Reddit Co-founder Alexis Ohanian Visits COAF Villages in Armenia

NEW YORK — Reddit Co-founder and Armenian American Alexis Ohanian has toured Children of Armenia Fund (COAF)-supported villages in rural Armenia. Ohanian made the pilgrimage to Armenia over the past week on the occasion of the 100th Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide.

Armenian-American internet entrepreneur Alexis Ohanian, co-founder of social website Reddit, meeting with students at technology-enhanced Creativity Lab of newly renovated school by Children of Armenia Fund (COAF) located in Hatsik, Armenia, on Sunday, April 26, 2015. Ohanian visited the COAF-supported villages during his trip to Armenia in commemoration of the centennial of the Armenian Genocide.

Visiting the Hatsik and Karakert villages, meeting with English-speaking students at the school’s technology-enhanced Creativity Lab, which features electronic blackboards, modern computers and mobile furniture, Ohanian met with students from the English ACCESS programs jointly financed by the U.S. Embassy in Armenia and COAF, as part of a two-year intensive language program serving 100 children from socially vulnerable families throughout five COAF-supported villages. Students and Alexis discussed their future career aspirations, the future of Armenia they foresee, and the oral histories passed down to them on the Genocide experience. Following his talks with the youth, Ohanian visited the Armenian villages of Yervandashat and Bagaran on the Armenian-Turkish border. Both ancient Armenian capitals, they are symbolic of the divide of what Armenians regard the separation of western Armenia from present-day Armenia. The Arax River forms the natural border between Turkey and Armenia and is visible from this site.

Ohanian’s visit and interaction with Armenian youth are critical visual examples of Armenia’s today and tomorrow, as opposed to just the pain of the past and the timely remembrance of the Genocide.

www.getfetcher.com/photos/

Reddit Co-founder Alexis Ohanian Visits COAF Villages in Armenia

SARF Urgent Appeal

ALEPPO ARMENIAN COMMUNITY TARGETED ONCE AGAIN
SARF CALLS ON COMMUNITY TO MOBILIZE IN SUPPORT OF CRISIS VICTIMS

Just as Armenians around the world were wrapping up their Genocide Centennial Commemorations, our community in Aleppo was once again the victim of a brutal attack on one of its most iconic churches – the 15th century Armenian Church of Forty Martyrs.

Was the timing of this barbaric act just a coincidence or a message on behalf of the same genocidal criminals who continue to target our heritage, faith and identity?

As you all know, the war in Aleppo has entered a new and very dangerous phase. Our neighborhoods are now in direct line of fire and are being targeted on a daily basis. Our population is facing imminent danger and is suffering human as well as property damages. Our churches continue to be under attack.

Although we become furious with every new tragedy that befalls on our brethren in Syria, we are reminded that we are a nation that has risen from the ashes of a Genocide. The calamity facing the victims of today’s war in Aleppo and all other cities and towns in Syria can only strengthen our resolve and commitment to help them navigate this sad chapter in their lives whether inside Syria or as refugees around the world, most notably in Armenia.

Today, more than ever, the fate of all those living inside Aleppo is unknown. What will be our response!

We call upon our community members to once again step up to the occasion and heed to our urgent call to action by donating generously to help our sisters and brothers who today, more than ever, need our immediate response.

Donate Now! Online: www.syrianarmenianrelieffund.org or by mailing a check to Syrian Armenian Relief Fund, P.O. Box 1948, Glendale, CA 91209

SARF Urgent Appeal

Armenian Genocide Centenary Exhibition Opens in Paris City Hall

PARIS — On April 28, Armenia Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian participated at the opening of an exhibition, entitled “Paris hosts Armenian Genocide Museum-Institute”, presentation of special issue of Politique Internationale, dedicated to the Armenian Genocide Centenary, and traditional reception devoted to the Genocide.

Representatives of different religious communities, Charles Aznavour, dozens of Ambassadors accredited to Paris, members of the French Parliament and deputies of local authorities, Deputy Mayor of Yerevan, Leaders of French Armenian organizations took part in the events with nearly 2000 attendees held on the initiative of Mayor of Paris Anne Hidalgo.

Accompanied by Director of the Armenian Genocide Museum-Institute Hayk Demoyan and curator of the exhibition Raymond Kevorkian, Foreign Minister of Armenia and Mayor of Paris toured the Paris City Hall’s exhibition halls, familiarizing themselves with exhibits.

The exhibition that is open until July 4 was organized by Paris City Hall, in cooperation with the Armenian Genocide Museum-Institute, Embassy of Armenia in France, Yerevan City Hall, French-Armenian Centennial Central Body.

Thousands of billboards in Paris read the exhibition advertisement.

Opening the event at the Paris Great Reception Hall, in front of 2000 attendees, Anne Hidalgo mentioned that it was a tribute paid in the memory of Armenians annihilated 100 years ago during the Armenian Genocide, as well as an expression of gratitude to those survived Armenians and their descendants, who, resided in France, have brought their considerable input in the development of France. According to Anne Hidalgo, it is an honour to host at the halls of the City Hall exhibition of the Armenian Genocide Museum-Institute and thus making citizens and guests of Paris getting acquainted with the history of the Armenian Genocide. She mentioned that about 60 schools of Paris are on list to attend the exhibition.

Armenian Genocide Centenary Exhibition Opens in Paris City Hall

Turkey’s EU Membership Bid "Complicated" Over Armenia Genocide Row

VIENNA – Turkey’s backlash against European countries that call Ottoman Turks’ 1915 massacre of Armenians genocide will complicate Ankara’s ambitions to join the European Union, the commissioner in charge of EU enlargement told a newspaper on Thursday.

“The uncompromising and aggressive” attitude towards those states that consider the WW1-era mass killing of Armenians as genocide “complicates” Ankara’s EU bid. The Union’s Commissioner for Neighborhood and Enlargement Johannes Hahn told the Austrian daily Standard, noting the fact that elections will be held in Turkey in June in the context of the country’s strong reactions.

“In some parts of the country and in certain parts of the population that may be popular, but what I’m worried about are the long-term consequences. This sows the seeds of anti-European and anti-Western attitudes which, from today’s point of view, makes (Turkey’s) membership (in the EU) very difficult,” Hahn said.

The European Parliament this month also backed a motion that called the massacre genocide, days after Pope Francis provoked fury in Turkey by using the same term.

Recently, the Austrian parliament adopted a declaration of heads of caucuses of all six parliamentary parties about the Armenian genocide, to which Turkey reacted by recalling its ambassador for consultations and threatening with the cooling of relations.

Turkey’s EU Membership Bid "Complicated" Over Armenia Genocide Row

Armenian Olympic Weightlifter Vardan Militosyan Dies at 64

YEREVAN — Vardan Militosyan, an Olympic silver medalist and two-time European champion weightlifter for the Soviet Union, has passed away after a serious illness. He was 64.

Born on June 8 1950 in Gyumri, Militosyan took up weightlifting in 1964 and rose to the Soviet national team in 1975 after winning a middleweight bronze medal at the Soviet championships. During his career Militosyan was European middleweight champion in 1976 and 1978, won Olympic silver in 1976, and silver at the 1976 and 1978 World Championships.

Militosyan finished his sporting career in 1980 after he was not selected to the Soviet 1980 Olympic team and worked as a weightlifting coach in his native Armenia. His most famous pupil was his cousin, 1992 lightweight Olympic champion Israel Militosyan.

Armenian Olympic Weightlifter Vardan Militosyan Dies at 64

Demanding Recognition of the Armenian Genocide

By Lucy DerTavitian

If you can …

Imagine a monument dedicated to Hitler in the heart of Berlin. Picture yourself passing a statue of the brutal dictator as you stroll down Nowy Swiat in Warsaw. See yourself dropping off your 6-year-old at Hitler Elementary School. Envision people running into the Hitler Missionary Community Church on the doorsteps of Brandenburg Gate to light a candle for the all the Nazis who died during World War II. Imagine our history books omitting the Holocaust.

Replace Hitler with Talat Pasha, and that is my reality.

Talat Pasha, the main architect of the Armenian genocide — the man responsible for the systematic annihilation of 1.5 million Armenians, is revered in Turkey today as a national hero. Monuments stand in his memory, streets carry his name, mosques uphold his legacy, and public schools turn a villain into a hero.

