May 2010 - An opportunity to meet with members

May 07, 2010 - Swift Police Action

The message we found this morning posted on the name plate of our Community once again brought to mind the reality of our situation. We have almost forgotten what it felt like to be “targeted” by a nationalist organization. Anti-Antifa Beograd, as they have dubbed the branch of a much wider organization unequivocally states the goals of their struggle and that we too have been selected as a target. The one encouraging thing in the whole dismal event was the swift reaction of police forces and the subsequent inspection. The police also spoke to the mayor of Zemun. We expect further investigation will determine not only the culprits but also persons who instigated the act and uphold such threats.

29.4-2.5.2010 – Family Seminar in Kladovo

Members of our Community attended this year’s family seminar named 3Ds –ability, achievement, contribution held in Kladovo. The four day program was truly packed with contents ranging from education to religion, art, recreation and entertainment. Flowers were placed on the monument dedicated to the so called “Kladovo Transport” marking the place where Jews from Central Europe came in 1940 in their attempt to escape Nazi extinction and reach a safe port on their way to the Holy Land .
Socializing with other 280 members of Jewish communities from almost all countries of former Yugoslavia was merriest in open space country, the park inside the “Fetislam” tower and during the journey along the Danube in the tourist boat "Đerdap".
Due compliments go to the organizers and hosts of this event who implemented such a complex and copious program so successfully.

April 25, 2010 - Proceedings of the Annual Meeting of JC Zemun

On Sunday, April 25, 2010 the members of the Zemun Jewish Community held the Community Annual Meeting. In the presence of a large number of its membership and Federation President Aleksandar Nećak the president of JCZ Nenad Fogel opened the Meeting. After the Meeting committee was selected: Jova Đorđević – chairman, Erna Kovačević and Mihajlo Farkić – committee members, Ria Beherano recording secretary and Verica Marković and Mirjana Eberle records attesters, the Meeting began work. Jova Đorđević presented the Annual Report drawn up by the auditing committee regarding JCZ 2009 budget financing which was unanimously approved by the Meeting. Reports on the Community’s operation and the JCZ budget for the year 2009 were presented and unanimously approved. Federation president Aleksandar Nećak explained in detail why the JC Zemun budget for 2010 does not contain provision of Federation funds for JCZ’s cultural projects and EDJK as well as why the funds for administration operation have been reduced. Members were surprised to hear that its community had been deprived of funding for important segments of community operation due to the fact that the majority of Jewish Communities’ presidents had foregone to duly authorize Federation president to make additional effort (i.e. apply with various state funds) to procure deficient funds. When their consent was finally obtained all terms for application to funds available to the Federation had expired. However upon the president’s promise to try to secure necessary proceeds by the end of the year, the budget for 2010 was unanimously approved by the Meeting.

Nenad Fogel reported on JCZ projects planned for 2010. Special mention was made of the implementation of the project “joys of socializing” envisaged as visits paid to all Jewish Communities in Serbia which cultivate gastronomy. The Meeting concluded that our members intend to actively contribute to the success of such meetings (to the last morsel). To aid our hosts in providing diversity to the “joys of socializing” program we plan to promote our latest video exhibition and catalogue on the work of JCZ from 2008 to 2010. The catalogue and video exhibition project had apart from JDC received support (financial) from the Zemun Town Hall .

In answer to the request made by the choir “Srpsko jevrejsko pevačko društvo’’ (Serbian-Jewish Singing Society) the Meeting resolved to accept the offered cooperation by accepting its membership as JC Zemun’s associate members. It was decided that cooperation with a choir of such repute led by maestro Đorđe Stanković would be of consequence and to the interest of both parties. We expect this cooperation to be of importance not only to JCZ but also to the entire Jewish community of Serbia .

Next on the Meeting agenda was Marija Salom’s request for community support for applying to the London Rothschild Foundation in connection with her “family book” project. Although, in principle we do not support private projects the Meeting decided to take the request into consideration once the filled in application is submitted to the community for appraisal. In view of the explanations presented to the Meeting by Federation president it was decided that a proposal should be submitted at the forthcoming Federation Annual Meeting to adopt a standardized form for cultural projects application. It is expected that such a form will provide future transparent and unbiased decision making regarding applications submitted by all Federation members.

April 21, 2010 - Celebration of Yom Ha’azmaut

The Embassy of Israel in Belgrade held a formal reception on April 21^st, Jewish independence - Yom Ha’azmaut. Numerous guests came to mark the 62^nd anniversary of the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948. After drifting from one end of the world to another Jews have finally come to the exact place where 2000 years ago their state was lost. Beside members of the Zemun Jewish Community, present at the reception were many activists from Jewish Communities in Serbia . The attendance of the president of the Federation Aleksandar Nećak and presidents of all Jewish Communities in Serbia underlined the importance of the occasion.
This year will be dedicated to the observance of 150^th year of the birth of Theodor Herzl, the ideological originator of the modern state of Israel . The Embassy of Israel in Belgrade in collaboration with the Zemun Town Hall has planned a series of activities to commemorate this important anniversary. The Zemun Jewish Community intends to participate proactively in celebration events since Theodore Herzl’s ancestors were Zemunians. Theodore Herzl’s father Jakov was born in Zemun not far from the noted Ashkenazi synagogue in which rabbi Yehuda Alkalai, the political predecessor of Thodore’s Zionist movement served for 50 years. Inside the Jewish cemetery in Zemun the monuments of Theodor Herzl’s grand-mother and grand-father stand out. The Zemun Jewish Community is proud of such heritage and reverently preserves in memory the contribution of its membership to the idea of the restoration of the state of Israel .

March 20^th 2010. - Synagogue in Fremantle – Australia

In the continuation of our research on the Jewish Australia time brought us into the city Fremantle in Western Australia . We were genuinely surprised by the fact how many similarities between our two communities. The Synagogue was built by the Fremantle Jewish Community in 1902. Just before the outbreak of the 1st world war, services in Fremantle were discontinued, and various organizations (religious and others) rented the premises until its sale. A new commercial frontage has been added to the original building.

March 18^th 2010 - President JOZ visits JC in Perth

In order to know the conditions in which Jewish community in Australia works, we visited the Jewish center in Perth . Mandy Kratzmer, the chief administrator of the Center, showed Ida Best and Nenad Fogel a number of halls and classrooms in which they maintain their activities. Center offers various programs of cultural, social, educational, and recreational fitness programs to for all age. The Center is also home to many Jewish organizations and youth groups. During a brief visit, we met with the work of the Holocaust Institute. On this occasion we had presented our printed and electronic publications about research of Jews in Zemun. They were pleasantly surprised by the number of our publications, especially considering the size of the community in Zemun (140 members). We on the other hand were surprised their assertion that they consider themselves a small community (10,000 members). This small community has elementary and secondary schools that are considered the leading educational institutions in Perth . The community operates several synagogues of different orientation, from orthodox to liberal. This was a good opportunity to announce the arrival of Shabbat into the local synagogue.

Recorded by Nenad Fogel

March 3^rd 2010 - Once there was ...

