Flinders University Department of Language Studies - Modern Greek
Abstract
Even the most sweeping mega-narratives are composed of collections of micro-narratives,
the stories of actions and experiences of individuals. By blending the stories
of individuals and organisations from South Australia with the events that swept the
Hellenic world in the first part of the 20th century, the result is a powerful testament
to the ability of individuals to enact change under any circumstance. When it is taken
into account that these efforts to collect money, food and clothing occurred at a time
when South Australia was endeavouring to recover from World War One, the story of
the campaign to save lives on the other side of the globe becomes even more amazing.
South Australian efforts on behalf of the genocide survivors — either through humanitarian
relief or through active rescue — are one of the “lighter” aspects of the history
of the Armenian, Hellenic and Assyrian Genocides. Rev. James E. Cresswell, Ethel
Cooper and their supporters serve as reminders that even amidst the darkest episodes
of human existence, there are sparks of light. Despite being enveloped by inhumanity,
some retained their humanity
