Author: David Nargizian

One of the most under-appreciated behaviors in our communities is the remarkable generosity of diaspora Armenians. We are, for the most part, familiar with the diaspora-based non-profits that accomplish miracles every day with their heroic work in housing, education, employment and social services. In addition, there are thousands of dedicated individuals who are self-motivated to lead, participate and contribute to the betterment of the homeland. They ignore politics, corruption and other conflicts as mere distractions. What they all have in common is a desire to give of themselves. From leading groups such as the ARS, COAF, AGBU or individuals who contribute on their own, these people and organizations have decided to make a difference. They share a common bond of patriotism. The most fundamental form of this patriotism is the desire to serve others with time, talent and treasure. We all know people in our communities who fit this description, and perhaps you even see one in your mirror. It is extraordinary that such commitment and generosity exist within a community geographically and generationally separated from the homeland. It is a tribute to the communal values that are instilled through participation in our churches and organizations. We are all quick to criticize each other for our shortcomings or failures. Working on our challenges is important. It enables sustainability, but we also need to take the time to recognize the unique nature of our philanthropy.

The diaspora culture has been nurtured by our families and communities to connect with each other. Our clannish nature keeps us whole. It is always a joy at church fellowship and receptions to watch the Armenian “network” functioning. We relate to each other and learn from each other. We find new relatives, build professional relationships and share a common bond. Prior to 1991, this common bond in the diaspora was based on the tragedy of the Genocide. Every family had their story of anguish, and it became a foundation of many relationships. This is a double-edged sword. There is a certain darkness in speaking about the Genocide from a perspective of loss. This is why the cause of justice is important beyond its redemption. It becomes therapeutic by focusing our energy on solutions and the future. After the independence of Armenia, the diaspora found a new common bond with each other…the homeland. For most of us, the land of Armenia was removed by several generations and in a different geography. For many, the pictures of Ararat were the bond. The Republic of Armenia made the land of Armenia real and accessible. It also triggered the value of service in a new and exciting way. The American Armenian community has always been giving in its nature by building an entire infrastructure of schools, churches and centers across the United States. Giving to Armenia gave many a connection to their broken family trees by investing in what remained of the land their ancestors were forced to exit. When Armenians in America contribute to the homeland, they are completing the cycle of their families’ lives broken by the horror of dispossession. This is why it is sustaining, because it is sourced deep in their souls. Diaspora philanthropy has endured political instability, corruption, disappointment and outright failures. Why? The motivation is much more fundamental by connecting to the people and the land. We have all heard of individuals who contribute “under the radar” of these distractions because they are focused on the core of Armenia’s society…children, elderly, families, communities and hope. Larger groups are able to confront some of Armenia’s weaknesses and provide for an improved environment. Together they continue their mission. This represents a pure and humble representation of patriotism.

This past weekend, my wife and I were asked to speak at a “Ladies Tea” fundraiser at our local parish. It has become an annual event the last few years where the women of our community gather to celebrate Mother’s Day and raise money for the church. Every year, they commit half of the profits to a philanthropic cause in Armenia. This decision is commendable. The church has financial needs, yet they feel the need for outreach beyond the local parish, particularly in the homeland. This is not unique. It is happening in virtually every corner of our piece of the diaspora. The diaspora maintains its own needs and is emotionally invested in the homeland. In past years, the parish has honored the Women’s Support Center in Yerevan, which does lifesaving work for the victims of domestic violence. This year, they decided to support the schools of the Paruyr Sevak border village in Armenia. Susan and I were thrilled since this is the village we have been working with since 2018. On that particular day, we witnessed a microcosm of this value of giving from the American diaspora. The event was a major success and will provide substantial funding for current projects in the village. This is the result of the patriotic values of the event organizers and attendees. We were overwhelmed with gratitude as we witnessed many individuals writing checks to supplement the proceeds. Each of them had this wonderful spirit of giving. The emotions in their eyes displayed their love for the homeland and commitment to their heritage. Many have never been to Armenia, but there is still a magnetic connection between the homeland and their sense of purpose. Too often in the Armenian community, we are clouded with the negativity of daily life. There was no talk that day of the government, conflicts or the Turks. All I felt was their love for their brethren far away whom they have never met. It is such a unique circumstance. Somehow, as a community, we have managed to transfer this love from generation to generation and apply it with quality of life work. There were a number of young women at the event who were filled with knowledge and enthusiasm for the work in the homeland. Some have been involved through internships or Birthright. Others will surely experience this in the coming years. They are the next generation that will continue to lead with their love of the nation.

