WASHINGTON, DC – An Armenian Youth Federation (AYF) Washington DC Ani chapter-led community-wide protest against Azerbaijan’s attack on Armenia was met by a hostile pro-Aliyev mob that, under the direction of Azerbaijani Ambassador Elin Suleymanov, unloaded a toxic barrage of hate-speech and threats of violence.

“Armenians want peace, Azerbaijan wants war” was the Armenian American community’s message of the day on Saturday, as they flashed peace signs and condemned the Azerbaijani targeting of civilians, which resulted in the bombing of a kindergarten in Tavush’s Aygepar village, the temporary closing of a PPE mask-making factory, and even Azerbaijani threats to shell Armenia’s Metsamor nuclear power plant.

Ambassador Suleymanov was videotaping and speaking on his phone as his followers participated in a bizarre mixture of yelling hateful slogans and joyful dancing in the face of the President Aliyev-ordered onslaught, which began on July 12th, that has left at least 15 Azerbaijani soldiers dead, with reports of more casualties. At times, the protesters were inches apart, with police protecting Armenian Americans against advancing Azerbaijani counter-protesters.

“We saw Aliyev export his aggression to the streets of Washington, DC today – under Ambassador Suleymanov’s direction; but we delivered our message of peace and support for the Armenian Homeland,” said AYF DC Chapter Chairman Alex Manoukian. “It is long past time for the international community to stop the fake, even-handed peace rhetoric and issue a clear condemnation of Azerbaijan’s attacks. Anything less only emboldens Aliyev’s war-mongering.”

AYF treasurer Kristine Antanesian offered powerful remarks in Armenian, sharing the Armenian American community’s unflinching support for Armenian soldiers defending the nation, and enduring commitment to a free, independent and united homeland.

The Washington, DC protest was part of a worldwide chain of Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF) Youth organized demonstrations in Australia, Canada, France, Netherlands, Sweden, United Kingdom and in the Armenian homeland. In addition to toxic rhetoric, Armenian protesters were attacked in London and targeted by rock throwers in the Netherlands. In the US, additional protests are planned in Los Angeles, with the AYF Western U.S.-led effort taking place at the Azerbaijani consulate on Tuesday, July 21st at 2:00pm PDT.

The AYF has joined the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) in calling on Congress to support a series of amendments to restrict US military aid to Azerbaijan and continue U.S. demining assistance to Artsakh (Nagorno Karabakh). Congressional votes are scheduled the week of July 20th. To support the effort, visit anca.org/alert and anca.org/call.

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ANCA

The Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) is the largest and most influential Armenian-American grassroots organization. Working in coordination with a network of offices, chapters and supporters throughout the United States and affiliated organizations around the world, the ANCA actively advances the concerns of the Armenian American community on a broad range of issues. To learn more, visit www.anca.org.

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In April of 2015, I came across a statement Erdogan had made about Armenians “fixing” commemorative events to coincide with the Gallipoli ceremonies on purpose. I remember sitting in my freshman dorm on that very late night, frustrated and fed up with it all. I immediately took to pen and paper and began writing my “letter to Turkey,” while reminding myself that in that moment, the pen was mightier than the sword…

It seems I have this habit of writing when I feel anger.

Months ago, I came across a video of a teacher in Azerbaijan teaching her students about their enemy: Armenia. I was outraged, of course, but unfortunately not surprised. This video resurfaced on my Instagram feed a couple of days ago, and I was even more angry with myself for not doing anything about it when I had first seen it. I continued watching it, over and over again, becoming increasingly more angry, infuriated and anxious for what they are capable of. One of the worst things about social media is that once you are invested in something, you dig deeper and deeper for more information. So after watching this video, I wound up reading comment, after comment, after comment. The first few bothered me, I will admit, but I wish they hadn’t. I soon realized that these people, who claim themselves a nation, are so incredibly divided, misunderstood by one another and confused. One comment read, “Armenia is the attacker” while another read “we attacked you yesterday and we will do it again today and tomorrow.” And I realized, they’ve all learned the same lesson. They’ve all learned to hate. 

I then thought back to my own childhood…to my eight years of attending St Stephen’s Armenian Elementary School, the following six years of Saturday School, to my AYF experience, to my upbringing. There was no instance, no memory, no explicit lesson taught in any way, shape or form to make me “hate” any race… any single human being. If anything, the word “hate” was banned, as I brought up in my 2015 article. I was left to make my own judgements, create my own feelings. We try our best to pass that on to today’s youth. To ensure that they don’t grow up feeling hate and instead are able to feel the pride of their people. To wear their flag, to keep their heads up high and to never stop fighting for their rights. 

I believe in the power of education wholeheartedly. Nelson Mandela once explained it as “the most powerful weapon we can use to change the world.” As leaders and educators in our respective communities, let us never forget how much we influence what children learn and how easily they are able to interpret our emotions, feelings and judgments. Let us never stoop so low, to their level, to teach hate. If we do nothing else, let us promise that we will always, always teach our children to take the high road. 

As Armenians, I hope we never change. I hope we continue to tell our timeless stories and share them through song and dance. I hope we continue to speak our beautiful language, to be proud of ourselves. Defend ourselves. I hope we stand up to and be there for others, just as we would expect from non-Armenians when we need them most. I hope we win again. And most importantly, I hope that we never lose hope.

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Ani Khachatourian

Ani Khachatourian is a member of the Armenian Youth Federation – Youth Organization of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (AYF-YOARF) Greater Boston “Nejdeh” chapter. She is an Emerson College graduate student, and she works in Special Education.

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BOSTON, Mass.—More than 50 members of the Greater Boston community participated in a die-in protest on Wednesday afternoon outside the Thomas O’Neill Federal Building, calling on Azerbaijan to end its aggression towards Artsakh and Armenians around the world.

“We want to shed light on what’s happening in Armenia,” said Alexis Cormier, chair of the Armenian Youth Federation (AYF) Greater Boston “Nejdeh” Chapter at the helm of the peaceful demonstration. “Youth have a bigger voice than they think.”

On July 12, 2020, Armenian officials say Azerbaijan violated the United Nation’s call for ceasefire amid a global pandemic and initiated deadly border clashes in the Armenian region of Tavush. Five Armenian soldiers have died after Azeri forces attacked schools, villages and homes as well as a factory that was producing masks to be used during the pandemic. Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Defense has also threatened to bomb Armenia’s Metsamor Nuclear Power Plant. 

The fighting has compelled Diasporan Armenians around the world to express their solidarity with their homeland in the form of mass protests. In Boston on Wednesday evening, there was a more subdued, but equally powerful effort by activists from the local AYF chapter. Young people spread their bodies on the sidewalk on Causeway Street, quietly clutching Armenian flags and signs that read “Armenia Wants Peace,” “Stop Azeri Aggression” and “Armenia Strong.”

The emotive display was also an educational opportunity for non-Armenians and passersby. Many honked their cars in support, while others even joined the effort and participated in the chants. “The repercussions [of the Genocide] are strong as ever right now, and these same ideologies are so prominent against Armenians,” explained Luke Chobanian from Belmont, whose family escaped from Van during the Armenian Genocide. “I want to do anything I can to raise awareness and stand up for my people.”

Wednesday’s die-in protest was largely peaceful in nature, but there were several instances that were reminiscent of ongoing anti-Armenian sentiments that have resurfaced in recent days. Roughly two hours into the protest, reckless Azeri drivers took to the streets causing havoc. At one point, they drove dangerously close at an angle towards Armenian youth protestors who were chanting “No war” and raising their hands in the air signaling peace. The Azerbaijani drivers were mere centimeters away before swerving off. Another pair of cars were seen crashing into each other after circling the block multiple times and cursing and mocking Armenian youth.

The group was also confronted with the neo-fascist Turkish sign of the Gray Wolf, a racist and xenophobic symbol that has been widely used recently among counter-protesters against Armenians. Outnumbered Azerbaijani protesters also threw water bottles at the Armenian group and chanted “Death to the Armenian” and “Stop Armenian aggression.”

“No matter how much they want to get rid of us, they will never be able to,” said Hovig Jamsakian of Billerica, Mass. “They’ve failed for centuries, and we will keep on fighting.” 

Longtime AYF Boston “Nejdeh” Chapter member Meghri Dervartanian led Armenian youth in multiple chants depicting Armenia’s efforts towards peace. “The torch has now been passed to us. It is up to us to educate those around us about the truth and only the truth. It is up to us to let the world know, to friend or foe alike, we will continue the revolution at any cost,” said Dervartanian in her passionate description of her commitment to the Armenian cause. “Nothing will hinder us from our will to survive and our ultimate goal for a free, independent and united Armenia.”

Dervartanian will be among another group of participants in a flash mob protest led by the Homenetmen Boston Chapter that is scheduled for Saturday evening at Harvard Square. Masks will be required, and gloves will be provided.

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Kristina Ayanian

Kristina Ayanian is a recent graduate of Bentley University with a double major in finance and global studies and a minor in corporate communications. She was a reporter for ABC's Teen Kids News, whose episode interviewing Prince Edward of England was nominated for the 2014 Emmy's. She enjoys performing and has been invited to sing and play piano at Carnegie Hall. In February 2020, Kristina was crowned Miss Boston 2020.

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CAMBRIDGE, Mass.—One of Boston’s most iconic settings served as a dance floor for a small group of spirited young Armenians on Saturday as part of the Diaspora’s growing response to the deadly flare-up on the Armenia-Azerbaijan border.

