In September of 2023 tragedy struck in Armenia when thousands of Armenian citizens were forcibly removed from their homes in an act of ethnic cleansing. 

   The Artsakh land has been historically Armenian land but is under constant threats by enemy nations, including Azerbaijan.

  Azerbaijani military forces are currently blockading the Artsakh land and the military forces are committing a genocidal campaign against the innocent Artsakh Armenians. 

  Talar Keshishian (12), an Armenian-American student at Aliso Niguel High School, says, “The war crimes against Artsakh have triggered unimaginable, yet recurring pain in the Armenian community.” 

  These genocidal acts against the Armenians have affected the country of Armenia tremendously as nearly over 100,000 Armenians are fleeing the country in hopes of finding safety somewhere else.

  As this genocide first began many of the situations occuring weren’t apparent to the public until it was noticed that family members of Armenian citizens were suddenly missing and death rates began to ascend.

   Keshishian also shares, “Seeing this historic and meaningful land that I have stepped foot in being desecrated and destroyed is beyond devastating to witness. Being raised in an Armenian home, I was exposed to my culture and history, along with the tragic history of the Armenian nation. Growing up listening to my grandparent’s experiences with the Armenian genocide made me empathize with the tragedy taking place in Artsakh more than ever.”

   In 1915, about 800,000 to 1.5 million Armenians were sent on a death march to the Syrian Desert. These Armenians were forcibly taken by military escorts and deprived of food and water. Some of the victims of this genocide were not only sent on these marches but were also robbed, raped and tortured.

   With military forces surrounding the Armenian land, many find themselves in similar situations as those faced back in 1915. 

  When asked how we can help, Keshishian responded, “Simple and immediate action can be taken by writing a letter to your congressman to bring attention to the war crime happening in Artsakh against the Armenians, but at the bare minimum, continue to educate yourself about this crisis if you truly care, and raise awareness through social media.”

  These horrific acts against the Armenians need to be put to an end, and although it is thought that one person doesn’t impact that much, they truly do. If more light is shed on this situation there will be an uprising and hopefully it will llead to an uprising against the Azerbaijani government. 

   “We have a responsibility as members of one of the most powerful nations on the planet, founded on the basis of freedom and human rights, to be the protector of minority nations that are being threatened. I want people to understand the scary reality that history is capable of repeating itself if we do not unite to stop it from happening,” adds Keshishian, stressing why we must spread the word and help Armenia. 

  If we work together and bring awareness to this second Armenian genocide, there is a higher chance of bringing attention and helping millions of innocent Armenians return home safely who would not have to worry about their future while rightfully living on their ancestral lands. 

  There is power in our voices, in our hands, in our ability to stand up for human rights, so why not use it?