You’re invited to United Church’s first inter-cultural Lunch and Learn event This is a great chance to connect and learn together – everyone is welcome !
enjoy Egypt’s rich culture and heritage . . . savour . . . a u t h e n t i c . . . Egyptian cuisine, listen to Ehaab Abdou and Sally Dawoud duet of spiritual acapella . . . Maged Zarif and 3agwand band . . . plenty of turath and sing along
Egyptian artists . . . and a sing along
Maged Zarif Kamel is a talented lute player, singer and composer – a graduate of the Oriental Music Institute, Maged enjoys performing with his band (3agwand) in Canada and multiple countries
Ehab Abdou currently lives and teaches in Waterloo. He enjoys writing and singing Egyptian songs. In 2006, he has helped co-found the “Ana Masry” (I’m Egyptian) musical ensemble to help promote and celebrate Egypt’s rich diversity which performed in Egypt, the US, and Canada. He has more recently been starting to experiment with singing without musical accompaniment
Sally Dawoud is an educator and an artist of Egyptian heritage who grew up in Canada. Her musical background includes classical, gospel, and Middle Eastern singing due to her close ties to her homeland, which inspires her to be an active choir member at various Coptic Orthodox Churches and her passion for Coptic hymnology drives her to share this beautiful music with the world. She is currently performing with Myriad ensemble located in Burlington Ontario. Her performance and teaching experience is what allows her to inspire and empower students musically and encourage them to express themselves through the power of music
sponsored by Outreach Committee & Vision Fund Grant c/o Rev Hoeun Lee at the uptown Waterloo United Church in the Hilliard Hall after the Sunday service 16 William Street West, Waterloo, ON N2L 1J3 @King Street South (Bridgeport exit from hwy)
+ + more events to be added .. please check the website as the date approaches
+ + repeats of any of the displays throughout the week include books, the fashion show, demos of the uniquely authentic Egyptian food preparation in licensed kitchens, drama presentations, workshops, etc
acknowledging more partners ….
a licensed AUTHENTIC Egyptian Cuisine ..
catering business
who will be prominently present
throughout many of the events
honoured to also acknowledge the amazing :
Mina Kirolos who in five minutes after my approaching him … stepped up and provided his own and his company’s partner towards several of the events … so I hope Waterloo Region will reciprocate first by attending and also by checking out their multi talents … years of experience and wonderful Media production, Marketing and Advertising agency …
musician/band – broadcasting & media production company
performance & event venue
6645 Kitimat Road – unit 20, Mississauga, ON, Canada
1 647 403 7078
allartsstudio7@gmail.com
https://www.facebook.com/AllArtsStudio
Miami Production is a full-service media production company based in Toronto, Ontario but also manages an office in Cairo, Egypt. In 2007, we became the go-to creative production company for clients as big as Vodafone, Orange, Siemens, Metlife, Alcatel-Lucent (NOKIA), ExxonMobil, Shell, and Ericsson. We love our clients, and we learn their fields whether it’s in Tech, IT, Oil & Gas, Telecom, Pharmaceuticals, or Renewable Energy. We love our clients … that’s our joy in life. And a fundamental principle in our approach to business. https://miamiproduction.tv/
generously sponsored by visionary producer, director, writer and legendary supporter of the arts . . . Glasgow born, proud Canadian . . . Lawrence McNaught’s own Rigglevake Productions
if you are unable to attend in person .. send me your contact to (egyptweekkw@gmail.com) . . . and I will send you the zoom link
2:30 – 7:00 pm interactive panel:
Alexandra Kinias, founder and CEO of Women of Egypt Network. Kinias holds a BSc. in Mechanical Engineering. After moving to the U.S., she became a screenwriter, novelist, travel advisor, and freelance market research consultant on Egyptian women’s issues. A women’s rights advocate and public speaker, her work appeared in various outlets in MENA and the U.S. Her movie Cairo Exit won the Best Non-European Film award at the Independent European Film Festival. Kinias also founded WoEgypt Initiative to empower Egyptian women, highlight key issues to drive positive change. Celebrating her 60th Birthday, she summited Mountain Kilimanjaro, to challenge age stereotypes
Adel Darwish an Alexandria, Egypt born British author, historian, political commentator and a veteran journalist, based at the Press Gallery of the House Of commons in the Palace of Westminster. As a broadcaster Adel continues to contribute, mostly live, to major national and international networks on a variety of subjects. His expertise on international affairs covers conflict, conflict resolution, water politics, and has worked for most Fleet Street papers as a foreign correspondent covering Africa and the Middle East since the Six-day war in 1967 through to the late 1980s. He knew and had meetings with most of the period leaders of the region. As author, he published several books including : Alexandria Adieu: A Personal History: 1939-1960; Unholy Babylon: The Secret History of Saddam’s War; Water Wars: Coming Conflicts in the Middle East; The Edge of War: Kuwait’s Underground Resistance, Khafji 1990-1991. In the field of Drama, he published many film and theatre critiques and as theatre producer and director, Darwish has been involved in British theatre, with some of his plays performed at the Edinburgh Festival and at the Young Vic and several Fringe theatres in London during the 1970s. Most of his plays were adaptations of poems and short stories from Africa, especially from Egypt. Darwish introduced 20th century Egyptian Drama in English to British Theatre goers Between 1970 and 1982 in English production of scores of plays by Egyptian playwrights. Among them Tawfik el-Hakim; Alfred Farag; Mahmoud Diab; Ali Salem (Salim); Mikhail Roman. Darwish also produced plays by other African writers like Libyan novelist and dramatist Ahmed Faqih . He also produced works from Latin America like Pablo Neruda
Ronald Moreno Cicurel mathematician and author of “memoires” of his early life in Egypt (he is grandson of Salvatore Cicurel who founded the famous department stores in Egypt. He is the son of Salvator Cicurel and Huguette (nee Rofé). Ronald was born at the foot of the Pyramids of Giza in 1945. His family was forced to leave Egypt in 1957 to settle first in Milan and two years later in Lausanne where they obtained Swiss nationality. Ronald did his primary education in a small school in the Cairo suburb of Meadi, at the Cours Morin in Zamalek, then at the Lycée français du Caire before leaving Egypt. He continued his education at the Lycée Alessandro Manzoni in Milan, at the Collège Cantonal du Belvédère in Lausanne, to conclude his secondary studies at the gymnasium of Cité in the math / science section where he obtained his baccalaureate. He pursued university studies and obtained a bachelor’s degree in mathematics at the University of Lausanne in 1968, followed in 1973 by a doctorate in science. He teaches at the universities of Lausanne and Geneva, actively participates in international congresses and seminars in Switzerland, France, England and the USA. From 1980 to 2000 he participated in the creation and development of several commercial enterprises in various fields, including education and publishing. He will carry out activities in Switzerland, Indonesia, India, South Africa and Brazil in particular. In 2003, he returned to university research as a lecturer at the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL). He is interested in the rapid developments of neuroscience and contributes to the launch and development within EPFL of a computer brain simulation project. Ronald left EPFL in 2016, but continued his research to this day examining how mathematics, epistemology and physics can contribute to the knowledge of the brain and mental space of primates. He is also a lecturer and the author of a dozen books, mostly scientific
Dr Isaac Friesen Isaac is Assistant Professor of Conflict Studies at Saint Paul University in Ottawa. His research brings together anthropological and historical perspectives on political conflict, religion, and imperialism. He has lived in Egypt for four years (including throughout the 2011-2013 revolutionary period), and has a forthcoming manuscript on the Muslim attendance of Coptic spaces in Egypt.
Isaac’s presentation will centre on the subject of diversity in contemporary Egypt. His discussion of religious, socioeconomic and political difference in the Egyptian context will connect, more broadly, to current debates around diversity, difference and conflict across the Middle East, Canada and the wider world
Dr George Dimitri Sawa was born in Alexandria, Egypt, and in addition to being an amazing oud & Qanoon player and author he has a PhD in Arabic historical musicology from University of Toronto in 1983 and is an independent scholar in Arabic music theory, performance and literature. He taught medieval, modern and sacred music at the University of Toronto and York . He has over 50 years experience in Arabic performance, history and theory; and has performed and lectured worldwide. and has published over seventy articles and nine books that include translations of medieval treatises, performance practice, music education, and a treatise on musical ornaments. His 5 CDs and 3 DVDs include historical performances and educational material for belly dancers. George is the recipient of numerous awards including the Livetime Achievement Award from the Egyptian Ministry of Culture for his research in Arabic music history
Samy Harak though a lawyer by profession, he has spent over 40 years researching and writing er and writer about the progression of the “Egyptian” spoken language, following it from its roots in ancient Egypt through the Coptic and ensuing influences all the way to the present
this portion is in Arabic, I will translate if required
. . .
