On June 26, 2025, the 30th anniversary of the Srebrenica genocide was solemnly commemorated in the historic Kennedy Caucus Room of the U.S. Senate. The event was organized by the Congress of Bosniaks of North America (CBNA).
The commemoration brought together high-ranking U.S. officials, members of the legislative and executive branches, representatives of the diplomatic corps, international organizations, and numerous members of the Bosniak and broader Bosnian-Herzegovinian community from across the United States.Speakers at the event included:
- U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen
- U.S. Representatives Mike Turner, Jake Auchincloss, and Wesley Bell
- Ambassador of Bosnia and Herzegovina to the United States, Sven Alkalaj
- Director of the Srebrenica Memorial Center, Emir Suljagić
- Mufti of the Islamic Community of Bosniaks in North America, Sabahudin ef. Ćeman
- Executive Director of CBNA, Selma Porča
The program was moderated by Lejla Pekarić. The ceremony opened with powerful performances: the national anthems of the United States and Bosnia and Herzegovina, performed by young violinist Uma Čizmić, and a moving artistic interpretation of Srebrenica Inferno by Ajla Bajrami.
Representing the State of Maryland, Deputy Secretary of State Michael W. Lore attended with an official delegation, along with Adnan Hadrović of the Maryland–Bosnia and Herzegovina Exchange Council (MBHEC). Notably, Maryland Governor Wes Moore issued official proclamations both in 2024 and 2025 recognizing the Srebrenica genocide and honoring the memory of the victims — a powerful testament to the state’s commitment to truth, remembrance, and justice.
Holding this commemoration in the very heart of the U.S. legislative branch stands as a powerful message of remembrance, support, and solidarity with the victims and survivors of the genocide. It also serves as a call to uphold the truth and continue the fight against genocide denial.
