HRI 2018 - Day 3

​My last day in Halidzor began with a morning ritual of yoga and mediation with the other HRI
members. In an attempt to relax my body, I diligently sat on the outside ground, closed my eyes,
and generously breathed in the fresh Armenian air. I envisioned myself as a tall tree driving its
roots into the Armenian soil, the same soil our Armenians ancestors used to build a bell tower to
warn other Armenians of invaders during the Armenian genocide. Feeling the overwhelming
emotion of sadness, I began to reflect upon my family ancestors, recalling my great-great
grandmother Diana Apcar and her heroism saving millions of Armenian refugees during the
genocide.
Although very little is written about her in Soviet era history books, my great-great grandmother
wrote a new history for many Armenian refugees looking for a home elsewhere. Many of the
Armenian refugees fleeing East of Armenia landed in Japan, where Diana Apcar helped over six
hundred families find hope for a new tomorrow in the United States. Her relentless strive toward
justice started with various books, poems, and letters of the untold stories of the Armenian
immigrants fleeing their homeland. She even build a shelter in Japan for many Armenian
escapees, continuously advocating for their right to be seen and recognized as refugees of the
Armenian Genocide.
Her efforts to save the Armenian people were so extraordinary that she was appointed the
honorary consul of of the fist republic to Armenia to Japan, becoming the first female diplomat in
a time where women had very limited rights. Her humanitarian work eventually granted her an
Aurora Prize for her dedication to awakening humanity to the atrocities of the Armenian
Genocide.
My great-great grandmother set an example for all activists still fighting for the rights of the
Armenians and their neglected history. Not only does her story of heroism inspire me to dig
deeper into my Armenian roots, but also encourages me embrace my own humanitarian
activism in Shvanidzor, advocating the rights of Armenian students access to a more fulfilling life
through higher education. My trip to Shvanidzor is the first of many future trips to Armenia,
giving a voice to the unheard citizens of Armenia just like my great-great grandmother did. Her
investment in the Armenian community is ingrained in my heart, carrying her spirit as a guide to
empower the untold stories of Armenia.