Legacy of Hrant Dink Honored in Boston  

CAMBRIDGE, Mass.—On Feb. 1, 2009, an event dedicated to the 2nd anniversary of the
assassination of Turkish-Armenian journalist Hrant Dink was held at Kresge Auditorium
at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
The event, titled “The Legacy of Hrant Dink,” was organized by the new Cambridge-
based non-profit Friends of Hrant Dink. State Representatives Jonathan Hecht (D-Mass.)
and Peter Koutoujian (D-Mass.) were among the 700-plus members of the audience.
Panelists included Mrs. Rakel Dink (Hrant Dink’s widow), Dr. Robert J. Lifton (Harvard
Medical School), Prof. Peter Balakian (Colgate University), Dr. Oktay Ozel (visiting
scholar, Harvard University), and Mr. Andrew Tarsy (Facing History and Ourselves).
The panel discussion was moderated by Armenian Weekly editor Mr. Khatchig
Mouradian.
The speakers highlighted the legacy of Hrant Dink and the importance of continuing on
his path and fulfilling his vision. They underscored the importance of the struggle for
truth and justice, and the recognition of past crimes and injustices as the only way to
move forward.
A question and answer session followed the panel discussion. After that, Mr. Mouradian
invited Mr. Harry Parsekian and Mr. Zadig Ozcan, the president and treasurer of Friends
of Hrant Dink respectively, to present a gift to the Hrant Dink Foundation. Ms. Rakel
Dink accepted the $10,000 gift on behalf of the Foundation.
After the event, Mrs. Rakel Dink, Prof. Peter Balakian, and Prof. Taner Akcam—who
was one of the organizers of the event—participated in a book signing session.
Friends of Hrant Dink, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit based in Cambridge, Mass. It’s
mission is to educate and promote principles of universal human rights, to struggle
against prejudice and discrimination, and to commemorate the life and work of Hrant
Dink and to honor his contributions to peace and understanding. For more information
and to make donations, please write to: friends of Hrant Dink, Inc., P.O.Box 382061,
Cambridge, MA 02238-2061, or visit www.friendsofhrantdink.org or email:
info@friendsofhrantdink.org.