I came (with GPS) in the street 29 November to visit Andeselić, married Vera Petrovic, who lived the war years in the Princess Olga St. and after the war at the same address in Djure Djakovica St. Today, without changing the address, in fact, lives in the Boulevard of Despot Stefan. And these war years did not matter where you live, but the kind of' "material'' you're made of. Lenka Lunginović, Vera's friend, was taken on January 19^th  on the road of no return to the German camp Judenlager Semiln. Vera, her mother Mary and sister Natalia were then doubting to take care of the little two-year Sonja. Vera Petrovic, born Andeselić, is one of the few righteous living in Serbia . We had the honor and privilege to record the testimony of that brave and humane woman for film about women on the Righteous from Serbia .

February 28, 2010 - Celebration of Purim among Friends

Members of the JC in Zemun are left with no possibility to celebrate our holidays with a religious service. Since we have neither synagogue nor rabbi, it did not take long for us to decide to celebrate Purim in Subotica this year. Before going to the synagogue our little group attended a short seminar on farmstead “Jelen” near lake Palić . The seminar subject was a palatable “perklet”. Owing to these successful preliminaries and free of any gut angst we attended the synagogue service in heartwarming serenity. As the evening unrolled it brought to life the full beauty of Purim’s joyous celebrations. In the company of the Osijek membership, the many hosts and music of exquisite tambourine players we rejoiced as if this very year Estera had saved Jews in Serbia of anti-Semitic literature. Many wore masks but no one had thought of dressing up as Robert Szabados. It wasn’t as if he wasn’t spoken of him.

February 23, 2010. From Belgrade to Bečkerek and back

February 22, 2010 - Judging by the first telltale signs…

Today the Council President of Zemun borough, Mr. Branislav Prostran received the President of the Zemun Jewish Community, Mr. Nenad Fogel. The meeting was conducted with efficiency and in a manner highlighting Mr. Fogel’s request for the borough’s new administration’s backing as regards Zemun Jewish Community endeavors to reclaim the building of the former synagogue. Mr. Fogel stressed that the Zemun Jewish Community has, together with former borough administrations, been searching for an equitable solution for the past ten year period. During all this time reasons why the Jewish Community of Zemun had had to sell the synagogue in 1961 were never touched on. The Council President replied that the problem must first be dealt from its legal aspect by jurists, but that he personally felt that the best solution would be to return the synagogue as compensation for the ample real estate requisitioned from the Zemun Jewish Community. He further stressed that the Municipality is willing to take a proactive part, within feasible limits, in the implementation of our Community’s projects.

February 19, 2010. The Righteous Andrej Tumpej

The search for a photograph of Andrej Tumpej brought us to Matilda Kalef – Čerga. Far back in 1941, just a girl of twelve she found refuge together with her sister Rahela with the nuns of the parish of Saint Cyril and Methodious in Banovo Brdo. Andrej Tumpej, parish priest at the time, helped the Kalef sisters survive the first months of the ferocious pursuits of Jews in Belgrade . Although his vocation took him across the entire territory of Yugoslavia after World War II Matilda kept in constant touch with him right up to his death. The fact that he performed the wedding ceremony for Matilda and Čerga Oton while serving in Bitola speaks best of the strength of the relationship between them.

January 31. 2010. Two more years to the Sholet "Bar Mitzvah’’

January 31. 2010. - A Righteous of Novi Sad ,  Dr. Dušan Jovanović

15. Shevat 5770. Tu Bishvat – the New Year of Trees

We did everything by the book except for the planting of a tree (chiefly because it is still wintertime in Serbia ). Instead we sowed seeds of understanding. David Montias and Mira Panić the president and deputy president of the Jewish Community in Pančevo together with about ten of their community members were once again with us for the day. The event was endorsed by the presence of Federation president Aleksandar Nećak. As always our friends from Zemun were there to celebrate the holiday with us. Together with us for the first time was the internationally recognized caricaturist, painter and architect Dragan Rumenčić, the doyen of the famous “Zemun School of Caricature”. As a token of his visit he presented our community with and aquarelle inspired by Zemun’s landmark - The Gardoš Millennia Tower. A lawyer by profession and great entertainer by talent David’s friend Moma was the “star’ of the celebration. In his short gracious speech he emphasized everything that we as a Jewish community uncompromisingly stand for, universal understanding and appreciation of difference. This was best made evident when led by Moma and his guitar we sang all the evergreens of Yugoslavia , those good old familiar tunes. Many were taken back to their days of youth by the music of his guitar. The sole representative of the new generation Andrej, was ready to lend a hand with rhythm section accompaniment.

January 27th, 2010 - Opening of an exhibition Federation of Jewish Communities in Serbia - 90 years

January 23, 2010 -  New Year’s Concert of the Zemun Chamber Orchestra

A prized event to Zemunians for the past six years the traditional concert was organized by the Tourist Association of Zemun, the Zemun Air Force Club and the Club of Home Culture of Zemun once again this year.
The choice musical program led by Ružica Velimirović and the conductor Đorđe Stanković, M.A. came as a gratifying gift to the large audience. The vivacious and spirited conductor’s performance, in style with the Vienna New Year’s Concert offered genuine enjoyment to the public. As a special surprise the "Braća Baruh" choir led by Marlene Weinberger Pavlović was introduced to the public with a presentation that filled the space of the auditorium with an abundance of added energy.
Present at the event were members of our community under "the conductor’s staff" of Nenad Fogel and wife.
J. Rakita (Foto: J.Rakita)

January 21, 2010 - Visiting the Prima Donna

January 20, 2010  - The Story of Sonja Baruh

Dolores Moreno, daughter to Sonja Baruh of the renowned family of revolution leaders tried to help us to look into a World War II episode concerning the rescue of her mother. During December 1941 Miroslav and Zlatica Kirec gave shelter to Sonja while she was waiting for a liaison to take her to a safer place in central Serbia . Our role as investigators compels us to turn our attention to the video statement Sonja made to Steven Spielberg’s Shoah Foundation in order to learn more details about the story. By personal initiative Miroslav Kirec was proclaimed a Righteous among Nations in 1990.

January 20, 2010 - Olimpijada on the Righteous

In the manner of a CI unit we uncovered the daughter of the Righteous Nada Kozlov nèe Jovanović. Olimpijada Stojanović – Kozlov readily answered our request to recount the story of young Kalmi’s rescue she’d so often heard from her mother. Once more we were struck by the startling courage of individuals who in those horrific times of war when life literarily meant nothing saved lives against all odds. Boža Jovanović, Olimpija’s grandfather had perished during the war never to know that the Jew, Levi Kalmi whom he had harbored in his home managed to survive it. For his courage Boža, his wife Desanka and their two children Nemanja and Nada received the Medal of the Righteous in 1968.

January 2010. - Sonja Lunginović’s Three Mothers

Compulsory research carried out within the framework of preparations for the book about the Righteous in Serbia prompted us to visit Sonja Lunginović whose touching life story is portrayed in the book. During World War II Sonja Lunginović was saved by Marija Andeselić and her two daughters Natalija and Vera. We couldn’t believe our luck when Mrs. Sonja showed us photographs taken in those harsh times of war. One was taken in 1942, another in 1943, a third in 1943 … Such photos are considered unique as the odds of being photographed during the war were very small; the likelihood that they would survive bombardments and war hostilities even less. These valuable documents of a devastating time will be preserved for posterity in the book “Righteous among Nations – Serbia ” prepared, written and issued by the Jewish Community of Zemun.

