World Jewish Congress stands with Bosnian Jewish community in condemning recent anti-Semitic incidents

22 Jul 2018

NEW YORK – The World Jewish Congress stands with the Jewish community of Bosnia and Herzegovina in expressing its shock and condemnation following two recent incidents of anti-Semitic graffiti sprayed on homes of members of the Jewish community, and underscored the need for authorities to treat the issue seriously and make every effort to bring the perpetrators to justice.

“The World Jewish Congress is dismayed by the recent spate of anti-Semitic expressions and sharply condemn any manifestation of hatred, violence, and xenophobia,” said WJC CEO and Executive Vice President Robert Singer. “We deeply appreciate the condemnation voiced by Sarajevo Mayor Abdulah Skaka following the incident in his city, and hope the authorities will make effort to bring the perpetrators to justice.

“Bosnia and Herzegovina is historically one of the safest and most welcoming countries for Jews, generally free from anti-Semitism and rich in close relations between citizens of all faiths and backgrounds,” Singer said. “During my visit there last year and meeting with Prime Minister Fadil Novalić initiated by the President of the Jewish Community of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ambassador Jakob Finci, I was struck by the warmth experienced by the community in an overwhelmingly Muslim country, and grateful for the government’s dedication to preserving Jewish heritage, including the hundreds-year old Sarajevo Haggadah,” Singer added.

“We urge authorities across the country to do everything in their power ensure that the Jewish community continue to live with the same sense of safety and trust that has thrived in Bosnia and Herzegovina for so long,” Singer said.

In a statement released earlier this week, the Jewish Community of Bosnia and Herzegovina said: "With regret and indignation, we received this news, aware that these incidents will not undermine the good neighborly relations that Bosnian Jews are building with their fellow citizens of other ethnic groups."

In its reaction, the City Council of Sarajevo said: "We are convinced that the attitude of most of Sarajevo's citizens is that this kind of action, regardless of ethnicity and religion, will never have a favorable ground in this city."