California Courier Online, April 14, 2005
1 – Commentary
Turkish Leaders Going Berserk
With Anti-Genocide Obsession
By Harut Sassounian
California Courier Publisher
2 – AEF Accepting Applications
For Tufenkian Scholarships
3 – Pasadena-Vanadzor Sister Committee
Presents Cultural Program on April 21
4 – Isabel Bayrakdarian Wins Second
Consecutive JUNO Recording Award
5 – Colorado Legislature Passes Resolution
On 90th Anniversary of Armenian Genocide
6 – Surmelian’s “I Ask You, Ladies and Gentlemen”
To be Performed at Alex Theatre in April
7 – Armenian Dairy Firm Wins US
Hispanic Cheese Competition
8 – Dickranian School 2005 Graduates
On Their Way to Universities
9 – Eyewitness Book on Genocide in English
To be Unveiled in Montebello, April 19
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1 – Commentary
Turkish Leaders Going Berserk
With Anti-Genocide Obsession
By Harut Sassounian
Publisher, The California Courier
Turkish leaders are literally going out of their minds; desperately
searching for any and all possible ways to counter the commemorations of
the 90th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide.
Of course, it would have been much simpler and more honest for them to
simply face up to their own history and to tell the truth. Unfortunately,
that seems to be asking too much!
Last week, the Turks found a new ploy: holding a parliamentary hearing on
the Armenian Genocide. This was a very unusual hearing. They invited three
Turkish Armenians to testify. These Armenians knew full well that whatever
they say, can and will be used against them. Two of the three managed to
say as much as they could under the circumstances, and they were chastised
severely for “speaking like Diaspora Armenians!” The third Armenian was a
total sell-out. He probably did not want to take a chance with his life!
Not surprisingly, no one interrupted his speech.
The Turkish leaders’ obsession with the denial of the Armenian Genocide
totally blinded them to the fact that by holding such a sham hearing, they
were, first of all, undermining their own interests. For years, Turkish
officials have reacted with disdain toward the recognition of the Armenian
Genocide by other countries, by saying that historians should deal with
this issue rather than politicians. Now that their own parliament has held
a hearing on this issue, the Turks have unwittingly accepted the Armenian
Genocide resolutions adopted by the legislatures of more than a dozen
countries, as well as the European Parliament, the United Nations, and
other international organizations.
To make matters worse, during the past couple of weeks, various Turkish
officials have made aggressive statements that further publicized the
commemoration of the 90th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. Here are
some examples:
Turkish Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Gul said in
Ankara on March 22: “I launch a call to countries who became a tool of the
Armenian allegations: Either you account for what you have done, or prove
the allegations [on the Armenian Genocide].” In the same speech, Gul
foolishly asked: “If it [genocide] had happened, so why the Armenian
churches still exist? Why there are Armenian citizens in Turkey?” For a
diplomat, Gul is amazingly ignorant of the fact that the UN defines
genocide as the killing of a people “in whole or in part.” Genocide does
not mean that all the members of a race have to be killed in order to
commit genocide. Otherwise, according to Gul’s definition of genocide, the
Holocaust also does not qualify as genocide, since there are still Jews
living in this world, and even in Germany! In addition, we don’t need to
remind Gul about the destruction of hundreds of Armenian, Greek and
Assyrian churches in Turkey, which is cultural genocide!
Threatening more aggressive actions against the Armenian “claims,” Gul said
the Turkish Parliament would hold a special session this week to announce a
new action plan. Interestingly, he now backs away from the Turkish
government’s announced intention of taking the Armenian issue to the United
Nations. One of his advisors must have finally reminded him that the U.N.
already dealt with this issue back in 1985 and categorized the Armenian
Genocide as a genocide! Fearing more embarrassment at the U.N., Gul said:
“The U.N. may make mistakes in voting. Individuals raising their hands to
vote may vote wrongly based on political gains and interests. History has
many examples of voting that proved to be fallacious.” Too bad. Gul wisely
sidestepped another humiliating experience for Turkey!
No to be outdone by Gul in displaying his nationalistic credentials, the
Turkish President, Ahmet Necdet Sezer, sternly warned the Europeans last
week that Turkey would not bow to European Union pressure to recognize the
Armenian Genocide, as a condition of joining the EU. Armenians, in
conjunction with the majority of Europeans who oppose Turkey’s EU
membership, have to make it crystal clear to the Turks that they would do
everything in their power to prevent Turkey from joining the EU, unless it
recognizes the Armenian Genocide and make appropriate amends for it.
