A Journey from War to Wisdom: Jasmina's Story

Jasmina Joldić's life took a dramatic turn when she was just nine years old. Her peaceful childhood in Bosnia was shattered when armed men took her father away. This event forced her to confront big ideas about religion and identity for the first time. She learned that she was born Muslim, but her family wasn't religious. This realization came at a time when Bosnia was tearing apart due to a conflict between different ethnic and religious groups. The Joldić family's life was forever changed. They became refugees, eventually finding a new home in Brisbane. Jasmina's journey was tough, but it also drove her to achieve great things. She worked hard and became a leader in the public service. However, she also faced challenges, like losing her job when the government changed. Jasmina's experiences have given her a unique perspective on peace and conflict. She understands how quickly hate can escalate and destroy a society. She sees the same dangerous rhetoric happening today in Australia and around the world. This makes her worried, as she knows firsthand where it can lead. Jasmina also reflects on the Dayton Accords, the peace agreement that ended the Bosnian war. She used to be skeptical about it, but now she sees its value in stopping the bloodshed. She compares her experiences to those of Ian Kemish, an Australian diplomat who was in the Balkans during the war. Both agree that while peace agreements may not be perfect, they are crucial in stopping violence. Today, Jasmina is proud of her Bosnian heritage but has chosen to distance herself from her ancestral hometown. She is focused on showing how migrants enrich Australia. She believes that social cohesion is everyone's responsibility and that we should not take our peace and prosperity for granted. She often asks, "How lucky are we? " reminding us to appreciate what we have. Jasmina's story is a powerful reminder of the fragility of society and the importance of understanding and unity. It's a tale of resilience, achievement, and the ongoing struggle for peace.