“There’s no better way to show how Armenians are fighting for peace than through dance,” said Meghri Dervartanian, a member of the scouting and athletic group Homenetmen Boston. “Dance is a common language. You don’t have to be Armenian to understand it.” 

Dervartanian was hand in hand with Sayat Nova Dance Company of Boston member Araz Ashjian performing “yarkhushta” in the middle of Harvard Square as Azeri counter-protesters draped in their national flags tried to disrupt their choreography and flashed grey wolf hand signs. Within moments, other participants joined in the Armenian ceremonial war dance.

There were at least two instances where counter-protesters unplugged the Armenian music in footage that was live-streamed on the Armenian Weekly Facebook page. At one point, an unfamiliar Azeri song echoed from the loud speakers. Undaunted, the young people patiently waited until they heard the popular Armenian folk song “Mer Barere” (“Our Dances”) to resume dancing with the chief intent to lead a uniquely peaceful demonstration and raise awareness to passersby about the ongoing hostilities in the Tavush region.

“We want to be heard,” expressed Homenetmen Boston member Anto Terzian, who helped hold a massive sign that read, “Azerbaijan wants war. Armenia wants peace.” Others, like Armenian Youth Federation (AYF) Greater Boston “Nejdeh” Chapter member Nairi Krafian, conversed with inquisitive patrons and even invited two non-Armenians to join in the dancing. “They were very receptive,” explained Krafian. “They liked that it was a positive protest with dancing and happiness rather than anger and yelling.”

Overall, aside from a few verbal confrontations over rights to project their respective songs, the flash mob was nonviolent, but nonetheless taking place in a rather unsettling and hostile environment. That’s what compelled the Armenian youth to move their demonstration after two songs to a spot less than 50 feet away outside the Harvard Square station.

“It just showed how strong we are,” said Knar Krafian, who told the Weekly she felt proud to be Armenian. “We’re not going to respond to their calls for violence,” she continued. 

The Armenian Weekly did sit down with a counter-protester, who was watching his associates sing from afar. The interviewee, however, asked that his identity be kept private and his answers to the Weekly’s questions about the ongoing developments and anti-Armenian rhetoric remain undocumented. Azeris later interjected the brief discussion and began yelling “Karabakh is Azerbaijan.”

Following the demonstration, reports suddenly surfaced on Saturday night of an alleged altercation between a group of Armenians and Azeris that reportedly ended in violence. Cambridge Police, however, tell the Armenian Weekly that officers were sent to the area of Brattle Street and Farwell Place at around 8:30 for a report of a fight. Police say the individuals involved had already left the scene upon their arrival. No injuries were reported. To help clear any confusion, organizers with the Homenetmen Boston Chapter did release a statement on Facebook alerting its community that none of their members were involved in the alleged attacks and that no one from their organization was attacked or harmed. “Our organization will continue to work to preserve our culture and provide a place for Homenetmenagans to become active and thoughtful members of our community,” concluded the statement.

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Leeza Arakelian

Assistant Editor

Leeza Arakelian is the assistant editor for the Armenian Weekly. She is a formally trained broadcast news writer and a graduate of UCLA and Emerson College. Leeza has written and produced for local and network television news including Boston 25 and Al Jazeera America.

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Dear Armenian soldier, 

I have a secret. When I was a little girl, I would hide under my covers at night to protect myself. After hearing the stories of our ancestors, I thought that my family and friends would be kidnapped by the Turks next. To reassure myself, I remembered that the Armenian people were not weak, but vigorous. I knew that you would not allow such a thing to happen, and I would eventually fall asleep.

Now that I’m a little older, and a little wiser, I know for sure that the Armenian community in America, being thousands of kilometers away from its homeland, is safe here. But we are uneasy and fearful at the thought of our homeland under threat. I am sure you will fight with all your might to defend our nation and homeland. Although we cannot fight beside you at our borders, we will fight through peaceful protests, through writing, and most importantly through educating those around us about the truth, and only the truth. 

No one will understand or assume your difficulties until they witness it. That is why I always wonder. What is going through your mind when you are preparing for war? How do you pass the time?

Perhaps you are singing around the fire lost in our beautiful Armenian mountains, “However much it may be necessary, we will fight like this, for the Armenian nation, my brother and I” to inspire and awaken one another before going to battle the next day. Perhaps, you dance “Msho Khr” shoulder to shoulder or hit each other’s hands as hard as possible during “Yarkhushta” so that the enemy hears that the Armenians are coming. Perhaps you think of those sleepless mothers who wait impatiently for their children to return home. Perhaps you think of the little boy who lost his father and is now the proud son of a hero. Perhaps you are keeping watch tonight, ordered by the commander of your military unit to remain vigilant. Perhaps you are that commander. Perhaps you are drinking a toast in memory of your brothers in arms who died, the ones who were defending the same position, the same border, the same land just a few days ago but tragically fell victim to the enemy’s atrocities. Those fallen soldiers are immortalized in our memories. Their precious blood has helped liberate our beloved homeland. 

Dear Armenian soldier, if you ever read this letter one day, know that the reason seven year-old Meghri and now 23 year-old Meghri sleeps peacefully at night is only due to your courage and self-sacrifice.

With love always, 

Meghri Dervartanian

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Meghri Dervartanian

Meghri Dervartanian is a member of the AYF-YOARF Greater Boston "Nejdeh" Chapter and currently serves on the 2019 Central Executive. She is also a Homenetmen scout and athlete. She graduated from University of Massachusetts Boston in May 2019 with a degree in Business Management and a concentration in Marketing.

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CHICAGO, Ill.—On Sunday, July 26, members of the Chicago Armenian community came together to remember the sacrifices of the Lisbon 5 and reflect on their legacy in this time of crisis. Keeping our community together while we are physically apart, the event was live streamed after a requiem service at All Saints Church, with words from the Chicago Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF) “Christapor” Gomideh, Very Rev. Ghevont Pentezian and the Armenian Youth Federation (AYF) “Ararat” Chapter reading the enduring messages of the Armenian Revolutionary Army and the Lisbon 5.  

On July 27, 1983, Sarkis Abrahamian, Setrak Ajemian, Vatche Daghlian, Ara Kurjuhlian and Simon Yahneyan stormed the Turkish Embassy in Lisbon with the goal of occupying it and raising global awareness of the denial of the Armenian Genocide. The attempt ultimately failed; when the five men were trapped inside the embassy, they blew up the building, killing themselves, as well as the Turkish diplomat’s wife and a Portugese police officer. This event was a tragic loss of life that was felt deeply in the Armenian community. 

When I was first asked to be a part of this commemoration, I, like many people, had trouble understanding the significance that the Lisbon 5 has for many in our community. Without context, the act can seem like a senseless loss of life and a failure to accomplish its original goal. But, as I have become an active member of the AYF, I realize that I inherit its rich and complex history. And as an Armenian and an American, I know how important it is to grapple with difficult histories. Understanding the past is essential to impacting the present, so I took the time to educate myself and understand what happened 37 years ago. The more I learned, the more things made sense. 

In 1983, the young men of the Lisbon 5 lived in a state of civil war in Lebanon, where they were often forced to defend their neighborhoods and communities through violence. The world was nearing the end of a period of decolonization, where many states gained the right to self-determination through a violent struggle. Why then, would Armenians not take up arms for their cause?

As Armenians, the Lisbon 5 had seen their families’ homelands stolen and desecrated for decades in Western Armenia. They had seen the genocide of their families denied and completely ignored for years by international bodies that claimed to care about human rights. Armenians had been advocating peacefully for the recognition of the Genocide since the first protest in 1965 and were frustrated by the world’s refusal to hear their pleas. Seeing no other way to shock the world into action, the Lisbon 5 gave up the most precious thing they had: their lives.

Today we remember the Lisbon 5 because of the impact they had on the Armenian community. Their loss was deeply felt by the many who knew them and were acquainted with them, and many young Armenians at the time saw themselves in these five young men who would be 19, 20 and 21 forever. Five years later, in 1988, they would see themselves in the soldiers who died in the Karabakh war, sacrificing themselves for the right to live in their homeland. Today, I see myself, my brother and my friends in the six soldiers who have been killed during the recent attacks on Armenia. 

Mourning for those who have died to gain freedom for Armenians is a sobering reminder that we can never rest. As Armenians today, we must honor the legacy of the Lisbon 5 and the soldiers who have taken up the armed struggle since by doing our part for our communities around the world. 

As we remember these tragic losses today, Armenia and Armenians are once again under attack. We must stand with the soldiers who are defending Armenia today. We must stand with the Armenians of Lebanon, who are an integral pillar of our global community and have faced extreme political and economic hardship recently. Today we can honor the memory of the Lisbon 5 by answering their call to take action and support Armenians. We must use our voices to speak out, educate and advocate. We must use any resources we have to support our defenders and help rebuild the communities that are under attack. We must unite our communities around the world to work for the goal that the Lisbon 5 sacrificed themselves for: the goal of a free, independent and united Armenia. 

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Araxie Cass

Araxie Cass is a member of the AYF Chicago Ararat Chapter, as well as a student of Creative Writing and Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations at the University of Chicago. Her work includes creative non-fiction and short stories, focusing on Armenian topics, as well as social justice, culture and community.

