Community gathers for candlelight vigil to support people of Artsakh

By Andonia Goergen

Executive News Editor

Hundreds of South Bay residents gathered in Metlox Plaza on Oct. 26 to honor the Armenian people of Artsakh and pray for peace, as they defend their homeland from attacks from Azerbaijan and Turkey. 

On Sept. 27, Azerbaijan, with aid from Turkey, launched an attack on the Republic of Artsakh, whose population is primarily composed of ethnic Armenians, in an attempt to overtake the land and eliminate all Armenians in the area. To honor the soldiers and civilians who lost their lives thus far, the Armenian community in the South Bay wanted to spread peace and prayer by holding this vigil amid the conflicts, according to Manhattan Beach resident Mariana Kazarian. 

“It’s so frustrating because, as a community, we carry the same wound from the 1915 genocide, and the genocide that’s happening now just feels like they’ve ripped those wounds back open,” Costa senior Nicole Bolsajian said. “War follows Armenians everywhere. We can’t even live in our own homeland in peace, and to have the rest of the world ignore you feels like we are screaming for help and people are just sitting  there  watching us drown.”

The night began with an introduction of the conflict from executive director of the Paros Foundation, which brings the Armenian community closer through philanthropy. Peter Abajian, who spoke about some of the background of the attacks in Armenia and Artsakh. Another speaker was Haig Boyadjian, who spoke about the effects of the conflicts on the Armenian youth. 

“My message is that we stick together because it is going to be a long road to rebuild Armenia, to rebuild Artsakh and to give these kids and their families the hope to thrive, to rebuild again and to have the dignity that they deserve,” Boyadjian said. 

Costa senior Eric Ashkarian was one of  the few performers at the event. Ashkarian played a rendition of “Eccles Sonata in G minor” on his bass. Another local presenter was Robinson  Elementary fifth-grader Jack Enson, who delivered a speech focusing on the importance of children all over the world being able to live in peace. 

“In a time of such pain and loneliness, to see that many Armenians come together in such a small community was very reassuring,” Bolsajian said.

The event also attracted religious speakers from American Martyrs Church; Congregation Tikvat Jacob Beth Torah; Saint Katherine Greek Orthodox Church; Forty Martyrs Armenian Church, and Saint James Armenian Church. The service ended with a procession down to the Manhattan Beach Pier where participants carried candles, Armenian flags and red, blue and orange carnations representing the flag’s colors. 

“When we all walked down to the pier to walk around the roundhouse and back with flags and candles, people were probably looking at us and thinking what is going on,” Bolsajian said. “Curiosity that stems in people is going to lead them to want to learn more about it and hopefully want to get involved.”