The Bosnian government has issued an official apology for the abrupt cancellation of a rabbinical gathering in Sarajevo. The event, intended to host European rabbis, was canceled by the Swissotel following public outcry and a federal minister’s controversial statements. This apology comes two weeks after the incident, aiming to mend diplomatic ties and reaffirm the nation’s commitment to interfaith dialogue.
Bosnian Government Apologizes for Canceled Rabbinical Gathering
Two weeks after a planned gathering of European rabbis in Sarajevo was abruptly canceled, the Bosnian government has issued an official apology. The incident, which saw the Swissotel in Sarajevo withdraw as the venue, stemmed from an open letter by Bosnian federal minister Adnan Delic, who controversially stated that the city "must not be a stage for supporting genocide," referring to Israel as a "genocidal entity."
Key Takeaways
- The Bosnian government apologized for the cancellation of a rabbinical gathering in Sarajevo.
- The cancellation was prompted by controversial statements from a federal minister.
- The apology was issued two weeks after the event’s cancellation.
- The Conference of European Rabbis (CER) held its annual meeting in Munich, Germany, instead.
Details of the Incident
The Conference of European Rabbis (CER) had planned its annual meeting for June 16-18, with 50 chief rabbis from across Europe, including France, Germany, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom, expected to attend. Rooms were confirmed and flights booked. However, the Swissotel canceled the booking, citing "recent developments and significant public attention related to the upcoming event," following Minister Delic’s remarks.
Government’s Apology and CER’s Response
Borjana Kristo, Chairwoman of the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina, sent a letter to CER President Chief Rabbi Pinchas Goldschmidt, expressing "sincere regret" for the incident. Kristo emphasized the importance of interreligious and intercultural dialogue and condemned antisemitic rhetoric, inviting Goldschmidt to visit Bosnia and Herzegovina as a "powerful symbol of unity."
While appreciating the gesture, Chief Rabbi Goldschmidt stated that a meaningful apology should come from Minister Delic himself. He called for Delic’s public dismissal if he refused to apologize, asserting that anything less would indicate "tolerance for intolerance at the heart of the Government." The CER remains committed to defending religious freedom and ensuring no European country excludes Jewish organizations.
Aftermath
Following the cancellation, the annual meeting of the Conference of European Rabbis was held at the CER headquarters in Munich, Germany.
