Annual Seminar Focuses on Artsakh Freedom Fighters

This year’s annual ARF Badanegan Seminar dedicated its four-day gathering at AYF Camp to the victorious liberation of Artsakh and the freedom fighters who made it possible. Over 120 young participants from throughout California came together for the weekend to learn about the history, geography, people, government, and struggle of Artsakh.

“The energy level throughout the weekend was inspiring,” explains Berj Parseghian, a member of the Pasadena “Nigol Touman” AYF and one of the three directors for the weekend. “The badanees taught me a lot about the meaning of identity and contributing to not only our Cause, but all of humanity.”

The seminar agenda was packed with activities including lectures, a quizbowl, talent show, film screening, song recitals, and scavenger hunt. The topics discussed ranged from an Artsakh’s history and geography to a comparison of the 1988 liberation movement with the recent “Arab Spring” uprisings.

Unique to this year’s seminar was the involvement of two veterans of the Artsakh war, who shared their stories and experiences with the captivated badanees. They spoke about their involvement in ARF battalions that went to the front in Artsakh and succeeded in liberating areas such as Shushi against all odds. They also stressed the importance of youth in the movement and about the role of the Diaspora in sending assistance to the struggle.

Both veterans and other speakers during the weekend mentioned the importance of the AYF’s “With Our Soldiers” campaign, an initiative launched this year to create awareness about Artsakh’s liberation and to honor the heroes who fought for it. Funds raised through the campaign will go toward assisting veterans of the Artsakh war still suffering from combat injuries.

“This seminar was incredibly inspiring for me,” says Vache Thomassian, another of the co-directors at the Seminar and Chair of the ARF “Shant” Student Association. “It was a chance to meet the next generation of AYF members and have in-depth discussions with them about our history and our future, all while having a great time.”

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