When Margaret Ajemian Ahnert’s book The Knock at the Door about her mother Ester’s terrifying experience during the Armenian genocide was published in the USA in 2007, it immediately received wide critical acclaim. Marina Bazayeva and FAR Press Secretary Levon Lachikyan recently translated the text into Armenian thanks to a Fund for Armenian Relief initiative. On March 30 many gathered to celebrate this great work.
Margaret traveled from the U.S. to be at the Armenian Genocide Museum for the presentation of the book’s new translation. She was joined by several important members of the community, including FAR Executive Director Garnik Nanagoulian, staff from FAR Armenia, and AGBU President Berge Sedrakian, along with others.
Before the start of the ceremony, Margaret took a moment to pay tribute to the victims of the Armenian genocide. At the Tsitsernakaberd Memorial Complex she gently laid a wreath at the monument and bowed to the eternal flame in memorial.
Genocide Museum Institute Deputy Director Suren Manukyan solemnly opened the ceremony with a speech. Levon followed with another speech, which briefly but beautifully described the historical, national, and aesthetic values of the memorial.
“The year 2015 will mark the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide,” he said with resonance. “At that time, there will hardly be any live witnesses who were saved from the massacre. This printed book thus acquires the value of a sacred relic.”
He concluded by congratulating Margaret on the Armenian translation of her book. “I’m excited that henceforth Ester Ahronian-Minerajian’s emotive story will be told in her native Armenian language,” he added.
At the end of the ceremony, Margaret graciously thanked all participants and expressed her joy about the new translation. The Republic of Armenia Diaspora Ministry awarded her with the Gratitude Certificate, and the museum presented her with the honorable “Musa Dagh Battle” medal.