COMMITMENT TO COOPERATION WITH JEWS

BANJA LUKA, DECEMBER 5 /SRNA/ - Republika Srpska President Milorad Dodik said on Thursday evening in Banja Luka that the Serbian and Jewish peoples are friendly, brotherly, and must stay together because their fates are intertwined.

"We remain dedicated to cooperation with our Jewish brothers, with the state of Israel," Dodik said at the Republika Srpska Museum of Contemporary Art, where the sculpture exhibition "Figures in Motion," created by the famous French artist Edgar Degas, was opened in the presence of the non-resident Israeli Ambassador to BiH, Peleg Galit. Dodik reminded that World War II was a time of shared suffering, particularly for the Jewish and Serbian peoples. "The fate and suffering of the Jewish people mirror the fate and suffering of the Serbian people. That is why we must remain together," Dodik emphasized. He emphasized that tonight's exhibition, which is significant for Banja Luka and all true art lovers, would not have been possible without Israel, especially considering the complex circumstances the country and its people are currently facing during a challenging period. "They are our friends, a friendly country, a brotherly nation, and that is why it is important that, at this very moment, Banja Luka has the honor and opportunity to host such a significant exhibition. I am proud as the President of the Republic that we have been recognized by the State of Israel as a safe place for such an event," emphasized Dodik. He thanked all those present for being part of this significant moment, which true art lovers had dreamed of but never believed could happen. “Thank you to everyone who made this decision, it was not easy in today’s times. Through the dedicated work of the MTA Foundation from Israel, our team at the Museum, and the support from Israel, we are witnessing one of the most important moments when it comes to art. Few have had the chance to witness the art of the French artist that is now presented to Banja Luka," said Dodik. He emphasized that Serbs believe in transformation, sovereignty, the right of a state and its people to defend themselves, cooperation among states and nations, and good relations between people. "But not everyone is like that today, we have those who are terrorists, those who feel no hesitation in killing a child, a woman, or a young man, who destroy an entire community without a second thought. That is why we are on Israel’s side today, that is why tonight the Palace of the Republic is in the colors of the Israeli flag, for Israel to recognize us as friends," said Dodik. He emphasized that this is the right time to show the difference from those who spread violence. "It is the right time to show that we are different from those who spread violence. We want war and suffering to stop as soon as possible. I believe we have seen all sorts of wonders in the world these days, but I also believe that this time is passing," Dodik said. He expressed gratitude to Israel for understanding the position of the Serbs in Republika Srpska, who desire peace and have been unjustly pushed into BiH that has no future and where they have suffered for 30 years. “Long live Israel, its freedom, and the Jewish people. Long live Republika Srpska and the Serbian people,” Dodik said.