Hello Friends and Family,

I am sad to report that my 20-year-old relative was brutally killed while defending Artsakh. We have been devastated for the thousand soldiers that have passed during this second genocide, and now we are devastated for one of our own. This fundraiser is to help the Isoyan Kareni Family with costs including funeral expenses. Any amount would be appreciated as the financial situation in Armenia has been impacted by both COVID-19 as well as this 6-week war. Please see below for the full story on our fallen soldier, Vazgen Isoyan Kareni. 

Vazgen's story is especially sad because his death occurred after the announcement of the war being over. He had been serving on the frontlines since Azerbaijan declared war on Armenia, and his service was coming to an end in two months. His family was so glad that the threat of his life would be over, even though the deal signed between countries regarding Artsakh and Armenia's fate was devastating to Armenians. Vazgen would be helping his fellow soldiers when the Azeri (terrorist) army did what they had done numerous times before - violate another cease-fire. An hour and a half after the announcement that the war would no longer continue, the Azeri terrorist army sent a week's worth of ammunition, just to kill. They murdered dozens of more soldiers. This is no surprise to the Armenian community who has been listening to war crime after war crime committed by Azerbaijan and Turkey as the world stayed silent. Vazgen was only 20. He was going to go home, perhaps in time for Christmas and New Year's. Vazgen was not fighting in a war - he was fighting to defend the EXISTENCE of Armenians. His life was ended in a senseless act of racism, hate and ultimately the continued effort of a genocide by Azerbaijan and Turkey. 

Vazgen, we thank you for your service. You will never be forgotten. We will do our best to honor you and take care of your family. You will continue to be in our prayers.