Lara, two years old at the time, came down to the track.  They had on their “Future AYF Member” t-shirts.  Their father, my son Aram, passed them over the fence to me.  When I set them down on the track, they both took off running.  “You know, I am very fast.”  We had to catch them both and bring them back to the starting line.

The toddlers, the under four years olds, ran first. Lara loved it. She ran with a big smile on her face. At the half-way point, she stopped and waited for another little girl to catch up. Then, she ran right into the arms of her gunkamayr Melanie Mesropian at the finish line. Then, parents and officials began the process (and it is a process) of getting the older kids lined up. Aris was at the line in a set position from the first call until the start of the race. I was impressed with his focus and look of determination. “You know, I am very fast.”  

When they started the race, Aris ran well. Alas, he was not the fastest because he was among the youngest in the race. He was no match for the six and seven year olds. He finished in the top third. But, he was not done. He ran past his gunkamayr and kept running. He was not the first little guy to keep running. It happens almost every year. Most stop when someone catches them or they hear their parents telling them to stop. No one stopped Aris. He kept running. Family, at first, called out, “Aris stop!” He didn’t hear or more likely ignored those calls. He was in a zone. He kept running. After 100 meters, cries to stop ceased and Aris kept running. At the 200 meter mark, half a lap, it was clear Aris was intent on running the whole 400 meters. And, he looked great doing it. I loved his steady, four year-old pace and form that looked much older. Coach Sonny was beaming from heaven as his great-grandson was running a victory lap for him. “You know, I am very fast.” 

Olympic King Alec Sarafian was in the press box as part of the announcing crew. I texted him to let him know who the little guy running was. Alec announced, “This runner is Coach Sonny Gavoor’s grandson, Aris Gavoor, completing this lap. Sonny is no doubt smiling down on this. Let’s cheer him on as he finishes.” The crowd did applaud and cheer Aris in his last 50 meters. It was a spectacular moment.

My family is Olympic royalty all the way. My maternal aunt Suzie Merian Arzoian and sister Nancy Gavoor are Olympic Queens and long standing high scorers. Coach Sonny and his brother Buddy are Olympic Kings. Our son, Aram Gavoor, is on the high scorer list just above his great-uncle Buddy. Our daughter Armene was a tennis player and swimmer. Me…not so much or rather not at all. I participated in several Olympics and never ever scored a point. 

The other Coach Gavoor, Aris’ great-aunt Nancy, was very impressed with his form and that he was not winded at all at the end of lap. She has been giving Aris some age appropriate workouts ever since. Who knows, Aris may become the next great Gavoor trackman.

All of our family members in attendance in Philadelphia on that Sunday, September 2, 2018, were completely delighted and totally in awe of what we witnessed. At the age of four, Aris ran a victory lap for his great-grandfather at the AYF Olympics. Now, Aris’ mother Anoush, Judy and I keep quoting Aris to each other, “You know, I am very fast.” 

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In this year without an AYF Olympics, we encourage you to share your favorite AYF Olympic photos and memories. Hunt for your favorite photos and email them to editor@armenianweekly.com.

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Mark Gavoor

Mark Gavoor is Associate Professor of Operations Management in the School of Business and Nonprofit Management at North Park University in Chicago. He is an avid blogger and oud player.

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In this empowerment series article, we meet Jeanne Parseghian, a French politician and member of the European Ecologie Les Verts (France’s Green Party). Parseghian was recently elected as mayor of Strasbourg, France. Born in Suresnes, Parseghian studied environmental law and really grew as a leader and change agent when she moved to Strasbourg in 2002 and volunteered at the Alsace Mammal Studies and Protection Group and the National Office for Hunting and Wildlife. 

Actually, Parseghian was a natural born leader, being the great-granddaughter of Sarkis Parseghian and Berjouhi Bardizbanian-Parseghian.

