Thousands of families had to flee Nagorno-Karabakh in September. Months later, the loss of his homeland still runs deep. Even though Armenia welcomed the 100,000 refugees with open arms and a lot of heart. Christmas will not be a contemplative time for Christians. The “Krone” was there.
The hands are shaking, the wind hisses through the house. It is 13 degrees Celsius inside. But the Baghryan family still radiates warmth. ‘My wife is not here today. She is in the hospital with my six-month-old son. “Hayk has such a cold here that he needs medical attention,” says Hrayr (35), who apologizes for his mother’s absence.
Conflict between Azerbaijanis and ethnic Armenians
Three families with six children have found their new home in Ushi, Armenia, after fleeing Nagorno-Karabakh. Neighboring Azerbaijan has starved the region, which belongs to them under international law, for months. The war started on September 20. The Armenian population living there could only flee. Within three hours, 100,000 people packed their belongings.
Hrayr had to leave his farm and 140 goats behind. Now the 35-year-old takes care of a few chickens. “My brother and I can only work as unskilled laborers. We don’t earn enough to pay the rent.”
The Red Cross supports refugee families by providing food parcels, cooking utensils, psychological support and also offers financial support. But for many that is not enough.
Christmas Eve abroad
And what does Christmas look like for the Christian family far away from home? “The contemplative time ended with the takeover of Azerbaijan. “We are not putting up a tree this year,” the Baghryan family agrees.
Susanna Gasparyan practices things differently. She lives with her son Gor (6) in a small apartment in the capital Yerevan. The apartment is comfortably furnished and a glittering Christmas tree lights up the living room. “A year ago we went to Armenia because my husband needed medical help. The plan was that as soon as he was healthy again, we would return to Nagorno-Karabakh. But everything turned out differently. He died six months ago. Now my son and I can no longer return to our homeland. “Gor cannot understand at all that he will no longer play in our house,” says the 58-year-old.
The Armenian people are generous towards the displaced people
The mother can stay in her new home for free for a few more months, but she doesn’t know what will happen next. “I have so many worries that I don’t have the energy to think anymore.” Yet she doesn’t give up. What else gives hope in such a hopeless situation? She cannot answer, but looks at her son with tears in her eyes.
If the families had one wish for the Christ Child, what would it be? “We want to return to our homeland. With our language and not like Azerbaijanis.”
Red Cross donation account:
IBAN: AT57 2011 1400 1440 0144
BIC: GIBAATWWXXX
Online: www.roteskreuz.at/armenien
This trip was partly financed by the Austrian Red Cross.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