5:00 – 7:00 pmfull feature film screening
BACK TO ALEXANDRIA . . . followed by interactive zoom with director Tamer Ruggli
after twenty years of absence, Sue must return to her native Egypt to see her mother Fairouz, an eccentric aristocrat from whom she has been estranged. This surprising journey, leading her from Cairo back to Alexandria, tinted with distant memories, nostalgia, and mixed feelings about her past, will allow Sue to become the empowered woman she ought to be
Tamer Ruggli,
a Swiss-Egyptian filmmaker, born in 1986, spent his formative years in Kinshasa, Riyadh, Vienna, and Zürich. He pursued his education at the École cantonale d’art de Lausanne (ECAL) and further refined his writing skills at the New York Film Academy. Tamer received the SSA Scholarship (Swiss Society of Authors) and the Prix CÉCI Le Moulin d’Andé for his first feature-length film, RETOUR EN ALEXANDRIE. Tamer’s films have been recognized and awarded by numerous prestigious international film festivals
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – the idea of the pilot project … EGYPT WEEK … is to offer a glimpse of the true heritage, civilization, culture and talents from ancient to present, by holding activities at multiple venues … throughout the week in Waterloo Region
Waterloo Region – the Golden Triangle – boasts two very prominent universities and a significant College, as well as being economically vibrant with headquarters of many industries and businesses
Since 1991 Cross Cultures magazine has successfully forged partnerships and collaborations throughout the region:
holding panel discussions covering a wide range of issues -often very frank yet conducted in mutual respect
partnering with the City of Kitchener for over 20 years (pre COVID) . . . the commemoration of the U N International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, each year highlighting a different issue -mornings involving all three school systems – afternoons open to the public with speakers, debates,… etc topping off the evening with a Peace Concert
partnering with Kitchener Public Library in the past, for five years, with a monthly interactive “Perspectives Dialogue”
most community organizations especially indigenous First Nations
collaborations with school boards – public, separate and private
and as we continue to promote MUTUAL RESPECT and work towards transcending barriers through knowledge of each other, we are humbled that many of our partners are now opening their doors and venues for us to hold events and showcase facets of Egyptian intellectual, cultural and artistic talents
EGYPT WEEK is shaping up as follows:
October 20th (Sunday) 10 am – 4 pm
opening day generously sponsored by THE MUSEUM located downtown Kitchener at 10 King Street West, Kitchener ON N2G 1A3
we are honoured that indigenous elder Myeengun Henry will give blessing prayer – smudging outdoors
land acknowledgement
Canadian and Egyptian anthems
followed by two hours of free browsing of the displays
. . . book collection by Teama Publishing founded by Egyptian-born Reham Teama, who started the first Arabic Canadian Book Fair in 2023 . . whose main mission is to showcase the Arabic culture through literature and feature the Arab authors and their creative work in Arabic, English and French. Reham is a global citizen who started working when she was a university student back in 2002 and gained her work experience for about 20 years in more than 4 countries in 4 different continents. In 2019, she decided to pursue her dream as an entrepreneur and is the winner of iconic Canadian business awards. One of the ACBF’s major activities is the coordination with the publishing houses in the Arab world and connecting them with the Canadian market, in addition to the strong network of relations with Arab writers in the diaspora, which results in a rich and diverse cultural program that accompanies each of the leading book fair’s edition. R eham’s main hobby is writing. She developed her skills in creative writing and became recognized as a talented author. Teama Publishing, has published Gender X by Zain Joseph, Other Side of the Road by Ismahen Chaabouni and Motivational Diaries by Reem Ammari
. . . artifacts, traditional craft products . . . of Egypt with demo workshops which may include copper, silver, weaving, tent making, calligraphy, papyrus, earthenware
. . . visual art
noon onwards
from pioneer Egyptian women .. to present day movers and shakers :
Alexandra Kinias, founder and CEO of Women of Egypt Network. Kinias holds a BSc. in Mechanical Engineering. After moving to the U.S., she became a screenwriter, novelist, travel advisor, and freelance market research consultant on Egyptian women’s issues. A women’s rights advocate and public speaker, her work appeared in various outlets in MENA and the U.S. Her movie Cairo Exit won the Best Non-European Film award at the Independent European Film Festival. Kinias also founded WoEgypt Initiative to empower Egyptian women, highlight key issues to drive positive change. Celebrating her 60th Birthday, she summited Mountain Kilimanjaro, to challenge age stereotypes
grounddbreaking changer and a positive contributor to a resilient family life in Canada.. The successful story continues . .
Abeer Mowafy is the founder and CEO of Bidaya (which in Arabic means Beginnings), a premier consulting firm specializing in education, parenting, career development, and relationship guidance. With over 24 years of experience in the education sector, including over a decade as a school principal, she is recognized for her transformative leadership and commitment to excellence, earning multiple awards for her contributions to educational innovation. As an expert consultant in education, Abeer Mowafy provides strategic insights for schools and educational institutions, helping them enhance curriculum development, foster inclusive learning environments, and implement effective teaching methodologies. Her extensive background enables her to mentor educators and support school leaders in achieving their goals. In the realm of parenting, Abeer Mowafy offers tailored workshops and one-on-one coaching that equip parents with the tools to navigate challenges, build strong family dynamics, and promote healthy child development. Her compassionate approach empowers parents to foster positive relationships with their children.
For career development, Abeer Mowafy specializes in guiding individuals through career transitions, offering personalized coaching that focuses on skill assessment, resume building, and interview preparation. She helps clients identify their strengths and align their career paths with their passions and goals. In relationship consultations, Abeer Mowafy provides strategies to improve communication and conflict resolution, supporting couples and families in strengthening their connections. Her expertise in fostering healthy relationships enables clients to build lasting bonds and navigate challenges with confidence. Through “Bidaya”, Abeer Mowafy is dedicated to empowering individuals and families to thrive in all aspects of their lives, leveraging her vast experience and passion for helping others achieve their potential
Inherited leadership with promising remarkable contributions to Canadian society
Leian Khalifa is a grade 11 Canadian student of Egyptian descent. Growing up she explored how the Egyptian and Canadian cultures intertwined in harmony. Throughout her childhood she observed the various successes and contributions her mother, Abeer Mowafy, made on the Canadian community which encouraged her to empower other youth through delving into the world of multiculturalism. She is currently studying in the International Baccalaureate program with interests in STEM, neuroscience, and justice advocacy. She is pursuing the intersection of these fields through a Harvard bioethics course. She has also completed over 250 hours of volunteering ranging from clinical experience to mentoring children at summer camps. She has extensive work experience in events media coordination and teacher assistance. Leian is committed to continuing her community involvement, pursue post secondary education, and advocate for those in need
growing up Canadian of Egyptian parents
Raghad el Shebiny Shawky is a 25 year-old Canadian with Egyptian roots. Her parents were keen on finding a balance between maintaining their heritage and values while also connecting with the different cultures around them. She was supported, encouraged and empowered to achieve and constantly pursue higher education, indeed her undergrad was in Game Design, and her masters in the Digital Media program focused on using Games for teaching Engineers and STEM programs at Post Secondary Education Institutions. She published and presented papers at conferences such as the Canadian Engineering Education Association conference and the American Society for Engineering Education conference about the importance of hands on and project based learning through her work on the redesign of the Space Engineering Program at the Lassonde School of Engineering. She currently works as the Centre Director at the Code Ninjas Centre in St Catharines where she runs the centre and teaches young children all about coding and robotics through Game Design
music by Egyptian artists . . . and a sing along
Maged Zarif Kamel is a talented lute player, singer and composer. He is a graduate of the Oriental Music Institute and enjoys performing at multiple countries with his band (3agwand) in Canada and they will also be leading the concert at Centre in the Square next day
Ehab Abdou currently lives and teaches in Waterloo. He enjoys writing and singing Egyptian songs. In 2006, he has helped co-found the “Ana Masry” (I’m Egyptian) musical ensemble to help promote and celebrate Egypt’s rich diversity which performed in Egypt, the US, and Canada. He has more recently been starting to experiment with singing without musical accompaniment
Sally Dawoud is an educator and an artist of Egyptian heritage who grew up in Canada. Her musical background includes classical, gospel, and Middle Eastern singing due to her close ties to her homeland, which inspires her to be an active choir member at various Coptic Orthodox Churches and her passion for Coptic hymnology drives her to share this beautiful music with the world. She is currently performing with Myriad ensemble located in Burlington Ontario. Her performance and teaching experience is what allows her to inspire and empower students musically and encourage them to express themselves through the power of music
3:45 – 4:00 pm Dignitary and VIP greetings
parking is free on Sunday
October 21st (Monday) 6 – 9 pm
please note that due to unforeseen circumstances
.. the October 21st concert is POSTPONED to a later date . . . not cancelled . . .
