Even as COVID-19Cases Rise, ArmeniaLoosens RestrictionsYEREVAN (Eurasianet.org and RFE/RL)

— Armenia has taken a big step toward end-ing its lockdown even as cases of COVID-19in the country continue to sharply increase.Starting on May 4, Armenians can again

eat out (in outdoor seating), go shoppinganywhere except a mall or other large mar-kets, and travel without restrictions (thoughpublic transportation remains suspended).Factories of all sorts are allowed to reopen,as are hairdressers and beauty salons.The government is also in no rush to

resume public transport services in Yerevanand other cities.All reopened businesses have to comply

with safety requirements set by theMinistry of Health. In particular, employersmust ensure physical distancing amongtheir workers and customers, frequently

disinfect premises, provide employees withhand sanitizers and measure their temper-ature on a daily basis. Those who have a

fever must immediately leave their work-place and seek medical aid.Wearing face masks and gloves is obliga-

tory for only some categories of employees,notably waiters.Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan defend-

ed on Sunday, May 3, his government’sdecision to lift remaining restrictions onpeople’s movements and reopen virtuallyall sectors of the Armenian economydespite the continuing spread of coron-avirus in the country. He declared that theonus is now not only on his governmentbut also on ordinary Armenians to containthe virus.“We are announcing a new, decentralized

phase of the fight against the novel coron-avirus,” Pashinyan said during a meetingwith Deputy Prime Minister Tigran Avinyanand Health Minister Arsen Torosyan.“The main reason why we are opting for

such a solution is that it’s now obvious thatwe will have new coronavirus cases at leastuntil March or April next year, until a vac-cine is developed,” he said. “Therefore, ourchallenge starting from tomorrow is to doeverything … so that we can live with coron-avirus, rather than be locked down, becausewe cannot stay shut down for one year.”“The most important nuance of the

decentralized struggle is that every citizenof Armenia will shoulder responsibility for

see RESTRICTIONS, page 2

INSIDE

NEWS IN BRIEF

NASA Minds to The Rescue

Page 4

INDEXArmenia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2Arts and Living . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10Community News. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14International . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Mirror- SpectatorMirror- SpectatorTHE ARMENIAN

Volume LXXXX, NO. 42, Issue 4635

MAY 9 , 2 020

$ 2.00

The First English Language Armenian Weekly in the United States Since 1932

Landmine ExplosionKills Soldier in ArtsakhSTEPANAKERT (Public Radio of Amrenia)

— Artsakh Defense Army Private Taron Poghosyan(born in 1988) died as a result of landmine explo-sion at the defense posts of a military unit locatedin the southern direction.An investigation into the details of the incident is

under way, Artsakh’s Defense Ministry said.The minister said it shares the sorrow of the

heavy loss and expressed condolences to the sol-dier’s family and friends. Private of the Artsakh Defense Army Taron

Poghosyan (born in 1988) died as a result of land-mine explosion at the defense posts of a militaryunit located in the southern direction.Investigation into the details of the incident is

under way, Artsakh’s Defense Ministry said.

Philanthropist Donates100K Masks to LA onBehalf of Armenia

YEREVAN (Armenpress) — The Republic ofArmenia donated 100,000 surgical masks donated tothe City of Los Angeles, the Armenian ConsulateGeneral in Los Angeles announced.“It will help alleviating the outbreak of COVID-19

in Los Angeles and assisting the city authorities incombating the virus. This important initiativecomes from the well-known Armenian-Americanphilanthropist Jack Youredjian, the founder andexecutive chairman of Western Drug. He and hiswife, Zarig Youredjian, implement successful pro-jects in Gyumri, helping the earthquake-strickenfamilies with housing as well as empowering manychildren through academic success, career planningand vocational training.Through coordination of Deputy Mayor of Los

Angeles for International Affairs Ambassador NinaHachigian and Consul General of ArmeniaAmbassador Armen Baibourtian, the masks weredelivered to relevant authorities in Los Angeles. Thesurgical masks were provided to medical institu-tions and vulnerable groups in LA. This initiativehighlighted the evolving strong partnershipbetween the second largest city in the U.S. andArmenia, which was elevated to a new higher levelduring the visit of the Armenian Prime MinisterNikol Pashinyan to Los Angeles and warm hospi-tality extended to him by Los Angeles Mayor EricGarcetti in September 2019.“The fight against COVID-19 has made the world

smaller, and people across the planet are joiningtogether to confront this deadly pandemic,” saidLos Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti. “Armenia and LosAngeles share an unbreakable bond — and this gen-erous gift will help protect vulnerable Angelenosand medical workers who are showing incrediblecourage and extraordinary determination to savelives.”

UPDATECORONAVIRUS

COVI

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Diocesan Council Chair SaysFurloughs, Pay Reductions AreNecessary in COVID-19 EraNEW YORK — The adverse financial effects

of the COVID-19 pandemic are ripplingthrough theworld, andArmenian institu-tions are notexempt. TheEastern Diocese

of the Armenian Church of America is per-haps the first major Armenian institution inthe United States that has taken the dramat-ic step of furloughing employees and insti-tuting pay cuts. Fr. Krikor Sabounjian, chair of the

Diocesan Council, said, “Due to the global sit-uation, we were forced to take aggressive buthopefully temporary actions that will beeffective from May 1 – July 31, affecting every

see FURLOUGHS, page 5

By Aram Arkun Mirror-Spectator Staff Florida Makes the Best of a Difficult Time

MIAMI — The Armenian-American community in Florida,one of the newer Diasporanpockets in the United States,has created a strong presence

for itself in the Sunshine State that has become even more evidentduring the pandemic crisis. The estimated 30,000 Armenian-Americans, who are scattered

throughout the state in cities such as Boca Raton and Miami in thesouth and Orlando and Tampa in the central region, are anchored by

see FLORIDA, page 8

An empty Aces Barbershop Company

By Taleen Babayan Special to the Mirror-Spectator

A couple eats at an outdoor restaurant in Yerevan on May 4.

SOMERVILLE, Mass. — It may havetaken as much as one thousand years,but images deliberately obscured andfaded are now coming to light in thefamous cathedral of Ani. Dr. ChristinaMaranci, Arthur H. Dadian and Ara T.Oztemel Professor of Armenian Art atTufts University, has used accessiblesoftware tools to reveal more clearly

see DISCOVERY, page 13

Art HistoryUnderLockdown Tufts Art Historian MaranciDiscovers Ani Cathedral WallPaintings and More

By Aram Arkun Mirror-Spectator Staff

Enhanced image of the image of an angelon the left side of the apse of the Anicathedral

S A T U R D A Y, M A Y 9 , 2 0 2 0 T H E A R M E N I A N M I R R O R - S P E C TAT O R2

ARMENIA

Armenian EngineersDevelop Thermal

Scanner for Covid-19YEREVAN (Armradio) — Armenian engineers have

developed a thermal scanner – an AI solution thatcan be used for detecting elevated skin temperaturein high-traffic public places through quick multipletarget screening.The Scylla Thermal Scanner provides AI-based

analytics, which, combined with a state-of-the-artthermal camera, enables continuous contactless andnon-invasive accurate temperature monitoring.It can be used for preliminary screening in border

checkpoints, airports, educational and governmentinstitutions, manufacturing warehouses, and hospitals.“Such solutions are very expensive in the world,

and the prices hit $20,000 amid growing demand dueto the coronavirus pandemic,” the company’s techni-cal co-founder and chief data scientist Ara Ghazaryansaid in an interview with Public Radio of Armenia.He added that what they offer is at least three

times cheaper.“We offer different solutions. In one case the cam-

era fixes the temperature when a person walks infront of it. In a second case people need to standbefore the camera to get their temperature measured.The second option is cheaper,” Ghazaryan said.Ara Ghazaryan says Latin American and Arabic

countries are most interested in purchasing the scan-ners. Columbia has already installed them at theentrances of hospitals.As for Armenia, he says, the system is still too

expensive for the country.

Single Pays Tribute toHealthcare Workers

YEREVAN (Armenpress) — A group of Armeniansingers and TV stars have come together to record asingle honoring health workers during the coron-avirus outbreak.The music video for the single Thank You, released

on May 1 by Duetro Studio, was produced by AraBaghdasaryan. The music was produced by EdgarAlexanyan.The song features vocals by pop stars Erik

Karapetyan, Silva Hakobyan, Kristine Pepelyan,Mihran Tsarukyan and others.The music video shows a medical doctor – por-

trayed by actor Sargis Grigoryan – working in a busyYerevan hospital while his family waits for him tojoin his child’s birthday party at home. He eventual-ly joins his family via a video call when they are blow-ing the candles

Armenia DefenseMinister Visits ArtsakhSTEPANAKERT (Armenpress) — Armenia’s

Minister of Defense Davit Tonoyan visited ArtsakhMay 1-2 as part of the military cooperation and com-bined action plan of the two countries.Accompanied by Artsakh’s Defense Minister Jalal

Harutyunyan, Tonoyan visited a number of activeduty military bases in the northern and centraldirections, toured various barracks and rear unitsand met with the troops, the Artsakh DefenseMinistry said in a news release.The main discussion points focused on the improve-

ment of the service and social-household conditions ofthe servicemen, as well as combat and morale readi-ness, effective application of arsenal and militaryequipment, modernization and logistical issues.Tonoyan praised the current level of military coop-

eration between Armenia and Artsakh.

Minister of EnvironmentSacked

YEREVAN (Panorama.am) — By a decree ofArmenian President Armen Sarkissian, ErikGrigoryan was dismissed on May 5 from his post asthe minister of environment.The decree was signed at the suggestion of the

Prime Minister according to Article 131 of theConstitution and respective legislation of the gov-ernment structure and activity.

News From Armenia

RESTRICTIONS, from page 1the fight against the epidemic,” addedPashinyan.The premier renewed his calls for cit-

izens to strictly follow social distancingrules and avoid touching their faceswith unwashed hands.He admitted that the decision to

essentially end the lockdown is “creat-ing the risk” of a faster spread of thevirus.

Daily Increases of COVID-19

The Armenian Ministry of Health hasalready reported increased daily num-bers of coronavirus cases for the lasttwo weeks. It said on Monday morningthat 121 people have tested positive forthe virus in the past 24 hours, takingthe country’s COVID-19 total to 2,507.The ministry also said that four more

Armenians have died from the virus, thelargest daily increase in fatalities report-ed so far. The country’s death toll fromCOVID-19 thus reached 39.According to Torosyan, 35 COVID-19

patients were in a critical condition asof Sunday afternoon.To date, Armenia has tested 24,942

people for the disease.“We can manage 3,000 to 4,000

cases,” the health minister toldPashinyan. “Right now we have 850patients in hospitals and about 350 oth-ers [isolated] in hotels. Our objective is… to not exceed the maximum [hospitalcapacity] and not have to provide med-ical assistance in non-hospital condi-tions.”

Torosyan repeatedly warned last weekthat the health authorities will soon beno longer able to hospitalize or isolateall infected persons. He said this willincrease the risk of further growth ininfections.Critics say that the authorities never

strictly enforced the quarantine andbegan easing restrictions on businessactivity on April 13, just three weeksafter the start of the economic shut-down. The number of daily coronaviruscases rose significantly later in Aprilamid a gradual reopening of more sec-tors of the Armenian economy.When Armenia first issued a state of

emergency on March 16 to deal with theoutbreak, residents quickly took to therestrictions. But as time has gone on,observance has become noticeably looserand enforcement of the rules more lax.An analysis from Yerevan-based econo-mist Hrant Mikaelian, using data from theRussian search engine Yandex, suggestedthat Armenians were self-isolating lessthan their neighbors in the SouthCaucasus.“If the disease still gets out of control

and we see mass infections and as aresult an increase in mortality, then theeconomy is not going to benefit,”Mikaelian wrote in a blog post after thelifting of the restrictions wasannounced. “Social solidarity will beundermined, there will be chaos andpanic in the public sphere, and the econ-omy is not going to get any advantagefrom the lifting of the quarantine. So, inmy opinion, it’s too early to lift therestrictions.”

Reinfections Noted

Three people in Armenia tested posi-tive for COVID-19 two weeks after beingtreated for the disease and dischargedfrom a hospital, suggesting potential re-infection, Torosyan told lawmakers at acommittee meeting on May 4 whenasked whether or not re-infections havebeen recorded.“Unfortunately such cases were record-

ed, including in Armenia. But there is abig academic debate going on about this.And every day we are receiving updatedscientific information on whether or notthese were re-infections, meaning thepatient was treated and then contractedthe infection again, or whether it was sim-ply a de-activation of the virus in thebody, and then re-activation, and we wereunable to detect the virus in a de-activat-ed state because the patient was asymp-tomatic and the swab didn’t contain thevirus. Or the most likely case is that thisis the non-active particles of the virus intissues, when the virus is not multiplying,but its DNA is present in the cells, and wesimply detect it upon testing,” Torosyansaid.These three people have been quar-

antined as a precaution to rule outpotential spread of the disease.Since it is unclear at the moment

whether or not recovered patients areimmune to the coronavirus, Torosyanurged them to maintain all precaution-ary and safety rules like others.

Even as COVID-19 Cases Rise,Armenia Loosens Restrictions

YEREVAN (RFE/RL) — A court inYerevan issued an arrest warrant onSunday, May 3, for GurgenKhachatryan, a wealthy businessman.He is the son of Armenia’s arrested for-mer Finance Minister GagikKhachatryan. The youngerKhachatryan has accused the govern-ment of seeking to illegally dispossesshis family.However, Gurgen Khachatryan was

not immediately arrested and his where-abouts remained unknown as ofMonday evening.The Khachatryan family has extensive

business interests. The most importantof its assets is Ucom, one of the coun-try’s three mobile phone operators andlargest Internet and cable TV provider.The ex-minister’s two sons and a

nephew own a combined 77 percent ofthe Ucom stock. Gurgen Khachatryan isalso the chairman of the company’sboard of directors.In an April 28 statement, he claimed

that “high-ranking” Armenian officialshave threatened to arrest him if he andhis brother refuse to cede control ofUcom and another major IT firm at aknockdown price. “Ucom is not for sale,neither is our dignity,” he said.Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan was

quick to respond to the claim, sayingthrough a spokeswoman thatKhachatryan and his relatives mustreturn hundreds of millions dollars“stolen from the people.” She said rele-vant authorities will allow theKhachatryans to sell their Ucom stakeonly if they agree to transfer all pro-ceeds from such a deal to the govern-ment.Khachatryan’s lawyers said after-

wards that the National SecurityService (NSS) has brought new criminal

charges against him. In particular, theysaid, he now stands accused of assistingin bribery.The lawyers confirmed that the accu-

sation is connected to the arrest latelast month of SedrakArustamyan, the top man-ager of companies belong-ing to another wealthy busi-nessman, Gagik Tsarukyan.The NSS claims that

Arustamyan had paid GagikKhachatryan a $22.4-mil-lion bribe to ensure privi-leged treatment of thosecompanies by tax authori-ties. It says that the pay-ment took the form of twobogus loans provided to theformer minister who wasarrested on corruptioncharges last August.Both Arustamyan and

the Khachatryan family insist that themassive cash transfer was a commercialtransaction, not a bribe. One of thelawyers representing the family, YeremSargsyan, said over the weekend thatthe ex-minister’s sons had borrowed thehefty sum to buy real estate abroad. Hedid not go into details.In what appeared to a related devel-

opment, NSS officers raided the Ucomheadquarters in Yerevan on Saturday.They also searched the home and thecar of the company’s new executive andconfiscated his laptop computer.The security service did not comment

on the searches. Aram Orbelyan, alawyer for the Ucom CEO, alleged thatthey are part of broader governmentefforts to nationalize the companyemploying 1,800 people or “hand it overto another person” in gross violation ofproperty rights guaranteed by

Armenian law.The NSS also summoned Gurgen

Khachatryan’s wife and mother forquestioning. Both women reportedlyrefused to testify as witnesses.

Meanwhile, Khachatryan issued awritten statement shortly before thecourt allowed the NSS to hold him indetention pending investigation. TheUcom chairman decried the “illegal”criminal proceedings and said he has nointention to “get involved in theseprocesses as a prisoner” and therebycontribute to further “illegalities.”Sargsyan confirmed on Monday after-

noon that Khachatryan has not beenarrested yet. But he declined to clarifywhether his client has fled Armenia orgone into hiding inside the country.Khachatryan was banned from travel-ling abroad after being first indicted inJanuary.“Gurgen Khachatryan is prepared to

present himself before the investigatingbody at any moment if its actions arebrought back to the legal field,” said thelawyer.

Gurgen Khachatryan, the chairman of Ucom compa-ny’s board of directors.

