Under the aegis of the Hamazkayin Western USA Regional Executive Board, the Hamazkayin Baruyr Sevag Chapter on July 10, 2022, held a cheerful evening in the “Khatun Saryan” Yard of the ARF Rosdom Gomideh center. The dance was a fund raiser for the Hamazkayin Jemaran in Lebanon.
About 100 alumni and members or supporters of Hamazkayin took part.
The program began with beautiful melodies performed on violin by Siranush Hoveyan. The chapter chairperson Berj Ouzounian spoke, introducing official guests: Garo Kamarian, chair, and other members of the Gomideh; representatives of the Hamazkayin Regional Executive Board; and Levon Shant’s grandson Levon Shant. He invited Archpriest Razmig Khatchadourian to bless the tables. Popular singer Shahe Sekayan performed.
Jacque Armoudikian, a member of the chapter executive board, spoke and explained the purpose of the gathering, to support the important work of the Jemaran in maintaining Armenian culture. The income from the event was to go to the Jemaran in full. Donations were made as the evening progressed, and the alumni sang the Jemaran anthem.
A video was on display with the history of Hamazkayin and the Jemaran. Also on display were pictures of Jemaran teachers, classrooms, and other souvenirs of interest to alumni.
Dr. Harutiune Armenian, Class of 1960, spoke. He spoke of the work the school has done in forging Armenian generations and told stories from the old days. He mentioned the Hamazkayin Jemaran in Marseilles, that continued—and continues—to enjoy the full support of the Central Executive Board in spite of all the challenges they faced in war-torn Lebanon. He concluded, “Hamazkayin opens schools. Hamazkayin does not close schools.”
The upbeat atmosphere continued until late in the night. Guests enjoyed food prepared by executive board members and left satisfied.