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When the large scale attacks by Azerbaijan started in Armenia this month, it felt more personal to me. These attacks on our homeland should motivate every Armenian to extend a hand or, at the very least, use their voice to raise awareness and help stop this crisis. I immediately recalled my 2017 trip to the targeted and vulnerable villages of Koghb and Berd, where I met the locals and heard their stories and learned their fears. 

I was an intern with the AYF Internship program in Armenia. We took a trip to the northeastern province of Tavush, where I served as a design intern for the Homeland Development Initiative Foundation (HDIF). HDIF’s mission is to create jobs and industries in remote communities throughout Armenia, where villagers use their skills like crochet, sewing and woodwork to create unique products from our homeland and market these products around the world. Our goal was to document these remote communities and share the good work they are doing in partnership with HDIF. We wanted to tell their story. 

I didn’t expect to be spending my summer in an area which I knew very little about, especially since it was my first time visiting Armenia. I had only learned about the larger villages and cities as an Armenian school student and AYF member. However, this trip really opened my eyes to the communities in our nation which struggle with lack of opportunity and the threat of attack from Azerbaijan.

It took a few hours to get to Berd, but it was a scenic journey with winding mountainous roads and lush landscapes. When we arrived just outside the village, we pulled over to take some pictures next to the welcome sign. I remember the hill road overlooking the village with the border of Azerbaijan not far ahead in the distance.

We interviewed several women from “Berd Bears,” who make crochet teddy bears and other animals; it’s considered a bestseller in the HDIF catalogue. While speaking with these women, I learned more about what their lives are like. They are far from the opportunities in Yerevan and are susceptible to border clashes with Azeri forces. I felt a sense of frustration, but an optimism to carry on and make the best of things. They want to survive, prosper and sustain themselves. I personally have never felt this way, but exposing myself to this environment helped me empathize with them. This sense of empathy comes from a shared experience of a tragic family history. Although my family suffered from the Genocide and was displaced, I now live comfortably in the United States. But there are Armenians who do not share in that fortune. They continue to deal with hardships and do anything they can to make a living and survive. I felt compelled to help, but also bond as a fellow Armenian with one common goal—a free, independent and united Armenia.

We also visited Koghb. As we twisted and turned through the mountain roads, I vividly remember seeing sniper pillboxes where Armenian soldiers stood on alert, waiting for any possible attack by Azerbaijan. That felt very strange to say the least, driving around my homeland and seeing bits of what reality is really like—to be a landlocked country with neighbors who only want to bring death and suffering to my people. But the experience helped me realize that many young men were putting their lives on the line to defend what we have, most of whom are close to my age. 

These recent attacks reminded me of these experiences from three years ago. That trip made me feel afraid, sad, angry and uneasy, but also proud and optimistic for what the future holds in these communities that are affected by war, but driven to look on the bright side. I hope this story shines some light on what it’s like to visit these border villages of Armenia because all they want is peace and prosperity to carry on without fear. But others on our borders disagree…

There is now word of joint military exercises between Azerbaijan and Turkey. This is an aggressive and dangerous tactic given the recent attacks by Azerbaijan along the eastern borders of Armenia and Artsakh. Turkey and Azerbaijan are threatening a regional war, simple as that. I fear these “war games” are part of a military offensive to expand, just like what happened in northern Syria, but in our homeland. Our soldiers, undoubtedly, will be closely monitoring these military actions and will be prepared to defend our borders. We here in the Diaspora will faithfully support them.

Armenians worldwide have been responding to these attacks with mass demonstrations. We have come with messages of peace and unity. We are in tough times to say the least. But our support and national pride for our people will not be tarnished by the aggressors or any obstacles which get in our way.

You attack our communities, we rebuild what is destroyed. You kill our servicemen, we honor them as martyrs and continue the fight. You assault our people from LA, Boston, Brussels, Istanbul, Moscow, and Kiev, we continue to protest, protect and support our communities of the diaspora. 

The time to rally for the cause is now. Call your representative, donate to organizations, raise awareness. We must do all we can to prevent another genocide and end this violence.

We want peace. Azerbaijan and Turkey want war, death and destruction of Armenia. So what are you going to do? The time is now, and the power is yours.

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Alek Surenian

Alek Surenian is from Chicago and an active member of the AYF Eastern Region on a local and regional level. He specifically works on the Public Relations Council, designing graphics for AYF-ER social media platforms. He graduated in 2019 from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with a degree in Industrial Design and is currently working at Timberland as a footwear design intern in New Hampshire.

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We are pleased to report that the AYF has another project in the works with a similar objective to ours: to keep the AYF Olympic spirit going during this year of no Olympics. The Central Athletic Council (CAC) will be producing videos commemorating the AYF Olympics. There will be three videos ranging from five to ten minutes. The group wants to cover athletics, dances and the general camaraderie that we have all come to value over the years.

The committee working on this project includes:

Ida Barsoumian – Boston, CAC Chair
Aram Balian – Central Executive (CE) Representative
Ema Bandazian – New Jersey
Aren Dakessian – West Coast
Daron Hamparian – Boston
Masis Mardirosian – Philadelphia
Hagop Taraksian – Providence
Knar Topouzian – Detroit

I learned about this wonderful idea last week when I got a call from Knar Topouzian. She was looking for access to any and all photos we have of the Olympics since our team took over the reporting of the Olympics for the Weekly from Tom Vartabedian back in 2014. It’s great that our wealth of photos are finally in the hands of the AYF and being put to good use.

The CAC is interviewing people around the country and trying to involve all chapters. For example, Knar lives in Detroit. She is filming interviews of Olympic Queens and Kings in Detroit along with other high scorers and record holders. We are intentionally not naming names to keep it on the vague side so that the videos are fresh and surprising when we all see it. The same is being done by all the committee members in their chapters. They are enlisting friends and chapter executives to cover their hometowns. Aren Dakessian’s recruitment is a promising sign from the West Coast AYF since their attendance and participation in the Olympics has grown so much.

They are also collecting photos to use in the videos. Again, Knar would not be specific on how they would use the photos. I am guessing as montage interludes between the interviews and such. I have to admire their use of mystery as a marketing ploy.

Knar noted, “While it has been a disappointing year, this project is allowing us to document the history and contribution of our noted alumni. Our goal, like that of the Armenian Weekly…is to keep the Olympic spirit alive. The videos we are collecting have made us reflect on how fortunate we are to have alumni that have paved the way to make the AYF Olympics the special event it is for all of us. Our committee is in awe of the stories and feelings that we are collecting about the Olympics and the role it played in making our lives more Armenian. In our committee, the excitement and momentum is building and we can’t wait to share the videos.”

The videos will be unveiled on social media over Labor Day weekend when we should have been in Worcester at the Olympics. The CAC videos and the Special Issue of the Armenian Weekly will bridge us to the 87th Games in 2021 in Worcester.

It was a pleasure talking to Knar. Her grandfather, Armen Topouzian, was an Olympic King and a business mentor of mine. The Gavoors and Topouzians have been friends since the 1950s when Armen participated in his first Olympics representing the Utica Chapter. During that Olympics, Armen was adopted by the Watertown Gaidzag team which included Olympic Kings Sonny and Buddy Gavoor. They became lifelong friends. The AYF bonds are indeed deep and strong.

Please forward photo submissions to cac.olympicsvideo@gmail.com and also don’t forget to send your stories and memories to the Weekly editor@armenianweekly.com. These are both projects worthy of your time and contributions.

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Mark Gavoor

Mark Gavoor is Associate Professor of Operations Management in the School of Business and Nonprofit Management at North Park University in Chicago. He is an avid blogger and oud player.

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This week I would like to share two stories that are the result of this project.

Barbara Tutelian is an old friend and a Boston Siamanto alumna. As with many of my AYF friends, I am not sure when and how we first met. I am sure it was at an AYF event. It is like we have known each other forever.

After the first article of July 15th in this series, I posted the link on Facebook encouraging folks to forward their favorite AYF Olympic photos and memories. Barbara was the first person I heard from. She texted that she would look for some photos. On the last day of July, she sent me some photos and a brief description of a classic Olympic memory. 

Let’s dial it back to 1968; the Olympics were to take place in Washington, DC that year. The Siamantos had adopted a policy of having all members participate. They were trying to build a team that would rival Providence, the Olympic powerhouse of that era. Barbara had never participated, but the fellows behind the policy, the likes of Leo Kededjian and Ken Hachikian, basically told her that she should play golf. They anticipated only four entrants on the women’s side, so Barbara would be guaranteed to earn at least one point for herself and her chapter.  

Ken took her to the golf course a few times to practice. After the second outing, Ken suggested that she go to the driving range a few times and that “She would be OK.” She said, “I really didn’t enjoy it. The only part of it I liked was the putting.” It seemed that Barbara experienced the “joys” of golf that so many others have experienced.  

When the day finally came, there was indeed only a foursome paying. Barbara recalled: 

Can you believe that we played at the Congressional Golf Course? The guys teed off in the afternoon, and the ladies played after them. We had to stop our round as it became dark. We gave our scores and, lo and behold, I was able to receive my first place and very proud to contribute five points to our team’s score. When the bus pulled up to the hotel, the guys were waiting and curious who won. They expected my sister Jeannie to win. They were surprised that it was me!”

I went on to compete in the only Olympics outside of the US. That was in 1970 and beautifully hosted by the Montreal Levon Shant Chapter. In 1971, the Boston Siamantos, my chapter hosted the Olympics. In 1972, I was able to participate in the first Olympics on the West Coast hosted by the Los Angeles Musa Dagh Chapter.  

