Prenosimo sa European Jewish Press

European rabbinical delegation meets leaders in Albania and Montenegro


TIRANA (EJP)---As part of an ongoing work to assist the revival of smaller Jewish communities in Europe, a delegation from the Rabbinical Centre of Europe (RCE), including Israel’s Chief RabbiYona Metzger, is visiting this week Albania and Montenegro.

"The Balkans have such a rich Jewish history, it’s vital that we assist in the renewal of Jewish life there," said Rabbi Aryeh Goldberg, the RCE's Deputy Director.

"The authorities there have expressed goodwill towards their Jewish community and interest in helping them grow."

One of main goals on the trip is to assist in the establishment of ties between the Jewish communities and the government and other officials.

  In Montenegro, where slightly less than 2,000 Jews live, the RCE will inaugurate and establish an official Jewish community.

"Creating a Jewish communal structure in Montenegro is a great challenge but a vital one," Rabbi Goldberg said. "There is a thirst for being part of a wider Jewish community, not just in their own country, but being connected to the European Jewish community, and the RCE is always willing to assist these communities regardless of size."

As Montenegro was formally part of Serbia until 2006, its community was considered part of the wider Serbian community and since its independence; Montenegro has not had its own established community.

"The Jewish community of Montenegro is a great example of a small but dedicated community," said Goldberg


The RCE is to meet with delegation will meet with President FilipVujanovic, Prime Minister Igor Luksic and the Mayor of Podgorica, the country’s capital.

In Albania, the RCE delegation met with several political leaders including President Bamir Topi, Prime Minister Sali Berisha and the Mayor of Tirana, Edi Rama. A new Sefer Torah was presented to the synagogue of the Albanian capital.

The aim of these meetings is to receive recognition of the small Jewish community by the government, acquire necessary budget allocations and land for community institutions and discuss restitution issues.

Last year, the RCE was already instrumental in the inauguration of the first Chief Rabbi of Albania, Joel Kaplan, an event which was attended by Israel’s Chief Rabbi Shlomo Amar and included representatives from the Albanian Christian and Muslim communities.

The visit of the RCE delegation in both countries was set up by Rabbi Levi Matusof, Director of the European Jewish Public Affairs inBrussels, who maintains close relations with these governments.