Arrest Warrant Issued For Jailed Ex-Minister’s Son

S A T U R D A Y, M A Y 9 , 2 0 2 0 T H E A R M E N I A N M I R R O R - S P E C TAT O R 3

INTERNATIONAL

Gandhi Statue to BeInstall in Yerevan

YEREVAN (PanARMENIAN.Net) — A statue of Indian independence hero Mahatma Gandhi will be erected in Yerevan, according to a decision approved on April 28 by the City Council.The Armenian Foreign Ministry coordinated the

project with the Indian side and submitted the pro-posal to the City Council months earlier.The Indian government will cover all costs for the

creation and installation of the statue celebrating the 150th birth anniversary of Gandhi.

Russian Embassy HostsWWII Photo Exhibit

YEREVAN (News.am) — In the lead-up to the 75th anniversary of the victory Great Patriotic War in World War II, the Russian embassy in Armenia on May 5 launched a series of photo exhibitions of the war years, prepared by the Federal Archival Agency of Russia, as well ass TASS and RIA Novosti news agencies.“The work of Soviet frontline photo reporters

shows the battles and moments of peace, the daily hard work of the rear, the feats of the partisans, the suffering of the prisoners, and the daily life of the war years. The materials are a proof of the heroism of the Soviet people,” the Russian embassy in Armenia noted.

Uruguay RecognizedGenocide 55 Years Ago MONTEVIDEO, Uruguay (Public Radio of

Armenia) — This year marks the 55th anniversary of Armenian Genocide recognition by Uruguay, the first country to officially acknowledge this crime against humanity.On April 20 1965, Uruguay became the first

nation in the world to recognize the Armenian Genocide.The Armenian National Committee of Uruguay

describes the recognition as a “historical milestone in the fight for justice for the Armenian people.”The Committee has been commemorating the

anniversary of the Armenian genocide together with the Presidency of the House of Representatives for two decades in the Legislative Palace.Given the current coronavirus crisis, the event has

been postponed this year, but a series of commemo-rative activities will be organized in compliance with conditions imposed by the health emergency.

HDP Demands ApologyFor Dersim Massacre

ISTANBUL (PanARMENIAN.Net) — Turkey’s Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) on May 5 demand-ed an official apology for the 1937 Dersim massacre and the establishment of a truth commission to heal the wounds of one of the bloodiest stains on the country’s history.HDP MP Alican Onlu tabled a series of parliamen-

tary questions calling on President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to restore the rights of the people of Dersim, in the largely Kurdish south-east, Morning Star reports.He called for a truth & acknowledgement commis-

sion to open the archives and court records to the public and for the perpetrators of the massacre to be tried in absentia. Mr Onlu asked for May 4 to be offi-cially recognised as Dersim massacre memorial day.Measures must be taken to end to the forced assim-

ilation policies that crushed the Kurdish language, beliefs and culture of the people of Dersim, which is known by the official Turkish state name of Tunceli, he said.A decree signed in the Turkish parliament on May

4, 1937, led to an onslaught by the army and the massacre of up to 70,000 people.The massacre followed a rebellion led by Kurdish

Alevi chieftain Seyid Riza against the Turkification policies of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk. Riza was hanged in November 1937.Witness statements describe the brutality inflicted

on the people of Dersim, including chemical weapons dropped by the Turkish air force.

International News

YEREVAN — As a result of theCOVID-19 global pandemic, the HighCommissioner for Diaspora AffairsZareh Sinanyan was obliged to cancelupcoming visits to Armenian Diasporacommunities.However, maintaining a connection

and working with the Diaspora remainat the top of the High Commissioner’sagenda.To this end, the Office of the High

Commissioner, led by Sinanyan, haslaunched “Diaspora Connected,” a pro-gram which will connect representativesfrom Diaspora communities fromaround the world through online videoconferences, aiming to maintain con-nections, identify and address problems,and deepen cooperation.The first conference took place with

representatives of the Armenian com-munity in Spain. High CommissionerSinanyan welcomed the participantsand emphasized the importance ofmaintaining and cultivating a strongArmenia-Diaspora connection regard-less of the situation in the world. During the conference, members of

the Spanish-Armenian community dis-cussed the realities of the Armeniancommunity in Spain, the scope of theiractivities, and the problems they face.They noted that the Armenian com-

munity has supported the local author-ities in fighting against the virus bycoming up with a number of initiatives,including preparing free protectivemasks, providing food to vulnerablecommunities, and organizing free trans-portation of medical workers.They also noted that there are infect-

ed people among the Armenian com-munity who are undergoing treatment.Under these conditions, the local one-day school, chess, and painting groups

take place remotely.Representatives of the community

emphasized how important the Office’sinitiative is to the community especiallyduring such conditions, since a sector ofthe Armenian community has feltneglected by the previous administra-tion. They also expressed particular con-cern that the assimilation of Spanish-Armenians is progressing at an increas-ing rate. On the one hand, recent immi-grant families are often not diligent inthis manner, on the other hand, thecommunity does not have traditionalstructures, such as cultural centers ordaily schools to prevent assimilation.Despite all this, many local Armenianyouth want to return and work in thehomeland.Additionally, community representa-

tives raised a number of concerns, inparticular, with the lack of organizationamong the community, preventingassimilation, delays in the delivery oftextbooks from Armenia, dual citizen-ship, and conscription.The next video conference featured

the Armenian community of Belgium.Dozens of representatives from variouscommunity, educational, cultural andpolitical organizations took part.Nicolas Tavitian, chairman of theCommittee of Belgian-Armenians,Chairman of Inside Europe, and direc-tor of the AGBU Europe Office, intro-duced the community, and noted that50 Armenian organizations operatethroughout Belgium, and that theBelgian-Armenian community will cele-brate its 100th anniversary in twoyears. Sinanyan praised the community’s

organization and exemplary unity.Afterwards, he touched upon the situa-tion in Armenia, including restrictions,

economic challenges, and social impactof the coronavirus. Presenting the pro-grams of the office and possiblechanges to them, Sinanyan noted thatthe implementation of the “Step toHome” program of young leaders maybe postponed, a number of communityvisits have been canceled, and that theconferences will probably be heldonline. The iGorts program, for which800 Diaspora specialists have applied,has been postponed to start inSeptember. The High Commissioneralso touched upon the goals of theoffice: strengthening ties betweenArmenia and the Diaspora, maximizingmutual collaboration and cooperation,creating the necessary conditions forrepatriation, promoting investment andimproving the investment sector. Afterwards, community representa-

tives asked the High Commissionerquestions, especially pertaining to repa-triation law and strategy, privilegesoffered to repatriates, investment sup-port and preservation of the Armenianidentity.In response to a question about the

relationship between the diaspora andthe state, Sinanyan noted that a strongArmenia is the guarantee of theDiaspora’s longevity, and that the con-tinued development and strengtheningof the country will help resolve chal-lenges within the diaspora. Regarding the preservation of

Western Armenian, the Commissionerstressed that it should be widely taughtin Armenia as well, and that the home-land should become a center for teach-ing the language.It should be noted that follow-up con-

nection is maintained with all partici-pants of the video conferences, andcooperation is continuous.

MOSCOW (Middle East Monitor) —The Russian International AffairsCouncil (RIAC) expects that Russia,Turkey and Iran will reach a consensusto remove the head of the Syrianregime, Bashar Al-Assad, and establisha ceasefire in exchange for forming atransitional government that includesthe opposition, members of the regimeand the Syrian Democratic Forces(SDF).The RIAC, which is known to be close

to the decision-makers in the Russiangovernment, said in a report that aRussian organization named theFoundation for the Protection ofNational Values, affiliated with the secu-rity services and the office of PresidentVladimir Putin, has been conducting anopinion poll in Syria.This would send a very clear political

message, conveying that the Syrian peo-ple do not want Al-Assad to remain pres-ident.The report stated that, since the

beginning of its military intervention inSyria, Moscow has been keen to avoidbeing presented as the defender of Al-Assad, adding that in negotiations it hasstressed that “the Syrian people willdecide whether or not Al-Assad willremain in power”.Russia has become more serious

about making changes in Syria, RIACexplained, not least because protectingAl-Assad has become a burden.Russia’s TASS news agency

explained: “Russia is suspecting that Al-Assad is not only unable to lead thecountry anymore, but also that the headof the Syrian regime is dragging

Moscow towards the Afghani scenario,which is a very disconcerting possibilityfor Russia.”Meanwhile, the news agency

added that Iran, which is sufferingfrom stifling US sanctions, has no inter-est in achieving stability in the wholeregion, because it considers it a battle-field with Washington.

The news agency considered thatwhile Moscow is ready to use Al-Assadto negotiate an agreement that guaran-tees its interests; it is sacrificing Syriansto ensure that Al-Assad remains inpower.According to TASS, Al-Assad cannot

refuse the Russians’ demands, so hemakes them hear what they want tohear, but in the end, he implementsTehran’s demands.The Russian news agency stressed

that Moscow is working on a combina-tion of scenarios including one that seesforces present in Syria accepting eachother’s scope of influence. As a result,Syria would remain divided into aregion protected by Tehran andMoscow, the opposition region support-ed by Turkey, and the East Euphratessupported by Washington and the SDF,

explained TASS.It indicated that the second option

requires a complete withdrawal of allforeign forces and the unification of thecountry after achieving a political trans-formation in accordance with UNSecurity Council Resolution No. 2254.The news agency considered that this

option is less costly for all parties.Turkey has long called for the

removal of Al-Assad as a prerequisite tothe end of its operation in Syria.

REPORT:

Russia, Turkey, Iran Agree to Remove Syria’s Assad

Diaspora Connected: Armenians in SpainSupport Local Anti-Coronavirus Efforts

Syria’s President Bashar Al-Assad (BBC News photo)

4

Community NewsS A T U R D A Y, M A Y 9 , 2 0 2 0 T H E A R M E N I A N M I R R O R - S P E C TAT O R

St. Vartan Cathedral MarksMartyrs Day During

Coronavirus PandemicNEW YORK — A typical Martyrs Day is an occasion of intense activity in the

Armenian community, with large public gatherings and densely packed sacredobservances. But the 2020 commemoration saw Armenians across the worldprohibited from coming together physically, due to restrictions imposed by theCOVID-19 pandemic.Instead, during the week culminating in April 24, Armenians united in sym-

bolic ways, communicating over various media platforms, and designating spe-cific hours of the day for acting in unison.In the days prior to April 24, Karekin II, the Catholicos of All Armenians, had

encouraged Armenian faithful across the world to observe the occasion in theirhomes: by dimming the lights and reciting prayers by candle light on theevening of April 23, and by observing a minute of silence at noon on April 24.On both occasions, local churches were instructed to toll their bells for threeminutes in memory of the Genocide Saints.Parishioners across the Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Church of America

honored the Catholicos’ appeal. Their churches also held special closed-doorprayer services, and where possible broadcast these over the Internet to thefaithful.At the seat of the Diocese, St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral in New York City,

the Feast of the Holy Martyrs of the Armenian Genocide was marked with aspecial Divine Liturgy celebrated by cathedral vicar Fr. Davit Karamyan, whichincluded the “Prayer for the Intercession of the Genocide Saints” and the cer-emonial minute of silence in their memory.Presiding over the Badarak and offering a special homily was Diocesan

Primate Bishop Daniel Findikyan. In a sermon beginning with the words, “Ourimprisonment is for Christ,” in an echo of St. Paul, Bishop Daniel spoke on theinner meaning of human suffering, both in the torments of the ArmenianGenocide Martyrs in 1915, and in the midst of the 2020 worldwide pandemiccrisis.He recalled the 2015 ceremony canonizing the Genocide Martyrs as the

“most momentous day in the modern history of the Armenian Church: a day ofunity among all its faithful.”When the Armenian Church acknowledges the martyrs as saints, he said,

“We children of the church proclaim that the blood of the Martyrs of theArmenian Genocide is the blood of Jesus Christ that he shed on the cross.” Inthat sense, the shared suffering of the Armenian people represents “a uniquepathway to God, a unique means of growing in the faith, a unique perspectiveon eternal life.”Findikyan looked back on the sufferings of earlier Christian exemplars —

from St. Paul languishing in a Roman prison cell, to the Genocide Martyrsthemselves — and wondered whether the current crisis of disease, fear, and iso-lation is itself a way to see worldly events as the saints would see them: “Totake what the world sees as disaster and calamity…and transform all of that,through the eyes of faith—through Christ himself — into Light and Life.”The bishop went on: “Today, on the 105th anniversary of the Genocide, we

see CARTHEDRAL, page 5

Armenian AmericanMedical AssociationOf Greater BostonGoes VirtualBOSTON — As the COVID-19 pandemic has

spread across the world, and up-ended every-one’s daily lives, it has become paramount tothe Armenian American Medical Association(AAMA) of Greater Boston to play an impor-tant role in mitigating the effects of the viruson the Armenian population in New England. The AAMA board, in collaboration with the

AGBU New England District, got togetherand developed a webinar series on theCorona pandemic that was open to the gen-eral public. The first event was held on Saturday, April

11, and was moderated by Dr. VatcheMinassian, with the participation of DoctorsSally Vanerian, Armineh Mirzabegian andArmen Arslanian. The topics covered duringthe first webinar included information on thevirus, its epidemiology, the way it spreads,symptoms of disease, prevention, quarantine,treatment, and public health impact of thedisease.The second event was held on Saturday,

April 25, which was simultaneously broadcastlive both as a webinar where participants hadto register to attend, as well as a live feedthrough the AGBU Facebook page. Dr. ShantParseghian moderated the program, with theparticipation of Doctors Anush Sahakian andShant Broukian, as well as Nancy Barsamian,RN. The topics covered during the secondwebinar included the impact of the virus onthe health of patients with severe disease asthey get evaluated in the emergency room,and their course as they receive treatment inthe hospital including the ICU. Finally,Barsamian covered the impact of the virus onnursing homes, in general, and the ArmenianNursing and Rehabilitation Center in JamaicaPlain, in particular.The third webinar is scheduled for Friday,

May 8, 8-9 p.m. and will be moderated by Dr.Rosalynn Nazarian. The first topic to be cov-ered by Dr. Louis M Najarian during thisevent will be the psychological impact ofsocial isolation due to the pandemic on thefamily life including children. The secondinvited speaker will be Dr. Vicken Sepilianwho heads AMIC (Armenian MedicalInternational Committee) and who has beenactive in evaluating and coordinating inter-national efforts to help the Armenian gov-ernment deal with the Corona pandemic’seffect on Armenia and Artsakh. The twospeakers will be joined by Joanne Ricardelli,a nutritionist and fitness trainer, who willaddress how to stay fit and healthy duringsocial isolation.The goal of the AAMA is to continue with

its mission of educating the public with thehealth impacts of the Corona virus and othergeneral medical conditions on the lives of thecommunity we serve in the Greater Bostonarea.

A screenshot of the Martyrs Day service

NASA Workers Design,Develop VentilatorFrom ScratchPASADENA, Calif. (CBS NEWSPATH)

— Researchers at NASA’s Jet PropulsionLaboratory have joined the fight againstthe coronavirus in a unique way. A teamfrom the space agency used their techni-cal skills to develop a ventilator specifi-cally for COVID-19 patients.For scientists who specialize in space-

craft, designing an Earth-bound medicalmachine might be one of their mostunusual creations yet. “This was a com-plete departure, we’re not a medicaldevice company,” says Sarah Hovsepian,who is part of the team behind ProjectVital. The group of NASA-JPL employeesdesigned, built, and tested a new type ofventilator from scratch in just 37 days. Itwas an incredible feat for a socially-dis-tanced staff. A small group worked onthe prototype in person while the restrelied on video conferencing.Combining the technical know-how of

more than 100 people remotely was oneof the most challenging parts of the job.“And we were creating this new path fora new way of working, a new way ofdoing things and it was incredible howmuch we were able to accomplish in ashort period of time,” Hovsepian says.The prototype is only made of about 80

parts and was designed to deliver moreoxygen at higher pressure, somethingdoctors say is needed for many COVID-19patients. Testing at Mount Sinai Hospital

in New York has so far proven the projecta success. “We have the potential to savehuman lives, people that we might know,our neighbors, our families, and thatintensity, it’s amazing. It’s amazing,” saysMichelle Easter, a mechatronics engineeron the Project Vital team.NASA is now seeking emergency FDA

approval for its ventilator and speakingwith manufacturing companies who areinterested in producing it.Hovsepian obtained her master’s

degree in 2012, in the Design andComputation Group, Department ofArchitecture, from MassachusettsInstitute of Technology. At MIT, sheworked on projects at the Media Lab, andalso at the Center for Bits & Atoms(CBA) under Neil Gershenfeld. At CBA,Sarah worked on a lightweight, high-strength composite aircraft wing struc-ture, using advanced manufacturing tech-nologies for reconfigurable, repairablecomposite assemblies derived from lat-tice foam structures found in nature. In 2011, Sarah became part of the

inaugural class of NASA SpaceTechnology Fellows where she workedon Digital Material Skins for a pressurevessel, focusing on the design and fabri-cation of overlapping, discrete 2D struc-tures inspired by origami tessellation’s. She received her Bachelors in

Architecture at California PolytechnicUniversity of Pomona.

