Despite being the second largest massacre on European soil since the second World War, I don’t recall ever learning about the Srebrenica genocide in school. In July of 1995, 8,000 Bosnian boys and men were murdered by Serbian forces. I can only imagine complete chaos during a time where turmoil was at its peak; Bosnian refugees flooding the area, the sounds of suffering families in search of their loved ones, and the air filled with hatred and violence
Being in the exact area 20 years later was eye opening, emotional, and extremely informative. Viewing the personal items that were found across the area, showcased behind glass, was probably the most sentimental part of the entire visit. Boys as young as seventeen, murdered simply because of their ethnicity.
Our tour guide and a survivor, Hasan Hasanovic, shared with us his experience. “They didn’t care that we were unarmed. Their primary concern was that we were Muslim and they wanted us dead” he stated.
Hate is a very powerful human emotion that can lead people to do very evil and unimaginable inhumane acts. But love can lift the human spirit to endure pain, loss and struggle to become a survivor and a positive energy that can in turn heal the hearts of many. Love can help people to see the good in our differences, regardless of religion, gender or nationality. I am very grateful to have visited this memorial and take away what I have learned from my experience there.
– Brittainy Newman