generously sponsored by Centre in the Square
101 Queen Street North, Kitchener, ON N2H 6P7
October 22nd (Tuesday)
full day diverse programme at the Registry Theatre 122 Frederick Street, Kitchener, ON N2H 2L9
generously sponsored by visionary producer, director, writer and legendary supporter of the arts . . . Glasgow born, proud Canadian . . . Lawrence McNaught’s own Rigglevake Productions
if you are unable to attend in person .. send me your contact to (egyptweekkw@gmail.com) . . . and I will send you the zoom link
10 am – 2:00 pm
morning segment is by registration only
2:00 – 2:30 pm lunch break and socializing
2:30 – 5:00 pm panel and presentations :
Adel Darwish an Alexandria, Egypt born British author, historian, political commentator and a veteran journalist, based at the Press Gallery of the House Of commons in the Palace of Westminster. As a broadcaster Adel continues to contribute, mostly live, to major national and international networks on a variety of subjects. His expertise on international affairs covers conflict, conflict resolution, water politics, and has worked for most Fleet Street papers as a foreign correspondent covering Africa and the Middle East since the Six-day war in 1967 through to the late 1980s. He knew and had meetings with most of the period leaders of the region. As author, he published several books including : Alexandria Adieu: A Personal History: 1939-1960; Unholy Babylon: The Secret History of Saddam’s War; Water Wars: Coming Conflicts in the Middle East; The Edge of War: Kuwait’s Underground Resistance, Khafji 1990-1991. In the field of Drama, he published many film and theatre critiques and as theatre producer and director, Darwish has been involved in British theatre, with some of his plays performed at the Edinburgh Festival and at the Young Vic and several Fringe theatres in London during the 1970s. Most of his plays were adaptations of poems and short stories from Africa, especially from Egypt. Darwish introduced 20th century Egyptian Drama in English to British Theatre goers Between 1970 and 1982 in English production of scores of plays by Egyptian playwrights. Among them Tawfik el-Hakim; Alfred Farag; Mahmoud Diab; Ali Salem (Salim); Mikhail Roman. Darwish also produced plays by other African writers like Libyan novelist and dramatist Ahmed Faqih . He also produced works from Latin America like Pablo Neruda
Ronald Moreno Cicurel mathematician and author of “memoires” of his early life in Egypt (he is grandson of Salvatore Cicurel who founded the famous department stores in Egypt. He is the son of Salvator Cicurel and Huguette (nee Rofé). Ronald was born at the foot of the Pyramids of Giza in 1945. His family was forced to leave Egypt in 1957 to settle first in Milan and two years later in Lausanne where they obtained Swiss nationality. Ronald did his primary education in a small school in the Cairo suburb of Meadi, at the Cours Morin in Zamalek, then at the Lycée français du Caire before leaving Egypt. He continued his education at the Lycée Alessandro Manzoni in Milan, at the Collège Cantonal du Belvédère in Lausanne, to conclude his secondary studies at the gymnasium of Cité in the math / science section where he obtained his baccalaureate. He pursued university studies and obtained a bachelor’s degree in mathematics at the University of Lausanne in 1968, followed in 1973 by a doctorate in science. He teaches at the universities of Lausanne and Geneva, actively participates in international congresses and seminars in Switzerland, France, England and the USA. From 1980 to 2000 he participated in the creation and development of several commercial enterprises in various fields, including education and publishing. He will carry out activities in Switzerland, Indonesia, India, South Africa and Brazil in particular. In 2003, he returned to university research as a lecturer at the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL). He is interested in the rapid developments of neuroscience and contributes to the launch and development within EPFL of a computer brain simulation project. Ronald left EPFL in 2016, but continued his research to this day examining how mathematics, epistemology and physics can contribute to the knowledge of the brain and mental space of primates. He is also a lecturer and the author of a dozen books, mostly scientific
Dr Isaac Friesen Isaac is Assistant Professor of Conflict Studies at Saint Paul University in Ottawa. His research brings together anthropological and historical perspectives on political conflict, religion, and imperialism. He has lived in Egypt for four years (including throughout the 2011-2013 revolutionary period), and has a forthcoming manuscript on the Muslim attendance of Coptic spaces in Egypt.
Isaac’s presentation will centre on the subject of diversity in contemporary Egypt. His discussion of religious, socioeconomic and political difference in the Egyptian context will connect, more broadly, to current debates around diversity, difference and conflict across the Middle East, Canada and the wider world
Dr George Dimitri Sawa was born in Alexandria, Egypt, and in addition to being an amazing oud & Qanoon player and author he has a PhD in Arabic historical musicology from University of Toronto in 1983 and is an independent scholar in Arabic music theory, performance and literature. He taught medieval, modern and sacred music at the University of Toronto and York . He has over 50 years experience in Arabic performance, history and theory; and has performed and lectured worldwide. and has published over seventy articles and nine books that include translations of medieval treatises, performance practice, music education, and a treatise on musical ornaments. His 5 CDs and 3 DVDs include historical performances and educational material for belly dancers. George is the recipient of numerous awards including the Livetime Achievement Award from the Egyptian Ministry of Culture for his research in Arabic music history
Samy Harak a lawyer by profession, and a researcher and writer about the current “Egyptian” spoken language and its roots in ancient Egypt
5:00 – 7:00 pm screening of full feature film BACK TO ALEXANDRIA . . . followed by interactive zoom with director Tamer Ruggli
after twenty years of absence, Sue must return to her native Egypt to see her mother Fairouz, an eccentric aristocrat from whom she has been estranged. This surprising journey, leading her from Cairo back to Alexandria, tinted with distant memories, nostalgia, and mixed feelings about her past, will allow Sue to become the empowered woman she ought to be
Tamer Ruggli,
a Swiss-Egyptian filmmaker, born in 1986, spent his formative years in Kinshasa, Riyadh, Vienna, and Zürich. He pursued his education at the École cantonale d’art de Lausanne (ECAL) and further refined his writing skills at the New York Film Academy. Tamer received the SSA Scholarship (Swiss Society of Authors) and the Prix CÉCI Le Moulin d’Andé for his first feature-length film, RETOUR EN ALEXANDRIE. Tamer’s films have been recognized and awarded by numerous prestigious international film festivals
October 23rd (Wednesday)
4: 00 pm authentic Egyptian Cuisine demo by registration
October 24th (Thursday) 11:30 am – 2 pm
in the Council Chambers at the City of Kitchener
this session is postponed due to coinciding with another event running elsewhere, if you wish to be on the list to be updated please email me at egyptweekkw@gmail.com
film screening of FREE TRIP TO EGYPT
Two Cultures. One World
what happens when people at a Trump rally are offered a Free Trip to Egypt
followed by an interactive zoom with creator / producer of the film Tarek Mounib Tarek Mounib was born and raised in Canada to Egyptian parents and moved to Switzerland over 15 years ago where he received Swiss citizenship. A successful entrepreneur in the software business for more than 25 years, he has founded various companies, including Kindness Films. Having long been fascinated with fostering a sincere dialogue and a better understanding of different points of view, his recent focus has been on creating projects that contribute to the wellbeing of humanity and bringing people of various backgrounds and cultures closer together. If a film is a reflection of its creator, Free Trip to Egypt and Tarek Mounib are truly that film and filmmaker. Free Trip to Egypt is a journey into the unknown, a remarkable experiment in kindness and empathy. But it’s more than just a film. Free Trip to Egypt has sparked a movement to encourage all of us to leave our baggage behind and reach beyond fear and hostility towards a kinder and more compassionate world
Egyptian Armenian Kegham Papazian born in Alexandria, Egypt and attended the local Armenian school Boghosian and the British Boys’ School. Passionate about both his Egyptian as well as Armenian roots and will speak about the significant contributions of Armenian Egyptians in Egypt . He was employed at “Patisserie Delices” as assistant accountant. In 1973, he started work at Thomas Cook Travel Agency in both the main office and at the World Health Organization sub office as a Service Representative and later office supervisor. In Canada, he was employed by the Royal Bank payroll technologies department dealing with banking and payroll related tasks, then ADP Canada and worked at Banking, Financial and Payroll department until his retirement. His interests include music, reading, stamp collection as well as Armenian history culture, the Armenian Genocide and the Armenian Presence in Canada. In June 2022, during the visit of the Primate of the Diocese of Egypt, Bishop Ashot Mnatsaganian, Kegham Papazian and a group of former Egyptian Armenians organized a special program dedicated to the Egyptian-Armenian community with video, photo slides and a presentation
Colleen James – born and raised and current resident of Kitchener, with her partner Daren and daughter Maleigha. Colleen’s family immigrated from the Caribbean to Waterloo Region more than 50 years ago. She graduated from the University of Toronto with an Honours B.A. in history, political science, and Caribbean studies and holds a master’s degree in leadership, higher, and adult education from U of T’s Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE). In 2020, the Canada International Black Women Event named Colleen one of the Top 100 Black Women to Watch. In 2021, she was named one of the Top 25 Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Persons of the Year by the Canadian Multicultural Group. In 2024 Colleen was awarded the Public Service excellence Award by Women of Dignity International. Colleen established the James STEM scholarship. As the founder of Divonify Incorporated, Colleen is a leading consultant on equity and inclusion. Locally, nationally, and internationally, Colleen partners with a wide range of public, private, and not-for-profit organizations and businesses that are committed to change, she was elected to Regional Council in October 2022, representing City of Kitchener residents.
