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06/24/2005
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1) VP Cheney’s Letter to Maritza Ohanessian Properly Characterized the
Armenian
Genocide as a Genocide
2) German Book Trade to Honor Outspoken Turkish Author
3) Gibrahayer Stumbles on ‘Lost’ Armenian Church in Turkish Occupied North
Cyprus
4) Ambassador Evans Positive on Overall US-Armenia Relations
5) Pope’s Says Mistake to Equate Turkey to Europe, Skeptic on EU Bid
6) Armenian Community Welcomes Pallone at Campaign Fundraiser
7) Gomidas Institute Builds Genocide Education Web Site
8) Balakian Lectures in Cyprus, Receives Mashdots Medal from Aram II
9) Fighting the Rising Tide of Anti-Semitism around the Globe
10) LA Times says oh `Yes’
11) ARS-WR Makes Third Pilgrimage to the Homeland
12) Limited Edition DVD of `I Hate Dogs’ and `Back to Ararat’ Released
13) RETURN TO SENDER–ADDRESS UNKNOWN!
14) The Undaunting Armenian Sprit of Survival Relived in ‘Cinderella Man’
1) VP Cheney’s Letter to Maritza Ohanessian Properly Characterized the
Armenian
Genocide as a Genocide
Rothman Leads Congressional Request for Clarification of Vice President’s
Letter to Armenian Genocide Survivor
WASHINGTON, DC (ANCA)–Congressman Steve Rothman (D-NJ) was joined today by
twenty-one of his House colleagues in calling on Vice President Dick Cheney to
clarify if his letter to a survivor of the Armenian Genocide, in which he
properly–but uncharacteristically–described the Armenian genocide as a
genocide.
In a letter dated April 22, 2005 and signed by the Vice President, he honored
Maritza Ohanesian of West Hartford, Connecticut as the oldest living survivor
of the Armenian genocide. In the letter to the Vice President, the
Congressional signers of the Rothman letter noted that, “We are confident that
your letter to Ms. Ohanesian represented perhaps the greatest birthday gift in
her lifetime, a letter from the Vice-President of the United States of America
using this important language.”
“Armenian Americans value the principled leadership of Congressman Rothman
and
express their appreciation to all those who joined with him in calling for a
much needed explanation from the Administration,” said ANCA Executive Director
Aram Hamparian. “It would seem that, in answering the concerns raised by these
Members of Congress, the Vice-President has two choices–to publicly accept
responsibility for his letter, or to personally explain to Mrs. Ohanesian
exactly why it is that he cannot stand by his words.”
Joining Congressman Rothman as signatories to this letter were
Representatives
Rob Andrews (D-NJ), Lois Capps (D-CA), Joe Crowley (D-NY), Anna Eshoo (D-CA),
Barney Frank (D-MA), Patrick Kennedy (D-RI), Mark Steven Kirk (R-IL), Sander
Levin (D-MI), Carolyn Maloney (D-NY), Thaddeus McCotter (R-MI), James McGovern
(D-MA), Michael McNulty (D-NY), Richard Neal (D-MA), Frank Pallone, Jr.
(D-NJ),. George Radanovich (R-CA), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Brad Sherman (D-CA),
Mark Souder (R-IN), John Tierney (D-MA), Edolphus Towns (D-NY), and Peter
Visclosky (D-IN).
2) German Book Trade to Honor Outspoken Turkish Author
FRANKFURT (AFP)–Turkish novelist Orhan Pamuk will receive the German book
trade’s prestigious peace prize this year, the German Publishers and
Booksellers Association announced on June 23.
Pamuk is to accept the 25,000-euro ($30,400) award at the Frankfurt Book
Fair,
the world’s largest literary venue, on October 23.
Announcing its decision, the prize jury said Pamuk had a unique ability to
bridge cultures. “In Orhan Pamuk, we are honoring an author–who like no other
writer of our time–explores the historical footprints of the West in the East
and the East in the West,” it said.
“He is committed to a concept of culture based on knowledge and respect for
others. Pamuk has created a genre in which Europe and Islamic Turkey
co-exist.”
Pamuk is no stranger to political controversy. Earlier this year, he angered
nationalists in Turkey by publicly addressing the highly sensitive subject of
the genocide of Armenians in World War I.
In an interview with a Swiss newspaper, he said that “30,000 Kurds and one
million Armenians were killed in Turkey.” One local official ordered the
seizure and destruction of his works.
Pamuk, who lives in Istanbul, is known internationally for novels such as “My
Name is Red,” “The New Life,” “The White Castle,” “The Black Book,” and most
recently “Snow.” His works have been translated into 20 languages.
Set in 16th century Istanbul in the reign of Ottoman Sultan Murat III, “My
Name is Red” is a meditation on tensions between East and West.
The Peace Prize is one of the highest distinctions in German literature.
It is
presented each year by the Association of German Publishers and Booksellers at
the close of the Frankfurt Book Fair.
Past winners of the prize, now in its 56th year, include the late US writer
Susan Sontag and Hungarian novelist Peter Esterhazy.
3) Gibrahayer Stumbles on ‘Lost’ Armenian Church in Turkish Occupied North
Cyprus
NICOSIA (Gibrahayer.com)–The Armenian Protestant Church of Nicosia has long
been a lost and forgotten treasure, as many community members are unaware that
another Armenian Church is located a few hundred meters away from Turkish
occupied Victoria street, in the heart of the old Armenian neighborhood.
Simon Aynedjian, who publishes Gibrahayer.com, discovered the Armenian
Protestant Church after inquiring about its background. “The first person I
met, who was actually knowledgeable about the existence of the Church, is an
Armenian Protestant herself–Ruth Keshishian–who like many of us, still
hasn’t
crossed the border, thinking that she cannot handle the trauma of seeing her
Church and re-living her past,” Aynedjian said.
The Church, renamed ‘Cyprus Turkish Handicrafts Cooperative Ltd,’ is located
gracefully named after the Protestant Armenian Church–Mahmut Pasa, Sok.
Ermeni
Kilisesi, Lefkosa.