In competing, the AYF Olympic weekends were so much more meaningful. I encourage every member to participate in athletics along with the great social events. Being part of the entire Olympic experience gave me more enthusiasm for all our chapter gatherings during the rest of the year.

The AYF has grown in so many ways. I hope it never stops. I am so lucky to have my medals, memories, and most of all my AYF friends around the country. We are planning to have a Zoom call for Friday August 28th… which would have been Alumni Night.

Barbara won four medals in total scoring 11 points for her beloved Siamantos. She won the gold medal in Washington and then took bronze in Montreal, Boston and Los Angeles.

In last week’s article, “AYF Olympics Rewind:  The Central Athletic Council’s Video Project,” we published a photo with the caption “1961 Olympic King Armen Topouzian.”

Shortly after the online publication, I got a text from another old friend, Deneb Karentz. I have known Deneb as long as I have known Barbara. Her text read, “I have a message for you from my father.”

In an exchange of texts, I learned the photo was erroneously labeled. It was not the 1961 Olympics but rather the 1953 Olympics in Worcester. Also, the fellow being crowned as King that year was not Armen Topouzian but rather Vartkes Giragosian of New York. It was the second awarding of an Olympic King.  The fellow shaking Vartkes’ hand in the photo is Deneb’s father Varoujan Karentz. Deneb further explained, “My father was captain of the winning team from the previous year (Providence), and for the opening ceremonies he ran in with the torch and handed to the King who lit the ‘eternal’ flame.” 

I would have known this had I blown up the lower left-hand corner of the photo and read the text block there. It is unclear how the photo got mislabeled, but I am glad this is cleared up.  

Varoujan Karentz, 92, was crowned an Olympic King in Providence in 2015. He has also written a piece for the Special Olympic Issue of the Armenian Weekly which will be published this coming Labor Day Weekend. Also in the photo are Olympic Queen Suzanne Merian Arzoian behind the Detroit M-Z banner and Olympic King Buddy Gavoor behind the Watertown banner. 

Please keep your stories and photos coming. Forward them to editor@armenianweekly.com.

Author information

Mark Gavoor

Mark Gavoor is Associate Professor of Operations Management in the School of Business and Nonprofit Management at North Park University in Chicago. He is an avid blogger and oud player.

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In the wake of last month’s attacks on the region of Tavush, Armenians have been joining in solidarity all over the world to peacefully protest against Azeri aggression. The New York and New Jersey communities joined this surge on Sunday, July 26th outside the Azerbaijan Mission on East 41st Street and 3rd Avenue.

This peaceful protest was made possible by the tireless efforts of three Armenian Youth Federation chapters: Manhattan “Moush,” New Jersey “Arsen” and New York “Hyortik”—all of which were represented by female leadership. They were supported by the local Armenian communities of New York and New Jersey, including the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF), Homenetmen, the Armenian Relief Society (ARS), the Armenian National Committee (ANC) of NY and Hamazkayin. 

As an active member of the New York community and chair of the AYF Manhattan “Moush” Chapter, I was confident that this group of individuals would be able to plan and execute an impactful protest in the middle of New York City amid a global pandemic. I helped the planning committee create fliers, coordinate live streaming, create posters, and arrange for police and media presence. I also tie-dyed 120 face masks in the Armenian tricolor to raise money towards rebuilding Armenia’s border villages. We were able to raise over $500 on behalf of the AYF Manhattan “Moush” Chapter.

Moments before the protest, AYF leaders reminded participants about safety and decorum, that masks were mandatory and respectful behavior was expected. As the chants began and the energy of the crowd grew, the sea of red, blue and orange started to feel like one as everyone sang “Kedashen” together. “It was inspiring to see Armenians from all backgrounds and affiliations believe in our strength in numbers and show up in such great spirit,” said AYF New Jersey “Arsen” member Arianna Mesrobian. “Everybody there had our frontline soldiers in mind and showed their own form of solidarity,” she continued.

Hundreds from the New York and New Jersey communities participated in last month’s demonstration “to demand justice, and showcase our rich culture, while calling on the world to stop Azeri aggression,” said ARF “Armen Garo” Gomideh chair Arousiag Markarian. “We stood [in solidarity] with our brave soldiers on the front lines, expressed our condolences to the families of the heroes killed in the line of duty, and condemned the pattern of hate crimes being committed against Armenians around the world,” she continued.

Author information

Chantelle Nasri

Chantelle Nasri is a resident of Brooklyn, NY and a 2018 graduate of SUNY College at Brockport. She recently joined the AYF-YOARF Eastern Region in December 2018, and serves as the current chair of the AYF Manhattan “Moush” chapter.

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ROYAL OAK, Mich. — More than 100 people participated in a protest against Azeri aggression led by the Detroit “Kopernik Tandourjian” AYF-YOARF Senior Chapter.

“As a proud member of the Armenian Youth Federation and a great-granddaughter of Armenian Genocide survivors, I have always been taught that the Armenian cause has always demanded for a united, free and independent Armenia,” said AYF Detroit “Kopernik Tandourjian” Chapter chair Talar Bagdasarian during the August 4 demonstration in downtown Royal Oak. “With constant aggression going on with Turkey and Azerbaijan, our neighboring countries, it is impossible to reach that goal. Whether it was the 1915 Armenian Genocide, the Four Day War in 2016, or even today, we Armenians have always faced Azeri and Turkish aggression with a revolutionary spirit,” she continued.

After the opening remarks, the crowd marched while chanting “Stop Azeri aggression” and distributed information to the public on the Armenian cause. Although Detroit doesn’t have a Turkish or Azeri Embassy or Consulate, the community used this moment to educate people who would otherwise be oblivious to issues surrounding the Armenian community, including Artsakh.

“It’s always great to see the youth organize protests for the Armenian cause,” said Raffi Ourlian, chairman of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF) Azadamard Gomideh. “It gives us hope that the next generation is stepping up, and we have a bright future and the demands for justice will continue.”

The youth also sang the Armenian national anthem “Mer Hairenik” and “Kedashen.” Long after the protest was over, the youth spent time together and even danced to Armenian music. 

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Guest Contributor

Guest contributions to the Armenian Weekly are informative articles written and submitted by members of the community, which make up our community bulletin board.

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CHICAGO, Ill.— On Saturday, August 8, the Chicago “Ararat” Armenian Youth Federation (AYF) Chapter organized a protest against recent Azeri aggression. This demonstration was intended to bring awareness to the situation in Tavush and show solidarity with the people of Tavush and Artsakh, as well as the Armenians that have been victims of hate crimes worldwide. The protest was held in front of the Wrigley Building in the heart of downtown Chicago in view of the city’s Turkish consulate. Taking place in the same location as Chicago’s annual march for recognition of the Armenian Genocide, which was forced to move this year due to COVID-19, the demonstration served as a reminder of the strength, unity and persistence needed to defend our Armenian communities and heritage through time. 

Around 50 members of the AYF, the Chicago Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF) “Christapor” Gomideh, Homenetmen and Hamazkayin participated. Keeping in mind Chicago’s rising cases of COVID-19 and the aggressive counter-protests that have occurred in other states, the number of participants was intentionally kept small. The event was also not advertised on social media in an effort to make sure that this demonstration was not an arena for conflict, but rather a space for messages of peace and justice. 

Demonstrators led chants and held signs raising awareness of the recent attacks and calling for justice. Calls for justice were interspersed with singing and dancing to Armenian patriotic songs, displaying our community’s capacity to find hope and strength through our culture in difficult times. The demonstration drew attention from passersby in this busy downtown area, creating an opportunity for education and awareness of the current situation in Armenia on a larger scale. 

As of now, the military situation in Tavush has not escalated any further. But Azeri soldiers on the border have been firing on civilian targets, including Armenian homes and kindergartens for over 25 years. Even as the attacks fade from the radar of breaking news, it is essential that we keep our eyes on Tavush. The people of the border villages continue to live under daily fire and suffer from Azerbaijan’s efforts to make their villages unsafe and drive economic opportunity out of the region, forcing villagers to leave their homes in search of safety and sustenance.

Even as we turn our eyes to urgent matters like the crisis in Lebanon, we must remember the people of Tavush, who have been ignored by the international community and many in the diaspora for years. We must continue to support them in their long-term struggle. We must support the soldiers and civilians in Tavush, who are engaging in both military and nonviolent resistance. Soldiers on Armenia’s border risk their lives every day to defend our homeland, and villagers work tirelessly to rebuild their homes, create new economic opportunities and resist Azerbaijan’s campaign of terror by working to make their homeland a beautiful, safe and sustainable place to live. They provide leadership from the front lines and show us the work that is necessary and possible for the Armenian cause.  

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Araxie Cass

Araxie Cass is a member of the AYF Chicago Ararat Chapter, as well as a student of Creative Writing and Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations at the University of Chicago. Her work includes creative non-fiction and short stories, focusing on Armenian topics, as well as social justice, culture and community.

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DETROIT, Mich.—Longtime AYF Detroit “Kopernik Tandourjian” Chapter member Talar Malkadjian has launched her first Yerevan-inspired fashion line and is donating a portion of her proceeds to the Armenian Relief Society’s Lebanon relief efforts.

“It was really important for me to send a percentage of my proceeds to Lebanon, and I wanted it to be through [the] ARS because I know how much work they do on the front line,” said Malkadjian during a recent interview with the Weekly.