As we learned a few weeks ago, Berjouhi Parseghian was one of first three females elected to serve as a parliamentarian during the First Republic of Armenia in 1919. Berjouhi, Jeanne’s great-grandmother, was a teacher, writer and humanitarian and the wife of Sarkis Parseghian who served as the leader of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF) in Constantinople. Sarkis was one of the first intellectuals arrested on April 24, 1915, the start of the Armenian Genocide. He was later deported and executed. Berjouhi eventually resettled in France with her son Armen, Jeanne’s grandfather.

The lineage of leadership is definitely remarkable as both of her great-grandparents were leaders who helped to bring about change. Known for her work helping refugees, Berjouhi believed in universal suffrage. As a public servant, she worked alongside members of the ARF to ensure that the constitution of the First Republic provided opportunities for women, not just men.

Much like her great-grandmother, Jeanne Parseghian has spent her career advocating for change – namely, environmental change. In 2016, she advocated for the removal of plastic trays in school cafeterias. In 2018, she quit serving on the executive council of the Eurométropole to protest the highway bypass project they were overseeing to the west of Strasbourg. She’s also worked on sustainable development projects with regard to nuclear power plants in the Alsace region.

While many of her projects involve her work in Strasbourg, Jeanne is very much committed to the Armenian nation. Immersed in the culture, she became proficient in the Armenian language and has worked on projects and initiatives in Armenia as well. These include sustainable tourism, sociocultural exchanges, and, in 2010, she advocated to combat waste. At home in Strasbourg, she created a branch of the SEVAK Association, named after the Armenian poet Paruyr Sevak. SEVAK’s purpose is to strengthen the socio-cultural ties between Europe and Armenia.

To that end, she was involved in the 2016 filming of Bernard Mangiante’s European Arte’s documentary “Voyage en Anatolie” (Voyage to Anatolia) which depicts the story of seven Armenians who return to their ancestral homes in modern-day Turkey.

Her focus now as Mayor will be on creating change at home in Strasbourg, which has the largest diplomatic presence in France, after Paris, with a seat on the European Parliament, the Council of Europe and the European Court of Human Rights.

France held a second round of municipal elections in June, delayed because of the coronavirus pandemic, and in her first speech as Mayor, she pledged to address the challenges facing Strasbourg.

Jeanne will serve as Mayor of Strasbourg for six years, during which she will no doubt flourish as a leader and implement the change that she considers integral for future generations.

As Mayor Parseghian continues to flourish as a leader and change-agent, her life mirrors that of her great-grandparents who also dedicated their lives to the survival of the Armenian nation and the marginalized.

Many people speak of their families’ legacies and they, no doubt, live on through generations. But, what Jeanne has chosen to do with her life is a true testament to the legacy of the Parseghian family. She’s chosen to serve, to act and to create change.

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ANCA-Eastern Region

The Armenian National Committee of America Eastern Region is part of the largest and most influential Armenian American grassroots organization, the ANCA. Working in coordination with the ANCA in Washington, DC, and a network of chapters and supporters throughout the Eastern United States, the ANCA-ER actively advances the concerns of the Armenian American community on a broad range of issues.

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On July 12th, Azerbaijani forces began shelling Tavush, a province on the northeastern border of Armenia. This attack was unwarranted and reprehensible, but not unsurprising, and violated the ceasefire protocols signed in 1994. Since the beginning of this conflict, Azerbaijan has continued to perpetrate violence against Armenians, most recently targeting civilian villages, PPE factories, and kindergartens. Azerbaijan has no excuse for the war crimes it has committed, particularly at a time when the world should be coming together against COVID-19. As Armenians call for peace, Azeri protestors on the streets of Baku call for war and “death to Armenians.” These are not idle words – on July 16th, the Azerbaijani government threatened to target the Metsamor Nuclear Power Plant, located just half an hour from Yerevan, signaling intent to perpetrate a nuclear genocide. 

We, as Armenian Student Associations across the United States, have formed a unified coalition known as ASA United to condemn the violent actions of the Azerbaijani government against Armenia. These unprovoked attacks violate Armenian sovereignty, are unambiguously illegal under international law, and are all the more irresponsible in the setting of the current pandemic. Azerbaijan must cease its aggression against Armenia in order to avert war, restore peace, and preserve the health and lives of innocent civilians. 

