Srebrenica Genocide Commemoration March Held in Rijeka, Croatia

The 16th commemorative march, titled "Srebrenica is Walking the World - May It Not Be Forgotten," was held in Rijeka, Croatia, to ensure the Srebrenica genocide is not forgotten. Approximately 250 citizens attended the event organized on Friday evening, delivering messages of unity and solidarity during the march that started from the Croatian Defenders' Bridge. Participants walked via Korsu street to the Karolina Rijeka Pier, creating a silent and respectful atmosphere in accordance with the main purpose of the commemoration. At the end of the march, 31 white roses were thrown into the sea to symbolize the 31 years since the genocide committed by Bosnian Serbs in Srebrenica and Potočari in July 1995. This symbolic action paid respectful tribute to the victims of one of the greatest tragedies experienced in the heart of Europe.

Important figures such as Mayor of Rijeka Iva Rinçic, Deputy Prefect of Primorje-Gorski Kotar County Robert Matić, Mufti Halid Jusić, and President of the Bosniak National Council Bermin Meşkiç also supported the event, standing in solidarity with the civilians. Participants wore t-shirts bearing the inscription "Srebrenica - May It Not Be Forgotten" and the number 8.372, drawing attention to the number of lives lost in the massacre. The three dots next to this number represent the innocent victims who are still missing and whose traces cannot be found. Organized by the Rijeka Bosniaks and Friends Association, this meaningful march also highlights the social solidarity shown towards the families of the genocide victims and the survivors.

Demir Ferhatović, one of the organizers of the event, emphasized that this commemorative march was first initiated in Rijeka 16 years ago and has become a tradition, spreading to many cities worldwide over the years. Ferhatović expressed his satisfaction at seeing a large number of youth participating in the event with their parents, stating that this situation proves the establishment of a "culture of remembrance" that transcends borders. Referring to his own past experiences, Ferhatović recounted the memory of sunlight hitting an iron floor in a dark warehouse and a small plant growing there, which stuck in his mind during his visit to Srebrenica and Potočari with his medical school friends 17 years ago. Stating that he saw that moment as a symbol of hope within himself, he emphasized that this genocide, committed in the center of Europe, must never be forgotten and that such commemorative events shed light on the future.

Mayor Iva Rinçić, in her emotional speech, stated that the culture of remembrance is also a culture of forgiveness and spiritual healing, drawing attention to a process of religious and psychological healing. She particularly emphasized that forgiveness is one of the greatest virtues that liberates people, but that forgiveness definitely does not mean giving up on remembering and commemorating. Rinčić stated that she believes such commemorative events offer a critical opportunity to confront the cruel realities of the past, empathize with the victims, and keep their memories alive. Expressing her great pride and honor in attending the event for the first time, the Mayor stated that the sensitivity shown by the youth towards these issues is highly encouraging for society. Deputy Prefect of Primorje-Gorski Kotar County Robert Matić also added, by describing how the number 8.372 left a deep mark on his mind during the march, that Srebrenica should always be remembered as one of the darkest pages in modern European history.

Another significant moment that enhanced the spiritual atmosphere of the commemoration was the prayer led by Mufti Halid Jusić for the deceased. Among Jusić's prayers, a special place was held for the memory of 10 victims whose identities were finally determined and who will be buried this week. After the prayers, right before the roses were thrown into the sea, the "Jönevljeni Dragulji" (Adriatic Jewels) Children's Choir sang two sorrowful but instructive hymns, moving the participants to emotional moments. Matić stated that this witnessed tragedy left deep marks on the families, but that every believer carries this pain in their heart in the name of peace and tranquility, touching upon the importance of a society based on human rights, dialogue, and diversity. All speakers stated that empathy and peace are irreplaceable, and that such occasions serve as a critical warning to ensure that war crimes and genocides are not experienced again worldwide.