Category: 2023

Lucy Shererian Bargamian (Photo Library: Anoush Bargamian)

Part 1

In a world that often seems disconnected, with family histories lost to time and distance, I embarked on a journey to rediscover my paternal grandmother Lucy Shererian Bargamian’s roots. As an Armenian-American growing up in a close-knit family in the Providence community, I was always fascinated by my Armenian cultural heritage. However, it was the realization of the missing pieces in my family’s history, stemming from the trauma of the 1915 Armenian Genocide, that led to my inner desire to reclaim the lost family connections.

Being the grandchild of Genocide survivors, the weight of my family’s past was palpable. Stories were passed down to me of the sufferings and strength of my ancestors. My paternal grandmother, Lucy Shererian Bargamian, held a special place in my heart, even though I never had the chance to meet her. My medz mama Lucy was the sole Shererian in her immediate family to survive the Genocide and find refuge in the United States. The horrifying memories of witnessing the murder of her parents and sisters were the painful burdens she carried with her every day. Lucy’s first cousin Kegham, paternal uncle Vahan, aunt Yeranouhi, and possibly her grandfather (my great-great-grandfather) survived and ended up in Nice, France, and then Marseille.

My husband Tom and I had talked about a trip to Marseille for quite some time. The thought of finding this thread of my family got under my skin. Driven by a deep yearning to uncover my family’s history, I embarked on a quest to find the descendants of my grandmother’s first cousin, Kegham Chehrerian. My research led me to various social media platforms, where I reached out to anyone bearing the name Chererian or Shererian, hoping for a connection. At first, many remained silent.

Undeterred, I persisted.

Chehrerian Family. Standing l. to r.: Wife Lucig and Great-Grand Uncle Vahan Chehrerian. Seated Great-Great-Grandfather Chehrerian and Cousin Kegham Chehrerian (Photo Library: Annie Chehrerian)

While researching in Chicago, I struggled to make progress because of how my family spelled Shererian. I understood that the French spelling would be different, using “Ch” instead of the “Sh” my maternal grandmother Lucy used. I was getting nowhere in my search for the names Shererian and Chererian.

During the 1930s and 1940s, Lucy and Kegham wrote to one another. Over time, the letters stopped, possibly due to address changes. I needed to review the writing on envelopes written by Kegham. I reached out to my brother Charles, who found an envelope our family stored away for many years. I saw the envelope through my brother’s text message and noticed that Kegham had added an extra letter to his last name. I assumed the French version would be Chererian, but it was spelled Chehrerian on the envelope. Using the second “h” proved key in making progress with my search. Remember, even a single letter can make a significant difference.

At the time, another “breakthrough” came from the old envelope with Kegham’s address, as a map showed that Kegham lived across the street from an Armenian church in Marseille. It seemed like a promising path that would lead me to Kegham’s descendants, my cousins. I believed the church would have a record of its parishioners, including Kegham. Excitement surged as I corresponded with a priest in Marseille, who offered to connect me with a church community member upon our arrival. My dream of meeting my Chehrerian family was within reach as my husband and I meticulously planned our 2022 summer trip across France.

Arriving in Nice, the research engines finally gave me a glimpse into Kegham Chehrerian’s life. Discovering Kegham’s obituary, which mentioned his residence in Marseille and his birthplace in the village of Osnag/Keghi, was a moment of triumph. Thoughts of my father Charles and his siblings, all of whom have passed on, filled my heart. Were they unaware of their mother’s Chehrerian family that had been there all along? We explored Marseille a bit, then went to the church on Grand Pins, where I had hoped to find the missing pieces of my family puzzle.

We rushed to Grand Pins, thinking it was Kegham’s former residence. We soon discovered that Kegham had lived on a different Grand Pins in another neighborhood about three miles away. Nevertheless, since this active church was built in 1929, Kegham likely attended this Armenian church with his family. It soon became apparent that the Armenian population in that area had dispersed over the years, and the community members we met did not know of any Chehrerians.

