07/2025
Remembering Srebrenica: Manchester
I attended a powerful and emotional memorial for the 1995 Srebrenica genocide in Bosnia, where over 8,000 Bosniak men and boys were killed and many family units torn apart. The event was a space for remembrance, reflection, and strength, filled with personal stories and poems that honoured those lost and those who survived.
One of the most moving moments was hearing Azra Keely share her story. She spoke about being a child during the genocide and how her family managed to escape, thanks to what she described as a series of miracles. Her words were full of emotion as she remembered stories and the incredible luck that helped them survive. Her story showed not only the pain of the past, but also the strength it takes to carry on and share it with others.
The memorial also included poems written and read by children. Their words focused on hope and resilience—how people can stay strong, even after terrible things. Even though many of these children were born years after the genocide, their poems showed deep care and understanding. One poem included the line: “They tried to bury us, but we rise with every tear they shed for love.” It was a reminder that even in sadness, there is still light and strength.
This memorial was more than just a ceremony—it was a reminder of the importance of remembering the past and honouring the truth. The stories and poems helped everyone present feel connected, not just to what happened in 1995, but to the strength and courage of those who lived through it. It showed that through memory, hope, and resilience, healing is possible—and that the voices of the next generation are helping carry that forward.
Remembering Srebrenica: Birmingham
I attended the West Midlands Srebrenica Memorial Day, hosted by Remembering Srebrenica UK. It was a moving ceremony with various talks by officials and community leaders. The theme was about remembering the past and taking action now. The atmosphere was solemn and the passion to honour those who lost their lives during the genocide was deeply felt.
One talk that stood out to me the most was by Sara Hukić, a survivor of the Srebrenica genocide. Having only been a young child of 3 when it happened, Sara shared her heart-breaking story of becoming an orphaned, losing her home and the struggles she and her foster mother faced when they escaped to a neighbouring country before landing in the UK. She spoke with such grace and confidence, it was truly inspiring.
There was also a candle lighting ceremony to symbolise the unity of our communities. This was done whilst a beautiful song was sung by Hafsa Jalisi called ‘Don’t grieve with tears.’ There were also musical performances by Elvir Solak and Ivan Šarić all the way from the National Theatre, Sarajevo, which was received with attentive silence as we listened to the emotions conveyed by their voices and instruments. Lastly, two wonderful students from Bosnian School, Birmingham, joined the host on stage to say a short prayer:
‘We pray to Almighty God,
May grievance become hope!
May revenge become justice!
May mothers’ tears become prayers
The Srebrenica
Never happens again
To no one and nowhere!’
Overall, the event was a strong reminder of the impact of honouring our brothers and sisters in Bosnia, the importance of supporting one another through hardship, and the strength behind remaining united as one ummah.
