Toronto’s Armenian Community Marks Fifth Anniversary of 44-Day Artsakh War

Horizon Weekly – The Armenian Youth Federation Simon Zavarian Chapter of Toronto held a solemn commemorative vigil on Sunday, November 9, marking the fifth anniversary of the culmination of the 44-day war in Artsakh. The event served as both a tribute to the lives lost during the war and a reaffirmation of the community’s enduring commitment to justice for Artsakh and its people.

Community members, clergy, and organizational representatives gathered alongside elected officials from all levels of government to reflect on the tragedy of 2020 and the continued challenges faced by the Armenian people of Artsakh.

Among those in attendance were Members of Parliament Jean Yip of Scarborough Agincourt, Maggie Chi of Don Valley North, and Ali Ehsassi of Willowdale. In her remarks during the event and in a message shared on social media, MP Jean Yip, who was recently elected as Vice Chair of the Canada Armenia Parliamentary Friendship Group, reaffirmed that as Canada marks this solemn anniversary, it continues to work with international partners to advance the right of displaced civilians to return to Artsakh, to secure the unconditional release of Armenian prisoners held in Baku, and to ensure the protection and preservation of Christian cultural heritage sites in the region.

The vigil, illuminated by candlelight and marked by moments of silence and reflection, underscored the enduring pain of the war’s aftermath while also highlighting the unwavering spirit of the Armenian Canadian community.

Similar commemorative events were held the same day in Montreal and Vancouver, organized by the local Armenian Youth Federation chapters, bringing together members of their respective communities to honour the fallen, pay tribute to the victims of the war, and reaffirm their enduring solidarity with the people of Artsakh.