While Sarajevo closes its doors to the Conference of European Rabbis, a different picture is emerging in the Serb-dominated part of the country—President of Republika Srpska Milorad Dodik has offered to host the conference in Banja Luka, writes the German Jewish magazine Jüdische Rundschau.
The publication notes that rabbis are welcome in Banja Luka.
“Rabbis are welcome there—without political intimidation or administrative boycotts. In a country composed of three ethnic groups, this clear invitation ironically comes from the part that is often viewed with suspicion in Western discourse,” the German-based Jewish outlet writes.
Jüdische Rundschau poses a critical question: if a religious community that has faced centuries of persecution in Europe is no longer allowed to gather publicly in a country that is a candidate for EU membership, what does that say about the European maturity of that country?
The article notes that while Bosnia and Herzegovina has begun the process of EU accession, incidents like this raise serious doubts about its compatibility with European values. It recalls the statement by President of the Conference of European Rabbis, Pinchas Goldschmidt, who said that after this shameful attack on European religious groups, Bosnia and Herzegovina should be barred from joining the EU.
“A bitter taste remains, because a country that claims to be tolerant after the horrors of the 1990s has in this case proven the opposite. Jews are clearly not welcome. Europe should watch closely,” the article warns.
President of Republika Srpska Milorad Dodik yesterday invited the organizers of the Conference of European Rabbis to hold one of their future gatherings in Banja Luka, with full support and security guaranteed by the Government and other institutions of Republika Srpska.
“Let us together send a clear message—that there is no place for hatred and radicalism in Europe, and that unlike Sarajevo, which clearly fosters different values, we live by truly European ones. Dear rabbis, it will be our honor and pleasure to welcome you as our guests and contribute to your work and mission as much as we can,” Dodik stated.
Source: RTRS