Nenad Fogel, Beograd 10. januar 2010.-

January 10, 2010. - Through The Arcade Of The Righteous

The site of today’s renowned gallery/bookstore “Arkade” ( Arcade ) in Zemun’s Njegoševa Str. No.5 has from times prior to WWII been the home of a brave and noble lady Mirjana Uglješić , married  Barbulović. In those days when the street’s name had been Sv. Nikolajevska her home was the ultimate refuge for many Jews and communists. She saw dozens of them leave from her doorstep to join the Partisan forces. Among them Pavle Belah, alias Hilko Hilić, saved by the joint efforts of Mira Cvijović, Antun Benčević and Mirjana Uglješić also found his way to the Partisans. Mira Cvijović was unfortunately killed in September 1942.
As recognition for saving Jews of Zemun Mirjana Uglješić – Barbulović, Antun Benčević and Martina Levec – Marković were awarded with the “Megila of gratitude” by the Federation of Jewish Communities in Yugoslavia .

Nenad Fogel 10.01.2010. (Foto: J.Rakita)

January 10, 2010.  - Laughter tainted by Tears

’“Don’t mind me. My laughter is always mixed with tears.” Eyes brimming with tears Mileva Stefanović married Svejtličić, a Righteous among Nations, reminisced on the horrors of World War II. We visited Mrs. Mileva, better known as Seka in her home in former Žarka Zrenjanina Street now renamed Vojvode Šupljikca. It appears that in Serbia heroes of war are slowly losing ground in their present-day struggle against wartime collaborationists, quislings and other enemy agents. This of course does not apply to Vojvoda Šupljikac (1786–1848), but to the many names that have found their way into Serbia ’s Who’s Who book of prominent Serbs. However, let us return to those who during WWII opposed and acted against the authorities, collaborators and the many enemies’ calls for the annihilation of a whole people, Jews.  Such were Mile Stefanović and his younger sister Mileva Stefanović from Jajinci. They never had any doubts about what was happening on the site known as Strelište that was just a few hundred meters from their house. The daily killings that went on there were not actually witnessed since the entire location was heavily guarded by Germans, but neither were they a secret. The stark reality of their surroundings only enhanced their resolution to save the Bararon family, their god-parents. We were fortunate enough to get in touch with Seka Svjetličić one of the rare Righteous still alive from whom we learned new details about the saving of Rivka and her baby Jaša Bararon. She also told us how Mile Stefanović obtained new identities, those of Radmila and Miša Babić for them. This was yet another breakthrough in our research work for the book about the Righteous of Serbia which is expected to come out at the end of the year.

Nenad Fogel 10.01.2010. (Foto: J.Rakita)

December 21, 2009 - “GOLEM” on the boards of the Fifth Belgrade Gymnasia

Before a full house of the Fifth Belgrade Gymnasia’s theatrical stage the company “King David” presented its performance of author Julija Paskal’s (Canada) “Golem”, directed by Mirjam Salom. It was this year’s crowning performance of our only amateur theater that has been active since 1986. Mirjam Salom’s undying affection and dedication for its wellbeing throughout the years has resulted in the staging of over 20 performances of assorted theatrical genre. The young actors: Lea Lovčević, Maša Đorđević, Oliver Nojman, Teodora Đurić and Nikola Jeremić inspired by the play’s exceptionally demanding text proved that they have matured into genuine amateur theatre personages.

December 15^th 2009 - Fifth Day of Hanukkah Celebrated

The celebration of the fifth day of Hanukkah was marked by two special events. Respecting traditional ceremony the Israeli Embassy in Belgrade celebrated the holiday commemorating the victory over Hellenic occupation. For more on the celebration visit B92 site (in Serbian).
Across Belgrade in the Sukat Shalom synagogue members of the Jewish community observed the fifth day of Hanukkah by an appropriate service in the presence of many guests, among them President Boris Tadić. After the formal service the guests lit five candles in the synagogue’s courtyard. The Hanukkiah made of plastic sewer pipes speaks volumes of the imagination of the artist who remains unknown to us. The first or fifth candle, depending on which side you look at it, as Rabbi Isak Asiel remarked, was lit by President Tadić. The remaining candles were then lit by Episcope Porfirije of the Serbian Orthodox Church, Archbishop of Belgrade Stanislav Hočevar, Belgrade Mufti Muhamed Jusufspahić and the Minister of Religion Bogoljub Šijaković. Upon the ceremony of candle lighting the guests were given the opportunity to help themselves to traditional holiday food. Doughnuts and potato pancakes are obligatory items of all holiday feasts.

Members of the Jewish Community in Zemun celebrated the second day of Hanukkah in the company of their closest friends and assiduous activists. This year the ceremonial of lighting candles was entrusted to Andrej the youngest community member. Assisted by the JCZ president (his grandfather) he lit the first two candles. As custom dictates once the candles were lit the Menorah was placed in the window so that passers by could see there was a celebration of “The Day of Lights” underway inside. Soon the grilled meat from ‘’Sač’’, the restaurant located in the building of our former Synagogue was brought to the acclamation of all present. Our many guests thoroughly enjoyed the hospitality of our community to which they have become accustomed to during the past ten-year period of our gatherings at times of holiday. If by chance the Maccabees could have looked down on our celebration they would have certainly been proud of our openness to our worldly surroundings.
For more information on our holiday select e-novine (in Serbian): http://www.e-novine.com/drustvo/33105-Nes-gadol-haja-sam.html
(Foto: J.Rakita)

November 2009 - WJR Humanitarian aid

The London based humanitarian organization “World Jewish Relief” once again brought joy to many homes. The sight of happy faces which we haven’t seen since the April distribution was touching. What can one say? Thank you seems so insufficient. The apparent message would be. Monthly relief donations, the best recipe for continual membership gatherings.

November 19 to 22, 2009 - Limmud Keshet Subotica

For the second year running Subotica hosted the LIMMUD KESHET EX YU meeting. A team of volunteers headed by Dina Schosberger and financially backed by JDC and the Holland Fund, with the full cooperation of the Federation of Jewish Communities of Serbia and needless to say that of the Subotica Jewish Community managed the meeting impeccably.
Our contribution to this important conference is an array of photos taken as observed by Nenad Fogel the onlooker and, of course, a participant in this exceptional event.
Click on the image to see the picture gallery.

November 21 to 22, 2009  - The tambourine maestro with a big heart

Once again Ružica Lazović – Hauser, whom we may definitely assert as our aide in the Righteous among the Nations-Serbia project, came to our rescue in contacting members of the family of the Righteous Katarina and Bela Kudlik from Subotica . In the company of my Subotica host Dušan Zvekić I visited Ms. Keiper Kornelia, the granddaughter of these kindhearted people. Visibly excited Kornalia spoke with great affection of grandmother Katarina and grandfather Bela. Apart from saving little Uri’s life (at the age of 4), Bela Kudlik is widely remembered as an expert maker of tambourines and leading violins. Uri Weiss, Pischta as Kornelia calls him lives in Israel today. The two of them have remained in close contact and come to each other assistance whenever need arises like any brother and sister would.