October 25th (Friday)
we continue with our week at various locations by internal registration
October 26th (Saturday)
October 27th (Sunday) noon hour
You’re invited to United Church’s first inter-cultural Lunch and Learn event This is a great chance to connect and learn together – everyone is welcome !
enjoy Egypt’s rich culture and heritage . . . savour . . . a u t h e n t i c . . . Egyptian cuisine, listen to Ehaab Abdou and Sally Dawoud duet of spiritual acapella . . . Maged Zarif and 3agwand band . . . plenty of turath and sing along
Egyptian artists . . . and a sing along
Maged Zarif Kamel is a talented lute player, singer and composer – a graduate of the Oriental Music Institute, Maged enjoys performing with his band (3agwand) in Canada and multiple countries
Ehab Abdou currently lives and teaches in Waterloo. He enjoys writing and singing Egyptian songs. In 2006, he has helped co-found the “Ana Masry” (I’m Egyptian) musical ensemble to help promote and celebrate Egypt’s rich diversity which performed in Egypt, the US, and Canada. He has more recently been starting to experiment with singing without musical accompaniment
Sally Dawoud is an educator and an artist of Egyptian heritage who grew up in Canada. Her musical background includes classical, gospel, and Middle Eastern singing due to her close ties to her homeland, which inspires her to be an active choir member at various Coptic Orthodox Churches and her passion for Coptic hymnology drives her to share this beautiful music with the world. She is currently performing with Myriad ensemble located in Burlington Ontario. Her performance and teaching experience is what allows her to inspire and empower students musically and encourage them to express themselves through the power of music
sponsored by Outreach Committee & Vision Fund Grant c/o Rev Hoeun Lee at the uptown Waterloo United Church in the Hilliard Hall after the Sunday service 16 William Street West, Waterloo, ON N2L 1J3 @King Street South (Bridgeport exit from hwy)
+ + more events to be added .. please check the website as the date approaches
+ + repeats of any of the displays throughout the week include books, the fashion show, demos of the uniquely authentic Egyptian food preparation in licensed kitchens, drama presentations, workshops, etc
acknowledging more partners ….
a licensed AUTHENTIC Egyptian Cuisine ..
catering business
who will be prominently present
throughout many of the events
honoured to also acknowledge the amazing :
Mina Kirolos who in five minutes after my approaching him … stepped up and provided his own and his company’s partner towards several of the events … so I hope Waterloo Region will reciprocate first by attending and also by checking out their multi talents … years of experience and wonderful Media production, Marketing and Advertising agency …
musician/band – broadcasting & media production company
performance & event venue
6645 Kitimat Road – unit 20, Mississauga, ON, Canada
1 647 403 7078
allartsstudio7@gmail.com
https://www.facebook.com/AllArtsStudio
Miami Production is a full-service media production company based in Toronto, Ontario but also manages an office in Cairo, Egypt. In 2007, we became the go-to creative production company for clients as big as Vodafone, Orange, Siemens, Metlife, Alcatel-Lucent (NOKIA), ExxonMobil, Shell, and Ericsson. We love our clients, and we learn their fields whether it’s in Tech, IT, Oil & Gas, Telecom, Pharmaceuticals, or Renewable Energy. We love our clients … that’s our joy in life. And a fundamental principle in our approach to business. https://miamiproduction.tv/
+ +more events to be added .. please check the website as the date approaches
+ +repeats of any of the displays throughout the week includebooks, the fashion show, demos of the uniquely authentic Egyptian food preparation in licensed kitchens, drama presentations, workshops, etc
acknowledging more partners ….
a licensed AUTHENTIC Egyptian Cuisine ..
catering business
who will be prominently present
throughout many of the events
honoured to also acknowledge the amazing :
Mina Kirolos who in five minutes after my approaching him … stepped up and provided his own and his company’s partner towards several of the events … so I hope Waterloo Region will reciprocate first by attending and also by checking out their multi talents … years of experience and wonderful Media production, Marketing and Advertising agency …
musician/band – broadcasting & media production company
performance & event venue
6645 Kitimat Road – unit 20, Mississauga, ON, Canada
1 647 403 7078
allartsstudio7@gmail.com
https://www.facebook.com/AllArtsStudio
Miami Production is a full-service media production company based in Toronto, Ontario but also manages an office in Cairo, Egypt. In 2007, we became the go-to creative production company for clients as big as Vodafone, Orange, Siemens, Metlife, Alcatel-Lucent (NOKIA), ExxonMobil, Shell, and Ericsson. We love our clients, and we learn their fields whether it’s in Tech, IT, Oil & Gas, Telecom, Pharmaceuticals, or Renewable Energy. We love our clients … that’s our joy in life. And a fundamental principle in our approach to business. https://miamiproduction.tv/
Kegham Papazian was born in Alexandria, Egypt and attended the Melkonian Kindergarten then the Boghosian Armenian School after which he attended the British Boy’s School (el Nasr). Worked at Patisserie Delices as assistant accountant in various capacities. 1973 started work at Thomas Cook Travel Agency both in the main office and at World Health Organization location. In Canada, he worked at the Royal Bank, Payroll department and afterwards at ADP Canada in the Payroll, Banking and Finance department
June 5 2022 visit to Canada of
Bishop Ashot Mnatsakanyan, Primate of the Diocese of Egypt
June 5 2022 visit to Canada of
Bishop Ashot Mnatsakanyan, Primate of the Diocese of Egypt
A lunch and special program was held at the Magaros Artinian Hall of the Holy Trinity Church on 05 June 2022 in Toronto.
The event was dedicated to the Egyptian Armenian community on the occasion of the visit of Bishop Ashot Mnatsakanyan, Primate of the Diocese of Egypt. The attendees were happy and excited.
The event started with the Canadian Armenian and Egyptian National Anthems with more than 160 Egyptian Armenians in attendance.
It was held after the Holy Liturgy and started with the blessing of the tables.
The opening ceremony was presented by Salpy Kadjemian.
