Waning Compassion, Lack of Competent Leadership and Skepticism in One’s Ability to Make a Difference Drive Decline in Humanitarian Support; Pessimism Buoyed by Confidence in Millennials to Take Future Humanitarian Action

YEREVAN—A new international study released on May 25, the 2017 Aurora Humanitarian Index, revealed support for humanitarian action is on a steep decline and there is an overwhelming lack of confidence in world leaders to address the refugees crisis.

Results from the Index, which surveyed nearly 6,500 people in 12 countries, were compounded by the fact that only nine percent of individuals believe their actions can make a difference in solving the global refugee crisis. For the second year in a row, terrorism is cited as the undisputed top humanitarian issue at 63 percent, followed by the widening gap between the rich and poor, hunger, climate change and forced migration.

Founded on behalf of the survivors of the Armenian Genocide and in gratitude to their saviors, the Aurora Humanitarian Initiative seeks to empower modern-day saviors to offer life and hope to those in urgent need of basic humanitarian aid and thus continue the cycle of giving internationally.

The annual public opinion survey gauges attitudes towards humanitarian issues worldwide, the effectiveness of humanitarian intervention, and individuals’ motivations to intervene on behalf of others. A bright spot in the 2017 Index showed youth outpacing their older counterparts, showing greater openness toward and support of refugees, and willingness to take humanitarian action.

“The sense of apathy towards humanitarianism today highlights an urgent need for engagement in every sector,” said Ruben Vardanyan, Co-founder of the Aurora Humanitarian Initiative (AHI) and United World College at Dilijan. “However, this negativity is counter-balanced by the incredibly positive attitudes of youth towards humanitarianism and the individual impact on the refugee crisis. All of us need to educate and motivate the young people around the world so they not only understand their capacity for meaningful impact, but are inspired to act upon it.”

Key findings from the 2017 Aurora Humanitarian Index commissioned by the Aurora Humanitarian Initiative, a non-profit organization committed to building a global humanitarian movement to empower modern-day saviors, include:

• Confidence in individual impact on humanitarian action is low:
  • Only nine percent of respondents feel they can make a difference in solving humanitarian issues.
  • Although 56 percent of respondents are upset upon hearing the hardship that Syrian refugees are experiencing, 51 percent feel they are unable to make a meaningful impact.

• Support for humanitarian action is declining:
  • Though a majority of respondents agree refugees deserve help, only 37 percent would welcome refugees into their own countries.
  • 42 percent of respondents feel their countries have already taken in too many refugees.
  • Respondents across the 12 countries identified Germany, France and the U.S. as the countries accepting the highest number of refugees. In actuality, Pakistan, Iran and Turkey have permitted the most refugees into their countries worldwide.

• Isolationism and nationalism extend beyond politics:
  • 34 percent of respondents agree that immigrants make their country a better place to live, yet one-third view migrants as a threat to their religious beliefs.
  • 44 percent of respondents feel their country is threatened by ethnic minorities. This figure rises significantly in the UK (56 percent); Kenya (56 percent); Turkey (55 percent); and France (54 percent).

• There is a crisis in competent leadership:
  • 32 percent of respondents could not identify a leader capable of addressing the refugee crisis.
  • United States President Donald Trump (33 percent) and German Chancellor Angela Merkel (31 percent) are perceived as the leaders best positioned to provide solutions to the refugee crisis today, a sharp decrease from the 46 percent of respondents from the 2016 Aurora Humanitarian Index that perceived then U.S. President Barack Obama as most capable.
  • Despite their distinctly different views, Pope Francis of the Roman Catholic Church, British Prime Minister Theresa May, and Syrian President Bashar al-Assad are all equally believed by only 15 percent of respondents as being best positioned to provide solutions to the refugee crisis.
  • Every sector surveyed are perceived as doing less in 2017 to address the Syrian refugee crisis than one year ago, as reported in the 2016 Aurora Humanitarian Index. The media, international communities, respondents’ governments and developed countries suffered the most significant decline in perceived action since 2016.
  • The European Union and the United Nations are perceived as the most capable bodies to address the ongoing crisis, but confidence in global organizations across the board has declined since 2016.

• Hope lies with the next generation of humanitarians:
  • Overall, younger people are more positive and confident in their capacity for impact, with 68 percent of respondents aged 18 to 34 years agreeing that refugees deserve help, and 47 percent wanting to help Syrian refugees.
  • Younger respondents value diversity, with 29 percent of respondents agreeing it is better for a country if everyone shared customs and traditions.
  • Of those surveyed, respondents aged 18 to 34 years are the most likely to take action to address the refugee crisis in the next 12 months.

The global survey, led by research partner Kantar Public and interpreted by academic partner Université Libre de Bruxelles, was fielded between February 21 and March 19, 2017. Interviews were conducted with 6,466 individuals in 12 markets, up from six markets surveyed in the inaugural 2016 Index.

“The results from this year’s Aurora Humanitarian Index compel the Aurora Humanitarian Initiative to continue its mission to celebrate and empower those who offer life and hope to this in need, inspire those individuals who have been saved to become saviors themselves, and rekindle hope in humanity,” said Noubar Afeyan, co-founder of the Aurora Humanitarian Initiative. “Each of the five 2017 Aurora Prize for Awakening Humanity finalists are brilliant examples of the deep and meaningful impact a single person can have on the world.”

The 2017 Aurora Humanitarian Index will be presented on Sunday, May 28 in Yerevan, Armenia during the Aurora Dialogues, a platform for the world’s leading humanitarians, academics, philanthropists, business leaders and civil society to bring awareness to today’s most pressing humanitarian challenges. The weekend of events will culminate with the presentation of the 2017 Aurora Prize for Awakening Humanity, a global humanitarian award that recognizes modern day heroes and their exceptional impact on preserving human life and advancing humanitarian causes in the face of adversity. A panel discussion featuring Aurora Prize Selection Committee Members Gareth Evans, Hina Jilani and Mary Robinson, Kantar Public Methods Director Hayk Gyuzalyan, American University in Cairo Professor of Global Affairs and Center for Migration and Refugee Studies Ibrahim Awad, and RefugePoint Founder and Executive Director Sasha Chanoff will be live-streamed at www.auroraprize.com.

For more information about the survey results and the Aurora Humanitarian Index, visit here.

About the Aurora Humanitarian Initiative

Founded on behalf of the survivors of the Armenian Genocide and in gratitude to their saviors, the Aurora Humanitarian Initiative seeks to empower modern-day saviors to offer life and hope to those in urgent need of basic humanitarian aid and thus continue the cycle of giving internationally. The Aurora Humanitarian Initiative is Gratitude in Action. It is an eight-year commitment (2015 to 2023, in remembrance of the eight years of the Armenian Genocide 1915-1923) to support people and promote projects that tackle the needs of the most helpless and destitute, and do so at great risk. This is achieved through the Initiative’s various programs: The Aurora Prize for Awakening Humanity, the Aurora Dialogues, the Aurora Humanitarian Index, the Gratitude Projects and the 100 LIVES Initiative. The Aurora Humanitarian Initiative is the vision of philanthropists Vartan Gregorian, Noubar Afeyan and Ruben Vardanyan who have, already in the second year, been joined by several dozen new donors and partners. The Initiative welcomes all who embrace a commitment to our shared humanity.

The Aurora Humanitarian Initiative is represented by three organizations – Aurora Humanitarian Initiative Foundation, Inc. (New York), the 100 Lives Foundation (Geneva) and the IDeA Foundation (Yerevan).

Further information is available at www.auroraprize.com

By Jennifer Chelebi

MANHASSET, N.Y.—The annual Holy Martyrs Armenian Day School (HMADS) Gala Dinner Dance, taking place on June 3, continues to be a staple of the social season in the Armenian community. With its gently contoured greens and sparkling ponds, the North Hills Country Club in Manhasset will once again be the backdrop for an evening of dining and dancing in support of a most worthwhile cause: the future of Armenian culture and heritage. Easily accessible, North Hills will provide the idyllic setting for an elegant affair as HMADS celebrates its golden anniversary.

Arthur Apkarian and Armenia Band of Montreal will entertain guests

While guests dine on lavish food and enjoy an exciting raffle, the music of Arthur Apkarian and Armenia Band of Montreal promises to provide an unforgettable evening of entertainment.  Born in Beirut, Lebanon, Apkarian arrived in Canada at a young age. Raised by a family of well-respected musicians, his talents were quickly discovered as he grew to be one of the most sought-after entertainer whose reputation goes beyond the boundaries of the Armenian community. Apkarian developed a unique performance style and his selections in Armenian and Continental music is unmatched in the Armenian community both in Canada and the U.S.

The Friends of HMADS committee is truly blessed to have Mrs. Mary Haroutunian and Mr. Berj Haroutunian as Honorary Booklet Co-Chairs of the 50^th anniversary Gala Dinner Dance. HMADS always has a very special place in their hearts and thanks to their leadership and generosity this milestone celebration will turn into a success.  The festivities will begin at 7:30 p.m. with a bountiful cocktail hour, followed by a delicious multi-course dinner served at 9 p.m.

Your Gala Dinner Dance contribution of $130 will greatly support the efforts of the Friends committee and HMADS, benefiting future generations of Armenians.  For further information about this highly anticipated event, or to find out how to become a part of the Friends of HMADS, please contact the school office at (718) 225-4826, or Negdar Arukian at (718) 423-4813.

BERKELEY, Calif.—The Paros Foundation recently announced the completion of the third and final phase of school renovations in the village of Nerkin Karmiraghbyur. Work at the school began two years ago and included the complete renovation of the wings of the school housing grades 1 – 12. The final phase of renovation included the kitchen, dining hall, hallways and adjacent rooms. The work was completed with generous donations from Mike and Patricia Starzer and Jean-Marie & Lori Atamian as part of the Paros Foundation’s Prosperity on the Border strategic initiative. The Prosperity on the Border initiative identifies and implements humanitarian, educational and development projects in vital communities along the Armenia-Azerbaijani border.

Children enjoying their hot lunch in the newly renovated school (Photo: Paros Foundation)

“The Paros Foundation has worked in this important border village for almost five years to improve conditions for the village residents,” said Peter Abajian, Executive Director of the Paros Foundation. “The Starzer and Atamian families have taken leadership roles in the vital support of these villagers through their donations to these projects. I would like to extend my sincere appreciation and admiration for their support.”

Nerkin Karmiraghbyur is located in Armenia’s Tavush region, more than three hours from Yerevan. The people in this isolated border village live with the constant threat of cross border sniper fire. Many of the village’s men serve as contract soldiers guarding their section of Armenia’s eastern border with Azerbaijan. The village school has more than 110 children in attendance. In total, $110,000 (USD) was spent renovating the school in three phases.

The Paros Foundation underwrote all administrative expenses allowing 100% of the contributions to go directly to the project. Local materials and labor were utilized whenever possible to benefit the local economy.

The renovation of the school adds to the list of other completed projects in Nerkin Karmiraghbyur. In 2013, the village’s medical center was renovated. Next, the Kindergarten was reconstructed including the installation of Armenia’s first security wall to protect the children as they enter the kindergarten and play on the playground. In addition, family based agribusinesses have been established for six families with more families being added this year. The Paros Foundation provides these village families with the materials, expertise and animals that they want and need to significantly improve their economic conditions. Finally, the Foundation has launched a housing repair program to implement needed home repairs and additions for village families.

Formally launched in 2006, the Paros Foundation has earned a reputation as the “go to” organization to oversee small and medium-sized project implementation in Armenia. Beginning with our support for seven exemplary local non-government organizations working with children, people with disabilities and the arts, the Paros Foundation works to help build a sustainable and vibrant homeland while improving living conditions for its most vulnerable populations. To facilitate volunteerism, The Paros Foundation launched its SERVICE Armenia program in 2013. This Armenia-based service program for teens and young adults provides participants an opportunity to travel to and experience all that Armenia has to offer while helping make a difference.

Donations to the Paros Foundation, a 501(c) 3 organization, are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. The Foundation underwrites 100% of administrative costs, thus allowing all donor contributions to be allocated directly to the projects.

“Please join the Paros Foundation’s family of supporters working to improve conditions in border communities through the Paros Foundation’s Prosperity on the Border campaign. Help improve needed infrastructure, provide humanitarian relief or launch family and community based businesses to build a stable, prosperous, secure future for people in these communities,” read a part of the statement released by the foundation.

For more information, visit www.parosfoundation.org or call (310) 400-9061.

Special for the Armenian Weekly

Manchester United and Henrikh Mkhitaryan were crowned Europa League Champions at the Friends Arena in Stockholm on May 24. With that title, United earn a berth in next season’s Champion’s League. Paul Pogba’s deflected first half effort set United on the road to victory and Henrikh Mkhitaryan made the outcome safe with an instinctive and opportunistic strike just after the break.

