WATERTOWN, Mass.—On Sun., May 22, the Armenian Museum of America, together with the Composers’ Union of Armenia, presented a program dedicated to the 90^th birthdays of composers Alexander Ajemian and Khachatour Avetisian.

The soloists

Berj Chekijian, the director of the Armenian Museum, noted that during the last few years, the Armenian Museum and Composers’ Union have mutually organized many cultural events, including the “Festival of Contemporary Armenian Chamber Music,” the “Bostonians” vocal group concert, and a memorial concert dedicated to the 100^th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. These and all other concerts took place with funding support from the Dadourian Organization.

The May 22 concert included many popular songs by both Ajemian and Avetisian. The soloists were Nouné Karapetian (soprano), Gohar Manjelikian (mezzo soprano), Garo Nichanian (bass/baritone, Canada), and Knarik Nerkararian (soprano). The piano accompanist was Nune Hakobyan. The music director of the co-operative concert was composer/conductor Konstantin Petrossian.

Berj Chekijian

The next concert will take place on June 19 and will be dedicated to piano music. With Armenian classical composers, there will be works written by the composer/pianist Haik Arsenian.

$100,000 Already Raised and 2 First-aid Projects Launched

The Armenian Wounded Heroes Fund (“AWHF” or the “Fund”) was created in response to Azerbaijan’s latest large-scale military attack against the people of the Nagorno-Karabagh Republic (Artsakh), which left almost 100 Armenian soldiers and civilians dead and several hundred wounded. As part of the first phase of its plan, AWHF is seeking to raise a total of $300,000 to fully equip the two most threatened regions in Artsakh (“Region 1” and “Region 2,” names withheld for security reasons), as well as over 600 heroes currently protecting the Artsakh-Azerbaijan border in an autonomous manner—that is, without access to medics—and in Special Situations, with life-saving, military grade first-aid kits.

Participants of a recent Armenia medic training exercise with the Kansas National Guard

Since May, the Fund has already raised over $100,000 and started two projects: end-to-end deployment in Region 1 of Artsakh and, at the government’s request, a pilot project for field testing for Special Situations (“Pilot Program”).

“We applaud other organizations’ efforts to support the families of our wounded and fallen heroes financially. In addition to similar efforts, we have chosen our primary initial focus to be on saving lives and minimizing injuries and deaths going forward.  We will start with first aid and gradually also address critical personal protection and survivability needs,” said Chris Petrossian, co-founder of AWHF.  Petrossian is a senior investment banker in Los Angeles, and a long-time supporter of multiple Armenian charitable initiatives.

The Problem and Solutions

According to U.S. statistics, approximately 20% of combat deaths are preventable. The three leading causes of preventable death from penetrating trauma are:

– Extremity hemorrhaging (60%)

– Tension pneumothorax/lacerated lungs (33%)

– Airway obstruction (6%)

One of AWHF’s primary objectives for 2016 is to deploy advanced combat-grade first-aid kits to our heroes in Artsakh who are most exposed to attacks and threats from Azerbaijan, as witnessed during the first few days of April 2016. These U.S.-made kits are proven to be 90%-100% effective in situations where, currently, preventable penetrating trauma leads to death and permanent injury/amputation.

Advanced militaries worldwide—in the United States and Israel, for example—have adopted sophisticated first-aid kits that save lives in these cases. AWHF members have conducted extensive consultations with U.S., Israeli and Armenian combat tactical casualty care experts, and have proposed a solution for Armenia that tailors the best practices and equipment used by these advanced users. In May, the Fund worked with Armenian government officials to finalize four types of kits:

– HAYDUK (individual kit)

– CHOKATAYIN (squad medic)

– HATUKAYIN (for special/autonomous situations)

– PRKARAR (for advanced treatment and resuscitation during evacuation)

A scene from a recent Armenia medic training exercise with the Kansas National Guard

These kits have been approved by government ministries as the standard combat casualty care systems in Armenia going forward. The first order for Region 1, valued at $100,000, will arrive in Armenia in September for training. In addition, the Pilot Program was launched in early June, and HATUKAYIN kits will arrive in Armenia by June 10. AWHF is seeking to raise an additional $200,000 to fulfill initial critical needs for 2016, and will be able to send a new order to cover Region 2 with the next $100,000 raised. AWHF has the ambitious goal to deploy these kits to 100% of our heroes in all 9 regions of Artsakh by 2018.

The AWHF program will leverage the presence of a core group of medics in Armenia who have recently been trained at advanced levels through NATO initiatives in Europe on the very same equipment the Fund will be deploying. These “black-belts” have, in turn, been training a broader group of medics and other personnel, and will be a cornerstone of the initiative to upgrade the entire front-to-hospital evacuation and patient care system in Artsakh.

Another scene from a recent Armenia medic training exercise with the Kansas National Guard

“We are coordinating closely with U.S. Government-funded initiatives as well as key government ministries and other NGOs in Armenia to leverage existing efforts and provide thought-leadership in this area where AWHF has unique experience,” said Levon Kocharyan, AWHF’s program manager in Yerevan. “We have a strong team in Armenia to ensure successful implementation and monitoring.”

The AWHF has paved the way for a standardized set of equipment and training, and has unique access to deliver this advanced equipment at favorable pricing. “This is a national, strategic project that is long overdue,” said AWHF co-founder Razmig Arzoumanian.

“We have put together a proven team that combines access to Western technologies, robust in-country logistics capabilities, and outstanding organizational and financial controls to deliver complex solutions with zero tolerance for losses.”  Arzoumanian is a senior investment banker in New York who works closely with leading global defense companies.  He added, “As this project evolves, we will increase our long term financial and medical assistance programs and undertake additional mission-critical projects, such as survival and protection equipment and supplies.”

In May, AWHF worked with Armenian government officials to finalize four types of kits: the HAYDUK (individual kit), CHOKATAYIN (squad medic), HATUKAYIN (for special/autonomous situations), and PRKARAR (for advanced treatment and resuscitation during evacuation). These kits have been approved by government ministries as the standard combat casualty care systems in Armenia going forward.

About AWHF

The Armenian Wounded Heroes Fund is a 501(c)(3) (status pending) dedicated to serving our heroes, standing with them through challenging times, saving lives, and supporting the rehabilitation of our wounded heroes, while also supporting the families of those who have fallen in sacrifice to our homeland.

Our team includes business leaders who have experience with Western technologies and life-saving equipment, with program management in Armenia and worldwide, as well as audit and financial controls. Our founders will continue to cover all administrative costs so that 100% of every dollar donated goes to procure and deploy modern equipment to our heroes. They will ensure that only the best solutions are deployed, and that this equipment reaches 100% of its intended recipients through a rigorous monitoring mechanism already agreed to with officials in Armenia.

Support the Initiative

We ask donors as well as charitable organizations to join us in this important initiative, and accelerate the roll-out of crucially needed equipment throughout Artsakh as soon as possible.

For more information, please visit our website at www.armenianwoundedheroes.com; write to us at info@armenianwoundedheroes.com; or follow us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/ArmenianHeroes/), Twitter (https://twitter.com/ArmenianHeroes) and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/armenianheroes/).

PROVIDENCE, R.I.—On Wed., June 8, in the Fermanian Fellowship Hall at Sts. Vartanantz Church, the Providence ARF “Kristapor” Gomidehoutiun hosted a program on the current situation in Artsakh by Lernik Hovhannisyan, who is visiting from Artsakh, and provided the community with first-hand knowledge and updates.

NKR MP Lernik Hovhannisyan with members of the Providence Armenian community

A short video followed a number of quality questions from the audience, which nearly filled the room. Hovhannisyan is an MP in the NKR National Assembly (ARF faction), and the liaison for ARF Artsakh youth affairs. He recently attended the AYF Eastern Region Junior Seminar and presented a similar talk to our young AYF Juniors and Seniors over Memorial Day weekend. He is currently traveling around the Eastern Region to provide updates on Artsakh to the Armenian Diaspora of America.

During the day, Hovhannisyan was escorted around the community by Providence ARF Chairman Hagop Donoyan. They visited all three Armenian churches, the Martyrs Monument at North Burial Grounds where he said a prayer, the Armenian Heritage Park in the Smith Hill section of Providence, and the Rhode Island State House.

