Cuz they were taught to hate us under a cloak of brotherhood and unity as the official Yugoslav motto - a Serb friend’s words, not mine. There were terrible things done by all three sides, true, but don’t be fooled by the revisionism, one side got it popping and committed a far larger number of fuckery as the aggressor, and their would-be pseudo-president who is in jail for life now sentenced for genocide threatened us a few months before the war, at a podium in front of parliament for the whole world to hear and I fucking quote .. “Nemojte misliti da nećete odvesti Bosnu i Hercegovinu u pakao a Muslimanski narod možda u nestanak, jer Muslimanski narod ne može da se odbrani ako bude rat ovdje” “Don’t think that you won’t drive Bosnia and Herzegovina into hell and the (Bosnian) Muslim people perhaps into extinction, because the Muslims cannot defend themselves if we have a war here.” Genocide takes planning and a gradual dehumanization of the “Other,” and this was planned for years throughout the 80s until enough of them were brainwashed to see us as less than human, and worse yet, as wanting to hurt them. So when they tell you that “all three sides were guilty” bullshit tell them to save it for the birds. Their hardliners planned it for years and unleashed it 1992 when Bosnia voted for independence from Yugoslavia. There were plans to take the capital and quickly depopulate Bosnia of non-Serbs and either force convert or kill the remaining stragglers. They tried and were stopped and continued to shell the capital for 4 years from the hills above. These facts of the plans are from documents from the Yugoslav military whose Officers were 90% Serb right up until the war. And until we as a region face these facts we are not advancing anywhere and the politicians on all sides are going to continue to exploit these divisions and enjoy the power the people give them out of fear of losing ground to “the other guy” while the people continue to eat shit. But unfortunately Serb schoolbooks exclude all mention of this and raise their next generation to hate us even more than the last one did, highlighting their victimhood and downplaying their crimes in the conflict. And they’d still have you believe that we hate them, when all we want is to ensure that this Shit won’t happen again, and to actually legitimately move on and eventually grow together rather than into our own little corners of hate and bigotry. But first we have to reconcile, which is tough to do when people are reluctant to hold themselves and those that murdered and pillaged in their name accountable. And don’t get it twisted, there were plenty of Serbs and Croats who fought for the Bosnian army and upheld the multicultural fiber that Bosnia was always known for, it was just that there was a large enough critical mass of power hungry bastards that preyed on fear and division to force the rest into having to serve in a conscript army and shoot at their neighbors. Some couldn’t wait for this, like Mirsad’s teacher, and others saved lives by using their influence and/or privilege to shield people from monsters within their own ranks. Lastly, please don’t let these stories allow your mind to vilify Serbs as a people like many outsiders who just learned about this and tuned in yesterday tend to do, because the vast majority never wanted any of this crap. Just take it as a lesson in human limits of depravity when faced with a chance to purge perceived enemies with the prospect of potentially zero consequences for one’s actions.
I can't even imagine. I remember stories of my grandmother who survived the German occupancy of Holland and it's just unfathomable to me how scary living in those times must have been. I consider myself very fortunate. I've really had nothing close to that happen in my life. And I really hope it won't happen in the future. WW3, pls stay away...
So true, My grandparent's experienced both WW2 and Yugoslav wars, and my parents the second, I still remember that when NATO started bombing (yeah, NATO fd up too in some parts, like bombing hospitals, and cities 1000km away but whatever) my parent's told me that they were at the dentist and a bomb hit the opposite side of the building, that's 1yr before I was born. And from my other side grandma had to hide in a cave for weeks from Nazis during WW2
Being born in Norway, i feel spoiled, Knowing what other people in this world might be going through. I am aware of how incredibly lucky I am and I am grateful every day. I don’t have much money, but I try to give some money to charity every month. If any of you have any good charities to recommend to me that would be great.
People also choose to hate. You can teach someone the basics of hate, but an individual has to make the choice to hate themselves. If someone told you to hate a fellow human, you'd ask yourself the question "Is this what I believe? Do I believe these people are worthy of hate, torture and genocide?" If the answer is yes, then you're the one who chose to be a hater.
@@DrMackSplackem You can teach a person how to start a fire. It's up to the person if they choose to burn a building down. Personal accountability matters more than anything else. Our actions define who we are. Can't blame everything on external circumstances.
@@jacklambert1521 No doubt antisocial behavior among modern socialized humans usually has its roots in early trauma, but no serious theorist has ever stated that it could be the sole causative factor. In fact, there's good reason to believe the tendency towards violence is somewhat innate in all animal forms, and that reason is simply this: Brutality has a demonstrable survival value that dates back to the beginning of highly mobile organisms (i.e, animals).
Everybody, anyone is born with the same emotions... because you are born from the same information that your parents are, grand, etc. The genetic code transmits all the way. So your afirmation is null! What makes the difference after a certin age, when you can make some minor changes is Choice!!! Choice of doing like that, or not! We all are evil and angelic. It's just a choice what you wanna use from your soul, mind, and how much brainwash can you ignore...
It's so heartbreaking that he remembers his teachers turning on him and yet he became a teacher. So glad to see in the comments that he became a wonderful teacher. What an incredible person
God bless this man. I am crying for him, for everyone who’s gone and who goes through this. I can’t understand why people do this to others, a 13 boy. It’s incomprehensible… I’m glad to hear he has a loving family and he became a teacher. His goodness has affected more people than his tormenters’ hatred has.
Westerners look too hard into this comment and don't understand at all what it means. They are literally the same people, Bosniak identity was born from the Serbs and the Croats that converted to islam under the Ottoman Empire. Genetically speaking, bosniaks and serbs are exactly the same people, so of course he wouldn't see any difference between him and a serb, especially if his parents weren't religious.
@@999mi999 That's far too bold to paint a historic picture, you're speaking assumptions as if they were facts, Bosniaks also had pre-Islamic motivation from Bosnian Kingdom, so it's not as simple as just saying they were Serbs and Croats, besides that since you're talking genetics, Bosniaks are actually closer to Croats and they're in different South Slavic subgroup from Serbs, meaning there's actually quite a sizeable difference between the two
Thanks for interpreting what the world is not able to understand. I'm just glad that you were able to understand it and alert the rest of us. You're a good lad.
@@999mi999 Ha ha ha. I was there during the war. It doesn't matter about the Bosniak identity. I could name any number of local folk who would swear they could identify a Croat or a Muslim just by looking at them. So thanks for the history lesson, but the difference between the different ethnic identities does not have to be real to be real. And believe me, it was real.
For those of you who do not know, Mirsad himself was/is a teacher in the UK. I know because I was one of his pupils nearly 13 years ago. What I remember about Mr Selakovich most, was his affable demeanour and unusually calm yet extraordinary temperament. On the rare occasion when he did raise his voice to get a class of 30 unruly teenagers to stop whatever antics we were up to, his smile would always break the veneer of seriousness and we all loved him for it. I never knew Mr Selakovichs story and I always wondered about the sadness behind his eyes. A few years ago, I visited Bosnia and learned about the ethnic cleansing and genocide that took place. What a dreadful and life altering experience it must have been for him. People poisoned by ideology can be so callous and destructive. I’m glad so many people now know a little about his experience. I hope some people can learn from it and grow in a positive way but most of all, I hope Mr Selakovich has found some peace.
@@BillyT886 I guess the OP is a teenager or maybe early 20's given that the teacher is only 42 years old himself. If I asked my 16 year old nice about the war in yugolslavia in the early 90's I doubt she would know much about it other than 'there was a war' and she may have heard of Slobodan Milosovic, but that is all I would expect her to know. I doubt they would have been taught much about it at school seeing as a history lesson in the UK would normally be older history that would be taught and not taught about wars as recent as that.
Thats sadly how all these wars are, holocaust, armenian genocide, bosnian and many others that kids and families that are just innocent residents get killed or tortured
This man is incredible. His aggressor was a teacher, and the school context framed the story...and yet, he becomes a teacher! Rather than running from it, he confronts his experience - this is incredible strength.
@@MusMasi unfortunately, the teaching job doesn't save people from becoming literal monsters. Many people think it's okay to torture and murder someone if they don't like them and they justify their views to the grave.
I know exactly how this guy feels. And I don't live anywhere near Bosnia. I'm glad he got his life together, though. After all he went through. He definitely earned it.
He was my sister's drama teacher at our old secondary school. She stumbled upon this video and was incredibly shocked at his story, because he was always so cheery and animated around the students. He mentioned briefly to his students that his childhood was difficult, but never in detail.
Heartbreaking to see him as a grown man comforting himself wringing his hands like he's back as that 13 year old boy........what a sound bloke, respect to you Mirsad
Yeah. Really tough to watch. I have PTSD but I’m not in any way trying to compare as this guy has had it really really bad throughout his life. Seeing someone else try and calm themselves down enough to get the words out really resonates with me.
@@MandenTV listen to yourself , claiming bosnia is yours, just because your parents are serbs doesn’t mean they or you were in the right, serbia started the war it was not a civil war it was ethnic cleansing and all those who commited the crime and let it happen deserve hell
I am from BIH (Mostar). I was 8 years old and suffered just like all other Bosnians. My grandfather 86 was killed along with 11 others and thrown into a pit. Many many terrible things have happened and witnessed by a 8 year old me. Keep your head up brother. We are all so proud of you.
I’m proud of you for being brave enough to tell your experience even in the comments of a RUclips video. I hope that you are able to find peace and heal from what you experienced.
@@Hajde_budalla Classic Bosniak L. Why would I respect a nation built on betrayal and collaboration? Before you were serbs(or croats) and now suddenly you are a different thing entirely, how? You switched religiouns to lick the Ottoman boot and are proud of it, pathetic.
I can't listen 😕 it's not fathomable to my soul. I've heard to much evil 😈 already. I have been through to much evil 😈 already x He deserves his voice as do I .
The fact that in the beginning he was so confused about how the teacher asked him "are you scared I'm gonna kill you cause I'm a Serb?" and he replied with "I thought we were all the same" is just sad and true. Like we are all the same but we keep separating everyone unnecessarily. A kid who is raised without prejudices will not see a difference that affects their opinion when they meet someone different from them. We're taught that behaviour by those around us and by the circumstances the world is in nowadays.
@@Danny-is5if please explain?? where I live, for example, there are a ton of people from different cultures living here and everything is fine. And the same goes for a lot of other places so I don't really get your point. Also I think you completely missed what I meant. I meant that if you raise a kid in a neutral environment, they won't form an opinion on someone based solely on their culture/race or anything similar because, different cultures or not, we're all human beings at the end of the day. Therefore multiculturalism actually could work and it could teach us that we can have the same respect for everyone regardless of the cultural differences. It's about teaching respect rather than building prejudice into kids from a young age. And then there is no reason whatsoever for multiculturalism not to work.
@@dv3083 I got your point entirely, I'm saying its naive. No matter what you want in a society, it's never going to change peoples personal mindsets. There will always be a barrier of some kind that won't be pulled down, whether it be a communicative one, cultural or religious. This barrier has led to and will continue to cause massive segregation and 'no go areas' around the world. Not to mention the senseless killings of innocent people by a certain group of people, carrying out these crimes under the name of a certain religion.
@@Danny-is5if ah okay, I misunderstood what you were saying then. Sorry for that. I get what you mean now and yeah it's probably naive but I think, since we already have more and more respectful people in our world, maybe with time it will become the norm to treat those around you with respect regardless of their cultural background etc. Probably not but maybe one day you know. And with religion it's gonna be one of the most difficult things because of the stuff you mentioned. It's very hard to convince people to respect those around them when they interpret what "the word of God" tells them as the opposite.
@@Danny-is5if Maybe one day we will get to a point where everyone regards religion as only something personal, of no consequences, where it wouldn't make sense to argue, or worse, about. Like a favourite colour. Mine is blue. Oh, you don't like it? Too bad. You like green? Fine. That attitude towards religion would solve so many problems..
I’m a bosnian. My father was in this genocide. My uncle fought. My grandad was held in concentration camp by croats. My dad escaped to London where I was born and grew up. This genocide was so brutal and no one knows about it. Breaks my heart. Bosnia is still a. war torn country with deep divided divisions besides its beauty.
Here in the Netherlands the genocide is pretty well known, but not with young people. I am about to graduate as a history teacher and will definitely talk about it with my future students.
Bosnia for the first time in 25 years is free of landmines, just as those orc scum of same regime of chetniks are poisoning Ukraine with their hateful genocide. Why are chetniks and Gopniks do evil?
They were not "criminals". A criminal is someone who the state accuses of breaking laws, by calling perpetrators of genocide "criminals" you are putting them in the same category as homosexuals were put in just a few decades ago (or still are in depending on what country we're talking). These were soldiers employed by a state. Do not forget this.
@@Olamina-c1y soldiers with knowledge of what is ‘good’ and what is ‘bad’. How can this torture and Ethnic cleansing be seen as any different to the anti -Semitic torture that the Jews in Germany endured under the barbaric regime of Hitler??????
I heard a therapist once say "you act the age you were when you experienced trauma" and it's crazy how I can still see the scared 13 year old boy in him.
That’s something I’ve observed in the people I meet. I catch myself becoming annoyed by someone’s “childishness”, if you like, and then I consider why they may still be in that place. It reminds me to treat them with compassion
It’s arrested development due to trauma. It’s nice to see that you try to show compassion and understanding. Wish more people were like that 💗 I hope Mirsad has happiness and peace on his life
Not trying to be edgy here.. But.. Your comment knock me some sense why im still i am in teen even though im already an adult. It just my mind mature and my body grow.
This man was my drama teacher in school and one of the nicest people ever! Legend! Sidenote : for everyone thinking im making this up…. You lot are extremely weird. My small heath lot know ;)
his voice trembled as he tried to quickly compose himself, it told me without any words that reliving that moment wasn’t possible for him for a long time. He’s truly inspiring for opening his scars for the world to witness his pain and sharing his story.
Trust me. It's a lot to process for him. One day, things are safe. The next day, someone says we aren't worthy of existence. It's just not normal in regular society. But some perpetrators are very shameless about it.
Mr Solakovic was known as the most handsome teacher and the teacher who couldn’t get angry no matter what. When other teachers came in to tell a student off he would try to stop his laughter because someone was being disciplined but we all loved him for that. We knew he came as a refugee but never I never imagined this! May his heart, mind and soul be granted peace 🙏🏼 ! I am so sad to see he is still suffering. 🥺 You’re still a legend sir!
