From the Bosnian Diaspora: Womens Voices of Srebrenica – Sarajevo Times
Posted By admin on July 6, 2024
This May, the UN General Assembly passed a resolution designating July 11 as the International Day of Reflection and Commemoration of the 1995 Genocide in Srebrenica. Three decades ago, General Ratko Mladicled the (VRS) Army of Republika Srpska (RS) in a massacre of this Bosnian town, then a UN-designated Safe Area. Between July 11 and 16, 1995, MladicsBosnian Serb forces murdered at least 8,372 Bosniak (Bosnian Muslim) men and boys here. More than 20,000 women, children, and elderly men were displaced.
In many cases, the perpetratorsattempting to conceal their heinous crimesthrew victims bodies into mass graves, robbing families of the dignity to properly bury and mourn their loved ones. The human toll of these warcrimesstarkly realized in the prevalence of intergenerational traumais impossible to calculate. Still, as the rhetoric of genocide denial and misinformation persists, it is essential to honor both the dead and the survivors. Only then can healing and reconciliation be achieved.
Senija Mehmedovi and her family were among the last Bosniaks to escape the Srebrenica massacre with their lives.
The following interview memorializes members of Senijas family, as well as countless others who perished here. She is representative of the far-ranging Bosnian diaspora, one of some 600,000 individuals forced to flee their homeland. As of 2017, more than half of Bosnianswere living outside the country. Her story is a powerful reminder of the lasting impact of war and the extraordinary resilience survivors deploy in the aftermath.
DG: Im certain that these are painful memories to revisit, but can you share some of the details of July 11, 1995?
SM: I was six years old when my family and I left Srebrenica on July 11. Three of my siblings were born before we fled Srebrenica, the youngest just ten months old. We set out at noon, by foot, to Potoari. My grandfather, who had mobility issues and trouble breathing, was put on a horse, and my sisters took turns riding with him when we left our home in Srebrenica. Once we got to Potoari, we let the horse go, and my mom took care of my grandfather.
In Sikulje, Lukavac, a local family took us in. We hoped that my father would find us there, and fortunately, we were reunited on August 16th, 1995, 35 days after we had been separated.
A couple of days after our reunion, my father had to report to the nearest army base. However, his service was short-lived as the military quickly noticed changes in his behavior due to his mental illness and discharged him. During this time, I witnessed my fathers mental health deteriorate rapidly. My fourth sibling was born around this time; when we fled Srebrenica, my mother was already pregnant with my second brother.
We then moved to Babice, Lukavac, where I started fitting in and making friends. I had a best friend named Nurdin Ribic. Our family moved into an abandoned house. When we were getting ready to leave for Vozua, Zavidovii, I had to stay behind with my grandfather, aunt, and uncle to finish third grade.
My fathers condition worsened significantly, and he struggled with his mental health for two years before finally getting help in 1997. During this period, I would visit my aunt, uncle, and grandfather every summer, hoping to see my best friend, but our timing was always off, and eventually, we lost touch. My fifth sibling was born in July of 1998.
DG: And that was only the beginning of your familys journey into the unknown as you wrote in our initialexchange. Your family first settled in New York State, then later some of you moved to St. Louis, Missouri and Grand Rapids, Michigan.
SM: Yes, in 2002, my parents connected with the International Institute of Buffalo and we took tentative steps toward a new beginning in the United States. Wesaw this as a way to leave behind the ghosts of our past.
DG: You say that you hoped to leave those ghosts behind, but when I think of the women Ive interviewed for my series (Women of the Bosnian Diaspora), I wonder if this is ever possible. I imagine that you and your family still carry psychic and physical reminders of war.
SM: Yes, absolutely. In April/May of 1993, I sustained an injury when a grenade fell near my cousins yard where we were playing. That injury left me with impaired vision. The pain of that moment still lingers. Its a constant reminder of the fragility of life and indiscriminate cruelty of conflict.
DG: Youve spoken about your father. Can you share a bit of his story?
SM: My father was a pillar of strength but he endured unspeakable horrors to keep our family together. The weight of those experiences led to a diagnosis of schizophrenia. He was hospitalized in Zenica, Bosnia for two and half months before coming to the United States.
