California Courier Online, May 19, 2005
1 – Commentary
Turkish Writer Shames Ankara
For Denial of Armenian Genocide
By Harut Sassounian
California Courier Publisher
2 – Catholicos Aram I Calls on German Churches
To Support Recognition of Armenian Genocide
3 – UCLA ASA Hosts May 22 Alumni Reception
4 – Two Merdinian School
Students Win Awards
5 – Glendale Ghapan Sister City Sets Up
Medical Delegation Visit to Armenia
6 – Vanadzor Sister City Committee
To Exhibit Children’s Art, May 22
7 – Tom Bozigian Will
Provide Music for
After Games Party
8 – Soprano Karen Esperian to Attend
June 13 Haigazian Celebration in L.A
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1 – Commentary
Turkish Writer Shames Ankara
For Denial of Armenian Genocide
By Harut Sassounian
Publisher, The California Courier
An increasing number of Turks have been acknowledging recently the facts of
the Armenian Genocide and openly expressing their sympathy toward the
survivors of the horrible crime committed by their ancestors.
However, no one should jump to the conclusion that the Turkish government
is getting close to recognizing the Genocide. The Turkish leaders are
becoming more, not less, recalcitrant in their refusal to face the facts of
their bloody history. Not only are they denying that their ancestors
committed genocide, but, incredibly, they are blaming the Armenians for
killing millions of Turks! Furthermore, Prime Minister Erdogan is
shamelessly calling on those countries that have already acknowledged the
Armenian Genocide to apologize to Turkey! The Turkish parliament has even
adopted new laws that criminalize the acknowledgment of the Armenian
Genocide.
There is a simple explanation for this wide divide between the Turkish
people and their government. Turkey is not a democracy. The citizens of
Turkey have very little influence on the policies of their government.
The following very touching article by Ahmet Altan, a righteous Turkish
writer, reflects how much Turkey must evolve before it can be classified
among the ranks of civilized European nations. This article, translated
into English, is simply titled “Genocide.” It was posted in Turkish on
on May 9:
* * * * *
I would like to ask you a very simple, ordinary question. Would you wish to
have been an Armenian in 1915? No, you wouldn’t. Because you now know that
you would have been killed.
Please stop arguing about the number of murdered or the denials or the
attempts to replace pain with statistics. No one is denying that Armenians
were murdered, right? It may be 300,000, or 500,000, or 1 million, or 1.5
million. I don’t know which number is the truth, or whether anyone knows
the exact number.
What I do know is that there are dead people and suffering behind these
numbers. We forget that we are rally talking about human beings when we are
passionately debating the numbers. Those numbers cannot make us understand
the murdered babies, women, the elderly, the teenage boys and girls.
If we leave these numbers aside, and if we allow ourselves to hear the
story of only one of these murders, I am sure that even those of us who get
enraged when they hear the words “Armenian Genocide” will feel the
suffering and have tears in their eyes. Because they will then realize that
we are talking about human beings.
When we hear about a baby snatched from a mother’s lap and killed by being
smashed against the rocks, or a youth shot to death beside a hill, or an
old woman strangled by her tender neck, even the most cold- hearted among
us will be ashamed to say, “Yes, but they killed Turks too.”
Most of these people killed no one. These people became the innocent
victims of a crazed government — established on murder — whose
ruthlessness is only matched by its incompetence. This bloody insanity was
so barbaric that we can neither take pride in nor be a part of. This was a
slaughter that we should be ashamed of, and, if possible, share in the
pain.
I understand that the word “genocide” has a damningly critical importance,
based on the fact that the Armenians, leaving aside the tragedy of their
ancestors, continuously exclaim, “Accept the Genocide,” and similarly, the
Turks, while acknowledging that hundreds of thousands were killed, say “No,
it was not at all a genocide.”
And yet, this word is not that important for me, no matter how significant
it is in politics and diplomacy. What is more important for me is the fact
that many innocent people were killed so barbarically.
When I see the shadow that this great tragedy casts on our times, I see
another great injustice done to the Armenians.
Our guilt today is allowing the Armenians even to grieve for their cruelly
killed relatives and parents. Which Armenian living in Turkey today can
openly grieve and commemorate a murdered grandmother, grandfather or uncle?
I have no part in the terrible sin committed by the Ittihadists, but the
sin of not allowing grief for the dead belongs to all of us today. Do you
really want to commit this sin?
Is there anyone among us who would not shed tears for a family attacked and
killed at home in the middle of the night, or for a little girl having lost
her mother is left all alone in the hell called “deportation,” or for her
white-bearded Armenian grandfather shot to death?
Whether you call it genocide or not, hundreds of thousands of human beings
were murdered. Hundreds of thousands of lives were extinguished.
The fact that some Armenian fighters also killed some Turks cannot be an
excuse to mask the truth from our eyes.
Every human being of conscience is capable of grieving for the murdered
Armenians, Turks, and Kurds. If you ask me, we all should. Babies died;
women and old people died. They died tormented, crying and horrified.
