Montenegro’s Jewish community faces rising antisemitism amid growing hostility toward Israel

In the heart of Montenegro, where history and modern tensions intertwine, the Jewish community finds itself at a crossroads. The country, once a symbol of solidarity with Israel, now faces a growing undercurrent of hostility. This shift is palpable in the daily lives of its small Jewish population, which numbers fewer than 1,000. The community, which has long maintained a quiet presence, now grapples with the implications of rising antisemitism, a concern that has intensified since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas conflict in October 2023.
A striking symbol of Montenegro’s historical ties to Israel stands in Nikšić, a city that once served as a crucial transit point for the clandestine operation that delivered 17 Supermarine Spitfire aircraft to the fledgling Jewish state in 1948. The monument, unveiled in 2024, commemorates this pivotal moment, with a bronze plaque in Serbian, English, and Hebrew declaring it a “permanent reminder to the unbreakable friendship of Montenegro and Israel.” Yet, as the nation’s relationship with Israel has evolved, so too has the sentiment among some of its citizens.
Rabbi Ari Edelkopf, who leads the Religious Jewish Community of Montenegro, has noted a marked change in the atmosphere. “Yes, there’s antisemitism here. It’s much better than some other places, but the situation has changed,” he said. The rabbi, who has lived in the country for years, now finds himself relying on 24-hour security, a measure he never anticipated. Since the Israel-Hamas conflict, he has been monitoring antisemitic content online, a task that has become increasingly urgent. “We’re paying a lawyer to monitor all this,” he explained, highlighting the community’s efforts to stay ahead of potential threats.
The recent violent brawl in Budva, where Israeli tourists were attacked by local Montenegrins, has further heightened concerns. The incident, which occurred at a beach bar in the Adriatic resort town, has left the Jewish community in the capital on edge. While the exact cause of the altercation remains unclear, the event has sparked fears of a broader pattern of hostility. For a community that has long prided itself on its safety and integration, such incidents are both alarming and deeply troubling.
Montenegro’s Jewish community, though small, has played a significant role in the country’s cultural and historical narrative. The recent construction of a major Jewish cultural center in the capital, set to be completed this fall, underscores the community’s determination to preserve its identity and presence. Yet, as the nation’s political landscape shifts, the Jewish community must navigate a delicate balance between maintaining its heritage and addressing the growing challenges posed by rising antisemitism.
The situation in Montenegro reflects a broader trend across Europe and beyond, where the Israel-Hamas conflict has reignited long-standing tensions. For the Jewish community, the challenge is not only to protect itself but also to foster understanding and dialogue in a world that often seems divided. As the community looks to the future, it seeks to uphold the values of peace, justice, and mutual respect, even as it faces the realities of an increasingly complex and uncertain environment.

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