“Are we also aware that more than 200 members of our community were once
Armenian Protestants? Forgive my ignorance, although I am bravely admitting to
things I do not know, but it almost feels like the older generation has been
hiding this community heritage under covers! Should it be acceptable that a
Church never acknowledged before, fails to get the mention it deserves in our
history books? Why do we so easily give up on things that are ours? Why do we
react only when we are pinned to the wall?” Aynedjian asks.
Sourp Asdvadzadzin Church on Victoria street, situated a few hundred meters
further down from the Armenian Protestant Church, Aynedjian explains “has an
even more repulsive story to tell. The community members although aware of its
existence, still stay passive towards its fate. The area where the choir once
sang is now a public toilet, its walls witness the intimate moments of young
Turkish couples. Young Turks have redesigned the Church floor into a football
ground to accommodate their sporting activities, and Efes Pilsen beer bottles
now substitute the candles of this sacred place.”
While the Armenian Monastery of St. Magar is being turned into a coffee shop,
Aynedjian said, “We stumble on an Armenian Church built in 1946 lost,
forgotten
and not talked about.”
4) Ambassador Evans Positive on Overall US-Armenia Relations
YEREVAN (Armenpress)–US ambassador to Armenia John Evans said on Friday that
US-Armenia relations in the defense and security sectors are developing, and
are sure to deepen in the realm of NATO’s Individual Partnership Action Plan
program.
Responding to whether the possible relocation of Russian military hardware
impedes the expansion of Armenia-US cooperation, Evans said, “Both the US and
Russia have good relations with Armenia. I hope that Russian ambassador will
agree with me. We have no controversies concerning the issue. We want Armenia
to develop economically, socially, and it is not only a matter of military
cooperation, but also cooperation between peoples.”
5) Pope’s Says Mistake to Equate Turkey to Europe, Skeptic on EU Bid
ROME (AFP/The New Anatolian)–In his first book published since his
inauguration, Pope Benedict XVI expressed strong reservations about Turkey
becoming a European Union (EU) member.
Sections of Former Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger’s 152-page book, “The Europe of
Benedict, in the crisis of cultures,” were made available to the press.
According to Italian news agency Apcom, the pope invites people to rethink
Turkey’s EU membership. “Turkey is a state affected by Islamic culture, and it
lacks Christian roots,” the Pope writes.
The book contains material first written in 1992 and updated as recently as
early this year–shortly before Benedict’s election to the papacy,
according to
the Cantagalli publishing house.
“Ataturk tried to change Turkey into a secular state in order to adopt the
Christian secularism found in Europe,” writes the Pope, “European identity can
only be determined by the norms and content of the similar enlightened
cultures. All the states that can adopt these criteria could be European.”
In an interview last August, the then-Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger said, “Turkey
has always represented another continent throughout history, in permanent
contrast with Europe, so to equate the two continents would be a mistake.”
Vatican Slams Turk Intolerance
The Vatican ambassador to Turkey yesterday condemned “institutional
christianophobia” in the largely Muslim but secular country.
“In Turkey, a country that defines itself as a secular democracy, religious
freedom only exists on paper,” Archbishop Edmond Farhat told the Italian news
agency ANSA. “It is included in the constitution, but in reality it is not
implemented.”
The archbishop said the resistance to the implementation of religious freedom
“makes you think there is a strategy not to extend to Christians the same
freedom which is enjoyed by non–Christian religions in Europe. There is an
institutional christianophobia in Turkey which is not very different from
other
Muslim countries.”
He also cited the charges against Protestant missionaries in Turkey, who are
accused of trying to convert people to Christianity. The missionaries were
accused of “threatening Turkish unity.” The Catholic Church has been seeking
legal recognition in the country since 1970.
“The EU has done a lot for religious freedom in Turkey. But it is not enough.
Religious freedom must be a presented not as a condition but a right,” Farhat
said.
6) Armenian Community Welcomes Pallone at Campaign Fundraiser
ENGLEWOOD, NJ–On June 18, more than 100 Armenian community activists gathered
at the home of Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU) president Berge
Setrakian for a fundraiser in support of Congressman Frank Pallone, who
represents New Jersey’s Sixth Congressional District. Currently serving his
ninth term, Pallone has long been a friend of the Armenians and is the
co-Chair
of the Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues. Pallone was eager to engage
with the Armenian-American community as he embarked on his upcoming bid for
the
U.S. Senate.
Setrakian praised Congressman Pallone’s advocacy of the Armenian community
and
its causes. Armenian Assembly of America Board of Directors vice chair Annie
Totah and Armenian National Committee of America executive director Aram
Hamparian both lauded Pallone’s work, and encouraged community activists to
support his Senate campaign. Hamparian emphasized that, as a U.S. Senator,
Pallone would have even greater opportunities to stand up for Armenian
issuesand to defend the community against those who seek to undermine the
enduring ties between the United States and the Armenian people.
Totah stressed that Pallone’s impact as an advocate of the Armenians would be
`10 times stronger’ if he were elected to the Senate; Hamparian added that
Pallone’s support of Armenians has been a `valuable asset,’ especially in the
areas of Armenian genocide recognition, foreign aid, trade relations and the
rights of Karabagh to self-determination.
Pallone offered his remarks to those present and to the Armenian community at
large. Speaking from his experience in serving the community, which includes
traveling to Armenian and fighting Armenian battles in Washington, Pallone
thanked attendees for their support over the years.
Pallone thanked the Setrakians for their support, and reaffirmed his
longstanding cooperation with the ANCA and Assembly. He described his recent
efforts with New Jersey Senator Jon Corzine, to end the genocide being
committed in the Darfur region of Sudan. Noting the similarities between the
Armenian and Darfur genocides, he stressed the need for a US foreign policy
that prioritizes the prevention of genocides.
The congressman then offered an in-depth review of the state of Armenian
issues in Washington, including the recently introduced Armenian Genocide
legislation, the foreign aid bill, US-Armenia trade opportunities, and the
further development of ties between the United States and Armenia.
Pallone also answered questions and addressed comments from the guests.
Substantial funds were raised to help the Pallone for Senate campaign, and the
occasion was as enjoyable as it was politically potent.