When we speak of financial investments, it is common to characterize them in terms of risk and return. Investing in the homeland is similar, except we define the risk as assimilation in the diaspora and the return is our identity. The diaspora is very familiar with the concept of communal sacrifice. When the volume of survivors arrived here in the decade after World War I, there was very little infrastructure to retain our collective identity. It was built by people with limited education and sparse financial resources, but they were off the charts in terms of commitment. That spirit has driven the diaspora engine for over a century and has fueled the patriotic commitment we have seen at the organizational and individual level. 

Last week, the Weekly reported about a project to renovate a gym at the school in the village of Ginevet/Nor Ughi. This initiative is being spearheaded by a longtime friend from the AYF, John Mangassarian, along with his wife June. John has been an ardent supporter of Camp Haiastan for decades. This a noble effort as they are “adopting” this village to bring improvements in the quality of life for our brethren. The model is both realistic and sustainable as we have the resources in the diaspora to implement. It is not just about raising the funds (although that is essential). The American Armenian commitment and its “can do” attitude is a huge advantage. John wrote about the impact of Camp Haiastan in building the values that drive our commitments as adults. On a higher level, his comments reflect that the experiences we have growing up as Armenians in America have given us the knowledge, passion and commitment to serve Armenia and our heritage. Without those experiences, our talent would be applied elsewhere or perhaps wasted. The AYF with its camp, Junior Seminar and Olympics offers such experiences that many, such as John and his team, are applying in Armenia. They are making a difference. You can also. John articulated what many believe—that the camp teaches our youth to acquire knowledge and to serve. The evidence is clear. The camp has one of the finest records of generational transition. Campers become counselors, who become board members and benefactors. Invariably, many of our leaders refer to their years at the camp or in other groups as the place where the emotional connection to their heritage was established. This is a critical event if the diaspora is to thrive and have the bandwidth to help Armenia. It’s not all about serving and giving. We also receive a precious gift. When diaspora Armenians make a difference in the homeland, they receive the beauty of a meaningful purpose in this world. There is no greater reward.

The Giving Tree at the ARS Soseh Kindergarten in Stepanakert. John and June Mangassarian visited the kindergarten in 2019. Their mothers’ names are engraved on the tree after the couple made generous donations in their memories to the renovation of the kindergarten.

Whether it is the gentle smile that accompanies the generosity of our senior community colleagues or the pure enthusiasm and passion of our youth who have discovered an identity, we should be thankful for this legacy of giving. I remember in my youth the fundraisers for schools in Beirut. I asked my father once why we support this. He simply responded that we are one people, and our good fortune should be shared with others. I have never forgotten that simple motivation as I have seen it applied countless times. It has been said that the only difference between the affluent American Armenian community and our border village brothers and sisters is that during the Genocide many of our ancestors went to the Middle East, Europe and the Americas. Others migrated to the eastern highlands or were native to the eastern homeland. It has been our good fortune to live in an environment where education, professional development and freedom have been abundant. I am very proud that our communities have retained the giving and service values of our ancestors. There is room on this train for many more.

Steve Hagopian, Mayor of Granite City Mike Parkinson, Stephen Hagopian and Der Taniel Manjikian

GRANITE CITY, Ill. – The city council of Granite City issued a proclamation last month establishing a Friendship City with Ashan in the Republic of Artsakh.

The proclamation on April 18, 2023 was spearheaded by Granite City Mayor Parkinson and sets the foundation for long-term cooperation between the two cities. It also provides opportunities to “engage in critical exchange of ideas to further Ashan’s support of economic stability, cultural preservation, and strong social ties in Artsakh,” as outlined in the proclamation.

Ashan is a border village in the province of Martuni in the Republic of Artsakh and has been severely impacted by Azerbaijan’s timeline of aggression, most recently their brutal blockade, which has surpassed 145 days and has hindered the delivery of vital necessities.

“Artsakhtsis, and more specifically the citizens of Ashan, have been subjected to the inhumane treatment of Azerbaijan for years. While resolute in our will to remain in our homes and on our indigenous lands, we have faced our fair share of hardships. This proclamation and the establishment of this Friendship City shows our people that the Diaspora and the communities in the Eastern United States have our back. With the support of the international community, we can continue to stand up to the enemy, amidst the threat of annihilation,” said Armen Balasanyan, mayor of Ashan. “We have endured over 145 days of blockade and one thing remains certain, our right to live on this land is unalienable,” he concluded.

Through the tireless efforts of ANC of Southern Illinois activists, this proclamation expresses that Granite City stands in solidarity with the people of Ashan – sending a clear message that their plight is not one to face alone.

“We are extremely proud of the stance that Granite City Mayor Parkinson took by issuing this Friendship City proclamation. This step builds on the longstanding relationship the Armenian community has built with the elected officials of Granite City. Through this proclamation, Mayor Parkinson powerfully demonstrates that he stands with the Armenians of Artsakh who are on the brink of genocide,” said Steve Hagopian, ANC of Granite City co-chair.

