Help the displaced people of Artsakh

My name is Seda, an Armenian, rooted deep in the heart of Artsakh.

This is a story not just about me but a story that resonates with countless others who've encountered unimaginable adversity. Today, I extend my hand to you, asking you to join me in a mission of hope and compassion. A call of cry to support my displaced family and relatives who have been forced to leave behind everything they held dear, as they desperately seek safety and the promise of a new life.

As my heart bleeds from the current situation, I go back in time to cherish the bittersweet memories of my childhood.

In my beloved Artsakh, my school days were filled with echoes of laughter reverberating through the corridors.

However, it wasn't uncommon to notice that most of my classmates were raised by single mothers. Generations grew up without fathers, brothers and sons, we have lost to wars our men of the house but not our pride. This wasn't just my story; it was the story of every person from Artsakh.

We've always been a resilient people, proud of our heritage. But, over time, circumstances have changed tragically. Families and loved ones, including relatives, close family and friends, began to leave, forced out by violence and conflict. The reality today is dire. As I speak, the people of Artsakh are facing unimaginable challenges, compounded by the temporary peace agreed upon in 2021, which was short-lived.

Azerbaijan enforced a brutal blockade on Artsakh for nine long months in 2022. People lost their livelihoods, and there was a scarcity of food, electricity and fuel. People queued for hours, sometimes the whole day, just to secure a loaf of bread. Tragically, many died from starvation.

This period of hardship was followed by another military operation, resulting in numerous civilian casualties.

And now, we find ourselves at this very moment, where 120,000 people from Artsakh have been forced to abandon their homes and lives, embarking on a journey to start anew in unfamiliar lands.

As I share my story with you today, I am not just asking for financial assistance; I am asking for your compassion, your empathy, and your belief in the power of humanity to make a difference.

Together, we can help my displaced family and relatives find solace and start anew.

The funds will support the displaced people to cover cost of living, medical help, food and other necessities for the initial settlement. As people left their homes and lives behind, these funds will support those people while they find a source of income elsewhere possible.

Please, join me in this journey of rebuilding hope, one life at a time.

Your kindness can change lives, and your support can turn despair into a future filled with promise.

Thank you for standing with me.

Pictures source: Anush Babajanyan "Troubled Home" book