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California Courier Online, May 19, 2005

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  • California Courier Online, May 19, 2005

    California Courier Online, May 19, 2005

    1 - Commentary
    Turkish Writer Shames Ankara
    For Denial of Armenian Genocide

    By Harut Sassounian
    California Courier Publisher
    2 - Catholicos Aram I Calls on German Churches
    To Support Recognition of Armenian Genocide
    3 - UCLA ASA Hosts May 22 Alumni Reception
    4 - Two Merdinian School
    Students Win Awards
    5 - Glendale Ghapan Sister City Sets Up
    Medical Delegation Visit to Armenia
    6 - Vanadzor Sister City Committee
    To Exhibit Children's Art, May 22
    7 - Tom Bozigian Will
    Provide Music for
    After Games Party
    8 - Soprano Karen Esperian to Attend
    June 13 Haigazian Celebration in L.A
    ************************************************** ***********************
    1 - Commentary
    Turkish Writer Shames Ankara
    For Denial of Armenian Genocide

    By Harut Sassounian
    Publisher, The California Courier

    An increasing number of Turks have been acknowledging recently the facts of
    the Armenian Genocide and openly expressing their sympathy toward the
    survivors of the horrible crime committed by their ancestors.
    However, no one should jump to the conclusion that the Turkish government
    is getting close to recognizing the Genocide. The Turkish leaders are
    becoming more, not less, recalcitrant in their refusal to face the facts of
    their bloody history. Not only are they denying that their ancestors
    committed genocide, but, incredibly, they are blaming the Armenians for
    killing millions of Turks! Furthermore, Prime Minister Erdogan is
    shamelessly calling on those countries that have already acknowledged the
    Armenian Genocide to apologize to Turkey! The Turkish parliament has even
    adopted new laws that criminalize the acknowledgment of the Armenian
    Genocide.
    There is a simple explanation for this wide divide between the Turkish
    people and their government. Turkey is not a democracy. The citizens of
    Turkey have very little influence on the policies of their government.
    The following very touching article by Ahmet Altan, a righteous Turkish
    writer, reflects how much Turkey must evolve before it can be classified
    among the ranks of civilized European nations. This article, translated
    into English, is simply titled "Genocide." It was posted in Turkish on
    www.gazetem.net on May 9:
    * * * * *
    I would like to ask you a very simple, ordinary question. Would you wish to
    have been an Armenian in 1915? No, you wouldn't. Because you now know that
    you would have been killed.
    Please stop arguing about the number of murdered or the denials or the
    attempts to replace pain with statistics. No one is denying that Armenians
    were murdered, right? It may be 300,000, or 500,000, or 1 million, or 1.5
    million. I don't know which number is the truth, or whether anyone knows
    the exact number.
    What I do know is that there are dead people and suffering behind these
    numbers. We forget that we are rally talking about human beings when we are
    passionately debating the numbers. Those numbers cannot make us understand
    the murdered babies, women, the elderly, the teenage boys and girls.
    If we leave these numbers aside, and if we allow ourselves to hear the
    story of only one of these murders, I am sure that even those of us who get
    enraged when they hear the words "Armenian Genocide" will feel the
    suffering and have tears in their eyes. Because they will then realize that
    we are talking about human beings.
    When we hear about a baby snatched from a mother's lap and killed by being
    smashed against the rocks, or a youth shot to death beside a hill, or an
    old woman strangled by her tender neck, even the most cold- hearted among
    us will be ashamed to say, "Yes, but they killed Turks too."
    Most of these people killed no one. These people became the innocent
    victims of a crazed government -- established on murder -- whose
    ruthlessness is only matched by its incompetence. This bloody insanity was
    so barbaric that we can neither take pride in nor be a part of. This was a
    slaughter that we should be ashamed of, and, if possible, share in the
    pain.
    I understand that the word "genocide" has a damningly critical importance,
    based on the fact that the Armenians, leaving aside the tragedy of their
    ancestors, continuously exclaim, "Accept the Genocide," and similarly, the
    Turks, while acknowledging that hundreds of thousands were killed, say "No,
    it was not at all a genocide."
