Author: Emil Lazarian

Vahan Chamlian with Chamlian students during a visit in 2016

Vahan Chamlian, who along with his wife Anoush, were the benefactors of an Armenian school in Glendale that bears their name, passed away on Thursday in Fresno. He was 96.

Vahan Chamlian, who rose from poverty to become one of the most successful businessmen in America, dedicated his life to advancing the Armenian community and the Armenian Nation. However, his most important legacy will remain the Vahan and Anoush Chamlian Armenian School, which since 1975 has educated thousands of Armenian students, who have grown to become successful community leaders and stalwarts in business, medicine, law and other fields.

Vahan Chamlian was born in Lebanon in 1926 and emigrated to the United States in 1957. Legend has it that he arrived in America with only $20 in his pocket, but would work hard to become the world’s largest dealer in second hand clothing via his company Chamlian Enterprises.

“My philosophy has been to build my personal life such that I can help my nation and humanity,” Vahan Chamlian told Asbarez in an interview in 2018. He said his national spirit was instilled in him by his family and was developed through attending Armenian school.

“When I was six years old, the boys in our neighborhood were cub scouts. They took me in their ranks and I late became a boy scout and thus my ties with my Nation were strengthened,” recounted Chamlian to Asbarez.

Vahan and Anoush Chamlian at the groundbreaking of the school with then Catholicos Karekin II and then Prelate Archbishop Yeprem Tabakian

“You can never forget your national identity, because then you will have no identity to speak of,” Chamlian added with conviction. “The best thing in life is to be able to help, especially your nation.”

It was this commitment to education and the advancement of the Armenian Cause that promoted Vahan and Anoush Chamlian in a school that carries their name, and since 1975, serve the community by offering stellar education to children from kindergarten through eighth grade.

He recounted to Asbarez in 2018 that one day he visited his friend Garo Haddad who had also invited the then Western Prelate Archbishop Yeprem Tabakian and long-time community leader Stepan Kabadayan, who proposed that Chamlian sponsor a classroom in the school, which was operating in a rented facility at the time. There, Haddad told him that he should sponsor not just one classroom but the entire school. Chamlian liked that proposal and went about purchasing the land and building what is now one of the preeminent Armenian schools in Southern California.

Vahan and Anoush Chamlian have been long-time benefactors in the Armenian community, generously contributing to organizations such as the Armenian Cultural Foundation, the Armenian Relief Society, of which Anoush Chamlian has been a life-long member, the Western Prelacy and the Armenia Fund.

He was awarded the “Prince of Cilicia” medal in 1983 by then Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, Karekin II.

For decades, Vahan and Anoush Chamlian have also been staunch supporters of Asbarez and its mission to inform and provide an arena for the Armenian community since 1908.

The Board of Directors of the Armenian Media Network, the editors, staff and management of Asbarez newspaper offer their condolences to Vahan Chamlian’s wife, Anoush, their two daughters and grandchildren.

A soldier of the Artsakh Defense Army

Artsakh insists that it has no plans to disband the republic’s Defense Army, as both Yerevan and Stepanakert announced that no troops of Armenia’s Armed Forces remain in Artsakh, reported Azatutyun’s Armenian Service on Wednesday.

Official Baku continues to demand the withdrawal of the Armenian armed forces from Karabakh, most recently when Azerbaijan’s Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov made statements that suggested he was referring to the Artsakh Defense Ministry.

The Ministry of Defense is one of the 11 ministries of Artsakh. The commander of the Armed Forces is the head of the military department.

“Disbanding the Defense Army is tantamount to treason,” Seyran Hayrapetyan, the Chairman of the Defense and Security Affairs Committee of the Artsakh National, told Azatutyun, adding that such a step would usher in another “1915 for the people of Artsakh abandoning the Defense Army can bring a new year 1915 for the people of Artsakh, as well as through future developments for all of Armenia.”

Artur Harutyunyan, the leader of the ruling “Free Homeland-Civil United Alliance” faction also insisted that Artsakh is not going to give up its Self Defense Army.

When making demands on Armenia to withdraw its troops from Artsakh, Baku regularity invokes the November 9, 2020 agreement.

Hayrutyunyan contends that Azerbaijan also has not fulfilled the provisions of the same agreement, as it continues to violate the ceasefire and has been holding Armenian prisoners of war captive.

“Regarding the withdrawal of the armed forces, it is written [in the Nov. 9 agreemen] that the Armenian armed forces will withdrawn simultaneously with the deployment of the Russian peacekeeping contingent,” explained Harutyunyan

“After the war, there will no new conscription from Armenia, and the one that existed before, is no longer there. If we are talking about the self-defense forces or the Defense Army, of course, the Republic of Artsakh cannot remain without its self-defense forces. According to the UN Charter, the people of Artsakh have the right to organize self-defense,” added Harutyunyan.

At the last session of the government, the Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan first announced that there are no Armenian soldiers in Nagorno-Karabakh, and also expressed his opinion about the demands from Baku for the withdrawal of the Artsakh Armed Forces.

