BH UK Network , in collaboration with Coventry Municipality, the charity “ Remembering Srebrenica ” and the local BH community, organized a commemoration at the Coventry Municipality premises, to pay tribute to the 8,372 brutally murdered men and boys in the genocide committed in Srebrenica in July 1995.
We are glad to see that this has already become a traditional activity of this municipality. The program was led by Elma Kazić, who presented today’s program and distinguished guests/speakers in an appropriate way.
Those present were addressed by Kevin Maton, Mathew Shaer, Senadin Selimić and Lynette Kelly, and the moderator was Elma Kazić.
Kevin Maton, Mayor of Coventry City, highlighted the importance of honouring the victims of genocide and listening to the stories of survivors. “Coventry is a city that welcomed Bosnian refugees and gave them shelter when they needed it most. It is now home to a wonderful Bosnian community. We are proud of that. and we must persevere in the joint fight against hatred, against genocide denial and hatred, and to build a society of peace and understanding, so that Srebrenica never happens again to anyone.”
Matthew Shaer , chairman of the West Midlands regional committee of Remembering Srebrenica, said that we need to continue to honour the victims of genocide, but also to educate different generations about genocide. “Genocides, genocide denial and hatred still persist, but we are the ones who we must educate others about it so that it is not forgotten. And by our very presence here, we prove that we are on the right path. I will mention Nelson Mandela who mentioned that no child is born with hatred, but that hatred is learned. We are here to educate that hatred and intolerance only lead to division in society.”
Senadin Selimić, long-time teacher of the BiH supplementary school in Coventry unfortunately due to health reasons he could not attend, but his daughter was happy to read his thoughts written on paper:
“I consider myself and others who lived through the horror in Bosnia and Herzegovina during the genocide to be lucky because in this way we can bear witness to the truth, that it was real and terrible. My colleague and I learn in BH secondary school that knowledge is the only thing that cannot be taken away from you, that knowledge is power and the key to success in of the future. We teach children the truth and to love, not hate. The eleventh of July 1995, the saddest day in the history of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Genocide in Europe after World War II. The venue is the UN protected area of Srebrenica, a small town in the east of Bosnia and Herzegovina. 8372 people were killed in a few days without mercy, without dignity, without a shred of humanity. Boys torn from their mothers’ arms were led to their deaths. Mothers, left to live and mourn their loved ones. ”
A video prepared by students of the Bosnian supplementary school Coventry was also shown. 27 years later, in Coventry, Great Britain, students of the Bosnian and Herzegovina supplementary school Coventry, parents, teachers and the entire Bosnian and Herzegovina community through the faces of some revived the memory of all the victims of the genocide in Srebrenica and throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina. Prijedor, Sarajevo, Zvornik, Mostar, Višegrad are just the names of some of the cities in which genocide also occurred or was attempted.
“We, the first, second and third generations of Bosnians and Herzegovinans, testify today that the evil of Srebrenica has not, will not and must not be forgotten. Today we tell the world that the tears of Srebrenica’s mothers hurt us equally through all three generations and we swear that it will be so in the coming centuries.
L ynette Kelly, who has been helping BiH citizens in Coventry ever since they arrived, also addressed the audience. She talked about her feelings and experiences during a visit to the Potočari Memorial Center. “It is terrifying that mothers are still searching for the bodies of their sons, husbands, brothers and fathers. It is not enough to just say that we need to remember, but we also need to learn, and stand up to the politicians who continue to try to instill hatred and division in society. One thing I have learned from Bosnians and Herzegovinians is how powerful it is to forgive, not and forget.”
The closing remarks were made by BH UK Network Manager Dr. Anes Cerić, who thanked everyone who came and helped organize this event. He also took this opportunity to thank the city of Coventry and its mayor for everything they are doing to ensure that the genocide in Srebrenica is not forgotten.
Our dear ones, may the land of Bosnia be easy for you, wherever your bones are scattered – Amen,” said the Coventry association of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Amila Medić and Minela Kazić, students of Coventry BiH supplementary school, recited the Srebrenica prayer, which will forever be carved into the Srebrenica stone with a strong message: May what happened in Srebrenica never happen again to anyone and anywhere.
BH UK Network