Manchester United and Henrikh Mkhitaryan were crowned Europa League Champions at the Friends Arena in Stockholm on May 24.

The match was a typical Mourinho final. In politics they say you campaign in poetry and govern in prose. There was nothing poetic about this final, a fact that was not lost on the United Manager in his post-match comments.

“There are lots of poets in football, but poets, they don’t win many titles. We knew where they were better than us. We knew where we were better than them. We tried to kill their good qualities, we tried to explore their weaknesses.”

That is typical of a manager who has made a career of stopping his opponents from doing what they are good at, as opposed to focusing on what his own team can produce. Although, not very poetic, and not very “United-like,” it is hard to argue with tonight’s result and with the manager’s overall record.

The Special One maintains his 100% winning record against Ajax, winning all seven matches against the Dutch side. Mourinho becomes the first manager to win both the UEFA Cup/Europa League and Champions League on two occasions. He has won all four of his European finals as a manager, winning the 2003 UEFA Cup and 2004 Champions League with Porto, as well as the 2010 Champions League with Inter Milan to add to this latest triumph with United. In his first season as United manager, he has won two major trophies (EFL Cup and Europa League) along with the Community Shield and now that Champion’s League berth that is so coveted in the modern game.

Mourinho described this season as his most difficult as a manager, but his team has come through with success, arguably ahead of schedule. The team’s achievements and results can now provide a platform for Manchester United and Mourinho to attract the world’s finest footballers in the transfer market, to continue building in an attempt to reclaim the success and dominance of the Alex Ferguson era.

United’s tactics were first and foremost to stifle any attacking threat posed by the young and exciting Ajax team, a team that became the youngest to start a major European final with an average age of just under 23 years. Manchester United’s Ander Herrera and Marouane Fellaini brought a physicality and intensity to midfield that Ajax were unable to match. Although the Dutch side enjoyed 69% possession in the match and managed 17 shots at goal, a mere three hit the target. A lack of width and a tendency to overplay the ball resulted in congested and inept passages of play in the attacking third for Ajax and that played right into United’s hands. Once the lead was secured through Pogba, Mourinho “parked the bus” on the way to a comfortable victory. At 1-0 to the good, United always looked safe, but Henrikh Mkhitaryan’s delightful finish from a second half corner put the result beyond doubt.

The magisterial Armenian talisman has enjoyed unbelievable success in recent European matches. Five of his last six United goals have come in this Europa League competition, with most of them scored away from Old Trafford. That scoring run sets Mkhitaryan apart in the annals of United history, being the only player to score in five away European fixtures in a single campaign. The rich vein of form Mkhitaryan enjoyed did not go unnoticed by his team mates, who suggested he would get on the scoresheet in the final in the lead up to the big match.

In a post-match interview, with the tricolor draped over his shoulders, Mkhitaryan expressed his delight, but as always remained humble by giving credit to the players around him. “Every day I was dreaming to score in the final, and I did thanks to my team mates, I am very happy today. I am very excited.”

This terrific European run, on which United’s Champion’s League fate hinged, proved to be a gamble that paid dividends for Mourinho. Paul Pogba began to repay his enormous transfer fee with the opening goal in the final, and with his strike, Mkhitaryan showcased what he is all about.

When the ball broke to him from Chris Smalling’s header, with his back to goal Mkhitaryan showed great inventiveness and imagination to flick the ball goal wards with the outside of his boot. As the ball hit the net, the normally understated Mkhitaryan spun away in delight, joy etched across his face and arms outstretched. As if people didn’t know already, that goal made an emphatic statement.

There was an Armo in the building, the great Henrikh Mkhitaryan!

Rep. Ted Poe Calls for Continued Protests at Turkish Embassy, with Reps. Rohrabacher, Cicilline, Wagner, and Sherman Offering to Attend in Solidarity

WASHINGTON—On May 25, the House Foreign Affairs Committee unanimously adopted H.Res.354 condemning the May 16 attacks on peaceful protesters by Turkish President Erdogan’s bodyguards, “calling for the perpetrators to be brought to justice and measures to be taken to prevent similar incidents in the future.”  Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Ed Royce (R-Calif.) and Ranking Democrat Eliot Engel (D-N.Y.) were joined by House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) and Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) in spearheading the Congressional effort, likely to be voted on in the full House in early June.

On May 25, the House Foreign Affairs Committee unanimously adopted H.Res.354 condemning the May 16 attacks on peaceful protesters by Turkish President Erdogan’s bodyguards

“The House Foreign Affairs Committee’s unanimous adoption of H.Res.354 represents a powerful bipartisan condemnation of Turkish President Erdogan’s attempts to export this brand of brutality to the United States,” said Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) Executive Director Aram Hamparian. “He and the regimes before him have gotten away with a century of genocide and repression—from the Armenians, Greeks and Assyrian in 1915 to the Kurds and other minorities today—through international intimidation, threats and coverups, and now violence on the streets of our nation’s capital. Congress and the Trump Administration need to send a strong message that this stops now.”

The full text of the resolution is provided below.

Citing the details of the May 16th attacks by President Erdogan’s bodyguards on peaceful protesters, and noting that this is the third time similar incidents have occurred in the U.S., Chairman Royce noted “The rights of peaceful protest and free expression are fundamental values in any democracy. By passing this resolution we reaffirm our commitment to protect these rights against all who seek to suppress them.”

“I was shocked. The last thing we expect to see in the United States is a strong man’s thugs silencing peaceful protesters,” said Ranking Democrat Engel, who noted that he had been invited to a meeting at the Turkish Embassy during the time of the beating but had not gone. “If Turkish government officials are going to come to our country and try to stifle American democracy and freedom of speech, there must be consequences.”

Noting that “Turkey has been under a downward spiral under an aspiring dictator, Erdogan,” Texas Congressman Ted Poe (R) condemned the attacks. “We will have no foreign tyrant violating our sacred rights on American soil. Justice demands that he be held accountable and Turkey be held accountable,” said Rep. Poe, who then encouraged protesters to return to the Turkish Embassy and continue their protests, with several House Foreign Affairs Committee Members, including Rep. Poe, Rep. Dana Rohrabacher (R-Calif.), Rep. David Cicilline (D-R.I.), Rep. Brad Sherman (D-Calif.) and Rep. Anne Wagner (R-Mo.) all offering to join in solidarity.

Complete coverage of Congressional remarks will be available shortly.  Video of the hearing is available on the House Foreign Affairs Committee YouTube channel at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mxooewgudig

At 12 noon, Rep. Rohrabacher is leading the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Europe hearing on the May 16th Erdogan-ordered attacks where Hamparian will be offering testimony, along with Ms. Lusik Usoyan, Founder and President of the Ezidi Relief Fund and Mr. Murat Yusa, a local businessman and protest organizer.  Usoyan and Yusa were victims of the brutal assault on May 16 by President Erdogan’s bodyguards.

The hearing was webcast live at and can be watched below.

ANCA Executive Director Aram Hamparian was videotaping live at the scene of the May 16 attack, which took place in front of the Turkish Ambassador’s residence where President Erdogan was scheduled to have a closed-door meeting with representatives of The Atlantic Council, a leading think tank in Washington, D.C. which receives funding from Turkey. Hamparian’s video showed pro-Erdogan forces crossing a police line and beating peaceful protesters—elderly men and several women – who were on the ground bleeding during most of the attack.

Voice of America Turkish division, in their video coverage shot from the vantage point of the Turkish Ambassador’s house, reported that the attackers belonged to President Erdogan’s security detail and were responsible for escalating the violence.

Additional VOA Turkish video has now surfaced showing President Erdogan ordering his security detail to attack the protesters, then watching calmly as the beatings were carried out. Audio analysis carried out by the Daily Caller shows Erdogan’s bodyguards yelling “gel gel gel”—“come, come, come”—and “dalın diyor, dalın diyor, dalın diyor,”–“he says attack, he says attack, he says attack.”

The Washington Post has done a second-by-second analysis of the VOA Turkish videos and identified the Erdogan’s order of the attack, available here: http://wapo.st/2qCRjjD

The U.S. State Department called the Turkish Ambassador in for a discussion last week regarding the incident, officially expressing their dismay, calling the actions of President Erdogan’s body guards “unacceptable.”  President Trump has yet to comment on the matter.

In a highly incendiary move, on Monday, May 22nd, Turkey’s Foreign Ministry called in the U.S. Ambassador John Bass for a diplomatic discussion, accusing U.S. police and security personnel of “aggressive and unprofessional actions.”

The protest in front of the Turkish Ambassador’s residence was a continuation of a demonstration held earlier in the day in front of the White House, co-hosted by the ANCA. As President Trump met with President Erdogan. human rights and religious rights groups were joined by representatives of the Kurdish, Yezidi, and Armenian communities to call attention to the Erdogan regime’s escalating repression against free press, the Kurdish and other ethnic communities, as well as Turkey’s ongoing obstruction of justice for the Armenian Genocide.

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Text of Resolution H.Res.354

Condemning the violence against peaceful protesters outside the Turkish Ambassador’s residence on May 16, 2017, and calling for the perpetrators to be brought to justice and measures to be taken to prevent similar incidents in the future.

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Mr. ROYCE of California (for himself, Mr. ENGEL, Mr. MCCARTHY, and Mr. HOYER) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs

RESOLUTION

Condemning the violence against peaceful protesters outside the Turkish Ambassador’s residence on May 16, 2017, and calling for the perpetrators to be brought to justice and measures to be taken to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Whereas on May 16, 2017, President Donald J. Trump hosted President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey, a longstanding NATO ally, for an official meeting at the White House to discuss counter-terrorism cooperation and bilateral issues;

Whereas on the evening of May 16, 2017, over two dozen protesters gathered outside of the Turkish Ambassador’s residence in Washington, D.C., to demonstrate opposition to Turkish Government policies;

Whereas after hours of peaceful protest, violence erupted when pro-Erdogan supporters and individuals from the Turkish Embassy grounds pushed past District of Columbia police officers to brutally attack the demonstrators;

Whereas those Turkish officials blatantly suppressed the First Amendment rights of United States citizens, and multiple armed Turkish security officials beat, kicked, and choked unarmed demonstrators;

Whereas multiple video recordings of the violence and reports by the Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia and the Department of State confirm that the demonstrators did not instigate the violence;

Whereas at least 11 individuals were seriously injured in the ensuing brawl, with two individuals requiring immediate hospitalization;

Whereas two armed Turkish security officers attached to a security detail were detained at the scene for physically assaulting Federal agents;

Whereas those two Turkish security officers were later re- leased and subsequently allowed to leave the United States because they held Derived Head of State immunity;

Whereas the Department of State did not request that Turkey waive the immunity for these two security officers in order to fully investigate the assault prior to their being released from custody;

Whereas a joint criminal investigation into the incident is on- going with the combined efforts of the Washington Metropolitan Police Department, the United States Secret Service, and the Department of State Diplomatic Security Service;

Whereas at no point was President Erdogan in danger;

Whereas immunity for diplomatic personnel and certain other foreign officials is a core principle, as is the right to pro- test peacefully and freely in the United States;

Whereas this is the third instance of violence perpetrated by members of Turkish President Erdogan’s security detail in United States territory;

Whereas in 2011, a brawl erupted in the halls of the United Nations General Assembly between members of Turkish President Erdogan’s security detail and United Nations security officers, resulting in one United Nations security officer being hospitalized due to serious injuries;

Whereas in 2016, members of Turkish President Erdogan’s security detail engaged in unwarranted violence against journalists reporting on an event at the Brookings Institution;

Whereas Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said on May 21, 2017, that the violence outside the Turkish Embassy was ‘‘outrageous’’ and ‘‘simply unacceptable’’; and

Whereas the right to assembly, peaceful protest, and freedom of speech are essential and protected rights in the United States: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That it is the sense of the House of Representatives that—

(1) the rights to peacefully assemble and freely express one’s views are essential to the fabric of American democracy;

(2) the Turkish security forces acted in an un-professional and brutal manner, reflecting poorly on President Erdogan and the Government of Turkey;

(3) any Turkish security officials who directed, oversaw, or participated in efforts by Turkish security forces to illegally suppress peaceful protests on May 16, 2017, should be charged and prosecuted under United States law;

(4) the United States Secret Service and the Diplomatic Security Service of the Department of State should review this incident and confirm with the Turkish National Police the standards expected by visiting security details to prevent future violent incidents;

(5) the Department of State should immediately request the waiver of immunity of any Turkish security detail official engaged in assault in the United States prior to release of that individual from custody;

(6) the Department of State should conduct a review of its own security procedures to determine how to mitigate the likelihood of such an event in the future;

(7) the United States’ respect for free speech requires officials of the United States to speak out against such incidents; and

(8) the United States should take steps to strengthen freedoms for the press and civil society in countries such as Turkey, and combat efforts by foreign leaders to suppress free and peaceful protest in their own countries.

