The Muslim Women’s Council and Inspirational Woman Foundation, supported by Bradford Council and Remembering Srebrenica, are organising a Women’s Interfaith Iftar (breaking of fast during Ramadan at Sunset) in remembrance of the Genocide that took place in Srebrenica, Bosnia in 1995. The event will take place on Saturday 11th July 2015 at Doha Mosque, adjacent to the main University of Bradford building from 7:30pm to 10:30pm.
In fact, 11th July marks the 20th anniversary where 8372 Muslim men and boys were massacred by Bosnian Serbs forces in July 1995 during this conflict, when the world failed Bosnia in its hour of need.
The programme will consist of spiritual reminders, sharing stories, spoken word poetry and guest speakers. Two women from Remembering Srebrenica, a charity established to raise awareness of the genocide, will be speaking about the family members that they lost.
Women from all backgrounds are invited to attend. Places can be booked by calling the Muslim Women’s Council on 01274 223230 or by emailing at directorsoffice@muslimwomenscouncil.org.uk
Bana Gora, CEO of Muslim Women’s Council says “The purpose of the event is twofold, firstly to mark the 20th anniversary of a genocide that has taken place before our eyes and secondly to provide an opportunity for women from different backgrounds to come together to learn about the other.
The event aims to raise awareness of this part of European History where men and boys were taken to be shot en masse and buried in the most brutal manner. Thousands of women lost sons, husbands, fathers and brothers; some are still missing 20 years on. This event is a small step in giving these women a chance to share their stories and reconcile their traumatic experiences.”
Dr Asem Aba Zaid, senior committee member of Doha Mosque says “By holding a memorial day in our local community we take a significant step towards remembering the lives lost in Srebrenica and building strong community relations here in the UK. We need to keep the faith and work towards a world of one love. This will take courage but we can do it if we work together”.
Alina Khan, Diversity & Cohesion Team, Bradford Council, says “Bradford Council has committed to raise awareness of the war crimes committed in Bosnia and wants to ensure we never forget the time when the world failed Bosnia in its hour of need. We wish to pay tribute to the mothers of Srebrenica, many of whom have still been unable to bury their loved ones, let alone find the remains of their bodies. Along with the charity Remembering Srebrenica, Bradford Council has co-ordinated delegated group visits to Bosnia, to truly learn the lessons of this genocide”.
