In a poignant display of remembrance and solidarity, a stirring photo exhibition was recently unveiled in the heart of New York City’s Dag Hammarskjöld Plaza, just a stone’s throw away from the United Nations headquarters. This exhibition, dedicated to commemorating the memory of the victims of the Khojaly genocide, served as a powerful testament to the enduring spirit of resilience and the pursuit of justice.

United in purpose, our compatriots and members of the fraternal Turkish community rallied together, answering the call of the Alliance of American Azerbaijani Organizations to participate in this meaningful initiative. Their collective efforts in organizing an informative campaign not only honored the lives lost but also shed light on the stark realities of Armenian vandalism and the grave crimes against humanity perpetrated in Karabakh.

As visitors wandered through the exhibit, they were confronted with a series of evocative images capturing both the profound tragedy of Khojaly and the broader context of injustice and suffering endured by the Azerbaijani people. Each photograph served as a poignant reminder of the lives cut short and the families forever shattered by the brutality of genocide.

Amidst the solemn atmosphere, attention was drawn to a series of compelling posters bearing stark facts and heartfelt messages. Phrases such as “Justice for Khojaly” and “We have not forgotten Khojaly” resonated deeply with onlookers, serving as a rallying cry for awareness and action in the pursuit of truth and accountability.

Among the sobering statistics displayed, one stood out in stark relief: “63 children were killed, 25 children lost both parents, 130 children lost one of their parents.” These numbers, more than mere figures, represented the immeasurable loss and enduring trauma experienced by the innocent victims of Khojaly.

Yet, amidst the somber reflections, there was also a sense of hope—a belief that through collective remembrance and unwavering advocacy, the voices of the victims would not be silenced, and their quest for justice would continue to reverberate across the world stage.

As the exhibition drew to a close, its impact lingered in the hearts and minds of all who bore witness to its powerful message. In honoring the memory of those lost to the horrors of Khojaly, we reaffirmed our commitment to standing against injustice and working tirelessly to ensure that such atrocities are never forgotten and never repeated.