We saw the second Guardians of the Galaxy movie last weekend.  It provided another opportunity for my girlfriend to criticize my love for just about all things Marvel Comics.  Guilty!  Since my teen years I’ve loved Avengers, Conan, Daredevil, Captain America, Fantastic Four, Hulk, Iron Man, New Mutants, Thor, X-men, and oh-so-many others.

‘We should be contacting Stan Lee, the main driving force behind Marvel, to integrate Sasuntzi Davit, Kurkik Jalali, and Tur Kedzak into the Marvel multiverse.’

The critique was not just about my taste in “literature” but also conveyed concern and disapproval of what impact these movies have on people and society.  Here, my girlfriend agrees with Bill Maher when the latter criticizes these movies (and not just Marvel, but DC Comics based ones, too) for being repetitive and distracting viewers from the knowledge that they can address societal problems.

I suppose in some way, the argument is that these movies are not only “opiates of the masses” or “bread and circuses,” but also that they debilitate us because they create an expectation that (a) superhero(es) will appear to improve our lot and save us from the ills our societies confront.  I don’t hear the same critiques of the massive sports-industrial complex that sucks up huge sums of money, time, and attention from millions of people in the U.S. and billions worldwide.  Why?

They are just plain wrong!  Along with many others who criticize these movies, they just don’t get it.  Plus, they are missing what is, at least, the other side of the story if not the whole reality.

First, let’s get one thing straight.  We’re discussing movies, entertainment.  Though they can also serve other, higher (or more debased, even debauched) purposes.  Expending this much effort addressing them is itself ridiculous.  Here, it’s worth noting that those in the Armenian community who have been critical of The Promise fall into the same trap.  This might be more of an LA area phenomenon given the huge role the movie industry plays in the region, I’m not sure.  But so many people seem to think themselves experts on the acting, screenplay, special effects, and a host of other movie-making arcana that make my eyes glaze over.  Based on these, they come to conclusions about how “good” a movie is instead of just enjoying the story being told.

What I see in Marvel Comics’ characters, and even DC Comics’, is inspirational.  All those superheroes have dark, enlightened, frail, powerful, and other very human traits.  They are us.  The same applies to the villains who populate these comic books’ worlds.  Quite contrary to the criticism that watching these movies can create an expectation of/desire for a “savior” to come along, I think they trigger something in people which makes them realize that they can indeed be the “superheroes” of their societies.  Look at the “alter-egos” and origins of an overwhelming majority of the comic book characters.  They are frail humans (Thor- Don Blake the lame doctor; Iron Man- the guy kept alive by a machine because of heart damage; Superman, Batman, many of the X-men, and lots of others are effectively or really, orphans; many have suffered great losses).  What better way of saying to everyone? “These heroes are you!”

Let me present this in another way.  Why is it acceptable for the human condition, fantasy, titillation, mystery, or adventure to be experienced through William Shakespeare, Jules Verne, Harlequin Romance books, Agatha Christie, or Herman Melville, but not through comic book superheroes?

In fairness, the criticism about people seeking a messiah is not wholly misplaced.  But it is not a problem rooted in comic book movies, rather a much more generalized phenomenon.  The idea that top-down solutions exist is far too prevalent for my taste in Armenian circles.  The expectation that the Republic of Armenia’s governance can be fixed without incessant pressure from the people is utterly ridiculous and should be countered at every turn.  But that’s what movies like these do, to the extent that they have any socio-political impact.  They inspire people to pick up their Mjolnir (Thor’s hammer) or open their eyes to shoot out red force beams (like X-man Scott Summer/Cyclops) or use their magic (like Dr. Strange) or… etc. etc. to stop their tormentors and make things one step better.

We should be contacting Stan Lee, the main driving force behind Marvel, to integrate Sasuntzi Davit, Kurkik Jalali, and Tur Kedzak into the Marvel multiverse. (Hercules and many other myths and legends have already found their way there!)

ANC of South Carolina Leads the Effort to Memorialize the Genocide of Armenians, Greeks, and Assyrians in Myrtle Beach

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C.—The Myrtle Beach City Council of adopted a proclamation on May 2 signed by Mayor John T. Rhodes reaffirming the Armenian Genocide of 1915-1923. The proclamation, spearheaded by Council Member Randal Wallace, was timed to coincide with the remembrance day of the Greek Genocide observed every year on May 19.

Myrtle Beach Armenian-Americans with Mayor John T. Rhodes and Councilman Randal Wallace.

In the months leading up to the adoption of the proclamation, the Armenian National Committee (ANC) of South Carolina played an important role in educating the wider Myrtle Beach community and elected officials about the Armenian Genocide by organizing commemoration events, actively promoting the film The Promise, and holding meetings.

“We are thankful to our city elected officials—especially to Councilman Randal Wallace and Mayor John Rhodes—for their principled stance against crimes against humanity and human rights violations,” said ANC of South Carolina Chairman Aram Heboyan. “It is important for us to properly commemorate and remember all the innocent victims of this heinous crime if there is any hope in stopping the vicious cycle of genocide.”

Myrtle Beach City Councilman Randal Wallace said, “[I am] very proud to have been a part of this proclamation recognizing the Armenian Genocide.”

By way of background, on March 17, 1999, the South Carolina General Assembly adopted H.B. 3678 recognizing April 24, 1999, as “South Carolina day of remembrance of the Armenian Genocide of 1915-1923” so as to honor the memory of the one and one-half million people of Armenian ancestry who lost their lives during that terrible time and to honor the memory of the victims of genocide throughout the world.

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Full text of the proclamation is provided below:

102^nd Commemoration of the Armenian Genocide

WHEREAS, the Myrtle Beach community joins human rights advocates and historians from around the world to recognize and mourn the 1.5 million Armenians who perished in the first genocide of the twentieth century, from 1915 to 1923; and

WHEREAS, 2017 marks the 102^nd anniversary of the beginning of the Armenian Genocide, led by Turkish forces, which included the massacre of Armenians, Greeks, and Assyrians due to religious, political, and educational beliefs; and

WHEREAS, the genocide started April 24, 1915, when hundreds of Armenians and others were arrested in Constantinople, and continued for eight years with the horrific annihilation of innocent Armenian men, women and children, leaving fewer than one million survivors; and

WHEREAS, the Armenian culture is celebrated today as a historic reminder of the remarkable courage, resilience and perseverance of the human spirit, and we acknowledge the estimated 100 Armenian families in the Myrtle Beach area for their contributions to our community; and

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED that the Myrtle Beach City Council hereby recognizes the 102^nd Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide by honoring and remembering those who perished and reaffirms the importance of tolerance, justice and respect, lest hatred against lead to the suffering and destruction of mankind; and

BE IT FURTHER PROCLAIMED that we also recognize the Armenian American families in the Myrtle Beach community for their efforts to advance civil rights as champions of equality.

Signed and sealed this 23^rd day of May 2017.

[SIGNED]

John Rhodes, Mayor

[SIGNED]

Attest: Joan Grove, City Clerk

Ryan Welcomes Committee Passage of H.Res.354; Reps. Bilirakis & Ros-Lehtinen Lead Latest Congressional Rebuke of Erdogan-Ordered Beatings in Washington, D.C.

U.S. House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) called the May 16th brutal beatings of peaceful protesters by Turkish President Erdogan’s bodyguards ‘indefensible.’

WASHINGTON—U.S. House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) called the May 16th brutal beatings of peaceful protesters by Turkish President Erdogan’s bodyguards “indefensible,” praising the leadership of Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Ed Royce (R-Calif.) and Ranking Democrat Eliot Engel (D-N.Y.) in securing unanimous committee passage of H.Res.354 condemning this attack, reported the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA).

“The violent crackdown on peaceful protesters by Turkish security forces was completely indefensible, and the Erdogan government’s response was wholly inadequate,” said Speaker Ryan in a statement issued on May 25th. “Turkey is an important NATO ally, but its leaders must fully condemn and apologize for this brutal behavior against innocent civilians exercising their First Amendment rights. In the meantime, we stand fully committed to helping bring all those responsible to justice.”

Speaker Ryan’s comments come following two blistering Congressional events today – the first, the full House Foreign Affairs Committee markup of H.Res.354 and the second, the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Europe hearing on the May 16th violence—during which Members of Congress shared their outrage over Turkey’s efforts to trample on U.S. First Amendment rights of freedom of speech and assembly.

These Congressional meetings were accompanied by a second U.S. House sign-on letter on the attack this week, this latest one led by Congressional Hellenic Caucus Co-Chair Gus Bilirakis (R-Fla.) and House Foreign Affairs Committee senior member Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-Fla.) and signed by 38 of their colleagues.

“This is unacceptable in any situation, but even more so when Turkish leaders come and claim to be faithful allies to the United States,” read the Congressional letter, which called for the perpetrators to be sought out and brought to justice. “Turkish personnel based in the U.S. who were involved in the attacks should be declared persona non grata and expelled from the U.S. immediately. Turkish personnel not based in the United States who were involved in the attacks should be barred from entry into the U.S. in the future. Foreign nationals who cannot respect the rule of law of this great country should not be allowed to enjoy the rights and privileges it affords.”

The ANCA’s Aram Hamparian, who testified at the House Foreign Affairs Europe Subcommittee hearing on the topic earlier today, praised Speaker Ryan and the efforts of Representatives Bilirakis and Ros-Lehtinen and all Congressional leaders who have taken a strong stand condemning Turkey’s latest assault on protesters. “This is the now third time that Erdogan’s security forces have attacked Americans on U.S. soil,” said Hamparian. “This time – with viral video, robust social networking, major media attention, and a strong Congressional focus – we are pressing for concrete action – starting with the expulsion of the Turkish Ambassador, the lifting of diplomatic immunity, and action on each of the points in H.Res.354.”

Joining Representatives Bilirakis and Ros-Lehtinen in cosigning the Congressional letter were Representatives: Robert Aderholt (R-Ala.), Jim Banks (R-Ind.), Cheri Bustos (D-Ill.), Charlie Crist (D-Fla.), Judy Chu (D-Calif.), David Cicilline (D-R.I.), Joseph Crowley (D-N.Y.), Rodney Davis (R-Ill.), Ted Deutch (D-Fla.), Jeff Duncan (R-S.C.), Bill Foster (D-Ill.), Randy Hultgren (R-Ill.), Bill Johnson (R-Ohio), Robin Kelly (D-Ill.), Peter King (R-N.Y.), Adam Kinzinger (R-Ill.), Leonard Lance (D-Mass.), James McGovern (D-Mass.), Gregory Meeks (D-N.Y.), Frank Pallone (D-NJ), Ted Poe (R-Tex.), Mike Quigley (R-IL), Jamie Raskin (D-Md.), Lucille Roybal-Allard (D-Calif.), Bobby Rush (D-Ill.), John Sarbanes (D-Md.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.), Brad Schneider (D-Ill.), Carol Shea Porter (D-N.H.), Albio Sires (D-N.J.), Dina Titus (D-Nev.), Norma Torres (D-Calif.), Niki Tsongas (D-Mass.), Ann Wagner (R-Mo.), Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-N.J.), Ted Yoho (R-Fla.), Lee Zeldin (R-N.Y.).

The complete text of the letter is provided below.

ANCA Executive Director Aram Hamparian was videotaping live at the scene of the May 16th attack, which took place in front of the Turkish Ambassador’s residence where President Erdogan was scheduled to have a closed-door meeting with think tank leaders. Hamparian’s video showed pro-Erdogan forces crossing a police line and beating peaceful protesters – elderly men and several women – who were on the ground bleeding during most of the attack. Voice of America Turkish division, in their video coverage shot from the vantage point of the Turkish Ambassador’s house, showed President Erdogan ordering his security detail to attack the protesters, then watching calmly as the beatings were carried out.

The U.S. State Department called the Turkish Ambassador in for a discussion last week regarding the incident, officially expressing their dismay, calling the actions of President Erdogan’s body guards “unacceptable.” President Trump has yet to comment on the matter.

In a highly incendiary move, on Monday, May 22nd, Turkey’s Foreign Ministry called in the U.S. Ambassador John Bass for a diplomatic discussion, accusing U.S. police and security personnel of “aggressive and unprofessional actions.”

The protest in front of the Turkish Ambassador’s residence was a continuation of a demonstration held earlier in the day in front of the White House, co-hosted by the ANCA. As President Trump met with President Erdogan, human rights and religious rights groups were joined by representatives of the Kurdish, Yezidi and Armenian communities to call attention to the Erdogan regime’s escalating repression against free press, the Kurdish and other ethnic communities, as well as Turkey’s ongoing obstruction of justice for the Armenian Genocide.