DG: That must have been extremely difficult for your entire family. Even today, there is still a stigma attached to mental illness, perhaps even more so in Bosnia thanhere in the US.
SM: Yes, Ive experienced that stigma firsthand. My father struggled to reconcile the atrocities he had witnessed with the reality of our lives. It was very difficult for him to find a job in Bosnia, and then in the US, with this history. Nobody wants to hire someone who has been in an asylum, and this prejudice added an extra layer of hardship to an already tough situation.
DG: Can you tell me more about your mother? Youve spoken about her stepping into her role as a main provider for your family once you arrived in the US.
SM: My mom is truly an extraordinary woman. Her strength, resilience, and unwavering love have been a constant source of inspiration. If I could embody just a fraction of her remarkable qualities, I would consider myself blessed. One of the most significant examples of my moms strength and resourcefulness was when she became a case manager and was able to secure a job at a convent.
DG: And she achieved this, despite the trauma she endured?
SM: Yes, my mother lost two brothers in the Srebrenica Genocide and this is a profound source of pain for all of us. Authorities have only been able to recover 30% of their remains to date. The lack of closure is agonizing. My uncles were amazing people, and its heartbreaking to know that we still dont know what happened to them.
DG: You told me youve only been back to Bosnia once since arriving in the US. Can you describe what that return was like?
SM: When my family and I returned to Srebrenica in June 2009, the experience was deeply emotional and heartbreaking. The village we once knew, Sueska, was unrecognizable.
Our home, which my parents had built with their own hands, stood in ruins. Nature had begun to reclaim it, with a tree growing inside what was once a place filled with our memories.
The house had no windows or doors; it resembled a construction site rather than the warm, lively home we remembered.
Walking through the village, we were struck by the emptiness and silence. Our village, which once had over 500 residents, now had maybe five people living there. The absence of familiar faces and the stark contrast between our memories and the current reality was overwhelming. It was as if the life and vibrancy of the community had been erased, replaced by a haunting stillness.
DG: That must have been extraordinarily painful.
SM: It really was. Seeing the state of our home and village brought back a flood of painful memories. The physical destruction mirrored the emotional and psychological scars we carried. It was a harsh reminder of the violence and loss we endured. But returning to Srebrenica also reinforced the importance of remembering and honoring those who were lost. Visiting our old home, even in its ruined state, was a way of reconnecting with our roots and affirming our resilience as survivors.
DG: Some of my interview subjects have reported feeling unwelcome, perhaps even endangered, when returning to areas within RS. Did you find this to be the case?
SM: No, because feeling welcome was not something I was looking for. Srebrenica is my hometown, and its big enough for everyone. But I will say, the ongoing presence of individuals who may have been involved in the genocide, along with the lack of accountability, contributes to the fear and sense of injustice survivors feel.
DG: Thats understandable. Its frustrating to see how the cycle of nationalism and hatred continues. The degree of misinformation and outright denial coming out of RS in regard to this years UN resolution for the Srebrenica commemoration is especially contentious.
SM: The cycle of hatred in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), including the Republika Srpska (RS) region, is a deeply entrenched issue that continues to perpetuate divisions and hinder reconciliation. Its essential to acknowledge that RS is part of Bosnia and Herzegovina to emphasize the interconnectedness of all communities within the country.
The lingering effects of the Bosnian War and the Srebrenica Genocide have left scars that still impact societal dynamics today. Historical grievances, ethnic tensions, and political manipulation have contributed to a climate of mistrust and animosity among various groups.
In RS, particularly, there have been ongoing challenges regarding acknowledgment of past atrocities and ensuring accountability for war crimes. This lack of acknowledgment and accountability further fuels resentment and perpetuates the cycle of hatred.
Addressing the cycle requires comprehensive efforts at multiple levels, including fostering dialogue, promoting understanding, and holding perpetrators accountable for their actions.
DG: Without diving into a political rabbit hole, I think its important to acknowledge current external influences, such as Russia and Hungary, on BiH today.
SM: The connections between Milorad Dodik, the leader of RS, and external figures like Vladimir Putin and Viktor Orban are concerning. These connections have undoubtedly influenced the political landscape of Bosnia, leading to increased tensions and a sense of instability.