Talat Pasha’s extermination order reached my grandfather’s home in Malatya, Turkey, in April 1915. His mother, with her newborn in hand, was taken away from their home, never to be seen again. Her image never left him. His father was murdered because he refused to convert to Islam. An apprentice of my great-grandfather’s had tricked the oldest of the siblings into handing over the massive family wealth. When she realized that she had been deceived, she suffered a stroke and died. She was 15 years old. In order to save themselves, the remaining four children, ages 3 to 12, converted to Islam. My grandfather Kevork became Bakeer. Knowing that conversion meant only temporary relief from death, they escaped to Aleppo, Syria, and spent the remaining years of their childhood in an orphanage.

The weight of the Holocaust is shared by all of mankind — as it should be. The ultimate crime against humanity is not simply Jewish history; it is the history of any ethical citizen of our planet. And like the Holocaust, the Armenian, Assyrian and Greek genocides are crimes against man as well, and must be borne by us all.

Unfortunately, the State of Israel, a nation comprising daughters and sons of Holocaust survivors, refuses to acknowledge the Armenian genocide. Yet the contributions of Jewish scholars and intellectuals to the Armenian cause have been significant. In fact, it was this brutal chapter of Armenian history that propelled Polish-Jewish legal scholar Raphael Lemkin to coin the term genocide. Veteran journalist Robert Fisk has reported that the German officers, who trained the Ottoman soldiers during World War I, were later transferred to Soviet Russia in 1942 to kill Jews. And according to historian Edna S. Friedberg, Franz Werfel’s 1933 novel on the Armenian genocide, “The Forty Days of Musa Dagh,” inspired resistance among Jews in Warsaw.

When former Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad outrageously questioned the validity of the Holocaust, his remarks were, rightfully, met with swift and sharp condemnation from European and American leaders. Anything less would have been seen as a despicable acquiescence to his hateful speech. Yet, year after year, Israeli and American leaders refuse to recognize the Armenian genocide. According to Article 3 of the Genocide Convention, complicity in genocide is a punishable crime. The U.S. and Israel are signatories of that convention.

Politicians and scholars alike have widely acknowledged the historical facts of the Armenian genocide. The events have been studied thoroughly and the outcome is unequivocal. It was genocide. Even those who shy away from using the word in fear of Turkish reprisal do not question the validity of the term.

Today, it is a denial by name alone.

In 2008, then-Sen. Barack Obama declared, “America deserves a leader who speaks truthfully about the Armenian genocide and responds forcefully to all genocides.” A year later, President Obama told the Turkish Parliament that he had not changed his views on the events of 1915; however, he failed to use the word “genocide” for fear of repercussions to U.S. military bases in that country.

As a professor, Samantha Power dedicated a significant portion of the proceeds from her Pulitzer Prize-winning book, “A Problem From Hell,” to the Armenian genocide. As U.S. ambassador to the U.N., Power is prohibited from using the word genocide when speaking about the atrocities of 1915.

An article published by Roger W. Smith, Eric Markusen and Robert J. Lifton in the journal Holocaust and Genocide Studies demonstrated how the Turkish government is aware that the events of 1915 constituted genocide.

There is a reason why Lemkin dedicated his life to coining and defining the word. Genocide, unlike its synonyms — massacre, atrocity, mass murder — holds a distinct legal definition, one that was created not merely to punish but to prevent future genocide.

“Who, after all, speaks today of the annihilation of the Armenians?” — Adolf Hitler

This is not recognition for the sake of recognition; it is recognition for the sake of accountability. Accountability lies at the root of justice. Without it, justice is built upon pillars of sand.

Today, this bloody past is a crucial part of my Armenian identity. I wish it were not, but Turkey’s systematic denial of the Armenian genocide has placed the duty of accountability directly on my shoulders.

I often wish I could rid myself of the anger that the injustice of denial arouses in me, but then I remember all the other injustices in the world and how badly I need my anger.

I am not talking about a hateful, misguided and collective anger. That kind of anger would deprive me of the same humanity that the likes of Hitlers and Talats tried to rob from mankind. I am talking about a guided and just anger that keeps us accountable to the pursuit of justice and keeps away that subtle, yet persistent sense of compunction that results from inaction. In this downward-dog-bending, constant-bliss-flowing, positive-energy kind of society that I live in, anger has gotten a very bad reputation.

At the end, governments may lack the moral scruples to use the word genocide, but their citizens do not. Today, a growing number of Turks place themselves in danger in order to help their Armenian brothers and sisters carry the burden of genocide. Instead of rewriting Ottoman history, they are righting history, and in doing so, they establish the foundation for a truly strong, just and democratic Turkey.

It is time to crumble the monuments to evil.

Lucy DerTavitian writes for Lebanese television. She is the former host of KPFK 90.7 FM’s SWANA Radio.

Photo: The author’s great-grandparents, who perished in the Armenian genocide.

Demanding Recognition of the Armenian Genocide

Forty Martyrs Church of Aleppo Destroyed

ALEPPO — The Forty Martyrs Armenian Church of Aleppo has been destroyed due to bombing according to reports from Armenian community sources in the North Syrian city.

The Forty Martyrs church origin dates back to 15th century which was mentioned in 1476, in the second edition of the book The Exploit of the Holy Bible, written by Father Melikseth in Aleppo. The current building of the Church was built and completed in 1491 to replace a small chapel in the old Christian cemetery of the Jdeydeh quarter. The Church was named in honour of a group of Roman soldiers who faced martyrdom near the city of Sebastia in Lesser Armenia, and were all venerated in Christianity as the Forty Martyrs of Sebaste.

The Italian explorer Pietro Della Valle who visited Aleppo in 1625, has described the Church as one of the four Churches that were built adjacent to each other in one yard with one gate, in the newly created Jdeydeh Christian quarter. The other three Churches are the Greek Orthodox Church of the Dormition of Our Lady, the Holy Mother of God Armenian Church (the current Zarehian Treasury) and the old Maronite Church of Saint Elias.

During the 2nd half of the 20th century, the interior of the Church underwent massive renovations to meet with the requirements of traditional Armenian Churches.

The destruction of the Forty Martyrs Church comes about four months after the bombing of Armenian Catholic Cathedral St. Rita church which was partly destroyed. In September 2014, ISIS destroyed the Armenian Genocide Memorial Church in Der Zor.

Forty Martyrs Church of Aleppo Destroyed

Najarian Appointed Mayor, Gharpetian, Devine Sworn in as Councilmember

GLENDALE – Monday, April 27 marked an important day for the Armenian-American community of Glendale as Councilmember Vartan Gharpetian was sworn in as the newest addition to the Glendale City Council and Mayor Ara Najarian was appointed Mayor, succeeding Zareh Sinanyan.  Najarian, will be serving his third term as mayor since first being elected in 2005.

Along with Gharpetian, Councilwoman Paula Devine, who won reelection after serving a brief 10-month term, was also sworn in.

“We whole heartedly congratulate Mr. Gharpetian for his new role as a Glendale City Councilmember and are enthusiastic about his leadership and vision for the community.” said Armenian Council of America (ACA) Board Member Peter Darakjian. “We look forward to working with Mayor Najarian and the Glendale City Council to continue improving city programs, infrastructure, safety for all residents and multicultural awareness and appreciation.”

The Armenian Council of America is a grassroots organization dedicated to work with all political leaders, offering Armenian related news, analysis and resources for policymakers, media, students and activists, advocating issues important to Armenian Americans. The Armenian Council of America aims to strengthen U.S. – Armenia and U.S. – Nagorno Karabakh ties, the development of programs promoting sustainable economic growth and good governance in Armenia, while promoting the values and responsibilities of global citizenship.

Councilmembers Devine and Gharpetian being sworn in to the Glendale City Council

ACA Board Member Peter Darakjian with Councilmembers Devine and Gharpetian

Najarian Appointed Mayor, Gharpetian, Devine Sworn in as Councilmember

100th Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide Commemorated by Los Angeles Board of Supervisors

On the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors approved a motion by Mayor Michael D. Antonovich and Supervisor Hilda L. Solis to send a letter, signed by all five supervisors, to President Obama requesting that he recognize the atrocities against the Armenian people in 1915 as a genocide and petition the Turkish government to come to terms with their predecessors recognize the 1915 Armenian genocide.