Hovhannisyan was shown pictures of the State House dome boasting the tricolor, which was also proudly displayed in the State Senate and House of Representatives, as it is every April 24. He was also made aware that the Armenian flag flies at every city and town hall in our state on that solemn date. He was pleased to hear all of this, and said he was well aware of the nationalism that this community has always displayed.

Hovhannisyan spoke with the assistance of Taline Mkrtschjan, who served as his interpreter,

He spoke with the assistance of Taline Mkrtschjan, who served as his interpreter, about how Artsakh has been preparing for an attack since 1994 by strengthening its position, knowing that there are no allies the people can count on but themselves.

“The Azeris have been in an aggressive stance since 2014 and we were ready for them, with a well-trained army, volunteers, and intelligence to hold back whatever was coming at us,” he said.

The enemy attacked from the northeast and the south with the goal of reaching Aghdam and the capital of Stepanakert.

The Azeris had assistance from Russia and Turkey as well as from Israel, which supplied them with drones. They were prepared with 30 helicopters, but when 2 were shot down immediately by the Artsakh Defense Forces, they were no longer part of the landscape of the sky.

The Azeris were going up against a group of fighters, some as young as 18 years old, who took the place of their fathers when Artsakh fought and won her independence over 20 years ago.

Volunteers came from Armenia, Abkhazia, Syria, Lebanon, and elsewhere—and they came in large numbers. Hovhannisyan noted that in times of peace, people leave; when it’s war, they return.

He also emphasized that the fighters from Artsakh were not going to accept defeat as an option. The Azeris were trying to strengthen their position prior to the Minsk Group talks with the superpowers—the United States, France, and Russia—in attendance. The Armenian side was upset that the Minsk Group did not condemn the aggressor and blamed both sides equally for the conflict.

A scene from the event

The people of Artsakh feel that until they are recognized as an official state, any deals struck are not acceptable.

The Azeris’ goal is to invade Artsakh and they are using some of the same brutal methods the Ottoman Turks did more than 100 years ago. They are relentless in their efforts, and women and children are not exempt from their attempts to destroy our people.

Hovhannisyan stressed the importance of supporting Artsakh with all of the resources and measures we have available. He said that Artsakh is ready for the next assault and was grateful to be able to share his message with the Providence community.

Following his presentation, Hovhannisyan continued to share his first-hand accounts with members of the Providence ARF Gomidehoutiun. Hovhannisyan welcomed additional questions from the members while building camaraderie over dinner.

Hovhannisyan: ‘If We Lose Artsakh, Then We Risk Losing Armenia’

WATERTOWN, Mass. (A.W.)—As part of his Eastern United States speaking tour organized by the Artsakh Fund of the Eastern U.S. and the Hairenik Association, Lernik Hovhannisyan, a member of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF) parliamentary faction in the Nagorno-Karabagh Republic (NKR/Artsakh), addressed the Greater Boston Armenian community at the St. Stephen’s Armenian Apostolic Church hall in Watertown on June 9. The event was hosted by the ARF Boston “Sardarabad” Gomidehoutiun and the St. Stephen’s Armenian Apostolic Church.

‘We have no right to lose this war,’ said Hovhannisyan (Photo:Tamar Kanarian)

“Sardarabad” chairperson Joshua Tevekelian offered welcoming remarks to guests and presented Hovhannisyan’s biography before inviting him to speak about the latest developments in Artsakh. Before his address, which was simultaneously translated, Hovhannisyan thanked the Artsakh Fund and the Hairenik Association for the invitation to speak to the community. He then gave a detailed account of the large-scale military aggression launched by Azerbaijani forces in early April and the “Four-Day War” that ensued.

‘If we lose Artsakh, then we risk losing Armenia. The enemy clearly wants to see us as a stateless people, and so we must do everything in our power to win this battle of survival. We have no right to lose this war.’

“Despite Azerbaijani aggression, our military was able to hold back enemy forces, and launched their own counter-attacks and offensives. The 18- to 20-year-old Armenian soldiers—who were born in an independent Armenia and Artsakh and had not lived under Soviet rule—displayed bravery and determination, which perhaps surpassed that of the previous generation which fought in the early 1990’s. I participated in the NKR War from 1992-93, and I did not see this level of dedication then,” Hovhannisyan said during his presentation.

He went on to provide details about how the “Four-Day War” mobilized and united Armenians around the world, and prompted a large number of volunteers from the region and around the Armenian Diaspora to come to the frontlines and help the war effort. “During the war, there was no discrimination in terms of age—volunteers ranging from 20-60 came from all over, all walks of life and every country in the neighborhood, including Russia, Abkhazia, Crimea, Iran, and Lebanon,” he said. Hovhannisyan also gave details about the Syrian Armenians who have resettled in Artsakh since the beginning of the Syrian conflict, and how they were an integral part of the volunteer effort.

During his address, Hovhannisyan stressed the importance of protecting Artsakh and how losing it would have serious consequences for Armenians locally and internationally. “If we lose Artsakh, then we risk losing Armenia. The enemy clearly wants to see us as a stateless people, and so we must do everything in our power to win this battle of survival. We have no right to lose this war,” Hovhannisyan said.

Hovhannisyan then presented a short film entitled “Baderazm” (“War”) about the “Four-Day War” prepared by the Public Television of Artsakh. He then answered questions from the audience.

‘I participated in the NKR War from 1992-93, and I did not see this level of dedication then,’ Hovhannisyan said during his presentation. (Photo: Tamar Kanarian)

By Ari N.

PROVIDENCE, R.I.—The Providence Homenetmen chapter celebrated its 35th anniversary on Sat., June 4, at Venus de Milo in Swansea, with a gala banquet and dance. Among the honored guests were Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF) Eastern Region Central Committee member Levon Attarian, Homenetmen Eastern Regional Executive member Vicken Khatchadourian, Armenian Relief Society (ARS) Eastern Regional Executive member Talin Mkrtschjan, Archpriest Father Gomidas Baghsarian, pastor of Sts. Vartanantz Church, and Father Kapriel Nazarian, assistant pastor, as well as local church affiliated and sister organization representatives.

A scene from the celebration

There were more than 200 people in attendance and the night started off with a procession of the Providence Homenetmen Scouts marching band and flag-bearers. Raffi Rachdouni and Menar Tarbinian led the crowd with the singing of “The Star Spangled Banner,” “Mer Hairenik” and “Harach Nahadag.” After Der Gomidas blessed the food, a moment of silence was held for the souls of the founding fathers of Homenetmen.

Siran Krikorian and Rachdouni were the emcees of the evening. They welcomed the honored guests of the evening and members of the ARF, Homenetmen, ARS, Armenian Youth Federation (AYF), Hamazkayin, Sts. Vartanantz Church, the Providence Homenetmen executive, and the 35th anniversary committee under the chairmanship of Hrant Khatchadourian.

Before the dinner, a PowerPoint presentation prepared by Harout Arakelian (from California; a former member and scout of Providence Homenetmen) was shown, displaying pictures from various athletic, scouting, and social events from the past 35 years of the Providence chapter.

Service Medals were bestowed onto all four founding fathers.

Next, Providence Homenetmen executive chairman Sarkis Tarpinian gave a speech and presented awards to members of the Providence Homenetmen Chapter who had held the records for most years served on the executive board since the chapter’s founding: Hamo Rachdouni (8 years), Anahid Attarian (9 years and the first ever female chairperson), Sarkis Tarpinian (13 years), Harout Taraksian (15 years), and Christapor Krikorian (18 years; the most served member). In addition, plaques praising the vision and relentless efforts of the only four remaining founding fathers of the Providence Homenetmen Chapter were presented, with the number of years served in the Providence Executive noted: Rosdom Jawharjian (1 year), Sarkis Yepremian (9 years), Sarkis Minassian (10 years), and Hagop Khatchadourian (11 years).

Father Baghsarian praised the founders, members, and all of the supporters for their 35 years of efforts. Today, the Providence community benefits from the members of Homenetmen and in particular the scouts’ participation in all community functions, especially serving on the altar.