As the daughter of immigrant parents, Malkadjian calls Lebanon her second home. She reminisced about carefree summers in the villages with her extended family in Anjar. “I would’ve probably been in Lebanon right now with a fashion internship,” Malkadjian said heavy heartedly. She had applied to summer internships with renowned haute couture designers like Zuhair Murad, Krikor Jabotian and Elie Saab. 

A rising junior studying accounting and finance at the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business, Malkadjian is also enrolled in the Parsons School of Design Extension Program. Malkadjian said her love of fashion is deeply rooted in growing up around her father’s jewelry business.

“When I was applying to the business school I had to write why I wanted to pursue business, and I wrote about how I really want to intertwine Armenian culture into the fashion industry for my first line. I really wanted to stick to my word to start off my first collection,” explained Malkadjian.

by talarmal pays homage to Yerevan by showcasing the ancient city with a modern flair. Her four-piece streetwear line includes her famed oversized white tee-shirt with her sketch of Mayr Hayastan and a stone colored bucket hat with the Yerevan airport code (EVN). She offers two types of drawstring hoodies for a comfortable yet stylish look to highlight the capital city in the winter months. The lettering on her cropped sweatshirt that reads “Last Night in the City of Yerevan” was inspired by the robust nighttime atmosphere on Northern Avenue while strolling with loved ones during her first trip to Armenia for the 2017 Homenetmen World Games.

“Each product from this collection is handpicked and printed with designs I created,” she said. Malkadjian noted it was important for her to produce locally; she worked with a printing factory in downtown Detroit to bring her creations to life. “As I keep learning, I hope to have more control over production like choosing fabrics and customizing the coloring and fit to match my personal style,” said the young designer, who personally sews “bytalarmal” tags on each item before shipping along with a handwritten thank you note.

“I’m excited she gets to showcase her passion with the world,” said her older sister and longtime AYF member Sanan Malkadjian.

by talarmal has already received an overwhelming amount of support from the community since its launch this past weekend; Malkadjian is now working on restocking her inventory.

Author information

Kristina Ayanian

Kristina Ayanian is a recent graduate of Bentley University with a double major in finance and global studies and a minor in corporate communications. She was a reporter for ABC's Teen Kids News, whose episode interviewing Prince Edward of England was nominated for the 2014 Emmy's. She enjoys performing and has been invited to sing and play piano at Carnegie Hall. In February 2020, Kristina was crowned Miss Boston 2020.

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Before Bob Tutunjian, Harry Derderian, and I took over the AYF Special Olympics Issue, there was Tommy Vartabedian. He was our mentor, and he got all three of us involved. He even enlisted our ace photographers Tamar Kanarian and Sona Gevorgian. Tom single handedly took all the photos and wrote most, if not all, of the articles for many years. Before Tom there was Jimmy Tashjian, the longest tenured editor of the Armenian Weekly from 1945 to 1981. We have Jimmy to thank for Tom.

James Harutune Tashjian (1922 – 2006) became the sports editor of the Hairenik Weekly at the age of 16. After serving in World War II, he took on the editorship of the Armenian Review and joint editorship of the Weekly with James Mandalian. In the obituary of his mentor, Tom Vartabedian wrote:

He was a scholar, youth advisor, friend, mentor, and AYF trailblazer rolled into one. He was the man who plucked me out of obscurity and pointed me to maturity.

As a result, I owe him not just my job as a newsman but my life as a conscientious Armenian. He made all that possible.

I have not read anything from Jimmy Tashjian in many years. His articles are not accessible on the Armenian Weekly website simply because he wrote well before everything went digital. Also, I do not own any Weekly issues from that era. 

George Aghjayan has been heading up a project to scan all the old Armenian Weekly issues, and our Bob Tutunjian has been given early access to that database. What a treasure trove for our project this year and for Armenians in generations to come. Bob sent Harry and I a few samples including the September 12, 1974 issue… the last time the Olympics were in Worcester.

Jimmy used to write about the AYF Olympics and was most likely doing so in 1974. He rarely used a byline. But, if you had ever met him or heard him speak, you would be familiar with his amazing vocabulary and unique ability to turn a phrase. Byline or no byline, his style was unmistakable. The lead article in the September 12, 1974 issue of the AW was about the Olympics. There was no byline; just “Special to the Weekly.” It was especially special when I read it, because it was definitely classic Jimmy Tashjian. The headline was really long: 87-87 WITH ROARING DETROIT AT 4:30 P.M. OF THE AYF OLYMPICS TRACK AND FIELD GAMES, PROVIDENCE REARS BACK AND FASHIONS A SENSATIONAL VICTORY. 

Here are the first seven paragraphs of the article. I hope you enjoy read this as much as I did:

WORCESTER, Mass. – While visiting the City of Providence, Plantations of Rhode Island, almost a century and one-half ago, the American mystic Edgar Allan Poe is said to have remarked, “Providence slumbers to late the afternoon. It forthwith rears its head and strange things happen.”

On the afternoon of Sept. 1, at precisely 4:30, a group of Providence citizens assembled on the greensward of Pioneer Field, Shrewsbury, discovered that that witching hour was at hand.

The scene was the annual track and field games of the AYF Olympiad of 1974. Mikael Varandian’s host, the odds-on favorite to win again, suddenly reared their heads from the boxes nailed together for them by an astonishing, young circle of superb athletes from Detroit. 

If Providence was in a state of poesque euphoria, the thousands of spectators were in a state of shock.  In other years about this time, the “Hai Jahn” kids had all but run off with the games. But at 4:30, the announcer told an incredulous audience that (believe it or not) the total score at the moment stood at a 87-87 dead heat, Providence and Detroit.

The P.A. system’s announcement of a stalemate at the moment served as the alarm of the awakening. The bells of Brown University, on the Old Hill in old Providence, which have since Roger Williams (or thereabouts), conjured the witches and elves and the squeejee-squees (‘at swaller themselves), seemed to sound from away off in Rhody.

Loyal citizens of the Plantations sprung to it. Providence raised its head – and things unstrange happened. With a period of two tumultuous hours, the Varantian boys and girls had pulled away. When it all ended this late afternoon with the relay runs, Providence had accumulated 116 ½  points, leaving Detroit at 96, Boston at 68 ½, Worcester 50.

Providence has done many striking things during these 41 years of the AYF National Olympiad, but hardly anything as sensational as the last-ditch rally before thousand at the St. John’s high school facility, in Worcester’s suburb of Shrewsbury.

Squeejee-squees? Nothing if you Google it. Poesque euphoria? Indeed. He used a quote from Edgar Allan Poe to set the theme for the story on who won the AYF Olympics. No one else writes like this but the inimitable Jimmy Tashjian.

I suggest you also read Weekly columnist Stepan Piligian’s reflections, and if you have any memories of Jimmy Tashjian please forward them to editor@armenianweekly.com.

Author information

Mark Gavoor

Mark Gavoor is Associate Professor of Operations Management in the School of Business and Nonprofit Management at North Park University in Chicago. He is an avid blogger and oud player.

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SUDBURY, Mass.—Rising mathematician Zaven Kouchakdjian is celebrating an impressive accomplishment in his young academic career. The 13 year-old just achieved a perfect score of 120 on the 23rd annual international math contest known as Math Kangaroo.

“I like numbers and everything that’s related to them,” said the Curtis Middle School student during an interview with the Weekly. 

Back in May, Kouchakdjian was one of almost 25-hundred students in the US who participated in the 75-minute ‘Level 7’ exam, which included algebra, geometry and word problems. This year, a total of 35,171 students enrolled in the contest nationwide. Kouchakdjian has previously scored in the top 20 (nationally) on four separate occasions.  

He tells the Weekly that his enrollment in the Russian School of Mathematics (RSM)—a highly-regarded and rigorous after-school program—has helped foster his love for the subject. “I can just learn a lot really quickly,” said Kouchakdjian, who is entering his tenth year at RSM where he will be studying pre-calculus in addition to his regular schoolwork at Curtis. To prepare for pre-calculus as well as number theory at Curtis, the incoming eighth grader has been studying trigonometry on the side, an area of math that he admits is proving to be a little more challenging to grasp.

Kouchakdjian is also involved in his local Armenian community. He serves as the corresponding secretary for the Armenian Youth Federation (AYF) Middlesex County “Mousa Ler” (Junior) Chapter and attends both Saturday School and Sunday School at St. Stephen’s Armenian Apostolic Church in Watertown, Mass. He plays the viola and enjoys spending time with his younger siblings.

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Leeza Arakelian

Assistant Editor

Leeza Arakelian is the assistant editor for the Armenian Weekly. She is a formally trained broadcast news writer and a graduate of UCLA and Emerson College. Leeza has written and produced for local and network television news including Boston 25 and Al Jazeera America.

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A new social media challenge has surfaced in response to recent tensions among Armenia, Azerbaijan and Turkey. The #MaybeIAmChallenge was created on the digital safespace and educational platform known as Kooyrigs by founder and executive director Karine Eurdekian. The challenge is a call to action, urging participants to amplify their voices and raise awareness about the Armenian culture to non-Armenian audiences. Participants, mainly on Instagram, have been authoring and spreading personal and informative statements about being Armenian, its misconceptions, its geopolitics and its oppressive history beginning with some variation of “maybe I am.”

The New Jersey Armenian Youth Federation (AYF) “Arsen” Chapter accepts this challenge, and, well, maybe we have a few things to say: 

Maybe you know I am Armenian “…or Albanian—something like that.” 