It might seem so but you shouldn't compare your pain to others! Your pain or trauma is valid even if some others have it worse. That said i dont wish what he went through on anyone.
@@Aki-gb8gm so true! Whatever happened to @Oethmaan Cornelius-this is your experience and you had to get through this! Hopefully you can handle this and learned how to manage this,mate🖤 And to the guy from this interview: Great respect that you had the courage to talk what happened to you and your family💪🏼 Very important to understand for people like us, what the effects of inhumanity are and how to avoid this for a better future for all of us! THANK YOU for sharing your experience! My best wishes for you and your beloved ones
My friend escaped from Bosnia as a 6 year old child alone and made a harrowing journey to safety to another country. He suffers from PTSD and developed a speech difficulty because of this. I see his pain under the surface and I wish I knew how to take away the nightmares. If he knew how to speak about his experiences I imagine it will be like this brave teacher 😢
My wifes best friend is Bosnian, and went through this as well. She was shot w an AK47 when she was 11, she does not talk about this ever. Only reason we know is because on that day every year she does not leave the house, she lives here in the US but still to this day is haunted by living through that war as a child
I met this man in Edinburgh when we filmed him interview Arnold Schwarzenneger. He was one of the most gentlemenly men I've ever met. Hope you are well Mirsad :)
6:12 it is painful to see him change in an instance... the moment the "teacher" is metioned you see him becoming visibly distressed by the pain that that person caused him.... He was paying attention to the question but the moment he realized what this question was about he started fidgeting and sobbing due to the memories... I really wish this man all the best... NOONE should have to go through suffering like this
That's fear. First the guy harassed him with the military stuff. Then he actually carried-out what he was saying. It's predatory. And any normal people would have felt the way he did.
@@satanwithinternet2753 This person is saying something good, and heartfelt, and all you see in that is to respond by saying, "gee sexist, god can be a woman too u know"? The heart of what a person says does not matter to you. What only matters to you is that it doesn't fit in to your shallow and bitter ideology, and that is all you see.
@@sosig8332 am I? then how come the Serbian teacher who liked him turned against him as soon as the conflict started and ethnic tensions boiled over. I bet you wouldn’t imagine your teacher torture you simply for your race?
The real situation is that it did happen, but the Croatians, Albanians and Bosnians did the same to us (maybe not an the same extent). NATO also decimated our cities with there bombs and killed many of our civilians illegally without permission from the UN. Maybe that is no excuse. I apologise for the pain we caused but we are always the ones blamed while the other countries governments play the victim. Croatia started the mess by leaving the utopia that was Yugoslavia because there won’t enough Catholics in government.
Lad Bible is fucking crushing it. How did Lad Bible pivot from Nuts Magazine 90s style prank memes to hard hitting cutting edge journalism that's better than the news?
It's better than the news because the news is just a propaganda machine to make us worry about stuff that only affects a few and shit that really is not important in the grand scheme of things. while millions suffer around the world and nobody is told about it it's a messed up world we live in all we can do is be better people and incorage others to try be better than they were the day before.
@@derekirelandsirsmokepotalo1152 soft white underbelly it's called actually and they interview real people with all different kinds of crazy lives, I'll attach a link below ruclips.net/video/TmdfSiQI_Xg/видео.html
I saw him reliving it as the same 13 year old boy, the same innocence and pain. I’m glad he has a family, and I hope the man finds peace. The things men can do is sobering to the soul.
As an Austrian born in the early 90's, I grew up with lots of refugees from former Jugoslavia. There were so many of them that in fact during my first four years in school the majority for boys in my class were from Bosnia, Croatia and Serbia, except for me and two other boys who were natives. As kids, we got along with eachother perfectly. We spent all day together after school, building tree houses, playing games, they tought us parts of their language and we taught them ours. I don't exactly know what happened later on, but it all changed when we were about 14 or 15 years old. Somehow we lost touch and prefered hanging out with people from the countries we all came from. Later on, some of us developed outright hatred for their former friends just because of nationality. One of the Croatians even ended up in jail when he was 19 years old for murder. During a family dinner his sister introduced her fiance to the rest of her family. When my former buddy learned that this guy was a Bosnian Muslim, he just got up from his seat, pulled that guy out of the door, threw him down the stairs and emptied a whole revolver drum into him right in front of his sister and parents. As if this hadn't been bad enough, he proceeded to beat the shit out of his sobbing sister after that for bringing "that pile of shit" into his home. Two guys from Bosnia and Serbia, who had been best friends for almost 8 years at that point, became outright enemies in their late teens. The Bosnian's grandmother got skinned and scalped alive by her Serbian neighbourhood during the war, his Serbian friend knew about this and told him that he was glad about that and that he would do the same to him and his parents one day. Us Austrians on the other hand stayed away from them because most of our former friends became criminals and they had a tendency to pull people into the shit they were in regularly, so we didn't want to end up like them. For that, we got accused of being Nazis by the others and they started hating us as well. In the end, it became an unwritten rule to avoid eachother's neighbourhoods, cause whenever we saw one of them in our area or they saw one of us in their's, that ment trouble, sometimes even with knives and guns involved. This lead to some of us becoming real neo-Nazis, in fact most of them still are today. Today in my 30's, I only meet one of the Bosnians and one of the Croations on occasion, because we live in close proximity to eachother. We get along pretty well, but it's mostly superficial small talk when we bump into eachother. There's no connection between us anymore. It's the old story of standing just a few inches away from eachother, but being worlds apart. I've never put too much thought into this, but man, it's kinda sad how parents pass on their own hatred to their kids and everything goes to shit all of a sudden.
What makes me sick after all we speak the same language (some words are different but still), have almost the same culture, etc. In the end, we broke apart so massively just because they started this terrible war and it still affects this generation. I live in Austria and have Bosnian roots and I had a person in class that were from Serbia. I had never a problem with anyone but I was sure his parents were the old generation because he made this thing with the three fingers "Noc, slica, Srebrenica" (knife, cut, srebrenica is what often Serbian soldiers said when they were killing the people from Srebrenica). This was the day where I realized that to this day people were still like this.
He was my drama teacher as well about 13 years back, always postive and a great role model for anyone who has obstacles in life, i met hom recently and seeing how much of an impact he has had with everyone shows that no matter what is in your way, you can also be a role model to others and live your life to thr fullest
he is a good story maker i gave him that, this is what other brits independent journalists have to say about all this yeah..what independent brits have to say about it ruclips.net/video/HUEcmn3F2dY/видео.html
A pond of blood. 😳🤯😭 Every time he breathes hard and starts crying from the panic/pain/trauma/sadness, my whole heart aches for that little boy he was and really wants to give an appreciative hug to him for being strong enough to share it so openly. I know he’s a grown man and all, and I’m a stranger, but that’s the kind of pain that hits you in a place where you can only pray you and your loved ones never experience it, but honestly that no one else does either. It’s awful.
As a boy Mirsad had to endure what would have given an adult PTSD... The best comparison I can come up with, is when the Field Hospital that my grandfather served with in the US Army was involved in liberating Concentration Camps during WWII, one of the doctors walked off and stuck a 1911 in his mouth and went home. His family was told he was killed by a stray bullet but the truth was that he simply realized that he would remember what he saw every morning and every night of the rest of his life... My grandfather lived with PTSD for the rest of his life, for him the trigger was the smell of blood & vomit, as while they were discussing how to best care for the survivors at the first camp they liberated the enlisted men gave the survivors as much food as they asked for, and many died horribly from their digestive tract bursting... My grandfather was a Prussian Jew, who trained as a physician as an OB/GYN because he wanted to bring new life into the world. As an US Army Field Surgeon he ended up Euthanizing about a third of his patients, or as he put it once "no face, no hands, no eyes, no nose, no mouth, what else could I do???, what else could I do???" This is why the US Army provided enough medical grade alcohol to their Field Hospital to keep everyone drunk 24/7 as that kept the suicides down... He was also brought into the US with false papers & identification as a child, something the US Army found out when they were doing a background check because at times they needed translators they could trust, i.e. German Jews. Fortunately, nothing happened to him or his family, unlike the deportations happening in the US now. Of the family in Europe, only my grandfather's cousin his cousins wife and kids survived the Third Reich... WE HUMANS NEED TO STOP BEHAVING LIKE CHIMPANZEES !!!!!!!
@@joeljanssonhernstrom1819 because the root of the problem began there, childhood traumas will aunt you and every time you remember them you will only see yourself as a child, small, defenseless... Of course we feel empathy for him but when I see him, I can see that traumatized child, very afraid and with many doubts.
@@thefool1458 Edit: TLDR: I also have PTSD, it can feel like that a lot. Exactly that. I’ve had PTSD for a majority of my life (I’m 16 atm) and It really just hurts, every time you think back on it or are triggered by something it’s just so scary, it’s kinda hard to explain just how scary it is if you arnt really going through it. Feels like you’re stuck in the past, and that little you just won’t go away because it’s scared. Sometimes nothing you do helps either. Even if you try to. But there’s good days and bad days. And that’s ok, because that’s just kinda life sadly. You either let it kill you or you grow stronger. I’ve starting getting therapy and some other stuff recently to cope with it. The experiences I had caused me to have Depression & Anxiety and I’ve recently been diagnosed with Asperger’s (High Functioning Autism) and a couple other things. So then that just makes it all more Spicy LOL. I think I’m getting better (I hope) because I also have really big dreams too, I’m making my own stories and my own characters. I always had talent with writing, drawing, and editing, so I want to make something with those skills and have my characters resemble something in me and my journey. I know it’ll take me a really long time to get there. Some days I just want to die, others I want to life. I find brains really cool too, it’s fascinating how we can think and feel, and how that can affect things. Sorry for the super long comment, I know you didn’t ask for my personal life but I also know sometimes people like comments like these? Plus maybe if someone is going through something similar, or maybe just in general it could help them. Which is what I want too, I want to help people with my stories so they don’t hurt like I do!
As a serb i want to tell him i am sorry for what happened to him. Its sad today that people among the serbs still deny this happened. Please dont hold this against all of us.
Just seeing him fidget around or mess with his fingers shows just how stressful these memories still plague him. I feel horribly sorry for what he's been through. Seeing others comment on how nice he is/was as a teacher only makes it more astonishing how this man can continue being a gentle soul despite the vile acts he had to face.
It's pretty common with people who survive this stuff. Imagine not being allowed to live in your own neighborhood. Simply because you're different. Sometimes not being allowed to find a new home either. Hence why his family packed-up everything. And went to Britain.
At times when he was speaking, you could see him as a 13 year old boy again. The pain in his eyes brought tears to my eyes. He's a wonderful example of not letting your past destroy you. He is a very strong caring person. Much respect !
This is probably one of the most important interviews I've ever seen and everybody should watch this and understand that this is what hatred does to the world.
This man's story, Elie Wiesel's story, the stories of Hiroshima... they're some of the most invaluable education one can receive (I found "Hiroshima" by John Hersey to be one of the most powerful books I've ever read, even on par with Night by Wiesel). They teach you empathy, and the absolute importance of not giving in to hatred, because they show you its true consequences.
Especially the people who actually choose hate. It's one thing to have personal beliefs. It's another thing to say other people don't deserve their own. -They can't go to school, Can't live in a safe community, etc.
A very moving interview. I remember I had a girl in my class in primary school in 1993 in Germany. She never talked. At first we kids thought it was because she was from Bosnia but for the next 3 years she didn't spoke a single word. Her elder brother told me that she didn't speak because she was next to her father, when he was shot while they were shopping for groceries at the market. In 2008 I refused to join the German army (every man had to after finishing school). I wrote down the story of that little girl from my class. I hope that she has found a good way to cope with her past like the man in this interview. War and violence can naver be the answer. Edidt: Instead of joining the army I chose the "Zivildienst". It ment that you were technically a soldier but you didn't serve in the army, you served at a hospital, or in a home for elderly people for example. I chose to work with disabled people.
@@swiss8988 Nah he is fully true. The German army has no wars going on, the small task force to Afghanistan is made of fully volenteers so he would have never been send there. This guy used their story because he did not want to serve in a defensive force. Which is pathetic of him.
@@RK-cj4oc as he said, he did the Zivildienst, which, in my opinion, is way more beneficial and helpful for a community. You should be ashamed to look down on somebody because they refuse to join the military.
I couldn't finish his book. It was too horrifying. Being in Bosnia for the summer has given me an opportunity to truly understand this country and particularly the damage it has left in my family. I've noticed the only time my mom speaks of the war unprompted is when she is in her country. She recently told me, "it's like I can still hear it, I can never forget it." I asked her what she meant. She said, "on the day that Serbs reached our village, we heard from speakers, 'the Serbs are coming, leave your homes'." I lost my Grandpa and other family members to this war. And all across Bosna there are scars. Each house I have visited has a framed photo of a young man in a military uniform. I'm often too shy to ask if the person pictured is still alive. In Sarajevo, you can see bullet holes in the top of buildings where snipers built nests. To this day there are empty homes that have nearly fallen apart because the original owners are either dead or never bothered to return. On a road trip, my grandma pointed to a building and said that was the place she was held hostage with other women and children, after accidentally being separated from my mom. They laugh about it now, saying that she was late to join the others because she refused to leave without washing the curtains. It was a futile sacrifice because the Serbs looted and lived in the home anyway. Every time I'm in that home, I am both amazed and appalled by how historic it is. I'm proud to come from such a legacy, but I can't help but feel shaken when survivors speak out. It tends to be so rare because of the things people have done to survive, or the things they have endured during the war, many take that to the grave. And I can understand that. It's what makes me reluctant to ask my own mom questions. But for her to yield so much while we're here, I am thankful.
Where can I get his book? I didn’t know about this man, he is the voice of many who unfortunately are too afraid to speak up or didn’t survive what he has gone through. War is horrible and terrifying. How can anyone do those things to another human being, let alone a child?
I feel like in interviews like this, where the interviewee re-experiences or remembers trauma, it should be procedural standard for them to have someone nearby, that can physically comfort them. You can see how telling his memories still almost overwhelms him and it is hard to see him just sitting isolated on a chair, being watched in his pain. The intuitive reaction would be to give them a hug. He should have his wife there or a close friend for that. He is very brave for giving this interview.
