Bosnian immigrants find opportunity in Mohawk Valley

Here are a couple success stories of immigrants running from war in their homeland and finding safety, success and happiness here.   - - Donna Poisl

By RON MOSHIER, Observer-Dispatch

UTICA — Nijaz Velic spent much of his early childhood on the run.

He and his family were not alone. They were running for their lives. But while many Bosnians left for Germany, Austria or Italy, and eventually started over again in the United States, Velic and his family stayed in their war-torn country until the bitter end.

Until there was almost nothing left.

“I was one of those – a war child,” Velic said. “I was there during the worst. Everything was getting destroyed so we had to keep moving. Unfortunately, I remember it very well. Thank God it’s over.”
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