Rep. Scott Garrett visits with Genocide Survivor Alice Shnorhokian in
Washington, DC
armradio.am
26.04.2008 12:32
Armenian Genocide survivor, Alice Khachadoorian-Shnorhokian traveled
from Mahwah, New Jersey to Washington, DC, on Wednesday, April 23, 2008
to remind Members of Congress the need for remembrance and
acknowledgement of the Armenian Genocide. Having an opportunity to meet
with her representative, Cong. Scott Garrett (R-NJ-5), Shnorhokian
described her family’s story of survival in 1915, and the need for
recognition and justice reported the Armenian National Committee of New
Jersey (ANC of NJ).
Her two grandchildren, Tsoleen Sarian, and ANC of NJ activist, Vahig
Shnorhokian accompanied Shnorhokian, 95, as she visited various members
of Congress on the day before Armenians worldwide remember the victims
of the genocide. During her meeting with Cong. Garrett, ANCA Eastern
Region Executive Director Karine Birazian and Vahig Shnorhokian
listened as Shnorhokian recounted her stories of survival during the
genocide. On April 24, Cong. Garrett offered floor remarks marking the
93rd anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, as well as recounting
Shnorhokian’s story that she had shared with him (full remarks below).
"Mrs. Shnorhokian’s strength is a reminder to us all that we must never
forget the tragic sufferings of the Armenians during the genocide,"
commented ANC of NJ Chairwoman Kim Arzoumanian.
Later that evening, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-CA-8),
Armenian Caucus co-chairs Frank Pallone (D-NJ-6) and Joe Knollenberg
(R-MI-9), along with several Members of Congress and dignitaries of the
Armenian community recognized Shnorhokian and other survivors, Rose
Baboyian and Yeretzgeen Sirarpi Khoyan at the Armenian Genocide
Commemorative event on Capitol Hill.
Shnorhokian, 95, was born in Aintab, Turkey on August 28, 1912. Her
family was rounded up and deported during the genocide, and were saved
right before they were to be taken to Del Zor. After completing high
school in Aleppo, Syria, Shnorhokian and her family traveled to Beirut,
Lebanon where she studied at the American University and became a nurse
and midwife. There she married Rev. Manasseh Shnorhokian. Relocating to
the United States nearly three decades ago, Shnorhokian now resides in
Mahwah, New Jersey.