I"m pretty sure they talk things through with the interviewees and decide to go with what's the most comfortable and maybe there's a comfort person off screen
Based on the different camera angles, it's clear that this wasn't all shot in one take. I'm sure that as soon as he started to become too overwhelmed with emotion, they stopped the camera and someone would be there with him to help him calm down.
Or a dog, cos dogs are just different, they don't judge you or have those types of negative things humans do, but they understand sadness and try to help. Dogs are just great.
If I could take his pain away, I wouldn't hesitate a second. When the war started I was 10 years old and I can very well remember the strange and oppressive feeling. I was born in Bosnia, but was fortunate enough to grow up in Croatia. My parents decided to move 1984 and that was probably what would have saved us from the war. It was practically overnight that we children had a completely different life. I was bullied and looked at sideways. It suddenly became important where you were born, what kind of accent you speak and whether your surname is Croatian or Bosnian. Sometimes I would have to profess my religion, as if it were somehow extremely important. And that haunts you throughout your life. This war has left victims everywhere, victims of all kinds. I have never really been able to understand how people can become so unreasonable for political reasons...I really thought that as a child. Today I know that all of this was a long process and was only possible through demoralization of the nations. That is what politics does, destroys lifes and crumbles the nation just to win territory or monay. Now I live in Germany and teach my child to be critical self-thinker and that all people, regardless of race, nationality or name, are simply humans. Don't rely on politics, because it's just a system, a concept - which unfortunately was too often wrong. Just as you are, of flesh and blood, is everyone made of the same fibre and deserves respect and recognition for his own life. Nobody is superior, before God we all stand barefoot and "naked".
thank you for telling your story. i want to visit former yugoslavia and witness how it has developed, but i have a feeling in sarajevo that despite the advancements they've made, there is still a lasting divide (much like in Belfast) where areas are still segregated and tribal. would that be true do you think?
@@conorsmith8551 Even after so many years, development is quite sluggish. Unfortunately, Bosnia is a country that will always suffer. Croatia has become very strong but also expensive. The people are trying to find a connection between nations as well, although it is still a sore topic. This was particularly noticeable in Bosnia.
@@nisvetaninalang it looks beautiful Sarajevo, but a documentary I watched just talked about how schools are segregated where Muslims are educated separately from Bosnian Serbs, for fear of persecution. I mentioned Belfast earlier because now there is an educate together project for schools where protestants and Catholics are educated together (which I think is brilliant) because I went through the Catholic school system which I strongly disagree with now.
Seeing him self soothe is the part that gets me. As a trauma survivor I still feel like a child a lot. That poor man I know he suffers so much and I know I can never relate. Truly, horribly traumatic in every way and aspect.
His hands.... I was sadistically, sexually abused until the age of 10 by my maternal grandpa, it ended when he was killed in a car wreck. When I would sit I had to cross my hands in my lap. I hated it. Eventually, I think it saved my life. Id cross my hands and squeeze my fingers, not enough to be seen but enough to feel. And, in my child brain, i thought if I can feel myself squeezing my fingers then I survived. Im still alive. I can still feel. Im 38 yo man and it is difficult, at times, for me to cross my hands. Its such a mundane, ordinary thing to do. I was having panic attacks about how I would be sitting. Crossing my hands would take me back to the abuse. The panic attacks are what made me seek therapy and saved my life. So every time he rubs his hands together, In my own way, I know what he's feeling/going thru in those moments. I dont think I could ever share my story in a video like this, im just not that strong. Im glad he did tho, he deserves all the peace and love in the world 🙏🏼
I'm so sorry. l hardly know what else to say other than that you are strong, far stronger than you may think you are. You must be because you survived and felt able to seek help . That takes strength,because it means facing the pain of what happened ,and all our instincts tell us to run and hide from pain whatsoever causes it I wish that your strength may continue and grow greater so that you may live and love,and be loved as all of us should be ❤
My son is 13, I simply cannot imagine someone doing this to him, or him having to endure this. If humans could ever learn not to hate each other, imagine the progress this world could make. You are a strong, resilient man, don't ever forget that. I'm so sorry for the hatred and violence you endured, but you endured, and that is what matters most
My son is 13 years old, and this man’s story strikes a chord unlike anything I think I’ve felt before. All I can feel is utterly sympathy for this man, his family, and all those that suffered. It’s truly heartbreaking. I just want to give him an eternal hug. An innocent child scarred for life and for what!? May the perpetrators burn in hell and may those that lifted him up be forever blessed.
I had no feelings in what he said , plus he was looking down most of the time . And he has a very good story memorized . Too much details he knows exactly from 13 years . :) bullshit and his crying :))) so faske
Genocid is very strong word, holocaust is genocide 6.000.000 deths, and then they call war in srebrenica genocide with 8372 casualties.... In Jasenovac is killed more than 80.000 Serbs but no one taks about that...
I could assume: You could still see that deep inside he is still that child from that very moment, seeking refuge. The hand gesticulation and the visible innocence when he recalls these memories. Coming from a family that has experienced ethnical cleansing and death in concentration camps during world war 2, I can see the same sort of innocence that I see in my grandmas face when she speaks of the uncles and aunties that were taken away and never came back home.
@HengistUndHorsa Hah, that is a stupid and bold statement. Please tell me the fault that those children have done. The family members that had lived nothing but a peaceful and lawful life. You are a despicable human for stating such atrocity, clearly uninformed or wrongly informed.
@HengistUndHorsa your saying that all the people murdered by the Nazis in WW2 deserved it? If so you need to educate yourself as that is as far from the truth as possible
@HengistUndHorsa Please tell me you're fucking joking or trying to troll, because otherwise I've never felt so ashamed and disappointed in a stranger before in my life...
I think that's just a common thing with trauma, especially childhood trauma. Ptsd kinda keeps you in that place, and when you talk about it, you go straight back into the moment of trauma, kinda like you're that kid again if that makes sense? (My dad has ptsd from childhood and also from when he was in the military, so I've always been pretty... interested? In it. My dad doesn't talk about his past much but when he talks about his stepdad who abused him, its like he's an angry scared teenager again. And he's 53. He doesn't talk about his military stuff at all. I have my own unrelated trauma from childhood SA and I don't talk about it, when I do I go straight back to being 6 and terrified. Its crazy and tragic what trauma does to the mind) (Also i think the first loser that replied is just an edgy 13 year old trying to troll and be edgy. Or is a straight up neo nazi. Either way, it means they're an idiot who doesn't understand how to read or learn about the real history of wwii. No one who was arrested or a victim of the nazis were guilty of anything other than being who they are. I'm so sorry about your family, I hope all of you are doing well, and I hope the family you have who went through such atrocities are safe and well ♡)
As a Bosnian myself who's whole life was affected by that war, I empathize with Mirsad so much. I could feel his every emotion even through the screen, because I have heard stories similar to his my whole life. You are one amazing person Mirsad! Veliki pozdrav iz Amerike
Years ago while hitchhiking in Europe I helped a teenager get to safety in the UK, as his sister had already made the journey there. He didn't talk much about it, except to say that when the fighting came near their village, his parents told him to go to his sister and gave him what little money they had, which wasn't enough...
My mother fled this war and went to Germany at the age of 21. My sister was 4 and I was only 1 during that time. She would tell us how we went days without food and water and had to sleep in the cold forest. Miss my mom so much wish she was here to see my 2 year old daughter now.
As a Croatian/American, this is one of the best and most genuine interview ive seen. Hvala Bogu da je sve prošlo ali ljudi na žalost se vrate u prošlost. 🇭🇷 🇧🇦
@@sisajtegabre I've not watched that link, but many Bosnians were moderately religious. Wahhabism and influx of Saudi money was a result of Serb aggression in the 90's.
You only need to look into his eyes, then you realize, time doesn't automatically "Heal all wounds". Some trauma, like his, unfortunately penetrate to the bone, and it sits there like arthritis. Some days it really isn't so bad. But when it's cloudy. When it's rainy & stormy... it can truly drain all the color from your outlook. Brave kid/man
@@hyperhype1000 not exactly a lie. If you learn to cope even on the harder days it gets better. You arnt exactly dead, but you’re somewhat aware, you know? Strength can be in many forms, sometimes even just getting up to do things, or walking away from a situation can help. Yes it there are days where everything hurts and all you wish for is to die, but then there are days where you want to live. Personally I have PTSD myself, I don’t think it will ever go away, I’ve had it pretty much my whole life (I’m 16 atm) and I’ve learned that.. things just happen. Even if you were a kid back then you couldn’t do anything. It doesn’t change much, things still scare you anyways, you still get stuck In your head. But if you at least help yourself now and accept what happened then, it can help. Obviously it isn’t like this for everyone. Not everyone makes it unfortunately.
@@hyperhype1000 it did not kill him and it made him stronger that is not a lie. He is the man now with a lot of experience. He probably would not be a teacher with this experience.
When he says, "that was the first time I felt any compassion," I felt that. I think all of us, especially those of us who grew up with trauma and suffer from PTSD, have a moment when we felt compassion for the first time in our lives, and that's what changes our situation from hopeless to hopeful. Being understood for the first time, being heard, your pain being validated, being able to connect with others-- THAT is what saves you. That is what we all need.
Plakala sam tijekom cijelog videa, nitko ne treba prožvjeti ovakve strahote, a kamoli dijete od 13 godina, grozno, hvala Vam sto ste ispričali vasu priču da se nikad ne zaboravi.
His accent is awesome , it tripped me out for abit but when he mentioned he came over and lived in Birmingham it all made sense lol . What a guy wish him the best
I cried watching this. I'm a 45 year old man and this is heartbreaking that one human can treat another in this way. I feel so sorry for what this man had to go through.
I was an insurance broker when Canada was excepting refugees from the former Yugoslavia. My city, Calgary, had jobs so I met a fair number of very angry men, I didn’t understand what they had been through, what contributed to this anger, until now. As difficult as talking about this must be, I finally, all these years later, have a better understanding as to why the men I met were radiating such anger, though they never lashed out at me, the air was always heavy with anger & now I realize heartbreak. They were grateful to Calgary & Canada for new lives & jobs, even a car that required insurance, but they had to leave a country, that no longer existed, if they wanted any chance at thriving, not just surviving war & genocide of either family & friends or they were from the side that shamefully tried to illuminate their own countrymen. I met guys from all sides of the conflict. Thanks again for doing this interview & for posting it.
@HengistUndHorsa clearly you are so hardened, that you can't feel the pain of others. I'm glad that I'm not like you. I live in N.Ireland and grew up with people dying every day by terrorism. I wouldn't say I've had it easy, but I can honestly say that after everything I've seen it has certainly made me feel for other people.
@@wilteduk007 I wouldn't even bother trying. These kind of people just get off by making themselves look edgy on a RUclips comment before crawling into the corner of their room and crying about their sad existence. Put it this way, you already won mate.
With PTSD the body holds the memories and what this poor man endured as a boy was beyond what most children could ever comprehend. Ethnic prejudice is a sin because we ARE all the same but look what some people do to feel superior. I’m so glad this man managed to have a family, teach and tell his story because that is part of his healing from that awful trauma. Wish I could hug him. Clearly he is loved and respected by many.
L Row did you know that majority who were killers in that genocide were his own nationally? Bosnians, check the documents from the tribunal so Meersaad is such a good liar.
@@lrow5416 please, don‘t believe what this guy commented, yes they may be bosnian but with serb roots. If you believe it or not, many serbians who lived in bosnia fought, killed and tortured for a country they have no connection to except their roots being serbian. There are many many people who still deny the genocide, just like this guy who commented. So please i beg you, don‘t believe him and research for yourself and you will know the truth!
i've never wanted to hug someone through a screen so bad. Mirsad, you are so very strong. You've been through so much and you're still here, telling us your story. You are amazing and loved.
Just got sent this from a family member. I can’t believe this because this was my teacher in school Mr Slakovic … I can’t believe this. Such a funny and kind and caring guy. To think he went through this is heartbreaking 💔
"I do it all to be a benefit to the world. To society." Even though society took away his childhood, he has already impacted countless others childhoods. Becoming a teacher after fearing his own. This man deserves all the praise he receives and more.
Imagine being full grown man and physically hurting a 13 year old boy in that way am baffled how some one could even do it. Stories like this educates but also I wish I haven't heard it because it makes me so fking angry towards the world and the evil basters in it.
I agree with everything you just said, but try to let go of the anger. Believe me, I know its difficult and nobodys perfect. But its serves no purpose, its not going to make the world a better place. The only person its going to hurt and eat away at is YOU. When I started to let go of my anger, I became a far far better version of myself.
As a Serbian, I can say that hearing this breaks my heart, as well as many other things connected to the 1990s wars…I hope that we can all „be the same“ again and as someone that has many friends from these countries, I believe that we indeed are. Love for all Bosniaks, Croats and other neighbors ❣️
This should be played at all assembles across the UK; especially, given the current Afganistan crisis. As Mirsad said, even bullies were crying at his words. No child possesses enough hatred to deny themselves the honour of listening to this brave mans story. It is utterly heartbreaking that situations like this have, and continue to happen every day. What an inspirational man.
@@TheOne-3 The 2nd sentence you said is pure bullshit source: Live here. Also not trying to stir up shit here but It does hurt me to see how all of the hate continues still today, on both sides. Doesn't matter how much anyone tries to push it under the rug and say it didn't happen(the genocide). All of it what Mirsad said is true if not even worse. Keep that in mind folks.
@@TheOne-3 That's bullshit. Bosnia has had a female president. Bosnia and Kosovo are the most progressive Muslim countries on the planet. If I had to live in a Muslim majority country it'd be one of them. Serbia started the war, led by literal national socialists, to create a greater Serbia. American power ended helped the genocide and the imperial dreams of the Serbians.
As i Serb, just a few years younger than he is, and as someone who lost a father in Bosnian war while fighting his side, I have only admiration, compassion and love for him. Ziv bio Mirsade!