Significantly, all of these developments on the Armenian Genocide have
taken place weeks before a single Armenian commemorative activity has been
held. Once the worldwide commemorative events start, the Turkish leaders
would probably go totally berserk!
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2 – AEF Accepting Applications
For Tufenkian Scholarships
GLENDALE – The Armenian Educational Foundation (AEF) announced last week
that it is accepting applications for the Richard R. Tufenkian Scholarship
for the 2005 – 2006 academic year.
The Tufenkian Scholarship was established by Ralph and Savey Tufenkian in
memory of their son. Five $2,000 scholarships will be awarded to Armenian
undergraduate students at an accredited United States college/university.
To qualify for this scholarship, students must be of Armenian descent, have
a minimum 3.0 GPA, show financial need, and be actively involved in the
Armenian community.
Students who meet the above criteria are invited to submit a written
request for an application to the AEF Scholarship Committee, 600 West
Broadway, Suite 130, Glendale, CA 91204. Written requests for applications
can also be made by FAX (818) 242-4913 or E-mail [email protected]. All
completed scholarship application packages must be postmarked no later than
July 30, 2005. Applications are also available on
AEF was established in 1950 render financial assistance to Armenian
educational institutions, irrespective of their religious affiliation or
denomination; assist Armenian students in acquiring higher education; found
and aid in the establishment of Armenian educational institutions and
cultural centers; found and aid in the establishment of Armenian courses of
study and research programs.
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3 – Pasadena-Vanadzor Sister Committee
Presents Cultural Program on April 21
PASADENA – Members and guests of the Pasadena Sister Cities Committee will
be entertained by the Vanadzor Sub-Committee with a cultural program
featuring Susan Ounjian, Armenian folk dance lecturer, performer and
educator. Her presentation will be held April 21 at the Pasadena Museum of
California Art, April 21 at 7 p.m. in the penthouse gallery.
A graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University with a B.A. in Fine Arts
degree in Art Education, Ounjian who was trained from childhood in ballet,
modern jazz and folk dance, specializes in lecturing on the dance on the
elementary, high school and university level. She has appeared on
television and radio sharing her knowledge on the history of Armenian
dance. In her lectures, she bring slides on the costuming, music and dance
form to further education her audiences.
Serving on the Vanadzor Sub-Committee are Seda Marootian, president, Joan
Reyes, vice-president, Mary Terzian, secretary, Rose Avakian, treasurer,
Marguerite Hougasian, Forrest Turpen, Sylva Kazanjian, Angie Gomez, Vard
Khachatryan, Vigen Khojayan and Syuzy Avetyan.
The Pasadena Museum of California Art is located at 490 East Union Street,
half a block east of Los Robles. Complimentary parking is available on the
street level. Access to the lecture hall is by elevator to the penthouse.
Refreshments, served a la Armenia, will follow. There is no admission fee.
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4 – Isabel Bayrakdarian Wins Second
Consecutive JUNO Recording Award
NEW YORK – Canadian-Armenian soprano Isabel Bayrakdarian was honored last
week by the Canadian Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences witha Juno award
for Best Classical Album of the Year (Vocal). Bayrakdarian was selected for
her performance on her CD Cleopatra with the Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra,
on CBC Records. This marks the second Juno award for Bayrakdarian in the
same category in two consecutive years. Her Juno award in 2004 – also Best
Classical Album of the Year (Vocal) – was for Azulão (CBC), a ravishing
collection of Spanish and Latin American music.
The October 2004 CBC Records release has garnered high praise from the
press. American Record Guide was unequivocal in its excitement over this
disc of Cleopatra arias by Handel, Mattheson, Hasse and Graun: “Buy this
disc!! Let me make clear from the outset – it is a gem! The singing is
simply stunning. Nobody who loves great operatic singing and great baroque
opera should miss this release.”
ClassicsToday was no less enthusiastic: “You easily can hear that this is
the work of a phenomenally gifted singer and an extraordinary artist who
possesses not only a voice of rare power and agility but who also has the
kind of interpretive instincts that separate the truly elite from the
merely great. Wow! This is singing that gives us no choice but to pay
attention! The real focus here is Bayrakdarian, who doesn’t disappoint for
a second.”
The New York Times wrote: “[Viardot’s] songs are delightful, and Ms.
Bayrakdarian does them vivacious justice. Ms. Bayrakdarian is a fine
interpreter of this music. She genuinely engages with what she is singing.”
