It was a venerable honour for The Scottish Ahlul Bayt Society’s Chairman Mr Shabir Beg and Vice-Chair Mr Iftkhar Ali, to have been present on 10th July at the first large-scale Scotland National Commemoration of the Srebrenica Massacre – held at the historic St Giles Cathedral and organised by the Very Rev Dr Lorna Hood, who was recently presented a Points of Light award by Prime Minister David Cameron for the work she does on the Srebrenica massacre – to pay tribute and as a memorial to the 20th anniversary of the mass murder and ethnic cleansing of more than 8000 Bosniaks, many children, unarmed, and starving, but still captured and killed in mass executions. We expressed solidarity with mothers who still pray to bury the remains of their loved ones, if only they could find them. Thanks to St Giles Cathedral, the High Kirk of Edinburgh, and its minister Rev Calum MacLeod for allowing use of the cathedral. Our gratitude extends to Very Rev Dr Lorna Hood for the noble work she does in this field, and also to the First Minister Nicola Sturgeon who was present and for her invitation to the subsequent lunch reception to mark the solemn occasion. It was a humbling experience, and a privilege to have met inspiring people, old and new friends. A special mention also to the Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, Rt Rev Dr Angus Morrison who led the memorial service, and to the five who each recited a portion of the Litany of Peace and Unity: Natasha Roffey of Girls’ Brigade, Liam Packwoods of Boys’ Brigade, Claire McFarlane of Girl Guiding Scotland, Ben Scrimgeour of Scouts, and Blair Ewan of Army Cadet Force. We earnestly pray that the suffering of all those who have suffered, or are suffering, is healed and is never repeated. All life is sacred. And we must learn.
