CVIJANOVIĆ: CANCELLATION OF THE EUROPEAN RABBINICAL CONFERENCE IN SARAJEVO IS A MAJOR SCANDAL AND A DANGEROUS SYMPTOM OF DEEP INTOLERANCE

EAST SARAJEVO, JUNE12 (SRNA) – The cancellation of the European Rabbinical Conference constitutes a major scandal and a dangerous indication of the deep-seated intolerance that persists in Sarajevo, stated Željka Cvijanović, Serb member and Chairwoman of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, in a comment to SRNA.

"With this act, Sarajevo has exposed to the world its darker side—one it has long ceased to conceal when it comes to Serbs, Croats, and other dissenting voices in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The self-proclaimed 'European Jerusalem' has now shut its doors to Jewish leaders who stand for freedom of religion and interfaith dialogue, shattering all illusions about its supposed openness," Cvijanović emphasized.

She warned that this move would inflict significant damage on Bosnia and Herzegovina’s already fragile international reputation and reinforce the views of those who portray the country in global media as a stronghold of antisemitism and a cradle of radical ideologies.

"Regrettably, this is not the first time that Sarajevo—along with its political actors, media, and intellectual elites—has exhibited hostility toward the Jewish people. This incident is merely the latest in a series of events in recent years marked by clear signs of antisemitism, which we have consistently warned against. It is a disgrace that reflects on the entire country, even though Bosnia and Herzegovina is more than just Sarajevo, and what happens there does not reflect the views of all peoples in Bosnia and Herzegovina," she added.

“In stark contrast to Sarajevo, Republika Srpska would have welcomed members of the Jewish religious community with open arms—along with all others who seek to share messages of peace and dialogue. We have welcomed and continue to welcome our Jewish friends, representatives of communities, the business sector, athletes, and many others—who are always respected and warmly received in Republika Srpska," she said.

The European Rabbinical Conference, which brings together chief rabbis from across Europe, was initially scheduled to take place in Sarajevo from June 16 to 18. However, the management of the Swissotel—where the event was to be held—informed the organizers that the gathering was being cancelled for "security reasons."

This decision followed a public campaign launched by Adnan Delić, Minister of Labour and Social Policy in the Government of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, who in an open letter called on citizens to oppose the conference, referring to Israel as a "genocidal entity" responsible for "shameful crimes against humanity."

In light of these developments, the organizers of the European Rabbinical Conference have decided to relocate the event to Munich, following an invitation from that city.

Chief Rabbi Pinchas Goldschmidt, President of the European Rabbinical Conference, remarked that Sarajevo has, through its actions, “declared itself a city open and tolerant toward all—except Jews.” He further stated that, following such a disgraceful attack on a European religious group, Bosnia and Herzegovina should be barred from joining the European Union.