The Artsakh (Nagorno Karabakh) war that started in September 2020 and lasted for weeks turned out to be a vivid failure of international law, order, and ideals. Unfortunately, the conflict which claimed thousands of lives and displaced much more remained largely overlooked by international media and community alike. The young people of YMCA Artsakh, regardless of their will, became a direct part of the war.
Today we will tell you about a girl who lost not only her home because of the war, but much, much more․․․
Srbuhi is a 24-year-old actress from Hadrut (Artsakh). She is one of the most talented and beautiful human beings of the YMCA Artsakh. In 2018, she became the star of the theater group of the YMCA Artsakh’s “Camp for Peace”, infecting everyone with her creativity and positive energy.
On September 27, when the war started, Srbuhi was in Yerevan (capital of Armenia) because she had been studying and working there. But her whole family was in Hadrut (Artsakh), her hometown. At the beginning of October, the opponent was already approaching Hadrut, as they managed to break through in that direction.
Soon the town came under the control of Azerbaijan, and Srbuhi and her family received a new status – homeless, displaced people. People who have no home anymore, but have a big heart and a great belief for the future․․․ Do you know how it is – not to belong to anything?!…
For Srbuhi, the challenges of the war were not over with the loss of her home. Her boyfriend had left for the front lines in the first days of the war. Everyone knew about their love, true love, filled with care and madness.
Some time later, since October 15, there has been no news from him at all. She didn’t lose hope, she was constantly waiting, she believed. Srbuhi was looking for Hayk in all the lists, whether it was the dead, the captives (prisoners of war), or the missing. She prayed day and night that even if he was a prisoner, he would be alive․․․
Everyone was saying that so much time had passed, it was impossible for him to be alive․․․ She did not listen to anyone. And then, after the new year, which Srbuhi, her family, and all the people they knew didn’t celebrate this year, the news came. He was found. Rather, what was left of him. He was no more… Along with her home in Hadrut, Srbuhi also lost Hayk – her personal home…
That is it, that is the war. The best way to truly get to know war is to move from global war to a war of a one specific, concrete person. In this case, Srbuhi’s war with life, which took away her most precious ․․․
November 24, Waiting
An article by Lika Zakaryan, Roots for Peace Media Consultant.
The recent war over Nagorno Karabakh (Artsakh) left a trace of massive destruction, loss of lives and thousands fleeing for safety to Armenia that faces a large-scale humanitarian crisis as a result.
Roots is launching a campaign to raise funds in support of young people affected by this ordeal.
Please join us in our efforts to make sure these young people keep hope and faith alive… Every contribution matters! YMCA Europe pledges to double the total amount raised. Yet yours makes a real difference, as it’s not only about money but about care and responsibility! You can Donate via Facebook or PayPal.
