The government of Bosnia-Herzegovina has apologised for the cancellation of a hotel booking for delegates from The Conference of European Rabbis.
As reported by Jewish News, the Swissotel in Sarajevo, the country’s capital, withdrew as a venue for the event following an open letter by a Bosnian federal minister stating that the city “must not be a stage for supporting genocide”.
Adnan Delic referred to Israel as a “genocidal entity” committing “shameful crimes against humanity”. Subsequently cancelling the booking for 50 guests from across Europe, Swissotel cited “recent developments and significant public attention related to the upcoming event.”
In a letter sent today to the CER’s president Chief Rabbi Pinchas Goldschmidt, the chairwoman of the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Borjano Kristo, who said she was also writing “in a personal capacity”, expressed her “sincere regret” for the incident.
“I hold the firm conviction that all three constituent peoples of Bosnia and Herzegovina recognise the vital importance of interreligious and intercultural dialogue as a cornerstone for fostering mutual trust, understanding, and lasting peace”, she said.
Kristo added: “I would like to underscore my deep belief that antisemitic rhetoric has no place in Bosnia and Herzegovina. We remain steadfast in our commitment to act collectively to prevent such manifestations in our society.”
Kristo ended the letter with “a warm and respectful invitation to visit Bosnia and Herzegovina. Your presence would serve as a powerful symbol of unity and reaffirm our dedication to openness, tolerance, and continued cooperation.”
Rooms for the delegates had been confirmed and flights booked ahead of the annual meeting of chief rabbis from all over Europe, including France, Germany, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom, due to take place Monday 16th to Wednesday 18th June.
Whilst expressing his appreciation for the letter, calling it a welcome gesture, Chief Rabbi Pinchas Goldschmidt replied that “any meaningful apology must come from those responsible. Federal Minister Adnan Delic, who led the public barring of our rabbinic meeting from Bosnia and Herzegovina, should be the one expressing regret. If he refuses to apologise, we call on the Government to publicly dismiss him. Anything less shows tolerance for intolerance at the heart of the Government, despite letters they may send to us privately.”
Chief Rabbi Pinchas Goldschmidt
Goldschmidt added: “The Conference of European Rabbis remains committed to defending religious freedom and ensuring that no European country is permitted to exclude Jews or any Jewish organisation.”
The annual meeting took place at the CER headquarters in Munich, Germany.
