By Ilir Deda
Dear Saša,
I also enjoyed reading your letter, filled with hope, optimism, and faith that good is truly possible! The inspiration from the light at Slavija is contagious! For far too long, we’ve feared that good is possible, and then, when it arises as a possibility, we fear that a positive outcome is possible.
Perhaps skepticism stems from living for too long in withdrawal due to shattered dreams, with a distorted image of ourselves as insignificant because we are surrounded by a sea of hatred. It seems to me that too many years have been lost—years of failed endeavors, staring into the abyss of collapsed institutions, staring at the „powerful“ at their helm, and watching helplessly as rivers of people leave to seek peace and life elsewhere—anywhere but here, as far away as possible from our nightmare.
The courage of Serbia’s students, their authenticity, bravery, collective wisdom, and moral superiority deserve the deepest respect. They carry within themselves global values of a healthy, solidary, and functional society.
We see a future that has come and touched us, persistently telling us what kind of society it wants to live in and reminding us of the strength that youth carries—a strength that seeks to close the chapter of „endless abnormality.“
Belgrade, this time, is more than the world, because it teaches a lesson to the world. It teaches a lesson to Western diplomacy, which seeks predictability, and to the order of the East, which seeks to abolish all freedoms. It illuminates the youth who have risen to say—dignified and silently—wake up from the nightmare.
The „Generation Z“ of Serbia is also teaching a lesson to their peers in our region. I hope they will learn it.
The endeavor of „Generation Z“ cannot leave anyone well-meaning indifferent, for this generation has shone! They know what they want, they have found themselves, and they have touched us with their humanity, their unpretentious persistence, creativity, and strength. And the strength of sincere conviction, no matter the obstacles, always triumphs. The illuminated Slavija awakens consciousness, despite the immense burden placed on this young generation. Bravo!
Regardless of the outcome of this endeavor, the awakening that is happening cannot be stopped. In this awakening, I see hope for our entire region. We all desperately need a huge step forward, where we will extend a hand to one another and decide never again to trap ourselves in the nightmare of continuous conflict among and between us. Instead, we must turn toward normal, functional societies and face the challenges of development, based on essential cooperation and mutual respect—in peace and normalcy.
May the New Year 2025 shine upon us all!
Preuzimanje i objavljivanje tekstova sa portala KoSSev nije dozvoljeno bez navođenja izvora. Hvala na poštovanju etike novinarske profesije.