Moving to “honor the 1.5 million victims,” and proclaiming April 24 as the “Day of Remembrance for the Armenian Genocide of 1915-1923” Antonovich told his colleagues, “23 nations have officially recognized what Pope Francis has called ‘the first genocide of the 20th century. Yet, the President of the United States refuses to refer to the mass killings of Armenians as genocide. It is necessary, and indeed a duty to remember that this was genocide, it’s time that we also proclaim it a genocide.”

Supervisor Hilda Solis told her colleagues that “any assault on humanity is an assault on all of us.”

The Board also approved a genocide memorial plaque to be placed in Grand Park where a month-long interactive public art display to commemorate the centennial of the Armenian Genocide through public art was unveiled on Saturday, April 25, 2015.

Conceived by artists Ara Oshagan, Levon Parian and architect Vahagn Thomasian, “iwitness” incorporates photography and architecture to educate and inform a new generation about the Genocide. The display consists of massive portraits of eyewitness survivors telling the story from the frontlines — people who were there — most of whom are Southern California residents who immigrated here to reestablish their lives.

“This remarkable memorial honors the 1.5 million victims of the Armenian Genocide and tells the personal stories of survivors — first-hand eyewitnesses to one of the worst atrocities of the 20th century,” said LA County Mayor Antonovich. “In Los Angeles County, home to the largest population of Armenians in the nation, we must ensure that those who died are never forgotten by consistently remembering — and openly condemning — the atrocities committed against the Armenians. This plaque in Grand Park will serve as a reminder and a memorial for the 1.5 million Armenians who died, along with the survivors and their families.”

The Armenian Council of America is a grassroots organization dedicated to work with all political leaders, offering Armenian related news, analysis and resources for policymakers, media, students and activists, advocating issues important to Armenian Americans. The Armenian Council of America aims to strengthen U.S. – Armenia and U.S. – Nagorno Karabakh ties, the development of programs promoting sustainable economic growth and good governance in Armenia, while promoting the values and responsibilities of global citizenship.

100th Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide Commemorated by Los Angeles Board of Supervisors

Armenian Genocide Monument Unveiled in Fresno

FRESNO — With the tricolors red, blue, and orange illuminating its pillars against the evening sky, Fresno’s Genocide Centennial Monument was christened before a crowd of more than 4,000 people at Fresno State’s Maple Mall on April 23.

Since the early 1880s when the Seropian brothers first arrived from their native Marsovan in Western Armenia, successive waves of Armenian immigrants from the corners of the world have made the Central San Joaquin Valley and Fresno in particular their new home. The much anticipated ribbon cutting ceremony brought together the valley’s Armenian community-both young and old, established as well as newly arrived families -for the historic unveiling of a monument dedicated to the victims and survivors of the Armenian Genocide.

“The Genocide was a defining moment in the lives of so many of you here today and of those throughout the nation and the world,” proclaimed Fresno State President Joseph Castro. “And we know that this monument stands here tonight as an inspiration. Menk chenk mornar. We will never forget.” The president added that it was the first such monument ever built on a college campus.

Fresno Genocide monument illuminating its pillars

Along with the university’s commitment to diversity, the monument was made possible by the financial support of numerous patrons as well as the broader community. The Armenian Genocide Centennial-Fresno Committee, which comprises representatives from the valley’s various Armenian organizations, coordinated construction of the monument and has promoted more than 30 other centennial events in the past several months.

As with many of the worldwide activities that marked this year’s commemoration, the theme of justice resonated throughout the program, including a call to the governments of the United States and Republic of Turkey to recognize this crime against humanity.

“It’s an assault not only on Armenians, but on history. It’s an assault on truth. It’s an assault on justice. And it’s an assault on humanity,” declared Valery Mkrtumian, Deputy Consul General of the Republic of Armenia in Los Angeles.

Mkrtumian joined with Castro, his wife Mary, and Berj K. Apkarian-Honorary Consul of the Republic of Armenia in Fresno and Chairman of the AGC-Fresno’s Monument Committee-in cutting the monument’s purple ribbon before the cheering audience.

Patterned after the Genocide Monument Dzidzernagapert in Yerevan, Fresno’s monument embodies symbols of cultural meaning. The broken halo that crowns the structure signifies the fracture left by the Genocide as well as the unity of the Armenian people. Beneath the halo stand nine pillars-made of concrete and imported tufa stone-representing the six historical provinces of Western Armenia, the region of Cilicia, the Armenian Diaspora, and the Republic of Armenia. A video-narrated by Fresno State professors Barlow Der Mugrdechian, Coordinator of Armenian Studies, and Dr. Sergio La Porta, Haig and Isabel Berberian Professor of Armenian Studies and President of AGC-Fresno-highlighted the role that each area has played in Armenian history and culture.

Another video featured commentary about the Armenian Genocide from the perspective of the valley’s Greek, Jewish, Nigerian, Sikh, and Catholic communities.

Charles S. Poochigian, Associate Justice of the California Court of Appeals, and Deborah Adishian Astone, Fresno State’s Interim Vice President for Administrative Services, emceed the program. Numerous officials were on hand, including Fresno Mayor Ashley Swearengin. Prior to the ceremony, legendary oud master Richard Hagopian and his ensemble performed Armenian folk songs.

Armenian Genocide Monument Unveiled in Fresno

Canadian Parliament Adopts Motion Declaring April 24 Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day

MONTREAL — On Friday, April 24, the Canadian Parliament unanimously adopted Motion 587, officially declaring April 24 Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day in Canada. The adoption of the motion is the result of efforts by the Armenian Genocide Centennial Committee of Canada and AGBU Canada.

During the session, Conservative Member of Parliament Brad Butt spoke about the importance of the motion. “Mr. Speaker, as time passes, it becomes even more imperative for moral societies such as ours to remain firm in our commitment to memory. Without active efforts such as those proposed by Motion 587, there is always the risk that the memory of historical genocides could be lost, minimized or even denied. Indeed, in recent years, we have seen an unfortunate rise around the world in the heinous practice of Holocaust denial and in the denial of other genocides. The only appropriate response is to strongly reaffirm our collective commitment as a society to remember and commemorate genocide, to educate future generations about the poisonous effects of hate and intolerance and to uphold the importance of preventing such atrocities from ever reoccurring,” said Butt.

AGBU Canada Executive Board member Hagop Arslanian-one of the architects of the presentation and the successful adoption of the motion-commented on the historic development. “The adoption of Motion 587, which also declares the month of April as Genocide Remembrance, Condemnation and Prevention Month, has special significance not only in Canadian political life but in the community of nations. Canada has once again reaffirmed its role in the international community as a staunch defender of human rights. This decision in defense of justice is a serious response to Turkey and its denialist policies,” said Arslanian.

Canadian Parliament Adopts Motion Declaring April 24 Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day

Armenia Placed Third in Chess World Team Championship

TSAGHGHATZOR — The World Team Chess Championship ended with China’s confident victory. In the last round even in-draw would have been enough for Chinese to get the title of the champion but they continued their triumphal march and took victory over the Indian team with the score 3-1

The Ukrainian team ended its match with Hungary in a draw and took the 2nd place. In order to get bronze medals the Armenian team should win the Egyptians and they fulfilled their task defeating the opponent with the score 2.5-1.5. The team of the USA showing successful game at the end of the tournament ended the match with Cuba with victory as well 3-1 and shared the 4-5th places with the Russian team.

First place team China

World Team Championship 2015

Final Ranking

1 China

2 Ukraine

3 Armenia

4 Russia

5 USA

6 Hungary

7 Israel

8 Cuba

9 India

10 Egypt

Armenia Placed Third in Chess World Team Championship

Henry Morgenthau’s Great Granddaughter Visits Artsakh

STEPANAKERT — On 28 April Artsakh Republic President Bako Sahakian received Dr. Pamela Steiner, lecturer of the Harvard University, great granddaughter of Henry Morgenthau, USA ambassador to the Ottoman Empire during the First World War, NKR President’s Press Office reports.

A number of political, humanitarian and psychological issues related to the history of Armenian people and Artsakh were touched upon during the meeting.

President Sahakian noted that Henry Morgenthau had always enjoyed great respect by the Armenian people and qualified the life and activity of the diplomat as a standard of high professionalism and morality.

Foreign minister Karen Mirzoian and other officials partook in the meeting.