“If the peacekeeping troops of the Russian Federation and Azerbaijan guarantee the integrity of the contact line, I think the Nagorno-Karabakh Defense Army will not need to be on combat duty. Such a need has arisen only after Azerbaijan refused to sign the mandate for the peacekeepers and continuously violates the provisions of the November 9, 2020 declaration, including the ceasing all military operations, which is the essence of the aforementioned document,” Pashinyan told his cabinet last week.

Responding to Pashinyan’s statement, Hayrapetyan, the parliament defense committee chairman, said that it would be great if Azerbaijan can guarantee the integrity and safety of the line of contact, but he is sure that Azerbaijan will not do that.

“If anyone is delusional to believe that Azerbaijan changed and is pursuing peace, I will say that it is not so, and we’ve seen this several times during these two years,” Hayrapetyan said, who called for reforms in Artsakh’s defense apparatus given Azerbaijan’s continued aggression in Artsakh. He did not rule out that there might be title change to that sector, but insisted that the duties and responsibilities would still remain the defense of Artsakh and its people.

“The name is not so important. In the early 1990s, there were self-defense forces. This did not prevent our heroes from liberating our historical homeland,” said Hayrapetyan.

The lawmaker was asked about the military mobilization announced last week by Artsakh President Arayik Harutyunyan, after two soldiers of the Artsakh Defense Army were killed and another 19 were wounded after Azerbaijani attacks of Berdzor. Harutyunyan lifted the mobilization order on Wednesday.

The chairman of the parliament’s Defense Committee did not want to assess the decision, merely saying that “if he [Artsakh president] signed the order, then it should have been signed.”

However, he did voice dissatisfaction with the processes taking place by the authorities of Armenia and Artsakh.

“The Armenian authorities’ silent agreement, or should I say indifference and weakness, as well as measures implemented in the Republic of Artsakh, are worrisome, because the enemy continues to make demand after demand. By giving up, we will be giving up everything,” Hayrapetyan said.

A scene from Homenetmen’s 45th Navasartian Victory Ball

BY KATY SIMONIAN

This year’s 45^th Navasartian Victory Ball lived up to its hype, proving to be the event of the year and the most successful fundraising endeavor in the organization’s history. Held at The Beverly Hilton’s International Ballroom, members welcomed nearly 700 guests, marking the 45th anniversary of the Navasartian Games.

Steeped in tradition, the program featured a flag ceremony by Homenetmen Scouts and a performance of the American and Armenian national anthems, as well as the organization’s signature melody by Homenetmen’s Evana Grigorian.

The program featured an address by Master of Ceremonies, Charly Ghailian, opening remarks by Victory Ball Committee member, Katy Simonian and the presentation of the night’s highest honors by Homenetmen Western Regional Board Chairman, Hagop Tufenkjian.

The crowd delighted in a series of video montages dedicated to Homenetmen’s many noble programs, including athletics, scouting, Hrashq and Camp Tecuya, the largest Armenian camp ground in the world.

Every detail of the night amplified Homenetmen’s guiding principle: “Elevate Yourself and Others with You.” The legacy of Homenetmen is rooted in its spirit of volunteerism and commitment to public service.

Renowned philanthropist and entrepreneur, Varant Melkonian was named Exemplary Member, for his long-standing commitment to Homenetmen. Melkonian recognized Homenetmen’s multi-generational landscape in his acceptance speech, saying “Homenetmen is a forever young organization. One that connects and unites Armenians of all ages, preserving the Armenian spirit and culture through programs such as Scouts, athletics and social events. Collectively we are all Homenetmen, which is why this award belongs to all of us.”

The highlight of the evening was the inauguration of Mr. and Mrs. Ara and Aline Tchaghlassian as Honorary Presidents of the 45^th Navasatian Games. While accepting their award, the couple expressed their deep sense of joy and hope for Homenetmen’s youth. “My wife and I are so happy to see Homenetmen continue its tradition of public service, giving all of our children a profound sense of connection to their Armenian identity,” said 2022 Honorary President Ara Tchaghlassian. “May the light of the generations that came before us continue to shine, so that we may all enjoy a bright future,” he added.

The evening culminated with music from the acclaimed Eli’s Band, as guests danced the night away, embracing the opportunity to gather and celebrate once again.

The Western Regional Executive Board fulfilled its goal of delivering a successful, meaningful Victory Ball, embracing the 45^th Anniversary of the Navasartian Games as a unique opportunity to celebrate the Armenian community Homenetmen has faithfully served for decades. “Homenetmen is a proud family of Armenians who believe in educating and elevating our youth through athletics, scouting and public service. In the wake of the two-year hiatus caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, the Western Regional Board believes it is our duty to build and inspire our new generations of volunteers and leaders,” said Hagop Tufenkjian, Western Regional Executive Board Chairman. “The Victory Ball marks the first day of a bright new era, full of the same beautiful traditions, for Homenetmen,” he added.

On the night’s historic significance, Victory Ball Committee Chairman, Steve Artinian said it best – “The 45^th Navasartian Victory Ball is an opportunity to celebrate Homenetmen’s contributions to our community, as we are inspired to perpetuate the beauty of our Armenian heritage and culture to promote peace and good citizenship for years to come.”

The success of the Victory Ball has set a strong precedent of excellence, making Homenetmen a powerful example of service and leadership across the Armenian community.

Katy Simonian is a member of the 45th Navasartian Victory Ball Committee.