Every small action matters
On August 18, the Armenian National Committee of Michigan (ANC of MI) hand-delivered letters to the offices of Senator Debbie Stabenow and Senator Gary Peters advocating for an end to the blockade of Artsakh. These letters were signed by the ANC of MI, as well as the Armenian Community Center of Greater Detroit, Armenian Relief Society, Armenian Youth Federation (AYF) Detroit “Kopernik Tandourjian” Chapter, Hamazkayin Armenian Educational and Cultural Society of Detroit, Homenetmen Scouts of Detroit and Saint Sarkis Armenian Apostolic Church.
The letter stated: “Azerbaijan’s arbitrary conduct is fueled by the absence of sanctions and the U.S. compliance with Azerbaijan’s every whim. The time has come for the U.S. to stand in solidarity with a vulnerable population on the brink of extermination and to align itself with the right side of history.” It requested that the senators call on U.S. President Joe Biden and Secretary of State Antony Blinken to demand that Azerbaijan immediately lift the blockade of the Berdzor (Lachin) Corridor. The letter added: “This action is necessary to prevent Azerbaijan from carrying out its genocidal plan to forcibly remove the indigenous Armenian population from the Republic of Artsakh, where they have resided for centuries.” While ANC committee members delivered the letters, members of the Armenian community gathered in front of the senators’ offices with Armenian and Republic of Artsakh flags and signs to show support for their fellow Armenians.
As a member of the AYF and ANC of Michigan, I am outraged over the indifference of the American government and the lack of concern for the people of Artsakh. Armenians trapped by the blockade for more than eight months are running out of their limited supply of food and medicine. It is currently unknown if they will be able to survive through the next few weeks. The youth of Artsakh do not have access to schools or educational resources. What should be the most treasured and important years of their lives are instead filled with stressful and terrifying moments. While I am just weeks away from beginning my senior year in high school, students in Artsakh may not have the chance to be in a classroom ever again, let alone in the foreseeable future. Education is a human right that no child should be deprived of.
However, while standing in front of the senators’ offices while the letters were being delivered, I felt a sense of accomplishment and pride for taking an active part in the effort to prevent a tragedy in Artsakh. It was profound to think that I was making a difference by waving a flag. I was simply walking the streets of Detroit with other passionate members of my community, educating bystanders about the second Armenian Genocide unfolding in Artsakh, and it had an impact.
Afterward, we received a response from Senator Peters’ office, stating that the senator continues to be deeply concerned about the situation in Artsakh and remains engaged. He will continue to speak out against Azeri aggression. Through our solidarity and determination, each and every action, no matter how small or insignificant it might seem, can carry enough weight to support the people of Artsakh in their time of crisis.