What initially seemed like a setback blossomed into a beautiful encounter with Murad and Berjouhi, members of the church community whose father built the church. Their warm hospitality and stories of their family’s direct involvement in the Armenian church provided solace against temporary disappointment. Though the elusive connection with Kegham’s descendants remained, the bonds forged with Murad and Berjouhi have endured. (Berjouhi and I have been in frequent contact. I host The Medz Mamas podcast, and Berjouhi, who happens to be a highly spirited ninety-year-old, is honoring her medz mama Manning in an upcoming episode.)

Marseille, France – It was a bittersweet moment as we said au revoir to Marseille, a city that had both frustrated and inspired me during my search. While disappointment filled me, my husband Tom’s unwavering support echoed in my ears, urging me not to give up. Little did I know that the universe had something in store for me just beyond the horizon.

Transitioning from public transportation to a more intimate mode of travel, Tom took the wheel as we departed Marseille, venturing into the countryside. We headed to Saint-Remy-de-Provence, a picturesque town serving as a gateway to a tapestry of neighboring gems. Arles, Antibes, Aix-en-Provence, Avignon and Nimes alone evoke a sense of timeless beauty. The rolling hills leading to Cezanne’s atelier, the lovely lavender fields and the sensual open-air markets are the memories that continue to play in my mind. Saint-Remy-de-Provence is an ideal hub for those exploring Provence, providing easy access to many villages. The cuisine seduces the senses at every turn.

While in Provence, the search for my Chehrerian relatives continued. As I began to think the entire quest was futile, fate intervened. A late-night iMessage illuminated my phone screen two days before bidding farewell to Saint-Remy-de-Provence. It was the message I had longed for—an eagerly awaited response from my cousin Thomas Chehrerian, whom I had contacted the week before during our stay in Marseille. “Hello Anoush. Yes, Kegham was my great-grandfather, but I never knew him.” I read his words several times. Late-night exchanges, early-morning conversations and a planned rendezvous in Saint-Remy-de-Provence marked the beginning of our long-awaited reunion. I would finally reunite my family, torn apart due to genocide over a century ago. 

Chehrerian Cousins l. to r.: Thomas Chehrerian, Claude Chehrerian, Anoush Bargamian and Margot Chehrerian (Photo: Thomas C. Buechele)

Finally, the day arrived, and I got to meet my cousins. The thought of a reunion had me floating on cloud nine. Determined to make this visit extraordinary, my husband and I found the open-air market, searching for many mezze delights. We wanted to create an exceptional experience when we finally connected with our extended family.

Located in the enchanting town of Saint-Remy-de-Provence, we had a picturesque setting in the garden of our temporary abode. From their home in Aix-en-Provence, a mere hour to an hour and a half away, our cousins embarked on their journey to meet us. The eagerness to reunite and share our family history fueled our spirits. And then, as if on cue, the unmistakable sound of a car pulling up on the gravel reached my ears. It was the anticipated arrival of my cousins.

As they stepped out of the car, what struck me immediately was the towering height of my cousins Claude and his son Thomas. Then, I realized the origin of my father’s long legs and stature, hailing from my dad’s maternal Chehrerian lineage.

Introductions began, guided by my twenty-something cousin Thomas. The family came together—Margot, Thomas’s sister, their father, Claude, and their mother, Corrine. Claude, their father, and I belong to the same generation, while their children belong to my children’s generation. Conversations flowed ceaselessly, weaving tales and anecdotes about our shared heritage. Claude took it upon himself to draw a detailed family tree, shedding light on our intricate connections. I learned that Kegham had three sons: Francois, Henri and George. It was Henri’s line of the family we were meeting, i.e., Claude and his wife Corrine, Thomas and Margot. In return, I proudly shared cherished photos of my family, neatly stored on my iPad. The communication flowed, aided by the bilingual abilities of Claude’s family, enabling us to bridge the gap despite our limited French.

A particularly heartwarming moment arose when Margot dialed her grandfather Henri, who resides in Nice. With the Armenian I know, I conversed briefly with Henri, who said he had forgotten some of his Armenian over time. Once a fluent speaker, he had spoken in Armenian with his father Kegham and his mother Yeranouhi. (Kegham was born in 1905 in Osnag/Keghi and passed away in 1997 at 92 in Marseille.) The joy in Henri’s voice upon hearing from his granddaughter Margot and knowing we were all together was unmistakable. Henri had heard about Lucy, his cousin from Osnag/ Keghi, who had settled in the United States, from his father Kegham. Claude also knew about having US cousins from his father Henri.

