Why Deny Genocide?

As we are born into this world, we all come from different backgrounds, cultures, heritage, and religions. A lot of people in this world have been affected/effected by some sort of Genocide, War, and have lost our ancestors, loved ones, prominent important figures, have lost homes, villages, towns, and lands due to violent hate crimes which revolve around the jealousy of ones religion. With that being said, I always ask this question? Why deny Genocide? why hide the truth from the world and not recognize and admit wrong-doing? Race and culture discrimination should never be an issue and we should all respect each other. I do not see anything wrong with that.

As an Armenian myself, we have suffered 100 years of denial from the Turkish Ottoman Empire who tried to wipe out our Armenian’s and Armenia with 1.5 Million murdered in the hands of the Turks, but never succeed from April 24, 1915 until 1923. We just recently commemorated the centennial and it still hurts us in many ways that we cannot describe. What hurts the most is that we are being lied to day in and day out by the Turkish groups and the government. So, why deny? I think these nations who have not yet recognized the Armenian Genocide and other Genocides that have happened and are still happening now should be the bigger person’s and to make this world a better place, to make peace in the world and move forward.

I thank the countries and states of USA who have acknowledged and recognized the Armenian Genocide. I really appreciate that so much. To some better late then never. Prevention is always key and that is a huge step forward to a better tomorrow.

The further nations that have not recognized Genocide, the further problems arise and to prevent from such terrible criminal acts to humanity to happen again. Why not take the extra measures and actually make this world a better place for us all, to love each other, to live and let others live their lives happily, healthy and create memories with their loved ones. It is not fair for people to lose loved ones to crime and hate with senseless deaths that could be prevented. These leaders of the world should just recognize especially President Obama of United States as he promised us. He should not have said anything to us Armenians that he will be recognizing the Armenian genocide or else we would not have been so hurt and betrayed, but he did and that is just something that we cannot bare. He has been president for almost the whole 2 terms, and we really thought he would change his ways on the 100th commemoration, but he failed to do so. Why doesn’t he live up to his promise? I think he should be the bigger person and do it for the sake of humanity and for the sake of prevention of future genocides to occur. He would have left the end of his presidency on good terms, but unfortunately that is not the case.

Peoples lives have been cut short due to crimes and violent behavior. Those women, men, children, their families ripped apart, promising futures that were ahead of those came to an unfortunate halt. It is not only disgusting, but horrible as well. It is something so unimaginable. The blood, tears, starvation, violence, stabbing, shooting, severing heads, dismembering bodies, skeletons that flooded our soil, the human remains in our streets of our villages, the smell of death, and decomposing bodies, malnutrition, being left homeless, the cries of the innocent. Why? It does not make sense to me to this day why these things have to happen?

There is always a choice and unfortunately some people and leaders make the wrong choices that impact the rest of us. Stop the killing, stop genocides and make the future brighter and better for us all. Violence, Genocide and wars are definitely not the answer. Lets all stand against these terrible atrocities, to spread love, cheer, positivity around the world and to stop denying the Armenian and other Genocides. Lets all hold each others hands and stand together and create a new humanity of happiness, good health and prosperity.

Our Responsibility of Genocide Recognition Across the World

In the past couple of months I have been asking certain individuals if they are going to be attending the Ottawa, Canada Armenian Genocide Centennial Commemoration on April 24, 2015 from everywhere? As well as people across the world to participate in their local Genocide Centennial Events.

The response was, I went many times, some said I am not going to go, because nothing is changing and what is the point?

My response to them was, 1.5 Million Armenians were massacred, displaced from their homes, families destroyed, valuables and memories all gone, our lands were stolen, our landmarks and Mount Ararat was taken from us from Turks, and they are saying what is the point? Some are saying they are not going to go? You are not willing to sacrifice some of your time in memory of your ancestors?