November 19, 2009 - Award Receiving Ceremony

The Federation of Jewish Communities of Serbia 53^rd Award winning contest was concluded with the ceremony of handing out of awards and relevant speeches of members of the jury. Federation President Aleksandar Nećak made special reference to the longevity of the Contest and expressed expectations that next year’s contest would render an even greater number of submitted works. The fact that our member from Israel Mr. Milan Fogel was among the award winners was exceptionally gratifying for us Zemunians. The acquired work Hajrija My Love is just one of the many true life stories that Milan has written for the book Righteous among the Nations – Serbia .

Bellow we list the Contest results:

November 15th,2009. - Serbian patriarch Pavle dies‎

We express our sincerest condolences to our Orthodox brothers for loss of their beloved patriarch Pavle

November 13, 2009 Contract for “Righteous among the Nations” book donation signed

Although widely considered as a “black Friday” it proved not so bad a day for the JC of Zemun. Today we signed an agreement for co-financing the “Righteous among Nations – Serbia ” book publication with the City of Belgrade . The agreement value is appropriate for the current state of finances in Serbia . Despite expectations of a larger backing for the project we are nevertheless sincerely grateful for the donation approved.
We hopefully expect that the new announcement of the Ministry of Culture of Republic of Serbia for financing of major literature and art projects will be floated in the near future. Backing for the project by the said Ministry would present important support for the issuing of the book about the heroic conduct of citizens of Serbia during World War II in saving lives of persecuted Jews.

November 10, 2009 -  Evening of Literature by author David Albahari

Once again this fall all those who hold the writing of David Albahari close to heart waited eagerly to meet him during the week of the October Book Fair when Belgrade becomes a city of books. The fair in Belgrade has given us all in Zemun successive opportunity to socialize with Mr. Albahari. This time the occasion was the publication of his book of stories “The Voiceless Song”. The book was presented in Zemun’s library “Sveti Sava”. In his word of introduction the evening’s host, library executive Mr. Milan Tepšić, expressed our shared pleasure in being able to welcome our Calgary co-Zemunian. Mr. Ivan Radosavljević, editor of “Stubovi kulture” gave a short preview of the author’s new collection of stories. Calling attention to the fact that 15 years ago the publisher “Vreme Knjiga” featured a selection of Mr. Albahari’s stories and that the new book “The Voiceless Song” contains a number of stories from the edition that had sold out many years ago, Mr. Radosavljević stated that the majority of the stories in the new book originate from more recent years. Although Mr. Albahari’s efforts have in the past period been directed to writing novels, the fact has had no bearing on his story telling enterprise so that in Mr. Radosavljević’s words “the stories and the new selection present an up to date insight of Mr. Albahari’s work in the literary form of the short story.” Mr. Albahari’s choice for the evening’s reading session was “My Husband”, in his words the saddest story he had ever written. Following the reading of the story the public had an array of questions for Mr. David. His sincere answers threw a new light on some interesting details of his opulent life experience.

October 2009th - Ministry of Religion continues to support JC Zemun

Ministry of Religion of the Republic of Serbia continues the general sponsor of the site of the Jewish Community Zemun
Thanks to the Ministry of Religion, especially financial help we get, after a short break (a month), we continue with regular updates of our site.
Activities to implement the promotion of the Jewish faith, tradition and culture in Serbia will be again available to our readers. Site of the Jewish Community Zemun regularly visited from over a hundred countries in the world. The last who joined the big family of the world are the readers of Antigua and Barbuda . On this occasion, we invite them to contact us and send a newspaper report.

October 10th 2009 - The European Day of Jewish Culture in Kikinda 
The Pumpkin days, a well-known event, was an excellent opportunity to the Jewish Community Kikinda to mark the European Day of Jewish Culture. Since the old rule says that the photos worth more than 1000 words, we offer a gallery of photos from this unforgettable event.

October 1, 2009 - Works on the revitalization of roof structure finalized

Based on the Law obligating real estate (house) owners to maintain buildings in their tenure, JC Zemun carried out partial repair of our Community house roof structure. Officially, the house in Dubrovačka Street No. 21 is lawfully our property, however out of its 240 sq.m. the State has „generously“ given us tenancy of only 40 sq.m. The remainder has basically been taken from us by giving title to third parties i.e. protected tenants. On record, a  Law by which all city municipalities are obligated to restore ownership of property to legal holders by removing  “protected tenants” and providing them with adequate living space is effective, if only on paper. Conversely, during the nineties the Zemun Municipality systematically sold homes in its holding, among which approx. 900 sq.m. of requisitioned housing property previously in our ownership, aware that the same property would eventually become the subject of restitution. At present, we are bound by law to invest in the maintenance of buildings of which we have not been stripped off only formally. Can there be no end to injustice done in the name of Law?

Back up the running of the Jewish Community in Zemun.

September 20, 2009. ’’The Search ’’ is over
After more that a year we finally managed to make contact with the descendants of the Righteous Laslo Szagmeister owing to the effort of Ružica Lazović nee Hauser, a member of the Subotica Community. Still under the impression of the Rosh Hasana (5770) celebration we set off for Kanjiža where the late Szagmeister’s daughter-in-law lives. Exactly at the agreed time Mrs. Magda Szagmeister waited for us in front of her house. It was an unambiguous sign that we were very welcome. Barely had some time passed after we had unpacked our gear and positioned the cameras when Merlin Konja, grand-daughter to Laslo Szagmeister arrived from Novi Kneževac. The outspokenness of our hosts immediately generated a domestic atmosphere and made us feel quite at home. With the obligatory refreshments served we embarked upon the “official” part of the visit. Impervious to the two cameras shooting the scene the stories trailed one upon another, tears were shed from memories reaching back into the dark, horrific time of war. There were photographs all around us, three medals, one plaque and a large scroll presented by Yad Vashem honoring Laslo and Julia Szagmeister. Everything there spoke of the courageous act of saving the family Engler’s four month baby.
Julia and Laslo had resolutely claimed that baby Palika and their ten day older son Shandor were in fact twins. It went without saying that they had had to back this assertion by a sumptuous bribe in order to get the baby out of the ghetto established in Subotica in 1944. After that the instituted scenario took its course. At the end of June 1944, together with the other Jews from the ghetto, Magda Engler was deported to Auschwitz . The fact that she was deported with no child by her side gave Magda a better chance of survival. Mothers with children were immediately on arrival in Auschwitz killed in gas chambers. Fortunately Magda and her husband survived the horrors of the death camp and after four years took Palika from the Szagmeister family.
Nenad Fogel, 19. 09. 2009 (Foto: J.Rakita)

September 19, 2009  - Rosh Hashanah in Subotica

The mere mention of JC Subotica lights up the faces of us Zemunians. This time it was no different. On questioning our members who would be interested to celebrate Rosh Hashanah in Subotica a mini-bus full teamed up straight away. Some ten of our members turned out to be highly sought-after guest. They eat sparingly, never fail to bring a gift and most of all know when it is time for them to depart. Once the final service in the synagogue was over there was a lavish table laid out for us. The high point of the cuisine, poppy seed cakes naturally, came last. Present at the celebration were many neighboring communities – Kikinda, Sombor, Zrenjanin and Osijek . The Kikinda membership invited us to the traditional “Days of the “Ludaja” (i.e. “Silly”) Pumpkin”. Far be it that any likeness was intended since the invitation came in the wake of an agreement reached with event organizers to present a part of the bountiful Jewish culture of Europe . The actual Days of European Culture, organized by Kikinda JC are scheduled for October 11, 2009. Our visit to Subotica made it possible for us to exchange views with our friends from Zrenjanin, especially their President Ljiljana Popov. Along with some praises exchanged came a few censures but the general impression was that the days of misunderstanding were behind us and well on their way to be forgotten.
One more pleasant gathering came to its end with a stroll down central Subotica . The spot was packed with newlyweds being photographed beside the majestic fountain facing the city Town Hall .
Nenad Fogel, 19. 09. 2009 (Foto: J.Rakita)