Maybe I am the only person you know who is a direct descendant of Genocide survivors. 

Maybe you didn’t know I missed every football game in high school. I had Armenian dance class Friday nights. 

Maybe you didn’t know my dad escaped Turkey so my sisters and I wouldn’t have to.

Maybe you didn’t realize that although I am Armenian, my parents were born and raised in Syria. Their parents were forced to leave our ancestral home as a result of genocide.  

Maybe I am teaching the Armenian culture through lahmajun—food is our love language. 

Maybe by the end of every Uber ride, I’m sure to ask the driver two things: how long have you been driving for Uber? Have you heard about the Armenian Genocide?

Maybe I’ve asked every single history teacher I’ve ever had to teach Armenian history in class. Maybe they’ve said no. 

Maybe I never attended sleepovers as a kid, but I did take a bus for eight hours to spend a weekend in the middle of nowhere—no parents, but there were other Armenians there. 

Maybe I am the sole heir to my last name. If I don’t have sons, it will be lost forever. 

Maybe there is a school in Istanbul named after the man responsible for killing 1.5 million Armenians—members of my own family included. My cousins live across the street from it. 

Maybe you didn’t know that I spend most American holidays at Armenian events. 

Maybe I am the only person you know who has a difficult name to pronounce. Maybe I mispronounce it myself now knowing it will fit more comfortably in your mouth that way.   

Maybe my family fled Aleppo because of the same anti-Armenian violence that drove them from Western Armenia only a generation earlier. 

Maybe the only thing scarier to me than spiders is a world without the Armenian language. 

Maybe you didn’t know my great-grandfather was orphaned by Ottoman Turkey. 

Maybe I am racially ambiguous—it helps and it hurts depending on who’s around. 

Maybe you don’t know that my last name was once Dermenjolu. It changed after my family escaped the Armenian Genocide.

Maybe I’m angry. A history of unrecognized genocide is infuriating, but I use my faith and my culture as a compass to guide me towards forgiveness. 

Maybe you don’t know that I meet with, compete against, party with Armenians as a way to keep our heritage strong and growing. 

Maybe I’m tired of explaining why my last name ends with -glu instead of -ian. Maybe I will continue to explain anyway.  

Maybe I met my fiance in Armenia. We weren’t looking for each other, but God has a way of keeping us together. 

Maybe you’ve never felt instantly connected to those who share a history the same as your own.  

Maybe you’ve never met the children of Akhalkalak, Georgia. Never known what it’s like to watch two diasporas yearn for the same homeland. To stare into sets of eyes that yield the same pain and struggle. To carry the weight of creating a new Armenia.

Maybe you haven’t considered that just because someone isn’t 100-percent Armenian doesn’t mean they can’t be 100-percent involved. 

Maybe you didn’t know my great-grandmother’s oldest sister was kept captive by a wealthy Turkish family. She lived her youth with them until finally being set free.

Maybe I haven’t told you that I spend my summers at Camp Haiastan. It’s the best place on earth. 

Maybe I am not Armenian, but I am the mother and wife of Armenians. Maybe I was left heartbroken after hearing about Armenian history—I, too, was forced to give up my own culture. 

Maybe the day I had to explain to a judge why I wanted my name legally changed is forever etched in my mind, in my heart. 

Maybe you didn’t know that my great-grandfather has only shared his traumatic story of genocide once in his life. How could he relive it more than that?

Maybe you didn’t know that my grandfather was born during a death march from his native province of Marash. 

Maybe I grew up in Armenia with children who are now grown like me, except they wake up everyday not knowing if it will be their last.

Maybe you didn’t know that every time I introduce myself, I get asked what I am—as if being a human being just isn’t enough. 

Maybe we are proud. Maybe we are resilient. Maybe we have felt tired and beat down and burdened by the weight of keeping a culture alive. But maybe, just maybe, there is comfort in knowing we are not alone.

Maybe we are Armenian. 

Author information

AYF-YOARF

Founded in 1933, The Armenian Youth Federation is an international, non-profit, youth organization of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF). The AYF-YOARF Eastern United States stands on five pillars that guide its central activities and initiatives: Educational, Hai Tahd, Social, Athletic and Cultural. The AYF also promotes a fraternal attitude of respect for ideas and individuals amongst its membership. Unity and cooperation are essential traits that allow members of the organization to work together to realize the AYF’s objectives.

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In any other year on a Thursday before Labor Day, my bags would be packed, my camera batteries charged, and I would be loading the car, about to leave for the airport to catch a flight. This year that flight would have been to Boston’s Logan Airport where we would have rented a car for the short road trip to Worcester for the AYF Olympics.

I should be writing this from an airplane from Chicago to Boston. I should be anticipating the thought of seeing everyone I know and haven’t seen for a year and meeting some new people, especially young AYFers competing for the first time.

Instead it is like any other first Thursday in September in the Midwest. It is a beautiful late summer day in the 80s drenched in golden sunshine. It is a day of MS Teams meetings, course preparation and grading.

The year 2020 has certainly been unusual. We are all weary of the social distancing which for so many of us has dampened our social lives. We have known for a few months that this year’s AYF Olympics were postponed, but the true despair of no Olympics is hitting us all… just about now. We are spending Labor Day weekend at home doing mundane and routine things instead of being together and celebrating being Armenian in America.

The Olympics is a reunion of friends and family. It is taking pride in watching our wonderful young people compete in track and field, swimming, softball, golf and tennis. It is dining with friends and family. It is meeting new Armenians from all over. It is enjoying our music and dancing. The Olympics, to paraphrase William Saroyan, is hundreds of Armenians meeting and creating a new Armenia.

Since I usually cover tennis and golf (the Friday morning sports), I have to arrive on Thursday. The first time I did it in 2014, it was the greatest. I love to arrive at the Olympics on Thursday. It is before the weekend really revs up, and it is a delight to hang out with the Governing Body, CE members and the organizing committee before running the weekend consumes all their time. I often find myself catching up with Ken and Alexan Topalian, Michael Varadian, Jeff and Steve Hagopian, and golf and tennis players and their families. It is a much more relaxed day than the rest of the weekend.

Usually, the host chapter plans an event for Thursday night—a comedy show, a dinner, drinks, and music. Tonight, Judy and I went to Costco and then drove down to Lake Michigan for a moonlight dinner. We chatted about how we would have been having dinner with others in Worcester and how very odd it was that we would be home this weekend.

Tomorrow, I will get up early, but I will not be watching golf and tennis matches. I have two early morning classes to teach. This is my first time since joining the faculty at North Park University that I have not cancelled my Friday classes. That will keep me busy and my mind off of not being at Olympics until 10:30.

I understand several groups are planning Zoom parties for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights. Invite me; I would be happy to come take a few photos, report who was there, and get some quotes.

Then, at the end of the day, I retire to my room to finish up my Thursday night article. I am doing the same from the easy chair in my family room. Well, there is no AYF Olympics this year, but there are so many wonderful memories.

Author information

Mark Gavoor

Mark Gavoor is Associate Professor of Operations Management in the School of Business and Nonprofit Management at North Park University in Chicago. He is an avid blogger and oud player.

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The following was part of a series of articles penned by special guests for the September 5 Special Edition of the Armenian Weekly honoring the AYF Olympics.

As we head down memory lane on this AYF Olympics weekend, unable to be with our AYF family in Worcester, I fondly recall the many Olympics memories of my youth. Thanks to Mom’s memory, Aroxie Madoian Apigian is pretty confident my first Olympics was in 1966, hosted by the AYF New York “Hyortik” Chapter when I was one year old, followed by a return visit to her hometown in 1969 hosted by the Providence “Varantians.” I have seen Kodak slides of these Olympics, which is my only recollection.

My first real memory of an AYF Olympics was in 1973 in Toronto, Canada. I remember the car ride more than the weekend, since we broke down on the road. What I remember most was Auntie Helen Torigian (Uncle Herman’s sister), who drove up from Detroit with us. She was a character, as many Detroitzis may remember. When I was 10, the 1975 Olympics came to my hometown of Detroit. It poured the night of the swim meet. It was so hot, we had to go outside and cool off in the heavy downpour. I remember all of us kids running around and standing under the gutters, soaking wet. By Sunday night I was sick as a dog and never made it to the dance. That December I joined the AYF Detroit “KT” Junior Chapter at the St. Sarkis Armenian Church Hall in Dearborn, Michigan.

It seems like just yesterday when I joined. We formed a large circle in the hall, nearly 100 AYFers, hands crossed and clasped together, as Diane Haratunian and I stated our names and proceeded to repeat the AYF oath with our right hands raised. It was the beginning of a lifelong love of an organization that became my second family. In my youth, the AYF instilled in us a sense of Armenian pride, “Hai Tahd” awareness, Robert’s Rules of Order in running meetings, taking minutes and a keen sense of organizational skills. The bonus was the lifelong friends I gained from near and far at AYF meetings, Camp Haiastan, Junior Seminars, Mid-West Jr. Olympics and of course AYF Senior Olympics.

In 1976, the Providence “Varantians” hosted the Olympics, and I remember them all after that. It was a great checkpoint to get our fill of our extended Armenian family—not blood relatives, but our AYF brothers and sisters from all over the eastern region. Of course, there were always the Olympic blues that set in following Labor Day Monday with many of us dreading the transition back to our “odar” lives. I attended AGBU Manoogian School in Southfield, Michigan, but as a sophomore, I moved to public school in Dearborn so the post-Olympic blues were especially rough in the 1980s.

