The State News: What is the Armenian genocide?

Helen Attar: The Armenian genocide happened between 1915-1918. There were Armenians living in Turkey, and the Ottoman Empire decided to look at Armenians as prisoners. They planned an execution to remove all the Armenians from the county. They tortured women and children — 1.5 million were killed. They deny it to this day, they still say it was a war between Armenia and Turkey, but really is was a plan of mass murder.

What kind of results do you hope to see from this?

Just for people to be educated and having our voices heard. Many people don’t know where Armenians are from and that we have our own country. This is just so that other people can help after they see what we’ve gone through in our past. They can help us fight for our rights.
Lots of countries recognize (the genocide) on a federal level, but the United States hasn’t yet. That would mean that everything we’ve done (in) the past 98 years has paid off and people are recognizing what people have been denying for the past 98 years.

What do you do to have more of a presence on campus toward the end of the year and into next year?

Well, definitely with the past few meetings, a lot more people have shown up because what we’re going to do (Tuesday and Wednesday) was brought up and we need to plan and get materials together. It’s something in all of our roots and every Armenian is constantly fighting for the genocide. It’s definitely brought people together and made them more active these past few months.

What has your experience as an Armenian student at MSU been?

It’s been great. When I was a freshman and sophomore, I really didn’t even know we had an Armenian Club. The president then personally asked me to join the club, and I definitely felt like I had a solid group of people I became friends with.

Have you felt accepted at MSU?

Absolutely. People always are interested to hear what we do as a club. I’ve had so many people contacting me saying that it’s awesome what we’re doing.