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Text of Bilirakis – Ros-Lehtinen Congressional Letter to Attorney General Sessions and Secretary of State Tillerson

May 25, 2017

The Honorable Jeff Sessions
Attorney General
U.S. Department of Justice
950 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20530

The Honorable Rex W. Tillerson
Secretary of State
U.S. Department of State
2201 C Street NW
Washington, DC 20520

Dear Attorney General Sessions and Secretary Tillerson:

We write today to express our outrage over the remorseless acts of violence inflicted upon individuals exercising their Constitutionally-protected First Amendment right to free speech outside the Washington, D.C. residence of the Turkish Ambassador on Tuesday, May 16, 2017. Widely circulated video evidence shows and subsequent reports confirm that several members of Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan’s security detail physically assaulted multiple individuals leaving them bloodied and bruised with some having to be hospitalized due to the severity of their injuries.

This behavior is the second time in two years that Turkish security forces have threatened and assaulted U.S. citizens and legal residents on American soil. This is unacceptable in any situation, but even more so when Turkish leaders come and claim to be faithful allies to the United States. This clear disrespect for our laws and those who enforce them, especially during National Police Week, is intolerable.

The individuals involved in Tuesday’s attacks on Americans on U.S. soil must be identified and brought to justice. Turkish personnel based in the U.S. who were involved in the attacks should be declared persona non grata and expelled from the U.S. immediately. Turkish personnel not based in the United States who were involved in the attacks should be barred from entry into the U.S. in the future. Foreign nationals who cannot respect the rule of law of this great country should not be allowed to enjoy the rights and privileges it affords.

Allies do not threaten U.S. troops and allies do not attack U.S. citizens on American soil. We ask you to uphold law and order and demand accountability from the Erdogan government.

Thank you for your prompt attention to this important matter and look forward to your response.

Sincerely,

‘We’ve Reached a Moment of Reckoning. Not Simply About Erdogan, But Ourselves. We Know Who He Is. Now it’s Time for Him to Understand Who We Are,’ Explained Hamparian

WASHINGTON—Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) Executive Director Aram Hamparian offered powerful testimony before the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Europe on May 25, calling for a clear and decisive U.S. response to the May 16th brutal beatings of peaceful American protesters by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erodogan’s bodyguards.

Testifying before the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Europe: Lusik Usoyan, Founder and President of the Ezidi Relief Fund; Murat Yusa, a local businessman and protest organizer; Aram Hamparian, Executive Director of the Armenian National Committee of America; and Ms. Ruth Wedgwood, Edward B. Burling Professor of International Law and Diplomacy, at Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies.

Hamparian, whose live videotape footage from the attack was shown during the hearing, explained “What [Erdogan] ordered on the streets of our capital provides a small insight—a chilling insight—into the types of violence visited every day upon the citizens of Turkey, far from our city, away from our cameras. Those are the facts. That’s where we are.”

Hamparian continued asking, “This hearing, Mr. Chairman, is about foreign policy, to be sure, but – at a more fundamental level – it’s about our shared American commitment to our First Amendment and our freedoms. The question before us is: How will we respond to Ankara exporting its intolerance and violence to our shores, his unapologetic attempts to bully Americans, as he has his own citizens?
How will we answer his arrogance?”

Among the remedies suggested by Hamparian included:

• President Trump should break his silence and condemn this attack on peaceful protesters in our nation’s capital.
• The U.S. government – including our Department of Justice – should fully investigate and criminally prosecute the attackers, demanding that Turkey issue a blanket waiver of diplomatic immunity for all involved in this assault.
• The Administration should, as Senator McCain has recommended, exercise our right to immediately expel Turkey’s Ambassador from the United States – as both an expression of our outrage and a reaffirmation of our American devotion to freedom of expression.

Hamparian welcomed the full Committee’s unanimous adoption of H.Res.354, introduced by Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Ed Royce (R-Calif.) and Ranking Democrat Eliot Engel (D-N.Y.), with the support of House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) and Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer (D-Md.), condemning the attacks and “calling for the perpetrators to be brought to justice and measures to be taken to prevent similar incidents in the future.”

He also encouraged the adoption of H.Res.220 – a bipartisan measure seeking to apply the lessons of Turkey’s genocide against Armenians, Greeks, Assyrians, and other Christians in order to prevent future atrocities.

Hamparian’s complete written testimony is available below.

Also testifying at the hearing were Ms. Lusik Usoyan, Founder and President of the Ezidi Relief Fund; Mr. Murat Yusa, a local businessman and protest organizer; and Ms. Ruth Wedgwood, Edward B. Burling Professor of International Law and Diplomacy, at Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies. Usoyan and Yusa were victims of the brutal assault on May 16th by President Erdogan’s bodyguards.

“I believe that the individuals like Mr. Erdogan who systematically abuse his authority, by violating human right, pressing press, imprisoning second largest party’s [HDP] co-chairs and its members, committing war crimes, and strongly supporting a terrorist group like ISIS has no space in the White House of the United States of America,” explained Usoyan, who went on to outline the beating she received at the hands of pro-Erdogan henchmen. A Ezidi Kurd who grew up in Armenia, Usoyan cited Erdogan’s collusion with Azerbaijani dictator Ilham Aliyev as among reasons for the April, 2016, Azerbaijani attack against Armenia. A tearful Usoyan explained, “In the aftermath of the 4-day attack around 80 Armenian soldiers were killed and one Ezidi origin soldier was beheaded by Azeri solders. That soldier happens to be my cousin.”

Usoyan’s complete written testimony is available here:
http://docs.house.gov/meetings/FA/FA14/20170525/106048/HHRG-115-FA14-Wstate-UsoyanL-20170525.pdf

“As somebody that takes pride in the fundamental American values, it was hard for me to explain to my children why I was attacked, and why Erdogan’s goons were able to escape the U.S. without any justice,” Murat Musa told Members of Congress in his moving testimony. “To ensure justice is served is not for my benefit. It is for our children and the unpredictable future that lays ahead. To hold the perpetrators accountable for their unjustifiable and brutal attacks is not for my benefit. It is to reflect the values that is engraved in the hearts of all Americans.”

Musa’s complete written testimony is available here:
http://docs.house.gov/meetings/FA/FA14/20170525/106048/HHRG-115-FA14-Wstate-UsoyanL-20170525.pdf

Ruth Wedgwood called the attacks “a dreadful episode of violence in which protesters assembled at Sheridan Circle, in front of the residence of the Turkish ambassador, were subjected to gratuitous and outrageous beatings by persons who were apparently part of the security detail of President Erdogan. There is no excuse for this.”

Wedgwood, who has survived a terrorist attack in the past, sympathized with the victims of the Erdogan ordered beatings, stated that “to send a message now to Turkey, there needs to be fairly demonstrative, dramatic measures taken.” Describing President Erdogan as a “thug” and a “bully,” Wedgwood explained that “One can surmise that if he bullies individual people, he will bully the region. Would he be a reliable ally? No.”

Wedgwood’s complete written testimony is available here:
http://docs.house.gov/meetings/FA/FA14/20170525/106048/HHRG-115-FA14-Wstate-WedgwoodR-20170525.pdf

Complete coverage of Congressional reaction during the hearing will follow. The full video of the hearing is posted below.

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Aram Hamparian
Executive Director
Armenian National Committee of America
U.S. House of Representatives
Committee on Foreign Affairs
Subcommittee on Europe, Eurasia, and Emerging Threats
May 25, 2017

Violence Outside the Turkish Ambassador’s Residence:
The Right to Peaceful Protest

Thank you Chairman Rohrabacher and Ranking Member Meeks for this opportunity to testify about the May 16th attack by Turkish President Erdogan’s bodyguards against peaceful protesters outside the Turkish Ambassador’s residence.

I participated in this peaceful protest at Sheridan Circle and was witness to this brutal assault on Americans and American values.

I personally saw unprovoked attacks by President Erdogan’s bodyguards and others against civilians protesting the Turkish government’s policies. The Turkish President’s security detail was large, clearly well-trained, and extremely violent – kicking and punching protesters even after they had fallen to the ground defenseless and, in at least one case, unconscious. I did my best to help the injured and stayed with many of them later that evening while they were being cared for at the George Washington University Hospital’s emergency room.

Live footage that I filmed for the Armenian National Committee of America Facebook page served as source video for CNN, the Associated Press, and other major media outlets. Our viral video spread news of this incident around the world and, along with excellent video and reporting by the Voice of America and others, helped place a global spotlight upon the Erdogan regime’s increasingly violent efforts to suppress dissent, both at home and now, increasingly, abroad. Your leadership in educating your Congressional colleagues and the American public about this outrage is deeply appreciated.

At the time of the incident I felt certain that it was an orchestrated attack, launched on orders from above. Video evidence I have reviewed subsequent to the violence, including a frame-by-frame analysis by the Washington Post and an audio analysis by the Daily Caller, confirm my conviction that this attack was, in fact, launched at the direction of President Erdogan.

At the time, I offered live, on-the-scene comments. While rushed and shared in a stressful setting, my words then reflect my views today:

“This is the very type of intolerance that has come to predominate in Turkey, and it is now been exported here. I was here. I saw every bit of this. I saw a group of peaceful protestors in Sheridan Circle – there is grassy area across the street from Turkish Ambassadors residence – they were protesting, exercising their Constitutional right to speak their mind, to hold signs, to share their opinion, to express their views.”

“They were rushed from across the street by a group of—a pro Erdogan crowd—broke through the police lines, attacked just literally anybody within reach, with their fists and anything else they could get a hold of, and they beat as many people as they could, they left many bloodied, many have been taken to the hospital. This is exactly the type of violence you see in Ankara and they’re exporting it here. They’re exporting it here. I’m going to repeat myself: It’s one thing for the Turkish government to do that to its own citizens, and it’s a terrible thing. It’s another thing for us, as Americans, to see that exported to the United States, and it was exported to right here to the nation’s capital. Right here, blocks from the White House!”

The fact that Erdogan would act in such a brazen and brutal manner against Americans during a high-profile visit to Washington, D.C. offers a chilling insight into the depths of violence his forces visit every day upon those in Turkey who – far from the media spotlight – dare to dissent against his despotic rule.

Last Tuesday’s aggression by the Turkish government at Sheridan Circle is clearly part of an escalating and very troubling pattern. Having been allowed by U.S. Presidents – past and present – to enforce its gag-rule against honest U.S. remembrance of the Armenian Genocide, the Turkish government is now openly and unapologetically exporting its intolerance and violence to America.

Past incidents involving violence by President Erdogan’s bodyguards include a 2011 attack on a United Nations security detail and also a March 2016, assault on protesters and journalists outside the Brookings Institute here in Washington, D.C.. I took part in last year’s Brookings protest and witnessed first-hand the violence visited by President Erdogan’s security on people gathered, upon our internationally respected Embassy Row, to exercise their Constitutional rights.

President Erdogan is acting with remarkable arrogance and absolute disdain for our country, open disrespect for our police, and outright contempt for the principles that inspire and guide our democracy. The news that the Turkish Foreign Ministry has filed an official protest with U.S. Ambassador John Bass over the conduct of U.S. law enforcement offices is as outrageous as it is offensive.

By way of background, our protest in Sheridan Circle followed an early, larger demonstration held across the street from the White House in Lafayette Park. The ANCA co-hosted this protest, along with other civil society groups concerned about a broad array of Turkish violations of human rights, humanitarian standards, press freedoms, and international law.

Our Facebook event page was titled, “Protest Against The Erdogan Dictatorship,” and invited supporters to “Join supporters of human rights, religious liberty, and regional peace at a rally outside the White House (in Lafayette Park) during President Trump’s May 16th meeting with Turkish President Erdogan. Among the issues listed on this page were: Erdogan’s post-coup consolidation of authoritarian power; mass arrests of the HDP leadership; vast purge of his political opposition; arrest of record numbers of journalists; restrictions on religious freedom and worship; Wikipedia ban and social media crackdown; aggression against Kurds in Syria and Iraq; anti-American rhetoric and actions; continued military occupation of Cyprus; obstruction of justice for genocide of Armenians, Assyrians/Chaldeans/Syriacs and Greeks, and; illegal economic blockade of Armenia.

Among those protesting alongside human rights advocates, Armenians, Kurds, Greeks, and others at Lafayette Park was a religious freedom group seeking Turkey’s release of Pastor Andrew Brunson, a U.S. citizen from North Carolina who, after leading a Christian ministry in Izmir for more than two decades, has, since Oct. of 2016, been unjustly imprisoned in Turkey on trumped up charges.