@@scorpioninpink I don’t actually get the comment… does he mean that his father fought against or in favor of Bosnia (obviously I highly doubt the latter but still)
@@XXXTENTAClON227 maybe his father was bosnian too or a serb it doesn't matter. Im Serbian and i feel terrible for what has happend to this man and all Croatians,Serbians,Bosnians etc back then. I doubt that he denies that Serbians did bad things and a lot of people then didn't have a choice but to fight agains eachother. Nobody is a winner we all lose and it's a pitty that such a united people were turned agains eachother!
@@ivvu8697 that’s encouraging to hear, I used to be ignorant and thought all Serbians ignored Bosnian struggles but the overwhelming positive antiwar comments made me realise that I was an idiot for assuming such a thing. It is great that we live in a generation where we see the flaws in warfare when our ancestors couldn’t. That is an incredible achievement considering human history has been full of war and genocide. You are a good person sir 🤝
@@scorpioninpink Genocide happened, but what people fail to realize is that the whole region was committing genocides left and right. Everyone had concentration camps. Bosnians, Croats and Serbs. And it was all because of politics. Pure politics and twisted Devil's work.
This is easily the most powerful interview I’ve ever seen. The grief, the anguish and the PTSD is written all over this poor mans face in every word. Absolutely disgusting that any person should be subjected to this in the name of their ethnicity. 😔
As a Serb, i am deeply ashamed of my country and the people who claimed to be human. They were monsters. I've got Bosnian friends and their parents NEVER "hated" me or said anything about me being a Serb. Even drove my best friend all the way from Bosnia to Belgrade so we could meet. They were amazing to me, i loved them and still do. There's no Serbian, Bosnian, Croatian, Albanian.. there's only HUMAN. We're all the same. This man went thru hell, i'm halfway thru the video and i'm not sure if i can watch longer. He is so strong, so brave. The Serbs today that claim they believe in God, but say that THIS.. sould happen again because their fathers and grandfathers told them.. they aren't human, nor do they believe in God. They claim they do, but they act like they can kill whoever if they say "for God" and get away with it. I hate my cauntry. I hate it so much. I hate how much hate there is here. Balkan is fucked up. It really is. To any Bosnians, Croats, Albanians.. I love you. And to everyone else! I love you too! I'm cringe i know, but this made me emotional. Have a nice day guys
I feel awful for this guy. Those scars have to be a terrible reminder. If he's reading this and interested, there is a tattoo artist in England named Jo Harrison who specializes in tattooing over scars. I had some scars tattooed over and it was very healing for me to look down and see something beautiful instead of something that was a reminder of past pain.
Wow, what a beautiful idea. I am old so tattoo’s on women were seen as not respectable until fairly recently. I have two scars running the length of my shin from a car accident, I wanted, for vanity reasons to have a vine with flowers climbing both scars. My husband freaked out & I didn’t pursue it. I have never needed to erase the memory of the accident & the surgery that saved my leg (initially the ER doc was gonna amputate my leg but a brilliant young surgeon hadn’t left the building, his shift had ended 20 minutes before the ER doc decided to see if he was still available. (I was very lucky that day, surgery couldn’t wait, I was bleeding internally & could have died if they didn’t act urgently.) I have extreme respect for the tattoo artist that is doing this, because people ask what is the scar from, with tattoos it’s more of a comment on the art. Thanks for sharing this!!
We never discussed this in school oddly enough but we had a lot of Bosnian, Croatian and Serbian second generation students in my highschool, whose parents fled and sought refuge here in Canada. The stories you would hear were bone chilling
I remember, there was a girl in my school. That I became friends with. Her mom had fled Bosnia, just as the $h1t show started hitting its peak, and sometime between leaving one of the Major Cities, and reaching New York. My friends mother's entire family bad been wiped out. Just like that Gone She was proud of being Bosnian, and said she's carrying on her family, as will her children. Because they escaped... But I can't even imagine what her mother went through. Like. At all... The reason we connected, was because my great-great grandparents were survivors of the Wounded Knee Massacre that occured in 1890. They were toddlers when that happened, and the thing that saved them was their grandmother. Who had been willing to give her life, by carrying as many kids and babies with her. Through snow and ice, to safety That sort of thing sticks with you. No matter how far removed you are from it
In my high school a lot of my teachers were Bosnian and they were surprised if you even knew what Bosnia was. They never spoke much about where they came from and I can see why.
To hear his story and the tremble in his voice at times...and then see comments how he was an amazing teacher/man...wow.. it is astounding the things we don't know about some of the humans we walk right past everyday. I wish this man all the blessings life can bring
A good friend of mine is a Bosnian refugee. She escaped with her young daughters. They lived with us for a while. My friend suffers a lot with mental health issues and PTSD. It's very difficult watching her deal with daily life. She's an incredibly strong woman.
my parents are afghan refugees so this was especially painful to watch. my heart aches for all the victims of war... you are so unbelievably strong mirsad. may you live a life of joy and peace.
People give standing ovations for all kinds of nonsense. But in this case, I wish I could literally stand up for this person. What a person. Pure goodness. Unbelievable what people can do.
Despite its issues, this shows what a great country the UK is that we are open to refuge. It is easy to take our safety for granted and to pick faults with it, but stories like this guys show that there are reasons to be grateful for what we have.
To hear accounts like this, from genuinely lovely people from all over the world who have endured such horrendous atrocities, it adds perspective to all the hatred aimed at refugees and asylum seekers. Im so grateful that the UK was there to help these people, and in reality we could always do more. People should be made to watch videos like this to try and re instil some empathy into todays society.
I lost half my family. All my brothers and husband. My dad my uncles they even killed my daughter. All I have is my sisters and my two sons. It hurts my soul that they remember us walking by bodies I wouldn't wish this upon anyone what me and my family went through and still going through. My youngest sometimes screams at night bc he's having a nightmare
This man is so unbelievably brave to talk so frankly while still suffering emotionally. This genocide has been all but forgotten, very much time to remember again.
What a legend. I was part of the UN Forces in Bosnia and seeing mass graves with kids shoes etc is hard on anyone, what he went through is way beyond that. massive respect.
Major props to the LADbible team for how you conduct these interviews. Incredibly touching to see. What an incredibly strong man for being able to tell his story like this.
I don’t understand how you can torture a child then go to sleep at night.
Serb paramilitary were nut jobs, thats how
Cuz they were taught to hate us under a cloak of brotherhood and unity as the official Yugoslav motto - a Serb friend’s words, not mine. There were terrible things done by all three sides, true, but don’t be fooled by the revisionism, one side got it popping and committed a far larger number of fuckery as the aggressor, and their would-be pseudo-president who is in jail for life now sentenced for genocide threatened us a few months before the war, at a podium in front of parliament for the whole world to hear and I fucking quote ..
“Nemojte misliti da nećete odvesti Bosnu i Hercegovinu u pakao a Muslimanski narod možda u nestanak, jer Muslimanski narod ne može da se odbrani ako bude rat ovdje”
“Don’t think that you won’t drive Bosnia and Herzegovina into hell and the (Bosnian) Muslim people perhaps into extinction, because the Muslims cannot defend themselves if we have a war here.”
Genocide takes planning and a gradual dehumanization of the “Other,” and this was planned for years throughout the 80s until enough of them were brainwashed to see us as less than human, and worse yet, as wanting to hurt them.
So when they tell you that “all three sides were guilty” bullshit tell them to save it for the birds. Their hardliners planned it for years and unleashed it 1992 when Bosnia voted for independence from Yugoslavia. There were plans to take the capital and quickly depopulate Bosnia of non-Serbs and either force convert or kill the remaining stragglers. They tried and were stopped and continued to shell the capital for 4 years from the hills above. These facts of the plans are from documents from the Yugoslav military whose Officers were 90% Serb right up until the war. And until we as a region face these facts we are not advancing anywhere and the politicians on all sides are going to continue to exploit these divisions and enjoy the power the people give them out of fear of losing ground to “the other guy” while the people continue to eat shit.
But unfortunately Serb schoolbooks exclude all mention of this and raise their next generation to hate us even more than the last one did, highlighting their victimhood and downplaying their crimes in the conflict. And they’d still have you believe that we hate them, when all we want is to ensure that this Shit won’t happen again, and to actually legitimately move on and eventually grow together rather than into our own little corners of hate and bigotry. But first we have to reconcile, which is tough to do when people are reluctant to hold themselves and those that murdered and pillaged in their name accountable. And don’t get it twisted, there were plenty of Serbs and Croats who fought for the Bosnian army and upheld the multicultural fiber that Bosnia was always known for, it was just that there was a large enough critical mass of power hungry bastards that preyed on fear and division to force the rest into having to serve in a conscript army and shoot at their neighbors. Some couldn’t wait for this, like Mirsad’s teacher, and others saved lives by using their influence and/or privilege to shield people from monsters within their own ranks. Lastly, please don’t let these stories allow your mind to vilify Serbs as a people like many outsiders who just learned about this and tuned in yesterday tend to do, because the vast majority never wanted any of this crap. Just take it as a lesson in human limits of depravity when faced with a chance to purge perceived enemies with the prospect of potentially zero consequences for one’s actions.
@@lakaca Wow, that was a very well-written and insightful piece. Thank you for explaining it so clearly.
With rakija.
@@lakaca Very interesting (but tragic) insight. Thank you for taking the time to post this
If you've never experienced war, feel blessed.
I can't even imagine. I remember stories of my grandmother who survived the German occupancy of Holland and it's just unfathomable to me how scary living in those times must have been. I consider myself very fortunate. I've really had nothing close to that happen in my life. And I really hope it won't happen in the future. WW3, pls stay away...
I’m Canadian and I tell my sister all the time, I have no idea how I was so lucky to be born here, but I’m grateful every day.
So true, My grandparent's experienced both WW2 and Yugoslav wars, and my parents the second, I still remember that when NATO started bombing (yeah, NATO fd up too in some parts, like bombing hospitals, and cities 1000km away but whatever) my parent's told me that they were at the dentist and a bomb hit the opposite side of the building, that's 1yr before I was born. And from my other side grandma had to hide in a cave for weeks from Nazis during WW2
Being born in Norway, i feel spoiled, Knowing what other people in this world might be going through. I am aware of how incredibly lucky I am and I am grateful every day. I don’t have much money, but I try to give some money to charity every month. If any of you have any good charities to recommend to me that would be great.
fax
“I thought we were the same.” Nobody is born with hate. It’s taught.
People also choose to hate. You can teach someone the basics of hate, but an individual has to make the choice to hate themselves. If someone told you to hate a fellow human, you'd ask yourself the question "Is this what I believe? Do I believe these people are worthy of hate, torture and genocide?" If the answer is yes, then you're the one who chose to be a hater.
How do you know this? Because frankly, I'm quite sure you don't, and you're just a feelie who likes to say feelie things for the feels of it all.
@@DrMackSplackem You can teach a person how to start a fire. It's up to the person if they choose to burn a building down. Personal accountability matters more than anything else. Our actions define who we are. Can't blame everything on external circumstances.
@@jacklambert1521 No doubt antisocial behavior among modern socialized humans usually has its roots in early trauma, but no serious theorist has ever stated that it could be the sole causative factor. In fact, there's good reason to believe the tendency towards violence is somewhat innate in all animal forms, and that reason is simply this: Brutality has a demonstrable survival value that dates back to the beginning of highly mobile organisms (i.e, animals).
Everybody, anyone is born with the same emotions... because you are born from the same information that your parents are, grand, etc. The genetic code transmits all the way. So your afirmation is null! What makes the difference after a certin age, when you can make some minor changes is Choice!!! Choice of doing like that, or not! We all are evil and angelic. It's just a choice what you wanna use from your soul, mind, and how much brainwash can you ignore...
It's so heartbreaking that he remembers his teachers turning on him and yet he became a teacher. So glad to see in the comments that he became a wonderful teacher. What an incredible person
God bless this man. I am crying for him, for everyone who’s gone and who goes through this. I can’t understand why people do this to others, a 13 boy. It’s incomprehensible… I’m glad to hear he has a loving family and he became a teacher. His goodness has affected more people than his tormenters’ hatred has.
The British teachers took an interest in him and wouldn't let him fall through the cracks. That also had an impact.
Wish I could meet him and give him a hug.. poor guy..
🎵 “ *My dad used to conquer Bosnia* ” 🎶 🇷🇸
Within the human species exists pure evil. Unevolved, predatory, feral savages who still live in the jungle in a cave.
"i thought we were all the same" to this day, the world will never understand just how deep this comment is.
Westerners look too hard into this comment and don't understand at all what it means. They are literally the same people, Bosniak identity was born from the Serbs and the Croats that converted to islam under the Ottoman Empire. Genetically speaking, bosniaks and serbs are exactly the same people, so of course he wouldn't see any difference between him and a serb, especially if his parents weren't religious.
@@999mi999 That's far too bold to paint a historic picture, you're speaking assumptions as if they were facts, Bosniaks also had pre-Islamic motivation from Bosnian Kingdom, so it's not as simple as just saying they were Serbs and Croats, besides that since you're talking genetics, Bosniaks are actually closer to Croats and they're in different South Slavic subgroup from Serbs, meaning there's actually quite a sizeable difference between the two
Thanks for interpreting what the world is not able to understand. I'm just glad that you were able to understand it and alert the rest of us. You're a good lad.
And you know that how?
@@999mi999 Ha ha ha. I was there during the war. It doesn't matter about the Bosniak identity. I could name any number of local folk who would swear they could identify a Croat or a Muslim just by looking at them. So thanks for the history lesson, but the difference between the different ethnic identities does not have to be real to be real. And believe me, it was real.
For those of you who do not know, Mirsad himself was/is a teacher in the UK. I know because I was one of his pupils nearly 13 years ago. What I remember about Mr Selakovich most, was his affable demeanour and unusually calm yet extraordinary temperament. On the rare occasion when he did raise his voice to get a class of 30 unruly teenagers to stop whatever antics we were up to, his smile would always break the veneer of seriousness and we all loved him for it.
I never knew Mr Selakovichs story and I always wondered about the sadness behind his eyes. A few years ago, I visited Bosnia and learned about the ethnic cleansing and genocide that took place. What a dreadful and life altering experience it must have been for him. People poisoned by ideology can be so callous and destructive. I’m glad so many people now know a little about his experience. I hope some people can learn from it and grow in a positive way but most of all, I hope Mr Selakovich has found some peace.
Thank you for this beautifully written post.
