Friday, March 16, 2012

March 16, 2004 - A terrible memory


To the millions of martyrs, two more were added that day...

My dearest sister cousin Vanya and Hagop (Jack) Hopar (uncle) were brutally murdered eight years ago today and the life was snatched out of them for good. Their physical bodies left us in the space of 30 minutes, with terrified neighbors watching, paramedics abandoning the scene taking them for dead, and commenting (as per eyewitness accounts) that they "Turned out to be just Christians!" That comment is the reflection of the hatred and sometimes indifference towards 'second class citizens' that is often planted in the hearts of people. Hopefully this revolution which turned out to be anything but, falling short of even toppling of the regime since the regime seems to be continuing well in the same steps of its predecessors, or shall we say its colleagues?
But that is not what I intended to speak about.
I want to evoke the sacred and dear memory of my kin, their absence leaves a indelible crater in my heart, ready to erupt, that only the love of humanity, deep compassion, understanding and forgiveness can calm. I don't want to fill the trough with hatred, I don't want vengeance and cursing to fill it in.
Instead, prayers of peace, of love and compassion for a better humanity, good neighborly conduct and unlimited understanding of our fellow human beings.
Maybe art and creativity are the answer.
I dedicate my artistic work and journey to their memory and their love that will keep me going until the day we meet again.