In July 1995, during the Bosnian War, Serb forces systematically murdered over 8,000 Bosniak men and boys and buried them in mass graves near the town of Srebrenica.
The victims, predominately Muslim, were killed based on their perceived religious and ethnic identity.
The commemoration will remember the victims, honour those who survived and consider how we can tackle hatred and intolerance today.
We will be joined by survivor Fadila Efendić who lost her husband, her only son and 22 other relatives in the Srebrenica genocide. Her husband was buried in 2003, but his skull was found in another mass grave two years later. As for her son Fejzo, only two of his leg bones were found.
Despite the pain and the trauma of her horrific experiences, Fadila returned to Srebrenica to rebuild her house which had been destroyed by Serb forces; all that was left was her son’s diploma. Fadila now runs a small shop outside the Potocari cemetery where over 6,000 men and boys are buried. She continues to campaign tirelessly for justice and challenge genocide denial.
This event is organised by Remembering Srebrenica in partnership with the Holocaust Survivors’ Friendship Association and Kirklees Council. It’s free, but please book via the Eventbrite link. Refreshments will be provided. The Holocaust exhibition, ‘Through Our Eyes’, will remain open until 6pm.