Srebrenica, a picturesque and mostly Muslim enclave in eastern Bosnia, was the epicenter of a massacre that shocked the world. Declared a UN safe area, it brought no comfort to its inhabitants in July 1995. On July 10, the date Bosnian Serb forces timed their assault. That crushing offensive culminated in perhaps the worst atrocity of modern times. Within a few days, more than 8,000 Bosniak men and boys were executed on the orders of General Ratko Mladic.
Among the survivors are Nedzad Avdic and Emir Bektic, who witnessed the horrors as children. Their narratives are a testament to the strength of the people who lived through unthinkable traumas. In honoring the memories of their childhood, they foreground the violence they endured. There is no doubt that their experiences have left a lasting impact on their lives and the larger community.
The Siege of Srebrenica
By early July 1995, the situation in Srebrenica had become more and more volatile. The hills around the town echoed with the sound of cannon fire. For many people in the besieged town, they had months of suffering under siege conditions with continued shelling, starvation, and isolation. Although Dutch peacekeepers initially held their positions, they were soon outmatched by the overwhelming force of the 25,000-strong Army of Republika Srpska. With each passing day, their hope began to fade.
As the siege rose to unimaginable levels, families had to choose in truly heartbreaking ways. On July 8 or 9, Nedzad Avdic’s family escaped Srebrenica on foot, hoping to find safety in the mountains’ high woodlands. He remembers the panic that seized him on their flight.
“The only thing I wanted at that moment was to drink some water. I felt devastated that I’d die thirsty.” – [Nedzad Avdic]
Emir Bektic faced a similar fate. At only ten, he was driven from his homeland. Fourth, as he and his family escaped, he recalls very clearly hundreds of dead bodies lined up along the road.
The fear and chaos were palpable. Bosnian Serb soldiers ordered civilians via megaphone to come out of hiding, telling them that they would be terrorized by bombing if they refused to capitulate. She spoke about how fast the scenario turned when the forces started advancing into town.
The Atrocity Unfolds
When General Ratko Mladic entered Srebrenica on July 11, 1995, this was the beginning of a dramatic turnaround that would result in a series of devastating events. It left civilians surrounded by Dutch peacekeepers who had been pushed back again and again, leaving these civilians trapped. The options were pretty bad, so much so that as one of our participants pointed out,
“We should try jumping out the windows … or making a run for the doors.”
This notion was met with sudden despair as the reality set in: survival seemed improbable in a place where brutality reigned.
During the massacre itself, Bosnian Serb soldiers openly discussed their next moves, exhibiting a brass indifference to human life that was bone-chilling. The conversations included chilling phrases like:
“At that moment, they [the Bosnian Serb soldiers] were only debating one thing – how to kill us.” – [Emir Bektic]
“Let’s kill them right here.” – [Bosnian Serb soldier]
“No, let’s take them down to the stream and slaughter them there.” – [Bosnian Serb soldier]
In the face of this horror, people like Musa did whatever it took to stay alive. His desperate request for help highlighted the dire conditions faced by many:
“Do you have a shoelace? Anything I can tie my leg with?” – [Musa]
During those chaotic times, such self-sacrifice wasn’t even an independent thought. Young Nedzad Avdic was concerned for his family’s safety, stating the risk that his family members faced.
“Please, leave me behind. Save yourself.” – [Nedzad Avdic]
Those struck by that act of terrorism in the days that followed—including September 12th—were witnesses to unspeakable violence. In a matter of days, the death toll reached the thousands. Little did they know, this tragedy would become the catalyst for one of the darkest chapters in European history.
The Aftermath: A Legacy of Pain and Resilience
The Srebrenica massacre took a tremendous emotional and psychological toll on survivors and families of the deceased. In 2006, as a major step forward, Bosnia and Herzegovina passed a law granting legal recognition to survivors of wartime sexual violence. Not until 2022 would children born from wartime rape receive legal acknowledgment of their existence and inclusion in reparative policy.
Emir Bektic has devoted his life to making sure the memory of those lost does not die. Each summer, he leads his students on trips to Srebrenica and the memorial center in Potocari. His dedication is a solemn and patriotic reminder that as the years go by, the lessons of the past must not be ignored.
Reflecting on his experiences, Bektic emphasizes the importance of education and remembrance in ensuring that such atrocities never happen again. He affirms that sharing their stories not only honors those who perished but empowers future generations to advocate for peace and justice.
