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Montenegro's Jewish community faces rising hostility amid increased anti-Israel sentiment

From Jerusalem Post · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Montenegro's Jewish community faces increasing hostility and antisemitism, particularly since Oct. 7.
  • The community, numbering fewer than 1,000, has seen an increase in "Free Gaza" marches and online antisemitic content.
  • Recent incidents, including a violent brawl in Budva involving Israeli tourists, have unnerved the community, despite plans for a new Jewish cultural center.

Montenegro's small Jewish community, numbering fewer than 1,000 people, is navigating a period of heightened tension and increasing hostility, particularly in the wake of events since October 7. Rabbi Ari Edelkopf, who leads the Religious Jewish Community of Montenegro in the capital Podgorica, described a noticeable shift in the local atmosphere.

Yes, there’s antisemitism here. It’s much better than some other places, but the situation has changed.

— Rabbi Ari EdelkopfDescribing the changing atmosphere for the Jewish community in Montenegro.

"When I came here, I never believed we'd need 24-hour security," Edelkopf stated. He noted the prevalence of "Free Gaza" marches in major cities and the monitoring of antisemitic online portals. The community is actively employing legal counsel to track and address this content, reflecting a growing concern for their safety and well-being.

When I came here, I never believed we’d need 24-hour security.

— Rabbi Ari EdelkopfReflecting on the increased security concerns for the community.

Recent incidents involving Israeli visitors have further unsettled the community. In the Adriatic beach resort of Budva, a violent altercation occurred between local Montenegrins and approximately 20 Israeli tourists. While the exact cause remains unclear, witnesses reported that the conflict escalated when the tourists' Israeli identity became known, with shouts of "Free Palestine" and "F*** Israel" reportedly heard.

My office is following every antisemitic portal here in Montenegro. We’re paying a lawyer to monitor all this.

— Rabbi Ari EdelkopfDetailing the community's efforts to combat online antisemitism.

Rabbi Edelkopf recounted that the brawl involved physical assault, including the use of metal chairs and tables, and alleged that cigarettes were put out on the faces of the Israeli tourists. This incident has caused alarm among both local Jews and Israeli visitors, casting a shadow over the community despite the upcoming completion of a significant new Jewish cultural center in Podgorica.

Free Palestine’ and ‘F*** Israel’

— Locals (reported)Shouts allegedly heard during the brawl involving Israeli tourists in Budva.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Jerusalem Post in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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