Well, this is the kind of attitude and negativity that is not welcome. I get very angry when some people say those things. This is especially for those who cannot just sit and do nothing about it. Be true to your heritage, be Proud of who you are, We need to be about it, This is our Armenia, This is our Armenians, This is our Heritage, Culture and our being and existence in the world. We need to stand up against Genocide denial, we need to form unity and we have that important responsibility to prioritize, take a stand and join together to combat denial, to raise awareness. We need to take care of each other, and help each other out. This is including all races, cultures..

In the past month or so, we have gotten so much media coverage, the world knows about us now, and non-Armenians are always discussing us now. It does not matter if you are Armenian or not. This issue of Genocide is universal. All that matters is that all genocides combined that have happened needs awareness, needs recognition and we need to work hard and make sure that Genocide is never repeated. We are responsible for taking care of our Human Identity, Existence and everything else. There is no excuse and no reason in the world, that we cannot take time out of our lives and protect our every being. This is not just us, but everyone.

We have advanced so much in the world right now and this is such an awesome thing to see Armenia, Armenians and the Genocide getting so much media attention. Millions and Millions of people know about us now and that is something so incredible. Thank you to Mrs. Amal and MR. George Clooney, the Kardashians, Kanye West, Pope Francis, Countries that have recognized the Armenian Genocide, those who are on the verge of doing so, and US States that have also. Thank you to everyone who supports us and who took a stand against Genocide. That is what its all about. Love and take care of each other. Nothing is more beautiful than love, support, friendships, and unity. God bless us all and prevent from genocides from ever happening again.

Thank you Kardashian West Family and Pope Francis

What an incredible week it has been for us Armenians around the world. The Kardashian/West family made a memorable trip to Armenia which we will never forget, They also visited the Armenian Genocide Memorial to lay flowers and pay their respects to the 1.5 Million Armenians that were killed by the Turkish Ottoman Empire and our lands stolen from us, Kim then found out an elderly woman wanted to meet her, so she went and met up with her and gave her a hug. That was very nice of you Kim, Then we see that Kanye West performed in a concert for free, and then jumps into Swan Lake in Yerevan, then Pope Francis Recognizes and uses the word and term “Genocide” in his mass, then followed by Armenian Church songs and prayers.

This is huge recognition that we all needed and it was a long time coming, but we got it. With Millions and Millions of people around the world know our country of Armenia now, know who we are, know about The Armenian Genocide which occurred on April 24, 1915 and with almost 10 days to go until the Genocide’s 100th Centennial, this really made a big difference.

Thank you to Pope Francis, The Kardashians/West families, and all those across the world that helped us raise awareness and also acknowledging us and our beautiful Country of Armenia which made Kanye West smile and made him feel like home. That is something that is so incredible. What a great feeling. I am blown away by it all and how we were trending on Social Media and so many NON-ARMENIANS which have been tweeting, hashtagging, instagraming, and more. That is whats important for people to know about us. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!

Blood For Memory – In Memory of The Armenian Genocide

Blood For Memory
In Memory of 1.5 Million Armenians Massacred in 1915 from the Turkish Ottoman Empire on April 24th. The blood of our ancestors were taken away and killed 100 years ago.

Recognize, Contribute, Raise Awareness.

Join us and participate
April 12, 2015 from 1-5 pm
Armenian Community Centre of Toronto – Թորոնթոյի Հայ Կեդրոն
45 Hallcrown Pl – Toronto, Ontario

Health and Wellness fair, Many health/medical information booths, healthy snacks, resource centers for health questions, Kids corner and much more.

You can also donate blood on other dates and more. Bring your family and friends.

visit the following websites for more information http://www.bloodformemory.org — http://www.blood.ca — http://www.acmao.ca

For more information about the event please contact
Dr. Ani Hasserjian
dr.hasserjian@bellnet.ca
416-221-7300

Thank you.

