Interview
of "HaiSird" with the A.R.S. Chairperson,
Mrs. Hasmig Derderian
Hai Sird: We are all distressed and alarmed with the
situation created in the Middle East. We have felt its
distructive impact not only in regards to the
Lebanese-Armenians, but all our communities in the Middle
East. Being aware of the important role the Middle East has
assumed in our Diasporan reality, what repercussions -- if
any -- do you foresee in the world-wide structure and
activities of the the Armenian Relief Society?
Hasmig Derderian: It is a well known fact, that it is
not the first time -- during its 96-year history -- for the
Armenian Relief Society to come face to face with tragic
devastations resulting from armed conflicts. A short look
backward takes us to the agonizing days of the civil war in
Lebanon. During that protracted conflict, the Armenian
Relief Cross of Lebanon, along with the world-wide ARS
entities and numerous Diasporan Armenian organizations,
continued its humanitarian assistance to the beleaguered
population, until peace returned to the country.
This time, as well, at the very beginning of the Israeli
bombings, the ARS Central Executive Board, through the
Diasporan news media, appealed« to our public to come to the
assistance of the people of Lebanon, by supplying the
necessary food and medication needed in the stricken areas…
H.S.: How will the global ARS network be involved in the
post-cease-fire reconstruction of Lebanon’s socio-economic
structure -- the resettlement of the displaced and the
homeless, etc.?
H.D.: As during the 15 long years of the Civil War,
the Shirak earthquake of 1998, and the Artsakh liberation
war and their aftermath, the ARS Central Executive Board –
Along with the appeals to the public – has mobilized its
membership in 23 different countries with special circulars
and directives.
The initial ARS aid reached Lebanon without delay and will
continue until the present chaotic conditions return to
normal, allowing the people to recover from the trauma of
this latest round of armed conflict.
HS: The process of recovery may take a long time. What are
your prognostications in this regard?
H.D.: Well, the UN-arranged cease fire allows us some
optimism as to the possibility of lasting peace. We pray,
that the destructive clashes do not restart. Nevertheless,
one must refrain from rash predictions; too much optimism or
pessimism can interfere with the momentum of reconstruction.
We must proceed with the requirements and realities of the
events as they unravel, from day to day.
HS: Surely, the ARS is not going to be alone in this
humanitarian endeavor –most certainly, other Armenian
organizations will also share the burden of long range
assistance…
H.D.: Naturally. It is with united efforts, that we
have been able to implement effective humanitarian programs
in the past, wherever and whenever needed.
As we had noted in our second appeal, in view of a worsening
situation and in order to be able to provide the ever
increasing amount of assistance, with community-wide
efforts, a special United Assistance Committee was set up in
Beirut, headquartered in the offices of the Armenian Relief
Cross of Lebanon. The same approach is being activated in
other Diasporan communities.
I must also mention the swift and substantial aid arriving
from the Republic of Armenia almost immediately after the
initial aerial attacks targeting Lebanese cities. Let me
add, that national unity plays a beneficial role not only
during times of crisis, but also in the implementation of
programs of national significance during peacetime, designed
and geared to build a better future for coming generations.
HS: Mrs. Derderian, we have in front of us a list of over
forty resolutions adopted by the 68th International
Convention of the ARS. Aside those concerning organizational
matters, a large number deal on a large scale, with the
educational, health, and numerous other humanitarian needs
of the Diaspora, Armenia, Artsakh and Javakhq. These
resolutions imply enormousªcommitments not only of voluntary
manpower but financial means, as well…
H.D.: That is true. But let me say this: During its
96 years of devoted service, the ARS has had one simple
motto – “FROM THE PEOPLE, TO THE PEOPLE; WITH THE PEOPLE,
FOR THE PEOPLE” , and has been able to function and continue
its mission with no disappointments in our people’s empathy
and generosity…
HS: Granted. The amount and quality of programs carried out
thus far prove what you are saying. However, these obviously
enhanced fields of activity, necessitate commensurate
financial means. What are the expectations of the ARS, for
instance, in the case of the Akhurian “Mother & Child”
Health Center and its recently added Maternity Ward, also
the Artsakh “Soseh” Kindergartens –soon to have their
namesakes in various locations in Armenia, as well? How is
the ARS going to finance their construction, maintenance and
provide all that’s necessary to run them?
H.D.: It is a reasonable question, no doubt. Over the
last decade-and-a-half, since the establishment of the ARS/Armenia
– in parenthesis, let me also note, that this year, in
Armenia, we will celebrate that entity’s 15th Anniversary
with a conference and a tour of Armenia and Artsakh – our
Society has spent over $25,000,000 implementing numerous
programs throughout the Homeland.
The programs continue to be subsidized, admittedly with some
difficulty, but without interruption. To say, that the
burden of such continuous and costly projects has not
affected our financial stability would be untrue. Naturally,
in response to the needs, on the threshold of its centenary,
the ARS, at its last International Convention, passed a
special Resolution which is being implemented as we speak…
HS: If I am not mistaken, you are talking about the ARS
Centennial Fund-drive. If so, would you give us a brief
run-down on its concept, operational structure and scope.
H.D.: With pleasure, As you noted, on the threshold
of its Centenary,the ARS 68th International Convention, with
present and future activities in mind, passed a number of
resolutions and recommendations, which will make possible
the uninterrupted continuation of our Society’s services on
a global, pan-Armenian basis, while maintaining and
developing its international connections and standards.
Having in mind the essential nature of both present and
future programs« I consider the International Convention’s
decision to launch the ARS Centennial Funddrive the most
important of all the resolutions. Presently – I repeat –
with less than four years to the Centennial, the Central
Executive Board may face unpredictable obligations in both
the Diaspora and the Homeland – witness the present turmoil
in Lebanon.
In order to meet these obligations, the ARS Central
Executive Board has already initiated the implementation of
the Fund-drive. The successful outcome of our efforts, by
the year 2010, our Centennial Year, will secure a
substantial, restricted sum, to be invested. The interests
accrued, along with sums from other resources, will help us
continue and expand our programs geared to the growing needs
of our communities, everywhere.
HS: There is no doubt in our minds, that the thousands of
ARS supporters around the world, along with the world-wide
membership, will actively support the financing of ARS
programs designed to secure the physical and cultural
welfare of all our communities. We wish you success in this
and all other ARS endeavors.
H.D.: Thank you.