Henry Morgenthau’s Great Granddaughter Visits Artsakh

Cilician See Files Lawsuit to Reclaim Sis Catholicosate from Turkey

ANTELIAS, LEBANON — On Tuesday 28 April 2015, an attorney of the Catholicosate of Cilicia submitted a brief to the Constitutional Court in Turkey, requesting the return of its Centre in Sis (Kozan), the Secretariat of the Catholicosate of Cilicia informs.

Convinced that recognition of the Genocide and compensation should go together, His Holiness Aram I, on the year of the 100th anniversary commemoration of the Armenian Genocide of 1915, has filed a lawsuit at the Turkish Constitutional Court for the return of the Spiritual Centre of the Catholicosate in Sis. In initiating this effort, His Holiness is setting a precedent for the descendants of the martyrs to reclaim their family belongings.

Since 2012, His Holiness Aram I has presided over a committee of Turkish and international human rights lawyers, preparing the current litigation. The committee will explain the lawsuit through two press conferences. The first will be held on Wednesday 29 April in Washington DC and the second soon after in Geneva.

The Catholicosate of Cilicia settled in Sis, the former capital of the Cilician Kindgom, in1295, after moving from several places due to the political uncertainties in the region. In 1921, following the 1915 Genocide, the Ottoman authorities ordered Catholicos Sahak II Khabayan and the clergy to vacate the location within two days. The Catholicos and the clergy left the monastery in Sis, taking with them very few objects, such as the basin pot for the preparation of the holy muron, some manuscripts and liturgical items. After moving between Jerusalem, Aleppo, Damascus and Cyprus, in 1930 the Catholicosate settled in Antelias.

Cilician See Files Lawsuit to Reclaim Sis Catholicosate from Turkey

Louisiana Armenians Commemorated The Genocide Centennial

BATON ROUGE — Sunday, April 19, 2015 was a memorable day for the small but vibrant Louisiana Armenian community. More than hundred people were gathered at the St. Garabed Armenian Church in Baton Rouge, where Divine Liturgy and Requiem Service (Hokehankist) was offered by Rev. Father Tatios Abdalian, in memory of the 1.5 million Armenians who perished at the hands of the Turkish government.

The church service was covered by the local ABC station.

Following the church services, food (Hokejash) was served in memory of the genocide victims.

Afterwards, commemoration event was held at the Church hall. Opening remarks were delivered by St. Garabed Parish Council Chairman, Mr. Vazken Kaltakjian, who acknowledged the presence of community members from New Orleans, other parts of the state and even from Alabama, who had to drive for hours, to attend this event.

Church Choir member, Mrs. Azadouhi Moutafian recited a poem titled “We Protest” by Hovhannes Shiraz.

The event’s guest speaker was Mr. Krikor Khodanian from Los Angeles. He talked about the progress which was made during the past fifty years, to achieve the recognition of the Armenian Genocide. He reminded the audience that there was a time when the Armenian Genocide was known as the “Forgotten Genocide”. “During the years since then, we have been able to bring the recognition to a level where it can no longer be ignored by the civilized world.”

During his closing remarks, Father Abdalian emphasized the importance and the meaning of the canonization of our martyrs as saints of the Armenian Church. Father Abdalian stated that each one in attendance has lost a loved one or a relative during the massacres, and as such, each one will become a descendant of a saint.

In conclusion, special thanks and appreciation was given to Tamar Gregorian, who was the organizer and the driving force behind the success of, not only this event, but the public relations campaign, which was launched to bring the issue of the Armenian Genocide to the attention of the local and state politicians, the media and the American public.

Following the commemoration event, the attendees walked to the Armenian Cemetery adjacent to the church, where a wreath was placed at the Armenian Martyrs’ Khatch Kar.

Louisiana Armenians Commemorated The Genocide Centennial

Turkish Organization Preparing to File Lawsuit Against Armenia

ISTANBUL — The Turkish Izmir­ Erzerum Foundation for Culture and Solidarity has decided to file a lawsuit against Armenia for accusing Turkey of genocide, and show through a court procedure that “the Armenians actually massacred the Turks” in 1915. “Armenpress” reports, citing the Turkish Ihlas News Agency, Director of the Foundation Coskun Isik declared that the goal of the Foundation is to show through a court procedure who the “real killers are and who the real massacred are” among the Turks and Armenians.

Isik said there hadn’t been any legal process for the past 100 years and that the Foundation wants to launch the process.

“We will demand that the US provide us with documents from the archives of the Dashnaktsutyun Party and the Hunchakian Party. We will demand the reports of US Consuls and Ambassadors of the time,” Isik said.

Turkish Organization Preparing to File Lawsuit Against Armenia

Armenian Community in Las Vegas Pays Homage to Genocide Centennial

LAS VEGAS – One hundred rings chimed to mark the centennial of the Armenian Genocide during a somber commemoration ceremony on April 23rd at the Armenian Apostolic Church of Las Vegas.

After the prayer service, Father Narek Maderian declared, during the candlelight vigil, that the 1.5 million martyrs who perished during the Genocide are now saints.  Among those present at the event, were Honorary Consul for the Republic of Armenia, Andy Armenian, SDHP Executive Board member Garry Sinanian, and SDHP Las Vegas chapter member George Hagopian.

On April 24th, the Armenian American Cultural Society of Las Vegas (AACS), Clark County commissioners and other community leaders presided over the groundbreaking ceremony for the Las Vegas Armenian Genocide Memorial Monument at Sunset Park.  The projected date of completion for the monument is in September, it will coincide with the Republic of Armenia’s Independence Day.

Serving as the keynote speaker, Honorary Consul Andy Armenian, discussed the history of Armenian-Americans residing in the Las Vegas community throughout the years and thanked those responsible in that region for memorializing an important chapter of world history.

“On the centennial of the Armenian Genocide where Armenian survivors were scattered to countries all around the world, we would like to remember the 1.5 million victims who were killed 100 years ago and at the same time thank America and the State of Nevada for providing us an opportunity for a new beginning,” said Armenian. “Today the Armenian-American community in Las Vegas is donating this memorial monument at Sunset Park to the people of Southern Nevada so new generations remember the tragic history in order not to repeat such terrible deeds in the future.”

“The Armenian community is funding this project’s design, construction and upkeep,” said Commissioner Scow. “But the entire Las Vegas community benefits, because this monument will allow our citizens to come to know and learn about this very sordid and shocking chapter in world history. I’m happy to support this endeavor and look forward to the monument’s completion.”

“I applaud the Armenian community for bringing this project to fruition and Clark County is proud to lend its support,” said Commissioner Sisolak. “The unspeakable acts endured by the Armenian people must never be forgotten. This memorial will help ensure that happens and assist in educating future generations.”

“Las Vegas is home to over 20,000 Armenian, said Mr. Sinanian. “This is a great way for the community to come together to reflect on and honor those who perished during the Armenian Genocide.” Mr. Hagopian echoed Sinanian’s sentiments and added, “it is important that all the organizations in the community come together to work together to have a monument that is suited for the entire community.”

Armenian Community in Las Vegas Pays Homage to Genocide Centennial

Thousands Rally in Times Square to Mark Centennial of Armenian Genocide

NEW YORK (RFE/RL) –Thousands of people rallied in New York on April 26 to demand the U.S. government recognize the deaths of up to 1.5 million Armenians during World War I as genocide.

The rally marked the centennial of the killings under the Ottoman Empire — today’s Turkey.

Addressing the crowd in Times Square, Senator Charles Schumer (Democrat – New York) said, “I stand with you in making sure the deniers are not given any place under the sun.”

Speakers included several Jewish leaders as well as Taner Akcam, a Turkish-born scholar who supports the Armenian cause as a professor at Clark University, in Worcester, Massachusetts.

“It is very troubling to see that the United States has still not recognized the Armenian genocide,” he said, adding that the justification is the crucial role of Turkey in U.S. security strategy.

Rabbi Steven Burg, the Eastern Director of the Simon Wiesenthal Center, said Rafael Lemkin, a Polish-born Jew, coined the term genocide after World War II — convincing the world to view the Holocaust as a crime against humanity.

“He started his quest because of the Armenian genocide,” the rabbi said.

Lemkin recognized that the Armenian genocide was the first in the 20th century, Burg said.

And his definition served as the basis for the UN Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, adopted in 1948.

Thousands Rally in Times Square to Mark Centennial of Armenian Genocide

Turkish TV Airs Armenian Genocide Centennial Events Instead of Gallipoli

ISTANBUL (Armradio.am) — On April 24 the Turkish CNBC TV aired the Armenian Genocide centennial commemoration events instead of Gallipoli celebrations during the news program.

