My DP playmate’s name is Anusch, and her recent story begins on November 25, 2022, with an email I received from the assistant editor of the Armenian Weekly, Ms. Leeza Arakelian. Part of the email from the assistant editor reads: “…Please see this note below from a Sarah Thiel…An amazing connection...!”
The writer had written: “We are writing to you from Europe—Germany—with a special request. Through a search on Displaced Persons (DPs)…we heard about DPs in the U.S…. We co
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this is such a heart warming story of our brothers and sisters. As Armenians we survived life’s trying times. I must tell myself: It was not our fault. Even today it is not our fault that our people are being targeted again… I love you my people wherever you are.
This is a sad yet fascinating tale of the troubles and toils of humanity caused by unjustifiable historical events, yet it is also a tale of the human bonding during hardships that last forever. Congratulations once again to Knarik Meneshian in recounting the sad chapters of her life and those that were part of her childhood with such eloquent literary style!
This is beautifully written, and mirrors my own father’s story as a Russian officer, being captured and forced into the Armenische Division to fight for Germany. As the war ended, he was again in A POW camp and everyone awoke one morning to find all the German guards gone. Like others, repatriation to Armenia would mean certain death, due to Stalin’s policies.
He was sponsored by an Armenian lawyer, and emigrated to Illinois.
Thank you for this beautiful and touching memoir.
Dear Knarik,
Thank you so much for sharing these truly sad, yet uplifting stories of human grit and perseverance in the face of such devastation. I am so happy you have reconnected with Anusch!
An Armenian saying -” Kare karin che hantibir ….. a stone does not meet another stone, but people do”, come true.
A heart warming story.
Not Kare karin, but Sare sarin (a mountain does not meet another mountain)….
Artsakhuhi says the saying is for “it’s sare sarin” ( a mountain) and not “kare karin” (stone) coneying the message of the entities that, unlike people, do not meet each other. I am now left with the impression that the former is the Eastern Armenian saying and what I have heard numerous times in Western Armenian saying. Surely both are fine and can be used conveying that people do meet each other in unexpected places or at unexpected times
Dear Knarik,
This is very touchy and fascinating story. Glad you found your childhood friend through your written articles in the Armenian weekly. Thank you for sharing the article with us.
Hi, Knarik!
What a fascinating account of the lives of people during and after war times. You have been on such a peripatetic journey in life. Your writings talents certainly shine, and students are lucky to have you as a literary guide.
I loved reading the account of the lives changed because of war, I’m glad that you are able to tell it.
Thanks for sharing.
Knarik, your detailed depiction of the lives of those who experienced the extreme deprivation, hardship, and despair of the DP concentration camps,and SURVIVED, is a stunning tribute to the strength and fortitude of the human spirit, in particular, the Armenian spirit! Anusch and Knarik, an unbelievable connection, 72 years in the making!
Thank you Knarik for sharing your beautiful and moving story and that of Anoush’s. The story of every Armenian Genocide survivor is an odyssey to be written and shared. We pray no child is seperated from home. The happy ending relieves the anguish of wars.
Dear Knarik,
Keep writing and hopefully your story can be featured in a movie to reach larger audiences.
I had the privilege of meeting Hans and Anusch at the Mekhitarist Church on San Lazzaro, Venice 10 years ago. Their human spirit, followed by the Armenian and German essence was bountiful. They were there to baptize their grandchild. Their daughter Sarah has kept me and many others from that magical day posted on their life in Europe.
This reunion reinforces our faith, courage and duty to maintain culture and to honor heritage and tradition.
Knarik and Anusch, I’d love to host your reunion in Los Angeles so you may celebrate with your loved ones. You are as adorable as you were when you were toddlers.