Making Peace Project

A Bosnian and a South African using personal stories to build peace in the U.K.

[Making Peace Project @MakingPeaceUK]

In July 1994 two young boys moved to North East England one day apart, from two troubled countries on opposite sides of the world.

It would be another 23 years before they met each other. 🧵[1/22]

[Smajo Bešo OBE @SmajoBeso]

@HMD_UK @edengirlsWF “As Emina has shown, if we live our lives with love and passion, then our goodness can far exceed our lifespan. The true power of human beings always lies in love, not hatred.”

https://t.co/ZHTFhCUl3M

[Holocaust Memorial Day Trust @HMD_UK]

'She explained that... the best way to resist those who were trying to kill us was not to become hateful and angry like them.'

@SmajoBeso, survivor of the genocide in Bosnia, giving a powerful testimony to @edengirlsWF for the UK #HMD2022 Ceremony.

Join us at 7pm on 27 January.

[Smajo Bešo OBE @SmajoBeso]

#OTD in 1994, my auntie Emina was killed by Bosnian-Croat nationalists. She would have been 66 years old. She would have seen her 2 boys grow up, get married and have kids of their own. She would have been a grandmother. This tragedy isn’t just about the life that has ended. 1/3

[Show Racism the Red Card @SRTRC_England]

"My father was taken to a concentration camp. For months we didn't know whether he had been killed or was alive": @SmajoBeso talks to #SRtRC about growing up during the Bosnian Genocide.

Watch in full on the SRtRC YouTube channel ⏬
📺 https://t.co/KghUETRlv7

@BGET_UK

[Making Peace Project @MakingPeaceUK]

@Mar1aWallace @SRTRC_England @TfL @MayorofLondon Let's get rid of asylum seekers by eliminating all the reasons that force people to seek asylum.

[Making Peace Project @MakingPeaceUK]

In 2022, Smajo and Emlyn will continue their mission of #MakingPeace in the world so that the lessons of Bosnia and South Africa are never forgotten.

This is their story, but they hope that you will join them and make it part of your story too. [22/22]

[Making Peace Project @MakingPeaceUK]

In July 1994 two young boys moved to North East England one day apart, from two troubled countries on opposite sides of the world.

It would be another 23 years before they met each other. 🧵[1/22]

[Making Peace Project @MakingPeaceUK]

Smajo’s mum cried when she saw her family’s story in print.

“You’ve done it properly!” she said.

For her, the most important thing is that people hear the story of her beautiful sister Emina, who was so full of love and kindness when they lived with her in Mostar. [20/22]

[Making Peace Project @MakingPeaceUK]

Emlyn and Smajo’s journey taught them that the stories of people from the other side of the world can help you make sense of your own story.

In the words of Desmond Tutu, chair of the Truth Commission, “Our differences are just a reminder of how much we need each other.” [21/22]

[Making Peace Project @MakingPeaceUK]

Smajo and Emlyn are now looking for a publisher for their book, also called #MakingPeace.

It is the story of two little boys from two troubled countries on opposite sides of the world who grew up and moved away, but never forgot where they came from. [19/22]

[Making Peace Project @MakingPeaceUK]

In December 2021, years of recording Smajo’s story led to him and Emlyn piloting their education programme, #MakingPeace, at Hadrian Primary School in South Shields with the help of Show Racism the Red Card. [18/22]

[Making Peace Project @MakingPeaceUK]

They even visited Lesi’s old house, which still lies in the Bešos’ garden in the village of Barane. The damage caused by bullets and shell blasts is clearly visible on its exterior. [17/22]

[Making Peace Project @MakingPeaceUK]

Smajo’s mum cried when she saw her family’s story in print.

“You’ve done it properly!” she said.

For her, the most important thing is that people hear the story of her beautiful sister Emina, who was so full of love and kindness when they lived with her in Mostar. [20/22]

[Making Peace Project @MakingPeaceUK]

Smajo and Emlyn are now looking for a publisher for their book, also called #MakingPeace.

It is the story of two little boys from two troubled countries on opposite sides of the world who grew up and moved away, but never forgot where they came from. [19/22]

[Making Peace Project @MakingPeaceUK]

The tenacity and strength of women like Sindiswa Mkhonto, Nomande Calata and Nyameka Goniwe (widows of the Cradock Four), reminded Smajo of the fortitude of his mum and his aunt Emina through the darkest days of the siege in Mostar. [14/22]