As our visit was ending, we decided to capture the memory of this reunion through photographs, promising to continue our newly-rekindled relationships.

Last fall, another family member responded to the message I had sent out the previous summer. My cousin Annie Chehrerian, who also resides in France, has become a “friend” of mine via social media. In our correspondence, Annie shared captivating photographs of our family: her grandfather Kegham (my cousin); her great-grandfather Vahan (my great-granduncle Vahan) and his wife Lucig; and even our great-great-grandfather Chehrerian. The discovery of my great-great-grandfather’s image left me in awe. It was a profound moment, unveiling a missing piece of my family puzzle—one I never expected to find.

My journey of discovery continues through Annie as we explore our shared roots. It fills me with profound gratitude that I have made my medz mama Lucy proud, alongside my father Charles, my uncles, aunt, siblings, children, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Part 2

The upcoming month marks the beginning of another heartwarming Chehrerian reunion. Joining me on this trip to France will be my beloved husband and sister Georgi. We eagerly look forward to meeting our Chehrerian cousins.

I hope to learn more about Kegham’s journey and what happened to our great-great- grandfather Chehrerian. In the meantime, I’ll share what I know of my medz mama Lucy’s journey with you.

Bargamian Family. Front toddler Margaret Bargamian. Seated row l. to r.: Garabed/Charles Bargamian, Lucy Shererian Bargamian and Bargham Bargamian. Standing l. to r.: Hovannes/Johnny Bargamian, Unknown and Khatchadoor/Archie Bargamian (Photo Library: Anoush Bargamian)

Lucig’s parents (my great-grandparents) Megerdich and Markerid and her four sisters lived a whole life in Osnag/Keghi, Western Armenia. Medz mama Lucy’s parents and sisters fell victim to the 1915-1923 Armenian Genocide. Before the Genocide, Lucig’s husband Bargham Bargamian had already left the village of Osnag/Keghi and departed for the United States to send money back home.

Lucig and her eldest son, my uncle Khatchadoor, were forced to bear witness to the merciless slaughter of their entire family at the hands of Turkish soldiers. My Uncle “Hatchie” saw his grandfather Megerdich brutally struck with an ax to the head in a horrifying act. Seeking refuge, my grandmother Lucig and her two sons, my uncles Khatchadoor (12 years old) and Hovannes (10 years old), sought shelter in the basement of a sympathetic Turkish neighbor for nearly a year.

Their lives took a hopeful turn when Armenian soldiers came to their rescue guiding them to the train station. They embarked on a train journey to Alexandropol, known today as Gyumri, Armenia. At Alexandropol, Lucig and her sons found solace in an *orphanage, where Lucig’s husband Bargham eventually located them.

Bargham, who resided in North Providence, Rhode Island, had learned about the Armenian Genocide through news reports and friends in the Armenian community. Driven by a profound desire to find his family, he returned to his devastated homeland. After a long-awaited reunion in Alexandropol, they left the orphanage behind at some point and embarked on a northbound train journey through Russia, eventually reaching Norway.

Adding to the already immense trauma experienced by medz mama Lucy and my uncles, a new obstacle emerged when they arrived in Norway. My uncle Hovannes (Johnny) failed an eye exam due to an “eye deficiency.” As a result, he had to remain in Norway for four years under the care of his aunt Zarmig Bargamian.

From Norway, part of the family continued their voyage to Liverpool. The boat voyage from Liverpool posed further challenges for medz mama Lucy, who was expecting her third child, my dad Garabed (Charles). Throughout the two-week journey, she battled constant sickness. They sailed across the Atlantic to Ellis Island in New York. Their ultimate destination and new home became North Providence, Rhode Island, where they settled. They arrived in Rhode Island in mid-November 1917, and shortly after that, on December 4, 1917, medz mama Lucy gave birth to my father.