September 19, 2009 - Palić "Ancora" Part II
As always life it-self writes its best stories. We never expected to be fortunate enough to meet yet another person who could testify to the atrocities of WWII amongst the inhabitants of the pension for the aged „Villa Ancora“. Captivated by our recording of Ester Kish’s testimony the kind personnel of the pension enlightened us to the fact that living inside the pension was Zuzana Varjaš a survivor of the Auschwitz death camp. An old lady of some 85 years of age with her hand set in plaster told us the heartrending story of the last days of war when in mid 1944 mass deportations of Jews to Auschwitz began in Budapest .
Together with her mother Ilona, Zuzana was deported to Auschwitz, her father Dr Zoltan Lustig to Mathaussen while her brother Derđ was a forced laborer in Hungary . The entire tragedy of the times as well as the indestructible spirit of the victims of persecution was put in a nutshell by her mother when on their way to their uncertain destiny in Auschwitz she told her. “See Zuza, I have always sworn that I would take you on a trip round Europe and here I am now fulfilling my past promised.” In the final instance the fate of her family, originating from Bačka Topola was immensely fortunate. They had all managed to survive so that the entire family was once again together. Although he knew who had denounced them i.e. reported them Dr Zoltan Lustig kept it to himself firmly believing that the fact that they had all survived was sufficient to restore their lost piece of mind.
Nenad Fogel, 20. 09. 2009. (Foto: J.Rakita)

September 19. 2009. – Palić "Ancora"
The first day of the Rosh Hashana found the small camera team at the beautiful lakeside of Palić and the majestic pension for the aged “Villa Ancora”. The 91 year old Ester Kish, a nurse and the only living witness of the rescue of some twenty Jews who had found shelter in the Novi Sad Hospital in 1944, is savoring her retirement days in the tranquility of this beautiful edifice. Under the auspices of pension director Olivia Biro we were given the opportunity to record Mrs. Kish’s testimony. Notwithstanding her age she managed to recount in detail the passage of the procession of imprisoned Jews from the copper mine Bor on their way further north. While passing by the hospital some twenty prisoners had resolved to hide among the patients and thus try to save themselves from certain death. Dr Dušan Jovanović, a hospital resident at the time took on himself to take care of and safeguard the fugitives inside the hospital walls. His engagement together with Estera Kish’s testimony resulted in the presentation of the Righteous Award in 2006. Unfortunately, except for Dr Shapiro it has been impossible to get in touch with other saved Jews who could further enlighten the courageous act of not only Dr. Jovanović but that of the entire hospital staff.
Nenad Fogel, 19. 09. 2009 (Foto: J.Rakita)

September 13, 2009 - Kruševac and the Righteous
The second leg of our journey brought us to the town of Kruševac where we continued our research and data gathering work for the documentary on the Righteous in Serbia . In Kruševac we visited the families that participated in the rescue of Rebeka Tajtacak and her four children. The street in which the Tajtacak family’s boarding house stood still bears the name “Rebeka’s Alley”. The wife and son, Budimka and Miodrag, of the late Dr. Milenko Veljković told us the poignant story of the Tajtacak’s plight. The fact that though Dr. Veljković had been one of the coordinators of their rescue and that he was not awarded the medal of the Righteous was very interesting to us. We sincerely hope that our research work will result in the amendment of this oversight. Our next host was Radomir, the son of the deceased couple Milivoje and Kosara Petrović, holders of the Righteous award. During World War II they kept the tavern ’’Srpska kruna’’ / “The Serbian Crown” where they often gave shelter to the Tajtacak family during the many raids carried out by German soldiers.
Before parting Miodrag, a pilot by profession promised to arrange an airborne shooting of the countryside round Donji Krčin, a place where the Tajtacak family was transferred to from Kruševac. We shall hold him to his word.
Nenad Fogel, September 13, 2009. (Foto: J.Rakita)

September 12, 2009 - The First Take of the Film about the Righteous
After comprehensive preparations we embarked on the realization of the second part of the project Righteous among the Nations – Serbia . The fist takes of the film chronicle planned for the CD accompanying the printed edition i.e. the book on the Righteous of Serbia were made in Aleksandrovačka Župa. Hosts to the small shooting team were the children of the now deceased Righteous, Slobodan Knežević, Borivoje Bondžić and Predrag Zdravković. We were fortunate to discover that some of the houses in which Dr Julija Dajč had found refuge had not been altered over the decades. We first visited the village of Latkovac situated some two kilometers from Aleksandrovac. Milisav Bondžić, a professor of history and son of the late Righteous Borivoje, spoke of how in time of war his father had successfully organized the hiding and safeguarding of the Dajč family. In the succession of Dr. Julija’s shelters he had finally managed to find a safe- haven in the home of the Knežević family. Ljubinka, daughter to Slobodan and Milenija Knežević recounted the circumstances under which Dr. Julija Dajč gave birth to her infant under their roof in 1943. From that day on Slobodan Knežević joined Dr.Julija’s, alias Radojka’s confirmed guardian Borivoje Bondžić in providing shelter for her. Today the Knežević house has been redone into a small hotel that offers its service within the so called Latkovac Ethno village.

In the company of Bogdan, Predrag Zdravković’s son we visited the house in the Boturići hamlet where Dr. Julija had stayed right up to her transfer to Slobodan Knežević’s home. Inside the house at least one century old, the family had held on to the original bed in which Dr. Julija slept. The small house, in a sense a museum, today bears witness to the horrific times when human solidarity was invaluable.
The paramount experience we brought with us from Župa was the knowledge that our hosts had inherited the “righteous” genes of their parents.Nenad Fogel, September 12, 2009. (Foto: J.Rakita)

September 6/7, 2009 – E D J C
The observance of the European Day of Jewish Culture has become a tradition for the Jewish Community in Zemun. The opening part of the celebration was dedicated to the making of the documentary film about the Serbian Righteous among Nations. The completion of this film is a component part of the Zemun Jewish Community’s project intended to credit the many people who saved Jewish lives during WW2. This year’s manifestation theme being „Holidays and Tradition“, a visit was paid to our former Synagogue, now converted into a national food restaurant. It is a known fact that Jews have always had the greatest respect for proper nutrition so that the evening’s fare had its very own „kosher“savor.
(Foto: J.Rakita)

July 26, 2009 – Commemoration Day of Zemun Jews killed in the Holocaust

This year being the 270^th anniversary of the founding of the Jewish Community in Zemun we, community members, gathered on this day to pay our respects to all members murdered in the Holocaust. It is sad to note that far back in 1739 at the time the Community came into existence it counted more members than it has today. The traditional ceremony of reading the list of our Holocaust victims once again brought back to memory the 573 members that will forever stay with us. Upon the reading of the list the Rabbi said a prayer for victims of Fascist terror.

