"Freedom is being able to be who you want to be, truly who you want to be. Regardless of your orientation, religion, background, gender, or what you do with your body." This is how author Nazmiye Oral defines freedom. Since 2017, she has been contributing as an ambassador and screenwriter to Bridge to Liberation, a project that keeps the memory of Operation Market Garden alive. "It's truly fantastic to be able to be part of this."
Nazmiye Oral challenges herself with questions like: "How do you write the story of someone who was fourteen during the war? How does that resonate with people?" Although Operation Market Garden took place eighty years ago, the theme remains relevant. "In Europe, we're seeing increasing xenophobia. That's precisely why Bridge to Liberation is so important now. I'm trying to build a bridge between then and now."
Oral understands that fear of the unknown can arise when new groups of people settle. "If this fear isn't acknowledged, it can turn into hatred. Imagine if a psychologist said, 'You have xenophobia, that's understandable, and we can work on it.' It would help a lot to acknowledge and treat these fears."
She emphasizes that collaboration requires perseverance. "We have to work hard to build a future together, and for that, we need a vision and a long-term plan. We have to be aware that it won't happen automatically and that this process will change our identity. But if it succeeds, we will truly live in paradise."
Living together in a diverse country isn't always easy. Everyone has their own norms and values, which often differ. "We have to meet in the middle, even if it sometimes feels like we're drifting further and further apart. Clashes can always happen, but from those clashes, a diamond is formed. Violence or hurting someone is not part of that."
How can we live together in a world where people seem to be growing apart? “I focus on creating the world I want to see. You have a lot of freedom, as long as you don't hurt others. So freedom of speech, but no acts of violence at mosques or synagogues. Out of respect, you shouldn't provoke others. With freedom comes great responsibility.”
During Operation Market Garden, this freedom was fiercely fought for. "The Jews were blamed for everything that went wrong in Europe, because of their perceived wealth and power. This led to dehumanization, which ultimately made violence possible."
That's why Bridge to Liberation is so important: to remember the war and Operation Market Garden. "I hope that every year, when people witness these horrific events, they realize how terrible the war was and think: never again!
