May a movement of writing and translating begin! The tragic events of the second Artsakh war cut deep wounds both in Armenia and the Diaspora. It revealed many serious issues and shortcomings which should be of concern. Yet behind the collective shock and trauma there are individual stories of great sacrifice, grief, disappointment, and heroism. They are kept in the minds and hearts of our people and its true friends.
Some stories are whispered in private as others are boiling inside with the wish to be screamed out aloud. These pure human stories are the sounds of a people united beyond the often-limited boundaries of politics, mere accusations, and social conflict. These stories need to be told in the words of the people in all their diversity. They are not a cheap political statement or a PR campaign. They are like colorful stones that wish to come closer to each other to create a moving mosaic of that very pain and hope! An image that will grow in beauty the more stories are told, written, and gathered. By translating them the world will listen and we will start to see each other in new light. We have to believe! We need to believe as with belief comes hope, with hope comes action and with action will come healing, growth and fruits.
We need to understand that every story of this catastrophe and shared experience is important. We do not need another painkiller, nor another deep sleep with the title of I- know-it-better. Nor do we need another era of lousy relations between Armenia and the Diaspora. Yet for a mature and strong relationship it needs adults on both sides. Taking responsibility and accepting one’s own mistakes is important in this process. We have to work with the pain as we have to start to accept our differences as well. At least respect each other and embrace what is left.
It is my firm belief that whichever course we may take as individuals as well as a collective, we will maintain our identity. The Armenian heritage is rich, yet it is thirsty. It needs the water of our hearts and the stories of our determination to live and create.
I wish to encourage every single person to write. We need each other, as we need to hear our stories.
Jonathan Spangenberg 09.03.2021