    And yet, this word is not that important for me, no matter how significant
    it is in politics and diplomacy. What is more important for me is the fact
    that many innocent people were killed so barbarically.
    When I see the shadow that this great tragedy casts on our times, I see
    another great injustice done to the Armenians.
    Our guilt today is allowing the Armenians even to grieve for their cruelly
    killed relatives and parents. Which Armenian living in Turkey today can
    openly grieve and commemorate a murdered grandmother, grandfather or uncle?
    I have no part in the terrible sin committed by the Ittihadists, but the
    sin of not allowing grief for the dead belongs to all of us today. Do you
    really want to commit this sin?
    Is there anyone among us who would not shed tears for a family attacked and
    killed at home in the middle of the night, or for a little girl having lost
    her mother is left all alone in the hell called "deportation," or for her
    white-bearded Armenian grandfather shot to death?
    Whether you call it genocide or not, hundreds of thousands of human beings
    were murdered. Hundreds of thousands of lives were extinguished.
    The fact that some Armenian fighters also killed some Turks cannot be an
    excuse to mask the truth from our eyes.
    Every human being of conscience is capable of grieving for the murdered
    Armenians, Turks, and Kurds. If you ask me, we all should. Babies died;
    women and old people died. They died tormented, crying and horrified.
    Is it really so important for you what religion or race these murdered
    people had?
    Even in these terrifying times there were Turks who risked their lives
    trying to rescue Armenian children. We are as much the children of these
    rescuers as the children of the murderers.
    Instead of siding with the barbarism of the murderers, why don't we side
    with the rescuers' compassion, honesty, and courage? There are no more
    victims left to be rescued today, but there is grief to be shared and
    supported. What's the use of a bloody, warmongering dance around a deep
    pain?
    Forget the numbers, forget the Armenians, forget the Turks. Just think of
    the babies, teenagers, women and the elderly with broken necks, slashed
    bellies, and mutilated bodies. Think about these people, one by one.
    If nothing moves in you when you hear a baby wail as her mother is
    murdered, I have nothing to say to you. Add my name then to the list of
    "traitors."
    Because I am ready to share with the Armenians the grief of so many people
    killed. Because I believe there is something yet to be rescued from all
    these meaningless and callous arguments. That something is called
    "humanity."
    ************************************************** ************************
    2 - Catholicos Aram I Calls on German Churches
    To Support Recognition of Armenian Genocide
    ANTELIAS, Lebanon - Catholicos Aram I of the Great House of Cilicia has
    sent a letter to the spiritual head of the German Protestant Churches,
    Bishop Wolfgang Huber, expressing his desire that the German churches
    support the recognition of the Armenian Genocide.
    In the letter, the Pontiff praised the efforts of the German Parliament in
    adopting a resolution concerning the Armenian Genocide.
    "I understand that there is a growing interest in Germany in respect to the
    Armenian Genocide not only in academic but also in political circles. I
    also hear, with special joy indeed, that political parties led by the
    Christian Democrats will forward a resolution to the parliament aimed at
    the recognition of the Armenian Genocide. The parliament will discuss this
    matter in June 2005.
    "According to my information, in addition to the recognition of the
    Armenian Genocide, the German government intends to challenge Turkey to
    take a similar action. Recently, according to the press, Chancellor
    Schröeder during his visit to Turkey has already made a similar reference,"
    the Catholicos noted.
    Aram I also praised German Chancellor Gerhard Schröeder for bringing up the
    issue of the Armenian Genocide during his latest visit to Turkey.
    A long-lasting personal friendship and ecumenical relations connect the
    Catholicos and Bishop Huber. The latter has been a member of the Central
    Committee of the World of Council of Churches and the two spiritual heads
    have participated in many meetings in ecumenical circles together.
    ************************************************** ***************
    3 - UCLA ASA Hosts
    Alumni Reception May 22
    WESTWOOD, Calif, - The UCLA Armenian Student Association (ASA) will be
    celebrating the 60th anniversary of its existence with an alumni reception
    on May 22 at UCLA's Kerckhoff Grand Salon.
