UNTOLD LOVE: FATHER’S REMARKABLE SACRIFICE FOR LIFE IN FAR-AWAY LAND
BE better not bitter is a great mantra by which to live your life, but coming from wellknown Gold Coast business identity Azra Kujovic it is a remarkable testament to her courage, faith and attitude.
Last Saturday, for the first time, she publicly marked the 28th anniversary of the Markale marketplace massacre in Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia Herzegovina.
“In all, 68 civilians were killed and a further 144 were injured during bombing of the square,” said Azra.
One of those killed was her 45-year-old father, Kemo (Dzemil) Zečić, who gave his life to ensure that her mother and sister could leave the senseless war in hope of a better future.
“He must have had a premonition about what was coming because he said we had to go or die and managed to get us on to a bus and out of Sarajevo the day before a three-year siege.
“Even then we were only saved by a lady who had the correct papers to show at the 11 militia checkpoints we had to pass and indicated that we were part of her family.
“It is an extremely emotional memory for me. I am only talking about it now so that my two sons, Armani and Aidan will know my father’s story and what he did for his family.
“They have this life in Australia now because of their grandfather.”
The comfortable life they had in Sarajevo was destroyed and they landed as refugees in Sydney with one suitcase, the basics in clothing and a few meagre possessions.
“We started our new life, focused on our education, and worked hard to embrace the opportunities we had been given here. Our lives are based on the way we were raised and the values we were taught, which are humanity, respect and kindness.”
Be better, not bitter – repeat that every day.