7) Gomidas Institute Builds Genocide Education Web Site
LONDON–The Gomidas Institute (UK) has made new strides into the youth market
in a bid to educate Armenians and non-Armenians alike about the Armenian
genocide, by creating a Web site for UK-based fans of the band System Of A
Down.
With links to the official System Of A Down Web site, lead singer Serj
Tankian’s political action site Axis of Justice, and information about the
current situation in Darfur, the Institute aims to inform young people about
current world injustices, as well as the experience that has become the
overarching theme in Armenian memory.
Soon to be added is an exclusive interview with Tankian, which was conducted
at the Download festival in Donnington Park on June 12, features the singer’s
thoughts and experiences as a descendent of genocide survivors.
Another major initiative recently introduced by the Institutea progressive
organization aimed at global education about the Genocideis commemorative
wristbands. The tri-color wristbands have `Armenian Genocide 1915′ embossed on
one side, and the Web site , on the other. They are
available
as single bands or in packs of 10; all proceeds from the sale of the
wristbands
will go toward further educational initiatives.
For more information or to purchase a wristband, contact [email protected].
8) Balakian Lectures in Cyprus, Receives Mashdots Medal from Aram II
By Doris V. Cross
On May 30, Peter Balakian was awarded the Mashdots Medal from His Holiness
Aram I at the Catholicosate in Antelias. The ceremony, which opened with the
singing of liturgical hymns by the choir, took place before a capacity
crowd of
community members and seminarians.
Balakian spoke about the importance of being present in such integral
diasporan communities in Lebanon and Syria, and about his moving experience of
visiting the Der Zor desert, which he called `the epicenter of the Armenian
genocide.’
He also expressed his gratitude to the Catholicos for his leadership as the
head of the World Council of Churches, and for bringing the history of the
Armenian genocide to a global audience.
`Peter Balakian, an American-born Armenian, has played a pivotal role by
placing the Armenian genocide in American context; by emphasizing the
historicity of the Armenian Genocide and generating an American response
towards it,’ said Aram I. `Furthermore, Peter Balakian, through his
well-documented studies, has made the Armenian genocide a relevant and urgent
issue that must be seriously addressed to prevent the new genocides’.
A reception with his Holiness Aram I and the community followed the award
ceremony.
Balakian had never been to Cyprus, but was welcomed like an old friend by the
members of the Hamazkayin Oshagan chapter when he arrived in Nicosia. Simon
Aynedjian, editor of Gibrahayer, an online Armenian news magazine, had heavily
promoted Balakian’s May 20 lecture, organized by Arto and Vera Tavitian. The
event included readings from Balakian’s books and a discussion, as well as a
reception and book signing.
Ruth Keshishian, owner of Nicosia’s legendary Moufflon bookstore, had ordered
plenty of copies of The Burning Tigris, both the Greek and English editions of
Black Dog of Fate, and June-tree for sale at the event. The standing room only
crowd that packed Utigian hall on Armenia Street quickly purchased all the
available copies. It was the most well attended event in the Oshagan chapter’s
history.
During his brief stay in Nicosia, Balakian visited the Armenian Church, the
cemetery, and the Melkonian Educational Institute. Prior to his departure, he
had the first of what he described as profound experiences during the
three-country trip. With Simon Aynedjian as their guide, he and his companions
crossed the green line into Turkish-occupied Nicosia. Aynedjian led the group
through what had been the Armenia neighborhood, its church now in shambles,
its
buildings in decay and their courtyards strewn with rotting garbage. `I felt
both anger and despair to see the Armenian Church of Nicosia destroyed by the
Turks. This was the site of most of the Armenian weddings, baptisms and
funerals on the island for centuries,’ said Balakian, who also went to Beirut
where he delivered a series of lectures at Haigazian University and the
American University of Beirut.
9) Fighting the Rising Tide of Anti-Semitism around the Globe
By Rep. Steve Rothman
There’s no doubt about it: Anti-Semitism is on the rise around the world.
It’s rearing its ugly head on graffitied walls and desecrated synagogues
throughout Europe; through satellite TV transmissions beamed all over the
globe
from Iran, Saudi Arabia and other nations in the Middle East; and now in
Turkey, the largest established democracy with a majority-Islamic
population in
the world.
Of course, anti-Semitism is not a new phenomenon.But it now seems inevitably
to go hand-in-hand with virulent anti-Americanism.Combined with the
combustible
fuel of millions of alienated Muslims caught in calcified and corrupt
dictatorships around the world, anti-Semitism is growing again as an ugly
catalyst for extremist civic and political action.The minds of these people
are
being poisoned with high-tech, state-sanctioned hatred through the airwaves on
a daily basis, and it is cause for serious concern–not just to Jews and
supporters of the State of Israel, but to all freedom-loving adherents of
democracy and tolerance everywhere.
It remains a matter of record that our `allies’ like Saudi Arabia and Qatar
allow the transmission from their soil of highly offensive, shockingly
anti-Semitic and anti-American television news and entertainment programming.
These are replete with classic anti-Semitic smears, ranging from dramatic
depictions of the blood libel to assertions on news broadcasts that Jews are
the source of the international drug trade.What’s also a matter of increasing
concern to me is the spread of anti-Semitic propaganda and imagery through the
political and social culture of nations which we have long counted as allies
such as Turkey. It is a dangerous trend we must counter.
The Middle East Media Research Institute (MEMRI), a media watchdog
organization that records, translates, and transcribes television programming
emanating from countries in the Middle East and Africa, recently revealed a
number of anti-Semitic statements and broadcasts made public through the
Turkish news media. Recent examples of anti-Semitic content in the Turkish
news
media portray Judaism as a sinister, malevolent cabal bent on asserting Jewish
domination over world affairs, business, and the international news media.
MEMRI has also presented evidence showing that hostility toward Turkish
Jews is
on the rise.State-sanctioned incidents of anti-Semitism include Jewish
citizens
being questioned by Turkish government authorities about their loyalty to the
Republic of Turkey, with some accused of treason and blamed for the fall of
the
Ottoman Empire.