We unequivocally support the armed forces of Armenia and are grateful to them for risking their lives to defend the peaceful population and sovereignty of our nation. 

We stand shoulder to shoulder with all those across the diaspora who are dancing, singing and protesting peacefully to celebrate life, in stark contrast to the Azeri protestors chanting for death. 

ASA United is a community of Armenian American students, established just days ago with aims of raising money for vital Armenian causes, advocating for justice, and providing educational resources. Our first initiative has been campaigning for the The Armenian Wounded Heroes Fund (AWHF), a non-profit organization dedicated to saving lives, improving living conditions, and increasing COVID-19 sanitation capabilities on the Artsakh-Azerbaijan military border. Since 2016, this fund has been working to provide first aid kits to every soldier on the front lines, aid in the treatment of severe injuries, and upgrade infrastructure such as running water and hygienic living conditions. We implore you to join our Facebook fundraising campaign to raise money in support of the positive actions taken by the AWHF. 

Furthermore, widespread, national condemnation of Azerbaijan’s belligerence is of utmost importance to prevent further emboldened aggression and escalation. If you live in the United States, we urge you to contact your representatives, through emails or phone calls: 

• Alert Congress: Azerbaijan Using COVID-19 as Cover for Cross-Border Attacks on Armenia and Artsakh (Armenian National Committee of America) 
• Ask Your Senators and Representative to #SaveArtsakhAid (Armenian National Committee of America) 
• Urge Congress to Speak Out Against Azerbaijani Attacks Against Armenia (Armenian Assembly of America) 
• Send a letter to your Representative to Oppose Amendment Prohibiting Assistance to Nagorno Karabakh (Armenian Assembly of America). 

Finally, we ask that you remain informed, engaged and aware. Every voice counts, and yours can be the difference between war and peace. #ArmeniaStrong 

<<Մենք մեզ ոչ ոքից չենք գերադասում‚
Բայց մեզ էլ գիտենք –
Մեզ հա՜յ են ասում։
Եվ ինչո՞ւ պիտի չհպարտանանք…
Կա՛նք: Պիտի լինե՛նք: Ու դեռ – շատանա՜նք:>> 

– Պարույր Սեւակ

-ASA United

Signatories: 

Armenian Society of Brown University
Armenian Society of Columbia University
Armenian Society at Providence College
Boston ASA
Boston College ASA
Boston University ASA
Cal Poly Pomona ASA
Cal Poly San Luis Obispo ASA
Chapman University ASA
Colgate University ASA
Cornell ASO
CSUN ASA
GCC ASA
Georgetown ASA
Harvard ASA
Lafayette ASA
Loyola Marymount University ASA
MCPHS University ASA
Michigan State University ASA
MIT Armenian Society
Northeastern University ASA
NYU ASA
Occidental College ASA
PCC ASA
Pepperdine ASA
Princeton Armenian Society
Ramapo College
St. John’s University
UC Berkeley ASA
UC Davis ASA
UCI ASA
UCLA ASA
UCSB ASA
UCSD ASA
University of Maryland ASA
University of Massachusetts Amherst ASA
University of Michigan ASCA
UNLV ASA
University of Southern California ASA
University of Texas at Austin ASA
UTSC ASA
Villanova ASO
Yale Armenian Network

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Guest Contributor

Guest contributions to the Armenian Weekly are informative articles written and submitted by members of the community, which make up our community bulletin board.

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WASHINGTON, DC — The U.S. House cast a powerful vote in support of Artsakh aid today, adopting a bi-partisan ANCA-backed amendment led by Congressional Armenian Caucus Co-Chair Jackie Speier (D-CA), Representatives TJ Cox (D-CA), Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) and more than 35 of their House colleagues to continue life-saving demining assistance, reported the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA).