Sarah Hovsepian

Dr. Vicken Sepilian

FURLOUGHS, from page 1employee of the Diocesan operations includingthe Primate. These actions included across theboard furloughs and pay reductions. We didour best to keep our people whole and in factwe chose to pay everyone for March and April

and contrary to other non-profit organizationsat this time we chose not to lay anyone off. Wealso chose to continue to provide employee ben-efits for all.”He said that the challenges facing the

Diocese are in fact no different than what

Armenian businesses, individuals and otherinstitutions are facing in the US. In addition tothe annual distributions from the portfolio ofthe Armenian Church Endowment Fund(ACEF), he pointed out that the three mainsources of Diocesan income are facility rentals,

donations and support from the parishes. Allthree have been affected, so that despite the2020 ACEF distribution, Sabounjian said a sub-stantial shortfall is anticipated for this year.Bishop Daniel Findikyan, during a presenta-

tion at the weekly Armenian-American HealthProfessionals Organization (www.aahpo.org)Zoom conference on the COVID-19 pandemicon May 7 said that the financial shortfall thisyear may be somewhere around $900,000, butthis figure is contingent on many factors.Though in the past, the expenses for the

maintenance and repair of the Diocesan com-plex in New York has been a major concern,Sabounjian did not state that these costs werean immediate factor contributing to the currentsteps taken. He said that a study of facilityneeds was well underway, but its conclusionswere delayed due to the pandemic. When asked whether funds from the

Diocesan Annual Appeal, the EndowmentCampaign, or a special fund for spending forthe Primate might be used to help in this crisis,Fr. Sabounjian said this was all taken intoaccount during decision making, and furthernoted that though many restrict funds mightexist, borrowing against them “is not anoption.” On the other hand, he said, theDiocese has applied for federal PayrollProtection Program funds, and is awaiting theresults. Sabounjian was asked whether any special

fundraising had been done to try to offset theprojected deficit. He replied, “We are in theprocess of enhancing our strategy for fundrais-ing, especially in light of this pandemic. In addi-tion, we are hopeful that our people will sup-port the Diocese’s work, as they always have.”He concluded, “These decisions were not

taken lightly. We agonized over them for weeks.And we constantly reminded ourselves that weare a Christian Church. The health of theDiocese is not simply financial, but ultimatelyconcerns our pursuit of the mission of theArmenian Church and the spiritual well-beingof our parishes and faithful, what Bishop Danielhas termed ‘Building Up the Body of Christ.’The Diocesan Council and leadership areaggressively working toward reassessing theDiocese’s priorities in the midst of this pan-demic and in its aftermath.”

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COMMUNITY NEWS

St. Vartan CathedralMarks Martyrs DayCATHEDRAL, from page 4too are living in darkness, and fear, and calami-ty, when much of what we have, much of whatwe have worked for, has been taken away fromus. When we are ‘imprisoned’ in our homes,and every one of us has the choice to see thatcalamity through worldly eyes…or as glimmersof the Light of God.”To choose to do so, the Primate said, is to

join with the Genocide Saints and affirm thatall of our sufferings are for Christ. “We can jointhem and say: This Genocide is for Christ. Wecan join them and say: This pandemic is forChrist. We can join them and say: All ourlives are for Christ.”

Diocesan Council Chair Says Furloughs, Pay Reductions Are Necessary in COVID-19 Era

BREA, Calif. — The City of Brea in north-ern Orange County, has declared 2020 as the“Year of The Commemoration of the 105thAnniversary of the Armenian Genocide.”The proclamation also designated April ofevery year hereafter as Armenian HistoryMonth.The proclamation was spearheaded by

Armenian-American Marty Simonoff of Brea.Simonoff was first elected into public officefor the City of Brea in 1996 and is currentlyserving his sixth term on the Brea CityCouncil.“The Armenian National Committee of

America – Orange County chapter wouldlike to extend its gratitude to the City ofBrea and Mayor Marty Simonoff for theircommitment to the ongoing remembrance

and commemoration of the ArmenianGenocide,” remarked Armen Garabedian,Chair of the ANCA Orange County chapter.“This powerful proclamation not only code-fies the official remembrance of theArmenian Genocide and celebration of theArmenian-American community throughthe designation fo April as ArmenianHistory Month, but highlights contempo-rary consequences of genocide denialthrough Turkey’s enabling of Azerbaijan’sphysical and cultural genocide against theArmenians of Artsakh.”Simonoff, a member of the Armenian-

American community, has been a staunchsupporter of genocide recognition, genocideeducation, and advocacy for the right to self-determination for the people of Artsakh. He

has been instrumental in facilitating yearlyArmenian Genocide Remembrances andProclamations with the Orange CountyBoard of Supervisor, and continues to workclosely with the Armenian-American commu-nity – including the ANCA Orange Countychapter – to address the interests and needsof the local community.“We thank Mayor Simonoff for his support

throughout the years in advancing our com-munity priorities locally, and at a countylevel,” added Garabedian. “On this 105thanniversary of the Armenian Genocide, wewelcome this proclamation and look forwardto continuing to work with the City of Breaand Mayor Smirnoff in advancing our com-munity’s cause for justice. ” Brea Mayor Marty Simonoff

City of Brea declares 2020 Year of Armenian Genocide Commemoration

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OBITUARIES

CLIFFSIDE PARK, N.J. — Diramayr ZabellKalayjian passed away on Wednesday, April 29,2020 at the age of 97 in Emerson, NJ of natur-al causes.She was born in Aleppo, Syria August 23,

1923, to George and Jamilah Mardigian, whoonly a few years earlier had survived theGenocide and were forced to leave their ances-tral Cilician City of Kilis, and settled in Aleppo. Diramayr Zabell Kalayjian attended

Oosoomnasiratz and the Emaculate ConceptionSchools in Aleppo, where she received highhonors for being hardworking, diligent, respon-sible, and intelligent. She was also admired forher beauty grace and striking sky-blue eyes.On August 28, 1938, she married Kevork

Kalayjian, son of Girgi and Tervanda Kalayjian,at Holy King Armenian Apostolic Church inAzez, Syria. They had seven children: First sonZaven Kalayjian who became a priest, late VeryRev. Fr. Vertanes Kalayjian with YeretzginAnahid with their life time dedication to theArmenian Church and Youth Ministry, Zarehwho died in infancy, Zarminé Boghosian writer,Principal Emeritus of the Holy MartyrsArmenian Day School, Mary who died in infan-cy, Kevork who is a poet and a financial auditor,psychologist Dr. Ani Kalayjian who has dedicat-ed her life to helping victims of trauma throughher Meaningfulworld, Vasken Kalayjian a brand-ing specialist-artist-and author. She leaves 10 grandchildren, and 16 great-

grandchildren. Diramayr Kalayjian was a devoted Christian,

dedicated to the Armenian Church and to herfamily. After her children were grown and suc-cessful in their endeavors and families, she

devoted her time and energy to care for hergrandchildren and shared her ministry with herextended family and friends.In 1960 the Kalayjian family moved to Aleppo

to give their children access to better highereducation, and in 1971 they immigrated to theUS, to join their first-born son, Rev. Fr. Vertanesand Yeretsgin Anahid Kalayjian, of St. Mary’sArmenian Church in Washington, D.C.Living in North Jersey, Diramayr was active

in the Holy Cross Armenian Church Women’sGuild (Union City, NJ) and was honored withthe 1979 Mother of the Year Award from theparish. In 2003, in recognition of her 80thbirth-day, a special spiritual education fund wasestablished in Zabell’s honor at St. Mary’sArmenian Church. Diramayr Kalayjian homeschooled her chil-

dren up to first grade, both in their religiousstudies, literature, arts, crafts, math and sci-ences. She was an avid reader. Each morningshe encouraged her children to read a versefrom the Bible before breakfast. Losing her firstborn son was emotionally dis-

tressing for her, and she often expressed, “nomother should bear to witness the death of herchild.” She was fortunate to witness the ordination

of her grandson Saro into priesthood as hebecame Fr. Avedis Kalayjian in July 2016.Diramayr Kalayjian was a deeply spiritual

Armenian Christian mother and a caring men-tor to others through her prayers and generousspirit. She had friends calling her from aroundthe world to receive her blessings and advice.Diramayr Kalayjian was a matriarch very

well described through the loving words of

Yeretzgin Kalayjian who said: “Our preciousDiramayr went to be with her son, Der Hayr.She was an angelic person, and we all lovedher very dearly. She will have a special placein heaven! She will be adorned with crowns!We all have a lot to learn from her admirablelife.”Diramayr’s death is mourned by her youngest

sister Jaklyn Yahyahian, of Los Angeles;Yeretsgin/Diramayr Anahid Kalayjian, Zarmineand Missak Boghosian, Kevork and MaralKalayjian, Dr. Ani Kalayjian, and Vasken andJacqueline Kalayjian. She is also mourned byher grandchildren and great-grandchildren andher nieces and nephews in the Tashjian,Shamamian, Yahyahian and Mardigian families. Her funeral took place on Tuesday, May 5, at

George Washington Cemetery in Paramus, NJ.Due to the situation regarding the current

pandemic, her funeral services were subjectedto the physical distancing safety practices.

NormanGulamerian

Artist With a Grand Passion, Dies at 92

By Katharine Q. Seelye

NEW YORK (New York Times) — NormanGulamerian was a successful businessman andan artist, but his life was shaped by his love foran exuberant young widow and her five children.He met Mary Alexander briefly after a funeral

in St. Louis in 1963. An optimistic, can-do JulieAndrews type — she even sang — Mrs. Alexanderwas raising her children (Christopher, Rebecca,Seth, Eve and Jennifer) on her own after herhusband had died of a heart attack.When Mr. Gulamerian, who lived in New

York, met her again two years later, he wastaken by the whole package — the lively chil-dren tumbling over one another, not to men-tion Mrs. Alexander’s dark beauty, her joyouslight brown eyes and the way she threw her

head back when she laughed.He courted her through the mail, sending

her hundreds of letters and asking her tomarry him. One proposal arrived in the formof a drawing of a male bird on the groundlooking up at a tree, where a female bird satwith five baby birds.He was, after all, an artist.Born in Brooklyn to Armenian immigrants

on August 29, 1927, Mr. Gulamerian hadattended the High School of Music and Art inManhattan (now the Fiorello H. LaGuardiaHigh School of Music and Art and PerformingArts), where he developed as a painter, thoughhe didn’t graduate: He left to join the Navyand spent his 18th birthday on a ship boundfor Japan.After the war he returned to Brooklyn,

earned his high school diploma, attendedBrooklyn College and resumed painting.“He wanted to prime his own canvasses, but

he couldn’t find any linen, so he imported aroll from Belgium,” said Jennifer Pagano, oneof his daughters. “His brother said to him, ‘Ifyou can’t find it, other painters can’t either.’So that was the start of their art supply busi-ness, in 1949, out of their basement inBrooklyn.”He and his brother, Harold, called their com-

pany the Utrecht Art Supply Corp. becausethey lived near Utrecht High School. It grewinto a well-known chain of art supply storesfrom New York to California. Mr. Gulamerianalso wrote a textbook, The Language of aWork of Art (1963).He had an easier time starting his business

than he had persuading Mrs. Alexander tomarry him. Although she had fallen for him,she was reluctant to move East and leavebehind her large extended family in St. Louis.But she finally said yes. They married in

1969 and moved to Watchung, N.J., closeenough to New York so that he could com-mute to work but far enough out to have a bighouse with a bedroom for each child. It wasalso big enough for an art studio, where Mr.Gulamerian painted massive triptychs, usuallyof religious subjects, though he did not believein organized religion.Mary Gulamerian’s health declined in recent

years, and her husband moved with her intoan assisted living facility in nearby NewProvidence, N.J. She died last year.He caught the coronavirus in early April.

The nurses called another of his daughters,Eve Balboni, and allowed her to sit with himbriefly.He couldn’t speak. Ms. Balboni reminded

him of their family history. “And when I toldhim that he had married Mom and us in 1969,he just cried out when he heard the word‘Mom,’” Ms. Balboni said.He died on April 13. He was 92.

WATERTOWN — Dzhulyetta (Avedisyan)Mangoyan passed away on April 25, 2020.She was 87. Dzhulyetta was born on May 4, 1932 in

Leninakan, Armenia to the late Ararat andArpik (Topjian) Avedisyan. She worked in Armenia for 40 years as a high

school principal before moving to the UnitedStates in 1992. In the United States, she wasactive in the life of the church and often spoke atthe church about Armenian history and literature. She was the wife to the late Arshak Mangoyan.

She was the mother of Satenik Mangoyan, AnnaMangoyan and the late Oganes Mangoyan whopassed away in 2010, and his wife, Nadezhda

Mangoyan. Shewas the grand-mother of Henrik,Gayane, Arshak,Alex, Vahe andEmma and hadfive great-grand-children.Due to the

ongoing COVID-19 Pandemicand current pub-lic safety mea-sures, private graveside services were held atRidgelawn Cemetery in Watertown.

Edward MenzigianArmy Veteran

WORCESTER — Edward Menzigian, 92,passed away peacefully on April 20, 2020at Holy Trinity Nursing and RehabilitationCenter from complications of Covid-19.He was born in Worcester on

September 12, 1927 a son of the lateManoog and Yeraney (Anglian) Menzigian.Edward was raised in Worcester andattended local schools where he graduat-ed from the for-mer CommerceHigh School.He enlisted

in the UnitedStates Army onMay 17, 1949where heserved hiscountry duringthe KoreanConflict. Upon his discharge, he began his career

with the HP Hood Company. He thenwent to work for the Norton Companywhere he was employed for many yearsuntil his retirement. Always keeping busyin his retirement, Ed worked part time atJewish Healthcare Center and also as acrossing guard in the City of Worcester.He leaves his wife of 54 years, Ruth

(Jamgochian) Menzigian; his daughter,Nancy Reardon and her husband, Neal ofRutland; his grandchildren, Tommy andPatrick Reardon, both of Rutland; severalnieces, nephews extended family andfriends.Besides his parents, he was predeceased

by his infant son, Aram Menzigian and hisbrothers, Aram and Paul Menzigian.The family wishes to express their

thanks to the nurses and staff of HolyTrinity Nursing and Rehabilitation Centerfor the exceptional care provided for Ed.Due to the current health crisis and

resulting government restrictions, funeralservices were held privately.Arrangements were made by the Callahan,Fay & Caswell Life Celebration Home, 61Myrtle St., Worcester.

WOODCLIFF LAKE, N.J. — Sonia Turnamian,née Tefank, formerly of Englewood, NJ, FortLee, NJ and Naples, FL, died at the age of 95. Born in Union City, NJ, the youngest daugh-

ter of the late Hagop and Bertha Tefank, shegrew up in Weehawken, NJ. Sonia’s early passion was music and she was

an ardent violin player. Sonia was the first member of her family to

attend college and earned a bachelor’s degree inEducation from New York University. Whileattending college, she especially enjoyed work-ing at Lord and Taylors’ flagship store inManhattan, where she metmany designers and devel-oped a lifelong love of fash-ion. After graduating from

NYU, she worked briefly as amusic teacher in NJ and mar-ried Richard MichaelTurnamian in the Blizzard of1947. She was predeceasedby him in 2007.Together, Sonia and

Richard were founding mem-bers of the St. ThomasArmenian Church of Tenafly,

NJ where Sonia spent many years donating hertime, planning and organizing fundraisers forthe church. Later in life, she worked in the fam-ily’s aerospace business and cherished her week-ly Bridge game with dear friends. Sonia enjoyedtraveling the world with family and friends, see-ing new places, and experiencing new cultures.She kept meticulous notes on all of her travelsand indulged in her love of art. Sonia also hada passion for health and fitness. She exerciseddaily and maintained a healthy lifestyle through-out her life.She is survived by her son Michael of Naples,

FL., her daughter Ellen andher husband Daniel of Oradell,NJ, and Jeanne of Cape Coral,FL. She was grandmother toJaclyn and Tiffany Malloy, andAmie (Kechejian) Apelian andJennifer (Kechejian) Moore,several great-grandchildrenand one loving dog namedJunior, whom she referred toas “an angel.”All burial arrangements

were private. A celebration ofher life will be announced at afuture date.

Diramayr Zabell Kalayjian Devoted Christian, Matriarch

Dzhulyetta (Avedisyan) MangoyanFormer High School Principal in Armenia

Sonia Mae TurnamianCo-Founder of St. Thomas Church

7S A T U R D A Y, M A Y 9 , 2 0 2 0 T H E A R M E N I A N M I R R O R - S P E C TAT O R

OBITUARIES

Nardolillo Funeral HomeEst. 1906

John K. Najarian, Jr.Rhode Island’s Only Licensed Armenian Funeral Director

1278 Park Ave. Cranston, RI 02910 (401) 942-12201111 Boston Neck Rd. Narragansett, RI 02882 (401) 789-6300

www.nardolillo.com

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www.giragosianfuneralhome.com

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Aram BedrosianFuneral Home, Inc.