    Established in 1945, the ASA has continued to strive to spread Armenian
    history and culture throughout the UCLA student community. Whether planning
    a culture show, a genocide awareness event, or a social mixer, the ASA has
    consistently put together quality programming to serve the student
    community. This year, the organization decided to not only give back to the
    students but to fellow alumni as well.
    The networking event will include guest speakers and a photo slide show
    highlighting various years throughout ASA history. Proceeds from the
    program will be used towards various UCLA ASA programs and to build a
    school in Armenia.
    Through networking, the ASA has attempted to get in contact with a number
    of UCLA alums and former ASA members to take part in the event.
    "This is something that the ASA has decided to put together to give back to
    the community," said program coordinator Maral Karagozian. "It was a great
    challenge to start from scratch and attempt to locate as many former ASA
    members as possible."
    To RSVP, call: 626-372-4630.
    ************************************************** ************
    4 - Two Merdinian School
    Students Win Awards
    SHERMAN OAKS, Calif. - Two Merdinian School students won awards in the
    "Armenian Olympiad" organized by the Armenian Engineers and Scientists of
    America (AESA) in March. Fifteen students, from sixth through eight grades
    participated.
    Seventh graders Thalia Bajakian and Alex Cohen were awarded Third and
    Honorable Mention places, respectively, in the Physical Sciences category.
    Nine students from Merdinian also participated in the L.A. County Science
    Fair on April 20. Cohen again was a finalist, receiving an Honorable
    mention medal. Amongst all juniors, he was the winner of a special award
    from the American Meteorological Society, L.A. Chapter, for having the
    "Best Weather-Relate" project. Cohen was also selected to advance to the
    California Science Fair on May 23.
    Founded in 1982, the C. & E. Merdinian School is accredited by the Western
    Association of Schools and Colleges. The school offers a strong academic
    program, from pre-school through middle school, emphasized Christian and
    ethical values, teaching Armenian and American traditions. Registrations
    for the academic year 2005-2006 have started. For information, contact the
    school office at (818) 907-8149.
    ************************************************** ************************
    5 - Glendale Ghapan Sister City Sets Up
    Medical Delegation Visit to Armenia
    GLENDALE, CA - The Glendale Ghapan Sister City Association (GGSCA)
    announced that it has organized a delegation of medical experts and
    professionals to visit Armenia in September of this year. The non-profit
    organization - which was founded in 2001 to foster relations, as well as
    cultural and economic cooperation between Glendale, California and Ghapan,
    Armenia - has assembled the delegation in order to promote a better
    understanding of Armenia's history, people and culture among Glendale's
    medical community, and to familiarize Armenia's health administrators and
    professionals with the American healthcare system model.
    The delegation includes Larry Zarian, Governing Board Member of Glendale
    Adventist Hospital and former Glendale City Councilmember; Scott Reiner,
    Chief Executive Officer of Glendale Adventist Hospital; Carl Ermshar, the
    hospital's Chief of Staff; Dr. Alber Karamanoukian, a Glendale-based
    physician; and representatives of GGSCA.
    "We are very excited about our upcoming delegation to Armenia," said Artin
    Manoukian, President of GGSCA. "Both the delegation, as well as the medical
    community in Armenia, will learn a great deal from this exchange, and as a
    result will be able to provide a higher quality of care to their patients
    in the long run."
    The delegation will travel to Yerevan, and Ghapan. During the expedition,
    the delegation will visit medical institutions as well as meet with various
    medical professionals, government officials and health administrators. The
    delegation will also visit historical and cultural sites throughout the two
    cities.
    "Because of Glendale's large Armenian population, the City's medical
    community provides care to thousands of Armenians," said Larry Zarian,
    Governing Board Member of Glendale Adventist Hospital. "Through exchanges
    such as this delegation, our health providers can become more familiar with
    the culture and history of the people they serve."