Today’s vote represents a powerful rebuke to the Azerbaijani government-driven, State Department-supported effort to end Artsakh’s demining program, despite its remarkable record of having removed tens of thousand of landmines and saving countless lives.

“Saving lives and limbs in Artsakh – that is what Congress did today – with the united effort of thousands of ANCA supporters around the country,” said ANCA Chairman Raffi Hamparian. “The ANCA thanks Congresswoman Speier and her colleagues – Democrats and Republicans – who faced down a blizzard of vicious attacks by Azerbaijan and its allies.”

“Moving forward – we will press ahead in the Senate and make sure the U.S. Agency for International Development completes America’s noble de-mining mission. The ANCA will not rest, we will not retreat, until Artsakh is landmine free,” continued Hamparian.

The bi-partisan Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) aid amendment to H.R.7608 was adopted as part of a larger “en bloc” group of amendments backed by the House majority.  As is often the case in the U.S. House, this “en bloc” was approved on a party line vote.

The Artsakh amendment calls for $1.4 million in U.S. aid for the continuing life-saving de-mining efforts of The HALO Trust. House members joining Representatives Jackie Speier (D-CA), TJ Cox (D-CA), Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), and Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) in advancing the amendment were: Representatives Tony Cárdenas (D-CA), Judy Chu (D-CA), David Cicilline (D-RI), Gil Cisneros (D-CA), Jim Costa (D-CA), Danny Davis (D-IL), Ted Deutch (D-FL), Anna Eshoo (D-CA), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), John Garamendi (D-CA), Jimmy Gomez (D-CA), Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ), Jim Langevin (D-RI), Susie Lee (D-NV), Andy Levin (D-MI), Joe Kennedy (D-MA), Ted Lieu (D-CA), Dan Lipinski (D-IL) Zoe Lofgren (D-CA), Carolyn Maloney (D-NY), Grace Napolitano (D-CA), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Devin Nunes (R-CA), Ilhan Omar (D-MN), Max Rose (D-NY), Harley Rouda (D-CA), Linda Sánchez (D-CA), Janet Schakowsky (D-IL), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Brad Schneider (D-IL), Brad Sherman (D-CA), Dina Titus (D-NV), Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), Paul Tonko (D-NY), Lori Trahan (D-MA), and Juan Vargas (D-CA).  No other amendment to the FY2021 Foreign Aid Bill had as many co-sponsors.

House Rules Committee Jim McGovern’s leadership to allow a vote on the amendment – over strenuous objections by the pro-Azerbaijan lobby – was key to House passage of the measure.

Continued aid to Artsakh to support demining and rehabilitation efforts has been a key part of the ANCA’s 360-degree policy priorities to ensure Artsakh security and freedom. The United States has been funding humanitarian programs in Artsakh since 1998, providing clean water to rural communities, support for maternal and child health, and life-saving demining assistance. Through ANCA-supported Congressionally-mandated US assistance, The HALO Trust has been de-mining in Artsakh since 2001. Since then, they have cleared 61-thousand landmines and explosive hazards and transformed 62-thousand acres of former minefields into land available for productive use and recreation. Just as importantly, U.S. assistance has provided mine risk education to each student in Karabakh since 2003.

Artsakh aid has been long under attack by Azerbaijan’s Aliyev regime, and over the past two years, aggressively targeted by the Trump Administration, even as it ramps up US defense and security aid to Baku.

Over 10-thousand advocates have contacted Congress in support of continued U.S. demining assistance to Artsakh through the ANCA’s online action portals. ANCA Leo Sarkisian and Maral Melkonian Avetisyan Summer program participants have been rallying nationwide constituent outreach in support of continued Artsakh aid. Countless more have used ANCA advocacy tools to connect with their US legislators.

The Artsakh aid amendment was strongly supported by the Hellenic American Leadership Council and In Defense of Christians.

The ANCA is currently working with Senate leaders to include Artsakh aid in their version of the FY2021 Foreign Aid Bill, yet to be taken up by the Appropriations Committee. Pro-Artsakh advocates can contact their Senators by visiting anca.org/alert. Constituents can be directly connected to their Senators by phone through the ANCA’s Quick Connect system by visiting anca.org/call.

