A few months ago, I was lucky enough to visit Bosnia as part of a delegation with the charity "Remembering Srebrenica". The charity is the only one in the UK that works with victims and survivors of the Bosnian genocide, providing them a platform to voice their story, and implements lessons learned by working to eradicate hatred, injustice and build strong community and inter-faith relations here in the UK.

Srebrenica is a small village where on 11th July 1995, 8,372 men and boys were killed by Serb forces.  Even today, 20 years later, bodies are still being exhumed and identified.

We will be fundraising throughout Q1 2015 for the charity "Remembering Srebrenica".

Anyone who donates over £11 will receive a handmade flower pin.  All proceeds will go towards helping in part to the "Mothers of Srebrenica", 

Handmade Flower Pin

Handmade in Bosnia, the Srebrenica flower is the symbol of the Srebrenica genocide. The flowers have eleven petals reflecting Srebrenica Memorial Day on 11 July, and are white and green representing the innocence of those who were killed, as well as hope for the future. A significant proportion of the funds raised will go directly to the mothers of Srebrenica. Remembering Srebrenica have a track record of working with the Mothers and individuals in Srebrenica to provide funding where necessary. For example, the charity recently provided heating for the memorial centre in Potocari to help those who wishes to visit the complex and spend time with their loved ones there during the winter months.

What happened in Bosnia?

After the fall of the Communist regime in Yugoslavia, war broke out at the development of five successor states: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Macedonia, Slovenia and the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. Opinion was divided on the future of the Balkan Peninsula and war seemed imminent.

 The United Nations (UN) declared Srebrenica a demilitarised safe zone,  promising the people safety and security. Their promises fell through as the genocide began in 1995. July 11^th and 12^th mark the bloodiest days of the war as  Bosnian men and boys aged from 12-77 lost their lives to Serb forces. 

On just these two days alone, 8372 men and boys were killed. To this day, bodies are still being found, identified and awaiting burial.

I personally met many Mothers of Srebrenica who had lost their sons, husbands, and fathers. They still mourn the death of their loved ones as justice has not been given and for some, complete bodies have not been found.

These mothers are still fighting for justice and they want the whole world to never forget what happened to their loved ones.

By donating to this cause, you'll be helping the charity to support the mothers of Srebrenica and allow for further delegations to be sent to Bosnia so we never forget what happened in 1995.

Let's say no to discrimination and yes to peace.

 We will be running this campaign until end of March Insh’Allah and the highest donor will receive a Remembering Srebrenica gift pack!

 Kind regards,

 Amara Sharif on behalf of the ISOC team

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