July 1, 2009. - Women In Orthodox Judaism

An ever compelling subject, the status of women within a society, i.e. a religious community was lectured on with precision, clarity and completely convincingly by Mrs. Danijela Danon, secretary of the Federation of Jewish Communities in Serbia . In her presentation she deliberated the status of women in Orthodox Judaism. A highly dynamic lecture treating a specter of themes and dilemma was attentively listened to by a sizeable audience. Mrs. Danijela Danon’s presented lecture among other rendered an insight into the less frequently discussed relations of men and women. This matter primarily dealt with the obligations of women and to some extent men inside a sexual relationship whether matrimonial or prior to connubial bonds.

The renowned publicist and authority on religion prompted the audience to dwell on the eternal subject of relations between Christianity and Judaism. He did not fail to mention anti-Semitism which in his opinion is a global issue, Serbia included. The presenter of the event Ms. Marijana Ajzenkol, general secretary of the Intrareligious Centre, Mr. Aleksandar Nećak, president of the Federation of Jewish Communities in Serbia, Mr. Dragan Stojković, reporter and publisher, Mr. Đorđe Aćimović, president of the Home culture club of Zemun, Miss. Dragana Mašić, graduate of the Belgrade faculty of Orthodox religion and many other took an active part in the ensuing discussion. In view of the noticeable commendations proffered to the host and event organizer it is the intention of the Jewish Community of Zemun to continue its support in developing good relations between all active churches and religious communities in Zemun.
(Foto: J.Rakita)

In memoriam
Alexander - Shani Sharon (Schwitzer) - (1912 – 2009)

Alexander - Shani Sharon born far back in 1912 in the village of Dobanovci became a member of the Zemun Jewish Community before WW2.
In 1941, Shani shared the fate of all Zemun Jews and was driven to forced labour. However, he never fell for the stories that the Jews of Zemun would be spared from deportation to concentration camps. He therefore made plans to escape to the Italian occupational zone. In May 1942, Sani obtained fake documents and managed to leave Zemun. He met up with his relatives Adi and Aki Neumann heading for Metkovic. Initially they departed for Split , and then continued on to Novi Vinodol, Kraljevica, and finally to the island of Rab . By doing so they managed to reach the Italian occupation zone, where they spent some time in a concentration camp.
On Rab they lived to see the capitulation of Italy in 1943. They left the camp and joined the partisans.
Shani was twice wounded as a partisan soldier of the 7^th Banija Division. For his merits he was awarded the Medal for Courage and the Medal for Service to the People.
Upon demobilization he lived in Zagreb . As a former partisan soldier he was entrusted with high functions in the Ministry of education of the Republic of Croatia .
He earned substantial respect as an expert in the field of education. However, in the turmoil generated by the Inform bureau, he witnessed the downfall of a number of innocent people. Although he could not be accused of any kind of subversive activity, he felt insecure and found his way out by immigrating to Israel .
Together with his wife Truda he settled down in Israel . They had lived together through the concentration camps and occupation. He took a new surname, Sharon .

As a professor of chemistry, Shani had no difficulty in mastering work in a laboratory, and since he too spoke a number of languages fluently, he learned Ivrit easily. His interests greatly transcended the work inside his profession. He voiced his opinions publicly in a number of newspapers and publications. Among them he wrote for Most the bulletin of the Association of immigrants from Yugoslavia to Israel , the site of theZemun Jewish Community, the Jewish Review and many other media in former Yugoslavia .
He was a critic of the impediments one encountered in many spheres of social life in Israel .  He was an ardent advocate of progressive ideas. A characteristic example was his article in which he opposed the idea of building the Third Temple in Jerusalem . After articulating obvious arguments he ended the article by asserting that at the time, the state of Israel had become a temple for the entire body of Judaism and that a better one could never be erected.

Shani died on May 2, 2009 . True to his beliefs till the end he donated his body to science study. He was buried in Jerusalem on June 1.

Zihrono livraha,
Nenad Fogel, president of Jewish community Zemun

June 14, 2009. - Kol Zemun
The doors of the Jewish Community in Zemun stood open from early morning hours. Diligent activist awaited their guests from all parts of Serbia . The reason for this event was the Kol Zemun – Voice of Zemun meeting, sponsored by the Federation i.e. all Jewish Communities in Serbia and the JDC. The first guests to arrive were from Kosovo, the city of Prizren . Next to come were the President of the Federation accompanied by his wife and Director of JOINT for Serbia . The bell kept announcing the arrival of guests ceaselessly. According to the precise event schedule the guests were to be taken initially to a visit of the Zemun Jewish Cemetery. While awaiting our friends from Zrenjanin who had confirmed their attendance, four members and the Community lady President, there came a startling telephone communication just as the academic 15 minute delay had elapsed that the guests were canceling their arrival. The community executive board had decided to boycott the meeting. Finally, the representative of JC Sombor, previously announced by Community President, failed to show following the manner of the delegation from JC Pančevo which had previously also cancelled its attendance by phone stating the same reason; not mentioning JC Niš and their already well known views. A highly perplexing situation, the smallest communities had decided that they had nothing to contribute to the subject agreed on by all – THE FUTURE OF THE JEWISH COMMUNITY OF SERBIA.

The good and positive atmosphere that exists only among friends had not been outweighed by such disadvantageous decisions. A convoy of cars set off in the direction of the cemetery. Our recently completed project about our cemetery, Life upon Death – the Zemun Jewish Cemetery served as introduction to acquaint our guests with our community’s history and the fact that this year it will be celebrating 270 years from its foundation. During the visit Nenad Fogel the author of the multimedia CD supplied edifying details on cemetery history. Upon the cemetery visit the guest were given the opportunity to a vista of the entire town of Zemun . Some 300 meters from our cemetery we visited the Millennia tower built in 1896 that has become the symbol of Zemun town.

The motorcade was formed once again and we started off to our final stop the dock of the Quay Yachting club. While the guests were slowly finding accommodation for themselves on the upper deck of boat Duck, the crew was going though the final preparations for the four hour cruise along the Danube and Sava rivers. The engines came alive, announcing the start of one of the probably most important cruises for our community in last years. Where was our community heading? Are we in a position to maintain its course? Are we capable of bypassing circumstances that could leave it stranded on shores of sand, sludge and mud?