Grassroots outreach to Congressional offices will continue until the FY2021 Foreign Aid Bill is finalized.

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ANCA

The Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) is the largest and most influential Armenian-American grassroots organization. Working in coordination with a network of offices, chapters and supporters throughout the United States and affiliated organizations around the world, the ANCA actively advances the concerns of the Armenian American community on a broad range of issues. To learn more, visit www.anca.org.

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Angel Levonian Parseghian passed peacefully on July 21, 2020 surrounded by her loving family. Angel was born June 14, 1922 to Victoria (Haleblian) and Levon Levonian in Aleppo, Syria. She and her family came to the US at the age of 12.

Angel selflessly and lovingly took care of her family, always making sure that she kept everyone well-fed, whether it be at her home or at her cherished cottage at Crystal Lake, NH. Cooking was her joy and her favorite pastime, next to her incredible love and support of her family. Her warmth, consummate dedication and organizational skills were far reaching into every aspect of her life. She was a long standing member and tireless worker for her beloved Armenian Memorial Church, a 40+ year volunteer for Mt. Auburn Hospital, Belmont Garden Club, Belmont Women’s Club, Armenian Women’s Educational Club and Order of The Eastern Star.

Angel was predeceased by her husband Richard of 61 years and is survived by her children, Arnold Parseghian of Wayland, MA, Eileen Hertel of Dover, NH and Wayne Parseghian and his wife, Susan of Arlington, MA. Angel was a loving grandmother to Holly Hertel Forsyth and her husband, Todd of Cape Elizabeth, ME, Scott Parseghian and his wife, Michelle of Framingham, MA, Jeffrey Hertel of Alton, NH, Michael Parseghian and his wife, Stacia of Los Angeles, CA, Ani and Arpi Parseghian of Arlington, MA. She was also blessed with six great-grandchildren: Dante, Damien, Jack, Avery, Penn and Leigh. Loving nieces and nephews mourn her loss as well.

In addition, the family is grateful to Angel’s wonderful caregivers for all their love and devotion to her.

There will be a private family interment and a celebration of life will be planned at a future date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Angel’s name to the Armenian Memorial Church, 32 Bigelow Ave., Watertown, MA 02472 or Armenian Memorial Church, 32 Bigelow Ave., Watertown, MA 02472 or to the Armenian Missionary Association of America, 31 W. Century Rd., Paramus, NJ 07652. Arrangements by Aram Bedrosian Funeral Home, Watertown, MA

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Guest Contributor

Guest contributions to the Armenian Weekly are informative articles written and submitted by members of the community, which make up our community bulletin board.

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BOSTON, Mass.—More than 50 members of the Greater Boston community participated in a die-in protest on Wednesday afternoon outside the Thomas O’Neill Federal Building, calling on Azerbaijan to end its aggression towards Artsakh and Armenians around the world.

“We want to shed light on what’s happening in Armenia,” said Alexis Cormier, chair of the Armenian Youth Federation (AYF) Greater Boston “Nejdeh” Chapter at the helm of the peaceful demonstration. “Youth have a bigger voice than they think.”

On July 12, 2020, Armenian officials say Azerbaijan violated the United Nation’s call for ceasefire amid a global pandemic and initiated deadly border clashes in the Armenian region of Tavush. Five Armenian soldiers have died after Azeri forces attacked schools, villages and homes as well as a factory that was producing masks to be used during the pandemic. Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Defense has also threatened to bomb Armenia’s Metsamor Nuclear Power Plant. 

The fighting has compelled Diasporan Armenians around the world to express their solidarity with their homeland in the form of mass protests. In Boston on Wednesday evening, there was a more subdued, but equally powerful effort by activists from the local AYF chapter. Young people spread their bodies on the sidewalk on Causeway Street, quietly clutching Armenian flags and signs that read “Armenia Wants Peace,” “Stop Azeri Aggression” and “Armenia Strong.”