NEW YORK, NY — The significant theme of “Truth, Recognition and Justice” reverberated throughout Times Square on Sunday as Armenian Americans commemorated the 108th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, while advocating for the Armenians of Artsakh, who continue to endure the blockade on the Lachin Corridor implemented by Azerbaijan over four months ago.

Keynote speakers during the annual memorial event organized by the Knights and Daughters of Vartan pledged that the Armenian people will not be victims of ethnic cleansing once again.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, April 23, 2023

The first New Yorker to be elected to five terms in the US Senate, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) vowed to “work just as hard this term as every other term to fight for the Armenian people both here in America and in Armenia.” He noted that every genocide has something in common, which is that “the world looked away and turned a blind eye” resulting in a “stain on humanity.” Senator Schumer highlighted the importance of the act of remembrance to ensure that the “victims did not die in vain.” “We owe it to all of humanity to remember because a genocide that is not properly remembered always leads to another,” he said, recalling that for years he sponsored Senate resolutions and called on US presidents to finally name the “Medz Yeghern” for what it was — genocide. While the US did affirm the Armenian Genocide, Senator Schumer emphasized that the hard work must continue in the face of ongoing human rights abuses in Artsakh. “I urge Azerbaijan to lift the blockade now, and I urge the US government to do everything it can to lift the blockade,” he said. “I will use my power as Senate Majority Leader to encourage a peaceful settlement as soon as possible.” Senator Schumer concluded on an uplifting note and said that Armenia has “outlasted authoritarian thugs in the past and will continue to do so in the future,” expressing that the 1.5 million Armenian Americans living in the US are leaders in their communities, proof that “the Armenian nation has not just endured but prevailed.”

Senate Foreign Relations Committee chairman Senator Bob Menendez, April 23, 2023

Senate Foreign Relations Committee chairman Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ) reflected on the “incredible successes” of the Armenian people in the US following the Armenian Genocide and stated he was “proud” of the role he played in US acknowledgement of the Armenian Genocide, as he introduced and co-sponsored resolutions recognizing the Armenian Genocide since his first year in the Senate in 2006. “Fighting the denial of the Armenian Genocide is not only about the past, it’s about the present as Armenians again face the threat of ethnic cleansing,” said Senator Menendez, referring to Azerbaijan’s unprovoked assaults on the Armenians in Artsakh and the ongoing blockade of Artsakh. The US, however, continues to send security assistance to Azerbaijan, which Senator Menendez stated was “absolutely unacceptable.” “We should not be in bed with the government of Azerbaijan as they commit such atrocities because it is inexcusable, it is morally repugnant, and it has got to stop,” said Senator Menendez, emphasizing that he opposes any aid given to a country known for war crimes and aggression against a neighbor state, which he said applies to Turkey as well, where President Erodgan had labeled Senator Menendez as “persona non grata.” “Now he has elevated me to an ‘enemy of the state,'” said Senator Menendez. “But if standing up for human rights makes me an enemy of Erdogan, if calling out Turkey for arming Azerbaijan and enabling the massacre of innocent Armenian civilians makes me an enemy of Erdogan, if demanding Turkey recognizes its crimes of the past makes me an enemy of Erdogan, then that is a badge I will wear with honor.”

Director of the Program on Peace-building and Rights at Columbia University’s Institute for the Study of Human Rights David L. Phillips, received the Humanitarian Award from The Knights and Daughters of Vartan Times Square Armenian Genocide Commemoration Committee for his dedication and efforts in human rights and justice. As a result of the unprovoked violence against the Armenians in Artsakh, Phillips spearheaded a research and documentation project Artsakh Atrocities, in cooperation with Columbia University and the Artsakh Human Rights Ombudsman Office, which documents Azerbaijan’s “systematic effort to drive Armenians from their homeland through killings, ethnic cleansing and deportations.” “It’s clear from both Aliyev’s actions and hate speech that a second Armenian genocide is underway in Artsakh,” said Phillips, who has compiled extensive documentation of crimes committed by Azerbaijan’s forces and Turkish-backed Islamic fighters. “We document gruesome reports of torture and beheadings. We provide evidence of Armenian cultural destruction aimed at eradicating every trace of Armenian communities, and we hope that the Artsakh Atrocities project will preserve evidence to deter future crimes and hold perpetrators accountable.”