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5 – Colorado Legislature Passes Resolution
On 90th Anniversary of Armenian Genocide
DENVER, CO – On April 6, the Colorado State Legislature unanimously passed
a joint resolution commemorating the Armenian Genocide of 1915-1923.
During this period 1.5 million men, women, and children of Armenian descent
were annihilated accounting for more than half the Armenian population.
Senator Lois Tochtrop and Speaker Andrew Romanoff were the co-sponsors of
the lengthy resolution describing the Armenian atrocities and continued
denial of the events by the current Turkish government. “2005 marks the
90th Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide and it is fitting that the
Colorado Legislature continue its tradition of designating April 24 as
Colorado Day of Remembrance of the Armenian Genocide”, said Kim
Christianian, chairperson of the Armenian Genocide Commemoration Committee
for Armenians of Colorado Inc, a non-profit cultural organization.
The 90th Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide Commemorative events in
Colorado begins on April 21, at 7 p.m., at the Arapahoe Community College
Waring Theater, 5900 S. Santa Fe Drive., Littleton.
The Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) International Honor Society’s ACC Chapter with
co-sponsor Armenians of Colorado will host The Greatest Crimes of the 20th
Century: Genocide/Holocaust Commemoration.
Ken Allikian, whose parents survived the genocide, will be the guest
speaker as well as Walter Plywaski, a Holocaust survivor and scholar. Phi
Theta Kappa chapter president Simon Maghakyan will present briefly on the
cultural genocide that destroyed thousands of Armenian churches and
historical monuments in historic Armenia.
On April 24, at 12 Noon, Armenians of Colorado Inc., will host the
Commemoration of the 90th Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide at the
Memorial Plaque located in the N.E. Quadrant of the State Capitol grounds.
Guest speakers will include State Senator Lois Tochtrop and Speaker Andrew
Romanoff. The community is invited to participate in a joint commemorative
church service at the Assumption Greek Orthodox Church beginning at 2 p.m.
There will be clergy from both the Armenian Apostolic Church of Denver and
from the Armenian Apostolic Church of Colorado and the Rocky Mountain
Region. Following the service there will be a reception of coffee and
sweets. At 4 p.m., Armenians of Colorado present a talk with Tatul
Sonentz-Papazian, long-time Armenian National Committee activist and
Armenian Relief Society International Office Publications Director and
Editor of “Hai Sird,” the multi-lingual periodical of the ARS. Papazian is
also the recipient of the St. Mesrop Mashtots Medal by Catholicos Aram I,
for meritorious contributions to the promotion of Armenian culture in the
Diaspora. The talk will be held in the church cultural center 4610 E.
Alameda Avenue, in Denver.
For directions and more information visit
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6 – Surmelian’s “I Ask You, Ladies and Gentlemen”
To be Performed at Alex Theatre in April
GLENDALE – The Cornerstone Theater Company presents three community
performances of the late Leon Z. Surmelian’s “I Ask You, Ladies and
Gentlemen,” on April 24, 26, and 27, at Glendale’s Alex Theater. The stage
adaptation is by playwright-in-residence Yehuda Hyman, and directed by
founding member Christopher Liam Moore.
It is the true story of an Armenian orphan boy whose brave and poetic
spirit guides him through a tragic odyssey in his war-torn country and
propels him into a new life in America. History and literature come to
life, using text directly from Surmelian’s memoir about survival during the
Armenian genocide.
Actor Ludwing Manukian and puppeteer Michele Zamora are accompanied by live
music composed and performed by John Bilezikjian.
Performances will be held April 24, 2 p.m., April 26 at 8 p.m., and April
27 at 8 p.m.
Free admission to the Sunday afternoon performance as part of the Armenian
Genocide Remembrance Event sponsored by the City of Glendale and the Alex
Theater.
General admission for other days is $10 per person.
Proceeds benefit the Leon & Zarmig Surmelian Foundation, assisting orphans
and needy students in Armenia. Permission to adapt this work was granted by
the estate of Leon Z. Surmelian and executor Torcom Postadjian.
Tickets are available at the theater box office, or online at
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7- Armenian Dairy Firm Wins US
Hispanic Cheese Competition
LOS ANGELES – If is not often that an Armenian-owned dairy firm wins a
United States Cheese Contest Championship. In fact, this may be a first on
several grounds:
This is the first time that a California-based Armenian dairy has swept the
first three places in the hotly contested national competition. What is
also surprising is the category: Hispanic Cheese category!
Karoun Dairies, Inc., with offices in Sun Valley, Calif., and a plant in
Central California’s Turlock, achieved these honors by taking Best of Class
First Prize award for “Queso Fresco;” Second place with “Queso Blanco;” and
third place with “Panela,” in the 2005 US Championship Cheese Contest.
