Karić explained: I could not agree to the demands of the Chamber of Commerce of Israel, nor cover the plaque at the City Hall for SNSD members to enter

(Patria) - Sarajevo Mayor Benjamina Karić announced on Friday evening, explaining the reasons why she rejected the request of the Chamber of Commerce of Israel, after which she came under fire from parts of the political scene and the public.

"Appreciating our correct bilateral relations, I have not commented on the demands of the Chamber of Commerce of Israel, which clearly expected unconditional compliance. For example, I did not want to share with the public that friends from Israel wanted to decorate our City Hall, not with the flag of Israel, but with scenes from the song Jerusalem of Gold, which, besides the official anthem of Israel, is considered an unofficial anthem, and speaks of the 'conquest' of the Temple Mount by the Jews. I did not allow that. The Temple Mount, by the way, represents the most sensitive point of contact between Muslims and Jews in Jerusalem and is the scene of constant conflicts.

Regarding the fireworks, the explanation for why I did not give my permission was simple. I will remind you that the City of Sarajevo has joined cities that will not have organized New Year's fireworks, due to the negative consequences for the population, animals, and the environment. The pyrotechnic spectacle in the sky will be replaced by light visual effects and confetti.

Finally, I did not want to share the information that friends from the Chamber of Commerce of Israel asked me to hide the plaque at the City Hall that speaks of historical facts. This was requested in order to appease SNSD, whose members do not want to enter the building because of the plaque at the City Hall. I am writing all this, not to justify myself, because I have no reason to. I have my stance and I will never be afraid to make decisions," said Karić. 

 

Appreciating our correct bilateral relations, I have not commented on the demands of the Chamber of Commerce of Israel, which clearly expected unconditional compliance.

For example, I did not want to share with the public that friends from Israel wanted to decorate our City Hall,… pic.twitter.com/6BgKlWXOwX

— Benjamina Karić (@BenjaminaKaric) June 23, 2023