It was followed by a beautiful Armenian poem by Jacques Hagopian called We Build recited by Remy Guirguis, followed by Egyptian “Tabla” percussion with Arabic music “Ya Moustafa, Talat Dakkat and Amr Diab’s Tamalli Maak” performed by talented percussionist Barete Santourdjian .
Reverend Archpriest Father Zareh Zargarian, Pastor of Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church, welcomed the visiting Bishop as well as the attendees. Mr Aris Babikian, MPP, was next to express his good wishes. Rev. Fr. Amba John Sarkis, Pastor of St. Mary & St. Samuel the Confessor Coptic Orthodox Church of Toronto brought blessings and read the special message from the head of the Coptic Church of Egypt, Pope Tawadros II.
A voice over video clip by Salpy Kadjemian and Lora Tachjian called “Egyptian Armenians Through the Ages” was shown, followed by a slide show with photos of the Armenian community of Egypt cultural and sports clubs and places of interest, with background Arabic and Armenian instrumental music (provided by myself, Kegham Papazian)
His Grace Bishop Ashot Mnatsaganian addressed the audience and stressed the importance and vital role of the Armenian community of Egypt, expressed his joy for being with the Armenian-Egyptian community members and gave a brief description of the current community of Egypt. He said that he resided in Egypt in the last 20 years and speaks Arabic, has Egyptian identity card and passport. He was heard singing the Egyptian National Anthem “Beladi, Beladi”! We found him to be a very pleasant and charming personality.
Also in attendance was His Grace Abgar Hovakimian, Primate of Armenia Apostolic Church of Canada.
For lunch, we had Foul, Falafel, Salad, Kobeba, Koshari, Hummus, Tahini, Tourshi, Egyptian bread, soft drinks, coffee tea and Konafa for dessert.
The attendees took photos with His Grace Bishop Mnatsakanyan. Reverend Father Zareh thanked all the members of the organizing committee and asked them to come to the stage and be recognized their efforts in making this evening a great success. It was an unforgettable and pleasant evening.
Bishop Hovakimian praised the role of Egyptian Armenians and closed the ceremony with a prayer.
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Enokian Family Story
Written and Prepared by Kegham Papazian
Source and photos by Serge Enokian
This is a very amazing story. After 80 years, the descendants of two families, who did not know each other, met by coincidence through Facebook and found out that their grandparents, were connected.
Serge Enokian’s grandmother Anna, was a three years old child whose parents were murdered by the Turks during the Hamidian Massacres, reference to the red sultan Abdel Hamid, during which 300 thousand Armenians were massacred in Turkish occupied Armenia during 1894-1896.
The family nanny, in order to save the child, wrapped her with laundry and placed her in a British ship docked in the harbor, most probably s/s Lusitania, which was scheduled to sail the same day from Constantinople to a British port via Alexandria, Egypt.
Next morning, the sailors heard the cry of a baby, went to inquire and discovered a baby girl. They found an inscription in English indicating her name and the fact that her parents were Armenian.
Upon the arrival of the ship in Alexandria, the crew members were able to locate “The Armenian Sisters” charitable organization and gave the child to the care of the Armenian nuns to raise her.
On the other hand, Serge Enokian’s grandfather, Levon Enokian, (whose parents were from Tbilisi Georgia) had earlier fled from Constantinople and landed in Egypt. When Levon was 19 years old, he managed to open a travel agency in Cairo called “Agence de Voyage L. Enokian” in Rue Champollion and a second one in Alexandria in 1 Midan Saad Zaghloul.
Several years later, he met Anna, who has grown up to be a beautiful young girl and after a short courtship, they married.
This is a very amazing story. After 80 years, the descendants of two families, who did not know each other, met by coincidence through Facebook and found out that their grandparents, were connected.
In Alexandria, Anna founded an Atelier de Couture and named it “Atelier Enokian” located at 9 Rue Fouad 1er, El Akkadine. Anna, herself a survivor of Genocide, hired young Armenian girls, whose parents had survived the Armenian Genocide of 1915, and who had fled to Egypt. She gave them the opportunity to work and care for their parents, hiring a total 150 girls. She was very compassionate and caring person but also firm and authoritative. Her staff loved her but also feared her.
As time went by, “Atelier Enokian” became famous and within its clientele, it included members of the Egyptian Royal family and Egyptian Aristocracy. The atelier was specialized in intricate needle work (Broderie) on blouses, skirts, hats and wedding dresses.
My late mother used to work at Atelier Enokian from age 14 until she got married. I remember very well the stories my mother used to tell about her exciting days in the atelier. Apparently she used to cut the hair of her teammates, and one day she was asked by her boss Mrs. Enokian to cut her hair too! She was terrified but managed to cut it to the satisfaction of her boss.
From there on, my mother Knar was one of Mrs. Anna Enokian’s favorite girls and even got a raise.
Anna’s daughter Anahid was a very strong willed women and a pilot. She worked in the atelier and assisted her mother in the running of the business. She gave birth to a daughter, Anna.
Anahid-Enokian-portrat-the-aunt-of-Serge-Enokian
Anna’s grandson Serge Enokian was six years old, when in 1956, his parents decided to settle down in Lebanon. His father Noubar Leon Enokian, was an architect, his mother Lisette Fayad, was a Lebanese actress. Once a year, Lisette performed in a play and donated her share of income to the Armenian Church.
They all passed away but their legacy and their memory is still alive and remembered thanks to my friend Serge Enokian who recounted to me the family history and provided the photos.
My mother used to say that her boss Mme. Enokian should have been recognized and honored for her support of dozens of Armenian refugees by providing the opportunity for them to work at her Atelier to support their parents who had fled the Armenian Genocide
À droite, ma grand-mère, la mère de ma mère. Née en avril 1909, à Sis (actuel Kozan), en Cilicie, dans le contexte des massacres de la ville d’Adana. Cilicie, dit aussi Royaume de la petite Arménie, fondé en 1080 par les Roupénides, une branche des Bagratides, a fini par tomber en 1375 sous les assauts des mamelouks arabes, qui en ont fait prisonnier son Roi « Levon V Takavor » (se prononce « Lévone » en arménien – Léon de Lousignan, Chevalier poitevin…). Après avoir été emmenés prisonnier avec sa famille, ses très proches au Caire, et des années de tractations, il est libéré et revient en France, où il y décède 14 ans plus tard. Il fut enterré, dont le cénotaphe est avec les autres Rois de France, en la Basilique Saint-Denis, à proximité de Paris, en France.
Née Tchapoutian, aux moments des massacres, sa mère la prénomme Azadouhi (venant de « Azad » qui veux dire liberté, d’ou « Azadouhi » au féminin, en arménien). Les massacres d’Adana d’avril 1909 (située à environ 80 kilomètres au Sud de Sis), des alentours et dans la région ont fait en quelques jours entre 200.000 à 300.000 victimes arméniennes, dont beaucoup de rescapés se sont retrouvés dans toit, tant dans leurs fureurs, les turcs ont incendié, saccagé sauvagement, non seulement des dizaines de milliers d’êtres humains, mais le ou les quartier-s arméniens, de nombreuses maisons, quand elle n’ont pas été pillées…
Azadouhi née dans ce contexte, a eu une vie bien singulière. Âgée de 3-4 ans, voilà qu’elle disparaît. C’était choses courantes, turcs, arabes, kurdes enlevaient régulièrement les beaux et très jeunes enfants arméniens. Sa mère, Shamiram (se prononce chamirame), l’a recherchée longtemps. Elle n’a jamais désespéré de retrouver sa fille unique. S’habillant de Charwalh (comme les femmes musulmanes), montant à cheval, accompagnée, paraît-il de deux soldats anglais, elle chevauchait campagnes, villages, hameaux, désespérément à la recherche de sa fille adorée. Elle n’a jamais perdu espoir et n’a jamais renoncé.
Au bout de 4 ans, un jour, qu’elle arrive dans un village, elle croise un jeune garçon arménien qui finit par lui indiquer une famille arabe au sein de laquelle, une toute petite fille chantonne des bribes d’une chanson en arménien. Shamiram, se dirige vers l’habitat indiqué, et elle entrevoit sa fille qu’elle reconnaît. Cette dernière ne parle plus l’arménien, mais l’arabe, ne reconnaît pas sa mère et se cachent se réfugie dans les jupes-charwall de la femme arabe adoptive. Shamiram finit par récupérer sa fille en échange d’une bourse d’or et la ramène à Sis, capitale de la Cilicie. Tous les enfants arméniens n’ont pas toujours eu cette chance.