“This is the second year in a row that we have received such high accolades
for our Hispanic cheese line,” explains Vars Injijian, Vice President of
Sales Marketing. “Last year, we received First, Second and Fifth places.”
Marketed under the Queso Del Valle brand as well as Karoun, product
distribution now includes many states across the United States.
Karoun is also recognized as a pioneer in the industry by developing and
launching its flavored Yogurt cheese spread, as well as innovative
developments in the traditional twisted Armenian string cheese line.
Owners Anto and Rostom Baghdassarian are at the helm of the fast-growing
Karoun Dairies, Inc.
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8 – Dickranian School 2005 Graduates
On Their Way to Universities
By Richard Rocha
LOS ANGELES – The anticipation over university admissions within the senior
class at Arshag Dickranian Armenian School during the month of March
culminated with smiles, confidence, the ability of finally breathing easy,
and minor bits and pieces of frowns.
One hundred percent of the 2005 seniors will be attending a university or
college.
“I got used to rejections as much as acceptances,” said Haig Lafian,
laughting with a glimmer in his eyes, his best option a joint program with
double major in Dramatic Art and Engineering at UC Santa Cruz and UC
Berkeley. Not bad.
“I received a small envelope and it wasn’t a no,” says Lilit Nazaryan
proudly of her UCLA acceptance with a major in Comparative Literature.
As a class, the 2005 graduating seniors went for the stars during the
application process in the Fall of 2004, and they got them: 60% of the
senior class was accepted to the University of California. A decent,
average rate of acceptance to a UC for a California high school is 10-15%.
Last year’s Arshag Dickranian graduating class of 2004 garnered an
incredite 41% rate of admission to UC, including UC Berkeley, UC Riverside,
UC Irvine and other four-year universities such as USC.
The main difference with this year’s class is not ambition, SAT scores and
GPA’s.
A consistent, shared and applied philosophy between the School Principal
Vartkes Kouroyan, the high school teachers, counselors, parents and
students was strengthened this year: Arshag Dickranian is a college
preparatory institution. Its academic rigor that includes advanced
placement courses, an exceptional science laboratory, a drama program and
Armenian History, Culture and language, prepares students to attend a
four-year university and graduate competitively in the sciences and liberal
arts.
Students were encouraged to branch out to the highest levels of
competition. They applied and were accepted to some of the nation’s top
universities. New York University, UCLA, UC Berkeley or USC? These are
shared options for 2005 graduates Diana Ovsepian (undeclared major) and
Stepan Alexanian (civil engineering and business).
Fifty percent of the graduating seniors were accepted to UC Riverside, a
well respected institution, particularly in the sciences. Additional
acceptances include California State University, Northridge, UC Irvine, UC
Santa Barbara and Woodbury College.
“This youthful exuberance of well prepared, confident, competitive and
ambitious minds is something to be proud of, especially on the brink of the
school’s 25th anniversary in September, 2005,” school officials remarked.
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9 – Eyewitness Book on Genocide in English
To be Unveiled in Montebello, April 19
LOS ANGELES – Armenian poet, educator and author Armen Anush Marashlian’s
compelling eyewitness accounts of the deportation and massacre of Armenians
by the Turks, “Passage Through Hell: A Memoir” (Aryan Chanaparhov), has
been translated into English and published by Hagop and Knar Manjikian.
The first presentation of “Passage Through Hell” will take place on
Tuesday, April 19, 8 p.m., at the Montebello Armenian Center, 420 E.
Washington Blvd., sponsored by the San Gabriel Valley Armenian National
Committee.
A second presentation, at Ferrahian High School’s Avedis-sian Hall in
Encino, will be announced shortly.
Armen Anush recounts the horrors of the genocide of the Armenians and its
psychological impact on the survivors with emotional intensity and profound
compassion.
Mesrobian Armenian School graduate Ishkhan Jinbashian renders a flawless
translation.
On the occasion of the 90th anniversary of the genocide, Hagop and Knar
Manjikian, of Studio City, have dedicated the book to the memory of the 1.5
million Armenian victims of the Great Turkish Crime (Medz Yeghern) and to
the Generation of Desert Orphans.
Copies of the book will be available for purchase at both presentations in
Montebello and in the San Fernando Valley.
The presentation will be conducted in Armenian and English for the facility
of the attending guests. The public is cordially invited to attend.
Admission is free and refreshments will be provided.
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