Mr. Chairman and Ranking Member, I very much appreciate the opportunity to share my testimony with you today and look forward to answering any questions.

STEPANAKERT, Artsakh (A.W.)—Armenian serviceman (b.1996) Armen Harutyunyan of the Artsakh Defense Forces was killed by Azerbaijani fire on May 26.

According to a statement released by the Artsakh Defense Ministry, Harutyunyan was killed at a military unit in the northern direction of the Artsakh-Azerbaijan Line of Contact (LoC), and that an investigation has been launched to find out the details of the incident.

The Armenian Defense Ministry’s statement also offered condolences to the friends and family of the killed soldier.

Reassessing Strategic Priorities and Examining Homenetmen’s Role on the Brink of the Next Centenary

Often times we talk about the fact that we need a more conscious society, one that better values the importance of pan-Armenian priorities. If we ask ourselves how can we strengthen as a nation and a state, alongside a more demanding stance towards national priorities, we ought to mold and prepare more committed Armenian people. For a successful outcome of such a goal, we need several premises, most important of which include an adjustment in the implementation of national strategic plans, leadership succession planning and reinvigoration of the ranks and members of our institutions and organizations. And that requires a change in our collective thinking and action plans; it also requires a qualitative change in the educational standards of our youth, particularly those in the 6-18 age bracket.

Homenetmen Scouts at the Armenian Embassy in Washington, D.C. (Photo: Scout Tufankjian)

Those of us, who live in the diaspora and belong to the baby boomer generation and generation X, should feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to be instructed by the finest Armenian educators and to have reaped the benefits of their mind and spirit. If our parents and schools were responsible for instilling within us the values of the Armenian language and identity, then it is the national educators within the triad of the party/association/organization and the church, who drove us to rise above our individual selves and realize the advantage of collective power, to embody the feeling of being a proud Armenian, and to strengthen the image of a committed Armenian.

Today’s Armenian reality differs. Challenges present themselves as more ominous and pressing, and today’s youth, millennials and generation Y, do not have the same fortune and opportunity of getting their education by such quality mentors as in the past. Therefore, in order for Armenian nation priorities to have a productive outcome, modern challenges require a reformed pan-Armenian strategy, at the very least in the organizational and educational spheres, within which Homenetmen also operates.

Amenian national goals and activity spheres

Our national imperative is first and foremost the strengthening of the Republic of Armenia, and, second, the strengthening of the diaspora. Our pan-national goals include the strengthening of Armenia and Artsakh, the pursuit of justice for the Armenian Cause, and the preservation of our national identity worldwide. Activities in pursuit of these goals fall within different spheres, including the religious, political-diplomatic-public relations, economic, organizational, and educational. The political-diplomatic sphere has been entrusted to the Armenian government, political parties, and the Armenian National Committee (ANC). Economic activities are the responsibilities of many, be it organizations and/or individuals. The organizational field is comprised of religious-spiritual, academic-educational, youth-oriented, athletic, cultural, public assistance, and charitable realms that complement each other. Different organizations and associations, as well as individuals, all have their scope of work.

The different complementary structures of the organizational sphere

Today, our national imperative is to create an improved political and social reality. The state, church, political parties, different organizations and institutions as well as individuals, all have their scope of work in the pursuit of that goal. The reality is that within the present imperative the importance and scope of scholastic and educational sphere is not fully appreciated and the potential of extracurricular education offered outside of Armenian schools has not yet been appraised.

For the above reasons and because of such social and political imperatives, an organization such as Homenetmen with the “athletic” label is deemed of secondary national importance. However, the truth is that Homenetmen does not serve any autonomous goals, rather it is driven by the same imperatives as that of the Armenian nation, namely the strengthening of the Armenian nation. Its philosophy is based on the same pan Armenian principles, and its activity scope falls under the organizational-educational sphere. Homenetmen is aware of its educational responsibilities and is highly aware of the importance of the academic-educational sphere. It is to be stressed that within the realm of academia-education, the role and effect of Armenian schools is unparalleled, yet the importance of Armenian education outside of the Armenian school through non scholastic extracurricular activities has yet to receive special emphasis and herein lies the role of Homenetmen.

What is then the real benefit of Homenetmen within the context of pan-Armenian objectives and from the perspective of community interests?

Let us start by clarifying what Homenetmen does in the homeland, the Republic of Armenia. As a nation, we face a number of points of contention, one of which is the diaspora-Armenia debate, namely to prioritize strengthening the Republic of Armenia or the diaspora? In this aspect, Homenetmen remains above this contention. As an organization, Homenetmen focuses on a pan-Armenian strategy. The organization’s activities pertaining to Armenia are not limited to visits to the homeland or financial contributions. As a structure, Homenetmen has had a presence in Armenia for 25 years with a membership comprised exclusively of young citizens of Armenia. Its mission in the Republic of Armenia is to create model citizens who believe in social justice and contribute to the country’s development.

Over the years, several thousands of young members have been part of the ranks of Homenetmen-HASK (National Scout Movement of Armenia) and endorsed the scouting and Homenetmen slogan and motto. By doing so, Homenetmen has been contributing to the preparation of a new generation of Armenians inhabiting Armenia, who are pure in character, are confident and engaged citizens, and who believe in the principles of social justice and elevating others alongside them. Unlike others, Homenetmen’s activities in Armenia are not limited to mere expressions or occasional homeland visits, rather as citizens, through an everyday presence in the country and the process of continuance. In this context, Homenetmen also remains above the second point of contention related to the diaspora-Armenia debate, which is that living in the diaspora is only temporary, that it is not enough just to be a good Armenian, rather, repatriation and standing in solidarity with the homeland is the true objective. Well, Homenetmen has already repatriated, protects its homeland, and believes in the unity of our nation. This significant fact has not been valued enough or exercised in our national strategy.

The scope of Homenetmen’s activities

Alongside its work in Armenia, Homenetmen also has a long history of 99 years of action and activity in the diaspora. Today, while Homenetmen serves a respectable percentage of the Armenian population, yet it is only utilized minimally as a national structure. It is the largest or one of the largest Armenian organizations worldwide with over 26,000 members and 107 chapters that have a presence in over 25 countries. In the Western United States, it has 6,500 members and close to 5,000 of those members are under the age of 25.

Homenetmen receives respect; however, if the issue is examined through a national-strategic point of view, it is incomprehensible that its value is often described primarily as a means of instilling national pride. For example, it boasts national pride through athletic victories in Lebanon, and in community life thru the participation of scouts and marching bands show of force, during sports festivals and national-political, religious and cultural events.   While such participation during national events is expected and commended by all, the question is whether Homenetmen’s strength and its potential as a collective structure is being sufficiently maximized, when it is limited to only participatory roles?

There is a system and strategy in place for leading the diaspora and diasporan communities. The ultimate goal of this strategy is strengthening the diaspora and consists, first, of preserving the Armenian identity in the diaspora and, second, awakening political consciousness among all generations. To achieve the latter implies maximizing the number of Armenians especially the youth with a sense of commitment, while at the same time connecting them to Armenian national life and objectives. The question is how is it possible to develop political consciousness, especially among the young masses, not only quantitatively but also qualitatively.

Day by day, newly formed structures run parallel to the above-mentioned system, usually with more narrow goals. Homenetmen acknowledges the value of all these structures, yet as an organization believes in the collective purpose and as a structure remains part of and aligned with the above-mentioned national system.

Having said so, one can pose the question:  how many young Armenians above the age of 20 can the system mobilize, especially those who have been distant from an Armenian-filled atmosphere until then?

At the present time, for a considerable number of young Armenians, the national agenda is not the focus of everyday life. We must admit that, the “Armenianness” is hardly progressing, and if so only partially, throughout Europe, America, and even the Middle East. The network of home-school-church-community center that was the core of Armenian life in the past is becoming stagnant. According to well-known sources, excluding the Middle East, the entire number of students who attend Armenian schools does not surpass the 10,000 mark. In California, there are about 5,000 students, who attend Armenian schools, and over 50,000 who attend non-Armenian schools. Those statistics bring into light another national debate: Is it only through the instruction and teachings of the Armenian language that Armenian national identity is formed?

As a pan-Armenian organization, Homenetmen cannot remain passive in this debate, especially that as an organization its current programs and inherent potential are geared for collective national goals. More than any other organization, Homenetmen serves to provide Armenian education in the extracurricular field, namely outside of the school environment. Through the appeal of its structure, Homenetmen bears membership from Armenian youth attending both Armenian and non-Armenian schools. Currently, 60-65% of its members age 25 and under do not attend Armenian schools. As such, nearly 8,000 Armenian youth are exposed to the Armenian identity through Homenetmen. Which other organization can come close to matching these figures? While the vital role of Homenetmen in this aspect may not have been made clear, it is a reality nevertheless and a significant one.

In such a context, what is then the role of Homenetmen? In the Western diaspora, Homenetmen strives to maintain a balance between the Armenian upbringing and the host country environment and realities, all the while developing the model 21st century diasporan and citizen, who is proud of their native country and even more proud of its sense of belongingness to the Armenian nation. In the pursuit of this duality, the efforts to transform a neutral individual into becoming a committed Armenian, is a conscious strategy for Homenetmen. It is worth repeating that throughout everyday life in the diaspora, Homenetmen not only gives way to Armenian patriotism, spirit and culture, but strives to prepare exemplary Armenian youth from the ages of 6-18, whose connection and ties to the Armenian identity is done with conviction and through voluntary commitment. In this manner, Homenetmen prepares a future generation of active youth over the age 20, who have passed through the ranks of the organization, and are gifted with education in political awareness.

It is especially because of the above, that alongside the political, religious, and economic spheres, the organizational-educational realm in our national strategy must receive additional esteem and become more prioritized. The reality is that our institutions’ current strategic domain, where Armenian schools, Hamazkayin, the Armenian Relief Society (ARS), Homenetmen, youth groups, Hai Tahd, and others act separately, will no longer yield the same successful outcomes as in the past or achieve the ideal outcome. Quantitatively, membership numbers in numerous institutions have decreased and all have seen a considerable decline in quality and manpower. While the role of Armenian schools in the educational field is unrivaled, the decrease in student enrollment causes a further demand for quality Armenian education and upbringing through extracurricular activities, outside of the school structure. Herein lies the role of Homenetmen, its scope of work and hidden potential, that must be more substantial than it is at the present time.

There remains an unutilized strategic opportunity, which demands to be further examined and carried out to its fullest potential. Since Homenetmen bears strength in its numbers, perhaps by finding more innovative approaches, working alongside organizations with similar aims, and expanding its scope of work and activities, Homenetmen can be utilized to fulfill aims and objectives, which were not considered as part of the organization’s field of work in the past. We must move past our structural limitations and explore versatile options for collective efforts between church-Homenetmen, Homenetmen-ARS-Hamazkayin, and other institutions, a process through which athletics and scouting can serve an even larger base of 6-18-year-old youth through extracurricular education, where emphasis can be placed on quality education, and national identity can be shaped through a more disciplined approach. The strategic aim would be to produce the archetype of the 21st century diasporan and citizen, who is proud of his/her native country yet feels a complete and committed sense of Armenian belongingness. The organization’s mission of preparing committed and dedicated Armenians out of the 6-18-year-old age group of Armenian youth and adolescents who are entrusted to Homenetmen would persist and thereby create a future generation of active youth with political awareness.

A paradigm shift is necessary to turn the attention of youth and adolescents to national issues and prepare a generation, which is responsible and conscientious. Homenetmen embodies talent, merit, and strength through its ranks. Similar to other organizations, it is also on the brink of a generational change. The present pan-Armenian strategy does not need to be changed in order to mark new achievements, nor do the goals or bylaws of our organizations necessitate any change. The only change that is necessary is in process and it involves re-examining our strategic policies and current method of operations in favor of more versatile approaches and activities.

Soon, Homenetmen will enter its second centenary and if the significance of offering a quality Armenian education and upbringing through non-scholastic extracurricular activities is to be further valued, then Homenetmen must expand on its scope of work. For a successful outcome regarding the above described wider objectives, new tactics and a stronger determination should be procured by the governing national system, and additional manpower should be allocated to Homenetmen.

In the near future, we need to clarify the action plans and execution details required to successfully implement such a plan.
This article was first published in our sister publication Hairenik Weekly in Armenian.

It hardly needs to be said that Varak Kaloustian is already accomplishing his lifelong dream of becoming a writer. The ambitious teen author published his first book, The Legend of V: The Solar System’s Prophesies, in 2015. The sequel to this thrilling science fiction series, The Legend of V, Book 2: Triangle Corruption, was recently published and ready to be presented to readers of all ages.

