New Year’s Even in Philadelphia has become like the celebrations of old.  The whole 
family, grandparents, parents and kids all turn out. 


For the last eight years, the main event in Philadelphia has been the New Year’s 
celebration given by the Philadelphia Armenian Nor Daree organization.  Outside of 1988 
when it was canceled because of the earthquake, this celebration has drawn from eleven 
to fifteen-hundred people each year.  However, the most encouraging part of this event is 
the fact that currently the entire project is managed and run by Armenian youth from all 
segments of the Philadelphia Armenian community.  Moreover, since its inception, the 
proceeds from this dance have been equally distributed among the five Armenian 
churches in the Philadelphia area.


When Ned Santerian came up with this concept nine years ago, the pessimists around 
town were saying that it would never get off the ground.  They were wrong.  Ned 
Santarian and PAND have not only gotten it off the ground, but they have succeeded in 
every imaginable way possible.  To begin with, they have brought Armenians together 
from every segments of their divided community, including youngsters who had never 
attended an Armenian function before.


This fabulous event has resurrected the same Armenian atmosphere of family 
togetherness and enjoyment that existed abundantly among our people long before our 
one-sided politcals took over.  Many an old acquaintance has been renewed during 
PAND’s New Year celebration and a great many new ones have been started.  In fact, 
there were many young marrieds today, and some with children of toddler age, who met 
each other for the first time during a PAND affair.  


Philadelphia Armenian Nor Daree goes beyond the fact that it is just another celebration.  
It is a living example of what people can do if they work in harmony toward a mutual 
goal.  In its purest form, it is unity.


Who said, "you can’t have your cake and eat it too?"    


Joseph Vosbikian