Bosnian Islamic Leader Calls for Roma Holocaust Remembrance

Reisul-ulema Husein-ef. Kavazović sent a message for the International Day of Remembrance of the Holocaust against Roma. He spoke about the genocide against Roma and Sinti during World War II. He stated that remembering this history is a religious, moral, and social duty. He urged a strong stand against racism, hatred, and dehumanization.

The message noted August 2, 1944, when the Nazi regime killed the last Roma and Sinti prisoners at Auschwitz-Birkenau. Over 500,000 Roma and Sinti were murdered across occupied Europe. The European Parliament named August 2 as the European Day of Remembrance for the Roma and Sinti Holocaust in 2015.

Bosnia and Herzegovina shares the duty to remember all victims. Many Bosnian Roma suffered during Nazi and Ustaše persecution. Their stories were often forgotten. Remembering them honors the past and guides the future, ensuring no victim is overlooked.

For Bosnian Muslims, this memory holds deep moral and religious meaning. The Quran teaches that every human life is sacred. This makes remembering a duty of compassion and justice. It demands opposing all forms of racism and hatred.

Bosnian history shows examples of solidarity. In 1942, the Zenička and Bugojanska Resolutions saw Muslims protect Roma. This happened after authorities began persecuting Roma. These resolutions declared Muslim Roma as part of the Muslim community, demanding equal rights. This act of courage shows people can speak up during organized persecution.

Reisul-ulema Kavazović called for building a society of dignity, equality, and respect. He urged preserving the truth of the past, honoring victims, and teaching new generations. This aims to prevent genocide and hate crimes from ever happening again.