Dinner for Rakel Dink at Diocese

While there, he made it a point to visit Dink’s grave and met Rakel Dink and her family. “The next generation is ready to continue Hrant’s work,” Vartivarian said. “Hrant has a big place in our hearts and souls.”

Hrant Dink’s life was cut short on January 19, 2007, and one more martyr was added to the 1.5 million, 92 years after the Genocide, said Berj Araz of CARS. Because of his work, Dink knew there was a risk against his life and his friends would warn him to be careful and he would do the same for them. “His death burned the hearts of his family as well as all Armenians and millions around the world,” said Araz. Touched by everyone’s heartfelt messages and kind words, Rakel Dink thanked everyone for coming to the dinner. “We need to continue Hrant Dink’s voice and not to cut off his voice,” she said, adding her children are on the same path as their father because they believed in what he did.

Barsamian made closing remarks and recalled meeting Rakel Dink in Turkey after her husband’s death. He said he went to convey Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II’s condolences.

The following evening, Dink received the 2008 Armenian American Society for Studies
on Stress and Genocide (AASSSG) Outstanding Achievement Award at Fordham Law School here.

The honoring of Dink was the highlight of ASSSG’s symposium titled “Transforming Roots of Evil: Continued Challenges for Denial of Mass Human Right Violations.” The symposium began with classical music performed by the Quartet T, who was introduced by Yetvart Majian, treasurer of AASSSG. The quartet, which consists of members Kristi Helberg, Amie Weiss, You-Young Kim and Jane O’Hara, played five folk songs by Komitas.

The eighth-graders of the Hovnanian Armenian School presented a special tribute to
Hrant Dink about his life and ideas with a slideshow presentation. They first showed this presentation on March 4, 2007 during a memorial ceremony for Hrant Dink.