Upon the ceremonial opening of the meeting by Frederation President Aleksandar Nećak there came the salutation deliveries of Robert Djerasij JOINT director, Votim Demirij from Prizren, Draga Kon from Osijek and Mladen Herzl of Belgium. Next to follow was President of JC Zemun, Nenad Fogel who read out the standpoints of the Zemun Jewish Community on the subjects under consideration: who are we, how many of us are there and what are our expectations for the near future, how can we maintain the Jewish tradition within our community and finally our approach to facilitate conversion – Gijur to all within the community. In his ensuing short speech Rabbi Isak Asiel explained his viewpoint on the future of the community in which he has served for 15 years. He spoke of the efforts made to be of assistance to all who wish to prepare for Gijur regardless of the fact whether they would be taking it in front of conservative or liberal rabbis. He stated the fact that he presently had only one student and that it was necessary to compile some sort of primer book in Serbian for the needs of these novices.
Following the rabbi’s speech Robert Kovač from Subotica , Jovan Elezar from Beograd, Ruben Dajč from Novi Sad and finally Stojan Knežević from Kikinda addressed all present. Although we had previously acknowledged that no pronouncements would be brought on this occasion Federation Rresident strongly reproached the communities that had failed to send their representatives to the meeting requesting that at the next Federation Executive Board meeting the four small communities should be asked to explain their motives for abstaining from the event. He also informed that conclusions on subject matter discussed at the Kol Zemun meeting would be passed. Written material had thus far been submitted by the host, JC Kikinda and Sibotica. In anticipation of written suggestions and proposals from the remaining participants the work group headed by the event’s host would prepare conclusions to be deliberated by the Federation EB. The meeting participants acclaimed the proposal ending the first part of the two hour cruise.

The time came to address the quality of food served. The remaining two hours of the envisaged cruise was passed in food, drink and conversation, taking photographs of Belgrade and Zemun, plans for future gatherings… in a word it felt good to be one of those present at today’s Kol Zemun event.

See two complete photo galleries from this event by clicking on following links:
 Gallery1 Gallery 2

June 2009 – The Letter of Gratitude from an Institution from Sremcica

The Jewish Community of Zemun, as always when receiving humanitarian aid, made a donation to people who need it. This time we gave a part of the received aid to the Institution for Mentally Disabled Youth in Sremcica-Belgrade.
The letter of gratitude can bee seen by clicking on this link.

June 4^th 2009 – Visiting editor in chief of the Federation
According to decision of the Federation Board, Mr. Nenad Fogel accompanied by Mr. Jugoslav Rakita, the JCZ webmaster, visited Mr. Sasa Ristic, editor in chief of the Federation’s web site and the Jewish Review. On this occasion he exposed his experience in editing the JCZ site. Mr. Rakita, who designed and published the Federation web site, gave some very useful tips and suggestions regarding editing and publishing of new web pages which is now performed by a company who is contracted for further maintenance of the site.
It was agreed that all observations and suggestions for actions should be exposed on the next meeting of the Federation Board.
J.R.

May 30, 2009 - A Step Forward


In expectation of the meeting on the future of the Jewish Community of Serbia – Kol Zemun June 14 we decided to make a small Step Forward toward Zrenjanin. In doing so we wished to demonstrate our desire to be part of a project which among other gives appropriate voice to our ongoing activity in Serbia . The broken Community nameplate (this time completely shattered), the kind hosts, cheerful guests, uniformed law enforcement officers greeted us at the very entrance of the Zrenjanin Jewish Community premises. The program on show in the packed house of the Public Theater ''Toša Jovanović'' was a fusion of many cultures and in a sense accentuated the co-habitant cultural and religious nature of the town of Zrenjanin . Sponsored by Zrenjanin Town authorities the participation of the Association of amateur cultural clubs of Zrenjanin, the Dance group Haverim Shel Izrael from Osijek , the Folklore group Ma'ayan from Novi Sad , etc. was proof again of the old saying that to differ is more an asset than a liability.
After a very successful show the hosts, well aware of the fact that love thrives on a full stomach took their guests to a formal dinner “spiced” with live music.
(Foto: J.Rakita)

April 2009 - Humanitarian Aid
After a long interval we have once again received a package of humanitarian aid. Diligent activist from our social committee adorned our small premises with the goods sent. All at once the ceremonial room of the Jewish Community in Zemun was too small to receive all those interested in obtaining goods sent by the World Jewish Relief from London . Members who have for some time now only existed as names on lists came readily to the latest aid distribution big bag in hand. Part of the received package was put aside for our compatriots from Zemun who are in need of aid most.

April 25, 2009 -  First International Chess Tournament


The International Chess League of Jewish Communities under the sponsorship of the President of Subotica Jewish Community, Tomika Halbror was held on April 24, 2009 . The attendance of seven teams Subotica I and II, Beograd , Novi Sad , Zemun, Pančevo, Zrenjanin and guests from Hungary – Hódmezővásárhely at the tournament initiated a new chapter in intra community relations. The valuable presence of the FIDE international judge Milorad Maravić upgraded the tournament to a professional level. Thirty contestants participated in the matches playing in both singles and team categories equally. The home team Subotica I won first place in the teams contest. Second were representatives of JC Beograd of whom three out of the four players were Zemun residents. Thus it could be stated that both Belgrade and Zemun won second place?! Third place went to the excellent Novi Sad team. JC Zemun was effectively seventh in the competition as it had one player only - Nenad Fogel. In the singles matches members of Novi Sad came foremost. Zoran Grujić a FIDE master won first place, second was FIDE master Ivan Uzjhazi, while Jancikin Svetozar, Kario Borivoje, Hegediš Antal and Panić Ratko shared third place. Nenad Fogel came 16^th. Considering the distinguished class of his opponents it was a significant victory as by his own admission he had not played chess in the last 10 years due to the bulk of engagements in both Community and Federation work. The best came last: the presentation of honors and winner trophies coupled with excellent vine and tasty goulash.

April 21, 2009. - YOM HaSHOAH


The Zemun Jewish Community commemorated the day of remembrance of the 6.000.000 Jews slain in World War II, Yom HaShoah, by screening the film „Burning Blood”. The film documenting the proliferation of different Fascist and Nazi groups in Serbia provided a sound base for the ensuing discussion. Taking into account the presence of numerous reporters, the event’s moderator Nenad Fogel approached the membership to debate the role of the media, especially of newspaper reporting that creates an apprehensive environment for all of different descent from that of the population majority. Dragan Stojković, editor and proprietor of the extinct newspaper Zemun Chronicle spoke overtly of the disillusionment with the decreed October 2000 changes. Tomislav Marković, one of Beton’s editor and e-news chief editor deputy spoke of the role of the press in supporting ultra-nationalist views of groups such as Nacionalni stroj, ’’1389’’, Obraz and many others. He pointed to the disturbing fact that despite the insignificant number of their supporters the groups had apparent backing from certain political parties. Nenad Altman spoke of the unseemly escalation of endeavors to rehabilitate declared occupation collaborators Milan Nedić and Draža Mihailović. Saša Ristić the editor of the Jewish Review also addressed the role of written media asserting that the bulk of news presently structured conceded to the taste of readers and generally “sold paper”. Mladen Hercl from Belgium was concerned by the fact that apart from the expected threat of nationalist and fascist groups there existed within the very Jewish community in Serbia people threatening the life of JC Zemun President, Nenad Fogel. Aleksandar Nećak, President of the JC Federation in Serbia highlighted our politicians’ practice of “fine-tuning” to base civic impulses in the hope that it will be pivotal to their future poll success. He also spoke of the problems in communication between our Community and the Government of Serbia. Taking part in the discussion Miodrag Bogić, Slađana Fogel, Đorđe Aćimović equally condemned the emergence of growing fascism in Serbia expressing their fear of the consequences for all Serbia citizens.
(Foto: J.Rakita)

April 19, 2009 . - The Annual Meeting of the Federation of Jewish Communities in Serbia

The meeting which will be remembered for it’s „pace“and brisk conclusion had, never the less engendered an outstanding quality. It was to the credit of JC Kikinda Olge Knežević’s proficiency that we passed a transparent budget. Apart from the ceremonial procedures: the paying of respect to community members deceased in the period between the last two Annual Meetings of the JCS Federation, and the adoption of the Final Reports of the Federation and of all Communities, the implementation of the 2008 budget and the budget for 2009 were also passed. The Meeting agenda included the important task of electing the Federation Deputy President. Robert Sabadoš from the JC Subotica was elected following Ivica Hajzler’s resignation from the post. The Executive Board of the Federation will now, after an eight month setback once again function in its full capacity.  At the end President Aleksandar Nećak requested that delegates declare whether the program adopted for the previous year would continue to be adhered to or if there was any wish for it to be amended and redefined. His appeal to abide by the projected program was adopted by the majority present. Seemingly unimportant the support given will enable the JC Federation to finally define its stand in the matter of all recent events related to the withdrawal of the Anti Discrimination Bill.

