Islamic Community of BiH: Sarajevo is an open city, accusations of antisemitism are malicious

(Patria) - The Islamic Community in Bosnia and Herzegovina has issued a statement regarding the cancellation of the Conference of European Rabbis, which was planned to be held in Sarajevo from June 16 to 18, 2025, stating that it does not support the banning of religious gatherings and considers all accusations concerning Sarajevo as an intolerant city to be malicious.

“The Islamic Community in Bosnia and Herzegovina was not informed about the organization or cancellation of the European Conference of Rabbis in Sarajevo. We oppose any bans on religious gatherings in Sarajevo or anywhere else. Sarajevo is an open city where there is no room for any hatred or calls for hostility towards anyone, and we consider all accusations coming in that regard to be malicious,” the statement reads.

They also recalled the words of the Rais al-Ulama Husein ef. Kavazović that the Islamic Community is “ready to host all well-intentioned guests of Sarajevo and Bosnia and Herzegovina, including the European Conference of Rabbis”.

The Islamic Community calls on the competent state and city authorities to take responsibility for what they describe as a “false image” that is being created about Sarajevo and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The statement follows a previous announcement by the Jewish Community in Sarajevo, which expressed serious concern over what they described as an “unprecedented antisemitic campaign” which, according to them, led to the cancellation of the Conference of European Rabbis.

According to the Jewish Community, the conference was supposed to be dedicated to issues of common interest to several religious communities, such as circumcision and ritual slaughter, a topic relevant to both Jewish and Muslim faiths. Sarajevo was chosen as the host due to its “centuries-old tradition of interreligious respect,” and the aim of the gathering was to send a message of understanding and support for religious freedoms.

However, according to the claims of the Jewish Community, shortly before the conference, “completely false information” was disseminated that the gathering was being held to express support for Israeli policy, which caused a series of reactions, threats, and the spread of antisemitism.

Statements by certain politicians, including Minister Adnan Delić, and some religious officials, who baselessly linked the conference to the war in the Middle East, were particularly highlighted. The Jewish Community also announced legal steps against those who, they claim, “misled the public and endangered the security of the Jewish community,” urging citizens not to fall for manipulation.

This situation has caused a series of reactions in domestic and international public opinion, including warnings from diplomatic and non-governmental circles, calling for de-escalation of tensions and preservation of Sarajevo's image as a city of dialogue and tolerance.