Avec son père Hovhannès Tchapoutian, vétérinaire, pratiquant aussi la médecine populaire, la famille réunie coule plus ou moins des jours heureux, pendant lesquelles Azadouhi réapprend sa langue maternelle, malgré tout, jusqu’à ce que la déportation des arméniens soit déclarée. À Sis, un beau matin de juin 1915, il est annoncé que tous les arméniens valides, principalement enfants, femmes, vieillards, et de rares hommes encore vivants, présents n’ont pas d’autre choix que de quitter leur maison, en emportant que ce qu’ils pouvaient sur eux. Réunis en colonne, ils commencent à marcher, sont en partis acheminés en wagons à bestiaux, pendant des jours et des semaines… ils seront déportés en direction du Sud. Au cours de la déportation, Azadouhi perd son père, ses grands-parents et se retrouvent seule avec sa mère. Les survivants arrivent aux portes de la ville d’Alep (à l’époque l’empire ottoman et actuel Syrie). Là, elles survivent tant bien que mal pendant environ trois années. Toutes les familles arméniennes ont perdu entre 70 à 100% de leurs membres.
Lorsqu’en 1918, l’armée française renforcée par la légion arménienne d’orient (constituée essentiellement d’arméniens volontaires, principalement issue de l’immigration occidentale, revenus pour aider, sauver et protéger leur compatriotes arméniens de Cilicie), dont la France s’en fait le protecteur, selon les accords secrets Sykes-Picot signés en 1916 avec l’Angleterre, afin de se partager une partie de ce qui reste de l’empire malade. La France récupère la Cilicie avec qui elle est liée au moins depuis les premières croisades, la Syrie et le Liban. L’Angleterre s’accapare l’Irak, la Jordanie, la Palestine.
Les arméniens originaires de Cilicie survivants de la déportation, des massacres, après trois ans, se voient rapatriés dans leur pays-région-ville d’origine, et pour ceux qui ont retrouvé leur maison debout, en état, non ravagée, et non squattée, s’y réinstallent, et un semblant de vie peut recommencer…
Au sein de la légion d’orient, un jeune engagé volontaire arménien Levon (prononciation « Lévone ») Gorlekian ayant migré aux Etats-Unis, croise le regard et le très beau visage de Shamiram et en tombe fou amoureux. Elle l’épouse, donne naissance à un garçon prénommé Karnik. Mais les jours d’espoir et de bonheur ne furent pas longs.
La France trahit les arméniens de Cilicie. Dans la nuit du 21-22 décembre 1921, l’armée Française quitte en catimini la Cilicie. Au réveil, les arméniens découvrent d’effroi qu’ils ne sont plus protégés, mais que par les leurs au sein de la fameuse légion d’orient arménienne. Cette situation ne dure pas longtemps, les turcs faisant haro sur les arméniens, Shamiram, son mari, sa fille (alors âgée de 13 ans) et son fils Karnik en bas âge (de 8-9 mois), en pleine nuit, précipitamment, s’enfuient laissant lumières et porte ouverte derrière eux… La petite famille marche de nuit, se cache de jour, jusqu’à atteindre Smyrne (actuel Izmir) et réussissent par miracle à s’embarquer dans une chaloupe qui les emmènent sur un bateau qui les acheminera au port du Pirée, en Grèce.
Dans la panique, l’urgence de l’embarcation, la jambe et le pied de Shamiram sont écrasés entre le bateau et le quai, handicapée, elle en souffrira toute sa vie. Sur le bateau, le petit Karik attrape le typhus. Sa mère souffrante de son côté ne peut pas s’en occupé. L’enfant dans ses langes a faillit être jeté par dessus bord, alors, sa demie-sœur Azadouhi, se précipite et le prend dans ses bras, en disant à ceux qui voulaient le jeter à la mer : « Moi, je me peux m’en occuper », et ainsi lui sauve la vie. (Karnik, pendant la seconde guerre mondiale, est fait prisonnier par les allemands, déporté y travaille dans des usines d’armement, dont il revient à la fin de la guerre, au bout de 6 mois de marche à pieds. Quelques années plus tard, à Athènes, il se marie et en 1948 s’embarquent avec sa jeune épouse pour la mère patrie, la petite République d’Arménie. Après y avoir vécus « des vertes et des pas mûres », avec ses 3 enfants et sa brue, fin des années 70, ils migrent aux U.S.A, en Californie, où il devient un entrepreneur prospère et un grand-père heureux, jusqu’à sa mort survenu à L.A. à l’âge de 92 ans).
Ils ne retourneront jamais et ne reverront jamais plus leur belle maison de Sis (et plus particulièrement celle de la famille de Daniel Atchabahian changé pour Danielian, mon grand père), cousin germain d’Azadouhi, à qui on la mariera plus tard à Athènes, pour en quelque sorte reconstituer les lignées à jamais perdues et éteintes), magnifique maison en pierre sculptées typique de Sis, qu’en 2015 j’ai retrouvée munie d’une carte ancienne et selon les indications transmises familialement), généreux, fertile et beau pays perdu !
Ma grand-mère Azadouhi en gardera quelques blessures. Malgré sa beauté, sa joie, son regard doux, pétillant, son intelligence, dynamique, énergique, volontaire (ma mère lui ressemblant trait pour trait), parfois s’installait en elle une forme de mélancolie, voir de tristesse, lorsqu’elle se mettait à chanter, entre autres la chanson « Giligia » (Cilicie), se remémorant, Sis et sa vie là-bas, les endurances… Elle chantait souvent la vie d’avant et le pays perdus avec le sentiment du « Garode », qui veut dire en un seul mot, l’attente et la nostalgie réunies (le seul équivalent de la « Saudade » en Portuguais).
Mais, je crois être sûre que la plus grande souffrante, elle la porta toute sa vie durant, sur sa chaire. Suite à son enlèvement, elle avait été tatouée à l’intérieur du poignée et sur le front au milieu entre les sourcils au dessus du nez, et je crois à présent me souvenir sur le menton. Des tatouages que personnellement je trouvais plutôt peu voyants, mais pour elle, c’était comme des « verrues » la stigmatisant, qu’ils et elle avaient essayé de gommer, et en partie s’étaient attenués. Notamment très coquette, afin de les faire her, elle ne portait que des manches longues en présence d’étrangers. Mais en vain, ces marques indélébiles à chaque moment lui rappelaient les horreurs, vues, vécues, supportées qui ne la quittaient jamais…
Grand-mère, « néné » comme je l’appelais, devenue adulte, j’ai fini par comprendre la gêne et l’immense blessure « au fer rouge », à vie que tu emportas avec toi dans l’autre monde !
On the right is my grandmother, my mother’s mother. She was born on April 1909 at the time of the Adana massacres in the town of Sis (modern-day Kozan) in Cilicia. Cilicia, also known as the Kingdom of Little Armenia, was founded in 1080 by the Rupenids, a branch of the Bagratunis, which fell in 1375 to the assault of the Arab Mamelukes who captured their king, Levon V Takavor (Léon de Lousignan, Chevalier Poitevin). After being imprisoned with his family and many close to him in Cairo, he was released after years of negotiations and returned to France, where he died 14 years later. He was buried amongst other kings of France, in the basilica of Saint-Denis near Paris, France.
Born Tchapoutian, at the time of the massacres, her mother named her “Azadouhi” (derivative of “Azad”, which means freedom, and the suffix “-ouhi”, designating female in Armenian). The massacres of Adana (located about 80 kilometers south of Sis) in April 1909 left the region and the surroundings with 200,000 to 300,000 Armenian victims in just a few days, many of whom were left without homes. In a furor, the Turks brutally burnt and ransacked not only tens of thousands of human beings, but also the Armenian districts and many of the houses that had not already been looted.
