Chicago, IL – February 24, 2021 – The Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center in Skokie, a pivotal cultural and political hub of the United States, hosted a poignant memorial event marking the 28th anniversary of the Khojaly tragedy, a profoundly tragic chapter in the history of Azerbaijan.
This solemn event was organized by the Azerbaijan Center for the Midwest of America (ACMA) with the support of the State Committee for Work with the Diaspora and the active participation of the Azerbaijani Embassy in the USA. It aimed to honor the memories of the victims and shed light on the harrowing events of the Khojaly massacre.
The event featured a heart-rending photo exhibition and seminar titled “Khojaly Tragedy – Bloody Memory and Remembrance”, which brought to life the somber reality of the tragedy. Esteemed guests included Farid Mammadov and Mehriban Mammadova from ACMA, Ayshe Selcan Shanlı, the Turkish Consul General in Chicago, representatives from the Azerbaijani Embassy, and notable figures from various academic and cultural organizations.
Farid Mammadov, President of ACMA, opened the program with an insightful overview of the Khojaly tragedy, recounting the events and their lasting impact on Azerbaijani history. Nigar Chaybasarski, a representative of the Azerbaijani community in Chicago, supplemented this with an in-depth presentation about the tragedy.
In a poignant segment, Shalala Valiyeva, an official from the Azerbaijani Embassy in the USA, delved into the historical context of the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, the aggressive policies of Armenia, and the broader implications of the ethnic cleansing and genocide crimes committed against the Azerbaijani people.
Highlighting the global relevance of the tragedy, speakers such as Professor Harry Lepinski and Professor Janine Ntihirageza drew parallels between the Khojaly events and other historical tragedies, underscoring the universal need for remembrance and justice. Janin Oberrotman, a Holocaust survivor, shared her harrowing experiences, drawing a poignant comparison between the Holocaust and the Khojaly tragedy and emphasizing the indelible scars such events leave on humanity.
The event also featured a moving musical performance by Javad Ismailbeyli, who played somber tunes on the Ney, a traditional instrument, capturing the mournful essence of the day.
In a touching conclusion, a special memorial service was held in remembrance of the Khojaly victims, with attendees reflecting on the tragedy’s enduring impact. The event received acknowledgment and appreciation from U.S. Senators and Congressmen, including Tammy Duckworth and Bobby Rush, who commended ACMA for its efforts in raising awareness about the Khojaly tragedy and Azerbaijani culture.
This memorial event not only commemorated the tragic loss of life during the Khojaly massacre but also served as a platform for education, awareness, and a call for global solidarity against such atrocities.