Vicken Khatchadourian, a representative of the Homenetmen Eastern Regional Executive, congratulated the Providence community for its unyielding dedication that has resulted in successful accomplishments today and over the past 35 years. In addition, he bestowed Service Medals (Dzarayoutyan Shekaneshan) onto all four founding fathers, after presenting a short bio for each: Rosdom Jawharjian, Sarkis Yepremian, Sarkis Minassian, and Hagop Khatchadourian.

Jawharjian was born in Aleppo, Syria, where he became a member of the Homenetmen as a scout and athlete, and a member of the soccer teams. In Providence, he served as vice-chair of the senior executive. Until this day, he is a loyal member of the Providence Homenetmen.

Awards were presented to members of the chapter who had held the records for most years served on the executive board.

Born in Beirut, Lebanon, Yepremian joined Homenetmen as an athlete, both as a bodybuilder and weight-lifter. He served as a member of the Providence Homenetmen executive board in various capacities: head of athletics, treasurer, and chair. He continues to bring his active participation to numerous community activities.

Minassian was born in Aleppo, where he became a member of Homenetmen as a scout and athlete. He also played soccer with the Antranig team in Lebanon. In Providence, he served as a scout leader; he played soccer and later acted as soccer coach. He has also served as chair of the Providence chapter, and on the athletic and tournament committees. He also served on the regional athletics committee.

Khatchadourian was born in Aleppo, where he became a Homenetmen scout and athlete. In Providence, he has served as a board member, chair, and membership meeting chair, and has organized sport tournaments and regional panagoums hosted by the Providence chapter. He has also served as a member of the Homenetmen regional executive, a liaison for the “Marzig” publication, and a delegate to Homenetmen General World Congresses held in Lebanon and Armenia.

After the program, singer Zareh Kasbarian from Washington and his band entertained the crowd with great music and lively dancing. The evening ended with the singing of heghapokhagan songs.

YEREVAN—If you were in Armenia last summer, you probably heard about the movie Hrant Tokhatyan, Vahik Pirhamzei, and Vahe Berberian were filming. The post-production of the film is almost over now, and the three friends aim to open the film in August, first in Armenia, then in the United States, followed by all major cities with Armenian communities.

On the set of ‘3 Weeks in Yerevan,’ with Vahe Berberian, Vahik Pirhamzei and Hrant Tokhatyan.

The Armenian-language film “3 Weeks in Yerevan” tells the story of two friends, a Lebanese Armenian and an Iranian Armenian, who go to Armenia to make a movie with their partner in Yerevan. The two men arrive with great expectations, but soon realize that in Yerevan nothing goes as planned, and it was naive of them to believe all the promises given to them.

The script, written by Vahe Berberian, based on a story by Narbeh Nazarian, recounts the two filmmakers’ experiences in Yerevan as they desperately try to overcome hurdle after hurdle to realize their dream.

The movie is rich with humor, witty scenes, and a slew of fascinating characters, performed by some of the best actors in Armenia, including Ashot Ghazaryan, Narek Duryan, Khoren Levonyan, and Levon Harutyunyan. The movie boasts many cameos by such luminaries as Tata Simonyan, Nune Yesayan, Inga and Anoush, Eric, Christine Pepelyan, Sushan Petrosyan, Aramo, and others.

The producer, Vahik Pirhamzei, who co-directed the movie with Berberian, explains that he had been planning to work on a project with his friends Tokhatyan and Berberian for a long time, and “3 Weeks in Yerevan” turned out to be the ideal project for collaboration.

A scene from the shoot of ‘3 Weeks in Yerevan’

“Even though the movie is in Armenian, it is subtitled, and we hope that as a foreign film, it will find its audience in all of the major metropolitan cities,” said Pirhamzei. “We have been getting wonderful response so far because of the universality of its theme and its refined, subtle humor.”

Tokhatyan, a well-known actor and one of the producers of the movie, says the film was the perfect vehicle to bring together three characters from different backgrounds and present a complete, honest, and pleasant picture of the Armenian cultural identity.

Interestingly, the actors who play the characters of the three friends in the movie are the same three friends who have made “3 Weeks in Yerevan.” Berberian, Pirhamzei, and Tokhatyan are names that command respect both in Armenia and the Diaspora. Tokhatyan has appeared in numerous movies and theatrical productions, is widely respected as a cultural icon, and has a huge fan base in Russia, where he starred in the TV series “The Last Mohican.”

Pirhamzei, who is also known for the many characters he has portrayed on stage and in films, previously produced and directed the movies “My Uncle Rafael” and “Guardian Angel.”

On the set of ‘3 Weeks in Yerevan’ with director of photography Kev, and directors Vahe Berberian and Vahik Pirhamzei

Berberian, mostly known for his one-man shows, is also a renowned playwright, novelist, director, and artist.

The three friends are very excited about their movie, and vow that it is a meticulously shot, witty, beautiful film that will be appreciated by its audience—especially these days, when it is crucial for Armenians to create a united front and face the world with a proud, confident smile.

Below is the theatrical trailer for ‘3 Weeks in Yerevan.’

Click here to view the embedded video.

PINK Armenia NGO: We call on our fellow Armenian friends and citizens to respect the innocent victims, and not to defend terrorism and terrorist acts

YEREVAN (A.W.)—Several activists and mourners gathered at the U.S. Embassy in Yerevan on June 13 to remember and show solidarity with the victims of the June 12 mass shooting in Orlando, Fla. The hate crime took place inside Pulse, an LGBT-friendly nightclub in Orlando, and resulted in 50 deaths, including the gunman, Omar Mateen, as well as more than 50 wounded.

A scene from the vigil held outside the U.S. Embassy in Yerevan (Photo: U.S. Embassy Yerevan)

“The U.S. Embassy in Yerevan expresses its deep thanks to those Armenians and Americans who have brought flowers to the Embassy as a sign of sorrow and solidarity following the mass shooting in Orlando. Such a barbaric act of terror and hate targets not just one bar, one state, or one country, but all those, anywhere in the world, who believe in freedom and equality,” read a part of the statement posted on the embassy’s official Facebook page on June 13.

Activists with the U.S. Ambassador to Armenia (Photo: U.S. Embassy Yerevan)

“As Americans move forward in sorrow, we will draw inspiration from our friends, here in Armenia and around the world, whose expressions of support remind us that in the face of hate and violence not to give into fear but stand united in defense of the values we all share,” said U.S. Ambassador to Armenia Richard Mills, Jr., in the post.

A candlelight vigil in memory of the innocent victims was also organized in front of the embassy on the evening of June 13, during which representatives from Public Information and Need of Knowledge (PINK Armenia) NGO, joined Ambassador Mills in laying the collected flowers at the base of the Embassy’s flag, which was flying at half-staff.

a note reading ‘Being gay is not a choice, being homophobic is,’ left at the vigil (Photo: U.S. Embassy Yerevan)

PINK Armenia also released a statement on its website expressing condolences for the victims and condemning the crime. “We, representatives of the LGBTI community, supporters, civil society representatives and Armenian citizens, condemn the hate crime committed at the nightclub, as well as express our condolences to the families and friends of the victims. We condemn hate speech, which rises after incidents like this online in support of the terrorist and other acts of terror. We call on our fellow Armenian friends and citizens to respect the innocent victims, and not to defend terrorism and terrorist acts,” read a part of the statement.

Maestro Joseph Ichkhanian, born on Feb. 19, 1931, passed away on March 29. A Lebanese citizen of Armenian descent, he began playing the guitar in 1949 with Professor Vruyr Mazmanian and was subsequently offered a scholarship by the Spanish government. He continued his artistic education and music from 1959 to 1962 at the Conservatory “Royal Academy of Music of Madrid.”

Maestro Joseph Ichkhanian (1931-2016)

Ichkhanian was privileged to have worked with masters of the classical guitar: Regino Sainz de la Maza, who was his professor at the Conservatory of Madrid; Andres Segovia, with whom he took international music courses at Saint Jacques de Compostela in Spain for four consecutive summers, at the end of which a degree of interpretation and technicality was given to him; and Narciso Yepes, for two years, during which he had the honor of being regarded as his most distinguished disciple. His guitar studies were crowned by the Higher Diploma handed in 1962 by the Royal Conservatory of Madrid. Subsequently, Ichkhanian attended classes with Interpretive Master Alexander Lagoya at the International Academy of Nice, France, and took music lessons at the Chigiana Academy of Siena, Italy.

