At the entrance to Niksic, Montenegro’s second-largest city, a vintage fighter jet painted in the colors of the Israel Air Force stands on a pedestal, symbolizing the covert “Operation Velvetta” that delivered Spitfire aircraft from Czechoslovakia to Israel in 1948. The monument, unveiled earlier this year, commemorates the clandestine mission that played a key role in Israel’s War of Independence. An inscription on the base honors the longstanding friendship between Montenegro and Israel.
However, this historic bond is currently facing new challenges amid rising tensions linked to ongoing regional conflicts. Rabbi Ari Edelkopf, leader of the Religious Jewish Community of Montenegro in the capital city of Podgorica, expressed growing concerns about antisemitism in the country. Since the outbreak of renewed hostilities in the Middle East in October 2023, Montenegro has witnessed demonstrations supporting Gaza in major cities, prompting heightened security measures for the Jewish community.
The unease intensified following a violent incident on July 12 in the Adriatic resort town of Budva, where a group of about 20 Israeli tourists reportedly clashed with local residents. According to Rabbi Edelkopf and an Israeli government advisory, the altercation began as a personal dispute but escalated upon the attackers learning the nationality of the visitors. Reports indicate the assailants used hateful slogans and physically assaulted the Israelis, causing several injuries, including a broken jaw. Authorities were criticized for their limited response, and the Israeli government assisted some of the tourists in arranging expedited departures. One individual remained hospitalized in Montenegro.
Despite such episodes, the Jewish community in Montenegro remains relatively small—fewer than 1,000 individuals—and has a history dating back centuries. Archaeological evidence points to a flourishing Jewish presence in the region since Roman times. Judaism was officially recognized as one of Montenegro’s four state religions in 2012, alongside the Eastern Orthodox Church, Catholicism, and Islam.
Montenegro’s population is predominantly Eastern Orthodox Christian, with a significant Muslim minority comprising Bosniaks and Albanians, groups that have shown varying degrees of sympathy for the Palestinian cause. Nikolla Camaj, vice president of Montenegro’s parliament and an ethnic Albanian, acknowledged strong official ties with Israel but noted internal divisions over the Israel-Palestine conflict, reflecting broader regional dynamics.
In Podgorica, pro-Palestinian imagery has appeared publicly, including a large mural depicting Gazan children alongside political messages. Similar expressions of discontent have occurred elsewhere, including verbal harassment of Israeli visitors in the border town of Plav.
Local Jewish leaders remain cautiously optimistic. Nina Ofner Bokan, president of the country’s progressive Jewish congregation, emphasized the community’s integration and the ability to express Jewish identity openly without fear. Her congregation recently marked the groundbreaking of Montenegro’s first purpose-built synagogue, expected to be completed early next year.
Tourism from Israel continues to grow, with over 110,000 Israeli visitors recorded in Montenegro last year, attracted by the country’s scenic coastline and cultural offerings. Many Israelis travel on direct flights from Tel Aviv, and active online communities support travel and cultural exchange.
Montenegro’s Jewish community is represented by two main congregations, one Orthodox led by Rabbi Edelkopf and another progressive group under Ofner Bokan. Both groups maintain active cultural programming and public engagement, underscoring their commitment to fostering interfaith dialogue and combating antisemitism.
Despite current tensions, many in Montenegro’s Jewish and broader communities express hope that dialogue and mutual understanding can prevail amid the challenging backdrop of global political conflicts.