Varak Kaloustian

Kaloustian will host a book signing on June 3 from 1-3 p.m. at Barnes and Noble Booksellers – Bookstar in Studio City, Calif.

What first began as a school assignment became a childhood hobby of making little comic books, evolving into the creation of The Legend of V. The book’s main character, V, is Kaloustian himself. He paints V’s life as a journey to self-discovery whilst exploring the universe.

Asbarez spoke to Kaloustian about his journey into publishing his second novel. “It was certainly more planned than my first novel’s publishing, so it went by much smoother,” he said. “The actual writing was very easy, not only because I knew exactly what I wanted to write, but I also had special motivation to write this book. See, I wrote most of my second book in my sophomore year of high school, easily my worst year of high school thus far. The hatred and anger that I was forced to internalize helped me easily convey my messages in Book 2.”

Kaloustian not only writes, but is also in his junior year of high school and juggles many extracurricular activities. He has a YouTube channel on trading card games and enjoys playing video games, basketball, listening to music, and hanging out with friends. Kaloustian said he is able to balance it all with the backbone of his trustworthy team in addition to being homeschooled. “I only have half the amount of school as the average person does,” he said, adding that “In some ways, I run a business, but my team is made up entirely of volunteers (because I can’t pay them!). Those volunteers are my two loving parents, extended family, including grandparents and cousins, and my dearest and closest friends.”

The 17-year-old said he has two main goals in life: “Firstly, I want to be able to write as my full-time job. This is very difficult to accomplish for anyone, but because I’m starting my writing career at such an early stage in my life, it may be possible. Secondly, I aspire to change the world. I want to leave a lasting impact on people’s lives somehow, whether it is through writing, my other hobbies like basketball and YouTube video making, or just my day-to-day life.”

Kaloustian encourages everyone, especially youth, to be themselves. “Whatever being you entails, be it,” he says. “It will lead to the best version of you possible. Are you athletic? Are you a smart guy or gal? Are you artsy? Do you like to go to the park on Sundays? Do you like to sit home and play video games? Do you like to hang out with your friends? These questions go on indefinitely, but they essentially all ask the same thing: who are you? Whenever you look in the mirror, who and what do you see? Pursue all of the keen interests that you have with all of your heart, mind, body, and soul. Also, don’t worry so much about the future. Don’t let who you are become affected by who you want to be because how can you define a future for yourself if you can’t even define who you are?”

Below is a teaser of the Kaloustian’s recent book, The Legend of V, Book 2: Triangle Corruption:

V, the 13-year-old chosen one, has returned from his quest to quell the Unbound Evil. Now, with his newfound alien ally, Vizor, V must venture out to Hell and find Vizor’s home planet, Treah, so they can locate the Shadow Prophecies before the Devil and Vizor’s father harness their power to destroy the Earth. On this journey, V will be confronted by the most evil opponent he’s faced yet: himself!

Lori Boghigian is the assistant editor of our sister publication Asbarez, where this article was first published on May 25. 

Genocide survivor Ida Evranian-Cecchini (Rahanian), age 96 of Grand Haven, Mich. passed away Saturday April 1.  Ida was born Jan. 1, 1921 in Armenia, to war hero Koran Rahanian.

Ida Evranian-Cecchini (Rahanian)

As a baby, Ida was concealed in a saddle bag as the family fled by night to escape persecution.  They took passage from Liverpool to the U.S. via Providence, R.I.  The family then settled in Detroit, where they attended St. Sarkis Armenian Church.

Following graduation from Southwestern High School, Ida married Emanuel Manoog Evranian.  Manoog passed in 1974 and she would later re-marry to Daniel Cecchini who also preceded her in death, in 1985.

She had a love for hats, sewing, baking Armenian pastries, and helping others in need.

Ida spoke, read, and wrote fluent Armenian.  She was an active contributor to the Delray Armenian community as well as a member of the Eastern Star Masonic Organization .

During World War II, Ida did her part and was among those called “Rosie the Riveter” at Ford Motor Company’s Willow Run plant.

Her sister Rose Rahanian Balogh and brother Peter Rahanian preceded Ida in death.  Ida will be deeply missed by her family; including daughter Vicki Evranian Reis of Grand Haven, MI; son Charles Evranian of Columbus, OH; 4 Grandchildren, 2 Great-Grandchildren; nieces and nephews.

This strong matriarch was much loved.  A memorial service and internment of ashes will take place on Aug. 12, at 12:30 p.m. at Woodmere Cemetery in Detroit; where Ida will lay next to Emanuel Manoog Evranian.

From the Armenian Weekly 2017 Magazine Dedicated to the 102nd Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide

As we have seen time and again, genocide is often a crime that involves widespread participation and victimizes whole communities. In light of a greater understanding of the conditions that lead to mass atrocities and genocide, the international community increasingly presses to collectively adopt preventative measures or employ means to stop the crime of genocide in its tracks. Although the globalized world we live in allows us to exchange information at an unforeseen rate, and we are today summoned as witness to crimes internationally—not necessarily though physical presence but by a digitized proximity (social media)—billions become mere spectators to violence.

‘The international community has yet to achieve justice for the Armenian Genocide. The perpetrator state, Turkey, has unjustly profited from this crime, while the victim group continues to suffer its consequences.’ (Photo: Darwinek)

We watch with a sense of manufactured helplessness, as genocidaires, one emboldened by the other, employ the all too familiar practices of the past, at times in new and more sophisticated ways, to destroy. Nation states continue to fail to intervene, and thus we then witness the transgenerational consequences of genocide.

The failure to intervene is not the international community’s sole challenge, unfortunately; we have failed to establish justice in the face of genocide as well. Establishing justice in post-genocide societies is a requirement to move toward a much-needed social transformation. This transformation is the process through which societies learn from the mistakes of the recent past. Identifying the conditions that had led to the violence, learning to rise above the false ideas about the other, learning lessons of equality, equity, and universal human rights are all ways to prevent future cases of violence. Social transformation is only initiated through justice, which establishes truth in the perpetrator state surrounding the events, acknowledging the acts of violence, and apologizing and providing reparations to victims.

The aggressive state-sponsored denial of the Armenian Genocide continues to make it a unique case. The century-old absence of post-genocidal justice, along with a manufactured and imposed transgenerational amnesia on the issues, has led Turkey to circle back to the very acts of rights abuses that foster an atmosphere of hatred and justification of violence against minorities.

As outlined in a 2015 report by the Armenian Genocide Reparations Study Group—comprised of leading scholars of international law and genocide—justice has several components: responsibility, recognition, reparations, reconstitution, and rehabilitation.

The international community has yet to achieve justice for the Armenian Genocide. The perpetrator state, Turkey, has unjustly profited from this crime, while the victim group continues to suffer its consequences. The private, cultural, and religious properties belonging to Armenians remain confiscated. The Armenian Diaspora, a by-product of the genocide, struggles to preserve language and identity in the four corners of the world. In a world where laws and authority are meant to protect the vulnerable, Armenians are consistently left to defend themselves. Hate speech in the form of genocide denial, inflicted against Armenian communities around the globe, continues to be condoned, victimizing generation upon generation of Armenians and fueling the cycle of genocide.

The Republic of Armenia and its people continue to live uncertain times. The republic covers only one-tenth of the historic Armenian homeland. It continues to suffer the consequences of the Armenian Genocide economically, politically, and socially. Despite being blockaded by hostile neighbors who still vow to complete what was started a century ago, Armenia strives to flourish and strengthen against all odds.
But justice—with its components of responsibility, recognition, reparations, reconstitution, and rehabilitation—remains fragmented. The Turkish government continues to deny the Armenian Genocide at home and abroad with the greatest impunity. Emboldened by international inaction, it has become coercive and reckless. Turkey continues to bully academics and journalists who challenge its actions and policies through the use of defamation, threats, and imprisonment. The Turkish government has been providing ISIS with strategic, financial, and military support to combat Kurds and to destroy Armenian communities in Syria.

State-sponsored and -sanctioned discrimination and intolerance towards minorities—which are institutionalized in the legal and educational frameworks of Turkey—continue to play their role in inciting hatred and violence against Armenians. The real threat of physical destruction continues to show its face, the gravest example of which was seen between April 1 and 5, 2016. During this time, Azerbaijan, with the full support and encouragement of the Turkish Republic, carried out its most violent ceasefire violation against the people of the Nagorno-Karabagh Republic (NKR/Artsakh) to date. The international community once again witnessed the consequences of crimes gone unpunished: mutilations, beheading, destruction of civilian life and properties, and torture. With an unwillingness to single out the aggressor, the international community is fiddling with the safety and security of the people of Armenia and Karabagh.

Countries who have recognized the Armenian Genocide must now become advocates for the just resolution of the Armenian Genocide. We must acknowledge that it is only through pressuring Turkey to face the truth that we can encourage much-needed social transformation in that country.

The Turkish government insists that statements in support of genocide recognition are divisive and counterproductive. We have witnessed the contrary: These calls have strengthened the will of brave Turkish citizens and civil society groups that are demanding Turkish recognition of the Armenian Genocide.

Applied to the case of the Armenian Genocide and according to the Armenian Genocide Reparations Study Group, these five Rs materialize as follows:

• The Turkish government’s responsibility must be restored as it was clearly established through international treaties and military tribunals after World War I.
• The Turkish government “must fully admit all aspects of the genocide and its ethical wrongness through sincere apology, ensure meaningful knowledge and engagement with the history among its population, and promote substantial awareness of it globally.”
• It “must return all [available] expropriated … property [and land belonging to Armenia, Armenians and the Armenian communities and] compensate victims … for (a) death and suffering of persons, (b) material expropriations that cannot be directly rectified … (c) slave labor, and (d) loss of cultural, religious, and educational institutions and opportunities.”
• It “must create conditions and take actions designed to support the reconstitution and long-term viability of the Armenian people.”
• It “must initiate a rehabilitative process to root out all elements of genocidal ideology and propaganda, in order to transform the society’s attitudes toward the victim group.”

These are the conditions for a just resolution of the Armenian Genocide. Nothing less. These conditions are what will allow neighbors to co-exist peacefully. These are the conditions that will ensure Turkey respects the human rights of its citizens and ends its assault on those who should be championed as heroes. These are the conditions that will restore the Armenian borders and safeguard Armenian heritage and identity. These are the conditions that will prevent the kind of aggression we continue to witness in Artsakh.

Most importantly, these are the conditions that will finally respect and fully honor the memory of the one-and-a-half million Armenians who were brutally murdered. These are the conditions that will also finally honor those who survived. Armenian Genocide survivors—the symbols of resilience, rebirth, and endurance—not only lived with the haunting memory of the past, but lived in a world that allowed the perpetrator to deny their pain and inflict more uncontested violence.
True justice through the five Rs is also honoring the legacy of all those who were ready to give their lives for this cause more than 100 years ago.
The role of education in achieving justice for the Armenian Genocide is a strictly important one. Although with challenges, employing education on this topic outside of Turkey has become far less difficult as efforts to expose the harms of Turkish state denial have become widely understood. The greatest challenge is establishing education on the Armenian Genocide within the Turkish borders. With a deliberate, deep-rooted, transgenerational amnesia and denial of the Armenian Genocide within Turkish society and a legal system that vows to vilify those who dare challenge the government discourse, attempts at educating are deadly.

Within Turkey, a great deal of effort is employed by certain human rights groups, academics, and activists to challenge Turkish government denial, but at great costs. One example is an umbrella group of Turkish human rights organizations, working under the name “100th Year – Stop Denialism,” which has called for Turkey to apologize and make compensation for the genocide in 2015. Collective commemoration and calls for justice support the rights and desires of these agents of change who, despite threats of legal consequences, embody the righteous Turks of the genocide era—memories of whom have been drowned in state denial, while the perpetrators have been lionized.

These heroic upstanders, the torchbearers of the forgotten righteous of 1915, are today villains in Turkey. To describe how and why this intended Turkish amnesia and denial set in, Turkish historian Taner Akçam associates it with the formation of the Turkish national identity, which he states played a role first in the decision to execute genocide and subsequently in the effort to erase the memory of it.

“I would characterize amnesia as a social disease in Turkey,” Akçam states. “A discussion of the Armenian Genocide could reveal that this Turkish state was not a result of war fought against the Imperial Powers, but, on the contrary, a product of the war against the Greek and Armenian minorities. It could show that a significant part of the National Forces consisted either of murderers who directly participated in the Armenian Genocide or of thieves who had become rich by plundering Armenian possessions.”

