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  • Merrimack Valley Steps Up Genocide Talks

    Merrimack Valley Steps Up Genocide Talks

    http://www.armenianweekly.com/2014/02/21/merrimack-valley-steps-up-genocide-talks/
    By Tom Vartabedian // February 21, 2014


    NORTH ANDOVER, Mass.--In an era marked by violence and chaos throughout
    the world, more and more schools throughout the Merrimack Valley are
    looking to learn about the Armenian Genocide.

    Participants in a human rights forum at Pentucket Regional High
    School. (L-R) Students Alyson Ruzycky and Cody Sedler; George Aghjayan
    (Armenian Genocide), Dr. Ivy Helman (Jewish Holocaust), Claude Kaitare
    (Rwandan Genocide); and instructor JC Honer.

    Whether it's in the form of a classroom presentation or panel
    discussion on human rights, schools are looking for answers to help
    curb dissention and turmoil among their fellow man.

    Members of the Armenian Genocide Education Committee of Merrimack
    Valley have embraced a more active stand in what has become their
    seventh year of activity inside public high schools and colleges.

    Joining the group is Dr. Ara Jeknavorian, an ANC activist and church
    deacon, replacing Albert S. Movsesian, a longtime presenter who
    retired due to health reasons.

    "Ara's presence on this committee adds a new dimension," said Dro
    Kanayan, committee chairman. "His knowledge of world history and
    genocide studies makes him an important teaching tool in our schools.
    He's prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice of time and commitment."

    A number of schools have already been approached this year, joined by
    newcomer Pentucket Regional High School of West Newbury, Mass. Four
    separate classrooms were taught about the genocide, numbering some 100
    students.

    More than twice that number attended an assembly on human rights
    titled, "The Causes and Legacies of Genocide." Among the speakers was
    George Aghjayan, an historian, writer, and political activist.

    Aghjayan drew from his own family accounts, including a grandmother
    who escaped brutality by becoming a slave.



    Chelmsford High students hold up signs commemorating the Armenian
    Genocide during a panel discussion on human rights. (L-R) Instructor
    JJ Doak, Rebecca Holland, Nick Andre, Joseph Fontaine, and Shelagh
    Curran.

    "Prejudices still exist," he said. "We've become children of the
    sword. Desecration is still taking place in Turkey with no admission
    of guilt. It behooves us all to approach the United States government
    and demand recognition. I hope to see the day when Armenians will have
    their land restored."

    Aghjayan was joined by Dr. Ivy Helman, speaking on the Jewish
    Holocaust, and Claude Kaitare, telling of the Rwandan Genocide.

    Aghjayan was asked, "What are your impressions of why the Turkish
    government is not recognizing the genocide?"

    "I think it's coming," he answered. "Whether to join the European
    Union or to avoid greater embarrassment. It's been tremendously
    harmful to the Turks. Just look at all the money they're spending to
    deny the genocide."

    At Chelmsford High, students held up signs commemorating the Armenian
    Genocide, joined by their instructor JJ Doak, a long-time catalyst
    toward genocide studies at this school.

    "As young adults, make yourselves aware when you see violence in the
    world," she told the students during her introduction. "You need to be
    upstanders, not bystanders."

    Jeknavorian presented an overview of Armenian history, covering the
    turbulent years and leading into the immigration process and current
    status. He, too, talked about his family's experience in the genocide.

    "It's inconceivable for me to see my own children ever facing such a
    horror," he lamented. "During an actual genocide, don't assume that
    some guardian angel will come to the rescue. It just won't happen. We
    need an action plan to stop it. We need to remain vigilant. Make your
    voices be heard among deniers."

    He was joined by Dr. Helman and Azem Dervisevic, who spoke about the
    Bosnian Genocide.

    The programs have drawn press coverage from local papers. In all, a
    dozen schools will hear the Armenian Genocide message, including a
    double session at Northern Essex Community College. Two Greater Boston
    schools have also joined the curriculum: Melrose and Newton South. A
    North Shore home schooling consortium also recently welcomed Armenian
    Genocide education.

    Additional support is being rendered through the organization Facing
    History and Ourselves, based in Brookline.

    This April, a delegation of students and instructors from Wilmington
    High will be recognized during a commemoration at the Massachusetts
    State House for their proactive role as lobbyists.

    With next year's Centennial approaching, efforts are being made to
    reach out to the private school sector as well, along with major
    programs at the college level.

    "Many of the students who have learned from this platform have turned
    into ambassadors for Armenian issues," said Kanayan. "They're writing
    their political constituents and federal authorizes, demanding justice
    for the Armenians. We've mobilized teachers in these schools to play
    an assertive role. We've gotten the point across and intend to
    continue with our mission."

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