May i ask how old you are? I am just confused to you living in Europe but not knowing about what happened in Bosnia???
@@BillyT886 in the UK we are not educated on this
@@BillyT886 I guess the OP is a teenager or maybe early 20's given that the teacher is only 42 years old himself. If I asked my 16 year old nice about the war in yugolslavia in the early 90's I doubt she would know much about it other than 'there was a war' and she may have heard of Slobodan Milosovic, but that is all I would expect her to know. I doubt they would have been taught much about it at school seeing as a history lesson in the UK would normally be older history that would be taught and not taught about wars as recent as that.
@@demarcusjamesbartholomewth8611
Crazy. I would have thought it being a European war that you guys were. Cheers!
This poor man, he was a child and put through torture because of a war he had nothing to do with. I hope he's coping ok with the trauma.
Thats sadly how all these wars are, holocaust, armenian genocide, bosnian and many others that kids and families that are just innocent residents get killed or tortured
He definitely won't be voting for lefty softies
Edit: stay mad poor commies, you can move to Cuba 🇨🇺. The people there want to move out 🤣
@@GodKing804 there was literally no reason to say that
@@GodKing804 waster
@@mrmr2055 communists are left wing
This man is incredible. His aggressor was a teacher, and the school context framed the story...and yet, he becomes a teacher! Rather than running from it, he confronts his experience - this is incredible strength.
What a good observation. He’s strong!
its pretty hard, I mean how could you turn against children put under your care and responsibility?
@@MusMasi unfortunately, the teaching job doesn't save people from becoming literal monsters. Many people think it's okay to torture and murder someone if they don't like them and they justify their views to the grave.
Well it not like he has any other choice
I know exactly how this guy feels. And I don't live anywhere near Bosnia.
I'm glad he got his life together, though. After all he went through. He definitely earned it.
He was my sister's drama teacher at our old secondary school. She stumbled upon this video and was incredibly shocked at his story, because he was always so cheery and animated around the students. He mentioned briefly to his students that his childhood was difficult, but never in detail.
oh damn
ion think this guy ended up being a drama teacher lmfao
That's wild. I had a teacher who went on Sale of the Century and that blew our tiny minds. This is something else.
He was?
@@noultraa he was because he was my drama teacher too lol, moseley secondary school in birmingham, best teacher ever
Heartbreaking to see him as a grown man comforting himself wringing his hands like he's back as that 13 year old boy........what a sound bloke, respect to you Mirsad
This observation deeply affected me. I really wanted to hug the guy
I noticed that.
My very best wishes!
Yeah. Really tough to watch. I have PTSD but I’m not in any way trying to compare as this guy has had it really really bad throughout his life. Seeing someone else try and calm themselves down enough to get the words out really resonates with me.
@@n00dles79 if you don’t mind me asking, we’re you in the military?
His own teacher tortured him, even though he didn't do anything... That's vile.
all the serbs who fought were
@@MandenTV listen to yourself , claiming bosnia is yours, just because your parents are serbs doesn’t mean they or you were in the right, serbia started the war it was not a civil war it was ethnic cleansing and all those who commited the crime and let it happen deserve hell
@@MandenTV i literally cannot believe what u just said😂
@@anelhadzimesic2412 🤣🤣🤣 Know your fucking place in the world.
@@MandenTV have a nice day, wish you all the luck in the world god knows you’ll need it
I am from BIH (Mostar). I was 8 years old and suffered just like all other Bosnians. My grandfather 86 was killed along with 11 others and thrown into a pit. Many many terrible things have happened and witnessed by a 8 year old me. Keep your head up brother. We are all so proud of you.
I’m proud of you for being brave enough to tell your experience even in the comments of a RUclips video. I hope that you are able to find peace and heal from what you experienced.
As-salaam wa alaykum brother, I'm Sierra Leonean, may Allah grant you peace.
Classic Bosniak L
@@Hajde_budalla Classic Bosniak L. Why would I respect a nation built on betrayal and collaboration? Before you were serbs(or croats) and now suddenly you are a different thing entirely, how? You switched religiouns to lick the Ottoman boot and are proud of it, pathetic.
😘 from a 🇭🇷
Seeing him trying to comfort himself with his hands and whimpering is the most heart shattering thing I’ve seen
True
I know, I wanted to give him a hug or something❤️🩹
Breaks my heart too. I wish I could give him a hug or something. His pain is so visible. I wish nothing but all the best things to him in this life
Then you are lucky xx
I can't listen 😕 it's not fathomable to my soul. I've heard to much evil 😈 already. I have been through to much evil 😈 already x He deserves his voice as do I .
The fact that in the beginning he was so confused about how the teacher asked him "are you scared I'm gonna kill you cause I'm a Serb?" and he replied with "I thought we were all the same" is just sad and true. Like we are all the same but we keep separating everyone unnecessarily. A kid who is raised without prejudices will not see a difference that affects their opinion when they meet someone different from them. We're taught that behaviour by those around us and by the circumstances the world is in nowadays.
It is why multiculturalism never has, nor ever will work.
@@Danny-is5if please explain?? where I live, for example, there are a ton of people from different cultures living here and everything is fine. And the same goes for a lot of other places so I don't really get your point.
Also I think you completely missed what I meant. I meant that if you raise a kid in a neutral environment, they won't form an opinion on someone based solely on their culture/race or anything similar because, different cultures or not, we're all human beings at the end of the day. Therefore multiculturalism actually could work and it could teach us that we can have the same respect for everyone regardless of the cultural differences.
It's about teaching respect rather than building prejudice into kids from a young age. And then there is no reason whatsoever for multiculturalism not to work.
@@dv3083 I got your point entirely, I'm saying its naive. No matter what you want in a society, it's never going to change peoples personal mindsets.
There will always be a barrier of some kind that won't be pulled down, whether it be a communicative one, cultural or religious. This barrier has led to and will continue to cause massive segregation and 'no go areas' around the world. Not to mention the senseless killings of innocent people by a certain group of people, carrying out these crimes under the name of a certain religion.
@@Danny-is5if ah okay, I misunderstood what you were saying then. Sorry for that. I get what you mean now and yeah it's probably naive but I think, since we already have more and more respectful people in our world, maybe with time it will become the norm to treat those around you with respect regardless of their cultural background etc. Probably not but maybe one day you know.
And with religion it's gonna be one of the most difficult things because of the stuff you mentioned. It's very hard to convince people to respect those around them when they interpret what "the word of God" tells them as the opposite.
@@Danny-is5if Maybe one day we will get to a point where everyone regards religion as only something personal, of no consequences, where it wouldn't make sense to argue, or worse, about.
Like a favourite colour. Mine is blue. Oh, you don't like it? Too bad. You like green? Fine.
That attitude towards religion would solve so many problems..
It's nice to see all the comments from ex-students all saying how nice a man he is. Obviously held in high regard.
I think you mean former students but yeah, that's really cool to see!
yeah..what independent brits have to say about it ruclips.net/video/HUEcmn3F2dY/видео.html
I’m a bosnian. My father was in this genocide. My uncle fought. My grandad was held in concentration camp by croats. My dad escaped to London where I was born and grew up. This genocide was so brutal and no one knows about it. Breaks my heart. Bosnia is still a. war torn country with deep divided divisions besides its beauty.
Here in the Netherlands the genocide is pretty well known, but not with young people. I am about to graduate as a history teacher and will definitely talk about it with my future students.
@@harmenruben9605 This means a lot to me and I'm sure many Bosnians who also suffered and had family go through this. Thank you so much, brother.
Bosnia for the first time in 25 years is free of landmines, just as those orc scum of same regime of chetniks are poisoning Ukraine with their hateful genocide. Why are chetniks and Gopniks do evil?
@@alibasic1 glad to hear your family escaped and now living a better life I hope. Greetings from Bosnia brother ❤️
How can you say noone knows about it ? Everyone talks about the massacre
This guy is stronger than any of the criminals who tried to kill him
This comment deserves more appreciation.
They were not "criminals". A criminal is someone who the state accuses of breaking laws, by calling perpetrators of genocide "criminals" you are putting them in the same category as homosexuals were put in just a few decades ago (or still are in depending on what country we're talking). These were soldiers employed by a state. Do not forget this.
@@Olamina-c1y soldiers with knowledge of what is ‘good’ and what is ‘bad’. How can this torture and Ethnic cleansing be seen as any different to the anti -Semitic torture that the Jews in Germany endured under the barbaric regime of Hitler??????
@@Olamina-c1yThey are War Criminals
@@Olamina-c1y not really, most of the people were ordinary soldiers, some were fd up and commited war crimes, other just wanted to go home.
I heard a therapist once say "you act the age you were when you experienced trauma" and it's crazy how I can still see the scared 13 year old boy in him.
That’s something I’ve observed in the people I meet. I catch myself becoming annoyed by someone’s “childishness”, if you like, and then I consider why they may still be in that place. It reminds me to treat them with compassion
It’s arrested development due to trauma. It’s nice to see that you try to show compassion and understanding. Wish more people were like that 💗 I hope Mirsad has happiness and peace on his life
WOW!! Ya. That puts my life in perspective.
Not trying to be edgy here.. But.. Your comment knock me some sense why im still i am in teen even though im already an adult. It just my mind mature and my body grow.
never heard this phrase. thanks for telling, i‘ll keep that in mind to work on
This man was my drama teacher in school and one of the nicest people ever! Legend!
Sidenote : for everyone thinking im making this up…. You lot are extremely weird. My small heath lot know ;)
.o.
If you ever see him, hug him tight and make sure he knows how much he meant to you.
I'm sure you would have already, but if you haven't, do it.
Stop the cap
Eventually someone uses the word 'legend' appropriately, thank you
his voice trembled as he tried to quickly compose himself, it told me without any words that reliving that moment wasn’t possible for him for a long time. He’s truly inspiring for opening his scars for the world to witness his pain and sharing his story.
Trust me. It's a lot to process for him.
One day, things are safe. The next day, someone says we aren't worthy of existence.
It's just not normal in regular society. But some perpetrators are very shameless about it.
When his whimpers at just the sound of that teacher it's hard for me to stomach. I can only imagine what it's like for him.
it’s heartbreaking.
I cried when I heard that
It's tough. I can tell you that.
A boy who couldn't defend himself. But it doesn't mean the perpetrator will relent.
Mr Solakovic was known as the most handsome teacher and the teacher who couldn’t get angry no matter what. When other teachers came in to tell a student off he would try to stop his laughter because someone was being disciplined but we all loved him for that. We knew he came as a refugee but never I never imagined this!
May his heart, mind and soul be granted peace 🙏🏼 ! I am so sad to see he is still suffering. 🥺
You’re still a legend sir!
School in birmingham?
This is heartbreaking. I hope Mirsad finds peace and happiness 💗
@Samuel Greaves yea he was
@@mohammedzakariya9062 he isnt anymore?
@Samuel Greaves He used to be, I don’t about now.
Everything that happened in my life feels like nothing compared to this guy
It might seem so but you shouldn't compare your pain to others! Your pain or trauma is valid even if some others have it worse. That said i dont wish what he went through on anyone.
@@Aki-gb8gm so true!
Whatever happened to @Oethmaan Cornelius-this is your experience and you had to get through this!
Hopefully you can handle this and learned how to manage this,mate🖤
And to the guy from this interview:
Great respect that you had the courage to talk what happened to you and your family💪🏼
Very important to understand for people like us, what the effects of inhumanity are and how to avoid this for a better future for all of us!
THANK YOU for sharing your experience!
My best wishes for you and your beloved ones
@@Aki-gb8gm in other words pain is subjective and un comparable
Seriously puts things in prospective
It’s okay to recognize your own trauma as such, while also recognizing that there are others who have it worse
My friend escaped from Bosnia as a 6 year old child alone and made a harrowing journey to safety to another country. He suffers from PTSD and developed a speech difficulty because of this. I see his pain under the surface and I wish I knew how to take away the nightmares. If he knew how to speak about his experiences I imagine it will be like this brave teacher 😢
What is Other Half?
@@mohdadeeb1829 Maybe twin
@@mohdadeeb1829 'Other half' is usually used as a term for a romantic partner :)
@@introvertedartist6318 Cringe!
@@mohdadeeb1829 touch grass
My wifes best friend is Bosnian, and went through this as well. She was shot w an AK47 when she was 11, she does not talk about this ever. Only reason we know is because on that day every year she does not leave the house, she lives here in the US but still to this day is haunted by living through that war as a child
Probably not an ak47. Just saying.
@@ufc990 Why not?
I mean sure she was young and might not have seen it correctly but still...
@@Mika.Summer it was likely a Zastava M70, basically a Yugoslavian copy of an AK47
@@jackzanetti9139 it still shoots 7.62 i dont understand why people has to correct even in situations like this.
@@wiking3520 there was a comment above saying it wasn’t an ak47 but you’re right anyway
I met this man in Edinburgh when we filmed him interview Arnold Schwarzenneger. He was one of the most gentlemenly men I've ever met. Hope you are well Mirsad :)
I'm going to search for that interview
Thanks for sharing
does he live in edinburgh?
@@gary1972 wondering also
any links to the interview?
You liar!
6:12 it is painful to see him change in an instance... the moment the "teacher" is metioned you see him becoming visibly distressed by the pain that that person caused him.... He was paying attention to the question but the moment he realized what this question was about he started fidgeting and sobbing due to the memories... I really wish this man all the best... NOONE should have to go through suffering like this
i think thats just one of the most heartbreaking moments for me. His breathing changed and he only whispered "yes" to the question. Broke my heart
russia is doing this to ukraine right now and nobody gives af
That's fear.
First the guy harassed him with the military stuff. Then he actually carried-out what he was saying.
It's predatory. And any normal people would have felt the way he did.
I pray this man gets nothing but peace and love in the rest of his life. God please bless this man💔
I love that he used the term "good citizens of this world." Don't just be a good citizen of your country, be good to the world.
👍❤️
Which is why I've always disliked nationalism.
@@damienholland8103 There's nothing wrong with being proud of your country but I personally think no one should put their country above the world
@@cloroxbleach9222 exactly.
Yeah, it's a strong thing to say. Also said when he was 13. "I thought we were all the same." One people.
i have never wanted to hug someone more than this man right here
YES!!!