Aix-en-Provence, Summer 2023 l. to r.: Anoush Bargamian, Annie Chehrerian and Georgi Bargamian (Photo: Thomas C. Buechele)

Medz mama Lucy passed away a year before I was born. The one thing that always stood out was that she persevered and had a whole life after the Armenian Genocide. Together, my grandparents Lucig and Bargham had four children: Khatchadoor (Archie), Hovannes (Johnny), Garabed (Charles) and Margaret (Parantzem). They lived on a farm in North Providence, and the farm remained in the family for many years. Before picnics at Camp Haiastan in Franklin, Massachusetts, this is where Armenians in the New England area would gather, break bread and spend hours dancing to Armenian folk music. Non-Armenians in the neighborhood knew the Bargamians as friendly and generous folks, especially during the depression, often giving food away.

As the offspring of Garabed (Charles) Bargamian and Pearl Hajian Bargamian, I, along with my siblings (Georgi, Pearl and Charles), take immense pride in perpetuating our family legacy and contributing to the vibrancy of our respective communities. Our connection to our family’s story is an integral thread in the rich tapestry of our Armenian identity and the broader human experience. Through first-hand experiences, we honor the significance of our ancestral heritage, driving us to forge ahead with determination and love. To be continued.

*During the Armenian Genocide from 1915 to 1923, Alexandropol became known as the city of 40,000 orphans. Thirty-nine buildings were allocated to house the surviving women and children. Presently, one of these buildings, where all survivors once passed through, continues to serve as an orphanage in modern-day Gyumri, Armenia. In 2017, my older son Aris and I had the opportunity to visit the Terchoonian Home Orphanage, which holds profound significance for my family.

Being present in that space, where countless Armenian survivors were processed, including our relatives, left an indelible mark on both of us.

Stephen Dalil (left) and Trey Davis (right) chant at a protest in front of the Embassy of Azerbaijan

Trey Davis and Stephen Dalil stand out at protests organized by the Armenian Youth Federation – Youth Organization of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (AYF-YOARF). The duo seems out of place among the crowd of Armenians and stumble through the pronunciation of complicated Armenian words during chants. Yet that doesn’t stop them from showing up and getting involved by consistently attending protests, posting on social media and donating to fundraisers. The average Armenian might think these two couldn’t even point out the nation on a map. I am proud to say that Trey and Stephen are two of my closest friends, and seeing them so involved and outspoken is heartwarming and inspiring. 

Both Davis and Dalil credit their friendship with Antranig Kasbarian and me as the primary catalyst for their support, but they also have deeper motives than the fraternal bond. For Dalil, commitment to the Armenian cause is just “the right thing to do.” This sentiment is echoed by Davis, whose “love of learning” and desire to “make a positive impact on the world” have driven him to work to correct “the gross negligence of the worldwide community” on the Armenian issue. Davis and Dalil are not only examples of good friends, but also of the impact that we, as representatives of our nation and people, can have on those around us by informing and activating them for the cause. By bringing in non-Armenian supporters and allies, the mission for a free, independent and united Armenia becomes much more attainable, as it will no longer be only Armenians who have that end goal in mind.

This same process can be seen whenever a celebrity speaks up for the issues that Armenia and Artsakh face. Most recently, French footballer Olivier Giroud pledged to donate a large portion of the proceeds from the sale of one of his World Cup jerseys to Artsakh, a statement that thrilled Armenian fans of the sport. Hollywood stars like George Clooney and Oscar Isaac have also released statements on Genocide recognition, with the latter doubling down on his support during the 44-day Artsakh War by describing the continued jeopardy of Armenians in the region as “heartbreaking.” Actors Michael B. Jordan and Sean Penn also made social media posts during the 44-day Artsakh War in support of Artsakh and its people. These big names have all helped spread awareness for the Armenian people and the Armenian cause. The discourse around their support seems to always vary from praise to pessimistic disregard because “this won’t change anything.” Yet having people with influence speak empathetically on Armenian issues can never hurt. 

