Comments on: “To the families of the genocide victims we owe the truth – to the victims, remembrance.”

By: Annette

Annette — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 18:22:10 +0000

Kelsey – wondering how the ceremony went on the 11th – we are keeping you and those you are working with, their families, and the victims in our prayers… aunt annette

By: Stephanie

Stephanie — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 18:20:22 +0000

Kelsey
I worked in the Balkans for seven years. There were many people–Kosovar Albanians, Croats, Serbs, Bosniaks–who refused to take part in the atrocities. There is always a choice. There was even a choice in the “international community” when the Serbs overran Vukovar. All of the madness could have been stopped then. I blame the leaders, the people who followed them and of course the “international community.”

By: Alissa

Alissa — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 15:21:27 +0000

This blog did a great job highlighting the division between Croats and Bosniaks and showing the extent to which the genocide is still affecting the families and their culture. It’s exciting that you get to live in Tuzla where such an effort is being made for peaceful ethnic integration. Can’t wait to read more!

By: MacKenzie

MacKenzie — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 20:02:38 +0000

I was an intern in BOSFAM in summer 2005. I am interested to see your perspective on the quote from a serb general that the Dayton accords are just a pause between 2 wars. I have to say, I thought it was a horrible thing to say, but as I have watched the country (snd Serbia and Kosovo) I am not so sure it is not accurate. There is still so much division there.

As an aside, Mostar is an amazing city to visit if you get to go there… some heart wrenching soties but beatiful scenery in that town as well.

By: Annette

Annette — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 13:32:20 +0000

Kelsey – I can’t help repeating myself but I truly appreciate what we have here and now, more than ever when I read your blogs. To think that land and the way one worships can make you look and feel differently towards another person is so sad, yet, unfortunately, universal. You are experiencing the full force of how an action, once taken, can trickle down and change lives for years afterwards. Thank you so much for sharing…

By: Dave B

Dave B — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 21:04:35 +0000

I certainly appreciated your opening comment and warning about the ranting that was to come in your most recent blog. I “buckled in” and read it twice.

It’s facinating to listen to you try to understand and grapple with the insanity of the horrific genocide. I certainly understand and share your frustration. It makes no sense. We all know that bad things happen to good people. It’s one thing when these bad things are the result of “acts of God” or accidents or even an environmental reason like the worldwide economic downturn. However, it’s quite a different issue when these bad things are intentionally inflicted by others. Your blog demonstrates we have a long way to go towards the goal of (not only accepting, but) celebrating and embracing diversity.

By: Marina

Marina — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 19:52:07 +0000

Thanks for all of this background Kelsey, it will help your readers to understand the significance of the July 11th commemorations this week. I feel like we, your audience, are learning right along with you as you take it all in.

One thing that we love to see is how the Fellowship Program impacts our Fellows in personal ways, so while I agree with Owen not to be too hard on your friends, I like seeing how spending time with the women of BOSFAM is causing a shift in your awareness and priorities.

Good work.

By: Owen

Owen — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 14:11:02 +0000

That picture of the Drina is beautiful but so sombre.

Don’t be too hard on your friends. Facebook and Twitter conversations are normal life. They may seem fatuous and trivial but that’s how ordinary life is. You’re privileged to have an insight into how fragile that is.