Continuous Service By The Bedrosian Family Since 1945MARION BEDROSIAN

PAUL BEDROSIANLARRY BEDROSIAN

In Remembrance of the Armenian Genocide,Boston Armenian Community Gives BackBOSTON — As part of the inspirational April 24th campaign to

provide 1.5 million meals to individuals and families in needacross the United States, and as a symbolic gesture of gratitudeto America for the humanitarian relief provided to the Armenianpeople during the Armenian Genocide, the Boston Armeniancommunity rallied support and also raised awareness throughthe purchase of 3 billboards, reported the Armenian Assembly ofAmerica.“This is an amazing example of our community at work, seeing

our best and brightest here in Boston come together to continuethe effort to Feed America. This is at the core of the ArmenianAssembly’s objective to bring our community together in a mean-ingful way,” stated Assembly Co-Chair Anthony Barsamian.“Starting with our strong community in southern California,Boston and other communities continue to organize and raiseawareness about the Armenian Genocide while giving back tothose in need during the current state of emergency. I share withall of you my respect and thanks to all those who contributed tothis effort throughout the country,” Barsamian added.Doctors Shant and Reem Parseghian, in collaboration with the

following community members, were able to raise the neededfunds: Dr. and Mrs. Noubar and Anna Afeyan, Mr. and Mrs.Armen and Lauren Arakelian, Mr. and Dr. Aram and KnarikArkun, Dr. and Mrs. Armen and Araz Arslanian, Dr. and Mrs.Mihran and Elo Artinian, Mr. and Mrs. Nigoghos and RosetAtinizian, Mr. and Mrs. Nishan and Margrit Atinizian, Mr. andMrs. Robert and Carineh Avakian, Mr. and Mrs. Jano and ArpiAvedissian, Mr. and Dr. Ara and Talin Balikian, Mr. and Mrs.Avedis and Carmen Barmakian, Mr. and Mrs. Jack and RitaBejakian, Mr. and Mrs. Sam and Ida Bejakian, Mr. and Mrs.Stephan and Beth Boyamian, Mr. and Mrs. Avedis and Houry

Boyamian, Mr. and Mrs. Sarkis and Rita Chekijian, Mr. and Mrs.Jirair and Susan Demirchian, Mr. and Mrs. Raffi and NinaFestekjian, Mr. and Mrs. Jean-Jacques and Nicole Hajjar, Dr. andMrs. George and Kara Halebian, Mr. and Mrs. Chris and TalinKebadjian, Dr. and Mrs. Berdj and Margaret Kiladjian, Mr. andMrs. Alexander and Tamar Kouspakian, Mr. and Mrs. George andZepure Kouyoumjian, Mr. and Mrs. Aurelian and AnahidMardiros, Mr. and Mrs. Gary and Hasmig Mardiros, Mr. and Mrs.Armen and Sylvie Meguerditchian, Mr. and Mrs. Richard andMaro Meguerditchian, Dr. and Mrs. Vatche and NatalieMinassian, Mr. and Mrs. Charlie and Herip Minassian, Mr. andMrs. Vahe and Ani Nigoghosian, Mr. and Mrs. Karnig and LindaOstayan, Mr. and Mrs. Sarkis and Seta Ourfalian, Doctors Ashotand Yelena Papoyan and Dr. and Mrs. Vatche and SezaSeradarian.“As genocide survivors, we were always grateful to the coun-

tries that hosted us and helped us to prosper and build our com-munities again, so expressing gratitude to this great country welive in is the least we can do. Moreover, the prominent placementof these billboards helps to further our collective goals in raisingawareness about the tragedy of the Armenian Genocide,” statedDr. Shant Parseghian of Massachusetts.Thanks to the multi-coalition Armenian-American organiza-

tional effort that was initiated in southern California in partner-ship with the Tony Robbins Foundation, a nationwide nonprofitorganization, Feeding America, will be able to provide much-needed meals to more than 5 million people based on the fundsraised.The 3 billboards may be seen starting Monday, May 4 for one

week at I-93 WS exit 31, I-95/Rt. 128 WS North AC exist and I-90 Massachusetts Pike Beacon Street.

Rachel(Koumrian)Dohanian

Dedicated Member ofArmenian Memorial

ChurchBELMONT, Mass. — Rachel (Koumrian)

Dohanian of Belmont passed away on April23, 2020, just 3 weeks shy of her 100th birth-day.She was the wife of the late Armen

Dohanian, Sr.; mother of Armen Dohanian,Jr. and his wife Louise of Belmont, Phyllis

Dohanian of Belmont and the late JoyceDohanian; grandmother of MatthewDohanian and Sherée Dunwell, AdamDohanian and Elizabeth Jewell and ArmenDohanian, III and Paula Dohanian; great-grandmother of Lily and Vera Dohanian; sis-ter of Doris Markarian and the late JamesKoumrian. She is also survived by her niecesand all members of the Armenian MemorialChurch. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic

and current public safety measures, a privategraveside service will be held for the family.

RIVER EDGE, N.J. — Arax Sarajian, 92, for-merly of River Edge, passed away on April 29,2020. She was predeceased by her husband, Dick.

She was the mother of Richard and NoraSarajian, Ken and Trish Sarajian, Carol andJim Kennelly; grandmother of Ara and Alice,Raffi, Garo and Haig Sarajian, Michael andDaniel Kennelly, and Ani and StephenSarajian. She was predeceased by her sister,Alice Catchouny Hagopian, and brother,Armen Catchouny. She is also survived byher brother-in-law Haig Sarajian and severalnieces and nephews.The daughter of Genocide survivors,

Yeghishe and Satenig Catchouny, Arax wasborn in New York City and raised in Orange,NJ. She attended the Packard Business

School. She met her husband, Dick, at an

Armenian Youth Federation function. Theirlife together was one of giving and charity,filled with her family, her church and com-munity. Arax and her husband, Dick were founding

members of Sts. Vartanantz ArmenianApostolic Church of Ridgefield, NJ, and of theLadies Guild and Men’s Club. They weredevoted to the Sunday School, where gener-ations of children knew them as Aunty Araxand Uncle Dick. They were ardent supportersof the Eastern Prelacy of the ArmenianApostolic Church of America. She was also a member of the Bergen

County Armenouhi Chapter of the Armenian

Relief Society for more than 60 years. Somany of their activities were focused aroundyouth programs, whether it was the churchbasketball league (and her end of yearspaghetti and meatballs dinner), or AYFmeetings as advisors, AYF Alumni or sup-portive parents for Senior Olympics, JuniorOlympics, or wherever needed.In River Edge, she served as a Girl Scout

leader, Little League team mother and mem-ber of the P.E.O. Funeral Services were private and

arranged by William G. Basralian FuneralHome.

Arax Sarajian Daughter of Genocide Surivors

FLORIDA, from page 1several Armenian churches and a communitythat has come together in times of celebrationand hardship. Acclaimed for its year-roundsunny weather and over 1,000 miles of emeraldcoastline, Florida currently has close to 40,000cases of COVID-19, concentrated in the south,which precipitated the closure of non-essentialbusinesses, parks and beaches and the enforce-ment of social distancing. Miami Beach City Commissioner, Mark

Samuelian, the first-Armenian-American electedofficial in Miami-Dade County history, hasassumed a strong leadership role during thepandemic. He noted the city was “very quick toheed the warnings” and immediately imple-mented the “safer at home” order. If individualsenter essential businesses, from pharmacies to

grocery stores, they are required to wear masks,groups are prohibited from meeting and publicamenities remain shut down. “We wanted to protect the entire community

and the most vulnerable, including the seniorsand those with pre-existing conditions,” saidSamuelian. By reacting fast, the hospital capac-ity stayed at a manageable rate and Miami “did-n’t have the surge and spike other states havehad.”Overcoming the initial stage of the pandemic

threat, Samuelian said the city’s attention hasnow turned to increasing testing and contacttracing. A testing center outside the MiamiBeach Convention Center will be launched thisweek, making it the first in Florida to providewalk-up and drive-through testing. Anotheradvancement is antibody testing in Miami DadeCounty that will determine how many peoplehave been exposed to the virus. Samuelian alsonoted that Miami Beach has been named one of10 cities in the US to be included in theRockefeller Foundation's COVID-19 NationalAction Plan, which will enhance testing andcontact tracing.“I am so impressed with how folks in Miami

Beach and the Miami area have come together,”said Samuelian. “The community has taken ourlead and followed many of the measures we putforward even though they were difficult.”

Helping Community with Food

Humanitarian initiatives and partnershipsalso sprung into action, such as Meals forHeroes, a Miami-based not-for-profit organiza-tion that Samuelian himself is personallyinvolved in, that provides food to residents andfrontline workers. The group raises money fromthe community, buys warm meals from localrestaurants to provide them with revenue anddelivers them to hospitals and first responders.“It’s a wonderful win-win situation,” said

Samuelian. “The community is engaged andthere is the opportunity to support restaurantsand first responders who deserve so much.” Another project geared towards aiding the

public emerged from the Miami Beach HighSchool Robotics Club, whose members cameup with the idea to make masks for residents.Samuelian bought their first order and present-ed it at a press conference where others fol-lowed suit. “The greater community of Miami Beach has

come together and shined during this terribletime,” said Samuelian. “It’s been tough foreveryone but out of the darkness comes light.”

Born and raised in Massachusetts, Samuelian has been a longtime resident of South Florida and appreciates the “vibrant” Armenian-American community. Although Armenian Genocide commemorations were can-celled due to the pandemic, Miami Beach passed a unanimous resolution, spearheaded by Samuelian, to officially recognize the Armenian Genocide. “This resolution is a recognition of truth

and the policymakers and leaders at all levels of gov-ernment are willing to stand forward and say on the record what exactly happened,” said Samuelian. “Florida Armenians can be proud that they have such an impact in their commu-nity.” In past years, Florida Armenians

commemo-rated April 24 by organizing walk-a-thons, panel discussions, film screenings, liturgical services and wreath placements at the memorial cross stone in Boca Raton. While there couldn’t be in-person events this year, the Armenian Genocide Committee, Inc. (AGC) donated to the Armenia Fund to help those in the homeland who are battling COVID-19. “The pandemic affected so many

different aspects of our community and it’s positive to see the Committee’s contributions and their goodwill towards others,” said Samuelian.

Small Businesses Suffering

Small businesses have long been the heart and soul of the US and are integral to the neighborhoods and communities in which they exist. Millions of small businesses across the country face challenges during the pandemic, including the Boca Raton-based Aces Barber Company, owned by George Hovsepian. His business, which specializes in haircuts, style and beard grooming for men of all ages, has been closed for two months. “We’re watching the news everyday and

wait-ing for instructions,” said Hovsepian. “Other barbers call me up and ask what I’m doing and I tell them we’re all in the same boat.” Hovsepian likens his city now to a

“ghost town” noting that only essential businesses like the Publix supermarket and gas stations are open. “In the beginning, a lot of Floridians

didn’t take it too seriously,” said Hovsepian. “But once news broke out about how severe the coron-

avirus was in New York City, I shut down myshop, which was two days before the stay athome orders were announced.”Hovsepian, who has been operating for five

years and recently signed a 10-year lease in hiscurrent space, applied for a Small BusinessLoan but hasn’t received any updates yet. Heoversees his barbershop’s operations with hiswife, who also cuts and styles hair, and has cre-ated a welcoming atmosphere for clients.Personalized flat screen televisions accompanyeach leather barber chair and the lounge areais complete with couches, a cappuccinomachine and gaming systems to keep clientsoccupied as they wait their turn. Like many Armenian-Americans who fused

their passion and work ethic, Hovsepian turnedhis teenage hobby into a fully fledged businessthat’s open seven days a week and remains apopular spot among residents from Boca Ratonand neighboring cities. “My mother gave me clippers one day and I

started cutting my twin brother’s hair,” saidHovsepian. “Soon I was cutting hair for thewhole neighborhood.” Eventually he enrolled ina barber training program where he sharpenedhis skills and business acumen. Once Aces Barber Company is given the

green light to open, Hovsepian said they willtake “even more precautions” to ensure thesafety of their clients and employees, who willwear gloves and masks. “We’ll leave one empty chair between each

client and have more people wait outside in thebeginning so the customers feel comfortableand safe,” said Hovsepian. “This is going to bea different world when we reopen.” While the closure of his barbershop has

posed its fair share of difficulties, Hovsepiansaid he always “prepares for the worst.”“When it rains it pours so you better have

that umbrella ready,” said Hovsepian, whoanticipates a busy crowd when businesses arepermitted to open their doors. “We’re all goingto learn a lot from this experience.”

Armenian Church

It’s been a particularly challenging time forthe Armenian Church and its faithful, who havemissed weekly liturgy, the milestones of wed-dings, baptisms and special Easter services, inaddition to the cancellation of religious, educa-

tional and cultural programming. Rev. Fr.Hovnan Demerjian, pastor of the St. HagopArmenian Church in Pinellas Park, said theseverity of the pandemic in the greater Tampacommunity has been mild, however the Churchfaces similar problems as others across thenation, including the isolation of members, can-cellation of in-person services and events andthe loss of income.“I believe the deepest challenge, however, is

a spiritual one,” said Demerjian. “The pandem-ic has forced loss and change on the entireworld and the routine, values and the verystructure of our lives has been altered.”Demerjian believes that the church’s first

task is to help people “feel, communicate andaccept these losses rather than denying oravoiding them.”Turning to God during these turbulent times

is also of significance because “God’s grace hasthe power to transform any and all of our lossinto miraculous gain.”To stay connected with church members,

Demerjian has live streamed church servicessince March 22, though there have been draw-backs to the virtual experience. “Our church is a living breathing body, meant

to come together in the flesh,” said Fr.Demerjian. “Although the virtual services aresomewhat disembodied, there are benefits,such as engaging a different and larger slice ofour community and those who live distant fromchurch can participate in virtual services moreoften than regular ones.”By utilizing the virtual platform, Demerjian

has added creative enhancements, such asscrolling the names of community members’ancestors whose lives were lost during theArmenian Genocide as a visual overlay duringthe Genocide Martyr’s service. He also hasplans to experiment with ways for people toengage and understand worship better by read-ing or hearing English without altering the tra-ditional service.The St. Hagop Armenian Church community

has come together and “brought out the goodin many of our members.” According toDemerjian, the Parish Council has redoubledits regular outreach efforts, including coordi-nating phone calls to all parishioners, particu-larly the most vulnerable, and other thoughtfulgestures to lift their members’ spirits.“One of our parishioners had a milestone

birthday planned but when her family fromNew Jersey had to cancel their trip, we decidedto flood her with cards from the communitythat covered her entire mantle and wall,” notedDemerjian. “This woman experienced a bit ofChrist’s overwhelming love via the small acts ofkindness of our community.”Despite the stay at home orders, many cul-

tural organizations, including the ARS SossehChapter of South Florida, are keeping busy.The board members hold virtual meetings, ledby Chairperson Mary Andonian, who notedthey were thankful to remain connected evenfrom a distance.“Everyone was very happy to see each other

and we took the time to discuss our elderly andthe online fundraiser we are participating inwith the Feeding America relief organization,”said Andonian. “Unfortunately we had to cancelour very successful annual Mitchink LentDinner, however we are planning online prac-tices and rehearsals for the Arevig DanceEnsemble that the kids have every week.” The chapter, which usually meets and plans

their events at the Armenian CommunityCenter (Hye Getron) in Boca Raton, recentlycelebrated its 35th anniversary of serving thecommunity through social, education andhumanitarian efforts. “The planning for Mother’s Day was can-

celled for this year however we are making bas-kets to deliver to many mothers who are vul-nerable and also to community members whoare our supporters,” said Andonian. The Sosseh Chapter has also focused on rais-

ing money for the Armenian Relief Society(ARS) Global Emergency Response Fund,which will benefit Armenian communitiesaround the Diaspora and the homeland. Thenext generation, the AYF South

continued on next page

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COMMUNITY NEWS

Florida Makes the Best of a Difficult Time

Aces Barbershop Company now, and in better days, below

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COMMUNITY NEWS

from previous pageFlorida “Arev” chapter, has also mobilized itsgroup members to donate and raise funds intheir community. The St. Mary Armenian Church in

Hollywood, and its fellowship hall have beenempty for almost two months now, which hasposed difficulties for worshippers and pastorRev. Fr. Vartan Joulfayan, who has had to adjustto streaming church services every Sunday.Along with one acolyte, Fr. Joulfayan chantshymns, reads the scriptures and psalms andaddresses his sermon towards his smartphone,instead of his usual faithful in the pews. “This new way of connecting virtually with

the worshipers gives an opportunity to those athome to follow the prayer service and remotelyfeel connected to the Badarak and celebratetheir faith in Christ,” said Fr. Joulfayan, whohas been reaching out to parishioners on a dailybasis to check in with them and make sure theyare safe and healthy. Along with the Parish Council and a group of

volunteers, Joulfayan provides for families whomay be in need of groceries, medication and anyspecial needs. He also makes short video record-ings and live streams messages on Facebook,while scheduling Zoom meetings to connectwith church families and have Bible lessons. “This pandemic has certainly changed our

lives dramatically and forced us to adapt to newways of connecting with each other,” saidJoulfayan, who acknowledges human connec-tion as a vital component of daily life. “How tocope with this new situation, which does notshow us a certain future yet, will be our biggestdaily challenge with its anxieties, fear andunknown.” Nevertheless, Joulfayan added he believes the

faithful will persevere and derive strength fromGod. “As people of faith, believers in the resurrec-

tion of our Lord Christ Jesus, and as descen-dants of survivors of the Genocide, we mustkeep going forward by any means necessary tostay connected with each other, never losehope, and always depend on the power ofalmighty God,” said Joulfayan.

