An historic event took place at the Rhode Island State House on April 13, as the Armenian Genocide and the Jewish Holocaust were recognized together in a resolution introduced by State Representative Katherine Kazarian. State Representative J. Aaron Regunberg collaboratedwith Rep. Kazarian to introduce the joint resolution, the reports.
Speaker of the House Nicholas Mattiello read the names of the representatives in support of the resolution and concluded with the following words, “The resolution passes unanimously.” This is the first time a resolution commemorating both devastating crimes against humanity has been introduced and passed in the R.I. State Legislature, and it coincides with the fact that both the Armenian Genocide and Jewish Holocaust are being remembered on the same date this year, April 24.
Rev. Fr. Shnork Souin of Sts. Sahag and Mesrob Armenian Apostolic Church opened the session with a prayer, thanking the State of Rhode Island for always doing the right thing in recognizing the horrific crime of genocide. He was joined by Rev. Fr. Kapriel Nazarian of Sts. Vartanantz Armenian Apostolic Church, as well as a large number of Armenians, including Armenian National Committee of R.I. (ANC-R.I.) Chair, Ani Haroian, and the Honorable Aram Garabedian. Many members of the newly formed Holocaust and Genocide Education Committee were also in attendance.
The Providence Homenetmen Scouts served as flag bearers.
It was noted by the Speaker that both the Armenian and Jewish communities have contributed to the betterment of the State of Rhode Island in spite of such tragic histories.
The State recently passed a law requiring that the schools in R.I. teach about the Holocaust and Genocide, including the Armenian Genocide.