Azadouhi, born in this context, had a very unique life. Around 3-4 years of age, she disappeared as it was common for Turks, Arabs and Kurds to regularly kidnap beautiful young Armenian children. Her mother, Shamiram, looked for her for a long time. She never gave up on finding her only daughter. Dressed in a Shalvarh (muslim clothing), on a horse, and apparently accompanied by two English soldiers, she searched desperately high and low for her beloved daughter. She never gave up hope.
After 4 years and a day, she arrived in a village where she met a young Armenian boy who told her of an Arab family in whose home lives a very young girl who sings verses in Armenian. Shamiram went to the home and saw her daughter, whom she immediately recognized. The latter, no longer spoke Armenian but Arabic. She did not recognize her mother and hid in the skirt-legs of the resident Arab woman’s Shalvarh. Finally reunited with her daughter, Shamiram exchanged a sac of gold for her daughter and brought her back to Sis, the capital of Cilicia. A fate unlike most Armenian children.
With her father, Hovhannes Chapoutian, a veterinarian, who also practiced folk medicine, the family lived more or less happy days, during which Azadouhi, despite of everything, relearned her mother tongue until the deportation of the Armenians was announced. At Sis, one good morning in June 1915, it was announced that all able-bodied Armenians, mainly children, women, elderly and a few men still remaining, had no choice but to leave their home and take with them whatever they could carry. Gathered in a long line, they began to walk and were at times hauled in livestock carriages, for days or week to be relocated to the south. During the deportation, Azadouhi lost her father and grandparents and was left alone with her mother. The survivors arrived at the gates of the city of Aleppo (then, the Ottoman Empire and present-day Syria). They survived in Aleppo for about three years. Most of all Armenian families had lost 70-100% of their members.
When the French army was mobilized in 1918, (along were the Armenian Legion of the East, mainly composed of volunteer Armenians returning from immigrations to the West to help save and protect their Armenian compatriots from Cilicia, with France protecting them) in accordance to the 1916 agreement with England, the secret Sykes-Picot agreement, to divide part of the remaining faltering sick empire. France succeeds in restoring Cilicia with which it had ties since the first crusades, Syria and Lebanon. England occupies Iraq, Jordan and Palestine.
Three years after the deportation, the Armenians who escaped the massacres were repatriated to their country of origin and those who found their homes in good condition, not destroyed or ravaged, moved back with the hope of restarting their lives.
A young Armenian volunteer from the Armenian Legion named Levon Gorlekian, who had immigrated to the United States, noticed the eyes and beauty of Shamiram and fell madly in love with her. She married him and gave birth to a son named Karnik. However, these days of hope and happiness did not last long.
France betrayed the Armenians of Cilicia on the night of December 21st, 1921 when the French army secretly abandoned Cilicia. Upon awakening, the Armenians discovered with horror that they were no longer protected yet left under the protection of the well-known Armenian legion of the East. This situation did not last long. Once again the Turks protested angrily against the Armenians. Shamiram, her husband, her daughter (then 13 years old) and her young son, Karnik (8-9 months), fled once again in the middle of the night, leaving the lights on and the door open behind them. The little family walked at night, hiding during the day until they reached Smyrna (today’s Izmir) and miraculously managed to get into a boat which took them to a ship that led them to the Greek port of Piraeus.
In a panic, while urgently boarding the ship, Shamiram’s leg and foot were crushed between the ship and wharf and she became handicapped suffering for the rest of her life. While on board, little Karnik caught typhoid fever. Since injured mother couldn’t care for him, it was decided that the child be thrown overboard until his half-sister, Azadouhi, rushed over, took him in her arms and told those who wanted to throw him into the sea that she would take care of him, thus saving his life (Karnik was taken prisoner by the Germans during WWII. He was deported to a weapons factory and returned once the war was over having walked six months on foot. A few years later, in 1948, he married his young wife in Athens from there they left for the Republic of Armenia. After living there under the Soviet regime, together with his 3 children and daughter-in-law he moved to California at the end of the 70s where he became a successful entrepreneur and a happy grandfather before his death in Los Angeles at the age of 92).
They would never go back and would never see their beautiful house in Sis again (as well as the home of Azahoudi’s first cousin, my grandfather, Daniel Achabahian – changed to Danielian- with whom she’d later marry in Athens to try to restore the family blood line), a magnificently carved stone house typical of Sis that I later found armed with an old map and family instructions in 2015 situated in a generously fertile, beautiful, lost country.
My grandmother, Azadouhi, would live with her injuries. Despite her beauty, her joy, her soft and radiant gaze, her intelligence, her dynamic, energetic, and accommodating personality (my mother resembles her, trait for trait), sometimes a melancholy would settle in her when she began to sing, among others, the song “Giligia” (Cilicia), reminiscent of Sis, her life there and all that she had endured. She often sang of the land lost with the feeling of “Garod” (Armenian for yearning and nostalgia. The only equivalent of “Saudade” in Portuguese).
I am convinced that she bore her greatest suffering on her skin for all of her life. After the abduction, she was tattooed on the inside of her fist and in the middle of the forehead, between the eyebrows at the top of her nose, and I now seem to remember the chin. The tattoos, which I personally found quite discreet, were like scars that stigmatized her however she had tried to erase, and in part, were faded. She wore only long sleeves in the presence of strangers however these indelible markings reminded her at all times of the terrible horrors seen, lived, and endured which had never left her.
Grandmother, “Néné” as I called you, now that I am an adult I understand the discomfort of the raw wound that you carried with you into the next world.
How I loved you, I love you, and will always love you.
proud to host this international theater production from Egypt !!!
seven of the cast are incredibly talented special needs performers, who through art have flourished – honoured by many entities including the UN, professionals in the field from Europe and many others
Cory Bilyea is a Haudenosaunee woman. Currently she is in her final year at Conestoga College in the Journalism program and looks forward to a rewarding second career as a freelance photojournalist. Cory has lived a life full of abuse, neglect, racism, and discrimination just for the colour of her skin. She has spent most of her adult life studying, learning and practicing Indigenous culture. Photography is her first love and she has spent many years photographing powwows, nature, weddings and family portraits
Myeengun Henry is the former Chief of the Chippewas of the Thames First Nation and has been very fortunate to have studied Anishnabe culture with various elders and today he is a conductor of ceremony and practitioner of Aboriginal traditional medicine and the Anishnabe language. He has conducted many weddings, funerals, and naming and healing ceremonies. He is currently the Manager of Aboriginal Services at Conestoga College and host of Nish-Vibes an Indigenous radio program* ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~
Social Justice & Anti-Racism
Selam Debs
meditation & talk
is the owner & director of Juici Yoga studios in Waterloo and the creator and founder of Selamdebs.com
‘Selam’ in Arabic & languages spoken in Ethiopia / Eritrea means PEACE
She is an Ethiopian-Canadian who was born in Amman, Jordan, grew up in the projects of Regent Park & Scarborough
She is a mother of a teen boy, singer, songwriter, poet, writer, thinker, activist, a yoga & meditation teacher – yoga & wellness professional, a Lululemon Ambassador, a Holistic Life Coach, Reiki Master
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Suzanne Berliner Weiss
“Holocaust to Resistance: My Journey“
published by Fernwood in October 2019
Born to immigrant Jews in Paris in 1941 and targeted for death by the Nazis, Suzanne Weiss found refuge with a farm family 1943-45.
After losing her parents in the war, Suzanne was adopted by a New York family in 1950.
Suzanne began a life of social activism in 1958, initially as a supporter of women’s rights, civil liberties, and freedom for African Americans.
The following year she joined the socialist movement.
In the decades that followed, Suzanne Weiss worked variously as secretary, printer, railway worker, and in oil and chemical refineries and was active in railway and oil worker unions. After graduating from York University in 1998, Suzanne worked in gerontology until retirement.
In recent years, Suzanne has been active in Palestine, Latin American, and Indigenous solidarity and for climate justice.
