Day: November 20, 2023

I’ve been reflecting on William Saroyan’s profound words from his second book, Inhale & Exhale, and I find myself wondering what he might have thought today, 87 years later. Many Armenians hold a poster of his message from 1936 or can recite it by heart. 

His original passage begins with: “I should like to see any power of the world destroy this race, this small tribe of unimportant people, whose history is ended, whose wars have all been fought and lost, whose structures have crumbled, whose literature is unread, whose music is unheard, whose prayers are no longer uttered.”

William Saroyan

While every word remains relevant in the present, the phrase that lingers in my thoughts is, “whose literature is unread.” Did Saroyan envision a future where literature would be left unread and destroyed, not by the passage of time and war, but by book banning and controversial policies such as Facebook’s silencing of genocides and Amazon’s censorship of reviews? Could any of us have foreseen such challenges to the free exchange of ideas?

This revelation struck me in a moment of truth, when I observed that my posts on social media containing the word “genocide” were going unnoticed. Simultaneously, I encountered more posts from Armenians expressing frustration over the invisibility of news related to Artsakh and other pertinent topics. A post by author Chris Bohjalian showcasing his banned, challenged or removed books, including his NY Times bestselling novel The Sandcastle Girls which unfolds a compelling narrative against the backdrop of the Armenian Genocide, further intensified my awareness.

My frustration peaked when my publisher informed me that Facebook was rejecting paid ads for my newly-released book, Who She Left Behind, simply because its cover included the term “genocide.” Additionally, Amazon was refusing reviews for my book that contained language related to genocide. All of this unfolded within a matter of weeks, all the while William Saroyan’s words were prominently displayed on my office wall.

Facebook policies, book banning and censorship enact passive yet systematic destruction of Armenian literature and perpetuate denial of the Armenian Genocide. This alarming trend threatens not only the visibility of critical narratives but also the ongoing dialogue surrounding a historical atrocity that must not be forgotten.

Platforms like Facebook, Amazon and others, holding the power to censor and control content, should be held accountable for the consequences, whether intentional or unintended, of suppressing historical truths. This may be a battle prioritized for another day, as the immediate focus lies on the ongoing traumas faced by Armenians in response to the current situation with Artsakh refugees and the distressing violence in Israel and Gaza, with the looming threat of a world war.

Numerous passionate and courageous individuals have already answered the call for advocacy, demanding sanctions against Azerbaijan, providing humanitarian relief by traveling to Armenia and raising funds. However, there are also smaller yet impactful ways individuals can take control of preserving our culture. In the words of Margaret Mead, “Never believe that a few caring people can’t change the world. For, indeed, that’s all who ever have.” This timely message resonates as we enter a season of giving love and thanks. Let’s capture this spirit to ensure that Armenian literature is not only preserved but also widely read and understood.

Here are a few simple actions you can take today to promote Armenian literature and ensure it reaches a wider audience:

Advocate at your local library:

• Request that your local library add a book by an Armenian author to your TBR (to be read) list. This initiative fosters greater accessibility and equity in bringing Armenian literature into the mainstream.

Share your bookshelf on social media:

• Participate in Library Shelfie Day on January 24, 2024, by posting a “shelfie” on social media. Flood these platforms with images of Armenian books you’re currently reading or those sitting on your bookshelves. Tag #LibraryShelfieDay.

Innovative social media messaging:

• Use creative techniques to make your Armenian-related messages visible on social media. For instance, consider replacing the letter ‘o’ with the numeral ‘0’ to outsmart algorithms – a tactic I’ve been trying.

Support genocide education initiatives:

• Support and engage with the efforts of organizations like the Genocide Education Project. Ensure that Armenian Genocide literature is not only read, but also taught, in middle and high schools where bills have been passed, and actively advocate for support from elected officials in regions where such bills have not been approved.

Recommend Armenian books to book clubs:

• Propose Armenian books to your book clubs, whether in-person, on social media or in virtual spaces. Actively participate in social media book clubs by making and encouraging recommendations to introduce Armenian culture to a wider audience.

