The Director of the Simon Wiesenthal Center in Israel and Head of the Eastern European Division, Efraim Zuroff, stated that Israel deeply values and appreciates the support of Republika Srpska’s President Milorad Dodik and the entire Srpska during these challenging times. He also expressed gratitude to the University of Banja Luka for awarding him an honorary doctorate.
“I would like to extend special greetings to President Milorad Dodik of Republika Srpska, an extraordinary man and a true friend of Israel and the Jewish people,” Zuroff said.
Zuroff conveyed his respect and appreciation to the University of Banja Luka and its academic community, from which he received this prestigious recognition today.
“This is one of the most cherished and important honors I have received throughout my career. I regret not being able to come to Banja Luka, but I take this opportunity to thank you from the heart for this exceptional and, for me, very meaningful recognition. Thank you!” Zuroff conveyed.
He reminded that Republika Srpska annually observes a Day of Remembrance in Donja Gradina, commemorating the genocide committed against Serbs, Jews, Roma, and anti-fascists in the Jasenovac concentration camp.
“I did not choose to become a Nazi hunter because I thought it would be easy. I chose it out of a sense of responsibility and duty to those who were killed during World War II,” Zuroff emphasized.
He noted that receiving this honor from the esteemed University of Banja Luka is both a great privilege and a significant responsibility.
“We must fight against historical revisionism and the minimization of crimes committed during World War II. There is no doubt that the greatest suffering in this region was endured by the Serbs, and for that reason, we must oppose any form of revisionism,” Zuroff highlighted.
He added that he has always called attention to these issues and will continue to do so.
“Once again, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for the great honor bestowed upon me by awarding me the honorary doctorate from the University of Banja Luka,” Zuroff concluded.
A ceremonial event was held in Banja Luka to mark 49 years of the University of Banja Luka’s establishment and development.
Source: RTRS
