On July 9th, 2010, the second floor of the Gladstone Hotel was host to the official start of a set of ceremonial activities organized by a dedicated group of volunteers. Three separate rooms housed three very distinct but connected experiences for the approximately 200 reception-goers, featuring award-winning photographer Roger LeMoyne’s exhibit “Srebrenica: The Absence”. This gripping photo series, which began in 1995, conveys the sense of loss, an unwavering need for justice and the importance of preserving history. In the main foyer on the second floor, a bright, eclectic, and mostly young crowd mingled as the Jusuf Dzilic (aka Genocide) video “Srebrenica” played on an iMac. Petition forms and informational pamphlets were available at the information desk to gain support from the Canadian public on passing the genocide resolution and bill currently in front of Parliament. Owing perhaps to the event’s timing, a large number of street-traffic was welcomed by an always abundant and receptive host group. Windsor-West MP Brian Masse continued to show his support for the Bosniak community and this important issue by personally attending the event alongside Mohummed Peer, his Legislative and Policy Advisor.In the south-facing rooms, traditional Bosnian music, Sevdalinke, and traditional religious songs, Ilahije, were played as visitors viewed images that were both disturbing and impactful. In the north-facing room, pictures of the bereaved, the dead, and the still missing gave the impression of some end, but no closure, to the viewer. An equally heavy melody "Srebrenica" and visuals by Alma Ferovic played on a video screen, and this song combined with the images brought many visitors to tears.
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