Ambassador Jahel Vilan claimed that what happened in Srebrenica was not genocide and that this is the state of Israel’s official position otherwise, they would have voted in favour of the Resolution on Srebrenica at the UN.

“We have never accepted the term genocide for what happened in Srebrenica, a very serious war crime definitely happened there, but from our point of view, it does not represent the term genocide”, the Israeli Ambassador said.

The Srebrenica Memorial Center director, Emir Suljagic, responded on his X account by saying that the Centre “vehemently condemns the recent statements made by Israeli Ambassador to Serbia, Yahel Vilan, denying the genocide that took place in Srebrenica in July 1995. Ambassador Vilan's remarks, suggesting that what occurred in Srebrenica does not constitute genocide, are deeply troubling and grossly disrespectful to the memory of the more than 8,000 Bosniak men and boys systematically executed by Bosnian Serb forces.

The genocide in Srebrenica has been unequivocally established and recognized by the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia. These judgements were the result of exhaustive investigations and trials, underscoring the magnitude and intentionality of the atrocities committed. Denying these findings not only distorts historical truth but also inflicts additional pain on the survivors and the families of the victims who continue to seek justice and reconciliation.

Furthermore, the United Nations General Assembly has designated July 11 as the International Day of Remembrance of the Srebrenica Genocide. This global acknowledgment further reinforces the reality of the genocide, making any denial a blatant disregard of established international consensus.

Ambassador Vilan’s statements are not only a denial of historical facts but also a dangerous step backward in the fight against genocide and the prevention of future atrocities. As a representative of a nation that has endured its own history of profound suffering and genocide, it is particularly disheartening to hear such a denial from an Israeli diplomat. The legacy of the Holocaust should teach us the importance of recognizing and condemning all acts of genocide, irrespective of where and against whom they occur.

We stand firm in our dedication to honoring the victims, preserving the truth, and educating future generations about the horrors of genocide. We will not be silenced by denialism, and we will continue our mission to ensure that the world remembers and learns from the tragedy of Srebrenica.”