Armenian genocide. We remember.

  In Memory of My Ancestors

  In just two days, Armenians around the world will commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, during which 1.5 million Armenians were massacred by the Ottoman Empire. Alongside them, 750,000 Assyrians and 900,000 Greeks also perished in what is one of the darkest chapters of the 20th century.

  The overwhelming majority of historians recognize the Armenian Genocide, as do countries like Canada, Russia, France, Argentina, Germany, and Austria—nations where survivors and their descendants have built new lives. Just a week ago, Pope Francis openly used the word genocide to describe the massacres of Armenians by the Ottoman Turks. In response, Turkey reacted with anger and summoned the Vatican ambassador.

  The biggest obstacle to broader recognition remains Turkey’s persistent denial. Despite countless eyewitness accounts, extensive documentation, and even archaeological evidence, Turkey continues to deny its role in these atrocities committed during World War I.

  Yesterday, to the dismay of many, President Obama once again chose not to formally recognize the Armenian Genocide—despite his 2008 promise: “As president, I will recognize the Armenian Genocide.” That promise, like many others, was sacrificed for political convenience. The U.S. fears damaging relations with Turkey, especially given its military bases located there. Clearly, the votes mattered more than justice for a people still carrying the weight of this trauma.

  In 1939, Hitler chillingly said, “Who speaks today of the extermination of the Armenians?” Emboldened by the world’s silence, he proceeded with the Holocaust, believing his crimes too would go unpunished and forgotten.

  This is why recognition matters.

  Forgetting the genocides of the past paves the way for new ones. The denial of truth is an act of violence in itself.

  This subject is deeply personal for me. I am a descendant of genocide survivors. My mother’s side of the family came from Sasun and Mush—historic Armenian towns now within the borders of modern-day Turkey. My ancestors were forced to flee their homes to survive. Some died in the deserts. Some were never seen again. My great-grandfather’s brother escaped to California, but we lost touch with him and his descendants. My mother often recalls how her grandfather would cry as he remembered 1915. His deepest wish was to return home. That dream never came true.

  It’s a history we will never forget. And I will make sure that my future children know where they come from, and what our people endured.

  We are not asking for much—just the truth. Just for Turkey to say: Yes, it happened. We’re sorry.

  I hope one day, that day will come.

With love,
Shushanna