Posting a video or statement on social media, however “easy” it may seem, has force behind it—Armenian leverage. Jordan specified that he was thinking about his “Armenian friends” during the war, and actor/director Mel Gibson made clear in his statement on the war that he has “many Armenian friends” who have “told [him] about the pains [and] loss of life.” Giroud also has Armenian connections, notably close friend Youri Djorkaeff, a French-Armenian football legend who also serves on the Armenian Sporting Board. If having a friendship with someone who is Armenian can elicit recognition and sympathetic responses from notable members of society, those of us living in the US, where we interact with non-Armenians on a daily basis, should maximize the implications of that knowledge every day. 

We are taught, and correctly so, to fight assimilation in our day-to-day lives and stay as “Armenian” as possible, with each individual (inevitably) having their own idea of what that entails. Increasingly deeper roots have been set in the United States, and Armenian families commonly find themselves on their second, third or even fourth generations in America. This settlement in the US, combined with the difficulty of repatriation due to war, housing crises and other factors, have forced diasporan Armenians to work to grow the communities existing around them. A large part of this is investing time and effort into local organizations, but another important and largely under-appreciated aspect of this process is the incorporation and encouragement of non-Armenian allies. 

As an Armenian diaspora, we have fought to create little corners of society where we can be Armenian, with local organizations and churches fulfilling the role of maintaining our Armenian identity in an American society. That being said, keeping this Armenian-ness in those little corners limits the interaction and impact our voices can have.

 This idea of “counter-assimilation,” where we actively spread the Armenian fire as opposed to focusing on keeping it lit, could prove fruitful for the Armenian diaspora in the United States. While not all of us know world famous football players or actors, we all have a community in our schools, jobs or hobbies that we can inspire and push to action. Increasing the standards for our friends from sympathy for our family backstories to tangible action is important and, in my opinion, necessary for a community as ours, especially in areas without a large Armenian population to begin with. 

Simply put, provided they have the means, if your friend has a free evening, they should be at the protest happening that night. If they give you an excuse, well, I guess I just have better friends than you.

Boston ARF Sardarabad celebration of the 105th anniversary of the First Republic of Armenia, May 19, 2023, Watertown, MA

WATERTOWN, Mass.—The Armenian community of Greater Boston came together on Friday, May 19, 2023, to mark the anniversary of an important chapter in our nation’s history: the 105th anniversary of Armenia’s independence, declared on May 28, 1918. 

More than 200 community members attended the event organized by the Armenian Revolutionary Federation’s (ARF) Sardarabad Gomideh of Boston. The event began with the presentation of the colors by the Homenetmen scouts and the singing of the Armenian and American national anthems by the newly-formed Armenian Children’s Choir of Boston, led by choirmaster Artur Veranian. Mistress of ceremonies Nanor Kojanian Nerkizian delivered the opening remarks on behalf of the Boston ARF and invited ARF Bureau representative Hagop Der Khatchadurian to the stage for a conversation. Der Khatchadurian emphasized that victory on May 28 was achieved through the patriotism, realism and sacrifice of the sons and daughters of Armenia, who had lived for six centuries under oppression, having suffered near extermination. He said that thanks to the long-lasting struggle of the devoted leaders of the Armenian republic and the prudent and decisive attitude of the Armenian army, the Armenian people gained their independence. “What happened was not a miracle but the indestructible will of the Armenian people to survive and to live freely,” Der Khatchadurian said. The Armenian people had their republic and statehood amidst poverty, persecution, hunger, disease and ruins. However, tangible social, cultural, economic and political improvements occurred. In a very short time, Armenia was strengthened to boldly stand on its own feet.

Mistress of ceremonies Nanor Kojanian Nerkizian in conversation with ARF Bureau representative Hagop Der Khatchadurian

Der Khachaturian stressed that the First Armenian Republic is the cornerstone of modern Armenian statehood, having survived Soviet Armenia and on to post-Soviet independence. He added that we should acknowledge and appreciate this seemingly impossible and unprecedented national achievement with pride. Yet, this joyous occasion did not last long. During two-and-a-half years of independence, the tricolors waved over the entire territory of the motherland as a symbol of Armenian statehood. The Armenian people became the masters of their national, political, economic, cultural, social, and military destiny. The Armenian people were free. Der Khatchadurian concluded that we should heed the message of the founders of the First Republic, the establishment of a free, independent Armenia to keep alive the spirit of unity, to preserve the independence and statehood of the motherland, to improve the social life of the motherland, and to strengthen the Armenian army.