Permanent Representative of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic to the US Robert Avetisyan, April 23, 2023

Permanent Representative of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic to the US Robert Avetisyan expressed his gratitude to the US for its swift response during the Armenian Genocide, its diplomatic and humanitarian efforts, and its historic recognition, “which is another testament of unity between our nations when it comes to matters of truth, justice and humanity.” Despite the passing of a century, Rep. Avetisyan underscored that “Armenians are again at gunpoint.” While the 2020 war ended, the “aggression has not stopped and now extends to Armenia proper.” The months long blockade of the Lachin Corridor, according to Rep. Avetisyan, is a “humanitarian crisis rooted in politics” as the world “witnesses human cruelty by an oppressive regime towards people whose only crime is their desire to live in freedom, dignity and democracy.” “The ongoing blockade of Artsakh has clear genocidal intent, and we will continue our struggle with collective efforts to prevent a second Armenian Genocide.” Rep. Avetisyan noted that Aliyev “openly ignores” calls from the State Department, White House, Congress and International Court of Justice to re-open the Lachin Corridor. He stressed the need for “concrete actions” including economic and political sanctions against Aliyev, as well as more humanitarian aid and efforts to ease the suffering of those whose lives worsened under the blockade on a daily basis. “We have to protect our inalienable rights and liberties,” he concluded. “The Armenian Genocide started in 1915, but it did not end, [therefore] we have to continue to fight together.”

Alejandra del Carmen León Gastélum, April 23, 2023

Mexican politician Alejandra del Carmen León Gastélum, who along with Armen Yeritsian propelled the Senate of Mexico’s unanimous passage of Armenian Genocide recognition in February, spoke in Spanish. Translation was provided Dr. Vartan Matiossian. “It is our duty to recognize and commemorate the Armenian Genocide because it is our duty to prevent tragedies like this that are ignored, forgotten and hidden in the sands of time in the complicity of silence,” she said. Gastélum stated the importance of remaining alert since history has demonstrated the perils that can occur when people in suffering are abandoned. She expressed that being a “defender of human rights” is a “lifelong commitment” for her and remarked that Armenians have an “invaluable historical and cultural wealth, and are hardworking people who extend a friendly hand to whoever needs it.” “May this day serve to commemorate the victims of the Armenian Genocide, give dignity to the Armenian people, strengthen links of cooperation between nations in defense of peace, and protect human rights while relieving the suffering for all those affected by violence and war,” she concluded.

Grand Commander of the Knights of Vartan, Hunan Arshakyan, as well as the Grand Matron of the Daughters of Vartan, Gloria Korkoian, reflected on the noteworthy mission of their respective organizations during this critical time. “As we remember our martyred saints who gave their lives to our country and faith during the Armenian Genocide, we think of our fellow Armenians today in Armenia and Artsakh who are still suffering and fighting for their right to exist and their right to live as Armenians and be free from ethnic cleansing,” said Arshakyan. He stated that the Knights of Vartan is now in its second century of service to preserve the Armenian homeland, church and culture, and that “Armenians around the world carry the same responsibility to keep our people and heritage alive and to tell our story,” said Arshakyan. “We must never stop serving our people and fighting for truth and freedom.” The Daughters of Vartan aided the Armenian people in the aftermath of the Armenian Genocide, according to Korkoian, who noted that they helped the “Armenian people rise to reestablish communities, to help build and rebuild churches and schools, and preserve our families and our culture.” Korkoian said that the Daughters of Vartan aim to “champion the Armenian cause, alleviate the suffering of the Armenian people, ensure the safety of displaced Armenians, and to train leaders to serve the religious, cultural, educational and charitable needs of the Armenian people.”

Huyser Ensemble, featuring Harout Barsoumian, Karine Barsoumian, Maria Barsoumian, Ara Yegoryan, Diana Vasilyan and Michael Sarian, performed patriotic songs for the audience.

Huyser Ensemble, April 23, 2023

His Eminence Archbishop Anoushavan Tanielian, Primate of the Eastern Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America, delivered the invocation, and Very Rev. Fr. Mesrop Parsamyan, Primate of the Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Church of America, delivered the benediction. Aram Bashian of the Armenian Evangelical Church of New York City and Rev. Richard Shackil, Parochial Vicar of Holy Cross Armenian Catholic Church of Little Falls, NJ, shared remarks and prayers. The Holy Martyrs Armenian Day School students sang the Armenian and American anthems and God Bless America.

The Knights and Daughters of Vartan have sponsored the Times Square Armenian Genocide Commemoration since 1985, along with the support of a multitude of Armenian American community organizations. This year the event was co-chaired by Haig Gulian, Ari Minnetyan, and Christopher Artun, under the guidance of Chairman Emeritus Hirant Gulian.

Armen McOmber, Esq., Diran Jebejian, Chantelle Nasri served as MCs, while Armenian Assembly of America executive director Bryan Ardouny served as media spokesperson.