The emotive display was also an educational opportunity for non-Armenians and passersby. Many honked their cars in support, while others even joined the effort and participated in the chants. “The repercussions [of the Genocide] are strong as ever right now, and these same ideologies are so prominent against Armenians,” explained Luke Chobanian from Belmont, whose family escaped from Van during the Armenian Genocide. “I want to do anything I can to raise awareness and stand up for my people.”

Wednesday’s die-in protest was largely peaceful in nature, but there were several instances that were reminiscent of ongoing anti-Armenian sentiments that have resurfaced in recent days. Roughly two hours into the protest, reckless Azeri drivers took to the streets causing havoc. At one point, they drove dangerously close at an angle towards Armenian youth protestors who were chanting “No war” and raising their hands in the air signaling peace. The Azerbaijani drivers were mere centimeters away before swerving off. Another pair of cars were seen crashing into each other after circling the block multiple times and cursing and mocking Armenian youth.

The group was also confronted with the neo-fascist Turkish sign of the Gray Wolf, a racist and xenophobic symbol that has been widely used recently among counter-protesters against Armenians. Outnumbered Azerbaijani protesters also threw water bottles at the Armenian group and chanted “Death to the Armenian” and “Stop Armenian aggression.”

“No matter how much they want to get rid of us, they will never be able to,” said Hovig Jamsakian of Billerica, Mass. “They’ve failed for centuries, and we will keep on fighting.” 

Longtime AYF Boston “Nejdeh” Chapter member Meghri Dervartanian led Armenian youth in multiple chants depicting Armenia’s efforts towards peace. “The torch has now been passed to us. It is up to us to educate those around us about the truth and only the truth. It is up to us to let the world know, to friend or foe alike, we will continue the revolution at any cost,” said Dervartanian in her passionate description of her commitment to the Armenian cause. “Nothing will hinder us from our will to survive and our ultimate goal for a free, independent and united Armenia.”

Dervartanian will be among another group of participants in a flash mob protest led by the Homenetmen Boston Chapter that is scheduled for Saturday evening at Harvard Square. Masks will be required, and gloves will be provided.

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Kristina Ayanian

Kristina Ayanian is a recent graduate of Bentley University with a double major in finance and global studies and a minor in corporate communications. She was a reporter for ABC's Teen Kids News, whose episode interviewing Prince Edward of England was nominated for the 2014 Emmy's. She enjoys performing and has been invited to sing and play piano at Carnegie Hall. In February 2020, Kristina was crowned Miss Boston 2020.

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Rozi Diane Berberian, age 38 of Rehoboth Beach, DE, passed away on Wednesday, July 22, 2020, at her home surrounded by her loving family after a courageous five-year battle with cancer. Together, with her husband by her side and the support of family and friends, she sought treatment across the country. Rozi exemplified courage and carried herself with dignity and grace. She was never afraid, and for that, she was known by those close to her as “Rambo Rozi.” 

Rozi was born on February 1, 1982 in Gyumri, Armenia. She was the daughter of Sourik and Zaruhi Mkrtchian. In 1988, she moved to California with her family and attended school. While residing in Los Angeles, she met Jack, the love of her life. They married in 2004 and moved to Delaware, where they were blessed with four beautiful girls. 

Rozi was active in her community and dedicated countless hours to planning charity events, such as the Beebe Ball and various fashion shows at Delaware Technical & Community College. She was a Certified Mastectomy Fitter and helped countless cancer patients over the years. She was an avid tennis player and loved to travel. She loved life and lived it to its fullest—finding joy and laughter all around her. Rozi was a loving and devoted wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt and friend. She was loved by many and will be deeply and genuinely missed by all who had the good fortune of knowing her.

In addition to her parents, Rozi is survived by her beloved husband of 16 years, Jack Berberian; her daughters: Isabella, Grace, Gia and Lily. She is also survived by her brother Martin Mkrtchian, numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and dear friends whom she considered family, and her loyal canine companion, Lola.

