Category: 2023

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.

Siran Tamakian next to her wall of fame

WATERTOWN, Mass.—Siran Tamakian has been teaching at Watertown High School for 23 years. Since the retirement of longtime Armenian language teacher Anahid Yacoubian in 2009 after nearly four decades at the high school, Tamakian has carried the torch and kept Western Armenian alive for Watertown’s students, in addition to teaching English as a Second Language (ESL).

The survival of the Armenian language program is in peril again, after having faced elimination several times over the years. Tamakian will retire from teaching at the end of the 2023-2024 school year. That means the school needs to fill the void, not only in ESL, but even more urgently with the Armenian class.

When Tamakian took over as Armenian teacher, Yacoubian had been teaching four periods of varying levels of Armenian. The school approved Tamakian’s added role with the stipulation that she would only teach one period that included all levels of students. “It was very chaotic,” Tamakian told the Weekly during a recent visit to Watertown High School, but they persevered and Armenian has continued to be taught at the high school for a dwindling population of Armenian students.

At one time, the student body was about 75-percent Armenian. Today, there are about 100 students who identify as Armenian in a population of 716 students. Additionally, Watertown Middle School no longer offers the Armenian language, which has resulted in fewer students choosing the language at the high school level.

All of this deeply concerns Tamakian. “When I retire next June, I’m really worried about what’s going to happen. I’m sure they’re not going to continue it,” she told the Weekly. This prompted her to offer the school a temporary solution until they can find an Armenian language teacher to replace her. During her first year post-retirement, Tamakian has said that she is willing to go to the high school every day to teach the one period of Armenian. With the class periods being organized in blocks, it will be a little challenging for scheduling, but she says it’s worth it. “It’s fine to do for a year if it will help the kids to finish their three years of a language with Armenian,” Tamakian said. 

There’s no guarantee that the school will accept her offer, so she feels community members will need to call on the school committee to demand the continuation of Armenian language classes at Watertown High School. It’s been done before with the help of the local Armenian National Committee.

Watertown High School remains the only public high school in the US that offers Armenian language class; there are several private and Armenian high schools around the country that include the language. Since Western Armenian has been deemed endangered by UNESCO, and Watertown High School is certified to teach it, Tamakian feels an urgency for the classes to continue at the school. 

Not only is Western Armenian taught, but like those before her, Tamakian’s class also includes history and culture, which brings us to the next icon that could be lost after her retirement, if not sooner: the Armenian Wall of Fame.

Watertown High School’s Wall of Fame upon entering the school

Tamakian began the wall of fame not long after she took over as Armenian teacher. She remembers seeing a post on Facebook that named about 10 Armenians famous for various accomplishments. “I should make a list myself,” she thought, and the wall of fame was born. Over the years, the wall, which snakes down the hall near the entrance to the high school, has grown to include about 100 individuals of distinction, along with posters designed by the students to commemorate the Armenian Genocide. She said that the Armenian Weekly has long been her primary source for names and information.

The US map of states recognizing the Genocide

At one time, she and her students began filling in the states that had recognized the Genocide on a US map – a map that is now completely filled. As we walked along perusing the people on the wall, the names and faces of Watertown High School graduates appeared, along with a Rhode Island connection, which led to wistful nostalgia for both of us.

A Rhode Island connection

Tamakian hangs the posters and accompanying information in time for the Genocide remembrance in April and keeps them up until the first week of May. This year was bittersweet as she dismantled the display and boxed it up, as she is unsure if there will be room for the wall of fame next year.

Watertown High School graduate

Watertown High School is scheduled to be rebuilt. At the end of this school year, the current building, originating in 1925, will be torn down to make way for a new school. In the meantime, a temporary school, in the form of modular pods, is being built near the middle school at Moxley Field. The plan is for the temporary structure to be used for three academic years until the new high school building is completed in its current location.

Watertown High School graduate

With the limited space in the temporary location, teachers will be sharing classrooms, and Tamakian is afraid she won’t be able to display the wall of fame for her last year before retirement. The posters create interest with the students and teachers. One social studies teacher recently brought students to view the wall and asked them to find three scientists or three entrepreneurs. Right now, Tamakian’s students are working on slideshow presentations about some of the famed individuals. She selected about 30 from the extensive list, and the students chose several to research and “get to know a little better.” 

Tamakian’s Armenian class and wall of fame introduce her students to both the language and Armenians who have had an impact on the global community, instilling a sense of pride and inspiring possibilities in their own lives.

Anyone wishing to raise their voice in support of continuing the Armenian language program at Watertown High School may email Tamakian, whose full name is Sonia Siran, at [email protected].