Returning to Lebanon in 1963, Ichkhanian began his career in the “Hispanic Cultural Center” and later the Musical Youth of Lebanon. In 1970 and thanks to his efforts, the teaching of the guitar was introduced in the official program of the National Conservatory of Music of Lebanon. Since then, thousands were his students, including 20 guitar teachers currently teaching at the conservatory. Jad Hidari was his first graduate student and also the first professor to be able to deliver qualifications in turn to other students. With him, he introduced the lute at the conservatory and also founded the Lebanese “Association of Friends of the Guitar.”

Dr. Walid Gholmieh, the former director of the National Conservatory of Music in Lebanon, characterized Ichkhanian as one of the major figures in Lebanese music, who popularized the guitar in Lebanese society—both in academic and creative fields.

In addition to his teaching career, for more than 40 years Ichkhanian was a very active soloist and recitalist, both on the local and international scenes, including in Spain and Ireland, where he was invited to participate in the “Guitar Dublin Festival,” in Tunisia, and throughout the Middle East and Armenia. Moreover, anxious to share his passion for Spanish culture, Ichkhanian brought to Lebanon the greatest virtuosos of the guitar, presenting them to the Lebanese public and especially to fans of the guitar.

A composer of many musical works, Ichkhanian was also the author of several books, including an Arabic dictionary of musical terms, the first of its kind in the Arab world, in collaboration with Ghassan Khalil. But most striking was his method of modern guitar, the first bilingual method, published in French and Arabic, and officially adopted exclusively for teaching guitar at the National Conservatory of Music. It is even used in schools of music in Lebanon and the Middle East.

In 2003, Spain’s Ministry of Education conferred the “Medal of the Order of Civil Merit” on Ichkhanian, and in 2011 the Cross of the Official “Order of Isabel la Catolica” in appreciation for services rendered to Spain abroad.

Pianist Hayk Arsenyan

The Armenian Museum of America (AMA) and the Composers’ Union of Armenia present “Armenian Beauty” on Sun., June 19. The program will be held at 2 p.m. on the 3^rd floor of the Armenian Museum in the Adele & Haig Der Manuelian Galleries.

This concert will be the premiere performance in Boston for Hayk Arsenyan, a New York based pianist-composer and native of Armenia. Special guest Matt Hare will join Arsenyan for the performance playing the bass.

The program will include a mixture of classic Armenian pieces by Komitas and Khachaturian, as well as original compositions by Arsenyan.

The event is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served at a reception following the concert.

The “Armenian Beauty” concert is made possible by a generous donation from the Dadourian Foundation.

The recent escalation of the conflict in Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabagh Republic/NKR)—the worst since 1994—marks a new phase in the three decades of the conflict and highlights the need for research on the region. To fill the scholarship gap on this issue and region, the University of Southern California (USC) Institute of Armenian Studies has announced a call for research on Karabagh to support new and ongoing research by junior and senior scholars.

Those interested in applying should send their application by July 1.

The call aims to provide an opportunity for original academic and policy research that focuses on the many topics surrounding Karabagh, including but not limited to International Law, Security Studies, Peace and Conflict Studies, Social Psychology, Sociology, History, Gender Studies, and Media Studies.

Institute Director Salpi Ghazarian said, “The mission of the Institute is to support scholarship in all areas of Armenian Studies.  Karabagh, its history, the conflict, are both important and urgent topics, deserving of serious study.  The Institute is grateful to donor support for making this kind of programming possible.  In the near future, there will be a call for research on Armenia, and the quarter century of transition—something that is becoming more critical, now, in this 25^th year of independence.  And of course, the Institute will also continue with our other programming, including post-Genocide research.”

Scholars and practitioners from all backgrounds and regions of the world are encouraged to apply. The grants provided by the Institute in this first call will cover research costs including travel to Karabagh, if needed. The final research reports will be completed by January 30, 2017.

Those interested in applying should send their application (with materials identified below) to research.armenian@usc.edu by July 1:

1. A proposal of 1,000 words which outlines the rationale and plan of research, presents a clear research question, reviews previous research and theory that form the basis of the study, describes the research methods that will be used to carry out the research, and summarizes what the research aims to uncover.
2. A detailed one-page budget indicating the items for which the applicant is seeking funding.
3. A curriculum vitae.

For more information, email research.armenian@usc.edu or call 213.821.3943.

Established in 2005, the USC Institute of Armenian Studies supports multidisciplinary scholarship to re-define, explore and study the complex issues that make up the contemporary Armenian experience—from post-Genocide to the developing Republic of Armenia to the evolving Diaspora. The Institute encourages research, publications and public service, and promotes links among the global academic and Armenian communities.

Organized by the Armenian Diaspora Research Center (ADRC) at Haigazian University, and supported by the Armenian Communities Department of the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, the “Armenians of Jordan” conference took place over the course of three days from May 22-24.

The conference participants

On Sun., May 22, the official opening ceremony took place in the presence of Armenian intellectuals, historians, and academicians. The ceremony started with the opening words of Dr. Antranig Dakessian, the director of the ADRC, followed by a letter from Dr. Razmig Panossian, head of the Armenian Communities Department of Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation.

Due to reasons beyond her control, the guest speaker, Dr. Hind Abu Shaar, head of the Humanities Department of Jordan University, was not able to read her speech in person. Haigazian Dean of Arts and Sciences Dr. Arda Ekmekji read her speech, titled “Modern History of Jordan during the Ottoman and National Era (1850-1946).” The ceremony ended with Haigazian University President Rev. Dr. Paul Haidostian’s closing remarks.

The official opening was followed by a photo exhibition of the prominent Jordanian-Armenian photographer Miro Kizirian at the Arthur Matossian Arts Center in the Mugar Building.

The conference—consisting of 6 sessions held over 2 consecutive days—covered 21 topics presented by 20 scholars coming from such countries as the United States, France, Armenia, Lebanon, and Jordan.

The conference took place over the course of three days from May 22-24.

Panelists were Prof. Claude Mutafian on “The Armenian Fiefs in Jordan (12^th -14^th c.),” Dr. Himler Kaiser on “The Jordanian Lands during the Armenian Genocide; Deportees, Famine, and War,” Dr. Jon Armajani on “The Jordanian Constitution and the Rights of Minorities,” Dr. Antranik Dakessian on “A Demographic Study of the Jordanian Armenians (1925-2005),” Anna Ohannessian-Charpin on “The Bedouins of Armenian Descent in South Jordan” and “(Photographer) Hagop of Aqaba,” Aline Benneyan on “The Jarash Armenians” (her paper was read in absentia by Haigazian student Lila Bamoukian, majoring in Armenian studies), Silva Meneksheian-Baghsarian on “The Jordan Homenetmen,” Hagop Serpekian on “The Ruseyfa Armenians,” Kevork Meserlian on “The Irbid Armenians,” Yeghig Tashjian on “The Photographer of Kings, Hagop Berberian,” Silva Sarkissian-Hayrabedian on “The Jordan Armenians: The Making of a Community” (her paper was read in absentia by Haigazian student Nareg Hanneian, majoring in Armenian studies), Rosette Alemian-Mahseredjian on “The Amman Watani Club,” Arsiné Jambazian on “The Armenian Relief Society of Jordan,” Madeleine Medzagopian on “The Catholic Armenian Community (Institutions, School, and Church)” as well as on “The Armenian Diaspora in Jordan between Integration in the Hostland and Connectivity with the Motherland,” Nerses Nersessian on “Outstanding Figures in the Jordan Armenian Community and the Armenian Churches of Jordan,” Hratzin Vardanyan on “The Relations of the Committee of Cultural Relations with the Diaspora Armenians and the Jordan Armenians,” Vicken Aslanian on “Jordan Armenians in Public Life” (his paper was read in absentia by former Haigazian student Bedig Torossian), Dr. Lucine Taminian on “The Identity Making of a Diasporic Armenian,” and Dr. Araks Pashyan on “The Jordan Armenian Community: Current Challenges.”

