Gyumri Students Extend a Heartfelt Welcome to Their New Classmate from Artsakh

In a touching display of solidarity, a little boy from Artsakh, who was forcibly removed from his homeland of Nagorno-Karabakh due to the recent ethnic cleansing, began his school journey today in one of the schools in Gyumri, Armenia. The emotional moment was captured on video by Movses Harutyunyan, an employee from the Armenian Prime Minister’s office, and it has deeply moved the hearts of the Armenian people.

In the heartfelt video, the new student from Artsakh is seen entering the classroom, where his fellow classmates welcomed him with open arms. One by one, the children approached their new friend, hugging him as a warm gesture of acceptance and friendship. The atmosphere was filled with warmth and empathy as the young students embraced the newcomer, expressing their solidarity during this challenging time.

The woman behind the camera, likely a teacher, shared words of hope and encouragement, telling the students that they are all part of a collective effort to revive Artsakh. In response, the young voices echoed a resounding "Yes!" reaffirming their commitment to standing together during this crisis.

This heartwarming scene comes amid a significant mass exodus from Artsakh, with 100,520 forcibly displaced individuals having entered Armenia from Nagorno-Karabakh as of October 2, according to Nazeli Baghdasaryan, the spokesperson for Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. Her statement during a press briefing shed light on the gravity of the situation, emphasizing the urgent need for humanitarian aid, shelter, and support for those affected.

The situation in Artsakh has been dire, with the region facing a nine-month blockade imposed by the Azerbaijani regime. The entire population of 120,000 Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh endured extreme conditions, being starved to near death before the recent attacks. On September 19, Azerbaijan launched a devastating assault on the entire population of the Republic of Artsakh, forcing thousands to flee their homeland in search of safety and refuge.

Amidst these challenges, the heartwarming welcome extended by the students of Gyumri exemplifies the resilience and unity of the Armenian people. It serves as a poignant reminder that even in the face of adversity, compassion and empathy can bridge the gaps, fostering hope for a brighter future for all those affected by the ongoing crisis.