Watertown Police, SSAES Preschool Director Maral Orchanian, SSAES principal Houry Boyamian, members of the 5K Planning Committee

WATERTOWN, Mass. — St. Stephen’s Armenian Elementary School (SSAES) was proud to host its second annual 5K Fun Run.

The sun was shining on the morning of May 6 for over 150 walkers, runners and spectators, along with many children who spent time in the bounce house and at the face painting table.

The 3.17 mile race wrapped around Watertown and ended on Artsakh Street at St. Stephen’s Armenian Apostolic Church.

Rev. Archpriest Antranig Baljian and SSAES principal Houry Boyamian, M.Ed.

The fastest runner was Jose Calderon with a time of 19:53. Sabrina Afeyan was the fastest woman and finished the race in 28:40. Other top finishers are listed below.

1st place winner Jose Calderon with an impressive time of 19:53

Top 10 & under female –
Arya Varbedian Leonard – 49:44

Top 10 & under male –
Samson Said – 32:08

Top 11-19 female
Sevan Mikaelian – 32:41

Top 11-19 male
John Diran Gengozian – 24:57

Top 20-29 female
Varteni Aroyan – 42:51

Top 20-29 male
David Danielian – 25:48

Top 30-39 female
Sevan Makhoulian – 32:18

Top 30-39 male
Jean Froundjian – 27:55

Top 40-49 female
Nevart Mikaelian – 32:13

Top 40-49 male
Saro Derian – 24:38

Top 50+ female
Lucy Hoosian – 31:08

Top 50+ male
Andrew Guzelian – 23:25

Preschool student Aram Iskenderian

Funds raised will be used for various initiatives at SSAES. For the past 39 years, the school has provided an extended family, a quality bilingual education and a strong cultural foundation to build and grow Armenian identity and connection to the homeland. The success of this recent community event is just one example of many that brings the children together beyond the standard school hours and influences their overall joy and excitement. Graduates often speak highly when recalling their experiences at SSAES; events like these further forge the lifelong friendships between children, parents and families.

Post-race awards ceremony

WASHINGTON, DC –US House Foreign Affairs Committee senior members Brad Sherman (D-CA) and Chris Smith (R-NJ) called for concrete answers from US Agency for International Development (USAID) Administrator Samantha Power regarding the Biden administration’s two-year-long failure to operate any US humanitarian aid programs in Artsakh, reported the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA).

During the May 17th House Foreign Affairs Committee hearing on President Biden’s Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24) foreign assistance budget, Rep. Sherman asked Administrator Power, “We’ve got a blockade of Artsakh, part of an effort to ethnically cleanse the area. People need food, aid. Does this area meet the USAID’s definition of a crisis?”

Administrator Power dodged the question, instead referencing the US State Department’s non-earmarked funding for the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), which has been able to deliver limited assistance through the Azerbaijani blockade to Artsakh’s 120,000 indigenous Armenian population. US funding is available for all of ICRC’s global humanitarian efforts, but Artsakh aid is solely offered at the ICRC’s discretion.

Rep. Smith, referencing Azerbaijan’s Artsakh blockade, asked how assistance is getting to Artsakh’s Armenian population.

Administrator Power noted, “I gather that an ICRC convoy did, in fact, get in today. But access has been very, very limited. Many, many staples are in short supply. […] It should be coming in through commercial means as it always was, but since the road has been blocked and the checkpoints have been erected, commercial access has not been possible. So we understand it to have been a combination of Russian peacekeepers and ICRC deliveries when those can go in.”

Power touted, “USAID has sent two assessment missions to the [Nagorno Karabakh] region, and we are encouraging the UN to send an interagency assessment mission as well.” The most recent Artsakh aid assessment was in response to a provision in the Fiscal Year 2023 spending bill that directs the Department of State and USAID to provide Congress with an assistance strategy for addressing humanitarian and recovery needs arising from the Artsakh conflict and identifies the US “resources and programs,” available for this purpose. Though the assessment was due on March 1st, the results have not been made widely available to Congressional offices.

Senate Foreign Relations Committee chairman Bob Menendez (D-NJ), in a contentious exchange with Administrator Power two weeks earlier, asked USAID to send him the assessments.

The ANCA has been vocal in its calls for immediate humanitarian assistance to Artsakh in response to the forced displacement of over 100,000 Artsakh Armenians resulting from Azerbaijan and Turkey’s 2020 attacks on Artsakh and Azerbaijan’s ongoing blockade. During Administrator Power’s time in office, USAID has not operated any US assistance programs in Artsakh.