She has spoken widely on these issues to faith communities, community and activist groups, and university gatherings
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E Grace H Ibrahima
Grace is the author of:Mercy, One Life, Mercy Stories & All Will Be Well – a story of grief acceptance and freedom. Grace Ibrahima grew up in Trinidad, with very little formal education. As a young woman, she applied, and was accepted to a nursing program in England. She graduated from both Nursing and Midwifery school. While there, she met and married a man who would help her to change the course of her life. They later immigrated to Canada with their two sons, and she continued her nursing career. Years after arriving in Canada, she enrolled at McMaster University in the Addiction Studies program and was the recipient of the 1998-1999 (MAPS) McMaster Part- time Student Centennial Award. She invested her monetary prize and partnered with the university to educate students from Eastern Europe about the devastating effects of addiction. Grace’s turbulent life’s journey was featured in the Waterloo Region Record, Waterloo Chronicle, Financial Post, CTV and Vision TV
“ It is more than just a Film ..” It is a medium and the impact of cinema that we can ascertain positive mindsets especially towards women ..”
It deals with the real identity of women – through trials and tribulations- we still stand strong and powerful . It is a true validation to self . It is a movement of mindset – that defines beauty
Be it Puri (Odisha) or North America – the problems and the movement is the same ..My Grandmother – an illustrious social activist, an educationist, a writer (Bengali and Odiya) and a poet ..Ahem .. it does run through the glory of time .. Several decades later .. I find a striking resemblance of myself to her ?. Does it sound familiar ?
and a discussion around the current trends in intercultural education
Colleen is passionate about helping others learn. A full-time professor at Conestoga College’s School of Business, she challenges her students to discover the leader within and that learning is a lifelong journey. Having more than fifteen years of experience promoting inclusive environments in the public, private and not for profit sectors, Colleen has blended her passions of education and diversity understanding to provide training to organizations, companies and individuals.. The result is the creation of meaningful discussions and necessary tools to help generate innovative solutions towards diversity, inclusion and creating a shared sense of belonging. Colleen has completed training in leadership and inclusion, holds an Honors B A degree from the University of Toronto, is a graduate from Leadership Waterloo Region and is currently completing her Master of Education in Educational Leadership and Policy at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE). Colleen is engaged in her community, and sits on a number of committees and collaborative projects.
Narine Dat Sookram
will be speaking about discrimination in employment and the workplace a diversity & inclusion activist who is with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers and currently works as a Job Developer where he has helps job seekers find meaningful work. The Community Champion was named one of RBC’s Top 25 Canadian Immigrants in 2013 and the Waterloo Region Record’s Top 40 under 40 in 2010. He is the founder of the Caribbean Dreams Concert, the Caribbean Spice and “Let’s Chit Chat with Narine Dat” radio shows and the co-founder Roytter, a social media application
Shiv D Talwar
“discrimination kills slowly but surely“
Shiv D Talwar was born in 1937 in pre-partition India. Life took him to greener pastures in the United States, Britain and Canada, where he received a PhD in Civil Engineering in 1973 from the University of Waterloo. Shiv moved to Waterloo, ON in 1966 with his wife and two children and stayed put. He retired early (1996) from teaching Civil Engineering at Conestoga College in Kitchener, ON to dedicate his life to the cause of education to cultivate unity in diversity. Towards this end he organized the Spiritual Heritage Education Network Inc. (SHEN, est. 2000, http://spiritualeducation.org). The change in the direction of Shiv’s life was propelled by his calamitous experience of identity tribalism on religious grounds during the partition of India in 1947
Marinus deGroot
The greatest danger is a Gog vs. Magog style bifurcation
talks about causes and commitments. It was through happenstance, not conscious choice, that he became involved with arts, culture and heritage with a local / regional focus. This is part of the reason why his bias is towards a personal, biographical approach, as opposed to rational “prioritization”. But with a growing sense of urgency arising on so man
y fronts, especially what is called the “climate emergency”, one is drawn towards re-examining long-held interests and preferences. Marinus is going to propose that convergence, rather than increased specialization, holds the most promise
in the Conestoga room to encourage more private conversations
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Roberto Angelis Lyra
author, artist, activist
presents:
“Re: Le-gîon & The Other Side of Suicide” aka
“The Black Book!”
a cult survivor become warrior, he’s written a sensational autobiography, and will be sharing part of his journey
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Mohamed el Hadary
comedy monologue
program host for Arabs FM,
LINC instructor
former TV host & editor in chief
(Egypt and Gulf region)
&
will be joined
for a
hand puppet show (aragoz)
by
Kholoud al Khalidy
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Trevor Ryland
will be displaying some of his beautiful and colourful paintings
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Lee deSilva singer / performer
Lee was born in a small island called SriLanka, formerly known as Ceylon. He started his music career when he was in his teens. His first major event was the Observer Talent Contest, which he came the runner up. Then he joined with one of his good friends, Mr Sunil Perera, with a two piece band and performed in some social events, then he was a vocalist for “Melowdy Makers”. Lee performed with Mr.Sunil Perera and the Gypsies for some events during his time. After 50 years in the music field “Gypsies: are still one of the top bands in SriLanka.
After playing rugby for one of the top clubs, Lee had a bad leg injury after which both of his legs were not usable for a few months. He had to give up his music career as well as the rugby. That is when Lee decided to leave SriLanka, and with $5 in his hand he moved to Belgium, not speaking Flemish, he did odd jobs till his visa expired. He next went to Paris, France where he also did not speak or understand the language, but did odd jobs again while studying French, and singing for the Americans and other social events. A couple of years later he came to Ontario, Canada. He sang for the Middleson Choir in Toronto, and with the help of one Mr Nihal Fonseka, a Tenor at the Toronto Opera Company who had also sung in the UK and USA, Lee had the opportunity to take part in a few operas as a back up performer. Lee also took part in “Canada Got Talent” in Toronto. He was finally discovered by one Mr NarineDat Sookram who invited him to the Caribbean Dreams Concert, where he returns to perform for several years now. Lee is an award winner at the “Peabo Awards 2019 as the Veteran Multicultural Singer / Performer. Lee’s repertoire is a mix of sons from the 1970s, soft ballads, country, soft rock, reggae and semi classics, and has three of his songs from the Caribbean Dreams concert on YouTube
and so much more . . . stay tuned
business sponsors and booths and welcome
participation is always welcome
* panelist (theme discrimination) addressing it from different aspects
* speaker on specific topic
* cultural, ethic, artistic presentation, visual art show, music, instrument, group dance during the evening’s Peace Concert
* showcase your talent, skill … culture
* promote your organization / business / …. have an information table
there is also an opportunity to sponsor in the printed program
(an all candidates debate) for the upcoming elections
we are inviting candidates and residents of EACH riding to come out and exercise their right and responsibility to democracy …
1) Sunday September 29 2019 for Kitchener Centre riding 2-4 pm at Forest Heights community centre
2) Sunday October 6, 2019 for Kitchener Conestoga riding 2-4 pm at Forest Heights community centre
3) Wednesday October 16 2019 for Kitchener South – Hespeler riding 6-8 pm at Chandler Mowat community centre
what we will do differently from the norm is not have the initial introductions speeches (3 minutes or so) ..
because we are already aware of the party platforms, instead :
– first hour
will be our questions exploring each candidate’s individual skills, knowledge, community involvements etc
– second hour
will be opening up the floor for residents
benefit to the residents:
you are able to hear all candidates reply to the same questions and compare
we look forward to having a meaningful gathering and ask you to also invite family and friends
benefit to candidates:
you are saying things ONCE, and maybe also addressing an audience who may not answer the door when you canvas
Florence, my next door neighbour of 30 years, is the first person who welcomed me to this country, got me involved with the community association of which she was president at the time, hired my teenage daughter to baby side her boys … and so much more ..
During that long stretch of time .. we have had discussions, disagreed on so many current issues, about approaches to events, about public policies .. but never on anything personal, and always with respect for each other’s point of view … we are both Taurus .. so you can imagine the kind of heated arguments that ensue .. her husband would just shake his head …
I decided today to tape an interview with her because she is running as a candidate for Kitchener Ward 4, and I wanted to bring out the aspect that some people may not know about her, about her humble, quiet yet efficient and sincere way of getting things done, about how for her 38 years of living here, she was been a go-getter of a very unique style … she listens, she brings people together, she respects everyone and she facilitates and moderates until both sides are satisfied .. an amazing lady!
This is a very amazing story. After 80 years, the descendants of two families, who did not know each other, met by coincidence through Facebook and found out that their grandparents, were connected.
Grace is the author of:Mercy, One Life, Mercy Stories & 
Lee was born in a small island called 