While the anchorwoman was telling about the events marking the 100th anniversary of Battle of Gallipoli, footage on the background was showing the commemoration of the Armenian Genocide centenary at Tsitsernakaberd Memorial.

The CNBC showed Armenian President Serzh Sarkisian welcoming the foreign guests. Only close to the end of the report Erdogan was seen placing flowers at the memorial to the soldiers fallen in the Battle of Gallipoli.

Turkish TV Airs Armenian Genocide Centennial Events Instead of Gallipoli

Keep Memory Alive: ArmenianGenocide100.org Raising Armenian Genocide Awareness Ahead of Centennial

The Armenian Genocide is the extermination of Armenians in the Ottoman Empire and adjacent areas in 1915-1923. To this day, contemporary Turkey denies the fact of the Armenian Genocide, criminalizing any accusation or even a mention of the events.

On January 29, the state commission on coordination of events commemorating the Armenian Genocide unanimously adopted the Pan-Armenian Declaration on the Genocide Centennial, with Armenian President Serzh Sarkisian later publicizing it in Tsitsernakaberd [the Armenian Genocide memorial]. The multilingual website http://ArmenianGenocide100.org, created by the decision of the Armenian Genocide centennial committee was launched that exact day.

The website has more than 20 sections, presenting the text of the Pan-Armenian Declaration in eight languages, as well as chronology of the Genocide, overview of monuments destroyed as a result of cultural genocide, testimonies and stories.

The section Tell Your Story invites descendants of the Genocide survivors to tell their families’ stories.  Along with the sections featuring states, local governmental bodies and international organizations that have recognized the Armenian Genocide, the interactive section Petition is operating where each individual can join the petition for recognition of the Armenian Genocide and call on the authorities of their respective countries to recognize the 1915 events.

Along with the actively operating newsfeed, the section This Day 100 Years Ago is also updated on a regular basis, containing publications by Armenian and foreign newspapers on the Genocide, dating back to 1915.

Facts in numbers, as well as statements by prominent diplomats, heads of states and scientists are represented on the website. There is an archive of video and photo footage in the section Library, containing factual proof of the Armenian Genocide, massacres and ethnic cleansing masterminded by Turks. The section Exhibitions contains materials on the Genocide, providing enough materials for photo exhibits throughout the globe that will contribute to the thorough presentation of the subject to Armenian and international audiences, also serving educational purposes.

ArmenianGenocide100.org was created on the threshold of the Armenian Genocide centennial to commemorate the tragedy, raise awareness of the crime against humanity and prevent future genocides.

Keep Memory Alive: ArmenianGenocide100.org Raising Armenian Genocide Awareness Ahead of Centennial

130,000 March in Los Angeles to Commemorate Armenian Genocide Centennial

LOS ANGELES — About 130,000 people gathered Friday afternoon to march on the Turkish Consulate in Los Angeles in commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.

Throngs joined Friday’s six-mile walk from the Little Armenia neighborhood to the Turkish Consulate, carrying flags and signs voicing their common and persistent call for the Turkish government to recognize the deaths of more than 1.5 million Armenians as genocide, many of the signs voiced forceful messages: “We Demand Justice” and “Turkey Must Pay.” The march was the largest in the history of American megapolis protest that was joined by Armenian and American politicians, federal, state and local government elected officials.

The march kicked off at Hollywood Boulevard and Western Avenue in Little Armenia where local elected officials dedicated the southeast corner as Armenian Genocide Memorial Square. The sign was opened by the initiator of the project LA City Council member Mitch O’Farrell and Consul General of RA in LA Sergey Sarkisov. bulk of the City Council and Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Burbank attended the dedication.

According to O’Farrell’s office, the marker will “show that the city of Los Angeles recognizes the history of the Armenian Genocide, as well as the impact the event had on the Armenian community.”

“One hundred years ago, the Ottoman Empire attempted to annihilate an entire race in the first genocide of the last century,” Schiff said. “When it was over, 1.5 million Armenian men, women and children lay dead and many thousands of others barely survived. Despite a brutal campaign of massacres, forced death marches, lootings and rape, the Young Turks failed to destroy the Armenian people as evidenced by the vibrant diaspora and Armenian nation.”

After the public opening ceremony, the protest march moved towards the Turkish Consulate in Los Angeles. American and Armenian politicians made speeches in front of the Turkish Consulate demanding international recognition and condemnation of the Armenian Genocide.

 

130,000 March in Los Angeles to Commemorate Armenian Genocide Centennial

“iwitness” Interactive Public Art Display Unveiled at Grand Park in Los Angeles

LOS ANGELES — On Saturday April 25th, Los Angeles County Mayor Michael Antonovich unveiled a month-long interactive public art display at Grand Park to commemorate the centennial of the Armenian Genocide through public art.

Conceived by artists Ara Oshagan, Levon Parian and architect Vahagn Thomasian, “iwitness” incorporates photography and architecture to educate and inform a new generation about the Genocide. The display consists of massive portraits of eyewitness survivors telling the story from the frontlines — people who were there — most of whom are Southern California residents who immigrated here to reestablish their lives.

“This remarkable memorial honors the 1.5 million victims of the Armenian Genocide and tells the personal stories of survivors — first-hand eyewitnesses to one of the worst atrocities of the 20th century,” said LA County Mayor Antonovich.

“iwitness is a temporary monument to the men and women who rebuilt their disrupted lives and communities in the aftermath of genocide,” said artist Ara Oshagan. “The proximity and clustering of the sculptures alludes to, and reflects, the new communities they created after being dispersed across the globe.”

The installation offers a continually shifting perspective during the day, as shadows cast by sunlight create a dynamic interplay between the asymmetrical lines, shapes and forms of the sculptures. At night, a different atmosphere and environment is created as each sculpture in the network is illuminated from the inside.

To educate and promote discourse, audiences at iwitness walk amid these larger-than-life sculptures to reflect on its message and the Turkish government’s continued denial of the Armenian Genocide.

For the next 30 days, school children and other visitors to this remarkable memorial will hear the personal stories of the survivors.

“iwitness” Interactive Public Art Display Unveiled at Grand Park in Los Angeles

The Ash Tree, a Novel of Genocide and Rebirth, Launched at a Series of West Coast Readings

A “powerful and beautifully told” novel about one family’s journey out of the Armenian genocide and its rebirth in California has been written by Daniel Melnick, a professor emeritus of English at Cleveland State University who will be presenting his book in a series of West Coast readings this month.

Titled “The Ash Tree,” the novel is published by West of West Books, a Central California-based imprint founded by writer Mark Arax. Melnick will present the book at Barnes & Noble on April 26 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., and also at the Eskijian Museum, Sheen Chapel, in Mission Hills on April 30th at 7:30 p.m. This event will be a conversation between Melnick and Arax. A third event will be held May 5 at 7 p.m. at the Barnes & Noble in Emeryville.

“Daniel has written a profound book,” Arax said. “It is informed not only by his Jewish family’s own persecution and exile to America but also by the fact that his wife, Jeanette, is an Armenian who grew up in Fresno.

“With his marriage to Jeanette, Daniel suddenly found himself immersed in a clan of Armenian farmers, writers and poets, Socialists and Capitalists, and football and baseball jocks. How to make sense of them and their traumatic history and the thread of tragedy that continued for them in America?

“Out of those questions came this novel, and it is powerful and beautifully told.”

The Ash Tree is a timeless story of love, regret and love again between Armen Ararat, a survivor of the 1915-1918 Genocide, and a young Armenian-American named Artemis. Armen aspires to be a poet and after hiding in an attic in Istanbul to escape the death marches, he voyages to the U.S. and settles in the sunbaked San Joaquin Valley.

Armen attends UC Berkeley but is soon drawn back to Fresno by the call of the family farm. There, he meets and marries Artemis, who has made her own journey from Connecticut to California. Because of the demands of family life, Armen’s pen goes silent and he becomes a raisin grower only to lose his farm during the Great Depression. He then returns to the Bay Area with Artemis and their two young sons and baby daughter and finds success as a grocer.

Daniel Melnick

As the novel pivots from Turkey to Berkeley to Fresno to San Francisco and then back again to Fresno, the footloose Armen and his family grow into vivid, quintessentially American characters.