Hülya Adak, associate professor of comparative literature at Sabancı University and guest professor of genocide studies at University of Potsdam, has written about the challenges of teaching the Armenian Genocide in Turkey in an interesting article titled, “Teaching the Armenian Genocide in Turkey: Curriculum, Methods and Sources.” Here, Adak insists on the importance of teaching students to approach Turkish national historiography critically. More importantly, she has worked on bringing back Armenian voices to the teaching of the subject through memoires of survivors, but also ensuring access to literature that examines the genocide in such a way that students identify the names and roles of perpetrators and actors. The latter is necessary in helping students in Turkey understand that there not only was a systematic and planned destruction of the Armenians, but there was individual and state responsibility—and thus the need for justice.

In 2014, Taner Akçam conducted a thorough assessment of Turkish elementary and middle school textbooks in Turkey to give insight on what Turkish students were learning about the Armenian Genocide. He states how “the textbooks characterize Armenians as people ‘who are incited by foreigners, who aim to break apart the state and the country, and who murdered Turks and Muslims.’ Meanwhile, the Armenian Genocide…is described as a lie perpetrated in order to meet these goals, and is defined as the biggest threat to Turkish national security.”

It is no surprise, then, when Adak, in her piece, states how most students “came to college either not knowing anything about the Armenian genocide or denying it altogether. Denial of the Armenian genocide is still pervasive in Turkey; 1915 is identified in history textbooks as the year of the Battle of Gallipoli, the most important Ottoman victory against the British and French naval forces during World War I. For most of the twentieth century and up until 2005, when the seminal Ottoman Armenians Conference opened a public discussion of the topic, silence regarding the deportation and genocide of the Ottoman Armenians prevailed.”

With such Turkish state control on education and meticulously crafted denial and hate weaved into student textbooks, Turkey, through its foreign embassies and affiliates, works diligently to apply this form of hate speech to curricula abroad.

I have discussed Turkey’s continued attempts to impose genocide denial on curricula in one city—Toronto, Canada—in detail in my chapter “Benefits and Challenges of Genocide Education: A Case Study of the Armenian Genocide” in the book Understanding Atrocities: Remembering, Representing and Teaching Genocide.

On July 13, 2005, the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) put forward a motion that sparked the development of the Grade 11 “Genocide and Crimes against Humanity” course and, on Dec. 14, 2005, it decided to integrate the Armenian Genocide into the high school-level history curriculum. Once the inclusion of the Armenian Genocide was clear and after the writing of the course had been completed in 2007, the government of Turkey began its usual offensive.

On Aug. 27, 2008, Ottawa’s Embassy Magazine reported on the issue in an article titled, “Turkey Decries Toronto School Board Genocide Course.” The author, Michelle Collins, reported that the Turkish Embassy had begun lobbying against the course together with the Council of Turkish Canadians (CTC).

Although more than eight years have passed since the introduction of this important course, efforts to alter the curriculum continue to this day.

As Turkey descends into a dictatorship with the most recent referendum, we will unfortunately see a consistent rise of Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s use of his increased executive powers to escalate his assault on freedom of speech. Tens of thousands have already been victimized since the attempted coup of 2016; thousands more await the same fate.

The shamefulness of the international community’s decades of appeasement towards Turkish government brutality and abuses in the name of a NATO alliance is now becoming ever more indisputable. The Armenian Genocide and its byproducts form the very foundations of the Turkish Republic and the dangerous state it is currently in. Countries who have aided in silencing Turkey’s genocidal past must now join their voices with the persecuted advocates for justice and reparations in Turkey and become agents of change. It is never too late. Pressure to establish justice for the Armenian Genocide with all its components—responsibility, recognition, reparations, reconstitution, and rehabilitation—must be the starting point when addressing Turkey and its dictatorship today. If we cannot address the past, draw lessons, and start with respecting the rights of past persons, we cannot ensure the rights of persons in the future.

LOS ANGELES, Calif.—The Center for World Languages at the University of California, Los Angeles is offering special language classes for high school students who speak, understand, and/or hear Armenian, Korean, Persian, or Russian at home and want to learn to read, write, and expand their listening and speaking skills. The classes will be held July 10–August 3, Monday –Thursday, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. The enrollment fee is $200 and students may earn up to one year of high school foreign language credit.

The Center for World Languages at the University of California, Los Angeles is offering special language classes for high school students who speak, understand, and/or hear Armenian, Korean, Persian, or Russian at home and want to learn to read, write, and expand their listening and speaking skills.

The language classes are specifically designed for heritage language students. This typically means that the student heard the language at home throughout their childhood, but was educated primarily in English. The program uses the most up-to-date pedagogical methods in curriculum design, instructional approach, and assessment. The courses are thematically designed and project based, offering a fun and challenging opportunity to study the home language and meet other heritage speakers from the greater Los Angeles area.

The courses are taught on the UCLA campus by UCLA instructors or graduate students. Students will get an opportunity to develop their heritage language proficiency in a 4-week course while being immersed in a real life college environment at such a prestigious university. The program also arranges for a college admissions counselor to come and give an in-depth presentation on what it takes to get into UCLA.

Enrollment is now open at http://www.hslanguages.ucla.edu/hslanguages. Contact the Center for World Languages with any questions at (310) 825-2510 or hslanguages@international.ucla.edu.

On the occasion of the 99th anniversary of the establishment of the First Republic of Armenia (1918-1920), the Armenian Weekly is pleased to announce that it will be periodically publishing the English translation of Andranik Tzarukian’s epic 1945 poem “Tught ar Yerevan” (“Letter to Yerevan”).

The Armenian Weekly is pleased to announce that it will be periodically publishing the English translation of Andranik Tsarukian’s epic 1945 poem ‘Tught ar Yerevan’

The translation, which will be published in parts and culminate on the Centennial of the First Republic of Armenia, is a collaborative effort between the editor of the Armenian Weekly Rupen Janbazian and former editor of the Armenian Review and former director of the ARF and First Republic of Armenia Archives Tatul Sonentz-Papazian.

***

In 1944, Soviet Armenian writer Gevorg Abov wrote a poem entitled, “Menk Chenk Moratsel” («Մենք չենք մոռացել» – “We Have Not Forgotten”). In his poem, he criticized the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF) and its entire membership for being traitors of the Armenian nation and its people. He particularly critical of the First Republic of Armenia (1918-1920) and its leadership.

The fourth reprinting of ‘Tught ar Yerevan’ (Aleppo, 1947)

“Menk Chenk Moratsel” touched a nerve with renowned Armenian author Andranik Tzarukian. His response to Abov came in the form of a lengthy, powerful poem entitled, “Tught ar Yerevan” («Թուղթ առ Երեւան» – “Letter to Yerevan,” 1945).

Although Abov had addressed his poem to the entire ARF, Tzarukian felt it was his responsibility to respond and to disclaim Abov.

Written in Aleppo and first published in 1945,“Tught ar Yerevan” examines at the history of the ARF and aims to dismiss Abov’s claims that the organization harmed the interests of the Armenian people. Almost overnight, Tzarukian became a dominant voice in Armenian life, and his poem quickly spread through the Armenian Diaspora, from the Middle East to Europe and the Americas.

Seventy years after it was written, “Tught ar Yerevan” continues to be considered one of the most influential historical poems in modern Armenian literature.

Below is the first installment is dedicated to the 99th anniversary of the First Republic of Armenia.

***

Letter to Yerevan (Part I)

In this late autumn night,
Through the whimpering wind
And the thin, trickling rain,
Behold,
A groping, grieving boy.
He walks on damp, dank grounds,
His head down with sorrow
And in the dark depths of his soul
A wave of grief pounds like a heavy
Hammer …

He walks on the damp, cold concrete
Alone, without a friend,
His idle hands in his pockets,
As if on his weary shoulders
Lies an invisible cloak of lead,
An evil deity’s dark curse,
The fateful, immense fist
Of misfortune…

In the thunderous depths
Of his eyes,
A remote sense of yearning,
Like a dying, fluttering bird. A prayer
Flung at the distant spring,
A tormented thought
Of blue mountains and bright suns.
An unreachable sense of longing
For homeland.

He dreams of his country
Like a mother missing a child,
Like a parched land missing rain,
Like shivers yearning for sun.
Like a dying crane clinging on
To dear life,
He dreams of his country.

Oh, there are pulsating hearths there
And joyful sounds of song
And laughter,
The beguiling life
Of regeneration of seeds
Bursting from beneath the soil,
And thousands upon thousands
Of children,
With dreamy eyes,
Smiling bright at a beckoning haven.
With the sense of yearning deep
In his heart
And the dazzling dream in his eyes,
In the fading shadows of autumn,
Under the thin, trickling rain,
He is but a shivering, wavering
Shadow.

Who is he? A wandering,
Abandoned boy…
What is he? A floating fragment
Of a capsized ship…
Where is he? On alien and
Bastard lands…
What does he have? No father, no shelter,
Not a child,
Not a single sliver of land
In this wide world,
Nowhere under the sun
To call home…

In constant struggle to find
His daily bread,
He has nothing, except
Dread…

WATERTOWN, Mass. (A.W.)—The Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF) Eastern United States Central Committee has announced plans to hold a large-scale conference in 2018, devoted to the First Republic of Armenia. The conference will be held in May, in New York City, on the occasion of the Republic’s Centennial.

The coat of arms of the First Republic of Armenia

“We are pleased to launch this exciting and important initiative,” stated conference co-chair Antranig Kasbarian. “In doing so, we hope to use the Centennial as a tool to educate our communities, highlight the First Republic’s role in developing Armenian sovereignty, and to draw worthy lessons that apply to our statehood today.”

The conference will consist of multiple panels including the Republic’s internal dynamics, foreign policy, territorial disputes, as well as its larger balance sheet covering accomplishments as well as criticisms. Invitations are being extended to a wide array of scholars and activists, representing diverse backgrounds and areas of expertise.

The conference is part of a larger series of activities devoted to the Republic’s Centennial. Further activities will be announced in the next few months, as they become available.

The Aurora Humanitarian Initiative Honors Esteemed Catholic Missionary Physician in War-Torn Sudan for Rekindling Faith in Humanity

YEREVAN—The $1 Million Aurora Prize for Awakening Humanity was awarded on May 28 to Dr. Tom Catena, a Catholic missionary from Amsterdam, N.Y., who has saved thousands of lives as the sole doctor permanently based in Sudan’s war-ravaged Nuba Mountains where humanitarian aid is restricted.

Dr. Tom Catena (Photo: Aurora Prize)

The Aurora Prize, granted by the Aurora Humanitarian Initiative on behalf of the survivors of the Armenian Genocide and in gratitude to their saviors, was announced at a ceremony in Yerevan, Armenia. He was selected as the 2017 Aurora Prize Laureate from more than 550 nominations submitted from 66 countries.

George Clooney, Academy Award-winning actor, Co-Founder of both The Sentry and Not On Our Watch, and Co-Chair of the Aurora Prize Selection Committee, commended Dr. Catena by stating, “As violence and war continue to threaten people’s spirits and perseverance, it is important to recognize, empower and celebrate people like Dr. Catena who are selflessly helping others to not only survive, but thrive. Dr. Catena is a role model to us all, and yet another example of people on the ground truly making a difference.”

Dr. Catena will receive a $100,000 grant and the opportunity to continue the cycle of giving by donating the accompanying $1,000,000 award to organizations of his choice. Dr. Catena will donate the award to three organizations, the African Mission Healthcare Foundation (AMHF), the Catholic Medical Mission Board (CMMB), and Aktion Canchanabury.

For the last nine years, Dr. Catena—known by locals as “Dr. Tom”—has been on-call 24 hours a day, seven days a week at the Mother of Mercy Catholic Hospital to care for the more than 750,000 citizens of Nuba amidst ongoing civil war between the Government of Sudan and the Sudanese People’s Liberation Movement. Patients have been known to walk for up to seven days to receive treatment for injuries from bombing attacks and ailments varying from bone fractures to malnourishment and malaria. It is estimated that Dr. Catena treats 500 patients per day and performs more than one thousand operations each year.

On being named the 2017 Aurora Prize Laureate, Dr. Catena said, “We all have an obligation to look after our brothers and sisters. It is possible that every single person can make a contribution, and to recognize that shared humanity can lead to a brighter future. With my faith as my guide, I am honored to continue to serve the world and make it a better place.”

“Dr. Catena is an inspiration for to anyone who has ever doubted humanity. Despite tremendous injustice and sacrifice, he has dedicated his life to ensuring that the next generation has a brighter future,” said Vartan Gregorian, President of the Carnegie Corporation of New York, co-founder of the Aurora Humanitarian Initiative, and Aurora Prize Selection Committee member. “His service to others is an inspiration, and it is our hope that the individuals he has saved will continue the cycle of gratitude by becoming saviors themselves.”