Is it really so important for you what religion or race these murdered
people had?
Even in these terrifying times there were Turks who risked their lives
trying to rescue Armenian children. We are as much the children of these
rescuers as the children of the murderers.
Instead of siding with the barbarism of the murderers, why don’t we side
with the rescuers’ compassion, honesty, and courage? There are no more
victims left to be rescued today, but there is grief to be shared and
supported. What’s the use of a bloody, warmongering dance around a deep
pain?
Forget the numbers, forget the Armenians, forget the Turks. Just think of
the babies, teenagers, women and the elderly with broken necks, slashed
bellies, and mutilated bodies. Think about these people, one by one.
If nothing moves in you when you hear a baby wail as her mother is
murdered, I have nothing to say to you. Add my name then to the list of
“traitors.”
Because I am ready to share with the Armenians the grief of so many people
killed. Because I believe there is something yet to be rescued from all
these meaningless and callous arguments. That something is called
“humanity.”
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2 – Catholicos Aram I Calls on German Churches
To Support Recognition of Armenian Genocide
ANTELIAS, Lebanon – Catholicos Aram I of the Great House of Cilicia has
sent a letter to the spiritual head of the German Protestant Churches,
Bishop Wolfgang Huber, expressing his desire that the German churches
support the recognition of the Armenian Genocide.
In the letter, the Pontiff praised the efforts of the German Parliament in
adopting a resolution concerning the Armenian Genocide.
“I understand that there is a growing interest in Germany in respect to the
Armenian Genocide not only in academic but also in political circles. I
also hear, with special joy indeed, that political parties led by the
Christian Democrats will forward a resolution to the parliament aimed at
the recognition of the Armenian Genocide. The parliament will discuss this
matter in June 2005.
“According to my information, in addition to the recognition of the
Armenian Genocide, the German government intends to challenge Turkey to
take a similar action. Recently, according to the press, Chancellor
Schröeder during his visit to Turkey has already made a similar reference,”
the Catholicos noted.
Aram I also praised German Chancellor Gerhard Schröeder for bringing up the
issue of the Armenian Genocide during his latest visit to Turkey.
A long-lasting personal friendship and ecumenical relations connect the
Catholicos and Bishop Huber. The latter has been a member of the Central
Committee of the World of Council of Churches and the two spiritual heads
have participated in many meetings in ecumenical circles together.
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3 – UCLA ASA Hosts
Alumni Reception May 22
WESTWOOD, Calif, – The UCLA Armenian Student Association (ASA) will be
celebrating the 60th anniversary of its existence with an alumni reception
on May 22 at UCLA’s Kerckhoff Grand Salon.
Established in 1945, the ASA has continued to strive to spread Armenian
history and culture throughout the UCLA student community. Whether planning
a culture show, a genocide awareness event, or a social mixer, the ASA has
consistently put together quality programming to serve the student
community. This year, the organization decided to not only give back to the
students but to fellow alumni as well.
The networking event will include guest speakers and a photo slide show
highlighting various years throughout ASA history. Proceeds from the
program will be used towards various UCLA ASA programs and to build a
school in Armenia.
Through networking, the ASA has attempted to get in contact with a number
of UCLA alums and former ASA members to take part in the event.
“This is something that the ASA has decided to put together to give back to
the community,” said program coordinator Maral Karagozian. “It was a great
challenge to start from scratch and attempt to locate as many former ASA
members as possible.”
To RSVP, call: 626-372-4630.
**************************************************************
4 – Two Merdinian School
Students Win Awards
SHERMAN OAKS, Calif. – Two Merdinian School students won awards in the
“Armenian Olympiad” organized by the Armenian Engineers and Scientists of
America (AESA) in March. Fifteen students, from sixth through eight grades
participated.
Seventh graders Thalia Bajakian and Alex Cohen were awarded Third and
Honorable Mention places, respectively, in the Physical Sciences category.
Nine students from Merdinian also participated in the L.A. County Science
Fair on April 20. Cohen again was a finalist, receiving an Honorable
mention medal. Amongst all juniors, he was the winner of a special award
from the American Meteorological Society, L.A. Chapter, for having the
“Best Weather-Relate” project. Cohen was also selected to advance to the
California Science Fair on May 23.
Founded in 1982, the C. & E. Merdinian School is accredited by the Western
Association of Schools and Colleges. The school offers a strong academic
program, from pre-school through middle school, emphasized Christian and
ethical values, teaching Armenian and American traditions. Registrations
for the academic year 2005-2006 have started. For information, contact the
school office at (818) 907-8149.
