Milorad Dodik, president of Bosnia’s Republika Srpska (RS) entity, has been listed as a speaker at an international conference on combating antisemitism in Jerusalem, raising concerns among critics who point to his history of genocide denial and separatist rhetoric.

Germany’s Commissioner for Jewish Affairs, Felix Klein, withdrew from the event upon learning that Dodik, along with far-right French politicians, would be among the participants. Klein’s office stated that he had accepted the invitation months ago without knowing the full list of attendees.

The two-day conference, organized by Israel’s Ministry for Diaspora Affairs, aims to bring together government officials, activists, and academics to address contemporary antisemitism. However, Eli Tauber, a historian and member of Bosnia’s Jewish community, questioned Dodik’s presence, warning that he could use the platform to push his political agenda and make inflammatory statements about Bosnia.

Dodik’s participation comes as he faces legal troubles in Bosnia and Herzegovina, where he is set to appear before prosecutors on charges of undermining the constitutional order. He has also been sanctioned by the US and UK for his secessionist policies and efforts to block state institutions in Republika Srpska.

Israeli authorities have not commented on why Dodik was invited, despite his history of genocide denial regarding Srebrenica. The conference will also feature speeches by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Isaac Herzog.

Dodik’s appearance at the event coincides with increasing scrutiny from Western governments over his actions in Bosnia, raising further questions about his role at a conference dedicated to fighting antisemitism.