    ************************************************** ************************
    6 - Vanadzor Sister City Committee
    To Exhibit Children's Art, May 22
    PASADENA - A unique display of fine art works produced by six, seven and
    eight year old children from Vanadzor will be held May 22, from three to
    five o'clock, hosted by the Vanadzor Sub-committee of Pasadena Sister
    Cities. The paintings will be displayed at the AGBU Social Hall, 2495 East
    Mountain Street, corner of Altadena Drive.
    Also included in the exhibit are paintings and ceramics from a number of
    Pasadena's public and parochial school students.
    Committee member, Forrest Turpen, Chief Operating Officer of the Christian
    Educators Association International, who has visited Armenia on three
    different occasions, working with local outreach and in public schools in
    Vanadzor, will present a brief Power Point presentation at 4 p.m. He is
    responsible for bringing the 50 or more paintings from the children of
    Vanadzor.
    Sub-Committee Chair Seda Marootian extends an invitation to all those who
    are interested in viewing these paintings. The exhibit will be held for one
    day only. Among the dignitaries invited to make presentations are Consul
    General Gagik Kirakosyan and Pasadena Mayor Bill Bogaard.
    Vanadzor committee members include Joan Reyes, Marguerite Hougasian, Mary
    Terzian, Silva Kazangian, Rose Avakian.
    Refreshments will be served. Admission is free.
    ************************************************** *************************
    7- Tom Bozigian Will
    Provide Music for
    After Games Party
    FRESNO - DJ Tom Bozigian will provide both Armenian and American dance at
    the Armenian Summer Games After Party at the Buchanan High School in
    Clovis, June 18. The festivities will begin at 6:30 p.m. with mezza,
    The Western Armenian Athletic Association's 35th Annual Summer Games will
    take place June 17-19 at the Buchanan campus.
    Games will include men's basketball, women's volleyball, tennis, and track
    and field. The modern facilities at Buchanan include an all-weather track,
    where the track and field competition will take place on June 18. Track and
    field events will be open to people of all ages and be contested in age
    groups. Tennis will also be held on Saturday and will include singles and
    doubles competition by age groupings.
    Two on-campus gymnasiums will be home to the basketball and volleyball
    tournaments. Participants will receive a souvenir T-shirt and complimentary
    ticket to the traditional post meet picnic.
    This year's summer games are dedicated to the memory of the late Dr. Ara
    Hairabedian, long time coach of water sports at California State
    University, Fresno, and an enthusiastic participant and WAAA supporter for
    many years.
    For more information, applications, etc., access the website:
    www.armenianssummergames.com.
    ************************************************** ************************
    8 - Soprano Karen Esperian to Attend
    June 13 Haigazian Celebration in L.A.
    LOS ANGELES - Metropolitan Opera diva Karen Esperian will attend a special
    celebration luncheon hosted by the Los Angeles Women's Auxiliary of
    Haigazian University on June 13 at the Los Angeles Jonathan Club.
    No stranger to Haigazian, Esperian will long be remembered as a special
    guest at the Auxiliary's gala reception after her acclaimed 1993
    performance in La Boheme. She and Placido Domingo captivated hundreds of
    guests at that post-opera event in the Music Center's Founders Room. It is
    noteworthy that both luminaries, stressed the importance of Haigazian's
    critical role in the Middle East.
    Esperian will sing the lead role of Alice Ford in the May-June Los Angeles
    Opera production of Verdi's final masterpiece, Falstaff.
    Those who wish to attend this exclusive event may contact: Elizabeth
    Agbabian, 310-476-5306, Hermine Janoyan, 818-342-4600, or Susie Phillips,
    323-933-8643.
    All funds raised are designated for Haigazian's 50th anniversary
    scholarship fund.
    ************************************************** ************************
    The California Courier On-Line is a service provided by the California
    Courier. Subscriptions or changes of address should not be transmitted
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    to (818) 409-0949; faxed to: (818) 409-9207, or e-mailed to:
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    --Boundary_(ID_kzUZAzmqh2ECHyGsAYrwsQ)--
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