Over Sharing on Social Media Really Needs to Stop – Furious 7 Movie

2 days ago when I was observing my News feeds and amongst other social media websites, something really began to bother me in so many ways. One that hit close to home and one that I just cannot believe. I know that the social media has boomed and has become one of the most biggest information hubs of the world, and I never knew how some people can just post anything without thinking until a couple of days ago. I just cannot believe it. It is too much. I mean enough is enough. This really pushed my buttons this time. I cannot endure that disrespectful acts from people. Just because a film just came into theaters it does not mean that you have to right away ruin it for people, and post every single darn thing. It is not cool at all.

With all due respect of the Late Paul Walker and his memory who died in 2013, November..  To all those who were close to him, his loved ones, his Fast family, the fans, I find it very disrespectful and wrong of people who are spoiling, over sharing the movie and taking parts of the movie and putting it out there, spending all that time with creating gif’s, memes, and video posts already on social media sites. This is not good to do, especially when there are such highly devoted Fans of the Furious 7 family and dishonoring Paul’s memory that way. I see people already spoiling the ending and everything and showcasing it to the world to see. It is not fair. People really need to stop that. I do not find it to be amusing at all.

Film Makers, Actors, Actresses, and everyone involved in movies work so hard, the production is hard work, very hard. Some people do not realize how much work, time, tons of money and effort is involved in making these films shine, and for them to make to our local movie theaters, then we have people who copy and use their smart phones or whatever device, to record the movie, to blab it out for everybody else is just so insensitive and down right disgraceful to those people involved in that production and directing.

There is no excuse in the book. It is never right to copy, re-produce something without written consent and permission from the intellectual owner/s of that production or whatever the case maybe. Not just in movies, but in our general life. If something is not yours and if you want it, ask for it, get written permission, do whatever you can to get things in writing before sharing somebody elses work. It is the right thing to do.

Just because it is social media, it does not mean that we have to post everything and anything we hear about, see, and do. Some things are meant to be private.

Furious 7 has not even been a week yet since the April 3rd, 2015 release and I keep seeing all these videos of the movie, and most importantly the best highlights, especially the ending part. I mean seriously? Is this a way some people want to honor and Respect Paul Walker and his cast-mates and film makers?

I saw it on Sunday April 5th, 2015 and I have not given anything away, as should be, but people do not think, people blab everything and it is not very good. Go see it in the theaters or wait to buy the movie, but don’t spoil and ruin it for everyone else who has not seen it yet. I just find that to be really terrible and thoughtless.

So enough is enough… Over Sharing needs to stop. It is really ridiculous having to spoil something for people whom have been looking forward to seeing the movie Furious 7. Instead of keeping people in suspense, and their eagerness to go to the movie theaters or the anticipation of seeing it on DVD in your own homes when the movie comes out. It ruins the fun, it ruins the curiosity. Thanks for understanding my view-point, because it is just craziness.

 

RIP Paul Walker — I Love you so much.

Furious 7 – One Last Ride – For Paul Walker – In Theater’s Now

On Friday April 3rd, 2015, Furious 7 made its premiere and movie debut in theaters where in about 3-4 days now, it made over 384 Million dollars in the Box office and more. Just over half way through the movie, an unfortunate loss happened to the Fast family, loved ones and fans all across the world, when Paul Walker died of a single vehicle crash where he was a passenger in Los Angeles on November 30, 2013, which put a strain and scar on everyone as well as a terrible shock, which the news spread within seconds, and that feeling will never go away. The production of the movie came to an abrupt halt and got post-poned until the directors and film maker of the movie decided how they will re-write and complete the movie. Paul’s brothers Cody and Caleb completed the rest of the role of Brian O’Connor.

The movie was absolutely incredibly, tastefully and wonderfully done. There was so much action. The Late Paul Walker as well as Jason Statham, Kurt Russell, Vin Diesel, Tyrese Gibson, Ludacris, Dwayne Johnson, Michelle Rodriguez, Elsa Pataky, Jordana Brewster and more were actors of the movie. They are all so carefully and excellent chosen actors for Furious 7 and the movie series. I love you all very much.