Also of intense concern are growing ties between the Prime Minister of
Turkey,
Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and Afghan jihad leader Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, a close
ally
of Osama Bin Laden. Hekmatyar sheltered the al Qaeda leader in Afghanistan
after the terrorist mastermind fled Sudan in 1996, and, following the US
invasion of Afghanistan in late 2001, pledged allegiance to the spiritual
leader of the Taliban, Mullah Omar, who launched a guerrilla war on the US and
its Afghan allies.
Shortly after he and his political party, the `Justice and Development
Party,’
took power in 2003, Erdogan was pictured in the prominent Turkish daily
newspaper, the Star Gazette, sitting side-by-side with Hekmatyar.Needless to
say, it was a disturbing picture.
Last week, I drafted a letter calling upon President Bush to challenge Prime
Minister Erdogan to denounce all forms of discrimination and hate speech in
Turkey and to renounce his ties to Bin Laden’s allies.I circulated it among my
colleagues in the US House of Representatives, and we sent it to the President
before his June 8th White House sit-down with Erdogan.
`You have been outspoken regarding the dangers posed to the American
people by
terrorists who wish to do us harm.When you meet with Prime Minister
Erdogan, we
hope you will ask him to renounce his connection to this ally of Osama bin
Laden and request that he immediately and publicly denounce anti-Americanism
and anti-Semitism in all forms…Mr. President, you also have been vocal about
the growing problem of Arab incitement against Jews.It is our feeling that
Turkish incitement against Jews is equally troubling and must be addressed
immediately,’ we wrote to the President.
That would be a great start.But our government must do more and take
proactive
steps to counter anti-Americanism and anti-Semitism around the globe.Just as
the State Department monitors human rights violations and documents them every
year, so too must we provide an official accounting of the anti-American,
anti-Semitic, and violence-inciting content of the electronic mass media being
transmitted from countries around the world. And we must demand that the
United
States government take into account the countries from which this `hate media’
originates when developing and implementing US foreign policy–specifically in
the allocation of US foreign aid.
To do anything less is to behave ostrich-like in a dangerous world, with our
heads tucked into the sand.We must lift up our heads and our eyes and pay
attention to the long-running struggle for the hearts and minds of billions of
people around the world and the hateful anti-Semitic and anti-American
messages
with which they are being brainwashed, before it is too late.
US Representative Steve Rothman, (D-Fair Lawn), has represented New Jersey’s
9th Congressional District since 1997 and sits on the House Foreign Operations
Appropriations Subcommittee.
10) LA Times says oh `Yes’
In a glowing review that came out in Friday’s edition (June 24) of the LA
Times, Kevin Thomas wrote about `Yes,’ a newly released movie about a
passionate love affair between an American woman and a Middle-Eastern man in
which they confront some of the greatest conflicts of our
generation–religious, political, and sexual.
Joan Allen portrays an Irish-American scientist who is married to Anthony
(Sam
Neill), a politician. Strangled by the relationship, she becomes involved in a
passionate love affair with a Lebanese surgeon (Simon Abkarian) who is exiled
in London. The movie is an experimental story told in iambic pentameter
rhyming
couplets, evoking Shakespeare. The lead characters, Allen and Abkarian, are
simply called “She” and “He,” never given proper names.
`The glory of the film is the remarkable Joan Allen, whose virtuosity is well
matched by that of Simon Abkarian. Allen’s `She’ is a cool goddess, an eminent
London-based microbiologist and Belfast-born American. She lives in a starkly
decorated town house whose cold, spare elegance reflects the ashen state of
her
marriage to Anthony (Neill), a successful politician and unfaithful husband.
Anger and resentment lurk just beneath the surface of their poised public
facade, but at a grand dinner when the unhappy She connects with a waiter
(Abkarian), who will be known only as `He,’ she does not fight it. He turns
out
to be a Lebanese surgeon who fled Beirut a decade before and lives modestly as
a restaurant cook,’ Thomas writes. `They plunge headlong into a torrid affair,
but a nasty, potentially violent clash between He and several other cooks of
varying ethnicity, religion and politics thrusts He back into his Arabic
identity and culture, causing him to reject She as a symbol of a superpower
that looks down on the Arab world.’
Thomas raves, `Allen and Abkarian have the presence, skill and commitment to
take the viewer along on harrowing emotional journeys.’
Directed by Sally Potter, Thomas dubs her the `ever idiosyncratic and daring
British filmmaker’ who tells `a searing–the only word for it–love story that
lays bare the pain and rage of the conflicts between the Middle East and the
West in the wake of 9/11 and the Iraq War, with its demonization of the Arab
world on the one side and escalating hatred of America on the other.’
Potter says, `I started writing `Yes’ in the days following the attacks of
September 11 in New York City. I felt an urgent need to respond to the rapid
demonization of the Arabic world in the West and to the parallel wave of
hatred
against the United States…I began by writing an argument between two lovers,
one a man from the Middle East (the Lebanon), the other a woman from the West
(an Irish-American) at a point where their love affair has become an explosive
war-zone, with the differences in their backgrounds starting to cast a long
shadow over their intimacy.’
`The war in Iraq began as we began rehearsals; with Joan Allen and Simon
Abkarian heading a fine, committed cast. Lines from the script became more and
more pertinent as the characters’ journey accelerated. During the working
process we talked passionately about the themes of the film; the struggle to
understand each other (East and West, Christian and Muslim); the desire to
respect each other’s differences and to find a way of living side by side,’
Potter added.
`Bold, vibrant and impassioned, `Yes’ is the work of a high-risk film artist
in command of her medium and gifted in propelling her actors to soaring
performances,’ noted Thomas.
“Yes’ is sublime! A modern love story…relentlessly rapturous mis-en-scene.
The chemistry between Allen and Abkarian transcends their contrasting
ethnicities. Sally Potter has gambled heavily, and the bet has paid off
magnificently.’
–Andrew Sarris, The New York Observer
`You haven’t seen anything like it! A stunning epic about a grand passion.’
–Tim Appelo, Seattle Weekly
`It’s as if Ingmar Bergman, William Shakespeare and Dr. Seuss had
collaborated
on a project.’