He emphasized that after the fall of the independent Republic of Armenia and the establishment of Soviet rule, the Diaspora welcomed many of the founders of independent Armenia with an open heart and foresight. With full faith and conviction, the Diaspora embraced the sacred principles of these exiled leaders and founders, believing that the return to the homeland would be achieved, justice would be served, and the tricolor would fly over our homeland again. And so it happened.

ARF Bureau representative Hagop Der Khatchadurian (center) visiting the Armenian Museum of America in Watertown, MA.

Der Khatchadurian’s remarks were followed by a lively hour-long question-and-answer session. He implored all to not be discouraged, to not leave Armenia, to not abandon the Armenian cause, and to stand by our homeland firmly.

The Armenian Children’s Choir of Boston concluded the event by performing four popular pieces: Sardarabad, Zeytountsiner, Yerevan-Erebouni and Gakavik, as their inaugural performance under the capable leadership of Maestro Veranian.

ARF Bureau representative Hagop Der Khatchadurian (center) at St. Stephen’s Armenian Day School in Watertown, MA.

During his trip to the Greater Boston area, Der Khatchadurian visited several Armenian institutions in town, including St. Stephen’s Armenian Elementary School, where he met Principal Houry Boyamian; Dr. Garine Palandjian, Boyamian’s successor; and Artemis Megerdichian, the school’s Armenian language teacher. He spoke with the students about the significance of May 28 and our need for vigilance at all times. He also visited the Armenian Cultural Foundation at Arlington, where he was given a tour of the the foundation’s literary treasures by its director Ara Ghazarians. National Association for Armenian Studies and Research (NAASR) executive director Silva Sedrakian and library curator Ani Babaian welcomed Der Khatchadurian to NAASR’s new state-of-the-art facilities in Belmont, showcasing the voluminous collection of the institution. The next stop was the Armenian Museum of America in Watertown, where executive director Jason Sohigian and director of finance and building operation Berj Chekijian offered a great tour of the museum and its remarkable displays. Dr. Alisa Dumikyan, a visiting scholar at the museum, accompanied the staff and offered thoughtful remarks on the museum’s collections.

The final stop was the Tekeyan Cultural Center, where Der Khatchadurian was interviewed by editor of the Armenian Mirror-Spectator Aram Arkun. He also visited the Hairenik Association, meeting with the editors of the Hairenik and Armenian Weekly and visiting the ARF Central Committee of Eastern United States and the administrative offices of the Armenian Relief Society.

Author’s postscript: May 28, 1918 and Artsakh today

It is noteworthy that May 28 holds profound significance, reminding us not only of the resilience of the Armenian nation but also of the power of unity and determination in the face of adversity. In the spring of 1918, amid the turmoil of World War I, our ancestors faced a dire existential threat. The battles of Sardarabad, Karakilisa and Bash Abaran were not just military confrontations; they were decisive tests of our collective will, tenacity and unwavering love for our homeland.

We honor the heroic men and women who, at Sardarabad, turned back the Ottoman army, preventing the complete destruction of the Armenian nation. We remember the defenders of Karakilisia who, despite being outnumbered, fought with exceptional bravery and tenacity, embodying the spirit of sacrifice for our motherland. And we pay tribute to the fighters of Bash Abaran who held the line, demonstrating that the Armenian will could not be defeated.

These battles were a testament to the indomitable spirit of our people, and it was the Armenian Revolutionary Federation that played a pivotal role in mobilizing these efforts, organizing the defense and ultimately leading us toward independence. They rallied our people, instilled hope amidst despair and spearheaded our fight for freedom. Today, we stand on the shoulders of these giants. Their courage echoes through time, reminding us of our duty to preserve and protect the hard-won independence of our homeland.

As we remember our history, we cannot ignore the parallels with the current struggle of our brothers and sisters in Artsakh. The echoes of Sardarabad, Karakilisa and Bash Abaran resonate in the hills and plains of Artsakh today. Their struggle, like ours more than a century ago, is for the right to self-determination, to live in peace on the land that has been theirs from time immemorial.

