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| Love is hope in Srebrenica. (Source: Hmmagazine.com) |
There is another story out of Srebrenica that has been receiving media attention across the globe in recent weeks, however, unlike the usual news articles linked to the town, this is one that is refreshingly positive and offers hope.
The story surrounds Almir Salihovic and Dusica Rendulic; a man and woman, both in their 20s, who have fallen in love, moved in together, have a child and are due to marry.
Although the circumstances of their relationship may seem typical or usual upon first-glance, the truth is that, in the grand scheme of things, it is much more significant than that.
Salihovic is a Bosnian Muslim, whilst Rendulic is a Catholic who is the daughter of Serb-Croat parents, meaning their marriage - due to take place in May of 2013 - is believed to be the first mixed-marriage to occur in Srebrenica since the town's infamous massacre in 1995, when more than 8,000 Muslim men and boys were murdered by Serbian forces.
Although some in the divided town have expressed their disapproval toward the relationship, Rendulic said it has not bothered the couple.
"For us, it was easy," she said, adding that she has been accepted and supported by Salihovic's neighbours and family.
The pair's young son, Yusuf, is named after one of Salihovic's six uncles who were killed during the Srebrenica massacre.
"If I had six sons, I would name them all after Almir's late uncles," Rendulic added.
In a region that has been stigmatised by nationalistic and religious divisions amongst people for a number of years, this story provides fresh hope that, with new generations, change and peace will finally come.
Although the circumstances of their relationship may seem typical or usual upon first-glance, the truth is that, in the grand scheme of things, it is much more significant than that.
Salihovic is a Bosnian Muslim, whilst Rendulic is a Catholic who is the daughter of Serb-Croat parents, meaning their marriage - due to take place in May of 2013 - is believed to be the first mixed-marriage to occur in Srebrenica since the town's infamous massacre in 1995, when more than 8,000 Muslim men and boys were murdered by Serbian forces.
Although some in the divided town have expressed their disapproval toward the relationship, Rendulic said it has not bothered the couple.
"For us, it was easy," she said, adding that she has been accepted and supported by Salihovic's neighbours and family.
The pair's young son, Yusuf, is named after one of Salihovic's six uncles who were killed during the Srebrenica massacre.
"If I had six sons, I would name them all after Almir's late uncles," Rendulic added.
In a region that has been stigmatised by nationalistic and religious divisions amongst people for a number of years, this story provides fresh hope that, with new generations, change and peace will finally come.
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