At that time, the AYF Governing Body introduced a new relay event at Senior Olympics. As each AYF region held their Junior Olympics (back then in June and July), the winners of the Older Boys & Girls 4×400 Relays of the Midwest, Mid-Atlantic and New England regions would compete for the Junior Relay Championship title at Senior Olympics. It was an honor, to those of us who remember, winning our region’s relay race and having the opportunity to run at Senior Olympics for the title. This was my introduction into Senior Olympics competition.

In 1980, I was part of the midwest junior relay team with Nicole DerMikaelian, Helena Naranian and Romy Roupinian. I barely remember the race, but I have the team photo with AYF Governing Body member Shant Chebookjian, which jogged my memory. Not a very flattering picture of me for the record, but I submitted for archival purposes. The following year, I was on the midwest junior relay team again, this time with Dina Sarafian, Linda Sarafian and Dorian Avedisian. This team I remember clearly; we won! We made our coach “Uncle Sonny” Gavoor very proud. We post a photo of that winning moment on Facebook every so often. We are spread all over the US now, Dina in Providence, Linda in LA, Dori in Philadelphia and I in Boston. This past October, our Detroit community celebrated the 50th anniversary of the AGBU Manoogian School; Dina, Linda and I returned home to Michigan to attend. We jokingly reenacted the photo, having Dori’s cousin Christine Godoshian Sarafian stand in for her. Almost four decades later, we are still connected, thanks to the AYF and Olympics.

My Olympic career as a senior was not too illustrious. After missing the 50th anniversary games and spending the summers of 1985 and 1986 at Camp Haiastan (not ideal training grounds for a strong Olympic performance), I spent the next two summers as an ANCA intern. In 1988, I moved to Boston and spent my remaining years as a Boston “Siamanto.” At this point my days of Uncle Sonny’s coaching were behind me, and my new coach was Ara Krafian, the Siamantos’ coach and love of my life ever since meeting at AYF Junior Seminar in 1986. My last AYF Olympics was in 1991, hosted by the Chicago “Ararat” Chapter for the first time ever. It was a great Olympics. I may have not produced any notable athletic feats, but I enjoyed a wonderful 16 years as an AYF member.

My husband Ara had his own illustrious career as a swimmer and runner at Olympics; our life together began as AYF members, then transitioned to AYF alumni and supporters. Ara served on the AYF Olympic Governing Body for nine years representing New England. We went from athletes to alumni to organizers, all while starting our young family. Every Krafian daughter has been to every Olympics since birth, by no choice of their own. After Araxi’s birth in 1992 and during Ara’s AYF Governing Body term, we had three more daughters and countless years of traveling to and from Olympics with the girls in tow, a labor of love for our family. On September 1, 1999, my labor was induced so our third daughter Anoush would not be born while Ara was at Olympics in New Jersey. I was discharged just in time for Boston alum Alan Jelalian to race Ara down to the pool in NJ to start the swim meet. They could not start without him, as he had the newly developed computerized program to record the results. Anoush has been called the “Olympics Baby” in our family ever since; her birthday is generally celebrated on or around Olympics weekend every year.

Since 1989, as well as during and after Ara’s service on the Governing Body, he coached the Boston “Siamanto” Chapter, continuing on with the newly formed Greater Boston “Nejdeh” Chapter. In 2012, Ara was named Olympic King with fellow AYF Alum Rich Chebookjian. The Nejdehs came close to winning several Olympics in the 2010s and finally became Olympic Champions in 2016 and 2019. After 30 years of coaching, Ara was happy to see his AYF kids reach their AYF Olympic dream twice.

The Olympic torch has been passed down to the next generation of Krafians; Araxi in 2009 in Providence, Nairi in 2011 in Chicago, Anoush in 2015 in Providence and last but not least, Knar in 2019 in Chicago. It has been a full circle Olympic experience to see our four daughters continue in our footsteps as AYF members and athletes. There have been so many Olympic memories over the years, but the best by far for Ara and I was watching the girls run the 4×100 relay together last year in Chicago—the first of any AYF family to have four siblings run a relay and win.

As we all endure the early onset of the ‘Olympic blues’ and stay safe in our respective communities, I ask that you lend your support to the AYF and its annual adbook. Sit outside Sunday night with a glass and toast to our beloved AYF until we see each other again next year in 2021. And maybe, just maybe, you will hear the echoes of the sound of the oud and the chanting of the crowd, “Oor Eh? Hos Eh!”

Author information

Heather Krafian

Heather Apigian Krafian was born in Detroit, Michigan and was one of the founding students of A.G.B.U. Alex Manoogian School in 1969. She graduated Michigan State University in 1988 with a bachelor’s in International Relations and cognate studies in German and Russian. She holds a master’s in Early Childhood Education from Lesley University. As an ANCA intern, Heather worked for the Minority Rights Group in London under Ben Whittaker. She’s also worked at Zoryan Institute as its Armenian Studies Coordinator. She began her career in education in 1990 after which she became the assistant principal of St. Stephen’s Armenian Elementary School from 2006 to 2008; she currently serves on its Education Committee. She has also served on the Board of Trustees at St. Stephen’s Armenian Apostolic Church. Heather is a member of the ARS Cambridge “Shushi” Chapter and a member of the ARS Eastern Region Board of Directors. Heather was the 2010 recipient of the Knights of Vartan “Community Leader” Award and the 2015 recipient of the Eastern Prelacy’s Certificate of Merit. She is married to Ara Krafian; they live in Belmont, MA with their four daughters Araxi, Nairi, Anoush and Knar.

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The post Passing the Olympic Torch with the Krafians appeared first on The Armenian Weekly.

This was part of a series of articles published in the September 5 Special Edition of the Armenian Weekly honoring the AYF Olympics.

When the call was received to share my thoughts from a coach’s perspective, I must say it was very humbling. As you read through this story of my AYF Olympic experiences over the last four decades, I mention several folks who have all guided me along the way. 

In 1987, I recalled my first encounter with a Providence coach and the AYF in the spring of 1977. That was when I bumped into a grade school friend, Roy DePalma, whose mother was Armenian and for whom I would later serve as the best man at his wedding. Roy’s cousin, Haig “Juny” Markarian Jr. was coaching the Sts. Vartanantz Church basketball team which was practicing in the same gym on the same night that my friends and I were also renting the gym. He was the coach, the leader, the man who took the bull by the horns and got the job done. Juny asked if I played softball or basketball, and I responded with an energetic “yes.” 

In some ways I felt like I always wanted to be part of this team. I remember listening to the results of the AYF Olympics on the Armenian Radio Hour when the teams went to Los Angeles, Detroit, Montreal and Toronto back in the 70s. I used to see the guys on the church teams wearing their jackets proudly at the church bazaars. I always wanted to share some part of that experience. I shudder to think what I would be doing now if the church was renting that gym on a different night. From this experience, I strongly advise our youth to take advantage of what is offered to you. Be a vital part of your AYF Junior and Senior chapters as well as your church community. Learn the history of your people, so when someone asks you what you are, you can tell them that you are an Armenian, a son or a daughter of Noah, a survivor in a race of people that has lasted since before the birth of Christ.

Thirty-three years later, I consider myself fortunate to follow the giant footsteps of people like coaches Juny Markarian, Peter “Doc” Bedrosian, Paul Haroian Sr., John Takian, John Varadian, Mal Varadian and Haig Varadian. Fred Hintlian, Charlie Ajootian, Archie Markarian, Mike Toumasian, Bob and Shooshan Tutunjian, Mike Varadian, Harry Khatchadourian, Garry Giragosian, Paul Chobanian, Mike Mangassarian, Paul Varadian and Ken Topalian have been instrumental as well.

Early on in the summer coaches and athletes of all levels show up a few nights a week and sometimes on weekends to practice and prepare for AYF Olympics. For kids who have grown up in an Armenian home where AYF Olympics is tradition, it’s an easy sell when the search is on to put a solid team together. For other potential athletes, it might involve attending their meets, checking with their parents and coaches and then inviting them to join the chapter and compete on Labor Day weekend.

Some athletes remain active and have even gone on to the chapter executive level. Others have introduced their own children to the AYF, which is built on five pillars—each one vital to its success.

The chapter’s pep rally is an annual tradition where alumni, athletes and families encourage each other to do their best, stay safe and remember that they are representing the community. Our priest also blesses the athletes ahead of their travels to Olympics.

Before you know it, the weekend has arrived. Athlete success varies; some vow to work harder next year, others are thrilled to do their best and earn a point or two, while the rest are blessed with God-given talents and do quite well.

Tennis, golf and swimming fill the Friday schedule. The goal is to get through this day and still be in position to make a run for it on Sunday. Our team strategy encourages everyone’s participation to earn any points possible leading up to the final tally. Tennis is a long grueling day where just five points are earned. We have had some success in golf and had some great swimmers too. The swim relays lead to many points. Did I mention every point matters?

Summer Saturday mornings are reserved for softball practice and even though this event doesn’t earn points, the competition is usually fierce. Should our team do well, it’s a long arduous day battling the opponent and the sun. Returning to the hotel whether we’ve won and have donned the winning shirts or not and the response of the crowd of athletes and guests is part of the Olympic experience. At the end of a satisfying Saturday and a short rest, it’s time for the annual team dinner with family members.