A scene from one of the panels

The presentations and sessions were moderated by Dr. Arda Ekmekji, Dr. Zaven Messerlian, Dr. Anahid Donabedian, Dr. Armen Urneshlian, Dr. Levon Avedanian, Dr. Nanor Karageozian, and Dr. Anke El Bataineh.

The proceedings of the conference will be published by the end of 2016.

Organization Invites Those Interested to Join

The Armenian EyeCare Project (AECP) will embark on its 52nd Medical Mission to Armenia from June 25 through July 5. The project is urging everyone who is interested to join them on their journey, including friends and supporters of the EyeCare Project; writers, photographers and videographers; and, of course, ophthalmologists, optometrists, and others in the medical field.

AECP Founder Dr. Roger Ohanesian with a patient during a Medical Mission to Armenia.

This year’s Medical Mission will include trips to the organization’s Mobile Eye Hospital, which will be stationed in the Vayots Dzor province on June 25 and outside of a nursing home in Yerevan on June 28; the unveiling and grand opening of the project’s second regional eye clinic, the John and Hasmik Mgrdichian Eye Clinic, in Spitak, Lori, on June 27; and a visit to the project’s first regional eye clinic, the Haig Boyadjian Eye Clinic, in Ijevan, Tavush, which had its grand opening last year, on July 5.

Those who have supported the EyeCare Project, or who wish to learn more about the organization and its various medical programs in Armenia, are invited to join AECP Founder Dr. Roger Ohanesian and the rest of the team on one or all of the project’s activities — either by booking a trip to Armenia or joining the activities if already in the country at this time.

“This is an opportunity for people to really see where their donations to the AECP have gone and how the project has changed the landscape of ophthalmology in Armenia with a powerful and life-changing program,” Ohanesian said.

AECP Founder Dr. Roger Ohanesian with a patient during a Medical Mission to Armenia.

Tours will be led by Rostom Sarkissian, the AECP’s new director of development, and the local AECP team.

During the project’s 52nd Medical Mission, Ohanesian, along with his American colleagues, will train Armenian ophthalmologists, examine their special cases at several of the organization’s facilities, and participate in an ophthalmology conference and a neonatal conference. The Laguna Hills ophthalmologist will be joined by U.S. doctors Thomas Lee, Richard Hill, and Khodam Rostomian, who have long been involved with the EyeCare Project, and medical students Armen Ghazaryan, Ana Ter-Zakarian, Nairi Rostomian, and Lilit Shahinian.

Armenia’s chief ophthalmologist, Dr. Alexander Malayan, expressed enthusiasm about the EyeCare Project’s upcoming trip to the country. “We appreciate the support that the Armenian EyeCare Project has rendered to Armenia for nearly 24 years,” Malayan said. “The activities of the AECP, in cooperation with the efforts of many players, have improved eye care in our country and have enabled thousands of Armenians to regain their eyesight and obtain quality medical care.”

The Mobile Eye Hospital making its way through Armenia

Of course, a trip to Armenia would not be complete without experiencing the sights, sounds, and wonderful cuisine of the country, which is why there are several social events planned for the trip, including a welcome party for the group, as well as dinners and cocktail hours.

To learn more about the trip and how to be a part of this unique and enriching experience in Armenia, visit http://www.itsmyseat.com/AECP/ or contact Rostom by calling (818) 669-0563 or e-mailing rostom@eyecareproject.com.

MONTEBELLO (Asbarez)—The Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF) Western United States convened its 51th Regional Convention on the weekend of June June 17-19 with the participation of 95 delegates and invited guests.

After extensively discussing and assessing the activities of the last two years and the Central Committee’s role in carrying out the decisions of the previous Regional Convention, the meeting specifically highlighted efforts to bring together all the forces in the community to work together on projects and programs to collectively address issues of concern to the Armenian people.

The convention also assessed the organization’s efforts in commemorating the 100th and 101st anniversaries of the Armenian Genocide, assistance to the Syrian-Armenian community, as well as the organization’s response to the escalation of violence against Artsakh, stemming from the April attacks by Azerbaijan. The convention also highlighted the increased activism of the youth, which has played a key role in the wider effort to strengthen Armenia, Artsakh, and Javakhk in its pursuit to advance Armenia’s statehood.

The delegates and convention participants also outlined the course of the ARF Western Region activities for the upcoming two years.

At the conclusion of the Convention on Sunday, a new Central Committee was elected for the upcoming two years, comprised of the following: Daron Der-Khachadourian, Aida Dimejian, Mardig Gaboudian, Razmig Haroun, Garo Ispendjian, Avedik Izmirlian, Caspar Jivalagian, Esq., Dr. Carmen Ohanian, Vache Thomassian, Esq., Levon Kirakossian, Esq., and Koko Topalian.

NORTH HOLLYWOOD, Calif.—On Sun. June 12, the All-Armenian Student Association (All-ASA) convened its final general body meeting of the 2015-16 academic year. More than 20 members of ASAs from different colleges and universities across California were present for the gathering, which culminated with the election of the 2016-17 All-ASA executive board.

The meeting consisted of a review of and extensive discussion on the All-ASA’s events and projects organized during the past year. Throughout the year, the organization used its newly updated mission statement to not only motivate individual ASAs to remain as active organizations on their respective campuses, but also to spur large-scale programming in the cultural, social, and activism spheres in order to engage all students with the greater Armenian community.

Retreat participants

Outgoing Chair Mikael Matossian, a recent graduate of the University of California, Los Angeles, evaluated the year to be successful, and noted the opportunities for further progress. “Thanks to our new mission statement, we increased the scope of work of the All-ASA collective and increased its community presence,” Matossian stated. “We worked comprehensively on cultural, educational, social, and activist programming not only to unite Armenian youth from different schools at events, but also to assist with their leadership development and highlight the important role that students play in the community. All-ASA provides an open space for students to be active: no matter what school, organization, political party, or religious institution they belong to, there are opportunities to explore their Armenian identities and serve their community.”

The All-ASA’s variety of initiatives during the past year include the following: fellow recruitment for Teach for Armenia; a record-breaking 100-plus attendee retreat centered on viewing the Armenian identity through personal, organizational, and global perspectives; a nationwide “Stain of Denial” silent protest against genocide denial; a graduation cord fundraiser organized with the Greater Boston ASAs to raise money for ONEArmenia’s “Bring On The Buzz!” campaign; the creation of a student lobbying arm; co-sponsorship of the community-wide Rally for Justice; a targeted effort to politically engage students with the ANCA HyeVotes campaign through canvassing and telephone banking in Los Angeles and Santa Barbara; a successful annual All-ASA Games sports tournament; and increased collaboration with community organizations including the Armenian Youth Federation, Armenian General Benevolent Union, and USC Institute of Armenian Studies, as well as ASA collectives in Boston, Canada, and Australia.

A graduation cord fundraiser was organized with the Greater Boston ASAs to raise money for ONEArmenia’s ‘Bring On The Buzz!’ campaign.

The students present at the meeting also decided on specific initiatives to pursue next year, including a mentorship program for high school and transfer students, greater integration of ASAs in northern California and Boston into the All-ASA, as well as a campus-based awareness initiative centered on the Nagorno-Karabagh Republic (Artsakh/NKR), meant to educate Armenian and non-Armenian students about the realities of Artsakh’s past and present.

Incoming Chair Ripsime Biyazyan, a recent graduate of Occidental College, expressed her enthusiasm to continue the progress that the organization made this year. “The All-ASA is a great vessel for students to remain connected to their community while still being focused on their schoolwork,” Biyazyan stated. “Having worked in the All-ASA for a few years, I am excited to now serve as chair to facilitate the organization’s inclusion of more ASAs outside of California, outreach to more high school and college students, and increase in programming. We will realize our goals by building off of our progress and new connections made this year.”

“I am confident that the incoming executive board will continue the progress we started this year and take the confederation to new heights next year. The board consists of almost all woman-identifying students. This is indicative of the important leadership role that empowered women currently hold in the Armenian student community,” Matossian added.

