This year, the Armenian community in Israel organized a series of events across several cities to honor the memory of the canonized martyrs of the Armenian Genocide.
On April 23, a march was held in Jerusalem, predominantly attended by members of the local Armenian community. Participants marched from the Armenian Quarter toward the German Colony, where the Church of St. George is located.
On the morning of April 24, a demonstration took place in front of the Turkish Embassy in Tel Aviv. Although the number of participants was modest, the message was powerfully conveyed, while embassy staff were observed recording the protest activities.
Later that morning in Jerusalem, a solemn ceremony and wreath-laying were held near the Armenian Genocide memorial khachkars (cross-stones) in the courtyard of the Jarangavorats School. The event was attended by the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Armenia to Israel, Mr. Arman Hakobyan.
Simultaneously, at the Armenian Museum of Jerusalem, a commemorative event and lecture were held in honor of Raphael Lemkin, the Polish-Jewish historian and journalist who coined the term “genocide.”
In the evening, three memorial gatherings took place simultaneously—in Jerusalem, Haifa, and Petah Tikva.
In Haifa, a wreath-laying ceremony was conducted at the Armenian Genocide Square, with participation from compatriots gathered from Haifa and northern regions. Councilman Nir Shovar of the Haifa Municipal Council was also present. Speeches were delivered by Councilman Nir Shovar and Father Tirar Hovakimyan, the spiritual pastor for Haifa and surrounding cities.
The largest commemorative event, lasting approximately an hour and a half, was organized in Petah Tikva at the monument dedicated to the innocent victims of the Armenian Genocide, located in Charles Aznavour Park. The event was organized by the “Nairi” Union of Israeli-Armenians of Petah Tikva. Distinguished guests included the Consul of the Republic of Armenia in Israel, Mr. David Alaverdyan; a delegation headed by Petah Tikva Mayor Mr. Rami Greenberg, which included Mrs. Raya Leichtmanov, Head of the Absorption Department of the Petah Tikva Municipality; Father Tiran Hakobyan, spiritual leader of the central regions of Israel and other honored guests.
Following a moment of silence, Mayor Rami Greenberg addressed the assembly, followed by a speech from Consul David Alaverdyan. Prayers and remarks were also offered by Father Tiran Hakobyan.
Emanuel Uran, a resident of Ramat Gan and a committed advocate for the immediate recognition of the Armenian Genocide by Israel, also delivered an address.
Subsequently, Mr. Artiom Chernamorian, Head of the “Nairi” Union of Armenians in Petah Tikva and Editor-in-Chief of the Israeli Armenians newspaper, and Mr. Meni Korsunski, Press Secretary of the “Noyan Tapan” Armenian Educational and Cultural Center and Editor-in-Chief of the IsraMedia platform, delivered remarks. They emphasized the symbolic concurrence of the anniversaries of the Jewish Holocaust and the Armenian Genocide, and reflected on the profound significance of the day.
The ceremony proceeded with a wreath-laying, a candle-lighting ceremony, and the burning of incense, followed by the opening of a cultural program. Unlike the previous year, when wartime conditions affected attendance, this year over 200 Armenians gathered from various cities across Israel, including Netanya and Be’er Sheva.
The cultural program featured performances by Armenian singer and poet Lilit Vardanyan, a member of the Writers’ Union of Armenia, as well as the Gasparyan brothers—Ashot Gasparyan, a well-known singer and actor in Israeli television productions, and Tigran Gasparyan, an acclaimed singer and vocal coach who has represented Israel in numerous international music festivals.
The musical repertoire included both beloved traditional songs and original compositions, featuring works such as Where Were You, God?, Krunk, Dle Yaman, Return, Along the Banks of the Mother Arax, The Old Carriage, and Ave Maria.
The poignant and soulful melodies of Armenian music touched the hearts of all present. According to attendees, this memorial event was one of the most moving and successful gatherings organized by the “Nairi” Union in recent years.
Editorial Note:
The editorial board and founding members of the “Nairi” Union extend their deepest gratitude to all compatriots who attended and participated in the events. Special thanks are extended to the performers—singer and poet Lilit Vardanyan, and the Gasparyan brothers, Ashot and Tigran—for their wholehearted dedication and selfless support.
Special recognition is also due to Tigran Makaryan, Robert Ohanyan, Tigran Mamajanyan, Smbat Mkhitaryan, Karapet Gulyan, Vigen Martirosyan, Movses Hovsepyan, and all those who contributed to the repair and restoration of benches, the memorial site, and the technical facilities.
The photographs and materials were sourced from the Facebook pages of Hakob Chrnazyan, Robert Ohanyan, and Father Tirar Hovakimyan.