–Desson Thomson, The Washington Post
Exclusive Engagements start on June 24:
West Hollywood: Laemmle’s Sunset 5 (323) 848-3500
West Los Angeles: Laemmle’s Royal (310) 477-5581
Encino: Laemmle’s Town Center 5 (818) 981-9811
Pasadena: Laemmle’s Playhouse 7 (626) 844-6500
Visit the trailer at <;
11) ARS-WR Makes Third Pilgrimage to the Homeland
A group composed of Armenian Relief Society Western Region (ARS-WR) regional
executive and members, as well as supporters, departed for Armenia and Artsakh
(Mountainous Karabagh Republic), on May 24, for the third pilgrimage organized
by ARS-Western Region (ARS-WR).
The objectives of these trips are numerous–from visiting historic sites, to
touring projects funded by the Western Region and individual supporters–in
addition to visiting sites for future projects in collaboration with the ARS
Central Executive (CE), the ARS Armenia and Artsakh Regions.
One of the highlights of the trip was a visit to the Sardarabad Monument on
May 27, followed by the group’s participation in a “Shourch Bar” (circle
dance)
around Mount Arakadz, along with almost 250,000 Armenians from Armenia and
diaspora. ARS tour members were stationed around the section where monuments
were recently erected on the occasion of the 1600th Anniversary of the
invention of the Armenian Alphabet.
The group proceeded to Artsakh for four days, visiting the Kantsasar
Monastery, the ARS Sosse Kindergartens, and the opening of the Home Museum of
Nigol Touman. Accompanied by fellow ARS members from Artsakh, the group
visited
the Sosse Kindergartens that operate year round and serve 550 children. The
ten
schools operate under the auspices of the ARS CE; in addition to sponsoring
the
Ashan and Aganapert schools, the Western Region also funds several renovation
projects at the other schools.
During visits to the kindergartens, guests were entertained by the school
children, while ARS-WR Regional Chair Angela Savoian, and Armenia Projects
Coordinator Jasik Boniatian-Jarahian, encouraged staff and students with their
heartfelt remarks.
Through a project that began in September 2004, the ARS-WR provided two
uniforms per student, and table settings to the ten ARS Kindergartens. During
this trip, an additional 300 uniforms and 200 pairs of footwear were delivered
to the new students. This project is funded by generous individual and chapter
donations from the Western Region. During the visits to the Sosse
kindergartens, ARS-WR Executive members Alice Yeghiayan and Serpouhie
Messerlian, helped put up the plaques for sponsorships by their respective
chapters, “Mayr” Chapter of Hollywood and “Sophia” Chapter of Fresno.
During last year’s visit to Armenia, Jasik Boniatian volunteered to
sponsor–in memory of her father Souren Boniatian–the renovation of the
Dzaghgashad village (formerly Ghshlagh) of Artsakh, including the hall, the
tonir (the lavash bread bakery) and the picnic area of the Home Museum of
Nigol
Touman.
His Eminence Archbishop Barkev Mardirossian, the Prelate of Artsakh,
conducted
the opening ceremonies on May 31. On hand were numerous public officials,
sponsor Boniatian-Jarahian, the tour group, the senior graduating class of the
Ferrahian High School, and all the neighboring villagers who were invited to
attend and participate in the dinner celebration that followed. Everyone
commended Jasik for her dedication to serve the people of Artsakh through
extensive renovations, and the preservation of the cultural artifacts
housed in
the Nigol Touman Home complex.
Another highlight was a visit to the ARS Mother and Child Birthing Center on
June 7. Established under the auspices of the ARS Central Executive, and under
the leadership of Dr. Sevag Avakian in 1997, the center serves the Akhourian
and the surrounding villages.
Since the opening of the maternity ward of the health center on April 25 of
this year, 113 babies had been delivered up to the time of the group’s visit.
The ARS-WR provided clothing for the newly born, and donations were also made
to the center while visiting the site. The Regional was pleased to see the
utilization of donations totaling $41,000, towards the maternity ward. Every
one in the tour was impressed by the professional staff, modern equipment,
sparkling environment, and the well-kept grounds surrounding the hospital.
The group also toured the Western Region’s ongoing projects since the 1988
devastating earthquake in Armenia, including the Psychological Centers of
Gyumri and Spitak, the Optic Centers (donated to the ARS Armenia Regional
Executive), and one of the residential sites rebuilt by ARS Western Region in
Akhourian.
In the capital of Armenia, the group attended a special performance by the
residents of the “School for Children with Speech Impairments,” and was
pleased
with the renovation of the auditorium and other improvements of the facility
donated during last year’s visit to the school. The group proceeded to visit
the Zeytoun No. 8 and Nork No. 14 boarding schools of Yerevan, as well as the
Nigol Aghbalian School in Akhourian, once again amazed by the progress of
renovations.
ARS CE Vice-Chair Hasmig Derderian and Board Member Alvart Bedrosian, along
with ARS-WR members, and members from France, Lebanon, and Greece attended a
luncheon meeting in their honor, which was sponsored by ARS Armenia. First
Lady
of Armenia Dr. Bella Kocharian, along with her daughter, also attended. Dr.
Kocharian commended the humanitarian accomplishments of ARS, Angela
Savoian, on
behalf of the visiting members, thanked the CE for the opportunity to get
together and to be honored by the presence of Dr. Kocharian. She also thanked
her Armenia counterparts for their hospitality and for facilitating all the
ARS-WR projects in the homeland.
Representatives of the ARS-WR presented a large volume encyclopedia about the
liberation of Artsakh titled, “Kharapaghian Azadakragan Baderazm 1988 to 1994”
to the families of freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives during the
liberation struggle.
The members of the tour have returned to their families with renewed
conviction and a commitment to serve fellow Armenians both in the homeland and
the diaspora. What they witnessed in Armenia will provide new impetus for
future projects.
Plaques were placed in the name of the following donors at the corresponding
sites. No doubt, the financial and moral support the ARS enables to fulfill
its
noble mission.