Some of the participants of the annual All-ASA Games sports tournament

The incoming 10-member executive board is comprised of the following students and alumni from a variety of different undergraduate and graduate institutions: Ripsime Biyazyan (chair), Emilia Der Sarkissian (vice chair), Mariam Khachatrian (secretary), Anahit Petrosyan (treasurer), Elen Martirosyan (director of information technology), Margarita Baghdasaryan (director of public relations), Emil Gorgoyan (director of community outreach), Emily Samvalian (director of socials/fundraising), Laleh Pakradounian (advisor), and Sevana Zadorian (advisor).

To contact the executive board, e-mail executives@all-asa.org.

The All-Armenian Student Association works to unite various Armenian-American college student organizations and serve the greater Armenian-American community through cultural, social, educational, and activist programming. As the largest confederation of ASAs in the nation, All-ASA is dedicated to collaboration among its constituent organizations, leadership development of its members, and community service.

NEW YORK—Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan and the Executive Councils of the Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church will hold a reading and reception in honor of Peter Balakian, acclaimed writer and winner of the 2016 Pulitzer Prize for Poetry, on Mon., June 27, at 7 p.m., at Pashalian Hall, St. Illuminator’s Cathedral, 221 East 27th Street, New York City.

Author Peter Balakian

Khachig Tololyan, Professor of English and Comparative Literature at Wesleyan University, will introduce the honoree’s work and will comment on his Pulitzer Prize-winning “Ozone Journal”; Balakian will also read from his prize-winning book. A reception will follow the presentation. Signed copies of “Ozone Journal” will be available. Readers may RSVP to the Prelacy by calling (212) 689-7810.

Writing in Tikkun, the poet David Wojahn wrote: “Few American poets of the boomer generation have explored the interstices of public and personal history as deeply and urgently as has Balakian. … [H]is project of ‘writing horizontal’ attempts to find within the pitiless hubbub of contemporary consciousness those essential recollections (what Wordsworth termed ‘spots of time’) that are the sources of selfhood and to devise a new method for meaningfully confronting and memorializing the past. ” Keith Jones in Consequence Magazine notes that “Balakian is a master of the drifting, split-second mirage, the cinematic dissolve and cross-cut as well as the sculptural, statuesque moment chiseled out of consonant blends and an imagistic, jazzman’s ear for vowels…beautiful, haunting, plaintive, urgent, in our dying world’s age, these poems legislate a vital comportment to the demands of our shared present, timely and untimely both.”

Balakian is the author of seven books of poems, four books of prose, and two collaborative translations. He holds the Donald M. and Constance H. Rebar Chair in the Humanities at Colgate University.

Anahid Ajemian was born in New York, in 1924. She began her music studies early at the Institute of Musical Art, which later merged with the Julliard School. After graduating from the Lincoln School, Anahid continued her education at Julliard, studying violin with Edouard Dethier, chamber music with Hans Letz and Felix Salmon, and playing in and with the Julliard orchestra under Albert Stoessel and Edgar Shenkman.

Anahid and her sister were equally known for their interpretations of the standard classical repertoire.

In 1946, while still a student of Edouard Dethier at the Juilliard Graduate School of Music, she won the Walter W. Naumburg Foundation Award. In the same year, she made her debut at Town Hall and received the Distinguished Achievement Medal from Mademoiselle magazine as the “Young Woman of the Year in Music.” Among the many honors that followed, the Order of St. James appointed her a Knight of Malta for her lifelong support of contemporary classical music.
With her pianist sister Maro, she concertized in Europe, Canada, and throughout the United States in a wide repertoire including works that were written for them by such distinguished composers as John Cage, Henry Cowell, Lou Harrison, Alan Hovhaness, Ernst Krenek, Wallingford Riegger, Carlos Surinach, and Ben Weber, among many others. Together and separately, the Ajemians recorded extensively for Columbia, RCA Victor, MGM, and Composers Records, Inc. They were the first musicians to receive the Laurel Leaf Award of the Composers Alliance for Distinguished Service to American Music.

Anahid and her sister were equally known for their interpretations of the standard classical repertoire. A unique feature of the many television programs they taped for NBC’s “Recital Hall” and the National Educational Television Network was their series of programs comprising the complete cycle of all 10 Beethoven Sonatas for Violin and Piano. They appeared as soloists under the batons of Dmitri Mitropoulos, Leopold Stokowski, and Izler Solomon, and recorded with the latter two.

Also during the 1940’s, Anahid co-founded the New York City-based organization “Friends of Armenian Music Committee,” which did much to launch the career of fellow Armenian-American composer Alan Hovhaness, via a series of well-received New York concerts of his music. These concerts were repeated in Boston, San Francisco, and Los Angeles.

In the mid-1960’s, Anahid and fellow violinist Matthew Raimondi founded the Composers String Quartet at the suggestion of Gunther Schuller, which quickly earned an international reputation and toured in more that 26 countries, including in the Soviet Union, India, the Middle East, Africa, Australia, Japan, Southeast Asia, and China. The Composers String Quartet recorded extensively for the Musical Heritage Society, Nonesuch Records, Composers Recordings, Inc., and Columbia Records, among many others. The Quartet’s 1970 recording of Elliott Carter’s First and Second Quartets was honored by a “Grammy” nomination, received “Stereo Review’s “Best Chamber Music Recording of the Year” Award, and was acclaimed by “High Fidelity” as “Best Quartet of the Year” and one of the “Fifty Greatest Albums of the Decade.” Time magazine called it “an astonishingly brilliant and unique achievement.”

The quartet was in residence at Columbia University in New York City and at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston. For many years, they were the primary performers at the Mt. Desert Festival of Chamber Music in Northeast Harbor, Maine.

Anahid was a long-time member of the Columbia University music faculty and served as a judge for several music organizations, including the annual Naumburg Foundation Awards.

She is survived by her husband of 68 years, recording executive George Avakian, their daughters Maro and Anahid (Gregg), son Gregory, and two grandchildren. A viewing will be held at the Gannon Funeral Home, 152 E 28th Street, from 6 to 8 p.m.

Services were held on Fri., June 17 at St. Vartan’s Armenian Cathedral in New York. In lieu of flowers, readers may make donations to the Maro and Anahid Ajemian Scholarship at the Julliard School of Music, 60 Lincoln Center Plaza, New York, NY 10023; or the Armenia Tree Project, 400 West Cummings Park, Suite 3900, Woburn, MA 01801.

 Sold-Out Audience Enjoys Experimental Multimedia Installation and Concert

On May 4, the AGBU Performing Arts Department welcomed jazz prodigy Tigran Hamasyan and his Luys i Luso project at the Bric House Ballroom in Brooklyn. The project, Hamasyan’s rearrangement of 5th to 20th-century sacred Armenian music for piano and voices—in collaboration with the Yerevan State Choir—is a multimedia installation and concert that uses life-sized screens to project his 2,000-mile pilgrimage through historical Armenia, documented by filmmakers Alex Igidbashian and Emily Mkrtichian.

On May 4, the AGBU Performing Arts Department welcomed jazz prodigy Tigran Hamasyan and his Luys i Luso project at the Bric House Ballroom in Brooklyn.

The audio-visual installation uses Berlin’s Studio Ondè’s projection technologies, sound design, and animations that transform historic spaces around the world into living, breathing digital recreations. During the performance, Hamasyan improvised a live soundtrack to the installation and then invited his award-winning Mockroot trio—Sam Minaie on bass and Nate Wood on drums—to join the concert.

“I was very glad to see that the audience was composed of Armenians and non-Armenians of all backgrounds and ages. Together we traveled to the places in Hamasyan’s installation through music and images, learning about Armenian history along the way. Hamasyan’s fusion of jazz, metal, electro, techno and alternative made traditional Armenian music modern and appealing to younger non-Armenian audiences. In a way, Hamasyan is a representative of a new kind of Armenian culture,” said Hayk Arsenyan, director of the AGBU Performing Arts Department.