Gift Armenian books for Christmas:

• Give Armenian books as Christmas gifts. With a diverse range of genres, such as art and culture, children’s literature, contemporary, cookbooks, fiction, historical fiction, history and biography, memoirs, language instructionals, mysteries, romance, travel and young adult, there’s a book for everyone on your list. Buy from Armenian book sources to double the impact of your purchase. Start a new tradition this year and include books under the Christmas tree or tucked in stockings. 

This season of giving love and thanks can also be a season of fostering cultural understanding. As we champion Armenian literature, we actively contribute to a world where the power of storytelling transcends boundaries and ensures that no narrative is left unread or unheard. 

May Saroyan’s wisdom be the gift of the Christmas season for each of us to be inspired and ensure our rich Armenian literature is read.

Author information

Victoria Atamian Waterman

Victoria Atamian Waterman is a writer born in Rhode Island. Growing up in an immigrant, bilingual, multi-generational home with survivors of the Armenian Genocide has shaped the storyteller she has become. She is a trustee of Soorp Asdvadzadzin Armenian Apostolic Church and chair of the Armenian Heritage Monument in Whitinsville, MA. She is the author of “Who She Left Behind.”

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WATERTOWN, Mass.—The holiday season is upon us, and the Armenian Relief Society (ARS) of Eastern USA is thrilled to announce the relaunch of its “Spread Christmas Cheer” fundraising campaign. The organization is once again inviting the community to unite in making a significant impact on those in need during this festive season.

For just $25, community members can brighten the lives of children from Artsakh and the children of Armenia, Javakhk, Lebanon and Syria. Donations will allow the organization to provide essential gifts that carry a powerful message of support and hope. It’s a simple yet impactful act of kindness that can make a world of difference.

“The true meaning of the holidays lies in giving,” said Caroline Chamavonian, chairperson of the ARS of Eastern USA Regional Executive Board. “Our ‘Spread Christmas Cheer’ campaign is an opportunity for us all to come together, transcending boundaries and making a positive impact for our compatriots who are facing difficult times,” she continued. 

When the campaign was first launched in 2020, the ARS of Eastern USA sponsored 1,500 gifts for displaced children from Artsakh. In 2021, due to the many challenges faced by our compatriots in Artsakh, Javakhk, Syria and Lebanon, the ARS of Eastern USA expanded the list and raised more than $20,000 for the campaign. Last year, more than $30,000 was raised to support the children and also provide gifts for teachers in Syria and Lebanon. 

Community members can donate online or mail checks made payable to the ARS of Eastern USA to 80 Bigelow Avenue, Suite 200, Watertown, MA 02472.

Author information

Armenian Relief Society International Inc.

Armenian Relief Society, Inc. (ARS) is an independent, non-governmental and non-sectarian organization which serves the humanitarian needs of the Armenian people and seeks to preserve the cultural identity of the Armenian nation. It mobilizes communities to advance the goals of all sectors of humanity. For well over a century, it has pioneered solutions to address the challenges that impact our society.

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Peggy Ishkhanian is the true definition of an Armenian woman. She preserves Armenian history and incorporates her immense love of being Armenian into everything that she does.

Ishkhanian was born in Eshtora, Lebanon, a village near Anjar. During the Lebanese Civil War, her family emigrated to Canada, where she met her husband and had two children. They moved to Los Angeles for better weather, and she completed her education and began teaching at Pilavjian Preschool, where she touched young lives for 24 years.

After retiring from teaching, Ishkhanian took care of her elderly parents. Her mother had cancer, and within two years, she lost both of her parents. She felt an immense void in her life and wanted to find a purpose. Because she lost her mother to cancer, and children had always been near and dear to her heart, Ishkhanian launched fundraisers for Bridge of Health, an organization based in Armenia that provides aid to children with cancer. Ishkhanian went to Armenia in 2019 to visit the children assisted by the organization. She wanted to make them happy and was very touched by the immense strength of the children and their parents.

During the 2020 Artsakh War, Ishkhanian and her friends mobilized and organized fundraisers. They began with selling pepper paste, all homemade with love. One supporter of the fundraiser who purchased pepper paste gave Ishkhanian a pumpkin from Artsakh. She planted the seeds to grow Artsakh pumpkins, which she treasures immensely.