Artemis and her daughter, Juliet, occupy the center of this world otherwise dominated by men. The dynamic, driven mother achieves a force and authority that challenge the limitations of her time and place. The daughter strives to develop into a forceful young woman in her own right, perceptive, artistic, and more at ease within herself than her mother.

Tigran is the older son – cautious, intense, solid – and Garo is the mercurial and risk-taking younger brother, forcing Tigran to try to protect him more than once against his will. Garo is passionate and charismatic. Large in spirit, he fearlessly embraces life, and he struggles against – yet is baffled by – the recoil of cruelty and evil he encounters.

The family discovers that America is not the mythologized land of opportunity but is beset by the evils of poverty, war, racism, censorship, drugs, and corruption. The Ararats’ turbulent story reveals universal truths about the struggles of countless families, immigrant and native alike.

All five members of the Ararat family find their voices here and share telling this epic story. As the family rebounds from the Genocide and its generational trauma, they realize themselves in the fertile yet hostile landscape of Central California, only for tragedy to find the Ararats again.

The novel’s cover painting with its frayed and white-washed frame is by the author’s wife, Jeanette Arax Melnick, and the novel is based partly on the lives of the Arax family. Combining history and fictionalized memoir, The Ash Tree is an important, beautifully written novel of survival, new life and heartbreak.

Bio: Daniel Melnick, author of The Ash Tree, is married to the artist Jeanette Melnick (née Arax), and they have three children and four grandchildren. His previous books include Hungry Generations, a novel about the community of émigré musicians who lived in Los Angeles in the 1940s. A California native, Daniel has taught at UC Berkeley, where he earned his PhD, and at Cleveland State University, where he retired as an Emeritus Professor of English; he is now teaching classes at Case Western Reserve University.

The Ash Tree is available from Barnes & Noble, Amazon.com. For further information, see www.theashtree.net. Price: $25. ISBN: 9780981854762.

The Ash Tree, a Novel of Genocide and Rebirth, Launched at a Series of West Coast Readings

Turkish Intellectuals Who Have Recognized The Armenian Genocide: Esra Mungan

By Hambersom Aghbashian

Esra Mungan, is a professor of psychology at BoÄŸaziçi University – Department of Psychology. She received her BA degree from BoÄŸaziçi University, Istanbul in 1990, and her MA degree in 1998, and PhD degree in 2007 both from the American University, Washington DC, USA. Her Research Interests are Music Memory, Forgetting Processes, Memory Judgments and Evolutionary Psychology. Courses Taught by her are Research Methods, Statistics I + II, Seminar on Evolutionary Psychology, Music and Cognition I – II, Advanced Cognitive Psychology and Advanced Research Methods. She participated in many conferences and is the author of many books.(1)

In December 2008, two hundred prominent Turkish intellectuals released an apology for the “great catastrophe of 1915”. This was a clear reference to the Armenian Genocide, a term still too sensitive to use so openly. The signatories also announced a website related to this apology, and called on others to visit the site and sign the apology as well. The complete, brief text of the apology is: My conscience does not accept the insensitivity showed to and the denial of the Great Catastrophe that the Ottoman Armenians were subjected to in 1915. I reject this injustice and for my share, I empathize with the feelings and pain of my Armenian brothers and sisters. I apologize to them. Professor Esra Mungan was one of the Turkish Intellectuals who signed it.(2)

A group of Turkish citizens–including academics, writers, Members of Parliament, and mayors, have signed a petition in December 2012, against denialist exhibition in Denmark which was going to be organized by the Turkish government. It was mentioned in the petition that “The Turkish government has been suppressing historic truths and following a policy of denial for more than 90 years. In response to the many intellectuals in the nation who have urged the government to confront history honestly, this systematic suppression and intimidation policy, which reached its zenith with the assassination of journalist Hrant Dink in 2007, continues unabated. Esra Mungan was one of the signees.(3)

Esra Mungan is one of the scholars and intellectuals of France, Turkey and others countries who recommended Ragıp Zarakolu of Turkey for the 2013 Nobel Peace Prize. Ragıp Zarakolu is a Turkish human rights activist and publisher who has long faced legal harassment for publishing books on minorities and human rights in Turkey. After the military coup of September 12, 1980, he published more than 10 books (translations) of Greek literature, 10 books on the Armenian Question and 5 books related to the Jews in Turkey. Also a number of books dealing with the Kurds in Turkey. He also has published several books on the Armenian Genocide, which brought new criminal charges in 2005. In November 2007 he published a book about the Assyrian Genocide. His Publishing House offices were firebombed in 1995. (4)

According to “http://historum.com/middle-eastern-african-history”, Esra Mungan (professor of psychology), is one of the many famous Turkish intellectuals who are supporting the recognition of the Armenian Genocide.(5)

———————

1- http://www.psychology.boun.edu.tr/people/mungan.html

2- http://www.armeniapedia.org/index.php?title=200_prominent_Turks_apologize_for_great_

3-http://www.genocide-museum.am/eng/19.12.12.php

4- http://www.gitfrance.fr/article-nouvelles-signatures-inaugurales-en-faveur-de-la-nomination-de-ragip-zarakolu-au-prix-nobel-de-la-pa-111133463.html

5- http://historum.com/middle-eastern-african-history/83523-ataturks-stance-armenian-greek-assyrian-genocides-clarification-11-print.html

Turkish Intellectuals Who Have Recognized The Armenian Genocide: Esra Mungan

Erdogan Lashes out at World Leaders for Recognizing Armenian Genocide

ISTANBUL — Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Saturday lashed out at the European Union and world leaders who have recognized the 1915 massacres of Armenians as genocide on the centenary of the events.

Erdogan accused the leaders of France, Germany and Russia of “supporting claims based on Armenian lies”.

Erdogan also accused the United States of siding with Armenia despite the fact that US President Barack Obama stopped short of calling the killings as “genocide” and instead used the Armenian term Medz Yeghern (great catastrophe) for the World War I killings.

“The last countries to speak of genocide are Germany, Russia and France. What happened during the two world wars that had been initiated by Germany in the past century is before our eyes,” Erdogan was quoted by Turkey’s state-run Anadolu news agency as saying on Saturday.

“First, they (Germany, Russia and France) must, one by one, clean the stains on their own histories,” he added.

During commemoration ceremonies in Armenia on Friday, French President Francois Hollande and Russian President Vladimir Putin urged modern-day Turkey to recognise the massacre as genocide.

“We would have wished that Putin had not gone to Armenia, nor Mr Hollande” Erdogan told a meeting of businessmen in Istanbul in comments broadcast by Turkish television.

Erdogan went on to accuse the EU — whose parliament voted to call the events a genocide on April 15 — of “not telling the truth” and said: “Hey European Union! Don’t offer us any thoughts, keep them to yourself.”

“They have ears that do not hear, eyes that do not see, and tongues that do not speak the truth.”

“Have no concern, should there be a situation where the incidents of the past were accounted for today, Turkey would be the most comfortable on this aspect.”

Erdogan Lashes out at World Leaders for Recognizing Armenian Genocide

Olympique de Marseille Fans Pay Tribute to Armenian Genocide Victims

MARSEILLE — Fans of FC Olympique de Marseille of France paid tribute to the Armenian Genocide victims on April 24, according to a picture posted by club member and Armenian national team player Gael Andonian on Facebook.

Before the FC Olympique de Marseille – FC Lorient match, the fans held papers with colors of the Armenian tricolor above their heads and showcased a poster with the inscription “1915-2015: let it never happen again.”

Olympique de Marseille Fans Pay Tribute to Armenian Genocide Victims

World Leaders Join Armenian's in Genocide Centennial Commemoration

YEREVAN — Tens of thousands of people marched to the Tsitsernakabert memorial in Yerevan on Friday to pay their respects to some 1.5 million Armenians who were massacred by the Ottoman Turks 100 years ago in the first genocide of the 20th century.

In what has been an annual ritual in Armenia for almost 50 years, they laid flowers by the hilltop memorial’s eternal fire surrounded by 12 inward-bending columns symbolizing Armenian-populated provinces of the Ottoman Empire.

The daylong procession began amid heavy rain after an official ceremony during which Armenia’s political and spiritual leaders as well as dozens of foreign dignitaries marked the 100th anniversary of the start of the genocide.