Robert and David Najarian were there every year like clockwork at the softball tournament. I recall a close play at second base in New Jersey which most of the team members thought was a bad call. I saw it as Robert did but went out to “argue” the play just the same. During a brief conversation, I let him know I knew the call was right but wanted the team to know that I wanted to give them the effort just the same. He smiled, and I went back to the bench.

The Providence AYF Olympic team was “dormant” for a few years. In the early 1980s, Ken Topalian, Diana Varadian and I resurrected our team. We assembled a massive team of 59 athletes and went up against a powerhouse Boston team of just over 20 athletes in the 1983 AYF Olympics in Providence. While we came in second, this was the start of something special. Ken and I still work together after all these years, along with Mike Varadian, Bob Tutunjian and Mike Mangassarian. We still knock on doors and reach out to Armenian athletes whose names appear in the paper in the events we offer. 

Over the decades our teams generally have been present and accounted for carrying on a tradition since the AYF Olympics began in Brockton in 1934. We have run up against some buzz saws in Boston, Detroit and Philadelphia who all had the same goal in mind: to do their first-place chapter dance at the Sunday night Olympics Ball.

In 2009, Philadelphia came to Providence with high hopes. The Sebouhs were loaded in just about every event. They looked like a college team. I remember taking a ride out to the track to check on things and there they were, 40 plus, getting familiar with the venue and doing whatever they could to claim the prize. They had a tent flown in Sunday morning and under it were trainers, video personnel, coaches and scorers. They were intimidating with their matching warmups and uniforms, but we had our plans as well. It came down to the relays, as a full house at Cranston West cheered on our runners. Philly’s plans didn’t pan out that time as we outscored them by a handful of points. Weekends like these are firmly etched in my mind.

When the competition is over, it’s time for another Providence tradition: go back to the hotel and crash for a short while before heading to the coach’s room for pizza, soda and camaraderie. Parents pop in and share memories of the past. Then we get dressed up for the Grand Ball to celebrate everyone, knowing we have done our part to keep the flame burning for another year.

Some say our best athletes are big fish in a small pond. That may be true, but the superstars I have witnessed have been mighty impressive. One in particular comes to mind. Fred Hintlian of Boston was a runner, hurdler and swimmer who gathered 27 gold medals in the 28 events he competed in. Fred is an even greater person than an athlete. 

Recently, I’ve only been able to attend the 2012 (Boston) and 2015 (Providence) AYF Olympics because of family commitments. As mentor Mal Varadian always said, “Family comes first.” While I may not have been there in person, I was fortunate and grateful to have coaches and members keep in touch throughout Olympics weekends on what seemed like an hourly basis.

2015 was a banner year in Providence with an incredible team. We were as organized as we have ever been, and a number of records were broken. I was honored to address the gathering at Opening Ceremonies. This marked the fifth time we hosted the AYF Olympics since I have been involved. 

I would be remiss if I left out the announcers sitting up there in the hot booth overlooking the field, notifying athletes where they need to be and when so they don’t miss an event. Michael Najarian and Mark Alashaian and others did their job like everyone else. I can still hear them all to this day.

The Governing Body is a triumvirate of people with one goal in mind: to ensure the games go on and are done the right way. My first meeting in 1982 at the Marriott Hotel in Providence included Ken Topalian (coach), Aram “Sonny” Gavoor, Dave Papazian from Whitinsville and Avedis “Avo” Alashaian. Later on, Mark Alashaian, Michael Hagopian, Ken Topalian, Mike Varadian, Dave Papazian (Phil.), Al Sarafian and Ara Krafian would carry the torch for about six years playing an extra active role when the games were in their region.

Close friends Steve Mesrobian, Paulie Haroian and Mark Norigian are also part of this journey. They all went from member athletes and former chairmen of the chapter to lieutenants. I recall in 1994 when we were working on assembling two softball teams. Paulie approached me as the weekend was nearing and asked which team I was putting him on. I told him it was a tough decision, but that the new kid, Steve Markarian, had beaten him out. Paulie disagreed, but accepted my decision. In fact, he asked if he could tell Steve the news himself. Paulie asked to be on the first team just in case he was needed, and his request was granted. I truly believe that if you place the team first, no matter the results, everything will work out fine. 

Steve Mesrobian has served every possible position from AYF junior president to the ARF Central Committee. At Olympics, he works with coaches at the organizational level. He has an endless amount of energy, and I’m proud to call him one of my best friends. He is also a facilitator and digs deep when needed. 

Mark Norigian joined the team to play softball in Watertown back in the 80s and later served as the chapter president for four years. He too had the leadership ability to undertake any task to completion.

Bob Tutunjian has left his mark on our city. His three kids and nephew joined our chapter, but notable is the endless work and effort this dedicated and committed man puts into his craft.

Aram “Sonny” Gavoor of Detroit comes to mind. Our teams went at it year after year. He and I would usually meet on Thursday night of Olympics weekend and share our strengths and weaknesses. There was no need to stretch the truth; in a few short days the real story would come out. We had an incredible amount of respect and admiration for each other. He was a committed and dedicated man, and I miss him dearly. 

I also miss my friend Tom Vartabedian, a William Saroyan disciple who would pour his heart and soul into every story he wrote. He had a genuine passion for his job; covering the AYF Olympics was where he excelled. When the weekend was over, he would go to his summer home by the lake and start putting the pictures with the words as only he could. He was a master of his art. He often said the greatest race he ever saw was the Armenian race.

These games have come a long way in the last 40 years. There was a time when we needed every kid’s room number so we could call to wake them up or knock on their doors to get them ready for the ride to the venue. Then cell phones came along with texting. Now there are alerts on the phone. What’s next?

I’ll leave you with this. Always do your best to be the best you can be. Wasted talent is just that and that applies to more than the AYF Olympics. I look forward to the day when I return as a coach for the Providence Varantians. My only hope is that I’m worthy of those who came before me, the women and men of the Providence community—a community in the smallest state that has seen more than its share of leaders on and off the fields with a legacy that’s second to none.

When someone like Coach Haig (Juny) Markarian Jr. approaches you and asks you to join this great organization, whether you are on your high school or college team or not, don’t let that opportunity slip through your hands. You will make friends for life all over the country. You will have memories that will last a lifetime. You may even find your soulmate. Most of all, you will keep this tradition going for generations, so if by chance some kid bumps into a friend who introduces him to his coach…

Author information

Stephen Elmasian

Stephen Elmasian is the fiscal manager for the RI Secretary of State Nellie M. Gorbea and co-chair of ANC-RI.

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The post Coach Elmasian: Long Live the AYF Olympics appeared first on The Armenian Weekly.

This was part of a series of articles published in the September 5 Special Edition of the Armenian Weekly honoring the AYF Olympics.

I’ve attended every Olympics since 1976, except for one. I missed Racine in 2006 when Heather wasn’t well. So, I have forgotten a whole lot more than I can remember. Competing was mostly a blur, except for my final year in 1989, the year we were rained out at the track.  

I was in the best shape of my life that year, thanks to Rich Chebookjian, who coached me every day that summer. The year prior, I left the pool and tried my hand at the pentathlon. Boston had a great pent tradition with Rich, Fred Hintlian and Leo Kashian. I won, but I hurt my knee a couple of weeks before Labor Day, so although we were happy with the win, we weren’t satisfied. In 1989, we worked out every day, rain or shine. “There is no use not training today,” Richard once told me while getting soaked during a rainy day workout. “It might rain at Olympics, and you need to be prepared.” Although we didn’t break any record or even compete, that was a special summer. I learned how to give back through his example. I can’t remember much about competing. Looking back nothing jumps out, winning or losing – I guess it didn’t matter, I had fun and I made lots of friends. I loved relays in the pool and on the track…both as an athlete and as a coach.

I had the good fortune of serving on the Governing Body for nine years. I served with Avo Alashaian, Dave Papazian, Michael Hagopian, Steve Hagopian and Mark Alashaian, but I also got to know my predecessors quite well—Shant Chebookjian and Aram “Sonny” Gavoor. I’ve been an AYF Olympics coach for 30 years now. There have been so many wonderful kids who have come through our program. It’s impossible to call out individuals or rank various special moments. Frankly, I’ve had too many great ones to fit into one article. I guess it’s fair to distinguish our first Greater Boston “Nejdeh” win in 2016 as a milestone for me and the chapter.

I am proud of all of our kids, those who are biologically mine and those I adopt for a few days at the end of every summer. I do want to single out, however, Tamar Kanarian. Tamar has been by my side for every junior and senior Olympics since I can remember. She is special. She cares so much about our kids. She is as competitive as she is compassionate. She is always available to help, whether it be at practice, softball or at the games. Sharing our many successes with Tamar on the field or at the dance is probably my most cherished memory of the more than 40 AYF Olympic Games I’ve attended.  

Author information

Ara Krafian

Ara Krafian is the CEO and President of Symmes, Maine & McKee Associates in Cambridge, MA. He received his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Northeastern University, his MBA from Bentley University and completed his certification at Harvard Business School in the Executive Education Program. Ara is an alum of the AYF Watertown “Gaidzag” & Boston “Siamanto” Chapters. As an AYF Senior, he served on the Nat’l Junior Seminar Committee, co-chaired the 1989 Boston AYF Olympic Committee and served on the AYF Governing Body for 9 years. Ara has coached the Greater Boston “Nejdeh” AYF Chapter (formerly the Boston “Siamanto” Chapter) for the past 30 years.

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