Arts Scene

The arts and culture scene in Florida has alsofelt the shockwaves of the pandemic, as thou-sands of performances have been cancelledthroughout the state, including concerts byoudist, singer and composer Joe Zeytoonian. Aresident of South Florida, Zeytoonian is co-exec-utive director of Harmonic Motion, a non-profitcross-cultural arts organization that focuses onfolkloric music. Along with dancer and percus-sionist Myriam Eli, they regularly performMiddle Eastern and Armenian music and col-laborate in the rich genres of jazz, flamenco,Balkan and Afro-Cuban. “When social distancing became the norm for

halting progression of the pandemic, all of ourperformances were cancelled,” said Zeytoonian,who has received a grant from the NationalEndowment for the Arts and was the recipientof the Florida Folk Heritage Award. “I had thefleeting thought of teaching online and quicklyabandoned it in favor of study and sending outsonic video postcards through Facebook.” A well-known presence throughout Florida

and the global music scene, Zeytoonian has beeninvolved in Armenian Genocide commemora-tions and helped organize a centennial concert atthe Arts by St. Johns on Miami Beach in 2015. Zeytoonian, who has toured the world and

recorded with chart-toppers Gloria Estefan andShakira, acknowledged that the “loss of life dueto the virus became deeply personal.” When thetime is right, he will seek new ways to connectwith his audience, including “the possibilities ofcreating performance video and teaching viaZoom.”

Connected from Afar

College student Victoria Gechidjian, who cur-rently lives in Miami and is a parishioner of St.Mary Armenian Church, credits the tight-knitcommunity that has been supporting oneanother throughout the pandemic ordeal. “Although it was a difficult transition, the

change was not as drastic because everybodyhas kept strong communication with one anoth-

er,” said Gechidjian.An active member of the Armenian Church

Youth Organization (ACYOA), she has partici-pated in maintaining the community connec-tion by organizing meetings through Zoom forreligious discussions, such as Bible study, or tosimply watch movies together, chat and keepone another company. “Our Armenian community coming together

made it easier for us as individuals to find trustand faith during these difficult times,” she said. As an architecture student, Gechidjian

acknowledged the abrupt transition from class-room to online learning has not been an easyone because she was used to spending “a lot oftime on campus and in the studio.”“While this pandemic has hindered my learn-

ing process to a certain degree, it has also

allowed me to learn how to prioritize my workand how to be more independent when it comesto thinking of designs and concepts for my pro-jects,” she said.While Florida, and much of the world, is

adhering to the stay at home orders, Gechidjianis finding the positive during this problematicperiod. “Having to stay at home has allowed meto really focus on my personal growth and well-being, which is something I am immenselygrateful for.”For New York native Raffie Bagrevandian,

the stay at home orders pushed back his plansto return to his hometown. A resident of FortLauderdale for the last two years, Bagrevandianmade the move for educational and profession-al opportunities but is staying put until it’s safeto travel back to New York City. In the mean-

time, he’s following precautions in his SouthFlorida community.“I’ve noticed increased usage of face masks

and latex gloves for preventative measures,”said Bagrevandian. “People have also beenfriendlier and helping one another out.” As an advisor in the digital field,

Bagrevandian is thankful the pandemic didn’taffect his work and his projects can be com-pleted remotely. “Florida is home for now until we have a

clearer picture of what direction this is goingin,” said Bagrevandian. “This is certainly anobstacle that prevents the production of ourjobs and duties as citizens, especially when wesee our resources become limited, so I’m pray-ing and thinking about the safety of peoplearound the globe.”

My immigrant grandparents and American-born parents often served deliciouseggplant and lamb dishes at our dinners in 1950s New Jersey,” says RobynKalajian. “Some of our family’s traditional recipes featured only eggplant, andin others, lamb was the star. On occasion, both ingredients ended up in thesame pot. When I spoke with my sister recently, we discussed our first intro-ductions to Beyli Baghli or <http://www.ianyanmag.com/the-khohanotz-imam-bayildi/> Imam Bayildi, stuffed eggplant dishes. My sister recalled the first timeshe tasted this concoction was when her Armenian mother-in-law, originallyfrom <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bursa> Bursa, Turkey, prepared it.”

Note: This recipe can be converted to please vegetarians. First, omit the meat.Once eggplants have baked, carefully scoop out the pulp and chop it. Sauté yourfavorite vegetables – peppers, squash, carrots, mushrooms, zucchini, etc., andcook them along with the onions and seasonings. Add chopped eggplant andcook a little longer. Spoon mixture into eggplant shells, and follow the rest ofthe recipe.

INGREDIENTS:2 large eggplants (4 smaller eggplants can be substituted), cut in half lengthwise,stem trimmedOlive oil

MEAT FILLING INGREDIENTS:1 1/2 teaspoons ground allspice2 teaspoons paprika1 tablespoon ground coriander1 large sweet onion, chopped finely1 lb. ground lamb or beef1/3 to1/2 cup pine nuts1 cup flat-leaf parsley, finely choppedSalt and pepper, to taste

PREPARATION:Preheat oven to 425°F.Generously sprinkle cut surface of eggplants with salt; allow to rest for 30 minutes to help draw out any bitter juices. Rinse eggplants

and pat dry. Place eggplant halves, skin-side down in a baking pan so they fit snuggly. Brush cut-sides of eggplant with olive oil, and season with

salt and pepper. Bake for 20 to 30 minutes, or until soft and golden. Remove from oven and allow to cool.Prepare the meat filling while eggplant is baking: In a small bowl, stir together the allspice, paprika and coriander. Heat 2 tablespoons

olive oil in a large skillet. Add the onions and half of the spice mix. Cook over medium-high heat for about 8 minutes, stirring often.Add the ground lamb (or beef), and cook until meat is crumbled and no longer pink; drain any excess grease. Add pine nuts, parsley,

salt and pepper to taste. Cook another 5 to 7 minutes. Remove from heat. For the sauce, place the remaining spice blend in a mixing bowl with the diced tomatoes and their juices, red pepper paste (or tomato

paste), lemon juice (if using), sugar, and salt to taste. Mix well.Reduce oven temperature to 375°F. Pour sauce mixture into the baking pan to surround the eggplants. Spoon lamb mixture to cover

the top of each eggplant. Cover the pan with foil and bake for about 1 hour. Carefully lift foil and baste eggplants halfway through bak-ing. Garnish with chopped parsley. Serve warm or at room temperature with bulgur or rice pilaf, plain yogurt, and a crusty bread or

Armenian pita bread.Serves 4.’

References:https://www.thearmeniankitchen.com/2016/12/lamb-stuffed-baked-eggplant.htmlhttps://www.thearmeniankitchen.com/2016/12/lamb-stuffed-baked-eggplant.htmlhttps://kamilah.blog/blog/f/vegan-armenian-cookbookhttps://www.instagram.com/veganarmeniancookbook/http://ostarmenia.com/en/mshosh/

Recipe Corner by Christine Vartanian

Lamb-Stuffed Baked Eggplant (Beyli Baghli)

Photo and recipe courtesy of Robyn Kalajian

Guest Recipe

SAUCE:1-15 oz. can diced tomatoes with juice1 tablespoon red pepper paste (or tomato paste)1 tablespoon lemon juice, optional1 tablespoon sugarSalt and pepper, to tasteChopped Italian parsley, optional, as garnish

Florida Makes the BestOf a Difficult Time

10

NellyUvarova‘We Will Always Find Each

Other. We Proudly Carry TheBanner of Being Armenian.’

By Artsvi BakhchinyanSpecial to the Mirror-Spectator

YEREVAN — Years ago, a woman in Tbilisiread the coffee grounds of an Armenianwoman named Gohar Khalatova, and informedher that on the face of Gohar’s daughter shesaw a shining star.

Years later, Gohar told her daughter Nelly:“That was about you!”

Nelly has since grown up to become arenowned theater, film and voice actress inRussia

She was born on March 14, 1980 inMazeikiai, Lithuania. Her father VladimirUvarov is an engineer-technologist; her moth-er, Gohar (Galina) Uvarova (Khalatova), is aneconomist and former sportswoman, who alsotaught gymnastics. Her older sister, Elena, is adesigner.

Nelly was 2 when the family moved toTbilisi. When she turned 9, Georgia entered aperiod of political instability, and the Uvarovfamily lived for five years in inter-ethnic con-flicts and civil war. In 1994, they moved toMoscow as refugees, without housing, money

or work, but gradually all difficulties wereovercome.

In 2001 Nelly graduated from VGIK. Sincethen, she has worked in the Russian AcademicYouth Theatre (RAMT) as one of their leadingactresses.

In 2004, Nelly received the prize for the bestfemale performance at the RainbowInternational Festival for her one-womanshow, “Rules of Behavior in Modern Society.”Starting in 2005, Nelly gained internationalrecognition and acclaim as the leading role ofa charming ugly girl, Katya Pushkaryova, inthe TV series, “Not Born Beautiful.”

Uvarova has appeared in more than 25 filmsand TV series, and has performed about 45roles in productions of the Russian AcademicYouth Theater and other theatres. She lives inMoscow with her husband, actor AlexanderGrishin, daughter Iya and son Ignat.

Nelly and I met in Yerevan, where she cameto participate a new film by Armenian-American director and actor Michael Goorjian.The role she is playing is an Armenian namedSona, who is married to a Russian. One mightassume that in some ways Nelly played hermother.

see UVAROVA, page 12

T H E A R M E N I A N M I R R O R - S P E C TAT O RS A T U R D A Y, M A Y 9 , 2 0 2 0

Arts & LivingNAASR BecomesVisual HistoryArchive FullAccess Site

BELMONT, Mass. — The NationalAssociation for Armenian Studies andResearch (NAASR) will feature full access tothe public of the USC Shoah Foundation’sVisual History Archive (VHA) of over 54,000testimonies. One of the world’s leadingArmenian Studies centers, NAASR advanceseducation and scholarship through support-ing and connecting scholars globally and pro-viding outstanding programming to the gen-eral public. NAASR plans to conduct out-reach with schools, colleges, libraries, andother institutions in order to spread awarenessabout the availability of the VHA at NAASR’sheadquarters.

A designated room in NAASR’s brand newheadquarters — NAASR’s Vartan GregorianBuilding — will have access to all of the testi-monies in USC Shoah Foundation’s VisualHistory Archive. These testimonies are fromsurvivors and witnesses to the Holocaust, theArmenian Genocide, the Genocide against theTutsi in Rwanda, the Nanjing Massacre,Guatemalan Genocide, Anti-Rohingya MassViolence, and Cambodian Genocide, alongwith testimonies of survivors of the SouthSudan Civil War and Central African RepublicConflict.

“As the collections in VHA continue togrow, especially with its current collection ofmore than 1,000 testimonies by Richard G.Hovannisian, it is imperative that new avenuesin scholarship and education make use ofthese rich and previously unused resources,”said Stephen D. Smith, PhD, Finci-Viterbiexecutive director of USC Shoah Foundationand UNESCO chair on genocide education.“NAASR’s obtaining access has done just that.Our goal is always to elevate these materialsthrough collaboration.”

NAASR created this special space in its newheadquarters so researchers, family membersof survivors, and the public could view thesemoving, eye-witness testimonies, study theirhistorical contexts, and contribute to the goalof preventing future genocides.

“Fortunately, two inspiring donor familiescame forward to make the room a reality andto provide permanent access to this vastarchive with a perpetual subscription throughProQuest,” said Sarah Ignatius, ExecutiveDirector of NAASR. “We are extremely grate-ful to them for their vision and their generos-ity.”

“As the family of Armenian Genocide sur-vivor Andranik Vartanian,” said SusanVartanian Barba, who donated the perpetualsubscription to the Visual History Archive inhonor of Andranik and his wife Nvart, “we arepleased that his testimony and those of othersurvivors will be accessible in perpetuity, notonly to genocide scholars, but to the generalpublic. Access to the Visual History Archiveopens the door to researchers, educators, stu-dents, and scholars to study a contextualizedhistory through primary source testimony. Inaddition, future generations of Armenians willbe able to connect with their ancestral pastthrough the voices and memories of survivors,deepening their empathy, understanding, andrespect for humanity.”

On behalf of the Ajemian family, LucilleAjemian donated the archive viewing room inmemory of her mother Helen Paloian, her hus-band Gerald Ajemian, and her son John GeraldAjemian.

“My mother was a genocide survivor whoimmigrated to this country as a teenager,”said Lucille Ajemian, “my husband was aWWII veteran and a first-generation business-man, and my son, an M.B.A. They had a deepcommitment to scholarly research and a thirst

see NAASR, page 12

Daron YacoubianNamed Disney+ Shop

Class ChampionGLENDALE — Daron Yacoubian, 15, who is entering the Armenian Academy at

Blair High School in Pasadena as a 10th grader next year, has won the first sea-son of Disney+ Shop Class Competition Series. This show is aired around the

world and has millionsof viewers.

This series featuredteams of youngbuilders, who weretasked with designing,building, and testingunique creations. Ineach episode, a panelof experts evaluatedand tested their workbased on design cre-ativity, and build func-tionality. Daron andhis teammates MarcoPerez, and Coach KimKocaya won the first

round in Episode 102 “Hole in Won” with their space themed golf course. InEpisode 107 “Ready to Launch” their team advanced to the finals with theirunique rocket design (see https://mirrorspectator.com/2020/04/04/daron-yacoubian-advances-on-disney-shop-class-competition-show/).

In the finals, Episode 108 “Build Your Own Adventure,” Daron’s team wasnamed Shop Class Champions with its military-themed adventure fort. Daron isthe son of Dr. Stephan and Maro Yacoubian of Glendale.

Daron Yacoubian

Daron-Yacoubian with teammate Marco Perez buildingtheir adventure fort

Daron Yacoubian speaking with host/actor Justin Long

By Ashley Pini

Tell me about your background; where youwere born, raised and educated.

My name is Gegam Kazarian. I was born inYerevan city, Armenia, in 1980.

When I finished high school, I started work-ing in a Mexican restaurant to pay for my uni-versity studies. After that, I worked in many dif-ferent hotels and as the time passed I realizedthat I had fallen in love with this profession. Iworked in positions of this profession such assteward, waiter, assistant and bartender; Iworked in the kitchen and in the bakery depart-ment as well. I got interested mainly in theworld of gastronomy when I came to Spain atthe age of 20. I started working in differentplaces to broaden my knowledge. I also workedas a sommelier and all this acquired knowledgehas helped me to become the man I am now.

There’s one interesting fact I’d like to share.I think that my story in this profession startedwhen I was 5. Back than I would enjoy smellingand mixing different products, trying to inventnew flavors and smells, most of them were pret-ty rare. I would smell the bread I ate, or grasswhen I was playing outside. When I was a childI would love to eat rose petal jam that mygrandmother cooked. My grandfather used tomake wine and distill it. I remember always stay-ing by his side and helping him in everything Icould. So I have been experiencing the world ofdifferent fragrances since I was a child and Ithink that my grandparents’ way of life hasinfluenced me a lot.

One more interesting fact to talk about is mymother’s habit of setting the table with preci-sion. When I was seated at the table it wasalways perfectly set and I would have my specialdinnerware, I remember a lot about that. I thinkthis ritual showed me that minding each detailis essential, that’s why I don’t use only crystalglasses but different metals, silver, gold, copper,wood, ceramics, organic and natural materialsas well and I take care of every detail when serv-ing a drink. I buy different table wear in thecountries I visit.

When I was 5, I would pick cherries with mycousins in my grandparents’ garden. I wouldput them inside the bottle with a little bit ofsugar, stir them with a cherry tree branch andleave the mix for a while in the sun. Afterwardswe would drink the juice. I can certainly call itmy first cocktail.How did you get a start in this industry? I started working in this industry 20 years

ago. When I was 18, I was hired by an interna-tional Mexican restaurant as a steward. Then Istarted taking different courses. I was fond ofthe kitchen as well as of the bar.