The heads of the visiting delegations walked to the memorial one by one, escorted by Armenian schoolgirls holding the national flags of their respective countries. Each foreign leader then put a yellow rose into a wreath shaped as a forget-me-not flower, the official emblem of the commemorations of the genocide centennial.

“The western part of the Armenian people, who had for millenniums lived in their homeland, in the cradle of their civilization, were displaced and annihilated under a state-devised plan with direct participation of the army, police, other state institutions, and gangs comprising criminals released from the prisons specifically for this purpose,” President Serzh Sarkisian said in a speech at Tsitsernakabert.

“Human language is powerless to describe what an entire people endured,” he said. “Around 1.5 million human beings were slaughtered merely for being Armenian.”

In his speech, Sarkisian similarly denounced Turkey’s continuing claims that Ottoman Armenians died in smaller numbers and not as a result of a premeditated government policy. “As Pope Francis rightly pointed out [on April 12,] ‘Concealing or denying evil is like allowing a wound to keep bleeding without bandaging it,’” he said.

Sarkisian went on to thank foreign nations and various international bodies that have officially recognized the Armenian massacres as genocide. “Recognition of the genocide is a victory of human conscience and justice over intolerance and hatred,” he said.

The Armenian leader further praised scores of Turks who were due to gather in Istanbul later in the day to commemorate the genocide victims. “They are strong people who are doing the right thing for their homeland,” he said.

The 3-hour ceremony also involved speeches by the visiting presidents of Cyprus, France, Russia and Serbia and a prayer service led by Catholicos Karegin II, the supreme head of the Armenian Apostolic Church.

“I bow to the memory of the victims and I have just told my Armenian friends that we will never forget the tragedies that your people went through,” Hollande told the several hundred participants of the event.

“One hundred years ago, destructive hatred wanted to exterminate a population because it was Armenian,” he said. “This hatred committed considerable massacres but it could not achieve its ultimate end. You are standing there, alive. Armenia bears a remarkable memory, but its message is universal, it is one of resistance, it is one of recognition, it is one of hope.”

“We are also aware that it is with the disappearance of 1.5 million Armenians 100 years ago that the word ‘genocide’ was invented, so to speak,” Hollande went on, pointing to Raphael Lemkin, a Polish Jewish intellectual who coined the term in 1944.

Putin, meanwhile, described the 1915 slaughter as “one of the most appalling tragedies in the history of humankind.” “The events of 1915 shocked the entire world and were perceived in Russia as its own calamity,” he said in his speech.

“And today we mourn together with the Armenian people,” added Putin. “Remembrance events will take place in hundreds of Russian cities — I want to stress that, dear friends: in hundreds of Russian cities.”

Both Putin and Hollande emphasized the fact that the Russian Empire, France and Britain jointly condemned the mass killings and deportations of Armenians as a “crime against humanity” in May 1915, one month after they were ordered by the rulers of the Ottoman Empire.

The official ceremony ended with an address by Esther Mujawayo, a prominent survivor of the 1994 genocide in Rwanda.

“It is very important that we stand by our Armenian sisters and brothers sharing their pain, their struggle, and of course their rebirth,” Mujawayo told the participants of the event.

“As one of the participants of the Global Forum Against the Crime of Genocide, held in Yerevan over the last two days, I would like to extend our gratitude to the government and people of Armenia for furthering prevention agenda and raising public awareness to combat the crime of genocide and reach the noble goal of its complete exclusion,” she added.

Mujawayo also read out the forum’s concluding declaration that calls on the outside world to ensure a greater international recognition of the Armenia genocide and condemns its denial by Turkey. The declaration also calls for a worldwide “strengthening of genocide prevention mechanisms.”

World Leaders Join Armenian's in Genocide Centennial Commemoration

Armenian Genocide Commemoration in Lebanon

BEIRUT — Tens of thousands of Lebanese of Armenian origins marched in the suburbs of Beirut Friday, commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Armenian genocide and vowing never to forget the atrocities committed against their ancestors by the Ottoman Empire. Carrying Armenian flags and pictures of the violet forget-me-not flower, the symbol of the centennial, marchers of all ages trekked south from the Armenian Catholicosate of the Great House of Cilicia in Antelias to national football stadium in Burj Hammoud.

Ahead of the protest, Prime Minister Tammam Salam telephoned the head of the Catholicosate of the Great House of Cilicia, Aram I, to express sympathy with Armenians.

Salam appreciated the role that Armenian confessions have played in Lebanon to consolidate the country’s unity.

Armenian Genocide Commemoration in Lebanon

Armenian Genocide Commemorations in Istanbul

ISTANBUL — Commemoration events organised by Turkish and international human rights groups, took place on April 24 in Istanbul to mark the centenary of the Armenian genocide during which more than 1.5 million Armenians were killed.

On the “Walk to Remember” through the district of Sultanahmet. marchers carried posters that read: “Recognise the Genocide”. Some held red carnations or violet crocuses, a stand-in for the purple forget-me-nots that symbolise the centenary elsewhere.

Later on Friday, a rally was held in Istanbul’s Taksim Square. The ceremony was attended by an unprecedented number of people, mostly Diaspora Armenians, Kurds and Turks.

The Kurdish People’s Democratic Party (HDP) Sisli district headquarters and Youth Coordination of Istanbul staged a march on April 23 commemorating the genocide. They visited the houses of some of the Armenian intellectuals who marched to death on April 24, 1915 and laid flowers there.

The participants carried banners with the inscription “Together – 1915-2015” and “Confront the Genocide,” as well as photos of Armenian intellectuals.

Holy mass in memory of the victims was held at the Istanbul Armenian Patriarchal Church. Led by Deputy Patriarch Aram Atesyan, the ceremony was also attended by Turkey’s EU Minister Volkan Bozkir. President Erdogan’s message was also read at the ceremony where white doves symbolizing peace were released and bells were rung 100 times.

In a statement to the press at the entrance of the church, Minister Bozkir said he was greatly honored to take part in the mass led by Armenian Deputy Patriarch Aram Atesyan, adding, “This is the first mass to be held officially since 1916. A representative of the Turkish government is taking part in such a ceremony for the first time”.

Armenian Genocide Commemorations in Istanbul

Eiffel Tower Goes Dark in memory of Armenian Genocide Victims

PARIS — The Eiffel Tower in Paris went dark today in commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide.

The lights of the tower were put out at 22 CET today, according to the decision of Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo.

The Colosseum also went dark in memory of the Genocide victims.

Eiffel Tower Goes Dark in memory of Armenian Genocide Victims

Two Turkish Dailies Published with Armenian Headlines on April 24

ISTANBUL (Agos) — Today’s issues of the daily Cumhuriyet and Özgür Gündem newspapers have been published with Armenian headlines .

Cumhuriyet chose Այլեւս երբէք (Never Again) as its headline, while Özgür Gündem featured the words Տես, իմացիր, առերեսուիր (See, Hear, Confront).

In its headline on April 24, 2015, the 100th Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, Cumhuriyet featured the words “Never Again” in Armenian, preceded by a heading stating, ‘We mourn the shared pain of these lands suffered 100 years ago’. The piece went on to state “The pain of the disaster that took place during the time of the Ottoman Empire remains fresh. It is time to confront this wound which paralyzes the mind, the conscience, and the sense of right and justice; so it happens never again!”.

Özgür Gündem, on the other hand, also commemorated the Assyrian Genocide, Seyfo, stating, “In the planned genocide carried out by the state in 1915, 1,5 million Armenians and 500 thousand Assyrians were deported and massacred. The wound remains open… The AKP government claims the genocide as its own by denying it, while peoples say, ‘recognize, confront and apologize’.”

Two Turkish Dailies Published with Armenian Headlines on April 24

Erdogan's Message to Istanbul Armenians: Turkey Shares your Pain

ISTANBUL — In a statement read out to Armenians attending a church mass in Istanbul today, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that Turkey shares the pain of the Armenian people in connection with “the tragic events of 1915”.

In his statement Erdogan said: “I once again respectfully commemorate all Ottoman Armenians who lost their lives under the conditions of World War I and offer my condolences to their children and grandchildren.”

“I cherish the memories across all corners of our lands of the Armenian community; the economic, social, cultural and political contributions to the Ottoman Empire and our republic we always remember with appreciation.”

“I commemorate all Ottoman citizens who lost their lives under similar conditions during World War I whatever their ethnic or religious identity.”