-ARS Mother and Child Birthing Center in Akhourian, Armenia: Donated by the
ARS San Fernando Valley “Anahid” Chapter, in memory of Janet Aslanian, and in
memory of Hagop Boyadjian;
-ARS Sosse Kindergarten in Aganapert, Artsakh: In memory of Serop Sabounjian,
donated by his wife, Azniv Sabounjian, and friends;
– ARS Sosse Kindergarten in Ashan, Artsakh: Donated by the Armenian National
Committee (ANC) Professional Network;
– ARS Sosse Kindergarten in Aykesdan, Artsakh: Donated by Aram and Sevana
Manoukian;
– Shahabi Hrachya Hovhanessian School Gymnasium, Armenia: Donated in
memory of
Maral Melikian;
– Zeytoun #8 Boarding School, Armenia: Donated in memory of Mr.& Mrs. Simon &
Rosie Shirvanian;
– Nor Nork #14, Armenia: Donated in memory of Zareh Saradjian.
12) Limited Edition DVD of `I Hate Dogs’ and `Back to Ararat’ Released
HOLLYWOOD Markopolofilms and HB PeĂ
Holmquist Films released the special
commemorative DVD featuring two critically acclaimed documentaries, `I Hate
Dogs-The Last Survivor’ (2005) and `Back to Ararat’ (1988).
`I Hate Dogs’ is the new documentary short by Swedish producers PeĂ
Holmquist
and Suzanne Khardalian. The film explores Garbis, an energetic 99-year-old
survivor of the Armenian genocide. Garbis inspects the effects of genocide and
talks about the life he built in France. “For anyone that has the slightest
difficulty in understanding what genocide means to the individual, this
film is
an absolute must,’ said Kulturnytt.
`Back to Ararat’ is an award-winning documentary produced and directed by
Holmquist, Khardalian, Göran Gunner and Göran Gurén. The Los Angeles Times
stated, “It’s difficult to watch it without a sense of outrage.”
The first feature length documentary about the first genocide of the 20th
century, `Back to Ararat’ explores several Armenian communities around the
world and exhibits the struggles that the Diaspora faces in dealing with
issues
of genocide. Viewed internationally, `Back to Ararat’ is considered to be one
of the most extensive documentaries on the Armenian genocide.
PeĂ
and Suzanne are amazing visual storytellers who had the courage to go
where very few dared to at the time. `These films bring genocide consciousness
to the big screen,” said Raffy Ardhaldjian, one of the few genocide-survivors
portrayed in the documentary.
`Back to Ararat’ includes bonus interviews with filmmakers. The DVD is
available at most Armenian-American bookstores for $20 and will soon be
featured for purchase online at
To purchase the DVD or for more information on US sales please call
818.291.6490. For more information on arranging private screenings please call
Eliza Karagezian at 818.291.6490. For more information on the films and
filmmakers visit
The Ani & Narod Memorial Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, tax-exempt US
organization encouraging the welfare and development of Armenian women and
children through innovative cultural, educational, health and social programs.
13) RETURN TO SENDER–ADDRESS UNKNOWN!
BY SKEPTIK SINIKIAN
My articles are worthless. Heck, I’m the first person in the world to admit
that my writing isn’t worthy of a public bathroom stall door, let alone the
only Armenian-English language daily paper in the US. Most people who read my
column have a love-hate relationship with me, and like any dysfunctional
relationship, I always keep coming back for more abuse just as you, the
unassuming reader does. This week I wanted to dig into the mailbag and
answer/respond to readers’ comments. Think of this as your favorite 80s sitcom
where they exhausted all the fresh ideas and ran an episode where everyone had
flashbacks from previous episodes from different seasons. But don’t worry
about
being bored by reading these letters and answers, because my readers are more
belligerent/paranoid than Mr. Furley and more raucous than the Happy Hour
crowd
at the Regal Beagle. If anyone born after 1980 understood those two
references,
then rest assured, you have a bright future ahead of you!
Speaking of abuse and love-hate relationships, my editor forwarded me
excerpts
of a reader’s letter who was obviously upset with my last column. My editor
tried to calm me down, but I was sure that she was in agreement with parts of
the letter. The reader believed that my columns started off being
`entertaining’ [sic] but have gotten `worst by the day’ [sic]. My editor
seemed
to agree with the assertion that I was `always negative, degrading, and
outright abusive.’
Normally, I wouldn’t respond. I’d just agree to whatever demands I’m faced
with; promise to have a more rosy outlook on life–and move on. But in this
case, I have to object. My criticism of the conditions and attitudes that
pervade in our community are done out of genuine love and hope for a better
tomorrow and are in no way meant to blindly knock down any one particular
person or group. In other words: I dislike everyone equally and, quite
frankly,
this is what I do best.
And as for the reader who doesn’t like my columns…tough luck. It’s called a
page…turn it and move on to the obituary or the Homenetemen page or
something
for Pete’s sake.
Now, on to the letters (in the form they were received)…
Q: Hello, how are you? My names Hovik and I take a lot of interest in the
Armenian Cause and History. I just read your article from Ask.com. I wanted
to ask you Why don’t [sic] England recognize the Armenian Genocide and why
don’t [sic] they care for our cause but favor the Turks over us? Or is because
they know they had involvement in the Genocide and did nothing to stop it and
so they’re keeping out of this? Thanks again. I would really like to read
what
you say. Thanks again.
–Hovik, via e-mail and location unknown.
SS: Uh…you forgot to say thank you! What’s the matter? Were you raised by
wolves? Ok, seriously though, I think that the Brits don’t admit that a
Genocide took place because they share a common history of being aggressors
and
persecutors with the Turkish Government. In fact, some Irish nationalists look
to the Armenian Revolutionary movement during the same period as a model for
their own struggle for self-determination. Also, I believe that the Brits also
committed their own Genocide during the Irish potato famine. I personally
believe that it was carried out as a way of controlling the rapid growth of
the
Irish population during the period of Industrialization. And don’t get me
started on what they did to the poor Indians on the Asian continent.
So, I guess I’m trying to say that the Brits are just jerks much like the
Turks who carried out the Genocide of the Armenians. Not all, but some
are…especially those silly Spice Girls. Also, while I’m on a rant, I never
liked English muffins, which never really looked like muffins, and I was never
a huge Beatles fan to begin with. I’ll take Benny Hill and Monty Python and
you
can keep the remaining lot–along with tabloid stories of British royal
family,
soccer fans/hooligans, Elton John, and the atrocious English cuisine!