We had international managers. My first gen-eral manager Boiko Dimitrov, he was Bulgarianand the bar manager, Biju Varghese, he wasHindu.

Then I changed my job to become a waiter,then a bartender, and then I worked in thekitchen and in the bakery. In a few years I start-ed working as a sommelier.

I’m not sure whether it was luck or my owndecision. I believe more in fate than in luck. At what stage did you feel that this could

become a career?At first I started to work in the restaurant

because I needed money to pay for my degree.I dreamed of becoming a doctor, then I wantedto become a biochemist, but as time passed Iwas getting more involved in the gastronomybusiness. When I came to Spain I didn’t haveopportunities to use my first degrees so I start-ed working in hotels and in restaurants. I’d liketo note that since I was a child I have beentaught to treat my guests with great hospitalityso I am very fond of inviting people and treat-ing them. Armenians are very hospitable peo-ple. Hospitality is essential for me, so, whenmaking a cocktail it becomes one of the ingre-dients together with my biochemistry as well ashappiness and affection for my clients. What are you most passionate about in the

industry and your job in particular? Whatgets you motivated?

I love tasting different types of food. I enjoyexperiencing different tastes and fragrances,searching and acquiring new ingredients for my

cocktails. I enjoy sharing experiences, watchinghow my guests enjoy those experiences and dif-ferent sensations that they produce. I love toserve people and it gives me great pleasure.

I get motivated by my projects and my jour-neys. In my Kazari’s project I have a part that’s

called Kazari’s Konecta where I connect differ-ent ethnic cultures, lifestyles, experiences, ori-gins through the sense of taste. I want peopleto experience different sensations.Can you briefly explain your job? What does

a regular week look like?I have to repeat that my job is all about con-

nection, sharing experiences. To be honest Iwork 24/7. I open Kazari’s Lab for my guestsonly at weekends to give them all that I haveseen, eaten, experienced and created during theweek. During the week I also give differenttrainings, events and master classes in myKazari’s Lab as well as all over the world. I trav-el a lot. I also work on my other projects and Iprepare myself to serve my guests and myfriends at the weekend.Do you have a mentor – or an influencer

that you now look up to or aspire to emulate?I had lots of teachers when I was young and

I’m constantly studying. I try to learn newthings even from my clients, but my favoriteteachers now are children. I graduated from thePedagogical University and I’m also very fondof pedagogy. Sometimes I organize differenttraining events for children and I have learnt alot from them.

If I had to name my first mentor, it wouldsurely be Biju Ratja, my first bar manager. Hemanaged to inspire me the passion for this pro-fessional world and motivated me to keep onwith it in Spain.

Of course there are more people who I con-sider to be my mentors. There are a lot offamous people among them. Lots of thembecame my friends. For example, a good friendof mine from Greece is Michael Menegos, UenoSan from Japan, King of cocktails – our amaz-ing American bartender, Jeff Darry. I alsotrained with different famous mentors such asSteve Olsen, Kevin Terry, Stanislav Vadrna (Avery good friend of mine who is dedicated toestablishing international connections betweenJapan and Europe), Gary Regan or Philip Duff.Those professionals and good friends of mineall over the world have played an essential rolein my life and have given me a lot of preciousknowledge.

I never imitate at any of them. I carve myown, personal path. My cocktails are more gas-tronomic, as I learned a lot from different chefsand pastry cooks, so they conceptually differfrom other cocktails as well as containing all myexperiences and all of my knowledge.

Is there an industry issue that you are par-ticularly passionate about? Something youwould like to see change in?

I think that the main problem is that new bar-tenders want to achieve a lot in a very shortperiod of time. In some countries within a yearsome bartenders start calling themselves mixol-ogists or even consultants and they becomevery popular posting their videos on YouTubeand social networks but, to my mind, they suf-fer a great lack of experience. For example, I’vebeen working in this industry for 20 years andI think that this experience is still not enough.I consider that time is very important for a per-son to acquire experience and knowledge. Tobecome a real professional you have to be work-ing for 30, 40 or 50 years. And a large numberof people are only looking for fame, they getpopular only by copying others and not bysearching for their own way. From my point ofview to become a professional bartender youhave to feel the passion for this profession andto live this experience and it would be muchbetter if everyone made their creations in theirown personal way, giving their

The main change for me would be in the per-ception of the bar industry and gastronomy. Ican’t imagine gastronomy without a good cock-tail. If bartenders had more knowledge andthought more about national products, spices,ingredients or herbs than alcohol, it wouldmake me really happy. People have to pass onthe knowledge about their country’s ancientliquors, ingredients and products to the nextgenerations to conserve the knowledge aboutthem, maybe creating new cocktails from thisbase. Why did you choose the year you chose [for

your special cocktail? What is its relevance toyou? Why is it special?

I chose the year 1887 as the year of my cock-tail. In this year 4 Armenian friends Martin,Tigran, Avet and Arshak, salesmen, inauguratedRaffles Hotel in Singapore, one of the bestknown hotels in the world. Afterwards thishotel was taken over by many other companies.It was also used as a refuge. In 1929 during thebig depression the hotel suffered serious eco-

nomical problems and in 1931 the companywent bankrupt. In 1933 a new company RafflesHotel Ltd. appeared. At the start of theJapanese occupation of Singapore on February15, 1942, it is said that the Japanese soldiersencountered the guests in Raffles Hotel danc-

ing one final time. Meanwhile, the staff buriedthe hotel silver—including the silver beef trol-ley—in the Palm Court.

During World War II, Raffles Hotel wasrenamed Syonan Ryokan, incorporatingSyonan (“Light of the South”), the Japanesename for occupied Singapore, and Rryokan, thename for a traditional Japanese inn. During theliberation operation about 300 Japanese sol-diers committed suicide.

In 1987, a century after it first opened,Raffles Hotel was declared a NationalMonument by the Singapore government.

This year is also connected to another date.In 1915 the bartender from this hotel NgiamTong Boon created the cocktail “SingaporeSling” – one of the most famous cocktails in theworld. It is widely regarded as a national drinkof the country. Primarily it’s based on theliquor Cherry Herring but it also containspineapple juice as the main ingredient, alongwith grenadine, lime juice and DomBenedictine.

Another event that deeply affects me alsooccurred in 1915. Turks committed ArmenianGenocide. More than 2 billion Armenians werekilled.

So my cocktail will be inspired by theseevents.

Kazari Sling

Garnish: Dehydrated pineapple slice withpomegranate beans and Armenian dry cherrylavash (a traditional Armenian sweet made fromfruit crushed and dried in the sun)

Method: Shake all ingredients with ice andfine strain into clay jug.

Ingredients: 60 ml Ararat Armenian brandyinfused with dehydrated pineapple

22.5 ml Cherry Heering15 ml Palo cortado sherry20 ml Lemon juice10 ml Natural artisan grenadine without

added sugars2 dash Thyme bitters

(All photos used in this article are from thecompany Kazari’s Audio Visual)

11S A T U R D A Y, M A Y 9 , 2 0 2 0 T H E A R M E N I A N M I R R O R - S P E C TAT O R

ARTS & LIVING

Bartender Gegam Kazarian Mixes Love of Herbs with Drinks

Gegam Kazarian

UVAROVA, from page 10So, Nelly jan, barev!Barev dzez!Did you know these words before, or did you

learn them here?No, of course I knew the words of welcome

and gratitude in Armenian.You are very popular in Russia. How is this

expressed? Do people come to the theater “forUvarova?”

We can say so, although it is hard for me totalk about it because I do not sit in the boxoffice and have not any idea how it works. Yet,I can tell the theater I work in does not have ashortage of spectators; the seats are always full.I don’t know, whether it is to my credit, but I doknow from my fans’ comments from the lettersI receive. At this point, I realize that there arepeople who are very supportive of what I do.Although you are not on social networking

sites. how do your fans communicate with you? I get letters in an old-fashioned way (laughs).You became famous after the TV series, an

art form some consider inferior to cinema andtheater. What is your attitude to these threekinds of art that you are in?

I started my acting career in a dark time, the1990s, when it was said that there was no cine-ma at all in Russia; that it is dead and could notbe revived. Also as a student I received the prizefor the best acting in the short film “Let’s Fly!”by Anna Melikyan. At the first interview weboth had, we were asked why we had chosenthis profession, as the actors are not in demandand there is no movie industry. I was veryyoung, probably naive, but I was so affected bythis question. It offended me so much that Ianswered without thinking at all: “If we wentinto this profession, it will not die.”

Maybe the answer was quite ambitious, but itwas not because of ambition, but rather myinner conviction, out of love for the profession.Fortunately, the times have changed: there wasa time when doing a TV series was not in favor,but now the border between TV and cinematicprojects is blurring, and there are very high-quality TV projects. I am very pleased with thistrend. At the moment when the series “NotBorn Beautiful” was released, the actors whowere in the TV series did not have a very goodreputation, but I think 2005 just become awatershed, after which participation in the TVseries ceased to be considered somethingshameful.

Nelly, it so happened that you made yourcinema debut in Anna Melikyan’s film and per-formed one of your best roles in KarenOganesyan’s film. Although these films (bythe way, both are debuts) do not haveArmenian themes, however there is a parallelbetween the nationalities of the directors andyour roots.

That’s right (laughs). It is no secret that thereare many Armenians in the Russian film indus-try, starting with the highest positions, produc-ers and directors, therefore such meetingsoccur naturally. Anna Melikyan and I knoweach other from our professional “infancy”: inVGIK she studied directing, I acting, and wemaintain relations and a friendship to this day.

With Karen Oganesyan we met during thecasting of his film “I am Staying,” one of myfavorite works. We all knew this was Karen’sfirst work and we were very careful and atten-tive to him on the set: the pro-ject was actually done in anatmosphere of great love, andit seems to me that when thathappens, when the main moti-vation is not financial, a teamassembles not to make money,but in sake of a work thateverybody is interested indoing, under these conditionsa warm product comes out.

During the filming, Karenhad a birthday, and the filmcrew wanted to congratulatehim. Actress Elena Yakovlevaand I decided to surpriseKaren during the difficultscene of the hero’s resuscita-tion, when he is in a coma andYakovleva and I are standingby his bed. We found anArmenian on the set and askedhim to translate the text of ourheroine into Armenian. Wemade a pact with the directorof photography that when Karen will say “cut!,”the DOP will tell him he had a problem with thetake and has to do one more. When this extratake started, Yakovleva and I started perform-ing our dialogue in Armenian. Karen was sittingwith his headphones on and he did not under-stand what was going on: everyone was laugh-ing at his reaction. He did not even immediate-ly realize that the actresses suddenly startedspeaking Armenian. Indeed, funny. The name Nelly is not

Armenian, but is very common among theArmenians. I assume that name came fromyour mother’s side?

It happened that my mother had a sister,Nelly, who, as a child, died during the earth-quake in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, where theylived. It was important for my mother to nameher daughter after her late sister, although shehad not seen her. It was also important that thecombination with the father’s name will soundbeautiful — Nelly Vladimirovna.Please tell us about your Armenian side.

What “Armenian memories” do you have fromyour childhood?

I grew up in Georgia, where my mother’s par-ents, Grigor and Aghunik Khalatov lived. Mygrandfather was from Georgia, my grandmoth-er - from Ashgabat. When we moved to Tbilisi,my Russian father was very well received in mymother’s family (although he was kind of fromanother world), which I cannot say for the oppo-site side – for my mother it was more difficult inRussia, as my father’s family it was more diffi-cult to accept an Armenian woman than viceversa. My grandmother told me that one wintersomeone knocked on the door; she opened andsaw on the doorstep a young man with beauti-ful blue eyes, with skis (in Georgia snow fallsonly three times a year): thus my father came toask my mother to marry him. Somehow it allworked out. I had a very happy childhood,despite the difficulties of that time — a life with-out electricity, water, jobs. But my parents triedtheir best to keep us out of trouble. We werevery friendly in the courtyard and in the school;

in my class in Tbilisi school there were 16nationalities, to me this international communi-ty was the norm.

My grandparents talked to each other inArmenian, to us in Russian, and when there wassomething to hide from us, to discuss oursecrets and their own, they switched toArmenian. I liked it very much, and I thought ofthis trick of learning Armenian and not tellinganyone about it.

I remember our dinners, and then when wemoved to Russia, I missed it terribly. But wher-ever you are, you stay exactly the way you wereraised. And so far, during our family meeting,especially on New Year’s Eve, there is alwayslavash and tolma on the table: the kitchen ispreserved, which I cannot say about the songsand dances.

Speaking of another childhood episode - Iwas eight years old when the earthquake struck

Armenia, which was felt in Tbilisi. I was homealone, and when it happened, I ran outside. Wedid not have any damage, but then we foundout what happened in Armenia, we were veryworried about how to help. I remember therewas a meeting in the family, everyone gatheredat the big table in the grandmother’s apartmentand agreed that each family member would takethe children who were left without parents afterthe earthquake. I was really looking forward tohaving someone in our family to whom wewould give family warmth, but in the end, it didnot work out, because the Armenian govern-ment at the time decided that all the orphanedchildren would stay in Armenia.You have probably been told more than once

that you have Armenian eyes, that even whenyou smile, your eyes are sad.

Yes, at the institute, a teacher told me: “Here,all the sorrow of the Armenian people is inNelly’s eyes!”What else is Armenian in Nelly Uvarova’s

human and artistic nature?Perhaps, the temperament. When sometimes

I argue with my husband, he jokes and says:“Look, you are an Oriental woman, why are youbehaving like this? You must be obedient, listenquietly to me, look at the floor and agree witheverything!” And I ask: “Show me where haveyou seen such Armenian women?” When I wasin Yerevan six months ago on a guest trip, wehad volunteers with us. I was accompanied andhelped by young girl named Gohar, my moth-er’s namesake. I was astonished to learn thatshe was still in high school being so activebeing able to do anything, speaking several lan-guages, treating everyone with respect, but onan equal footing. I had a master class at theInstitute of Theater and Film, and I was sur-prised again to see that 80 percent of the audi-ence was girls — future directors, producers —and they all were active, asking questions. I toldGohar that when I talked to her, I thought shewas an exception, but I was struck again by thisactivity among the female population. Even Iam hostage to the myth that Armenian women

should not be like this. Gohar replied that thisis the norm for Armenian girls, and I said: “I willnow call my husband, you tell him what kind ofthe young girls of Armenia are - with characterand will!” During the filming of this movie, you say a

few phrases in Armenian. I expected you tosay it with a Russian accent, but I was pleas-antly surprised that your Armenian speechsounded like Tbilisi Armenians.

This is not surprising, because there weremany Armenians around me in Georgia, andnow there are many of them in Moscow as well.I have got a musical ear; I think I have got anArmenian speech somewhere in the cerebralcortex of my brain. At first I was afraid that Iwould have to speak Armenian, only a couple ofwords maybe, but a few phrases seemed com-plicated to me. The beautiful actress TatevHovakimyan from Yerevan taught me through

the Internet: she was very demanding. And nowI am not scared at all, I have listened a lot ofpeople talk to each other, and Armenian hasstopped being something foreign to me. The current project, for which you are invit-

ed to Armenia, is being carried out against thebackdrop of the misfortune that has befallenall humanity. The project is still ongoing, butwhat are your impressions?

I keep thinking that if the shooting had start-ed literally two or three days later, I would notbe here, but I happen to be here. My family is inMoscow, it is not easy to be apart from the fam-ily when there is a general panic. But on the set,most people are conscientious and cautious,and I do not see anyone getting discouraged.Especially with the women.Right (laughs). Actually, I was pleasantly sur-

prised that somehow everything was fine. Thereis a lot of talk, as it seems at first, but every-thing is done, everyone is united in a commoncause: I like when people are focused on acause. There is this feeling inside the group thatas long as we are on the set, we are all dealingwith our fears and our problems, and we are allunited by a common idea, which is a personalencouragement to me. At this point, I do notthink my being here is random, and I do notblame myself for not being home at such a dif-ficult moment. And it is also nice that the pro-ject has an international team: the director, pro-ducer and cameramen are from the UnitedStates, there is an actor from Spain: some are ofArmenian origin and there are such connec-tions through common roots. It seems to methat not all nations, but wherever in the worldyou work, you always know that there is anArmenian in the film crew, and that we willalways find each other, as we proudly carry thebanner of being Armenian. You meet people,you do not ask about their ethnicity, that is notthe main thing, but you always know the factthat there is an Armenian around you, even ifhe does not look Armenian. This desire for self-identification and unification is very character-istic for us.

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ARTS & LIVING

NAASR BecomesVisual History ArchiveFull Access SiteNAASR, from page 10for continued learning. It is our hopethat this viewing room serves as aresource to use the lessons from thepast to point towards a better future.”

