Montenegro a safe place for members of all nations and religions

PODGORICA, (Patria) - The President of the European Jewish Association, Rabbi Menachem Margolin, presented the European King David Award to the President of Montenegro, Milo Đukanović.

Đukanović said that he was greatly honored by the invitation to visit the European Jewish Association, which closely examines the present and contemplates the future of Europe and the world.

In his address after the award ceremony, he said that he experienced this as recognition for all citizens of Montenegro, as the only country that did not experience war destruction after the breakup of Yugoslavia.

He recalled that shortly after the restoration of independence, Montenegro became a member of NATO and a candidate for membership in the European Union.

"We have also become a leading economy in the region and one of the prestigious tourist destinations. Foreign partners today call Montenegro a successful European story and an anchor of stability in the Western Balkans," said Đukanović.

Recalling that since 2011 Montenegro has been enriched by the first Jewish community in its long history, Đukanović said that Jews have full autonomy in regulating religious and national relations, the Office of the President of Montenegro announced.

Jews from all over the world come to Montenegro, as well as tourists from Israel, while since last year Hanukkah has been celebrated in Montenegro for the first time.

"The construction of the first synagogue in Montenegro is planned. We are very proud that Montenegro is recognized as a safe place for members of all nations and religions, especially at a time of strengthening right-wing movements in Europe and the world and undisguised anti-Semitism, from which even the most developed democracies are not immune," announced Đukanović.

It would be, as he said, the biggest mistake to consider anti-Semitism a danger only for Jews.

"It is a danger for Europe and its essential values. It is a civilizational issue for modern humanity and its future. We are a small country with great hope that together we can help build a better world," Đukanović said.