Hamasyan is the winner of numerous prestigious prizes in music, including first prize at the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz and International Instrumentalist of the Year in Piano at Echo Jazz 2015 for his debut album Mockroot. The name Mockroot touches on a theme that permeates the music—one of the natural world always triumphing over human complexity. “It is inspired by the photograph on the album cover,” says Hamasyan. “It is a picture that my friend Karen Mirzoyan took of a tree—almost dead—emerging from a lake. It was taken in a part of the world where people had deliberately raised the water level to irrigate land. And yet this tree just carried on, defiantly. It’s the idea that nature is constantly mocking humanity. Whatever we impose upon it, nature will always win. Mockroot is a sort of longing and nostalgia for a human nature that’s more spiritual, more loving, more together with its roots. There is a sacrifice in it—sacrifice to try to elevate spiritually. Many of the tracks are inspired by poetry, in particular the flowering of Armenian and Russian verse in the late-19th and early-20th centuries.”

For more information on AGBU Performing Arts, visit www.agbuperformingarts.org.

Established in 1906, AGBU (www.agbu.org) is the world’s largest non-profit Armenian organization. Headquartered in New York City, AGBU preserves and promotes the Armenian identity and heritage through educational, cultural, and humanitarian programs, annually touching the lives of some 500,000 Armenians around the world.

By Ani Melkonian

YEREVAN—Armenia Tree Project (ATP) is not just any environmental NGO. It is one of those great stories you wish you could be a part of. A story set in the early 1990’s about an Armenian-American activist named Carolyn Mugar who had the wisdom and foresight to start an organization that would work to prevent Armenia from desertification.

Volunteer Natalie Shahbol planting her first tree with ATP at Yerevan’s Pokr Mher Military Educational Complex

Flash-forward 22 years later and the organization is responsible for planting more than five million trees throughout Armenia and Artsakh. ATP has created hundreds of green jobs in Armenia and even taken important strides in the sphere of environmental education. Its mission is larger than life: planting and caring for trees, these mystic beings without which life on earth would not be possible.

The story has inspired thousands of people as well as organizations such as Birthright Armenia, Armenian Volunteer Corps and the U.S. Peace Corps, whose volunteers have offered their time and skills to ATP over the years.

Birthright Armenia in particular aims to tie diasporan youth to the homeland and to strengthen their identity through volunteer service and internships. So, naturally, ATP and Birthright have collaborated for many years.

“Partnerships multiply the reach, the impact and the value that each organization creates. Our 12-year collaboration with ATP embodies this spirit,” says Birthright Armenia Country Director Sevan Kabakian.

“Volunteering with ATP offers the perfect opportunity to give back and make a difference. It makes for a rich and diverse experience. Whether you’re looking to learn and see more of Armenia, exchange skills, work with village residents, or help educate children in the ways of the environment,” explains Communications and Outreach Manager Kristine Hovsepyan, who also manages ATP’s volunteer program. “Whether you’re a ‘treehugger’ or just someone who cares about nature and people, ATP has a green job for you.”

There are several areas where volunteers can assist ATP: in the Community Tree Planting program, the Forestry division, the Environmental Education department, the PR department or at one of ATP’s tree nurseries.

Natalie Shahbol, a Water Science major from California was the latest ATP volunteer from Birthright. During her two-month stay Natalie went to Karin Village on a weekly basis to assist with lessons at the Michael and Virginia Ohanian Environmental Education Center. Her activities included assisting the teacher, preparing presentations, and conducting games and activities for visiting schoolchildren.

A group of volunteers from Birthright Armenia helped ATP establish a small community forest in Paruyr Sevak Village.

“Having the chance to interact and learn from students has to be one of my favorite parts of volunteering at ATP,” says Natalie.

Details about ATP’s volunteer program are posted on the “Get Involved” tab of their website. Typically, volunteers are required to be a part of the Birthright Armenia program, which provides some financial support and structure including homestay housing, language training and a network of other volunteers who participate in excursions and group events.

Candidates for the ATP program must be 20-32 years old and must have graduated from high school. Candidates must also have a minimum stay of four weeks in Armenia in order to be able to volunteer for ATP, and placement depends on the candidate’s background and specific area of interest which should be outlined in their ATP application form.

“When it comes to non-profits, every small action contributes to something bigger.

Ultimately, when volunteering for ATP you are volunteering in the greening of Armenia so if the cause strikes a chord with you then be prepared to get your hands and shoes muddy,” notes Hovsepyan. “If this speaks to you then it’s time to sign up and help create a greener, more sustainable Armenia.”

Armenia Tree Project has planted more than five million trees since its inception in 1994. The NGO is the only major tree planting program in the country and in its 22 years has successfully established four nurseries, two environmental education centers and has greened community areas in every province of Armenia and Artsakh. In the process, the organization has provided employment for hundreds of people and provided vital resources to thousands of village residents. For more information, visit the website www.armeniatree.org.

Introduction

On June 4, the Armenian Relief Society (ARS) of Eastern USA organized a program featuring the world premiere of Bared Maronian’s “Women of 1915,” a documentary that uncovers the vital role women played in the Armenian Genocide of 1915. Over a century later, audience members gathered at the Ciccone Theater at Bergen Community College in New Jersey to witness Armenian and non-Armenian women from all over the world sharing stories of loss and heroism. Intertwined within the history of the women of 1915 is the lasting impact they left on future generations, ranging from their children and grandchildren on screen to those sitting in the audience on that day.

ARS of Eastern USA organized a program featuring the world premiere
of Bared Maronian’s ‘Women of 1915.’ (Photo: ZENPROIMAGE)

The movie-screening event, functioning as a film within a film, began with speeches and performances by active female members of the Armenian community, including chairwoman of the ARS of Eastern USA Talin Daghlian; award-winning actress and filmmaker Nora Armani; and Armenian-American singer/songwriter Hooshere.

Audience members gathered at the Ciccone Theater (Photo: ZENPROIMAGE)

Within the audience, a diversity of people, including representative from the New Jersey Congressman Scott Garrett’s office, filled almost every chair. Photographers captured these viewers’ alert and emotional facial expressions, which closely resembled those of the brave women on screen. Award-winning director Bared Maronian later addressed viewers’ questions and gracefully accepted well-deserved praises. Both the event and film successfully proved that human compassion and social activism can break different kinds of borders: time, space, gender, race, and even one as heavy as genocide.

ARS Eastern USA Message: Talin Daghlian

The event began with an opening speech by Daghlian, in which she explained the role of the ARS, along with Armenoid Productions, in supporting the film “Women of 1915.” The ARS, a 106-year-old, non-profit women’s organization serving the humanitarian needs of the Armenian people, felt that it was well worth the time and effort to support “a film project that can educate the public about the plight and strength of the Armenian women and those who assisted them during the Armenian Genocide.” Daghlian expressed gratitude to various individuals: the director, Bared Maronian; participants of the event, such as Nora Armani and Hooshere; members of the “Women of 1915” World Premiere Committee; and audience members, whose “generous contributions demonstrate deep commitment to our mission.”

Talin Daghlian delivering the ARS of Eastern USA’s message
(Photo: ZENPROIMAGE)

Hooshere Performs

Next, Hooshere, an Armenian-American singer and songwriter, set the soulful tone of the movie by performing songs dedicated to the women of 1915. Hooshere’s music is known for its unique combination of contemporary and traditional Armenian music and instrumentation. Hooshere performed Komitas’s song “Hov Arek” (“Feel the wind”) and “Sareri Hovin Mernem” (“Let me die by the mountain’s wind”) by V. Harootiunian and H. Badalian. The poetic lyrics spoke to Western Armenia’s mountains and clouds, begging them to create winds of hope (“hov arek, sarer jan, hov arek, amber jan”). They expressed the emotions of many women who had lost hope: “I cannot cry/the rivers bring no water/let me die by the dirt of the mountain.” Hooshere’s songs, both comforting and unsettling, are scattered throughout the documentary, as well. Her lyrics flashed in front of images of women wearing rags and scars, standing scared and alone on an open field. Her lyrics flashed in front of the beautiful mountains of Western Armenia. In the background of the film, Hooshere sang the words these women and mountains could not speak. On stage, she delivered her performance with the same strength and sadness expressed by the women to which she dedicated her songs.