When I watched it on Sunday April 5th in the evening, the whole theatre was packed. There was not an empty seat. They had the movie playing in different auditoriums because they could not keep up and each theatre was packed. I said to myself, to honor Paul’s memory, I need to go watch it as soon as possible. I could not wait until next week, when I initially had planned to see it. I went to go watch it with friends. I had this feeling and I knew I would be a total emotionally wreck I tell you, I could not stop balling my eyes out. You could hear sniffles and cries throughout the whole theatre as was myself. So many tears were flowing down my cheeks, and the ending of the movie was a beautiful tribute to Paul Walker. Paul definitely put a huge and everlasting impact on everyone. I will not be spoiling it for anybody.

I feel that I want to begin watching Fast and Furious from the beginning and make it like a marathon and watch One Last Ride – Furious 7 once again.

I had written this on Tyrese Gibson’s Facebook page on one of his photos and I said “you guys have no idea how much you all mean to me. I love you guys so much. I loved Furious 7 so much, and I want to go and see it again. It was a great movie and the ending and tribute to our Lovely Paul, was incredible and tastefully completed. I ADORE YOU GUYS SO MUCH…. My dream is to meet you all and tell you all personally how much of a great impact you all have put on me and my life. I have followed you guys since the beginning and will forever do so. I support you all 100%. RIP Paul, it will not be the same without you, but as I watch these movies, I will forever see his smile and beautiful soul shine.”

Paul, keep smiling in the heavens. Your smile is contagious and beautiful. He made me feel like I knew him personally, he made me feel like he was a good friend of mine, he made me feel like I was close to him. fly your angel wings, Race and rest in paradise PW. We all love you so much. God Rest your soul. With Respect and love, your forever and one of your biggest fans, supporter  Talin Orfali

 

Forget Me Not Flower – In Memory of The Centennial Armenian Genocide

This month of April 24, 2015 will mark the Centennial of The Armenian Genocide of which occurred 100 years ago in the year 1915. The Republic of Armenia has issued a symbol and emblem presenting the memory of 1.5 Million Armenians who were massacred and killed by Ottoman empire of Turkey. This forget-me-not-flower expresses eternal remembrance, also that evokes the past, the present and the future experiences of our Armenian people. This year the theme is forget-me-not, and this flower is the official emblem worldwide to observe this as the 100th commemoration of the Armenian Genocide. The following describes the meaning behind the flower and what it symbolizes:
THE FUTURE:
The five petals represent the five continents
where survivors of the Armenian Genocide found a new home.
The dark purple color is meant to recall the priestly vestments of
the Armenian Church—which has been, is, and will remain at the
heart of the Armenian Christian identity.

THE PRESENT:
The light purple petals represents the unity
of Armenian communities across the world—all of whom stand
together in this 100th year of remembrance.

ETERNITY:
The twelve trapezoids represent the twelve pillars
of the Dzidzernagapert Armenian Genocide memorial in Yerevan,
Armenia. The yellow color represents light, creativity, and hope.

THE PAST:
The black center represents the sufferings of 1915,
and the dark aftermath of the Armenian Genocide.

***for the Month of April, I will be putting Armenian Genocide banners on my Facebook and will be explaining more about the Armenian Genocide, how Turkish Ottoman Empire Failed to wipe us all out from the earth, as well as introducing to you talented and incredible artists, and more in our Armenian Community which have inspired us and lifted us all up.***

For more of a visual understanding and to see the emblem of Forget-Me-Not-Flower visit http://www.YouTube.com/EasterndDocese

Some more Armenian Genocide Centennial Websites and Links of Interest.

http://armeniangenocide100.org/en/materials/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/100th_anniversary_of_the_Armenian_Genocide

http://genocidecentennial.ca/canada-and-the-armenian-genocide/

http://repatarmenia.org/eng/forget-me-not-to-symbolize-centenary-of-armenian-genocide/

http://www.armeniansgenocide.am/en/news/15

http://www.accc.org.uk/video-explaining-the-forget-me-not-flower-symbol-of-the-armenian-genocide/

Thank you.