Same. Heartbreaking
God's got you, no matter what your going through or no matter what sins you've commited
He's got u❤
@@yolisa444 gee sexist, god can be a women too u know.
@@satanwithinternet2753 This person is saying something good, and heartfelt, and all you see in that is to respond by saying, "gee sexist, god can be a woman too u know"? The heart of what a person says does not matter to you. What only matters to you is that it doesn't fit in to your shallow and bitter ideology, and that is all you see.
To imagine this stuff happens literally non stop across the world even today is heartbreaking
It's almost as if humans are inherently evil, isn't it?
@@doctorstrangelove8815 humans are indeed inherently evil it’s just a matter of discovering it
Nothing has changed we just learned how to make and use technology so that our lives can be more comfortable that's it we humans never changed
@@emilhuseynov6121 nah, you're delusional.
@@sosig8332 am I? then how come the Serbian teacher who liked him turned against him as soon as the conflict started and ethnic tensions boiled over. I bet you wouldn’t imagine your teacher torture you simply for your race?
Bosnian people are one of the nicest people you will ever meet. God bless this man and Bosnia and Hercegovina 🙏❤️
Regardless their nationality.👍🏻
They are no nicer than any other people
My inlaws are Bosnians and they are all wonderful, some of the friendliest people I've ever met.
Keep in mind many still deny that this happened. Not only what happened in the Balkans but what is happening now and all other genocides in the past
Yea its the psycho far right wing conspireTARDs
@@emtionz3087 only the higher ups many serbs are extremely regretfull
@@emtionz3087 No, it's a lot of people. There are people who deny all genocides all over the world. The Holocaust deniers being the most well-known.
@@EvaLasta you’re Serbian aren’t you?
The real situation is that it did happen, but the Croatians, Albanians and Bosnians did the same to us (maybe not an the same extent). NATO also decimated our cities with there bombs and killed many of our civilians illegally without permission from the UN. Maybe that is no excuse. I apologise for the pain we caused but we are always the ones blamed while the other countries governments play the victim. Croatia started the mess by leaving the utopia that was Yugoslavia because there won’t enough Catholics in government.
Lad Bible is fucking crushing it. How did Lad Bible pivot from Nuts Magazine 90s style prank memes to hard hitting cutting edge journalism that's better than the news?
The true stories they do are incredible, best about imo
It's better than the news because the news is just a propaganda machine to make us worry about stuff that only affects a few and shit that really is not important in the grand scheme of things. while millions suffer around the world and nobody is told about it it's a messed up world we live in all we can do is be better people and incorage others to try be better than they were the day before.
@@derekirelandsirsmokepotalo1152 this type of thing is far too real for any mainstream media, have you watched soft underbelly on RUclips?
@@derekirelandsirsmokepotalo1152 soft white underbelly it's called actually and they interview real people with all different kinds of crazy lives, I'll attach a link below
ruclips.net/video/TmdfSiQI_Xg/видео.html
^ this
Unbelievable series LADbibleTV every post I’m just in awe
Completely agree!
I feel the same way they never miss.
Could not agree more
@@josephfitzpatrick4019 i could.
@@josephfitzpatrick4019 thought ur name was Joseph Fritzel for a sec was gonna ask if ur basements still there
I saw him reliving it as the same 13 year old boy, the same innocence and pain. I’m glad he has a family, and I hope the man finds peace. The things men can do is sobering to the soul.
As an Austrian born in the early 90's, I grew up with lots of refugees from former Jugoslavia. There were so many of them that in fact during my first four years in school the majority for boys in my class were from Bosnia, Croatia and Serbia, except for me and two other boys who were natives.
As kids, we got along with eachother perfectly. We spent all day together after school, building tree houses, playing games, they tought us parts of their language and we taught them ours. I don't exactly know what happened later on, but it all changed when we were about 14 or 15 years old. Somehow we lost touch and prefered hanging out with people from the countries we all came from. Later on, some of us developed outright hatred for their former friends just because of nationality.
One of the Croatians even ended up in jail when he was 19 years old for murder. During a family dinner his sister introduced her fiance to the rest of her family. When my former buddy learned that this guy was a Bosnian Muslim, he just got up from his seat, pulled that guy out of the door, threw him down the stairs and emptied a whole revolver drum into him right in front of his sister and parents. As if this hadn't been bad enough, he proceeded to beat the shit out of his sobbing sister after that for bringing "that pile of shit" into his home.
Two guys from Bosnia and Serbia, who had been best friends for almost 8 years at that point, became outright enemies in their late teens. The Bosnian's grandmother got skinned and scalped alive by her Serbian neighbourhood during the war, his Serbian friend knew about this and told him that he was glad about that and that he would do the same to him and his parents one day.
Us Austrians on the other hand stayed away from them because most of our former friends became criminals and they had a tendency to pull people into the shit they were in regularly, so we didn't want to end up like them. For that, we got accused of being Nazis by the others and they started hating us as well. In the end, it became an unwritten rule to avoid eachother's neighbourhoods, cause whenever we saw one of them in our area or they saw one of us in their's, that ment trouble, sometimes even with knives and guns involved. This lead to some of us becoming real neo-Nazis, in fact most of them still are today.
Today in my 30's, I only meet one of the Bosnians and one of the Croations on occasion, because we live in close proximity to eachother. We get along pretty well, but it's mostly superficial small talk when we bump into eachother. There's no connection between us anymore. It's the old story of standing just a few inches away from eachother, but being worlds apart.
I've never put too much thought into this, but man, it's kinda sad how parents pass on their own hatred to their kids and everything goes to shit all of a sudden.
thats really fucked
What makes me sick after all we speak the same language (some words are different but still), have almost the same culture, etc. In the end, we broke apart so massively just because they started this terrible war and it still affects this generation. I live in Austria and have Bosnian roots and I had a person in class that were from Serbia. I had never a problem with anyone but I was sure his parents were the old generation because he made this thing with the three fingers "Noc, slica, Srebrenica" (knife, cut, srebrenica is what often Serbian soldiers said when they were killing the people from Srebrenica). This was the day where I realized that to this day people were still like this.
I dont understand why people hate each other so much.
@@wavegodxxx420 precisely
My mom wasn't so welcomed by the other kids; the austrian boys would beat her with the sticks from clothes horses
He was my drama teacher as well about 13 years back, always postive and a great role model for anyone who has obstacles in life, i met hom recently and seeing how much of an impact he has had with everyone shows that no matter what is in your way, you can also be a role model to others and live your life to thr fullest
What is his name?
He can act no doubt in that
he is a good story maker i gave him that, this is what other brits independent journalists have to say about all this yeah..what independent brits have to say about it ruclips.net/video/HUEcmn3F2dY/видео.html
@@sisajtegabre but why do you prefer to believe the hatemongers?
@@sisajtegabre He isn't acting
A pond of blood. 😳🤯😭
Every time he breathes hard and starts crying from the panic/pain/trauma/sadness, my whole heart aches for that little boy he was and really wants to give an appreciative hug to him for being strong enough to share it so openly. I know he’s a grown man and all, and I’m a stranger, but that’s the kind of pain that hits you in a place where you can only pray you and your loved ones never experience it, but honestly that no one else does either. It’s awful.
As a boy Mirsad had to endure what would have given an adult PTSD...
The best comparison I can come up with, is when the Field Hospital that my grandfather served with in the US Army was involved in liberating Concentration Camps during WWII, one of the doctors walked off and stuck a 1911 in his mouth and went home. His family was told he was killed by a stray bullet but the truth was that he simply realized that he would remember what he saw every morning and every night of the rest of his life...
My grandfather lived with PTSD for the rest of his life, for him the trigger was the smell of blood & vomit, as while they were discussing how to best care for the survivors at the first camp they liberated the enlisted men gave the survivors as much food as they asked for, and many died horribly from their digestive tract bursting...
My grandfather was a Prussian Jew, who trained as a physician as an OB/GYN because he wanted to bring new life into the world. As an US Army Field Surgeon he ended up Euthanizing about a third of his patients, or as he put it once "no face, no hands, no eyes, no nose, no mouth, what else could I do???, what else could I do???" This is why the US Army provided enough medical grade alcohol to their Field Hospital to keep everyone drunk 24/7 as that kept the suicides down...
He was also brought into the US with false papers & identification as a child, something the US Army found out when they were doing a background check because at times they needed translators they could trust, i.e. German Jews. Fortunately, nothing happened to him or his family, unlike the deportations happening in the US now. Of the family in Europe, only my grandfather's cousin his cousins wife and kids survived the Third Reich...
WE HUMANS NEED TO STOP BEHAVING LIKE CHIMPANZEES !!!!!!!
His pain is just so palpable. It's just devastating. He's a tough man.
Why do you not feel the same for the man? Why do you only feel the pain of the little boy?
@@joeljanssonhernstrom1819 because the root of the problem began there, childhood traumas will aunt you and every time you remember them you will only see yourself as a child, small, defenseless... Of course we feel empathy for him but when I see him, I can see that traumatized child, very afraid and with many doubts.
@@thefool1458
Edit: TLDR: I also have PTSD, it can feel like that a lot.
Exactly that. I’ve had PTSD for a majority of my life (I’m 16 atm) and It really just hurts, every time you think back on it or are triggered by something it’s just so scary, it’s kinda hard to explain just how scary it is if you arnt really going through it. Feels like you’re stuck in the past, and that little you just won’t go away because it’s scared. Sometimes nothing you do helps either. Even if you try to.
But there’s good days and bad days. And that’s ok, because that’s just kinda life sadly. You either let it kill you or you grow stronger.
I’ve starting getting therapy and some other stuff recently to cope with it. The experiences I had caused me to have Depression & Anxiety and I’ve recently been diagnosed with Asperger’s (High Functioning Autism) and a couple other things. So then that just makes it all more Spicy LOL.
I think I’m getting better (I hope) because I also have really big dreams too, I’m making my own stories and my own characters. I always had talent with writing, drawing, and editing, so I want to make something with those skills and have my characters resemble something in me and my journey. I know it’ll take me a really long time to get there. Some days I just want to die, others I want to life. I find brains really cool too, it’s fascinating how we can think and feel, and how that can affect things.
Sorry for the super long comment, I know you didn’t ask for my personal life but I also know sometimes people like comments like these? Plus maybe if someone is going through something similar, or maybe just in general it could help them. Which is what I want too, I want to help people with my stories so they don’t hurt like I do!
As a serb i want to tell him i am sorry for what happened to him. Its sad today that people among the serbs still deny this happened. Please dont hold this against all of us.
Serbs deny it because Bosniaks and Croats also deny what they have done to Serbs, its a cycle.
@LuckyLucci95 most bosniaks are aware and recognize what the croats did to the serbs in ww2
@@gludiousmaximus7918 and what the serbs did to bosniaks jews and croats in ww2 also
you are one strong man and thank you for your comment
@@eltoro10-v5tyou do know that the croats sided with the nazis right?
Just seeing him fidget around or mess with his fingers shows just how stressful these memories still plague him. I feel horribly sorry for what he's been through. Seeing others comment on how nice he is/was as a teacher only makes it more astonishing how this man can continue being a gentle soul despite the vile acts he had to face.
he came from a good family, he knew how to love, if not so all he went through could have made him a man fuLl of hate. Much love to you sir. Blessings
It's pretty common with people who survive this stuff.
Imagine not being allowed to live in your own neighborhood. Simply because you're different. Sometimes not being allowed to find a new home either.
Hence why his family packed-up everything. And went to Britain.
At times when he was speaking, you could see him as a 13 year old boy again. The pain in his eyes brought tears to my eyes. He's a wonderful example of not letting your past destroy you. He is a very strong caring person. Much respect !
Coming from a guy that knows Mirsad from our Bosnian community, massive respect to him for shedding light onto the problems our families went through.
Allahu akbar
@@goodputin4324 hilarious
@@jdc4316 Allahu akbar
✌💕
From what I've read and it hasn't been much. It was absolutely brutal
This is probably one of the most important interviews I've ever seen and everybody should watch this and understand that this is what hatred does to the world.
Your comment is very important. It made me think about the type of interviews our society should spread and watch.
This man's story, Elie Wiesel's story, the stories of Hiroshima... they're some of the most invaluable education one can receive (I found "Hiroshima" by John Hersey to be one of the most powerful books I've ever read, even on par with Night by Wiesel). They teach you empathy, and the absolute importance of not giving in to hatred, because they show you its true consequences.
@@blakejhonshen2710 hatred dehumanises people. It makes you think of other humans as hairs in a vacuum roller.
Especially the people who actually choose hate.
It's one thing to have personal beliefs. It's another thing to say other people don't deserve their own.
-They can't go to school, Can't live in a safe community, etc.
A very moving interview.
I remember I had a girl in my class in primary school in 1993 in Germany. She never talked. At first we kids thought it was because she was from Bosnia but for the next 3 years she didn't spoke a single word. Her elder brother told me that she didn't speak because she was next to her father, when he was shot while they were shopping for groceries at the market.
In 2008 I refused to join the German army (every man had to after finishing school). I wrote down the story of that little girl from my class. I hope that she has found a good way to cope with her past like the man in this interview.
War and violence can naver be the answer.
Edidt:
Instead of joining the army I chose the "Zivildienst". It ment that you were technically a soldier but you didn't serve in the army, you served at a hospital, or in a home for elderly people for example.
I chose to work with disabled people.
Damn, that's heavy... thanks for sharing that man
Oh wow, her suffering really benefited you eh?
@@klown463 Replace the "K" in your name with a "C" and then it'll check out.
@@swiss8988 Nah he is fully true. The German army has no wars going on, the small task force to Afghanistan is made of fully volenteers so he would have never been send there. This guy used their story because he did not want to serve in a defensive force. Which is pathetic of him.
@@RK-cj4oc as he said, he did the Zivildienst, which, in my opinion, is way more beneficial and helpful for a community. You should be ashamed to look down on somebody because they refuse to join the military.
I couldn't finish his book. It was too horrifying.
Being in Bosnia for the summer has given me an opportunity to truly understand this country and particularly the damage it has left in my family. I've noticed the only time my mom speaks of the war unprompted is when she is in her country. She recently told me, "it's like I can still hear it, I can never forget it." I asked her what she meant. She said, "on the day that Serbs reached our village, we heard from speakers, 'the Serbs are coming, leave your homes'."