Hooshere performing (Photo: ZENPROIMAGE)

Welcoming Remarks: Nora Armani

Following Hooshere’s performance, Nora Armani, mistress of ceremonies, gave her welcoming remarks. Armani is the founding artistic director of the Socially Relevant Film Festival of NYC. She directed her debut film, “Moving Stories,” which screened at a number of U.S. and international film festivals. Armani presented background information on Bared Maronian and read a famous Armenian poem that connects with the movie.

Nora Armani, mistress of ceremonies, delivering her welcoming remarks.
(Photo: ZENPROIMAGE)

Maronian founded the Armenoid Team in 2009, specializing in Armenian-themed documentaries, and has produced three Armenian films. “Orphans of the Genocide” has been selected and nominated for several film festivals and film as well as film awards. It has been shown in communities throughout the world and distributed to over 250 TV stations across the U.S, including PBS. Featuring the film on national television is “how we can make our presence felt,” said Armani.

Armani read a powerful excerpt from the writings of Vahan Tekeyan, translated by John Papazian, dedicated to all the women of 1915, including Armani’s own grandmother, whose spirit lives on today. Their spirit lives on in the form of art, whether it is music, poetry, or film. “Women of 1915,” Armani explained, “immortalizes Armenians.” At the same time, the film highlights “a unique sisterhood of all different types” and the need for people to unite for similar causes today. Armani connected Armenian Genocide victims to victims of war in the Middle East and Syrian refugees today. “One hundred years later, the story is repeated in the Middle East,” she said. “Now is the time to help and this is our duty.”

‘Women of 1915’ Movie Screening

In the midst of the Armenian Genocide, women from all over the world united in the fight to survive. When Ottoman Turks began their intentional, systematic killing of Armenians during the Armenian Genocide of 1915, they targeted and killed Armenian men first, expecting women to soon after perish without the physical protection and strength of their male counterparts. However, the women of 1915 were far from weak or vulnerable; they were resilient and resisters.

A scene from the film screening (Photo: ZENPROIMAGE)

‘The documentary unearths the gender that was left behind to experience the worst kind of torture and the most heroic form of resilience. … The stories of these women, along with the lasting impact they had on the lives they created and touched, will have viewers feeling both heartbreak and admiration. In many cases, the film will leave viewers with another strange feeling entirely: Had the women of 1915 surrendered, their stories would not exist, and neither would our own.’

The documentary, “Women of 1915,” combines facts and emotion to honor these brave women of the Armenian Genocide, many of whom lost their lives, survived to create new lives, or were forced into lives that were not their own. Many women, Armenian, European, and American, also traveled great distances to rescue lives, even at the risk of their own. Among the women highlighted in the film are survivors, volunteers, and resisters, including survivor Aurora Mardiganian, American volunteer Mary Louise Graffam, diplomat Diana Apkar, and Danish missionary Maria Jacobsen.

The film makes the point that the Armenian Genocide was also a “gendercide.” The male population was segregated because they were the ones who would be able to “resist and fight back.” Women were left behind as the “vulnerable group to abduct, rape, and sell to harams.” As rape was the most common atrocity, sexual violence played an alarming role in the genocide.

If women survived, they were often forced into the homes of Turks, Kurds, and Arabs, who would “very casually” refer to them as “the remnants of the sword”—meaning, you were slaughtered, but survived. They also used the word “kavoor,” or infidels and non-believers, “to humiliate Christians.” The film addresses these issues by focusing on select stories that illustrate such realities.

The documentary unearths the gender that was left behind to experience the worst kind of torture and the most heroic form of resilience. Through this movie, the audience bears witness to women who defied gender expectations by fighting back with the same strength and spirit that they have passed down to future generations of women and men alike. The stories of these women, along with the lasting impact they had on the lives they created and touched, will have viewers feeling both heartbreak and admiration. In many cases, the film will leave viewers with another strange feeling entirely: Had the women of 1915 surrendered, their stories would not exist, and neither would our own.

Following the screening, Bared Maronian went on stage to receive a well-deserved standing ovation from the audience. The audience then had the opportunity to ask him questions about the film and future aspirations. The event was followed by an elegant reception, and a champagne toast.

Director Bared Maronian with members of the ARS of Eastern USA (Photo: ZENPROIMAGE)

Toasting to ‘Women of 1915’ (Photo: ZENPROIMAGE)

Members of the event’s organizing committee (Photo: ZENPROIMAGE)

By Paul Boghosian

Robert “Bob” Semonian died at age 77 on June 22 following a prolonged bout with colon cancer.

Bob Semonian

Bob had a distinctive and driven personality that gave impetus to his legendary networking abilities as a vitally social member of the Massachusetts Armenian community. As a gregarious patriot of Armenian causes and organizations, he made continuous and significant contributions to the Knights of Vartan, National Association for Armenian Studies and Research, Armenian Library Museum of America, Armenian Tree Project, and St. James Armenian Church among many other Armenian civic and community organizations that made him the “Uncle Bob” of the Armenian community.

Bob was also a 45-year member and past president of the Armenian Students Association. As a life member, he served on the board of trustees until his passing.

Over the years, Bob’s reputation and his extensive national, political, and business contacts made him the “go to” person to the Armenian organizations and prominent leaders whenever fundraising was needed for projects that benefitted the Armenian community.

In recent years, as chairman of the Speaker’s Committee of the Men’s Club of St. James Armenian Church, Bob arranged dozens of prominent Armenians to speak who provided inspiration, guidance, and leadership to this always-popular program that attracted hundreds of people each month.

As treasurer of the “Improper Bostonian,” founded by Bob’s nephew Mark Semonian, Bob became further known as an accomplished networker throughout the greater Boston business, civic, and political communities. His welcoming spirit soon made him known as “Uncle Bob” to them as well.

Bob’s leadership in the aftermath of the 1988 Armenian earthquake as a founding director of the Boston Earthquake Coalition, he was responsible for generating hundreds of thousands of dollars in products, merchandise, and donations for humanitarian relief in Armenia. His networking talents got the mayor of Boston involved in helping raise money and provide aid to the Armenian victims of the devastating earthquake, including arranging a team of more than 30 doctors to be sent to Armenia.

Bob had a passion for politics and was a longtime leader in Massachusetts Republican circles. He was particularly proud of being a delegate from Massachusetts at eight Republican National Conventions. He was a highly valued member of the Massachusetts Republican establishment and was state chairman for Pat Buchanan’s and Pat Roberston’s presidential campaigns.

Bob’s Republican activities included providing significant assistance in organizing ethnic groups throughout the state—particularly the Armenian, Asian, and Indian communities—to support the Republican candidacies of William Weld, Mitt Romney, and Charlie Baker. He was extremely well regarded by the Republican governors and appointed to various commissions during their administrations because of his dedicated work and support. Bob was touched by a lengthy conversation with Governor Baker while he was in the hospital.

At one point, he served as chairman of the Watertown Republican Town Committee. He was the Massachusetts state vice chairman for Ronald Reagan, and NATIONALITIES CHAIRMAN in the state. Through his nationwide political contacts, Bob provided the vitally important link to get eight states to recognize the Armenian Genocide.

As an avid traveler, Bob took great pride in representing the Boston Armenian community at the Forum of Armenian Associations of Europe at conferences that took place in Brussels, Budapest, Venice and Uppsala, and Sweden. Bob always enjoyed the companionship and the associations he developed throughout the United States, particularly in California, and the friends he made in South America.

Born and raised in Watertown, the son of Leon and Veron Semonian, Bob was a lifelong resident and thoroughly enjoyed the community life of the city. He was regarded as a convivial and always-to-be-counted-upon friend, contributor, and associate of all the organizations to which he belonged.

Bob leaves his brothers, Leon and wife Marion, and Suren and wife Carol; his late sister Grace and Harry Ahmadjian; his nephews Mark Semonian and Paul Semonian; his nieces Wendy Semonian, Nancy Day, Janis Baer, June Darmanian, Joan Ahmadjian, the late Leslie Semonian, and innumerable close friends.

Funeral services were provided by the St. James Armenian Church of Watertown on June 28.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to St. James Armenian Church (for the Leslie Semonian Computer Center) or the Dana Farber Cancer Institute in Brookline, Mass. (for Leslie’s Links Ewing Sarcoma Fund).