Graveside services will be held on Tuesday, July 28th at 12:15 PM at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Hollywood Hills, 6300 Forest Lawn Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90068.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions in Rozi’s memory to the Children of Armenia Fund (COAF), 149 5th Avenue, Suite 500, New York, NY 10010.

Friends and relatives are also invited visit and sign her online guestbook.

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Guest Contributor

Guest contributions to the Armenian Weekly are informative articles written and submitted by members of the community, which make up our community bulletin board.

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The post In Memory of Rozi Diane Berberian appeared first on The Armenian Weekly.

CAMBRIDGE, Mass.—One of Boston’s most iconic settings served as a dance floor for a small group of spirited young Armenians on Saturday as part of the Diaspora’s growing response to the deadly flare-up on the Armenia-Azerbaijan border.

“There’s no better way to show how Armenians are fighting for peace than through dance,” said Meghri Dervartanian, a member of the scouting and athletic group Homenetmen Boston. “Dance is a common language. You don’t have to be Armenian to understand it.” 

Dervartanian was hand in hand with Sayat Nova Dance Company of Boston member Araz Ashjian performing “yarkhushta” in the middle of Harvard Square as Azeri counter-protesters draped in their national flags tried to disrupt their choreography and flashed grey wolf hand signs. Within moments, other participants joined in the Armenian ceremonial war dance.

There were at least two instances where counter-protesters unplugged the Armenian music in footage that was live-streamed on the Armenian Weekly Facebook page. At one point, an unfamiliar Azeri song echoed from the loud speakers. Undaunted, the young people patiently waited until they heard the popular Armenian folk song “Mer Barere” (“Our Dances”) to resume dancing with the chief intent to lead a uniquely peaceful demonstration and raise awareness to passersby about the ongoing hostilities in the Tavush region.

“We want to be heard,” expressed Homenetmen Boston member Anto Terzian, who helped hold a massive sign that read, “Azerbaijan wants war. Armenia wants peace.” Others, like Armenian Youth Federation (AYF) Greater Boston “Nejdeh” Chapter member Nairi Krafian, conversed with inquisitive patrons and even invited two non-Armenians to join in the dancing. “They were very receptive,” explained Krafian. “They liked that it was a positive protest with dancing and happiness rather than anger and yelling.”

Overall, aside from a few verbal confrontations over rights to project their respective songs, the flash mob was nonviolent, but nonetheless taking place in a rather unsettling and hostile environment. That’s what compelled the Armenian youth to move their demonstration after two songs to a spot less than 50 feet away outside the Harvard Square station.

“It just showed how strong we are,” said Knar Krafian, who told the Weekly she felt proud to be Armenian. “We’re not going to respond to their calls for violence,” she continued. 

The Armenian Weekly did sit down with a counter-protester, who was watching his associates sing from afar. The interviewee, however, asked that his identity be kept private and his answers to the Weekly’s questions about the ongoing developments and anti-Armenian rhetoric remain undocumented. Azeris later interjected the brief discussion and began yelling “Karabakh is Azerbaijan.”

Following the demonstration, reports suddenly surfaced on Saturday night of an alleged altercation between a group of Armenians and Azeris that reportedly ended in violence. Cambridge Police, however, tell the Armenian Weekly that officers were sent to the area of Brattle Street and Farwell Place at around 8:30 for a report of a fight. Police say the individuals involved had already left the scene upon their arrival. No injuries were reported. To help clear any confusion, organizers with the Homenetmen Boston Chapter did release a statement on Facebook alerting its community that none of their members were involved in the alleged attacks and that no one from their organization was attacked or harmed. “Our organization will continue to work to preserve our culture and provide a place for Homenetmenagans to become active and thoughtful members of our community,” concluded the statement.

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Leeza Arakelian

Assistant Editor

Leeza Arakelian is the assistant editor for the Armenian Weekly. She is a formally trained broadcast news writer and a graduate of UCLA and Emerson College. Leeza has written and produced for local and network television news including Boston 25 and Al Jazeera America.

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