Photo exhibition on Srebrenica genocide opens in Pristina

Pristina, October 24, 2024 – The Islamic Community of Kosovo (BIK), in collaboration with the Islamic Community of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BeH), has inaugurated the poignant photo exhibition "The World Remembers Srebrenica" in Pristina. This significant event showcases a collection of harrowing photographs and documents that commemorate the tragic 1995 genocide in Bosnia and Herzegovina, where over 8,000 Bosniak men lost their lives.

Participants included religious leaders from both countries, former officials from Kosovar institutions, politicians, and members of the Bosnian community in Kosovo. As visitors walked through the exhibition, they were met with haunting images of mass graves, emaciated children, and crucial moments from the war that left deep scars on both nations. Many found themselves pausing in front of certain photographs, their expressions reflecting sorrow and contemplation.

Naim Tërnava, the mufti of Kosovo, spoke passionately about the motivations behind such atrocities, emphasizing that they reflect a deliberate aim to eradicate an oppressed ethnic group. He poignantly drew parallels between the ethnic cleansing of Bosniaks during the conflict in Bosnia and the violence witnessed in Kosovo in 1998-1999. “Such crimes are the result of powers that seek to extinguish entire communities,” he said, his voice resonating with the weight of history.

Azra Efendiq-Eminović, representing the Islamic Community in Bosnia and Herzegovina, called for open dialogue and mutual understanding, urging participants to learn from the past. She paid special tribute to the mothers of Srebrenica, whom she described as "true heroines" whose strength continues to inspire future generations. "Their resilience in the face of unimaginable loss is a beacon for us all," she said, her eyes glistening with emotion.

Deputy Prime Minister of Kosovo, Emilia Rexhepi, expressed heartfelt solidarity with the Bosniak community, reflecting on the deep pain that the genocide has inflicted. "This tragedy was not just a loss for Bosnia; it echoes in our hearts here in Kosovo as well," she remarked, highlighting that the violence targeted individuals solely based on their religious identity.

In a significant recognition of this tragedy, the United Nations recently adopted a resolution designating July 11 as the "International Day of Reflection and Remembrance of the 1995 Srebrenica Genocide." Earlier this year, the Assembly of Kosovo also condemned the genocide, underscoring a collective commitment to remember and learn from past atrocities. As visitors left the exhibition, many carried with them a renewed sense of responsibility to ensure that such horrors are never repeated.