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.

Lilit and Harut were one of the most beloved couples in Stepanakert and the YMCA-Artsakh. The whole city admired their love and company.

In 2017, YMCA-Artsakh organized a camp within the framework of the Roots for Reconciliation program, which was named “Camp for Hope”. Yes, the goal of the camp was to bring hope for peace to the young people in the conflict region for at least a week. Unfortunately, that peace could not be permanent․․․

Harut and Lilit were the only couple in the camp who were married. In general, the camp tents were divided into “for girls” and “for boys”. For Harut and Lilit, however, an exception was made; they had their own tent, as their little forest home, because they were already a family, they were creating a cosy home everywhere they went.

Their warmth and energy moved everyone. While the majority were dancing or engaged in other entertainment programs, they played intellectual games with a group of young people.

Every time someone was near them, a person’s head would spin from their difficult, but at the same time, interesting games. Thus they formed an intellectual team as if they were in their own world. And then, upon many requests, they explained the meaning of those games to the rest, the whole camp fell in love with them.

Even after the camp, they kept in touch and gathered to continue their favourite games.

Such were Lilit and Harut, full of love and warmth. Every time someone met them, so much love was conveyed that a person instantly became inspired with their positive energy.

After some time, the new member joined the family – Alexandra. Of course, parents always love their children, but especially Harut’s love for her was felt even through ordinary Facebook pictures․․․ The father-daughter relationship is very special, that was theirs.

The unfortunate September, when the Artsakh war started, did not pass by Lilit and Harut’s happy family․․․

Harut did what he thought was right to defend his family and home… And he sacrificed his life for it… He was injured, he was in a coma. Everyone was praying, hoping, and confident that Harut would wake up because he always did, always raised as a phoenix. Not this time․․․

On November 11, Harut woke up no more, leaving behind him only wonderful memories and pride for his beautiful wife, who is crazily in love with him, and his little daughter.

Sometimes in the movies, it often ends with the death of the main character, and they don’t show the pain that the closest people of him have to live with.

But this is not a movie, after death the worst begins – life without a loved one. Sometimes when it is written in the film after such an incident – “six years later”, they do not show the worst. They show the wife of the main character who is already standing up on her feet and starts to live again.

I wish it was possible to press such a button in life, to make it easier to feel those feelings. But it is not possible, we are here now, we live in the moment, and Lilit is left without the love of her life, and little Alexandra is without her father․․․

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.