Ultimate Crime, Ultimate Challenge
That was the name of the 2 day conference that just ended. I must say it was a very impressive line-up of speakers from all over the world, who were able to touch upon a variety of topics related to the Armenian Genocide. They even had Lech Walesa come and give a speech, which was especially fitting since Poland officially recognized the genocide this week.
Among the most reassuring speakers to see there were the Israeli, and of course Turkish speakers. Three of each (as well as a brave Turkish-Armenian, Hrant Dink). All of these people spoke with regret that their governments did not officially recognize the Armenian Genocide, even Yossi Sarid, who himself is a member of Israel's Knesset (Parliament) and the Education Minister. The 3 Turkish speakers spoke openly and clearly about the genocide, not to mention bravely. The fourth Turk who was supposed to participate, Ragip Zarakolu could not make it, because a he was put on trial for similiar activities. Quite a way to highlight the sacrifices and chances these men were taking and have taken. Yet when one of them asked the audience for help and bit more patience, I am sad to report a number of them audibly expressed dissatisfaction with such a request.
Overall the speakers didn't have enough time to go into great depth, but with talks of up to half an hour, nearly all of the presentations were interesting to hear, and on worthwhile topics. Some of the heavy hitters names include: Yehuda Bauer, Donald Miller, Israel Charny, Yair Auron, Vahakn Dadrian, Taner Akcam, Murat Belge, Richard Hovanissian and a number of others, as well as important panel discussants. Just too many to list meaningfully. The talks were divided under 5 major themes.
Anyway, it was great to see such a gathering, and hear one after another affirmation that the day of universal acceptance is getting much closer. I just hope one genocide survivor is alive to see it.
Among the most reassuring speakers to see there were the Israeli, and of course Turkish speakers. Three of each (as well as a brave Turkish-Armenian, Hrant Dink). All of these people spoke with regret that their governments did not officially recognize the Armenian Genocide, even Yossi Sarid, who himself is a member of Israel's Knesset (Parliament) and the Education Minister. The 3 Turkish speakers spoke openly and clearly about the genocide, not to mention bravely. The fourth Turk who was supposed to participate, Ragip Zarakolu could not make it, because a he was put on trial for similiar activities. Quite a way to highlight the sacrifices and chances these men were taking and have taken. Yet when one of them asked the audience for help and bit more patience, I am sad to report a number of them audibly expressed dissatisfaction with such a request.
Overall the speakers didn't have enough time to go into great depth, but with talks of up to half an hour, nearly all of the presentations were interesting to hear, and on worthwhile topics. Some of the heavy hitters names include: Yehuda Bauer, Donald Miller, Israel Charny, Yair Auron, Vahakn Dadrian, Taner Akcam, Murat Belge, Richard Hovanissian and a number of others, as well as important panel discussants. Just too many to list meaningfully. The talks were divided under 5 major themes.
Anyway, it was great to see such a gathering, and hear one after another affirmation that the day of universal acceptance is getting much closer. I just hope one genocide survivor is alive to see it.
posted by Raffi K. at 5:45 PM
2 Comments:
thanks raffi. oh so comforting that it went well and the heavy-hitter speakers showed up. (hrant dink is being quoted all over the press this week by the way.) and, remember we all are survivors of the genocide too.
I so wanted to attend the conference, but unfortunately I couldn't. Nice to hear it went well.
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