Q: Are you a System Of A Down fan? Have you heard their newest
album`Mezmerize’? I heard that they are going to have a concert in Artsakh.
What do you know about this?
–Suren, London, UK
SS: Fine, Suren is the last thing we’ll take from England. Everyone else is
out! Well Suro (you don’t mind if I call you Suro, do you)? I am indeed a fan
of System Of A Down. I think that their music and lyrics improve with each
progressive album that they produce and publish, and I am very excited about
the next one which is due out Fall of 2005. As far as the concert in Artsakh,
what do I look like? A Ticket master outlet? If the SOAD guys do indeed
put on
a show in Artsakh, I think it would be awesome! But I think it’s highly
unlikely because their management probably tells them what to eat for
breakfast
and when to go to the bathroom. That’s what happens when you become really
famous.
By the way, do you think the average Turkish citizen gets upset when they
read
about SOAD in the general media outlets? I would imagine that they feel the
same feeling I had when Turkey was moving ahead in the World Cup semifinals.
I wonder if there’s a laboratory in Ankara working on a Turkish Boy Band
prototype that will be Turkey’s answer to SOAD. After all, they responded to
Egoyan’s film `Ararat’ by making a four or eight hour mini-series. I shudder
to think of the results. There are few things in this world worse than
Turkish
cinema, and I would imagine a Turkish Boy Band is one of them.
Q: Did you attend any of Catholicos Karekin II’s events while he was in
town?
I’m curious to know what you thought of the new Catholicos.
–Vergine, North Carolina
SS: What does it say about a person’s Pontiff when Microsoft’s Word program
doesn’t even recognize the word `Catholicos’ in the spell check? I had an
opportunity to hear the Catholicos speak at a recent event, and with all due
respect to the position and standing of the Vehapar, will keep my opinions to
myself. I’ll say this much… he’s no Vazgen I. I remember when I saw the
first
Star Wars back in 1979 and kept thinking how much Vazgen I reminded me of Sir
Alec Guinness–Obi-Wan Kenobe. After that day, I, like many Armenian youth at
the time, wanted to grow up to join the Jedi Council, aka the Armenian
clergy.
Later on the painful reality of a life of celibacy shook me to my senses and I
gave in to the Dark Side. Anyway, CK Deux seemed like an ok guy, but I didn’t
know what to expect, so I can’t formulate an opinion.
Q: Dear Mr. Sinikian:
I have been reading your latest about Mr. Saddam’s underpants and laughing
out
loud. I believe that if you collected all the Sinikian columns in a book, it
will be a bestseller. Your political humor and sharp pen now almost equal
those
of our legendary Hagop Baronian. You might want to check your local library to
read some of his writings during the period of Abdul Hamid’s reign, when his
newspapers were given permit to publish, and closed down after two or three
issues, because of his sharp political (International, Ottoman Empire, and
azkayin Bolsahye level) writings. He would get another permit for a different
named newspaper. And his writing aliases were legend. He also used to write in
Turkish for Turkish newspapers.
–Harry, Las Vegas
SS: Well, thank you `effendi!’ It’s readers like you that make it worth my
while to research such important topics as the type of underpants Saddam
Hussein wears and the reasons why the Bush administration seems so eager to
jump inside of them.
As far as my collected writings, I’ve been considering writing a book for
some
time now but the problem is that I can’t decide on a title. So far I have
`The
Madzoon Diaries and Other Skeptik Essays,’ or `Skeptik’s Book of Superfluous
Side Notes.’ By the way, if I were Dr. Jack Kevorkian’s official biographer,
I’d title the book `Tsav’d Dahnem–Let Me Take Your Pain!’ I’ll shut up now
and go look up the Baronian books at the local library. Thanks for the
compliments!
Q: Now that the Michael Jackson case is over, who do you think should be cast
to play the role of Mark Geragos for the made for TV movie? —
Raffi, Los Angeles
SS: Good question! I hate the idea of a made for TV movie about the trial
because I refused to follow the trial and generally hate celebrity trials.
But
I’m willing to put my personal feelings aside only for the opportunity to cast
Mr. Geragos for the role. Don’t’ forget that you might have to find
someone to
play him in the Scott Peterson movie as well. Hmmm… …let’s see, I’m leaning
towards a Gene Hackman, but I don’t know if he can pull it off. Robert Duvall
is too old to play the part but he wouldn’t be so bad either. Both are too
old
and too accomplished to portray the younger Geragos in a made for TV flick.
If
backed into a corner and had to pick someone who’s done enough crappy TV where
they wouldn’t mind doing one more lame role, I’d pick Jimmy Smits from NYPD
Blue fame to play the Saroyanesque mustached Geragos. And not that you asked,
but I wouldn’t cast anyone for Michael Jackson’s role. I’d hire George Lucas
to create a computer generated character like the aliens in Star Wars since
that’s what Michael has turned into anyway.
So that’s it for this week. Keep the letters coming and next week we’ll see
if we can address some serious issues. Thanks to all my readers who keep me
entertained and suggest new ideas for columns.
Skeptik Sinikian is working on the script of the Wynona Ryder celebrity trial
made-for-TV movie and is writing himself in the role of Mark Geragos. If you
have questions or comments about the script or anything else that you would
like to ask Skeptik, he can be reached at [email protected] or
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14) The Undaunting Armenian Sprit of Survival Relived in ‘Cinderella Man’
BY SKEPTIK SINIKIAN
Warning: I’m not promising this article will make you laugh; nor am I
promising that it will make you cry. But I do promise you that you’ll be
prouder of your culture and heritage than before you picked up the Asbarez and
bit into that homemade feta-cucumber-lavash sandwich. Now wipe the crumbs off
your shirt and continue reading. –SS
In Southern California, avoiding conversations about the entertainment
industry is sometimes harder than teaching a non-Armenian how to say “Thank
You” in Armenian (and I don’t mean the cop-out “merci” either, you wannabe
Frenchie sellouts)! Living so close to Hollywood (aka Little Armenia), you
can’t help but follow the tabloids and “industry” news. It’s almost
surreal. We
tend to focus more closely on the outcome of the Michael Jackson trial than we
do on the war that Congress is about to declare on Social Security. (I’m
guilty
as charged–see my last column). I’m not bitter. It’s just the way things are
in the city that takes waitresses and makes them into movie stars and takes
movies stars and makes them into governors.
