"A wonderfully inspiring evening which was much needed. We could feel the warmth and positive energy in the room." -Margaret
"we must stand together and represent."
- League of Jewish Women.
I had the honour of hosting this event last night, and would like to thank all those who attended "Stories of Survivors". We shared harrowing and moving accounts of the devastating affects of war and genocide. We learned how a society and group of people were able to live "with" one another, coexisting for centuries, only for the unity to be torn apart by a few men, whose mission was to attain power and control.
We discussed the senseless violence, and drew parallels with other dark histories like the holocaust and examined current issues, like the rise of Islamophobia across Europe and the UK. With the growing injustice we have witnessed, and the current oppression and treatment of people across the globe, there is a real worry that despite our efforts we could see history repeat itself. I am fearful, we may be sleepwalking into another war, or even another genocide, and that "out of sight, out of mind" may mean atrocities which lead to war go unnoticed, or are left unspoken about.
The scars remain in Bosnia; a country which has been left traumatised and 21 years on still is trying to recover from its ordeal. If we hope to not see history replay we must find ways to stamp out hate, fight against intolerance, and challenge anyone who wishes to create divisions, and those who infringe our basic human rights. We must stand with truth, even if we must bear witness against ourselves, or our own loved ones.
"There is no harm in having differences, be it in belief, opinions or values however it should not be used as a tool to control or treat another inferior." Aimee
We hope through Women of Faith we can continue developing and creating real difference. I would personally like to thank our panel of speakers Katie Parker, Ann Algar, and Aimee Baney. Also a special thanks to Dudia Zilic (Bosnian refugee now resident in the UK) for sharing her personal journey.
"Injustice is a disease, and if not treated will continue to spread. May we continue to fight for justice." Aisha Mirza
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