History:This marks the culmination of more

than ten years of conversations andplanning at NAASR. In 2009, J. MichaelHagopian, the founder of the ArmenianFilm Foundation (AFF) as well asNAASR’s first West Coast board mem-ber in the late 1950’s, was workingtoward having copies of the ArmenianGenocide survivor testimonies he hadfilmed years before digitized and inte-grated into USC Shoah Foundation’sVHA. He expressed his hope toNAASR’s leadership that one day therewould be a place where this materialcould be accessed. The idea continued tostay alive in ongoing discussions withthe AFF’s new leadership, CarlaGarapedian and Jerry Papazian. It’s alsonoteworthy that survivor AndranikVartanian’s testimony, whose name ishonored by perpetual access, lives in theVHA as part of the AFF’s collection.

Nelly Uvarova: ‘We Will Always Find Each Other, asWe Proudly Carry the Banner of Being Armenian’

an

n

Nelly Uvarova Photo by Hayk Papikyan

DISCOVERY, from page 1some of this art and an inscription, and she hasdone this all from her home in Somerville, nearBoston.

It began last summer, Maranci wrote, whenshe was reading an undergraduate student the-sis about the medieval Armenian city of Ani.The author, Atineh Movsessian, repeated theassertion of the famous art historian SirarpieDer Nersessian that there is little extant evi-dence of Armenian wall paintings from thetenth century, and this spurred Maranci torelook at pictures she had taken of churchesover the years.

Several years earlier, in her study of theArmenian church of Mren (located in Karsprovince of the Republic of Turkey), she hadused image adjustment software, Photoshop,on photographs she had taken during a visitthere. Her naked eye was unable to make outmany details that the graphics editor made dis-cernible. With some software adjustments, shewas able to reconstruct the visual program ofimages and inscriptions in the church.

This experience led Maranci to review herphotographs of the cathedral at Ani, themedieval capital of the Armenian Bagratunikingdom. This led to the discovery of a natural-istically depicted image of an ox in the cathe-dral’s apse, which was hitherto unknown. As anexperienced researcher in the field of Armenianart, Maranci said, “it was to my astonishmentthat I was confronted with this ox, no lessbecause it appears in the most famous ofArmenian churches (or at least one of the topten).”

She wagered it may not have been seen sincebeing whitewashed when the cathedral wasturned into a mosque, perhaps as early as the11th century. This ox became the key to decod-ing a series of images as well as to discoveringa previously unknown Biblical inscription.

The cathedral at Ani was begun in 989 underthe patronage of King Smbat Bagratuni by thefamous architect Trdat, and completed in 1001with the support of Smbat’s sister-in-law QueenKatramide. Although architecturally the cathe-dral is well studied, the internal decorations

have largely been passed over, in part becausevisitors during the past several centuries havehad difficulty in making them out and in partbecause Armenian wall paintings in generalhave not been a subject of great study. Marancispeculated that the lack of attention to thistopic may be because there are so few knownexamples surviving of Armenian wall paintingsbefore the 17th century, 20 or 25 in all.

Their poor condition, plus the possibly mis-taken belief that Armenians were reluctant to

paint and use icons in their churches inmedieval times, further discouraged attention,Maranci said.

Maranci explained that her work on eachimage with Photoshop was laborious, alteringthe tonal ranges and colors, and using theInversion tool to obtain more details, while notadding or subtracting any isolated points, linesor zones. She said, “The process of recoveringand identifying the images took several weeks,as well as feedback from many viewers.”

Knowledge of the conventionsof medieval Christian iconogra-phy helped greatly in the recon-structive process, as it allows edu-cated suppositions about the con-tents of the imagery. For exam-ple, in addition to the ox, rem-nants of a throne on the cathe-dral’s wall can be seen even to thenaked eye. Maranci said that sheknew that an ox appears next to athrone only two times in theBible, in the Vision of Ezekiel andin Revelations (the Gospel ofJohn). The throne usually is sur-rounded by three other figures, aman or angel,, an eagle and alion. The four figures symbolizethe four evangelists, Luke,Matthew, John and Mark, and areoften arranged in a particularorder. Indeed, these figures canbe identified tentatively at theAni cathedral too.

Sometimes detective work isalso necessary. Six lines of letter-ing in Classical Armenian on ascroll painted on the south wallof the apse are hard to make outexcept for two words, ՄԵՐՁԵԱԼ(having approached), and the end-ing of the last line,Ա[ստուծո]յ,or “of God.”

Maranci said that knowing thiswas most likely a scriptural text,she did a biblical word search onarak29.am, and found 18 occur-rences of ՄԵՐՁԵԱԼ. Only onehowever was in a sentence endingin “of God,” so that allowed her toconclude that the painted inscrip-tion was the closing of Luke10:11 “բայց զայս գիտասջիք

զի մերձեալ է արքայութիւն Աստուծոյ” (…but you shall know this; that the Kingdom ofGod has come near).

Maranci presented the results of her Anicathedral investigations at Yerevan’s MesropMashtots Institute of Ancient Manuscripts, com-monly referred to as the Matenadaran, onFebruary 28. She was planning to give somelectures on the images of the cathedral in theUS too, and while these have been postponedor cancelled due to COVID-19, she soon willgive a virtual talk for the National Associationfor Armenian Studies and Research. She also ispublishing an article on this topic in the Revuedes études arméniennes. One important con-clusion she draws is the need to work to savewhat is left of the cultural legacy of Ani. Shesaid in her lecture notes, which she was kindenough to show to this author, that “the wallpaintings of Ani and its environs are in urgentneed of scientific attention, using the bestmethods of documentation, stabilization, con-servation, investigation, and monitoring. Ani’sstatus as a UNESCO World Heritage Site willhopefully give impetus to such work.”

Now that Maranci, like the rest of us, is inlockdown mode due to the pandemic, she hasused the abovementioned approach of softwareenhancement of photographs to study othersites. She has found major zones of painting atthe nearby Church of St. GregoryAbughamrents at Ani and the nearbymonastery of Horomos, where the walls of thechurches are covered with plaster.

Although her upcoming trip to Hromkla (pre-sent-day Rumkale in Turkey, nearAintab/Gaziantep), a former seat of theArmenian Catholicosate, had to be postponed,she was able to study photographs of the site.An image in a Turkish book of one of the wallsof the main gateway of the site allowed her todecipher part of a large carved inscription. Itnamed a Hohannes [ՅՈՀԱՆՆԷՍ], who mostlikely is Catholicos Hovhannes Ssetsi (1203-1221). The latter, according to medievalsources, renovated and rebuilt the site but thisinscription, Maranci wrote, had never beennoticed before.

Maranci encourages those of us facing travelrestrictions, exclaiming, “For everyone who hastravelled and photographed churches, inscrip-tions, paintings – you can review them and dis-cover new things—all you need is a computerand some curiosity!”

13T H E A R M E N I A N M I R R O R - S P E C TAT O RS A T U R D A Y, M A Y 9 , 2 0 2 0

ARTS & LIVING

Tufts Art Historian Maranci Discovers AniCathedral Wall Paintings and More

The location of the image of the ox, at lower right

The image of an ox from the apse of the Ani cathedral

14 S A T U R D A Y, M A Y 9 , 2 0 2 0 T H E A R M E N I A N M I R R O R - S P E C TAT O R

COMMENTARY

Established 1932

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Alin K. Gregorian

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Aram ArkunART DIRECTOR

Marc Mgrditchian

SENIOR EDITORIAL COLUMNIST:Edmond Y. Azadian

CONTRIBUTORS:Florence Avakian, Dr. HaroutiunArzoumanian, Philippe Raffi Kalfayan,Philip Ketchian, Kevork Keushkerian,Harut Sassounian, Hagop Vartivarian,Naomi Zeytoonian

CORRESPONDENTS:

Armenia - Hagop AvedikianBoston - Nancy KalajianLos Angeles - Taleen BabayanBerlin - Muriel Mirak-Weissbach

Contributing Photographers:Jirair Hovsepian

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US-Turkey Relations Gradually Warming Up

EDITORIAL

By Edmond Y. Azadian

Turkey’s foreign policy emanates from and is shaped by itsgeostrategic position, which has helped that country to playantagonistic and regional world powers against one another.That policy is not President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s invention.It was implemented by Ottoman sultans as well as by MustafaKemal Ataturk. Erdogan has further refined that policy, and, tohis credit, he has been exercising that policy rather skillfully, ifat extreme risk.

Once upon a time, the destiny of Armenia and Armenians wasone of the pawns of that balancing act, particularly after theplight of the Ottoman Armenians became an object of interna-tional negotiations in 1878. By the conclusion of the Russo-Turkish war, the Tsarist forces had advanced to the outskirts ofIstanbul, and a treaty was signed at San Stefano. Article 16 ofthis treaty guaranteed reforms in the Armenian provinces by thesultan, who would be accountable to Moscow.

The Treaty of Berlin, which followed that of San Stefano thesame year, literally bartered the issue of reforms for the islandof Cyprus. The sultan ceded the latter to Great Britain inexchange for a better deal,which was embodied inArticle 61 of the newtreaty.

Even today, much ofArmenia’s fortunes aredependent on which wayTurkey’s foreign policyswings. Armenia benefitsfrom the US when US-Turkey relations arestrained. Conversely,Armenia becomes a benefi-ciary when Armenia’sstrategic ally, Russia, is atodds with Ankara.Recognition of theArmenian Genocide, longstalled in Congress, wasfast-tracked when Turkeypushed the envelope toofar. The reason the execu-tive branch of the US gov-ernment, meaningPresident Donald Trump,did not follow suit, wasbecause the US was reluc-tant to give away the entirestock of its leverage onTurkey. And indeed,President Trump maintained his personal friendship withErdogan despite all the mischief of the latter, to be used for theinitial steps of warming relations between the two countries.

The great powers become involved in the Middle East bydecapitating stable rulers and as a result created mayhem to jus-tify accusations that the peoples there are composed ofmedieval clans and thus incapable of self-rule.

Turkey is one country which has benefitted from that man-aged chaos. Having joined NATO, Ankara has used the allianceto promote and achieve its selfish goals. In the process, Turkeystrained its relations with the other NATO member states. Itsincursions in Cyprus, Iraq and Libya were tolerated becauseAnkara in each case was able to convince its allies to accept thatit was acting on behalf of the alliance, or, conversely, crying wolfthat its interests as a NATO member were being threatened.

Turkey stretched that line too far when it invaded Syria andinvoked Article 4 of the North Atlantic treaty, which states thata member state can claim that it took action because its territo-ry was threatened. This time around, it was caught red-handedbecause the action was a brazen aggression against a neighbor-ing country. When Ankara invoked Article 4, it received someconsoling words, and nothing more. Jens Stoltenberg, NATO’ssecretary general, blamed Russia and Syria for having slaugh-tered Turkish forces, but made clear that no military assistancewas forthcoming.

Before reaching that point, Turkey had cooperated withRussia and Iran, undermining US interests. During that time,while the US was effectively fighting ISIS forces and supportingKurds in Syria (the YPG), Turkey weighed in on the other sideof the equation.

At present, the war in Syria is at a standstill, with Idlib sur-rounded by Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s forces, support-ed by Russia and Iran, while Turkey’s proxy forces are theremixed in with thousands of refugees. The US had withdrawn itsforces from northern Syria, throwing its Kurdish allies underthe bus while allowing Mr. Trump to state that the “Kurds were

fighting for their own land.”Turkish-Russian relations soured after the slaughter of

Turkish soldiers as well as the failure of the Astana agreementto ensure a ceasefire.

Washington would not have disassociated itself from Turkishadventures had it not been for the Israeli element. Mr. Erdoganmiscalculated his actions by continuing his anti-Israeli rhetoric.This issue is not covered by news outlets or commentators, witharguments begin made under the euphemism of “US interestsin the region.”

Although Turkey and Russia share many interests and theirmutual trade is moving towards the benchmark of $100 billion,politically they are working at cross-purposes. Despite its sub-stantial trade with Russia, Turkey needs US support for its fal-tering currency and banking system. Its relationship with Russiahas hit a snag also in Libya, where Russia is supporting GeneralHaftar, who has vowed to topple the government of generalaccord, supported by Turkey. Ankara was expecting Russia todiscontinue its support for Haftar, but to no avail. Therefore, theshort-lived honeymoon between the two powers has outlived itsusefulness.

While Ankara needs the US, the latter’s policy is turning outto need Ankara. Indeed, the US has developed an obsessive pol-

icy of containing Iran, which threatens so-called “US interests inthe region.” There are three options under consideration: attackIran militarily, engage its proxies in Syria, Lebanon and Yemen,or delegate the mission to Turkey. The latter may flirt with theidea, but as its policies have demonstrated, it will not go beyonda certain point to accommodate an ally. But if that option gainsprominence, the US may take the bait.

It has already been softening its position on the Russian-madeS400 missiles. If Ankara mothballs the missiles, Washingtonmay look the other way and reinvite Ankara to the program offifth-generation F35 fighter jets, from which Ankara was evict-ed when it finalized its arms deal with Russia.

Turkey shipped two planeloads of medical equipment to theUS. Originally these supplies were to have been sold, but at thelast minute they were turned into Ankara’s gift to the US in thefight against the coronavirus. What is more significant is thatthe cargo is accompanied by a letter from President Erdogan toPresident Trump indicating that “an atmosphere of cooperationhas been created by the pandemic.”

It has become clear that the mood is changing in Ankara aswell as in Washington. Mr. Erdogan pushed his luck as far as hecould. As arrogant as he is, he is not insane enough to try to gobeyond the “red lines.” Now he has found the limit ofWashington’s tolerance. Incidentally, Mr. Erdogan has toneddown his rhetoric against Israel, realizing full well the signifi-cance of US-Israeli relations.

On the one hand, his relations are becoming strained withRussia, and maybe down the road with Iran as well, in deferenceto the US. On the other hand, Washington and Ankara havebeen exploring and finalizing areas in which they need eachother.

Turkey’s pendulum is definitely swinging towards the West,and towards the US in particular.

Indications are coming to light that we will have to wait foranother US president who will have the political will to use theterm genocide.

S A T U R D A Y, M A Y 9 , 2 0 2 0 T H E A R M E N I A N M I R R O R - S P E C TAT O R

COMMENTARY

15

My TurnBy Harut Sassounian

COVID-19 Provided OpportunityTo Pursue the Armenian CauseOnline

The coronavirus pandemic disrupted the traditional plansof Armenians around the world to commemorate the 105thanniversary of the Armenian Genocide on April 24. However,very quickly Armenians discovered new ways to commemo-rate the Genocide by changing the street protests and largegatherings to online marches and Internet programs. In thefuture, when this pandemic is over, Armenians can use someof the new Internet and video methods on April 24 in addi-tion to the public events.

This year, Armenians in various countries carried out vir-tual programs on April 24 instead of the traditional streetprotests and indoor commemorative events. Today I will focuson one of these programs, the HyeID virtual march.

HyeID is a Glendale-based non-profit organization that wasformed three years ago to plan the future Diaspora ArmenianParliament. This year, the HyeID group organized a virtualcommemoration during the week of April 24, starting onApril 22. Within a few days, over 341,000 Armenians andsome non-Armenians from around the world endorsed the fol-lowing message on April24.Hyeid.org: “We have to stay homethis April 24, but we join the Online March. We demand jus-tice for Turkey’s Genocide of 1.5 million Armenians in 1915.”

Within a few hours of making this website public, it cameunder persistent and massive attack from Azerbaijan andTurkey trying to hack the site. Fortunately, HyeID boardmember Aram Ter-Martirosyan, a software engineer, and histeam, reacted quickly by blocking the hacking efforts. Suchan organized hacking attack could have only come from thegovernments of Azerbaijan and Turkey. This is called “Denial-

of-service attacks” which Wikipedia describes as “a cyber-attack in which the perpetrator seeks to make a machine ornetwork resource unavailable to its intended users by tem-porarily or indefinitely disrupting services of a host connect-ed to the internet. Denial of service is typically accomplishedby flooding the targeted machine or resource with superflu-ous requests in an attempt to overload systems and preventsome or all legitimate requests from being fulfilled.” By work-ing around the clock for two nights, Ter-Martirosyan’s staffwas able to block the flood of attacks on the April 24 link.

Another unfortunate disruptive act was caused by Googlewhich blocked the HyeID app on Google Play that was creat-ed by Ter-Martirosyan and his staff. The Turkish and Azerihackers, having failed in their disruptive efforts, probablycomplained to Google to remove the app that powered theApril 24 program. Google’s negative action significantly lim-ited the number of online march participants.

Google sent the following offensive message to Aram: “Wedon’t allow apps that lack reasonable sensitivity towards orcapitalize on a natural disaster, atrocity, conflict, death, orother tragic event.” Google also blocked the Google accountof Aram’s company, ConnectTo Communications, Inc., dis-rupting and causing damage to his business. Aram immedi-ately filed an appeal with Google, advising that the State ofCalifornia, where Google is headquartered, and the UnitedStates had recognized the Armenian Genocide. Google hasyet to respond to Aram’s appeal. I suggest that HyeID orAram file a lawsuit against Google to revoke its wrongful deci-sion on the app.

