By Sarkis Mahseredjian
The wisdom reflected in the saying above, which highlights the painful impact of fire, needs no lengthy explanation. It is remembered both literally when a real fire occurs and metaphorically when someone experiences a painful event or suffers material or human loss. Extending the meaning further, it can also apply to the loss of a homeland and to the indifference of others toward such loss.
The essence of the saying is that the one directly affected by the pain—the fire—feels its intensity more deeply than others. Neighbors, acquaintances, or even relatives may not bear the same depth of sorrow over the loss.
This wise saying came to mind as reports spread in recent days about the devastating fires in Southern California. Particularly in several areas of Los Angeles County, from Pasadena to Pacific Palisades, Santa Clarita, and Sylmar, vast areas were consumed by flames.
Such fires occur frequently, not only in California but in other regions of the United States and around the world. In recent years, Europe, from Spain to Greece, has also recorded similar disasters. The recent calamity differs from previous ones in that it struck residential areas more severely than some past incidents.
In cases of fires or any natural disasters, the most painful and irreparable losses are, of course, human lives. Material losses rank second, but even here, there is a silver lining. Firefighters, risking their lives, work tirelessly to save lives and protect properties. This is why these public servants deserve special respect. Moreover, those who suffer losses have opportunities for recovery—through government aid and insurance companies offering support to victims. Nonetheless, even among material losses, there are deeply painful aspects that cannot be measured in monetary terms. Ultimately, it is undeniable that those directly affected feel the weight of the pain more than others, no matter how much sympathy close friends may show. In this sense, “The fire burns where it falls.”
The fires around Los Angeles, according to preliminary data (Wednesday, January 8, afternoon), have destroyed more than a thousand homes, businesses, and commercial establishments. It may be considered fortunate that the number of human casualties is small, but here again, “The fire burns where it falls” resonates strongly.
Armenian families have also suffered material losses. Their circumstances are undoubtedly painful, but those affected will surely find the strength to recover and will be aided by helping hands.
Among all these losses, one stands out as unique: the destruction of an Armenian school, the Sahag-Mesrob Christian School, which was consumed by fire. This loss is more devastating than individual ones because it directly affects several hundred Armenian students who are now deprived of their school. Moreover, another Armenian school faces the immediate risk of closure. Over the past decade, this community has already seen several of its educational institutions close for various reasons.
This is why we emphasize the case of this school in Pasadena. The disaster challenges not only the school community and the Armenians of Pasadena but our entire community. We cannot accept that “The fire burns where it falls”; rather, we must collectively feel the pain as a community (and we are confident that we do). The challenge demands that sorrow, sympathy, and compassion be followed by the work of rebuilding and ensuring the continuation of Armenian education for these students.
To heal this burn, we are confident that the school itself and those called to support it will develop a phased plan. First and foremost, students who are now without a school must be accommodated under the roofs of other Armenian schools or similar arrangements (for example, temporarily using facilities of local Armenian centers). Later, efforts must be made to replace what was lost with a new building where the mission of the Armenian school can continue.
Our community has, over past decades, generously supported Armenia and Artsakh, as well as the suffering communities of Lebanon and Syria. Locally, it has taken on challenges for the benefit of the nation and approached them with equal dedication. Now, it is a small educational institution, affected by forces beyond its control, that presents a noble challenge to the community’s members, the immediate circle of the school, and Armenian organizations and associations. The goal is to overcome this challenge through collective efforts (while, of course, exploring the possibility of governmental and other compensations, though “the history of that may be lengthy”).
In short, the most vital pillars of the Armenian school are the hands of our people. Yes, “The fire burns where it falls,” but there is also a greater path: the way of collective effort to heal and alleviate the pain.
S. Mahseredjian
January 8, 2025
Translated from it’s original in Armenian by Oragark