“We founded the state of the Republic of Turkey without forgetting these pains, but also knowing how to cope with them. And today we work and struggle with all our citizens and friends regardless of their ethnic and religious identity to reach even more beautiful days on the basis of peace and fraternity.”

“We have a culture that is able to host with enthusiasm the grandchildren of those who came to occupy our shared homeland a century ago with the aim of condemning war and praise peace and friendship. I once again state that we know the sorrowful events that the Armenian community experienced in the past and we sincerely share your pain. I also want you to know that the doors of our heart are wide open to the grandchildren of Ottoman Armenians across the world. I salute you with my most heartfelt sentiments and send you all my love and respect.”

Earlier, during an event devoted to Battle of Gallipoli (1915-16) held in Istanbul Erdogan said that Turkey is ready to open its archives, specifically military archives related to 1915 events.

“I want to address my words to the European Union (EU). They advised us to open our archives. I have always said that we are ready to open the archives. We are also ready to open our military archives,” the Presdient of Turkey said.

Erdogan also urged Armenia and all the rest of the countries who might have 1915 events related archive documents to make them accessible for experts and analysts.

“Turkey has nothing to worry about. And if a genocide took place, then why do 80,000 Armenians live in our country now, let’s think,” Erdogan said.

Erdogan's Message to Istanbul Armenians: Turkey Shares your Pain

Reddit Commemorates the Armenian Genocide

Reddit, an entertainment, social networking, and news website where registered community members can submit content, such as text posts or direct links, has changed its logo to the Armenian flag today in commemoration of the centennial of the Armenian Genocide. When hovering over the image, users will see the phrase, “100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide”. According to the Alexa rank, Reddit is the 24th most popular website globally, receiving over 2 million visitors daily.

Alexis Ohanian, founder of Reddit, has been vocal about the events that took place a hundred years ago. He is currently in Yerevan participating in the commemorative events taking place on April 24.

Here are some tweets and images from his visit.

⛪️Etchmiadzin. Remembering. Every one of us is a living statement that the #armeniangenocide failed to destroy us. I want recognition, but I also know that within each of us is a spirit of all those who sacrificed – our lives are their recognition.

A photo posted by Alexis Ohanian (@alexisohanian) on Apr 24, 2015 at 4:49am PDT

Mother Armenia. Visiting her always reminds me of the Saroyan quote “I should like to see any power of the world destroy this race, this small tribe of unimportant people, whose wars have all been fought and lost, whose structures have crumbled, literature is unread, music is unheard, and prayers are no more answered. Go ahead, destroy Armenia . See if you can do it. Send them into the desert without bread or water. Burn their homes and churches. Then see if they will not laugh, sing and pray again. For when two of them meet anywhere in the world, see if they will not create a New Armenia.” #priime

A photo posted by Alexis Ohanian (@alexisohanian) on Apr 24, 2015 at 2:47am PDT

This episode of @upvoted really means a lot to me: it’s about #ArmenianGenocide and features my dad + grandpa http://t.co/9nK8pnvdKL

— Alexis Ohanian (@alexisohanian) April 23, 2015

Reddit Commemorates the Armenian Genocide

German Parliament Votes to Recognize Armenian Genocide

BERLIN (Reuters) – The German parliament overwhelmingly approved on Friday a resolution branding the mass killings of up to 1.5 million Armenians by Ottoman Turkish forces a century ago as genocide.

The vote marks a significant change of stance for Germany, Turkey’s biggest trade partner in the European Union and home to a large ethnic Turkish diaspora. Unlike France and some two dozen other countries, Berlin has long resisted using the word. The term ‘genocide’ also has special resonance in Germany, which has worked hard to come to terms with its responsibility for the murder of six million Jews in the Holocaust.

In a parliamentary session to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the start of the killings, all parliamentary groups in the Bundestag lower house backed the resolution in a vote likely to infuriate Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan.

“What happened in the middle of the First World War in the Ottoman Empire under the eyes of the world was a genocide,” Bundestag President Norbert Lammert said at the start of German lawmakers’ debate on the resolution.

German President Joachim Gauck also used the word ‘genocide’ in a speech on Thursday. Gauck, a former East German pastor with a penchant for defying convention, also suggested Germany itself might bear some of the blame because of its actions during World War One.

German Parliament Votes to Recognize Armenian Genocide

The New York Times Declines to Run Turkish Ad on 1915

New York Times has refused to run a pro-peace and reconciliation advertisement over the 1915 Armenian atrocities because it did not recognize the Armenian Genocide, an e-mail correspondence between the newspaper’s advertising department and the Turkish-American Steering Committee revealed yesterday, according to Daily Sabah.

The ad, which was published by the Washington Post today instead, is written as an open letter addressing President Barack Obama and members of Congress, informing them that the Turkish-American community would march through downtown D.C. on April 24, beginning at the White House and ending in front of the Turkish Embassy to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the 1915 atrocities. “Our most sincere hope is that Armenian Americans will join us on this walk. We will walk to pay our respects to the lives lost from all ethnicities and creeds, and to kindle a spark for what we believe should be our shared future” the letter reads.

However the e-mails obtained by Daily Sabah revealed that The New York Times asked the Steering Committee that represents over 145 Turkish-American associations to remove three out of five paragraphs of the letter, which depicts the 1915 incidents as a civilian tragedy that cost the lives of millions of Ottoman citizens including Armenians, Turks, Kurds and Arabs. The targeted paragraphs underline the fact that there is no academic consensus on the incidents by referencing substantial number of international scholars who declined to label the atrocities as genocide.

The targeted paragraphs underline the fact that there is no academic consensus on the incidents by referencing substantial number of international scholars who declined to label the atrocities as genocide. “My legal team crossed out the first three paragraphs that do not pass acceptability,” wrote Michael Hayden, the officer responsible for Advocacy Advertising at The New York Times. Hayden also said in the email that the legal team had wanted to exclude the slogan “Unite Us, Not Divide us,” and this sentence in the fifth paragraph: “One hundred years ago, a brutal war started neither by Turks nor Armenians cost the Ottoman Armenians, the Ottoman Turks and many other groups so dearly.”

The newspaper made it clear that the letter must be changed before it could be published. Subsequently, emails from the Steering Committee asking for an explanation, Mr. Hayden had explained that as a matter of policy, they do not accept ads that deny great historical events that are generally accepted as facts, including the Armenian Genocide, the Holocaust, and the World Trade Center bombing.

The New York Times Declines to Run Turkish Ad on 1915

President Obama Issues his Annual Statement on April 24

WASHINGTON, DC — This year we mark the centennial of the Meds Yeghern, the first mass atrocity of the 20th Century. Beginning in 1915, the Armenian people of the Ottoman Empire were deported, massacred, and marched to their deaths. Their culture and heritage in their ancient homeland were erased. Amid horrific violence that saw suffering on all sides, one and a half million Armenians perished.

As the horrors of 1915 unfolded, U.S. Ambassador Henry Morgenthau, Sr. sounded the alarm inside the U.S. government and confronted Ottoman leaders. Because of efforts like his, the truth of the Meds Yeghern emerged and came to influence the later work of human rights champions like Raphael Lemkin, who helped bring about the first United Nations human rights treaty.

Against this backdrop of terrible carnage, the American and Armenian peoples came together in a bond of common humanity. Ordinary American citizens raised millions of dollars to support suffering Armenian children, and the U.S. Congress chartered the Near East Relief organization, a pioneer in the field of international humanitarian relief. Thousands of Armenian refugees began new lives in the United States, where they formed a strong and vibrant community and became pillars of American society. Rising to great distinction as businesspeople, doctors, scholars, artists, and athletes, they made immeasurable contributions to their new home.

This centennial is a solemn moment. It calls on us to reflect on the importance of historical remembrance, and the difficult but necessary work of reckoning with the past. I have consistently stated my own view of what occurred in 1915, and my view has not changed. A full, frank, and just acknowledgement of the facts is in all our interests. Peoples and nations grow stronger, and build a foundation for a more just and tolerant future, by acknowledging and reckoning with painful elements of the past. We welcome the expression of views by Pope Francis, Turkish and Armenian historians, and the many others who have sought to shed light on this dark chapter of history.

On this solemn centennial, we stand with the Armenian people in remembering that which was lost. We pledge that those who suffered will not be forgotten. And we commit ourselves to learn from this painful legacy, so that future generations may not repeat it.

President Obama Issues his Annual Statement on April 24