Armenia’s past, marked by the resilience of its people and their struggle for independence, is mirrored in the present as the people of Artsakh strive for recognition and security. The spirit of 1918 must be kept alive in the hearts of every Armenian.  

The Armenian nation has been complacent, the ARF has made mistakes, and the Armenian authorities have not lived up to the standards they must be held to. A significant portion of the Armenians in Armenia have opted to reconcile with the path of least resistance, a path promoted by the current authorities, even if this path robs their children of a secure and thriving future in their ancestral homeland. The Armenians in the Diaspora have also reconciled themselves to a distant and not fully engaged relationship, all traumatized and beset by the harshness of the events of the past two and a half years.

The situation in Artsakh remains deeply troubling, as the region is continually plagued by unchecked Azeri aggression. The Armenian government, which must act as the guarantor of Artsakh’s security, appears to have abdicated its responsibility to safeguard the rights and security of the Artsakh population. Compounding this crisis is the unfortunate reality of international geopolitics: the US and European nations have shown a reluctance to challenge Azerbaijan’s aggression, seemingly swayed by considerations of oil access and broader strategic objectives, which include weakening regional powers such as Russia and Iran. The plight of the Armenians of Artsakh seems, regrettably, to have been overshadowed by these wider geopolitical games.

Their courage in the face of adversity is commendable and encouraging, illuminating the path toward hope and justice. Yet, the Armenian nation must reciprocate this courage. The ARF must be steadfast, go back to its roots, take the mantle to inspire, engage and lead the Armenian nation, and hold the Armenian authorities to task to right the nation’s ship.

Anatole France, a Nobel laureate, said: “Armenia is dying, but it will survive. The little blood that it still has left is precious blood that will give birth to a heroic generation. A nation that does not want to die, does not die.” These words ring as true today as they did originally in 1916. It is incumbent upon us all to make sure that this little blood continues to flow.

With that in mind, as we celebrate Armenia’s 108th year of independence, let us remember the sacrifices made, the battles fought and the victories won. Let us stand in solidarity with our kin in Artsakh and Armenia and pledge to support their right to self-determination, security and prosperity. For the same spirit that fueled the victories of Sardarabad, Karakilisa and Bash Abaran courses through our veins today.

The AYF Washington DC “Ani” Chapter hung a banner on the Azerbaijani embassy on day 1 of their 7 days of action.

WASHINGTON, DC—The Armenian Youth Federation – Youth Organization of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (AYF-YOARF) Washington DC “Ani” chapter completed a week of pro-Artsakh initiatives yesterday, culminating in a Greater Washington DC community-wide protest and march – from the Azerbaijani Embassy to the Armenian Embassy – rallying against the surrender of democratic Artsakh to genocidal Azerbaijan.

On day 2 of the chapter’s 7 days of action initiative, they hung a banner blocking the Armenian Embassy door.

The week of activism started with the hanging of a large banner outside the Azerbaijani Embassy in Washington, DC, condemning Azerbaijan’s aggression. They also placed signs that identified major Azerbaijani war criminals, such as Ilham Aliyev. The second day featured a sign outside of the Embassy of Armenia, affirming that “The one who surrenders land we will bury.” (Հող Յանձնողին Հողին կը Յանձնենք.)

On the third day, the AYF published an open letter demanding local businesses and government officials boycott Turkish and Azerbaijani products, as the countries continue to contribute to anti-Armenian aggression.

On day 3, the chapter laid out 120 candles in front of the Armenian Embassy in the shape of the Artsakh flag, to show their solidarity with the 120,000 civilians in Artsakh.

The fourth day saw AYFers arranging 120 candles in the shape of the Artsakh flag on the doorstep of the Armenian Embassy to symbolize 120,000 civilians the Pashinyan government has left behind as a result of its willingness to surrender Artsakh to Azerbaijan.

On the fifth day of action, a banner was dropped over busy Washington, DC overpasses during rush hour to spread awareness about the innocent Artsakh Armenians being blockaded by Azerbaijan.

