European rabbis reject Bosnian Govt apology over cancelled Sarajevo conference

As Jewish News recalls, the Swissotel hotel in Sarajevo withdrew as the host venue after a public statement by Federation (FBiH) entity Minister Adnan Delic, who said that the city “must not be a stage for support of genocide.” The hotel subsequently cancelled reservations for 50 guests from across Europe, citing “recent events and significant public attention surrounding the upcoming event.”

Two weeks later, an apology arrived from the top of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s government.

In a letter addressed to CER President and Chief Rabbi Pinchas Goldschmidt, Council of Ministers Borjana Kristo Chair expressed “sincere regret” over the incident, stating that she was writing “in a personal capacity as well.”

“I firmly believe that all three constituent peoples of Bosnia and Herzegovina recognise the vital importance of interreligious and intercultural dialogue as a foundation for fostering mutual trust, understanding, and lasting peace,” Kristo wrote.

She stressed her “deep conviction that antisemitic rhetoric has no place in Bosnia and Herzegovina” and reaffirmed the country’s commitment to preventing such manifestations in society. The letter concluded with “a warm and respectful invitation” for Rabbi Goldschmidt to visit Bosnia and Herzegovina, describing his presence as “a powerful symbol of unity and a confirmation of our dedication to openness, tolerance, and continued cooperation.”

Despite the gesture, Goldschmidt issued a sharp response, acknowledging the letter as “a welcome gesture,” but stating that “any meaningful apology must come from those responsible.”

He pointed directly to Minister Adnan Delic, whom he said “led the public ban on our rabbinical meeting in Bosnia and Herzegovina,” and insisted that Delic should be the one to express regret. “If he refuses, we call on the government to publicly dismiss him. Anything less demonstrates tolerance for intolerance at the heart of government, regardless of any private letters we may receive,” Goldschmidt stated.

According to Haaretz, the CER conference was relocated to Munich, where the organisation’s headquarters are located. The event had initially been confirmed for June 16–18 and was expected to bring together chief rabbis from France, Germany, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and other countries.

Goldschmidt emphasised that the CER remains committed to defending religious freedom and ensuring “that no European country is allowed to exclude Jews or any Jewish organisation.”