Twenty years later, the world still struggles on pronouncing ‘Srebrenica’ correctly.
And twenty years after it happened, the Bosnian community still struggles on coping with the aftermaths of the genocide it witnessed during the Bosnian War.
The Bosnian community is known to unite during times of strife and disaster, which is unbeknownst to little. The unification has been evident during numerous campaigns, which include last year’s floods, the Bihać hospital fire, and this year’s fundraising for Bosnian sisters diagnosed with cancer.
The 20-year anniversary of the genocide is approaching us, and although there are still some who have never heard of the Srebrenica Massacre, remembrance events and social media campaigns are put forth to raise awareness of genocide and to promote peace.
Bosnian communities in Manchester, Chicago, and Des Moines are all planning commemoration events to honor the 8,372+ victims of the massacre. The events are encouraging worldwide peace, so news networks never have to capture the images of genocide again.
To name a few worldwide events that are occurring this year; bicyclists in Bosnia will bike in honor of the fallen victims, a Serbian journalist has started a campaign that will have 7,000 people lay in solidarity, the BBC will premiere a “Srebrenica Survivors” film on the anniversary, and the Bosnian community out of Hartford, Connecticut are planning a March for Peace to accompany their remembrance program.
July 11th is not just an opportunity for Bosnians to stand in solidarity against genocide. This is an opportunity for Bosnians, Serbians, Croatians, and every other nationality to stand in solidarity for peace.
There are less than 20 days until the 20-year anniversary of the massacre. Srebrenica will trend on Twitter and Facebook on July 11, 2015. I can nearly guarantee it. But we don’t have to wait until then.
We can start to promote peace right now. We can start to promote peace today.
Written by Sead Sarkic
