On January 19, 2024, at the Montebello Armenian Center, the Hamazkayin Montebello Mushegh Ishkhan Chapter held an event to raises money for Armenians in Lebanon.
Some 80 guests attended the event. The chairperson of the chapter executive board, Zepure Harboyan Sarjian welcomed the guests. Shaghig Artinian, a member of the board, presented the two main speakers: longtime teacher Zepur Ohannessian and well-known director Ara Madzounian. Both speakers were born and raised in Bourj Hammoud in Greater Beirut.
Ms. Ohannessian spoke about the past and present of the Armenian community in Lebanon, offering new nuggets that she had uncovered through research. She shared slides that showed the demographic changes in the former Armenian settlements.
Mr. Madzounian shared a short documentary video about the formation of the Bourj Hammoud Armenian community, starting with the tent cities from which Armenian Genocide survivors moved to the town. As they improved their living conditions, they became one of the most dynamic communities of the diaspora until the outbreak of the Lebanese civil war.
After the speeches, Manouel Meneshian, accompanied by Ani Meymarian on drums, sang a few Armenian and Arabic songs. Ms. Artinian entranced the guests with an Armenian solo dance.
One of the most exciting parts of the event was the performance, by the Freedom Dance Group, of Lebanese dances. The guests rose and joined in circle dances.
A memorable Lebanese meal was prepared by Nanor Harboyan, a graduate of the Mesrobian School.