Leading international humanitarian figures and Aurora Prize Selection Committee members, including Gareth Evans, Hina Jilani, Leymah Gbowee, Shirin Ebadi, Ernesto Zedillo and Vartan Gregorian, were in attendance to celebrate the 2017 Aurora Prize Laureate.

Dr. Catena was congratulated by Marguerite Barankitse, who was awarded the inaugural Aurora Prize in 2016 for her tireless commitment to restoring children’s dignity and hope as the founder of Maison Shalom and the REMA Hospital in Burundi. She said, “The Aurora Prize is so important to keeping hope alive for people around the world, and I am proud to be joined by such a humble and true role model as Dr. Catena. I applaud his selfless efforts in delivering love to all and congratulate him on this esteemed award.”

Guests of the Aurora Prize Ceremony also honored the exceptional contributions of the other four 2017 Aurora Prize finalists: Ms. Fartuun Adan and Ms. Ilwad Elman, the Founders of the Elman Peace and Human Rights Centre in Somalia; Ms. Jamila Afghani, the Chairperson of the Noor Educational and Capacity Development Organization in Afghanistan; Mr. Muhammad Darwish, a medical doctor at the Madaya Field Hospital in Syria; and Dr. Denis Mukwege, a gynecological surgeon and Founder of the Panzi Hospital in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

“Dr. Catena embodies the spirit of the Aurora Prize, and we extend our deepest gratitude to him and the people and organizations around the world that support and inspire him to continue his noble work despite immensely challenging conditions,” said Ruben Vardanyan, co-founder of the Aurora Humanitarian Initiative and United World College at Dilijan. “We are honored to share his story with the world to shed light on the goodwill that exists in the world so that helping others becomes part of our global culture.”

The naming of the 2017 Aurora Prize Laureate follows the release of the Aurora Humanitarian Index, the second annual global public opinion survey that gauges attitudes towards humanitarian responsibility, the effectiveness of humanitarian intervention and individuals’ motivations to intervene on behalf of others. The Index found that support for humanitarian action is on a steep decline, and that a rise in populism around the world is affecting the public’s perception of efforts made to aid refugees around the world.

“We hope the findings from this year’s Aurora Humanitarian Index serve as motivation for individuals around the world to not only understand their capacity for meaningful impact, but be inspired to act upon it,” said Noubar Afeyan, co-founder of the Aurora Humanitarian Initiative. “Through the Aurora Humanitarian Initiative, we encourage those touched by Dr. Catena’s selfless work to make their own mark on the world by expanding the circle of saviors, and most importantly survivors. It is possible for us all to play a role in renewing hope in humanity.”

Special for the Armenian Weekly

Mukaddes Alataş, a Kurdish human rights activist from Diyarbakir, was recently arrested for “being a member of a terror organization.” Her crime? She posted about the Armenian Genocide on social media and engaged in women’s rights activism.

Mukaddes Alataş

Alataş was detained in her home on May 11 after a police raid and was jailed after eight days in police custody.

“The reason for her detention is her activities regarding human rights, women’s rights, and her social media posts about the Armenian Genocide,” said Eren Keskin, a leading human rights lawyer and co-head of the Human Rights Association (IHD). “Mukaddes worked as an official at the Istanbul branch of the IHD between 1996 and 2002. Then she moved to Diyarbakir… She was helping women exposed to violence at the Kardelen Women’s Center of the Diyarbakir municipality. After a trustee was appointed by the government to the municipality, she was fired from her job,” Keskin added. “The judge told her: ‘I understand everything but what is it with those [social media] posts about the Armenian Genocide?’”

According to Keskin, there is nothing that could constitute evidence for Mukaddes’s arrest. “But they arrested her for being a member of a terror organization,” Keskin says.

Although the Armenians are an indigenous people and were once the rulers of the region, the Armenian population in Diyarbakir (Dikranagerd/Tigranakert in Armenian) has disappeared. There are only hidden and “no-longer hidden” Armenians who are subjected to much pressure and hostility.

Homeless Armenian orphans wandering in the streets of Diyarbakir and Austrian soldiers giving them bread. (Photo: The Armenian Genocide Museum Institute)

The 2006 book entitled Armenian Tigranakert/Diarbekir and Edessa/Urfa, edited by Professor Richard G. Hovannisian, details the Armenian roots of the city. According to the book, “Tigranakert holds special significance in Armenian history. It was in the vicinity of Tigranakert that Tigran the Great built an opulent new capital city in the heart of his expansive empire in the first century B.C.”

Tigranakert and the surrounding region were, for centuries, a scene to a contest for dominance between several empires. Even under foreign rule, Armenians remained a sizable community in the city until the 1915 genocide, when Ottoman soldiers as well as local Kurds and Turks—upon the order of the Ottoman Young Turk Government—exterminated the Armenian and other Christian communities in the city through methods such as murder, rape, forced deportation, and forced conversion to Islam. The perpetrators then seized Christian properties and lands.

Unlike the relentless denial of the Turkish government, the Kurdish political movement in Turkey recognizes the Armenian Genocide and commemorates it.

On April 23, 2013, for example, an event was organized by the Diyarbakir Bar Association, then led by Kurdish lawyer Tahir Elçi, and the Diyarbakir Municipality, to commemorate the 98th anniversary of the destruction of the Armenian community in the city.

“Today, we commemorate the genocide in Diyarbakir for the first time. This is a very important day for us. We bow respectfully before the memory of our Armenian brothers who were murdered in 1915, and condemn the genocide,” Elçi said in his speech.

A scene from Tahir Elci’s funeral

Two years later, on Nov. 28, 2015, Elçi was murdered in broad daylight while he was holding a press conference, in which he spoke about the destruction caused by the military attacks carried out during the curfew imposed by the Turkish government in the Sur district of Diyarbakir. In his last public speech, he called for an end to violence between the Turkish state and the Kurdish PKK (Kurdistan Workers’ Party).

Though almost two years have passed, his murderers have still not been brought to account.

Mahsuni Karaman, Elçi’s family’s lawyer and a member of the “Tahir Elçi Murder Investigation Commission said: “Our connection with Elçi’s file has been cut. We are not given the copies; we do not know at what stage it [the file] is… But there are things we know. There is not a single suspect in the file. The gun with which Elçi was shot has not been identified because the cartridge bullet has not been found. As there is no certain evidence, no progress has been made to shed light on this murder. We have made more than 100 requests from the Diyarbakir prosecutor’s office, but we do not know what has been done about these requests. For the prosecutor does not give information either to the public or to us.”

Similarly, lawyer Neşet Girasun, a board member of the Diyarbakir Bar Association, told the Armenian Weekly: “An effective investigation that would reveal the perpetrators as well as the forces behind them has not been launched.”

Many Kurds were victims of kidnappings, torture, and murders at the hands of Turkish state forces in the 1990s. Elçi worked vigorously to shed light on what has come to be known as “murders by unknown assailants” in Turkey. Ironically, he became a victim of one himself.

In the meanwhile, Sedat Peker, a gang leader, who has been convicted of several crimes and is a staunch supporter of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, was given the “most benevolent businessman” award by the Turkish 2K Media Company on May 24.

Peker had threatened academics who signed a petition calling for peace between the Turkish government and the Kurds in early 2016. He said that he wanted to take a bath in “the blood of the academics.” Peker has not yet been brought to account for his statements openly calling for mass slaughter.

Turkey not only denies the Armenian Genocide but also violently crushes any voice that dares tell the truth about it. Meanwhile, those who incite mass murder against dissident academics and peace activists are protected, promoted, and awarded.

Special for the Armenian Weekly

NEW YORK (A.W.)—In recent years, there has been a growing awareness of, and interest in, exhuming the stories of Islamized Armenians in Turkey. Though filmmaker Nezahat Gündoğan did not initially seek to portray the account of this “hidden” community, after researching the project for four years, she determined that it absolutely had to be told. Her documentary, The Children of Vank (“Vank’in Çocuklari”), weaves together the stories of an Islamized Armenian family who survived both the 1915 Armenian Genocide and the Dersim Massacre of 1938, unraveling the truth behind their lost Armenian identity.

The English poster of The Children of Vank (Courtesy of Kazim Gundogan)

On April 26, Columbia University screened the film to a diverse audience. A discussion then followed with Gündoğan, Oral Historian Eylem Delikanli, and demography and Armenian village history expert George Aghjayan. Dr. Khatchig Mouradian moderated the discussion, which centered on the importance of unearthing the stories of Islamized Armenians in Turkey and accepting their experiences as intangible contributions to our collective and ethnographic history. “I want to welcome [Islamized Armenians] into the family and remove them from the column of the dead,” said an impassioned Aghjayan. The event was sponsored by the Armenian Center at Columbia University, Research Institute on Turkey, the National Association for Armenian Studies and Research (NAASR)/Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation Lecture Series on Contemporary Armenian Issues.

The Children of Vank adds to the discourse of Islamized Armenians in an understated way. After conducting exhaustive research on the subject matter, the filmmaker assumed the backdrop to the stories of these individuals. Though the film’s structure is mainly in interview format, the viewer never sees or hears the interviewer. Each “set” of family members speak separately to the camera about their broken memories, with only their first names listed against a black screen. Eventually, all of the stories come together in this arduous campaign to unmask the truth.

The film begins with Zeynep, a schoolteacher who lives in Izmir. About a decade ago, she inadvertently discovered that her mother was born in Dersim as an Armenian, and, following the 1938 Massacre, was forcibly adopted, her name changed from Aslıhan Kiremitçiyan to Fatma Kiremitçi, and lived the rest of her life as a Sunni Turk. This leads Zeynep on a journey to find her lost relatives—namely her mother’s sister. The film then traces the stories of several other members of the family as they discover their Armenianness and connection to their lost relatives and lands.

After losing contact for over 70 years, the family attempts to find each other and reconnect, despite living in different parts of the world, ascribing to differing ethno-religious identities, and even after their immediate relatives have passed. They speak about their lost Armenian identities, raising themes of ethno-religious belonging, the fragmentation and politicization of memory, and the painful legacy of genocide that continues to haunt Islamized Armenians today.

Prior to the Dersim Massacres, the Surb Garabed Vank (or St. Garabed Monastery) served the village’s Armenian inhabitants for centuries. The 9th century church was the only Christian place of faith in Dersim that was not destroyed during the Armenian Genocide. Sadly, this fortuitous fate was short lived, as bombings in 1937-8 completely destroyed the once-proud structure, and its last monk was exiled; most of the Armenian and Alevi communities of Dersim were either killed or uprooted. There were, however, instances of Armenians surviving—mostly by acquiring a new identity as a Kurd or Turk. The ‘new’ family represented in this documentary—Fatma, Zeynep, Sultan, Cevahir, Ahmet, Kadriye, Meryem, and Haydar—stand as a testament to the latter group.

Gündoğan calls her film ‘the children of the monastery’ because St. Garabed played such an immense, foundational role in the lives of pre-genocide Dersim Armenians that it served as an allegorical parent for Armenians of the village. The rediscovery and ‘homecoming’ of the Islamized Armenians of Dersim is very much tied to the historical legacy of the vank and what it has bequeathed generations of Armenians.

At The Children of Vank’s premiere in Istanbul in February, Gündoğan stated, “It is hard to be a Kurd, an Alevi, a woman, a homosexual, a child—to be the ‘other’ –in these lands…But being an Armenian is even more difficult. Armenians are seen as ‘the other of the other.’” Much of the same sentiments were echoed at the Columbia University screening.

(L to R) George Aghjayan and Eylem Delikanli at the screening

The current demographic makeup of Dersim (now called Tunceli) is almost exclusively Kurdish, but some experts estimate that well over half of the local population today has Armenian roots. Mihran Prgiç Gültekin, the head of the Union of Dersim Armenians, estimates that about 75% of the village’s population are “converted Armenians.” Just four years ago, Aram Ateşyan, the acting Armenian Patriarch of Constantinople, claimed that 90 percent of Tunceli’s population is of Armenian origin.

The Children of Vank is part of a larger effort that Gündoğan and her husband Kazim (who was also a researcher for the film) made to uncover the horrific truth of the Dersim Massacre, which includes two groundbreaking documentaries, Two Locks of Hair: The Missing Girls of Dersim (2010) and Unburied in the Past (2013), and a book, The Missing Girls of Dersim (2012).

The documentary was also screened in Yerevan as part of the Golden Apricot Film Festival last year, and will be screened in different cities in the coming months. The trailer can be viewed below:

The screening of the documentary and the panel discussion that followed it concluded a series of successful lectures and discussions organized by the Armenian Center at Columbia University during the Spring 2017 Semester. Other events included a lecture by Dr. Khatchig Mouradian—who served as visiting professor at Columbia in the spring—on the Armenians in China, and a conversation between artists Eric Nazarian and Eric Bogosian moderated by Nicole Vartanian.