I lost my Grandpa and other family members to this war. And all across Bosna there are scars. Each house I have visited has a framed photo of a young man in a military uniform. I'm often too shy to ask if the person pictured is still alive.
In Sarajevo, you can see bullet holes in the top of buildings where snipers built nests. To this day there are empty homes that have nearly fallen apart because the original owners are either dead or never bothered to return.
On a road trip, my grandma pointed to a building and said that was the place she was held hostage with other women and children, after accidentally being separated from my mom. They laugh about it now, saying that she was late to join the others because she refused to leave without washing the curtains. It was a futile sacrifice because the Serbs looted and lived in the home anyway. Every time I'm in that home, I am both amazed and appalled by how historic it is.
I'm proud to come from such a legacy, but I can't help but feel shaken when survivors speak out. It tends to be so rare because of the things people have done to survive, or the things they have endured during the war, many take that to the grave. And I can understand that. It's what makes me reluctant to ask my own mom questions. But for her to yield so much while we're here, I am thankful.
Where can I get his book?
I didn’t know about this man, he is the voice of many who unfortunately are too afraid to speak up or didn’t survive what he has gone through. War is horrible and terrifying. How can anyone do those things to another human being, let alone a child?
@@karlag2088 the books name I think is "The Boy who said nothing"
❤️
Twitch_ not_olli legend, much love
@@nlg7683 no worries mate :)
I feel like in interviews like this, where the interviewee re-experiences or remembers trauma, it should be procedural standard for them to have someone nearby, that can physically comfort them. You can see how telling his memories still almost overwhelms him and it is hard to see him just sitting isolated on a chair, being watched in his pain. The intuitive reaction would be to give them a hug. He should have his wife there or a close friend for that. He is very brave for giving this interview.
I"m pretty sure they talk things through with the interviewees and decide to go with what's the most comfortable and maybe there's a comfort person off screen
Based on the different camera angles, it's clear that this wasn't all shot in one take. I'm sure that as soon as he started to become too overwhelmed with emotion, they stopped the camera and someone would be there with him to help him calm down.
At a certain point it sounded like a dog whimpering next to the camera. I’d assume there was a emotional support dog there
Or a dog, cos dogs are just different, they don't judge you or have those types of negative things humans do, but they understand sadness and try to help. Dogs are just great.
Yes, as a Clinical Psychologist I was thinking the same.
I want to hug this man for 10 minutes straight
He needs one
If I could take his pain away, I wouldn't hesitate a second.
When the war started I was 10 years old and I can very well remember the strange and oppressive feeling. I was born in Bosnia, but was fortunate enough to grow up in Croatia. My parents decided to move 1984 and that was probably what would have saved us from the war.
It was practically overnight that we children had a completely different life. I was bullied and looked at sideways. It suddenly became important where you were born, what kind of accent you speak and whether your surname is Croatian or Bosnian. Sometimes I would have to profess my religion, as if it were somehow extremely important.
And that haunts you throughout your life. This war has left victims everywhere, victims of all kinds.
I have never really been able to understand how people can become so unreasonable for political reasons...I really thought that as a child.
Today I know that all of this was a long process and was only possible through demoralization of the nations. That is what politics does, destroys lifes and crumbles the nation just to win territory or monay.
Now I live in Germany and teach my child to be critical self-thinker and that all people, regardless of race, nationality or name, are simply humans. Don't rely on politics, because it's just a system, a concept - which unfortunately was too often wrong.
Just as you are, of flesh and blood, is everyone made of the same fibre and deserves respect and recognition for his own life. Nobody is superior, before God we all stand barefoot and "naked".
YESS MAY GOD BLESS YOU 💕
An be judged according to our sins, love ur comment btw. Much love💕🤙
thank you for telling your story. i want to visit former yugoslavia and witness how it has developed, but i have a feeling in sarajevo that despite the advancements they've made, there is still a lasting divide (much like in Belfast) where areas are still segregated and tribal. would that be true do you think?
@@conorsmith8551 Even after so many years, development is quite sluggish. Unfortunately, Bosnia is a country that will always suffer. Croatia has become very strong but also expensive. The people are trying to find a connection between nations as well, although it is still a sore topic. This was particularly noticeable in Bosnia.
@@nisvetaninalang it looks beautiful Sarajevo, but a documentary I watched just talked about how schools are segregated where Muslims are educated separately from Bosnian Serbs, for fear of persecution. I mentioned Belfast earlier because now there is an educate together project for schools where protestants and Catholics are educated together (which I think is brilliant) because I went through the Catholic school system which I strongly disagree with now.
Seeing him self soothe is the part that gets me. As a trauma survivor I still feel like a child a lot. That poor man I know he suffers so much and I know I can never relate. Truly, horribly traumatic in every way and aspect.
His hands....
I was sadistically, sexually abused until the age of 10 by my maternal grandpa, it ended when he was killed in a car wreck. When I would sit I had to cross my hands in my lap. I hated it. Eventually, I think it saved my life. Id cross my hands and squeeze my fingers, not enough to be seen but enough to feel. And, in my child brain, i thought if I can feel myself squeezing my fingers then I survived.
Im still alive.
I can still feel.
Im 38 yo man and it is difficult, at times, for me to cross my hands. Its such a mundane, ordinary thing to do. I was having panic attacks about how I would be sitting. Crossing my hands would take me back to the abuse. The panic attacks are what made me seek therapy and saved my life.
So every time he rubs his hands together, In my own way, I know what he's feeling/going thru in those moments. I dont think I could ever share my story in a video like this, im just not that strong. Im glad he did tho, he deserves all the peace and love in the world 🙏🏼
I'm so sorry.
l hardly know what else to say other than that you are strong, far stronger than you may think you are.
You must be because you survived and felt able to seek help .
That takes strength,because it means facing the pain of what happened ,and all our instincts tell us to run and hide from pain whatsoever causes it
I wish that your strength may continue and grow greater so that you may live and love,and be loved as all of us should be ❤
@@helentee9863 God bless you ♥
I hear you and feel for you, stay strong ♥
i'm so sorry, i pray you find peace..
I don't suppose it helps but your comment made me way more sad than his story. ❤
My son is 13, I simply cannot imagine someone doing this to him, or him having to endure this. If humans could ever learn not to hate each other, imagine the progress this world could make. You are a strong, resilient man, don't ever forget that. I'm so sorry for the hatred and violence you endured, but you endured, and that is what matters most
My son is 13 years old, and this man’s story strikes a chord unlike anything I think I’ve felt before.
All I can feel is utterly sympathy for this man, his family, and all those that suffered. It’s truly heartbreaking. I just want to give him an eternal hug.
An innocent child scarred for life and for what!?
May the perpetrators burn in hell and may those that lifted him up be forever blessed.
Unfortunately with this genocide if you watch other survivor accounts most of the killers walk free and they still see them today
This is exactly what i wanted to say brother .
I had no feelings in what he said , plus he was looking down most of the time . And he has a very good story memorized . Too much details he knows exactly from 13 years . :) bullshit and his crying :))) so faske
=))))))
Genocid is very strong word, holocaust is genocide 6.000.000 deths, and then they call war in srebrenica genocide with 8372 casualties.... In Jasenovac is killed more than 80.000 Serbs but no one taks about that...
I could assume:
You could still see that deep inside he is still that child from that very moment, seeking refuge. The hand gesticulation and the visible innocence when he recalls these memories.
Coming from a family that has experienced ethnical cleansing and death in concentration camps during world war 2, I can see the same sort of innocence that I see in my grandmas face when she speaks of the uncles and aunties that were taken away and never came back home.
@HengistUndHorsa Hah, that is a stupid and bold statement. Please tell me the fault that those children have done. The family members that had lived nothing but a peaceful and lawful life. You are a despicable human for stating such atrocity, clearly uninformed or wrongly informed.
@HengistUndHorsa your saying that all the people murdered by the Nazis in WW2 deserved it? If so you need to educate yourself as that is as far from the truth as possible
@@kindred5328 I think he was trying to be satirical. Do kindly Ignore him and I apologise on behalf of him.
@HengistUndHorsa Please tell me you're fucking joking or trying to troll, because otherwise I've never felt so ashamed and disappointed in a stranger before in my life...
I think that's just a common thing with trauma, especially childhood trauma. Ptsd kinda keeps you in that place, and when you talk about it, you go straight back into the moment of trauma, kinda like you're that kid again if that makes sense?
(My dad has ptsd from childhood and also from when he was in the military, so I've always been pretty... interested? In it. My dad doesn't talk about his past much but when he talks about his stepdad who abused him, its like he's an angry scared teenager again. And he's 53. He doesn't talk about his military stuff at all. I have my own unrelated trauma from childhood SA and I don't talk about it, when I do I go straight back to being 6 and terrified. Its crazy and tragic what trauma does to the mind)
(Also i think the first loser that replied is just an edgy 13 year old trying to troll and be edgy. Or is a straight up neo nazi. Either way, it means they're an idiot who doesn't understand how to read or learn about the real history of wwii. No one who was arrested or a victim of the nazis were guilty of anything other than being who they are. I'm so sorry about your family, I hope all of you are doing well, and I hope the family you have who went through such atrocities are safe and well ♡)
As a Bosnian myself who's whole life was affected by that war, I empathize with Mirsad so much. I could feel his every emotion even through the screen, because I have heard stories similar to his my whole life. You are one amazing person Mirsad! Veliki pozdrav iz Amerike
Years ago while hitchhiking in Europe I helped a teenager get to safety in the UK, as his sister had already made the journey there. He didn't talk much about it, except to say that when the fighting came near their village, his parents told him to go to his sister and gave him what little money they had, which wasn't enough...
I can’t even begin to imagine what was his reality!
My mother fled this war and went to Germany at the age of 21. My sister was 4 and I was only 1 during that time. She would tell us how we went days without food and water and had to sleep in the cold forest. Miss my mom so much wish she was here to see my 2 year old daughter now.
All bosnians are strong and are brothers to us in albania, we support you and I cant imagine what you mustve gone through..
Thank you brother! Shqiptars always our brothers!
As a Croatian/American, this is one of the best and most genuine interview ive seen. Hvala Bogu da je sve prošlo ali ljudi na žalost se vrate u prošlost. 🇭🇷 🇧🇦
Croats, and "Bosnian Muslims were killing each other in Mostar after JNA got pushed back. Nobody was innocent in this war
I don’t cry often at all but this has me wiping tears off my face
yeah it is very tough to watch. i got goosebumps all over and i was so close to tears
what independent brits have to say about it ruclips.net/video/HUEcmn3F2dY/видео.html
Agreed, very emotional.
@@sisajtegabre I've not watched that link, but many Bosnians were moderately religious. Wahhabism and influx of Saudi money was a result of Serb aggression in the 90's.
You only need to look into his eyes, then you realize, time doesn't automatically "Heal all wounds". Some trauma, like his, unfortunately penetrate to the bone, and it sits there like arthritis. Some days it really isn't so bad. But when it's cloudy. When it's rainy & stormy... it can truly drain all the color from your outlook. Brave kid/man
That's absolutely right. Some trauma never heals. “Whatever doesn't kill, you makes you stronger” is an outright lie.
Very well said. Not everything can heel.
@@hyperhype1000 not exactly a lie. If you learn to cope even on the harder days it gets better. You arnt exactly dead, but you’re somewhat aware, you know?
Strength can be in many forms, sometimes even just getting up to do things, or walking away from a situation can help.
Yes it there are days where everything hurts and all you wish for is to die, but then there are days where you want to live.
Personally I have PTSD myself, I don’t think it will ever go away, I’ve had it pretty much my whole life (I’m 16 atm) and I’ve learned that.. things just happen. Even if you were a kid back then you couldn’t do anything. It doesn’t change much, things still scare you anyways, you still get stuck In your head. But if you at least help yourself now and accept what happened then, it can help.
Obviously it isn’t like this for everyone. Not everyone makes it unfortunately.
@@sakurahirawa You have hope. I understand. That will change.
@@hyperhype1000 it did not kill him and it made him stronger that is not a lie. He is the man now with a lot of experience. He probably would not be a teacher with this experience.
When he says, "that was the first time I felt any compassion," I felt that. I think all of us, especially those of us who grew up with trauma and suffer from PTSD, have a moment when we felt compassion for the first time in our lives, and that's what changes our situation from hopeless to hopeful. Being understood for the first time, being heard, your pain being validated, being able to connect with others-- THAT is what saves you. That is what we all need.
While I do have PTSD it is nothing compared to yours and Mirsads I get your point.
Exactly.
Plakala sam tijekom cijelog videa, nitko ne treba prožvjeti ovakve strahote, a kamoli dijete od 13 godina, grozno, hvala Vam sto ste ispričali vasu priču da se nikad ne zaboravi.
His accent is awesome , it tripped me out for abit but when he mentioned he came over and lived in Birmingham it all made sense lol . What a guy wish him the best
I thought he was a scouser at the start
@@TUTENSKENGS Nothing like a londoner.
Doesn't really matter what his bloody accent sound like, the guy is scared for life.
@@privatejimmy4076 same. Sounds like John Bishop.
@@privatejimmy4076 I thought scouser too!
I cried watching this. I'm a 45 year old man and this is heartbreaking that one human can treat another in this way. I feel so sorry for what this man had to go through.
me as well, he left out the worst parts. unimaginable pain, terror, and suffering produce a man who wants to educate and help others. Maximum respect
I was an insurance broker when Canada was excepting refugees from the former Yugoslavia. My city, Calgary, had jobs so I met a fair number of very angry men, I didn’t understand what they had been through, what contributed to this anger, until now. As difficult as talking about this must be, I finally, all these years later, have a better understanding as to why the men I met were radiating such anger, though they never lashed out at me, the air was always heavy with anger & now I realize heartbreak. They were grateful to Calgary & Canada for new lives & jobs, even a car that required insurance, but they had to leave a country, that no longer existed, if they wanted any chance at thriving, not just surviving war & genocide of either family & friends or they were from the side that shamefully tried to illuminate their own countrymen. I met guys from all sides of the conflict. Thanks again for doing this interview & for posting it.
@HengistUndHorsa I have compassion for my fellow man. Maybe you should get off the Internet if you're only here to troll.