The HyeID group also posted its April 24 link on Facebook,generating over 341,000 participants from 198 countries andterritories, which included 310,000 Armenians and 41,000non-Armenians. A major achievement was that Apple Storeranked the April 24 app as the top 10 downloaded app in theworld for iPhones and iPads.

Besides publicizing the Armenian Genocide to 41,000 non-Armenians around the world, a by-product of this effort wasthat for the first time we discovered that there are Armeniansin 198 countries and territories.

The HyeID group was ecstatic that such a large number ofArmenians and non-Armenians participated in the April 24virtual march. Even though this figure is far below theapproximately 10 million Armenians worldwide, the HyeIDgroup was surprised to find out that Armenians were dis-

persed in close to 200 countries. Here is the number of par-ticipants in some of the countries/territories:

Russia: 121,415 Armenians; 10,677 non-Armenians.Armenia: 54,065 Armenians; 3,760 non-Armenians.United States: 50,390 Armenians; 4,071 non-Armenians.France: 13,476 Armenians; 1,797 non-Armenians.Georgia: 9,917 Armenians; 1,049 non-Armenians.Lebanon: 6,016 Armenians; 828 non-Armenians.Canada: 5,598 Armenians; 373 non-Armenians.Belgium: 4,565 Armenians; 313 non-Armenians.Iran: 4,440 Armenians; 441 non-Armenians.Germany: 3,748 Armenians; 522 non-Armenians.Argentina: 3,547 Armenians; 966 non-Armenians.Netherlands: 2,962 Armenians; 230 non-Armenians.Ukraine: 2,885 Armenians; 416 non-Armenians.Spain: 2,473 Armenians; 291 non-Armenians.Greece: 1,747 Armenians; 187 non-Armenians.United Kingdom: 1,664 Armenians; 266 non-Armenians.Austria: 1,223 Armenians; 51 non-Armenians.United Arab Emirates: 1,174 Armenians; 205

non-Armenians.Australia: 1,012 Armenians; 61 non-Armenians.Syria: 1,010 Armenians; 83 non-Armenians.Artsakh: 961 Armenians; 177 non-Armenians.Cyprus: 872 Armenians; 77 non-Armenians.Turkey: 795 Armenians; 410 non-Armenians.Poland: 651 Armenians; 475 non-Armenians.Switzerland: 611 Armenians; 156 non-Armenians.Egypt: 425 Armenians; 85 non-Armenians.Azerbaijan: 201 Armenians; 99 non-Armenians.Nakhichevan: 100 Armenians; 33 non-Armenians.Interestingly, there are a handful of Armenian participants

in such unexpected places as: Mongolia, Northern MarianaIslands, Wake Island, Indonesia, Wallis and Futuna, AmericanSamoa, French Polynesia, New Caledonia, Vanuatu, Fiji,Antarctica, Libya, Algeria, Mali, Madagascar, Mauritius, Chad,Tanzania, Congo, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Zambia,Mozambique, Tanzania, South Africa, Central AfricanRepublic, Maldives, Iceland and Greenland.

To find out the results of the online march in your own coun-try and city, please go to the interactive report:www.HyeID.org. You can also learn the number of participantsnear you by selecting the distance from your area. As the say-ing goes, “amen degh Hay ga” [Armenians are everywhere].

One HundredYears on, Let'sFinally Recognizethe ArmenianGenocideBy Stephan Pechdimaldji

In her most recent book, The Education of an Idealist,Samantha Power dedicates significant time to the ArmenianGenocide. She advocated for its recognition before joining theObama administration, then failed to do so while serving as aspecial assistant to the president on the National SecurityCouncil and then as ambassador to the United Nations.

As part of her ongoing apology tour, Power has argued thatshe tried to strike the right balance between idealism and real-ism. In the end, she concluded that the politics of genocidewas too complicated.

Power’s book came out at the same time Congress passedlandmark nonbinding resolutions last year that formallyaffirmed recognition and defined American policy on theArmenian Genocide as the systematic mass extermination of1.5 million Armenians by the Ottoman Turks from 1915 to1923.

As a first-generation Armenian-American and grandson ofsurvivors of the Armenian Genocide, this historic decision wassomething I had been waiting for my entire life. I wanted toknow that the stories about how my grandfather, HaroutiunToufayan, hid in a haystack for more than 40 days fromTurkish soldiers while his father and brother were taken away(never to be seen or heard from again) had not been told invain.

Unfortunately, that sense of euphoria and jubilation quick-ly turned to skepticism and doubt. After all, this wasn’t thefirst time Congress had recognized the Genocide. We hadbeen down this road before when similar acknowledgmentshad been made in 1951 and 1984 and by Ronald Reagan early

in his presidency. There were multiple reports that the TrumpWhite House sought to block the resolution on the Senatefloor so as to appease Turkey’s President, Recep TayyipErdogan.

Ankara officially responded by calling the resolutions polit-ical theater, claiming they had been proposed merely becauseof heightened tensions between the United States and Turkeyover that country’s invasion of Syria and purchase of aRussian S-400 missile system. It was also widely whisperedthat Democrats were trying to send a message to PresidentTrump by sabotaging his budding relationship with Erdogan.It reminded me of how political this issue had become.

Although it’s often referred to as the “forgotten” genocide,

the Armenian Genocide has increasingly become the “politi-cal” one. We’ve seen presidential candidates on the campaigntrail looking for votes and money promise recognition, only tocapitulate to Turkish pressure once in office.

To understand why Turkey continues to deny its role inorchestrating the first genocide of the 20th century, andWashington’s complicity in that denial, one must examine thepolitical machinations of the Cold War and America’s War onTerror.

In seeking not to upset Turkey for geopolitical reasons, theU.S. has avoided holding Turkey culpable for these atrocitiesand crimes against humanity. During the Cold War, the U.S.would often claim that it was not in our national interest todo so because Turkey was a NATO ally, strategically locatednear the Soviet Union. When the Cold War ended, the ratio-nale turned to the War on Terror and Turkey’s importance asa launching pad for U.S. airstrikes against ISIS and otherIslamic fundamentalists from the Incirlik Air Base.

Following the attacks of 9/11, Washington even went so far

as to cite Turkey as a model democracy in the Middle East,despite the country’s poor record on human rights and freespeech. It all boils down to Turkey taking advantage of itsgeopolitical position to influence how it wants the world tosee it. Unfortunately, perception is reality when it comes toTurkey. It’s one of the reasons the Turkish governmentspends so much money each year on lobbyists to manufactureand shape Turkey’s image.

Sadly, this issue has become a political football where politi-cians use empty threats to gain leverage with Turkey. EvenIsrael, a country founded in the wake of genocide, has usedthe Armenian Genocide as a political cudgel when dealingwith Turkey. Last year, for example, lawmakers voted todebate recognition of the Armenian Genocide in the Knessetas relations between Israel and Turkey deteriorated over unre-lated matters. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’sson even took to social media to accuse Turkey of genocide.

What politicians fail to understand is that genocide isn’t apolitical issue — it’s a human rights issue. Political expedien-cy should play no role in this debate. For far too long, we’veseen Turkish subterfuge define this issue for U.S. policymak-ers, who invariably acquiesce to Turkey’s wishes. When deci-sions are being made to score political points, it then openslawmakers up to questions around the authenticity of thoseoutcomes.

What’s more, it sows doubt about their intentions and canplay right into the hands of deceitful actors. At a time whentrust in our government leaders is at a nadir, we should be vig-ilant in holding autocrats like Erdogan accountable for hiscountry’s actions and history. Our abrogation of that respon-sibility only adds to Turkey’s resolve, giving it cover to ques-tion the sincerity of our motives.

It’s incredible the amount of power and sway that Turkeyhas over Washington, D.C., when it comes to dictating foreignpolicy. Are we to take guidance from a country that purportsto be a democracy when more journalists sit in Turkish jailsthan anywhere else in the world? Are we going to take theirword over ours?

Today marks the Armenian Genocide’s 105th anniversary.It’s high time that the U.S. honor and acknowledge thisGenocide — not because it serves a political purpose, party, orforeign government, but because it is the right thing to do.

We owe it to my grandfather, as well as the survivors andvictims of all genocides.

(Stephan Pechdimaldji is a public relations professionalwho lives in the San Francisco Bay Area. This opinion piecewas originally published in the Washington Examiner news-paper on April 24.)

Although it’s oftenreferred to as the

“forgotten” genocide,the Armenian Genocidehas increasingly become

the “political” one.

By Greg Tartaglia

RAMAPO, N.J. (Northjersey.com) — SarahHalejian is facing the possibility that the coron-avirus outbreak has brought an end to her pro-fessional basketball career.

The Ramapo High School graduate is deeplygrateful that it has not taken away any of thepeople closest to her.

Halejian, 27, spent the past winter playingwith Toulouse Metropole in France’s Ligue 2.The league suspended play not long afterthe NBA suspended its season after RudyGobert tested positive for the virus. Ligue 2playoffs typically last until mid-May.

Her original return flight to the U.S. hadbeen scheduled for June 2. When the State

Department issued its March 19 recommenda-tion for Americans traveling abroad to returnstateside, Halejian’s agent helped make arrange-ments for her homecoming.

“It was about eight days after I got home thatthey cancelled the rest of the league’s season,”she said. “It was definitely the smart choice tocome home when I did.”

The youngest of three siblings arrived home inWyckoff the same day that her 29-year-old broth-er, Eric, came back from New York City. Both

self-quarantined for two weeks.They and sister Alexis, 35,

who lives in Los Angeles, allwere healthy as of EasterSunday.

“You realize even more howimportant it is to be close toyour family and your friendsin crazy times like this,” Sarahsaid. “And times like this showjust how short life can be.”

While all three Halejiansplayed basketball at Ramapo,it was Sarah who graduatedas the Franklin Lakes school’sall-time leading scorer in2011.

She was named NorthJersey Player of the Year as asophomore and a junior, ledthe Raiders to a pair of

Bergen County championships and finishedwith 1,843 points. All that earned her a placeon the All-Decade first team.

A four-year career at Yale followed. She wasnamed captain of the team as a senior but suf-fered a torn ACL midway through that season.

“I had goals of playing professionally and

overseas,” Halejian said. “So my Yale coach atthe time actually recommended I take the nextyear to rehab and get healthy, but also get someexposure over in Europe.”

She spent her first postgraduate year at theUniversity of Edinburgh in Scotland, earning amaster’s degree in sports management andplaying for the school’s basketball team.

Her first pro season was with Switzerland’sBC Winterthur, near Zurich, in 2016-17. Thegame also took her to Australia for two seasonsbefore she landed with Toulouse Metropole.

“Here, after you finish college, besides theWNBA, there’s not really anything else forthese female players,” Halejian said.

“But in Europe, it’s way different. [Most coun-tries] don’t have college or university teams. SoI’ve had some teammates who, they startedplaying professionally at age 17, age 18, andthey play for about 10 years professionally.”

The 5-foot-9 guard just completed her fifth proseason. She had the top shooting percentage

(59.3) and No. 2 scoring average (10.0) onToulouse Metropole, according toeurobasket.com. That came on the heels of a 2018-19 campaign in which she averaged 18.8 pointsand 5.9 assists for Australia’s Casey Cavaliers.

“This whole thing was interesting timing forme,” Halejian said, “especially because I kind ofwent into this past season in France thinking itwould be my last season anyway.

“So, I don’t know if it’s a sign that it’s justmeant to be my last year, but… I think a five-year run has been pretty amazing, and it’s look-ing likely that I’ll probably hang them up now.”

Halejian noted that none of her teammateshad been infected at the time she left Toulouse– one more reason she considers herself “very,very lucky.”

“It’s been an amazing experience,” she said ofher pro career. “But eventually, [I wanted] to beback home and start working, and have a littlestability in my life. The main thing is just beingclose to my family and friends again.”

16 S A T U R D A Y, M A Y 9 , 2 0 2 0 T H E A R M E N I A N M I R R O R - S P E C TAT O R

By Daniel Lippman

WASHINGTON (Politico) — The WhiteHouse has picked a top Justice Departmentlawyer to serve as the new general counsel ofthe Office of the Director of NationalIntelligence (ODNI), according to two senioradministration officials on May 4.

Patrick Hovakimian, the chief of staff toDeputy Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen, willbe nominated to ODNI to serve as the intel-ligence community’s top lawyer, according tothe officials. In his current role, he advisesRosen and Attorney General Bill Barr ondepartment opera-tions, policy and specific cases.

He also works closely with Rosen on mat-ters that come before the Committee onForeign Investment in the United States andother counterterrorism and counterintelli-gence issues, including sitting in when theFBI briefs him. He also played an instrumen-tal role in DOJ’s handling of last December’sshooting by Saudi students at the Naval AirStation in Pensacola, Fla.

From October 2018 to May 2019, he wasDOJ’s director of counter transnationalorganized crime, where he helped coordi-nate department policy on the issue andworked closely with Treasury’s Office ofForeign Assets Control and FinancialCrimes Enforcement Network and intelli-gence agencies that work on fighting suchcrime. Hovakimian has been Senate-con-firmed before; he’s a commissioner of theForeign Claims Settlement Commission ofthe ‘US, and is expected to continue in thatrole.

Brad Brooker currently serves as ODNI’sacting general counsel. He temporarilystepped into the role in March, after formergeneral counsel Jason Klitenic left to returnto the private sector.

Last September, Klitenic briefly gotwrapped up in the early stages of PresidentDonald Trump’s impeachment probe whenhe consulted with the Justice Departmentand decided that a whistleblower complaintthat ODNI’s inspector general, MichaelAtkinson, had deemed “urgent” should notbe provided to Congress. Atkinson was firedby Trump last month.

With the Senate returning to Washingtonon Monday, Trump’s nominee to be DNI,Rep. John Ratcliffe (R-Texas), is expected toget a hearing on Tuesday from the SenateIntelligence Committee. If confirmed,Ratcliffe would replace acting DNI Richard

Grenell, who’s also the US ambassador toGermany.

Hovakimian started working in 2014 asassistant US attorney in San Diego, where hewas the co-lead counsel on the “FatLeonard” case, a major multinational briberyand fraud in East Asia, where he got a lot ofexperience working with the Department ofDefense. He also helped coordinate lawenforcement operations and investigationsoverseas in that role.

When he went to Washington to work forthe Trump administration, Hovakimianworked as senior counsel to then-AssociateAttorney General Rachel Brand. He attendedStanford Law School and also got a mastersdegree in political theory from the Universityof Oxford, where he was a Marshall scholar.He received a bachelor’s degree in politicsfrom Occidental College, graduating summacum laude.

According to documents previously sub-mitted for his Senate confirmation,Hovakimian is a Federalist Society memberand lifelong Republican who volunteered forthe McCain and Romney presidential cam-paigns.

Patrick Hovakimian

Trump to Tap DOJ Lawyer Hovakimian as National Intelligence General Counsel

VILNIUS, Lithuania (Armenpress) —Gintaras Grusas, the archbishop of Vilnius,issued an address on the occasion of the 105thanniversary of the Armenian Genocide.

‘’Numerous tragedies occurred during thelast century, people were killed. Let’s pray forthe Armenian people and the memory of thevictims. Let’s recall all the victims of the lastcentury, those who appeared in the epicenter oftrials and sacrificed their lives.”

In addition, Algis Kaseta, the mayor ofVarena, issued a message. “Today marks the105th anniversary of the Armenian genocide.This date is important and worth mentioning.

The date is important, as at the beginning ofthe 20th century, the crimes against theArmenian people — which resulted in thedeaths of millions of people, the expulsion fromtheir land, the destruction of culture — were notproperly assessed by the world community. Thishad provoked other heinous crimes — Nazicrimes against the Jewish people, Holocaust,and a whole host of crimes committed by otherdictatorships against the ethnic and socialgroups.”

In 2005, the parliament of the Republic ofLithuania acknowledged the fact of theArmenian genocide in the Ottoman Empire.

Startup Flight Hunter Seeks to Become Aerial UberYEREVAN (Panorama.am) — The Armenian startup Flight Hunter accepts bookings for

organizing charter flights to Yerevan from around the world. As the company reports,Flight Hunter was created two years ago, and tries to develop a platform aiming to providenew opportunities for spontaneous travelers and adventure seekers through offering tick-ets just from 4-5 hours before the flight with the minimum price.

Considering the fact that air carriers have suspended their regular flights and small aircompanies went bankrupt, millions of people still need to move from one part of the worldto another. That is why the company has decided to change its business model, allowingpotential passengers to book charter flights through the platform. The company will gath-er the bookings and will conduct the charter flight once there are enough applications fora certain destination. Those passengers whose requests are not enough to conduct theflight will be offered nearby destinations as an alternative.

Lithuanian Officials Extend Condolences

Former NJ Basketball Star Back Home after Season CutShort by Coronavirus in France

Former Ramapo basketball player Sarah Halejian plays overseasin France. (Photo: Courtesy of Toulouse Metropole Basketball)