In a poignant and deeply personal address at the 16th Rexhai Surroi Annual Ceremony for Journalism and Literature held on December 22, 2023, Flaka Surroi, the publisher of Kosovo’s leading news company KOHA Group, unveiled her new book “Ishte Lufte” (“It was War”). The book, a vivid memoir, delves into the harrowing experiences of the Kosovo war, a time marked by the Milosevic regime’s brutal campaign to ethnically cleanse Kosovo of all non-Serbs through mass killings, massacres, rape, and expulsion of ethnic Albanians.
Surroi’s speech, rich in emotion and reflection, underscored the importance of remembrance and the continued cultivation of creative expression and talent. She spoke about the need to celebrate life each day, despite the pain of the past.
“Even though the 22nd marks the date of [my father’s] death, there is no single reason why every day lived should not be celebrated,” she remarked, emphasising the resilience and perseverance of her people.
Drawing from her personal life, Surroi shared touching anecdotes about her relationship with her mother Nahiri, a figure of clarity and brightness, whose name in Hebrew means “clear, bright.” She reflected on the early years of rebellion against traditional gender roles and the shift in priorities as the war in Kosovo intensified. Her narration painted a vivid picture of the transformation that conflict brings to everyday life, from the simplicity of clothing choices to the profound reevaluation of what it means to live ‘normally’ under the shadow of war.
Surroi’s narrative also brought to light the unspeakable atrocities committed during the war. She recalled the beginning of the conflict in the Drenica villages of Likoshan and Çirez, where 24 people were brutally killed, an event that marked a turning point for the country and its media coverage. Her description of the “Gallery of Terror,” a collection of victim photographs posted by the KOHA Ditore team, underscored the raw and unfiltered reality of the war.
In her speech, Surroi honoured the unnamed heroes of her book – those who committed themselves to supporting and aiding the oppressed population. These individuals, often overshadowed in post-war narratives, were driven not by a quest for power but by a desire to live with a clear conscience.
Concluding her speech, Surroi acknowledged the mixed feelings that accompanied its completion – a sense of fulfilment contrasted with the sorrow that her mother, to whom the book is dedicated, would never see it. She hoped her work would honour her mother’s stoicism, dignity, generosity, and boundless love.
Flaka Surroi’s “Ishte Lufte” is not just a book; it is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring power of memory. It stands as a beacon of hope and a reminder of the atrocities of war, urging never to forget the past and to continue celebrating life and creativity in the face of adversity.
Vudi Xhymshiti, founder and chief editor of The Frontliner Magazine, brings a wealth of experience in reporting on global armed conflicts and political issues. With a background in Documentary Photography and Photojournalism from the University of the Arts London, and studies in Political Science, International Relations, and Diplomacy, Vudi skilfully merges human rights insights with dedicated journalism. His ethical and thoughtful reporting has graced top publications like The Guardian and The New York Times. At The Frontliner, launched in 2023, he explores the profound effects of conflicts on law, human rights, and freedoms, continuing his commitment to impactful storytelling.