From my perspective, Bosnia has changed significantly in this context. The alliances and influences shaping the countrys politics have shifted, with Dodiks nationalist agenda and efforts to undermine central institutions exacerbating ethnic divisions and raising fears of conflict.
Republika Srpska is part of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and any country aiding RS in violation of Bosnias sovereignty would be breaking international law. Such actions could further destabilize the region and jeopardize the prospects for peace.
Its crucial for Bosnias allies and international partners to uphold the principles of sovereignty and respect for international law. Collective efforts to support democratic governance and promote reconciliation are essential for preventing the escalation of tensions and fostering long-term stability in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Women Mentoring Women
DG: Youve spoken about education as a sanctuary. Clearlyyour academicsa Bachelors degree in Sociology and a Masters degree in International Businesshave served you well. Youve also talked about finding resilience and the mentors who guided you through your academics and beyond. Can you elaborate a bit?
SM: First, I have to credit my parents; their resilience and unwavering belief in my potential have shaped me into the person I am today. Another major influence is Dr. Julia Hall, professor of Educational Leadership at DYouville University. I started out as a cleaning lady at a community center and thats how I first met Dr. Hall. I never could have imagined the transformative impact she would have on my life. She saw something in me worth nurturing. She pushed me to explore new opportunities and view every experience as a chance to learn and grow.
DG: I find it inspiring to hear you talk about the profound impact of women mentoring women. This is central to my work. Youve mentioned a number of other women who have helped you along the way.
SM: Absolutely, Mrs. Shairi, my ESL teacher at Lackawanna High School, first helped me to overcome language barriers and adapt to a new environment. Peg Overdorf, the owner of a community center where I worked as a cleaning lady, taught me the importance of hard work and community engagement. Deputy Sheriff Elizabeth Fildes, my first professional boss at the Erie County Sheriffs Office, Human Trafficking Division, demonstrated true leadership and dedication to public service. Under her guidance, I gained invaluable experience and developed a deep commitment to combating human trafficking and injustice.
Each of these remarkable women played a significant role in shaping my personal and professional development. I am forever grateful for their guidance and support.
Paying it Forward
DG: Aside from personal and professional development, it sounds like those encounters with mentors were also a huge catalyst for the advocacy work youre currently engaged in.
SM: Sure, my growth began with these women mentors, and now Im committed to paying their kindness forward by mentoring and empowering others. Advocacy is about standing up for what is right, amplifying the voices of the marginalized, and working towards creating a more just and equitable society.
Ultimately, advocacy is not just about raising awarenessits about taking action and driving tangible progress. Whether its through community organizing, policy advocacy, or grassroots activism, I am dedicated to making a positive impact and bringing about meaningful change wherever I can.
DG: What about your involvement with the BiH diaspora?
SM: Being part of the Bosnian community here in Grand Rapids, MI, holds deep significance for me and my family. Its more than just a community; its a lifelinea source of connection, support, and cultural preservation.
Growing up surrounded by fellow Bosnians has provided a sense of belonging and identity that is invaluable, especially considering the challenges of displacement and resettlement. Our community here is vibrant and diverse, with a rich tapestry of traditions, languages, and stories that reflect the resilience and strength of our people.
Dealing with the Past
DG: Not everyone in the Bosnian diaspora wants to talk about the past. Have you run into that?
SM: Encountering individuals who are unwilling to discuss or acknowledge the past is not uncommon. This can stem from personal discomfort, denial, a desire to avoid painful memories,or unwillingness to confront difficult truths.
But encounters with individuals who deny or distort historical facts, such as the location of Srebrenica or the atrocities committed thereperhaps the actions of their own family membersis especially disheartening and frustrating. Still, these encounters underscore the need to raise awareness about the truth of what happened during the war and its lasting impact on individuals and communities.
DG: You mentioned a personal encounter earlier. You went to high school with a girl whose father was a war criminal in Bosnia. She only discovered this later. Do you think she understood that her father was on the wrong side of history?
SM: In the case of this girl, its possible that she may not have fully understood the gravity of her fathers actions or the extent of his involvement in the war. Confronting such a harsh reality can be overwhelming, and its understandable that she may have initially resisted accepting it. I can only imagine the turmoil and disbelief she must have experienced.
As human beings, we want to believe the best about our loved ones. It goes without saying that nationalism, propaganda, and social pressures all influence ones beliefs and attitudes, making it even harder to confront uncomfortable truths of a loved ones past.