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5 – Glendale Ghapan Sister City Sets Up
Medical Delegation Visit to Armenia
GLENDALE, CA – The Glendale Ghapan Sister City Association (GGSCA)
announced that it has organized a delegation of medical experts and
professionals to visit Armenia in September of this year. The non-profit
organization – which was founded in 2001 to foster relations, as well as
cultural and economic cooperation between Glendale, California and Ghapan,
Armenia – has assembled the delegation in order to promote a better
understanding of Armenia’s history, people and culture among Glendale’s
medical community, and to familiarize Armenia’s health administrators and
professionals with the American healthcare system model.
The delegation includes Larry Zarian, Governing Board Member of Glendale
Adventist Hospital and former Glendale City Councilmember; Scott Reiner,
Chief Executive Officer of Glendale Adventist Hospital; Carl Ermshar, the
hospital’s Chief of Staff; Dr. Alber Karamanoukian, a Glendale-based
physician; and representatives of GGSCA.
“We are very excited about our upcoming delegation to Armenia,” said Artin
Manoukian, President of GGSCA. “Both the delegation, as well as the medical
community in Armenia, will learn a great deal from this exchange, and as a
result will be able to provide a higher quality of care to their patients
in the long run.”
The delegation will travel to Yerevan, and Ghapan. During the expedition,
the delegation will visit medical institutions as well as meet with various
medical professionals, government officials and health administrators. The
delegation will also visit historical and cultural sites throughout the two
cities.
“Because of Glendale’s large Armenian population, the City’s medical
community provides care to thousands of Armenians,” said Larry Zarian,
Governing Board Member of Glendale Adventist Hospital. “Through exchanges
such as this delegation, our health providers can become more familiar with
the culture and history of the people they serve.”
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6 – Vanadzor Sister City Committee
To Exhibit Children’s Art, May 22
PASADENA – A unique display of fine art works produced by six, seven and
eight year old children from Vanadzor will be held May 22, from three to
five o’clock, hosted by the Vanadzor Sub-committee of Pasadena Sister
Cities. The paintings will be displayed at the AGBU Social Hall, 2495 East
Mountain Street, corner of Altadena Drive.
Also included in the exhibit are paintings and ceramics from a number of
Pasadena’s public and parochial school students.
Committee member, Forrest Turpen, Chief Operating Officer of the Christian
Educators Association International, who has visited Armenia on three
different occasions, working with local outreach and in public schools in
Vanadzor, will present a brief Power Point presentation at 4 p.m. He is
responsible for bringing the 50 or more paintings from the children of
Vanadzor.
Sub-Committee Chair Seda Marootian extends an invitation to all those who
are interested in viewing these paintings. The exhibit will be held for one
day only. Among the dignitaries invited to make presentations are Consul
General Gagik Kirakosyan and Pasadena Mayor Bill Bogaard.
Vanadzor committee members include Joan Reyes, Marguerite Hougasian, Mary
Terzian, Silva Kazangian, Rose Avakian.
Refreshments will be served. Admission is free.
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7- Tom Bozigian Will
Provide Music for
After Games Party
FRESNO – DJ Tom Bozigian will provide both Armenian and American dance at
the Armenian Summer Games After Party at the Buchanan High School in
Clovis, June 18. The festivities will begin at 6:30 p.m. with mezza,
The Western Armenian Athletic Association’s 35th Annual Summer Games will
take place June 17-19 at the Buchanan campus.
Games will include men’s basketball, women’s volleyball, tennis, and track
and field. The modern facilities at Buchanan include an all-weather track,
where the track and field competition will take place on June 18. Track and
field events will be open to people of all ages and be contested in age
groups. Tennis will also be held on Saturday and will include singles and
doubles competition by age groupings.
Two on-campus gymnasiums will be home to the basketball and volleyball
tournaments. Participants will receive a souvenir T-shirt and complimentary
ticket to the traditional post meet picnic.
This year’s summer games are dedicated to the memory of the late Dr. Ara
Hairabedian, long time coach of water sports at California State
University, Fresno, and an enthusiastic participant and WAAA supporter for
many years.
For more information, applications, etc., access the website:
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8 – Soprano Karen Esperian to Attend
June 13 Haigazian Celebration in L.A.
LOS ANGELES – Metropolitan Opera diva Karen Esperian will attend a special
celebration luncheon hosted by the Los Angeles Women’s Auxiliary of
Haigazian University on June 13 at the Los Angeles Jonathan Club.
No stranger to Haigazian, Esperian will long be remembered as a special
guest at the Auxiliary’s gala reception after her acclaimed 1993
performance in La Boheme. She and Placido Domingo captivated hundreds of
guests at that post-opera event in the Music Center’s Founders Room. It is
noteworthy that both luminaries, stressed the importance of Haigazian’s
critical role in the Middle East.
Esperian will sing the lead role of Alice Ford in the May-June Los Angeles
Opera production of Verdi’s final masterpiece, Falstaff.
Those who wish to attend this exclusive event may contact: Elizabeth
Agbabian, 310-476-5306, Hermine Janoyan, 818-342-4600, or Susie Phillips,
323-933-8643.
All funds raised are designated for Haigazian’s 50th anniversary
scholarship fund.
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