But anyone can tell it’s summertime in Hollywood when the old grandpas shed
their wool suits for “fanellas” or “maikas” to show off their gold chains
resting gently upon a thick astroturf layer of hair. The other sure sign of
summertime are the billboards heralding the box office smash of the season. A
few bold studios begin to unveil their Oscar contenders but most just try to
earn an easy buck, churning out movies adapted from comic books which were
based on movies inspired by cartoons which were based on a TV show or a
commercial about potato chips or whatever the brain fart of the season happens
to be. But there’s a standout in this year’s summer blockbusters. If you
haven’t seen “Cinderella Man” yet, I recommend that you do.
Director Ron Howard’s “Cinderella Man” is not a biopic gender bender fairy
tale like the name may suggest. It’s a heartwarming tale of survival,
perseverance and overcoming adversity and overwhelming odds. And even though
I’ll always remember Ron Howard as that kid who played Oppie on the Andy
Griffith Show and Richie Cunningham on Happy Days, I have to admit that our
little red-haired, freckled slice of Americana has grown into quite a movie
producer/director. I have not been moved so much by a boxing movie since Rocky
Balboa decided to “fight the Russian” in Rocky IV. “Cinderella Man” is the
story of James J. Braddock–a boxer during the 30’s who went from being a
prize
fighter to being homeless during a period in American history that was so dark
and depressing that it’s referred to as… what else but the Great Depression!
Not just any Depression, but the Great one! (Side Note: The Great Depression
should not be confused with the Not So Great Depression which is the name I’m
going to propose to the History Channel to describe W. Bush’s second term in
office).
Last week, while scouring the net for interesting news, I came across a
fascinating article by Philip Barbara who wrote a great article for Reuters
News Service titled, “1936 Book on ‘Cinderella Man’ Braddock Scores Hit.” The
article spoke about Bradock, the main character of “Cinderella Man” but had an
interesting twist. Apparently, Braddock’s closest friend and the only person
who believed in him when the chips were down, was a sports editor for the
Dispatch in Union City, New Jersey, named Lud Shabazian. After Braddock’s
career began sinking after a “demoralizing loss to light-heavyweight world
champ Tommy Loughran.” The prizefighter’s career kept steady pace with the
sinking economy and before long, the once-could’ve-been-champion was barely
able to find a day’s work at the docks. Conventional wisdom said that his
career was over–especially since Braddock had a broken arm which only
worsened
with each attempt at a comeback. Nobody believed in him except Shabazian.
Eventually, in 1935–a year before Roosevelt was reelected President and
Jesse
Owens inspired a nation by winning the Gold in the Olympics–Braddock
completed
one of the greatest comebacks and upsets in sports history by defeating Max
Baer for the heavyweight title. Braddock gave the common man hope during
America’s bleakest hour, a time when there was no hope to be had (I know, it
sounds like a cheesy movie trailer but it’s true!) and Shabazian wrote the
only
authorized biography of Braddock.
According to Barbara’s article:
“They were a contrasting pair: Braddock, the pale, rugged, 6-foot-3
(1.9-meter) Irish-American would bow but say few words as he was introduced by
Lud, a connoisseur at the microphone and 5-foot-6 (1.6-meter)
Armenian-American, with dark hair that bristled like an old brush.
‘My granddad and Lud were very tight,’ said Jay Braddock, the champ’s
grandson. ‘We considered Lud part of the family.'”
I read this passage over and over and tried to picture this obscure Armenian
in New Jersey who probably rebelled against his parents’ wishes of going into
the jewelry business, running the family produce stand, or some other
traditional trade and instead pursued his dream of being a sports writer. He
fought the system just like Braddock fought the nay-sayers.
I wondered if Shabazian’s family had fled the Genocide or if they came to
America before. I imagined a stubborn, fast talking Armenian with a slight
“Kharpertsi” or maybe “Aintabtsi” accent with a New Jersey feistiness,
cheering
his hero and friend on to victory throwing in an occasional “Knock out that
‘shoon-shan vorty’ Braddock!” I related to Shabazian’s refusal to stop
believing in what everyone else thought was a lost cause because, after
all, he
was my brother–a fellow Armenian. How else could I feel this connection to
someone whom I’ve never met (nor ever will because he died in 1990) and who
lived through the Great Depression? How? Simple. No one knows more about
rooting for the underdog and believing in the unbelievable quite like another
Armenian. Why shouldn’t I, or Shabazian believe or dream for the impossible?
Did Shabazian ever think that “Hey, if Braddock can overcome his weaknesses
and
fears, maybe we, as a people, can too!” or did he just enjoy watching an
Irishman, whom society had knocked down, knock back with a vengeance? We may
never know because little is known about Shabazian’s life. I “Googled” his
name
a few times and not much came up. But I can imagine his emotions watching
Braddock, a rugged Irishman, in the boxing ring, embodying his own people’s
struggle against near annihilations, expatriation, survival and eventually
triumph. Most Americans who see “Cinderella Man” will draw inspiration from
Braddock’s unbelievable triumph. I’ll draw inspiration from the fact that the
only person who never stopped believing in what was seemingly a lost cause,
was
a crazy Armenian named Lud Shabazian, who turned out to be right.
It’s too bad that Shabazian’s character wasn’t in the movie. It would have
been a great addition to my mental repository of useless Armenian/Hollywood
trivia which I save for one of those inevitable “industry” conversations
that I
sometimes can’t avoid. But I think I’ll remember his name nevertheless and
every time the chips are down, I’ll think “Shabazian never stopped believing,
why should I?”
Skeptik Sinikian watched “Cinderella Man” twice before sneaking into the
adjacent theaters to watch only the credits and try to find any name ending in
“ian” or “yan” Michael Vivian–the key dolly grip in “Star Wars: Revenge of
the
Sith” is not Armenian. Skeptik already checked. Email him with random
trivia at
[email protected] or visit
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