@HengistUndHorsa clearly you are so hardened, that you can't feel the pain of others. I'm glad that I'm not like you. I live in N.Ireland and grew up with people dying every day by terrorism. I wouldn't say I've had it easy, but I can honestly say that after everything I've seen it has certainly made me feel for other people.
@@wilteduk007 I wouldn't even bother trying. These kind of people just get off by making themselves look edgy on a RUclips comment before crawling into the corner of their room and crying about their sad existence. Put it this way, you already won mate.
Mirsad has defended me many many times. He's such a gentle soul and good guy. He's piercing blue eyes were so soothing to me.
Have you met him
@@samanthamartin3171 Yes i have
NO My bools ....
@@niceserb84 What?
@@deltaboy767 It hurts ALOT
I see a brave, strong young man; who became a kind man. Thank you, Mirsad. The world is better because of you.
What's worth remembering is this happened in the 1990's as well, this was not a long time ago by any means
really the same can be said for WWII and the holocaust right... it still affects so many people in so many ways.
@Russ Martin Palestine will be taken back
Having been born in the 90s, I sure as hell hope it wasn’t all that long ago 🥴
Oh my God listening to his quivering cries and self soothing hand rubbing he is literally that 13 year old child again. Bless him
Point it out why don't you
@@kejmaca1328 strange reply
@@jossbelle5137 strange original comment
@@kejmaca1328 why is it I'm not mocking the man.
Quit taking the Lords name in vain
With PTSD the body holds the memories and what this poor man endured as a boy was beyond what most children could ever comprehend. Ethnic prejudice is a sin because we ARE all the same but look what some people do to feel superior. I’m so glad this man managed to have a family, teach and tell his story because that is part of his healing from that awful trauma. Wish I could hug him. Clearly he is loved and respected by many.
L Row did you know that majority who were killers in that genocide were his own nationally? Bosnians, check the documents from the tribunal so Meersaad is such a good liar.
@@sisajtegabre - no I didn’t, but I wouldn’t be surprised. There are so many liars in this world that I wouldn’t doubt it one bit.
@@lrow5416 please, don‘t believe what this guy commented, yes they may be bosnian but with serb roots. If you believe it or not, many serbians who lived in bosnia fought, killed and tortured for a country they have no connection to except their roots being serbian. There are many many people who still deny the genocide, just like this guy who commented. So please i beg you, don‘t believe him and research for yourself and you will know the truth!
@@semratutic2379 - I will do more research on this. Thank you.
i've never wanted to hug someone through a screen so bad. Mirsad, you are so very strong. You've been through so much and you're still here, telling us your story. You are amazing and loved.
I want to hug him so tightly, he seems like such a gentle soul.
My god this dude is in some pain. He seems like such a gentle soul.
He seems so strong, in every way
Just got sent this from a family member. I can’t believe this because this was my teacher in school Mr Slakovic … I can’t believe this. Such a funny and kind and caring guy. To think he went through this is heartbreaking 💔
I wanna give this guy a hug. No one deserves to go through what he's gone through - especially as a child 😔
"I do it all to be a benefit to the world. To society."
Even though society took away his childhood, he has already impacted countless others childhoods. Becoming a teacher after fearing his own.
This man deserves all the praise he receives and more.
He is SO brave. So so brave to tell his story. If you are reading this, thank you.
Imagine being full grown man and physically hurting a 13 year old boy in that way am baffled how some one could even do it. Stories like this educates but also I wish I haven't heard it because it makes me so fking angry towards the world and the evil basters in it.
People are capable of anything, even you.
@@jesseklaver8905 sorry, but im not even capable of killing an npc in gta without feeling like a sociopathic psycho.
I agree with everything you just said, but try to let go of the anger. Believe me, I know its difficult and nobodys perfect. But its serves no purpose, its not going to make the world a better place. The only person its going to hurt and eat away at is YOU.
When I started to let go of my anger, I became a far far better version of myself.
Everytime some one says, there are not evil people outside, I think of this things happening.
@@WTK880 i think you missed the entire point of the video and what this man had to say... I'm sorry for you, I'm ashamed and embarassed for you.
As a Serbian, I can say that hearing this breaks my heart, as well as many other things connected to the 1990s wars…I hope that we can all „be the same“ again and as someone that has many friends from these countries, I believe that we indeed are. Love for all Bosniaks, Croats and other neighbors ❣️
❤🙏🙌
This should be played at all assembles across the UK; especially, given the current Afganistan crisis. As Mirsad said, even bullies were crying at his words. No child possesses enough hatred to deny themselves the honour of listening to this brave mans story. It is utterly heartbreaking that situations like this have, and continue to happen every day. What an inspirational man.
@@TheOne-3 The 2nd sentence you said is pure bullshit
source: Live here.
Also not trying to stir up shit here but It does hurt me to see how all of the hate continues still today, on both sides. Doesn't matter how much anyone tries to push it under the rug and say it didn't happen(the genocide). All of it what Mirsad said is true if not even worse. Keep that in mind folks.
@@TheOne-3 That's bullshit. Bosnia has had a female president. Bosnia and Kosovo are the most progressive Muslim countries on the planet. If I had to live in a Muslim majority country it'd be one of them.
Serbia started the war, led by literal national socialists, to create a greater Serbia. American power ended helped the genocide and the imperial dreams of the Serbians.
I share it in FB groups
The Yugoslav war is very different to the Afghan war. The Yugoslav war was extremely brutal
As i Serb, just a few years younger than he is, and as someone who lost a father in Bosnian war while fighting his side, I have only admiration, compassion and love for him. Ziv bio Mirsade!
Do you admit that the Serb committed genocide or are you one of those who denies it? Because if you are the latter, then your comment is hollow.
@@scorpioninpink I don’t actually get the comment… does he mean that his father fought against or in favor of Bosnia (obviously I highly doubt the latter but still)
@@XXXTENTAClON227 maybe his father was bosnian too or a serb it doesn't matter. Im Serbian and i feel terrible for what has happend to this man and all Croatians,Serbians,Bosnians etc back then. I doubt that he denies that Serbians did bad things and a lot of people then didn't have a choice but to fight agains eachother. Nobody is a winner we all lose and it's a pitty that such a united people were turned agains eachother!
@@ivvu8697 that’s encouraging to hear, I used to be ignorant and thought all Serbians ignored Bosnian struggles but the overwhelming positive antiwar comments made me realise that I was an idiot for assuming such a thing. It is great that we live in a generation where we see the flaws in warfare when our ancestors couldn’t. That is an incredible achievement considering human history has been full of war and genocide. You are a good person sir 🤝
@@scorpioninpink Genocide happened, but what people fail to realize is that the whole region was committing genocides left and right. Everyone had concentration camps. Bosnians, Croats and Serbs. And it was all because of politics. Pure politics and twisted Devil's work.
This is easily the most powerful interview I’ve ever seen. The grief, the anguish and the PTSD is written all over this poor mans face in every word. Absolutely disgusting that any person should be subjected to this in the name of their ethnicity. 😔
As a Yemeni, I feel empathy and feel his pain. May the martyrs rest in peace and may his soul find peace.
Yessir
Allahumma aaaaaameen 🤲🏼
It takes A LOT of courage and conviction to endure so much at such a young age and still come out successful on the other side.
As a Serb, i am deeply ashamed of my country and the people who claimed to be human. They were monsters. I've got Bosnian friends and their parents NEVER "hated" me or said anything about me being a Serb. Even drove my best friend all the way from Bosnia to Belgrade so we could meet. They were amazing to me, i loved them and still do.
There's no Serbian, Bosnian, Croatian, Albanian.. there's only HUMAN. We're all the same.
This man went thru hell, i'm halfway thru the video and i'm not sure if i can watch longer.
He is so strong, so brave.
The Serbs today that claim they believe in God, but say that THIS.. sould happen again because their fathers and grandfathers told them.. they aren't human, nor do they believe in God. They claim they do, but they act like they can kill whoever if they say "for God" and get away with it.
I hate my cauntry. I hate it so much.
I hate how much hate there is here.
Balkan is fucked up. It really is.
To any Bosnians, Croats, Albanians.. I love you.
And to everyone else! I love you too!
I'm cringe i know, but this made me emotional.
Have a nice day guys
Big chungus
all love :))
💜
Peace and love from Canada
živia brate, sve najboje
I have an ex-SAS mate who was in Bosnia. Some of the stuff he told me was absolutely wild. Hard to comprehend how human beings can behave sometimes.
Now that is a service and a half nothing but respect for the lads that fought against these monster's
My thoughts exactly. Dogmatic leaders are dangerous, especially with a population that is easily manipulated.
I just want to hug him. I can't even imagine what he had to deal with all of his life. I'm so sorry he, his family and anyone that had to suffer.
I feel awful for this guy. Those scars have to be a terrible reminder. If he's reading this and interested, there is a tattoo artist in England named Jo Harrison who specializes in tattooing over scars. I had some scars tattooed over and it was very healing for me to look down and see something beautiful instead of something that was a reminder of past pain.
Tough decision to make as a muslim
Wow, what a beautiful idea. I am old so tattoo’s on women were seen as not respectable until fairly recently. I have two scars running the length of my shin from a car accident, I wanted, for vanity reasons to have a vine with flowers climbing both scars. My husband freaked out & I didn’t pursue it. I have never needed to erase the memory of the accident & the surgery that saved my leg (initially the ER doc was gonna amputate my leg but a brilliant young surgeon hadn’t left the building, his shift had ended 20 minutes before the ER doc decided to see if he was still available. (I was very lucky that day, surgery couldn’t wait, I was bleeding internally & could have died if they didn’t act urgently.) I have extreme respect for the tattoo artist that is doing this, because people ask what is the scar from, with tattoos it’s more of a comment on the art. Thanks for sharing this!!
That’s a lovely idea
I wish I could nuke the world end civilization for ever none of us deserve this life the human race just ain't it
@@Bozzeh wait, you're actually here, didn't expect that... love the content man xqcL
We never discussed this in school oddly enough but we had a lot of Bosnian, Croatian and Serbian second generation students in my highschool, whose parents fled and sought refuge here in Canada. The stories you would hear were bone chilling
I'm curious how the relationships they and their parents have with each other. I mean between the three ethnicities
I remember, there was a girl in my school. That I became friends with.
Her mom had fled Bosnia, just as the $h1t show started hitting its peak, and sometime between leaving one of the Major Cities, and reaching New York. My friends mother's entire family bad been wiped out.
Just like that
Gone
She was proud of being Bosnian, and said she's carrying on her family, as will her children. Because they escaped...
But I can't even imagine what her mother went through. Like. At all...
The reason we connected, was because my great-great grandparents were survivors of the Wounded Knee Massacre that occured in 1890. They were toddlers when that happened, and the thing that saved them was their grandmother. Who had been willing to give her life, by carrying as many kids and babies with her. Through snow and ice, to safety
That sort of thing sticks with you. No matter how far removed you are from it
In my high school a lot of my teachers were Bosnian and they were surprised if you even knew what Bosnia was. They never spoke much about where they came from and I can see why.
OH MY GOD - he was my teacher at Moseley school in Birmingham. I remember him telling us his story in pastoral class
Quit taking God’s name in vain
@@dmac2899 You sir, are one of the people who make Christianity look bad. Quit telling people how to speak and focus on your own flaws.
@@dmac2899 Quit this ratio
What’s pastoral class
@@dmac2899 did you come here to be a prick cos no one else is here for that
To hear his story and the tremble in his voice at times...and then see comments how he was an amazing teacher/man...wow.. it is astounding the things we don't know about some of the humans we walk right past everyday. I wish this man all the blessings life can bring
A good friend of mine is a Bosnian refugee. She escaped with her young daughters. They lived with us for a while. My friend suffers a lot with mental health issues and PTSD. It's very difficult watching her deal with daily life. She's an incredibly strong woman.
What kind of human being would do this to another human being? Especially to a 13 year old? I really don't get it.
LOL 🤣
@@justbeconfidentbro1286 I don't think it's funny
@@tomhoffmann6701 "Hoffman"
@@justbeconfidentbro1286 what??
@@justbeconfidentbro1286 What's funny about this story?
my parents are afghan refugees so this was especially painful to watch. my heart aches for all the victims of war... you are so unbelievably strong mirsad. may you live a life of joy and peace.
❤❤❤❤
Allahumma aaaaaameen 🤲🏼
People give standing ovations for all kinds of nonsense. But in this case, I wish I could literally stand up for this person. What a person. Pure goodness. Unbelievable what people can do.
Beautiful words ❤️
A side take away: Shows how important allowing people refuge in the country is.
this should be the top comment
Despite its issues, this shows what a great country the UK is that we are open to refuge. It is easy to take our safety for granted and to pick faults with it, but stories like this guys show that there are reasons to be grateful for what we have.
Exactly!!!
What a man. Thank you for sharing your story
@Myself how are u measuring that mate
To hear accounts like this, from genuinely lovely people from all over the world who have endured such horrendous atrocities, it adds perspective to all the hatred aimed at refugees and asylum seekers. Im so grateful that the UK was there to help these people, and in reality we could always do more. People should be made to watch videos like this to try and re instil some empathy into todays society.
Wasn’t ready for how harrowing this was. Deeply saddening to know that grown men will do this to little children.
I lost half my family. All my brothers and husband. My dad my uncles they even killed my daughter. All I have is my sisters and my two sons. It hurts my soul that they remember us walking by bodies I wouldn't wish this upon anyone what me and my family went through and still going through. My youngest sometimes screams at night bc he's having a nightmare
Neka im je rahmet duša, vječni dzenet a vama i familiji sabr.
revenge will be coming, mark my words
@@Katze400 NO!
@@Katze400 no we need to stop this cycle of violence please
Ohh no... Anyway
This man is so unbelievably brave to talk so frankly while still suffering emotionally. This genocide has been all but forgotten, very much time to remember again.
What a legend. I was part of the UN Forces in Bosnia and seeing mass graves with kids shoes etc is hard on anyone, what he went through is way beyond that. massive respect.
Major props to the LADbible team for how you conduct these interviews. Incredibly touching to see. What an incredibly strong man for being able to tell his story like this.
I am moved to tears not only for 13 year old you, but for all of your family, adult you and other survivors of brutality. May you be forever blessed.