ATIJAS: SRPSKA DELEGATION SETS DIPLOMATIC EXAMPLE OF HOW TO DEVELOP RELATIONS WITH ISRAEL

BANJA LUKA, JANUARY 29 /SRNA/ – The Republika Srpska delegation consisting of SNSD leader Milorad Dodik, is setting a diplomatic example of how relations with Israel should be developed, while Jews, as one of the national minorities in BiH, would like to witness correct relations between BiH and their motherland, Dario Atijas, Secretary of the Jewish Community in Doboj, told SRNA.

He states the Jewish people recognizes and remembers friends and develop good relations with them, which is also demonstrated by the fact that the Srpska delegation was received at the highest possible level by Israeli officials during its visit to Israel, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Speaking about the award presented today to Dodik in the Knesset, Atijas pointed out that it represents a deepening of friendly cooperation between Republika Srpska and Israel, and that those heading the Ministry of Foreign Affairs within the Council of Ministers can only learn from this. “The Jabotinsky for Freedom award presented to Dodik for his contribution to the development of Israel - Srpska relations and for his understanding of the problems of the Jewish people is enormous, because Jabotinsky is one of the leading historical figures for Jews in the struggle for and establishment of the State of Israel,” Atijas said, recalling that Dodik had previously received significant recognitions in Israel. Atijas emphasized that Jews in Republika Srpska feel comfortable and that they would like this to be the case in entire BiH as well. He noted that for years he has hoped for good relations between BiH and Israel and assessed that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs within the Council of Ministers is not doing enough in this regard. On the other hand, he says, the Republika Srpska delegation provides a diplomatic example of how such relations should be developed, given that Jews are one of the national minorities in BiH and would like to witness correct relations between BiH and their motherland. “We would like to witness the development of social, economic, and other forms of cooperation between Jews and the peoples of BiH and to create a climate that allows us to move forward,” Atijas said. He notes the Srpska delegation also visited the tomb of Arie Livne, who made a major contribution to the development of relations between Serbs from Republika Srpska and Jews. Atijas also pointed out that the synagogues built in Republika Srpska demonstrate the friendship between Srpska and Israel. “This means that the Jewish people, who have survived various catastrophes, will endure here. Our synagogues bring together all people of goodwill, regardless of faith or national affiliation,” Atijas said. Dodik was today presented in the Knesset with the Jabotinsky for Freedom award for his contribution to the Israel - Republika Srpska relations development and for understanding the Jewish people’s problems. Following the presentation of this award, Dodik and Acting President of Republika Srpska Ana Trivišić-Babić met with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, thus ending their several-day official visit to Israel.