Ruben Vardanyan: It’s not important for me what Obama will say about my people
The question of the Armenian Genocide refers only to two nations. Ruben Vardanyan, co-founder of “Aurura” Prize for Awakening and 100 LIVES, states at the press conference following the award ceremony.
“As Turks deny this, they’ll have problems. It’s not important for me Obama will say about my people. This question (Genocide) refers only to 2 nations (Armenians and Turks). We, Armenians, have come to say that we have concurred the suffering and are ready to move forward and prosper. I have no need to prove anyone that my ancestors had been killed by Turks. My grandfather survived with his brother and sister. What about Turkey – the denial doesn’t let them move forward and prosper,” Ruben Vardanyan said.
Note, Marguerite Barankitse from Maison Shalom and REMA Hospital in Burundi was named as the inaugural Laureate of the $1 million Aurora Prize for Awakening Humanity. At a ceremony held in Yerevan, Armenia, Barankitse was recognized for the extraordinary impact she has had in saving thousands of lives and caring for orphans and refugees during the years of civil war in Burundi.
As the first Aurora Prize Laureate, Barankitse will receive a $100,000 grant and continue the cycle of giving by donating the accompanying $1,000,000 award to organizations that have inspired her work. Barankitse plans to donate the award to three organizations in order to advance aid and rehabilitation for child refugees and orphans, and fight against child poverty. These organizations are: the Fondation du Grand-Duc et de La Grande-Duchesse du Luxembourg, Fondation Jean-François Peterbroeck (JFP Foundation), and the Fondation Bridderlech Deelen Luxembourg.
Marguerite Barankitse saved thousands of lives and cared for orphans and refugees during the years of civil war in Burundi. When war broke out, Barankitse, a Tutsi, tried to hide 72 of her closest Hutu neighbors to keep them safe from persecution. They were discovered and executed, whilst Barankitse was forced to watch. Following this gruesome incident, she started her work saving and caring for children and refugees. She has saved roughly 30,000 children and in 2008, she opened a hospital which has treated more than 80,000 patients to date.
The Aurora Prize for Awakening Humanity/ “Aurora” is a new global initiative by the co-founders of 100 LIVES: Vartan Gregoryan, Noubar Afeyan and Ruben Vardanyan. It’s a new global initiative rooted in the events of the Armenian Genocide, during which 1.5 million Armenians perished. The fortunate few were saved by the courageous and heroic acts of individuals and institutions. A century later, 100 LIVES seeks to express gratitude, to share remarkable stories of survivors and their saviors, and to celebrate the strength of the human spirit.