To continue raising funds, the group started to prepare sharots (sweet sujukh), pakhlava, cakes, manti and more Armenian treats. They gave the funds to Nor Terchnots Pouyn, an organization that takes care of children of fallen heroes, started by Zabel Berberian, who repatriated to Armenia from Toronto. Ishkhanian also held cooking classes for children, which the children and their families loved. She taught the children how to make Armenian baked goods like nazook and matnakash bread, along with sourdough bread. 

Click to view slideshow.

Along with baking, Ishkhanian collected funds by crafting Marashi artwork on tote bags, hats and other clothes. She learned the artwork of needlepoint named specifically for Marash from her mother. The needlepoint of Marash is distinct, including tiny crosses designed specifically so that the Turks would not appropriate it. This kind of needlepoint was also very popular in Britain, where it was brought by traders, Ishkhanian shared.

Ishkhanian doesn’t remember a time when she wasn’t in the kitchen either helping her mom or cooking and baking herself. She has such an innate love for the kitchen, which she calls the capital room for the family. The kitchen is the cornerstone of Armenian culture, according to Ishkhanian. She sees it as a bridge that binds together Armenians from all over the world, from Lebanon to Armenia to the United States.

Ishkhanian and friend grilling

Ishkhanian also worked with Engineer Armenia and Hayk for Our Heroes, two phenomenal organizations run by determined youth who are steadfast in their love of the homeland and its people. She held an event with Hayk for Our Heroes to prepare jingalov hats. Everything was prepared from scratch, and the youth realized how much work it takes to create certain foods. She felt empowered seeing the young participants and their positive energy. She felt especially honored and emotional when she met a sweet young girl from Artsakh at the event, who said that she had never tried jingalov hats.

“The Diasporan Armenian is deprived of their own land and water due to the Armenian Genocide. My two great aunts froze to death, but my great uncle was saved by the French. My grandfather was killed by the Turks,” Ishkhanian said. Her family went from Marash to Adana and finally settled in Damascus. “The enemy has always tried to eradicate us, even today. Knowing the history of my family and my people has made me even more determined to keep our beautiful Armenian culture alive,” she added. 

Marash needlework

Ishkhanian is grateful to God that she can use her talents to help her people. She feels proud of her family and friends who have stood by and encouraged her. 

Armenians feel devastated in light of what has happened to Artsakh, but what truly breaks Ishkhanian’s heart is the indifference of some. Armenians lost an entire generation and their ancestral and holy lands, reminiscent of the Armenian Genocide, Ishkhanian reflected. She calls on all Armenians to stand at the side of the people of Artsakh, so that they know they are not alone. 

She also called for an internal revival of Armenian culture, stating that Armenians owe it to their ancestors and descendants to carry the torch. She remembers one teacher who said to her, when you speak Armenian, there is a sweetness around your lips. “Dear parents, it is our duty and responsibility to keep our culture alive and thriving. We will only survive if we protect our land, our culture and our language. The Armenian kitchen is just as much a part of our culture as our songs and dances. The enemy doesn’t want our culture to thrive. Therefore, we must do everything to preserve our heritage,” she said.

Each and every person has a gift that they can bestow to Armenia’s heritage and homeland and to the upcoming generations. Ishkhanian is a wonderful example.

Author information

Talar Keoseyan

Talar Keoseyan is a mother, educator and writer. Talar’s book called Mom and Dad, Why Do I Need to Know My Armenian Heritage? is available on Amazon. Tigran’s Song is available at Abril Bookstore. She has been an educator for 25 years and resides in Los Angeles, CA. She can be reached at talar725@gmail.com

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Gaza cannot wait for a new and improved PA. For all its flaws, the existing one is the most experienced body in Palestinian society capable of managing civilian life / Zvi Bar’elhttps://t.co/QNPFoUooNT

— Haaretz.com (@haaretzcom) November 21, 2023

A California Highway Patrol officer fatally shot a man during a scuffle on a closed interstate Sunday, officials say, in a confrontation that appeared to be filmed by a bystander. https://t.co/0WEGja2vdm

— NBC News (@NBCNews) November 21, 2023