History Repeats Itself: Is War Inevitable?
DG: No matter where we are in history, it seems war is inevitable. With the current warsfirst Russia and Ukraine and now Israel and Hamas in Gazathese experiences of war areclose to what youve lived through. It must be awful to confront these events in the news every day.
SM: Of course. For those who have lived through similar conflicts, such as the Srebrenica Genocide in Bosnia, seeing the suffering of others can bring back a flood of emotions and memories. It can be a deeply personal and distressing experience, as it forces individuals to confront their own trauma while also grappling with the ongoing injustices faced by others.
Even so, it can also serve as a reminder of the importance of working towards a more peaceful and just world, where no one has to endure the horrors of war and violence.
Despite the challenges, many individuals who have lived through such experiences also feel a sense of solidarity and empathy towards those currently affected by conflict. They may be driven to speak out, advocate for peace, and support initiatives aimed at alleviating the suffering of others.
DG: What youre talking about is focusing on the positive, helping others to find their voice. I really believe that your contribution, your voice as a woman of the Bosnian diaspora, isprofoundly important. So often, its the womenlike your motherwho took on enormous responsibility, first to escape the war and then to resettle their families elsewhere.
SM: Thank you for your kind words. Women of the Bosnian diaspora indeed have a unique perspective and potential to make a significant difference in the world. Their experiences, resilience, and insights can offer valuable contributions to various fields, including advocacy, peacebuilding, and community development.
Whether through grassroots initiatives, cultural exchange programs, or educational efforts, we can leverage our diverse talents and experiences to create positive change and inspire others to do the same.
The Role of Faith Traditions in Building Resilience
DG: Under Titos socialist rule in the former Yugoslavia, religion was downplayed, but Bosnia boasted a strong multi-ethnic, interfaith society. Many Bosnian Muslims were self-described as secular. Before the war, was your family very religious?
SM: Growing up, our household was immersed in the rituals, traditions, and teachings of Islam. From daily prayers to fasting during Ramadan, religion permeated many aspects of our daily lives. It provided us with a sense of identity, community, and moral guidance. My grandfather was especially devout.
For my family, though, faith was not just about adhering to religious rituals; it was about cultivating a deep connection to Allah and recognizing the presence of a greater power in our lives.
DG: Do you think your familys experience of war and displacement changed your feelings about religion?
SM: I cant speak for everyone in my family, but for me, going through such traumatic events challenged and deepened my understanding of faith. My religion served as a reminder that we were not alone and that there was a greater purpose to our struggles.
At the same time, witnessing the suffering and injustices of war raised difficult questions about the nature of faith and the presence of divine intervention. How could a benevolent deity allow such atrocities to occur? Where was the justice and compassion in a world filled with so much pain and suffering?
These questions forced me to confront the complexities and ambiguities of faith, leading to a more nuanced and introspective understanding of religion. While my belief in a higher power remained steadfast, it became tempered by a recognition of the inherent complexities of human experience and the limitations of our understanding. In the end, my journey through adversity only strengthened my faith.
DG: Youve done so much soul searching. What would you like people to know about where you are in your life now?
SM: At this point in my life, Im focused on finding peace and contentment within myself. Ive spent a lot of time reflecting on my past experiences, learning from them, and growing as a person. Ive come to understand the importance of resilience, compassion, and gratitude.
Ive also realized the value of connection and community, both in terms of supporting others and receiving support in return. Building meaningful relationships and fostering a sense of belonging are essential.
DG: Youre not sitting in victimhood. Youre very much aware of the past but you seem to be living in the present. What are you hoping for the future?
SM: Youre correct; I refuse to let myself be defined solely by the hardships Ive faced. While I acknowledge my past experiences, I strive to live in the present and shape my future with intention and hope.
Overall, I strive to live authentically, guided by my values and principles. While I still face challenges and uncertainties, I approach them with a sense of openness and curiosity.
Ultimately, I hope for peace and healing for all those who have experienced trauma and injustice. I believe in the power of empathy, understanding, and reconciliation to foster healing and create a more harmonious world.
Interview by Dina Greenberg
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From the Bosnian Diaspora: Womens Voices of Srebrenica - Sarajevo Times