On day 5 of the protest, chapter members hung a banner on overpasses in DC during rush hour.

In response to the arrival of Armenian foreign minister Ararat Mirzoyan in Washington, DC for “peace talks” with Azerbaijan, on the sixth day of action the AYF left blood-stained model hands at the doorstep of the Armenian Embassy – emphasizing Pashinyan’s responsibility for the surrender of Artsakh and the loss of Armenian lives.

The seventh day, coinciding with the US State Department-mediated talks between Armenian and Azerbaijani officials, saw AYF members gather with a cross-section of the local community for a pro-Artsakh protest march from the Azerbaijani Embassy to the Armenian Embassy – echoing the Artsakh Parliament’s stand that peace talks should be suspended until Azerbaijan ceases its aggression.

Chapter members laid out bloody model hands in front of the Armenian Embassy in protest of their concessions to Azerbaijan.

Beginning at the Azerbaijani Embassy, the youth-led march rallied with chants, and a speech was given by AYF DC “Ani” Chapter chair Nayiri Shahnazarian. She described how Azerbaijan had blocked off the Berdzor (Lachin) corridor for 200 days, “effectively creating one of the largest open-air prisons in the world.” She exclaimed that “today’s Azerbaijani attack which took the lives of four Artsakh Armenians – in the midst of so-called ‘peace talks’ proved, once again, that Aliyev and Erdogan have no intention of honoring any peace deal.”

Her message to Armenians around the world was that “when these dictatorships attempt to drown out our voices, we shout louder. When they try to crush our willpower, we push harder. When they try to eradicate our hope, we keep believing.” She emphasized that “we will continue to show up and stand up for Artsakh, for Syunik, and for the Armenian people all over the globe because there is nothing stronger than our love for our culture, our language, our people and our homeland.”

She urged government officials to recognize that “any peace discussion must respect the Artsakh people’s right to self-determination and include Artsakh leaders in the negotiations.” She concluded her speech by proclaiming that the Biden administration must stop “greenlighting a second genocide against the Armenian people.”

AYF Washington DC “Ani” Chapter Chair, Nayiri Shahnazarian, delivering her remarks to the crowd in front of the Azerbaijani Embassy.

Shahnazarian’s remarks were broadcast live on the AYF DC Ani Chapter’s Facebook and Twitter channels and are available on YouTube.

Protesters continued chanting as they began marching to the Armenian Embassy, making their voices ring throughout the streets of Washington’s embassy row.

After arriving at the Embassy of Armenia, ARF Sebouh Gomideh member Sosy Bouroujian made a powerful impact on the crowd by calling out the reckless and irresponsible actions of the Pashinyan regime and described how they continued to give “concessions to the butchers in Baku, by handing over our nation to those who seek to eliminate Artsakh and Armenia.”

ARF Sebouh Gomideh member Sosy Boroujian speaking to the crowd in front of the Armenian Embassy.

She continued by pointing out that the Pashinyan government seeks “normalization with the terrorists in Turkey, who continue their attempted displacement and extermination of the Armenian people, over 100 years after the Genocide.”

Bouroujian explained that if we “listen to his own words,” “read his own writings” and “look at his own actions,” that “the facts bear out this painful truth: Pashinyan never wanted Artsakh” and that “Nikol Pashinyan does not deserve to walk on the lands that so many gave their lives to defend.” She expressed that we need to “stand strong and true – shoulder to shoulder with Armenians across the world – and double down on our struggle for justice and recognition” so that “the legacy of Artsakh and Armenia will not be one of cowardice, subjugation or defeatism. It will be one of courage, freedom and victory.”

Bouroujian ended with the most important message of all: “We will not bow to the demands of the genocidal dictators of Erdogan and Aliyev. We will not bend to satisfy requests of normalization with forces who are intent on annihilating the Armenian nation. And we most certainly will not break our unwavering commitment to advancing Hai Tahd. Արար աշխարհ թող իմանայ: Հայը միշտ կայ և կը մնայ:”

Bouroujian’s remarks were broadcast live on the AYF Ani Chapter’s Facebook and Twitter channels and are available on YouTube.