April 12, 2009 – Opening night of the play”The Scent of Rain on the Balkans”

The book “The Scent of Rain in the Balkans” has been reprinted numerous times. Twenty five years after its appearance the best known work of the author Gordana Kuic has now moved on to the theater stage. It is a story of a Sarajevo Sephardim family living in the romantic and unsettling prewar and Second World War times. It is a story of love, sacrifice and family solidarity – presently living its life on stage where it has apparently always had its place too. Riki, Blanki, Buka and Nina, heroines which generations of women and men readers likewise have looked up to, now bow to the audience from the Grand Scene of the Madleniamun Opera and Theater. Dramatized by Nebojša Romčević, directed by Ana Radivojević Zdravković and upheld and lavishly assisted by its author Gordana Kuić – The Scent of Rain in the Balkans will no doubt be Madlenianums next great hit.
The selected cast is a major asset to the play’s popularity. The leading role Blanka is played by Sloboda Mićalović, while Ivan Bosiljčić is cast as Ignjat. Beside this popular pair also playing are Jovana Balašević (Riki), Dubravka Mijatović (Nina), Isidora Minić (Buka) and Ljiljana Stjepanović as Estera.

April 11, 2009 . - Passover celebration in JC Zemun

The celebration of Passover has once again brought to the mind of our Community members the most important part of Jewish history. In the company of dear friends from Zemun and the obligatory treats, the evening passed in no time. Our group of round twenty, like one family seated round the table took pleasure in recounting stories of the Exodus from Egypt . Also present was our dear guest Ms. Mariana Ajzenkol from the Intra Religious Center with whom we readily exchanged tales about the custom of painting eggs, a characteristic of both Christianity and Judaism. Marko Scheer explained the history of the making of matzo to guest who came to celebrate Passover with us for the first time. The evening would not have been complete without the custom vine which we received through the kindness of our rabbi. To say that the rabbi was missed would be insufficient, but we hope that by next year all will be amended.

April 8, 2009 . - The Passover Seder in Subotica

This year once again the Subotica JC has kept up its fine tradition of organizing meetings of small Jewish communities. The many guests present first attended the service in the Synagogue and then proceeded to enjoy themselves in the pleasant atmosphere of the ritual dinner. Robert Sabadoš greeted his guests just before the beginning of the Seder Dinner. After a brief “dramatic pause” he finished off by thanking President Nenad Fogel and the members of the Zemun JC for, as he pointed out, the simple fact that the journey they had traveled had been the longest. Our journey was far from that of our enslaved predecessors released from the bond of Egypt ; it had not lasted 40 years, but rather a little over two hours to get to our destination – Subotica . Nenad Fogel thanked the hosts for their warm welcome, pointing out that he had already though that the presence of Zemun members would pass unnoticed in the tradition of the previous President Aca Singer. The relaxed atmosphere was best continued with Tomika Halbror’s rhymed memo of the Seder Dinner list of items composed by rabbi Schmuel ben Shlomo Luzato. And thus began the official part of the festivity.

The ensuing parting was regretted by all since at the very end of the evening a heated debate on who were the leaders of the Jewish Communities got under way. A topical theme close to everyone’s heart was however left for some other appropriate time. We believe that the gathering “Kol Zemun” in June 2009 will be an occasion to once again pick up this interesting subject.

April 5, 2009 - Election of new Presidents of JC Subotica and JC Beograd

JC Subotica elected Mr. Tomika Halbror for its President at the ordinary assembly election meeting. Elected new members of the Executive Board are Mr. Nikola Novkov, Dr Franjo Perčić, Dr Džošua Štajnfeld and Mr. Dušan Zvekić and of the Supervising Board Mr. Pavle Gros, Mr.Ivan Nikolić and Mr. Tomislav Vidaković.
At its extraordinary assembly election meeting the JC in Beograd elected Prof. Dr Jovan Elezar for President and Mr. Srđan Ćirić, Mr. Vojin Varnai, Mr. Božidar Levi and Ms. Gordana Petronijević as members of the Supervising Board.

April 3^rd 2009. - A visit to Zrenjanin

The President of the Federation Mr. Aleksandar Necak in the company of Robert Sabadoš and Nenad Fogel made an operational visit to the Jewish Community in Zrenjanin. On entering the town the visitors were affronted with the sight of the smashed nameplate of the Community house. The police had been informed immediately upon the offense and were presently engaged in finding the delinquents.

At the meeting the community administrators and members acquainted the visitors of all current community activity. In a constructive exchange of opinions it was concluded that there was no alternative to the necessity to uphold the bond between communities.
Making use of the occasion Nenad Fogel presented tickets for the forthcoming second night of the play “The Scent of Rain in the Balkans” to the JC Zrenjanin President Ljiljana Popov. In view of the existing collaboration between the Madlenianum Theater and the JC Zemun and in answer to the request of the Zrenjanin membership to view the play, the Zemun Community managed to obtain tickets for this special event and thus further promote amicable intercommunity relations.

March 19^th and 20^th 2009 – Djeric mates died

We advise all our members and friends of our community that spouses Charlotte (1026) and Predrag (1919) Sonnenfeld died. The funeral was held on the Zemun Municipal Cemetery last Saturday, March 21^st. Charlotte Sonnenfeld was the only member of the famous Zemun family the Sonnenfelds who survived the WW2.

Nenad Fogel

January 27, 2009. - Holocaust Remembrance Day
The international day of Remembrance of the Holocaust was established in 2005 by the UN General Assembly and the date set was the day when Soviet troops liberated the Nazi concentration camp Auschwitz in 1945. The central event commemorating the International Day of Remembrance of Holocaust victims organized by the Ministry of labor and social politics of the Republic of Serbia was held on January 27, 2009 in Belgrade beside the Memorial to Second World War Genocide Victims imprisoned in the Staro Sajmiste death camp. The wreath bequeathed by the Federation of Jewish Communities of Serbia was laid by the Presidents of Jewish Communities of Subotica, Beograd and Zemun, Messrs. Robert Sabadoš, Jovan Elazar and Nenad Fogel and also honored by employed secretaries of the Federation Ms. Danijela Danon and Mr. Miroslav Grinvald. Wreaths were also laid by the Minister of education Mr. Žarko Obradović, representatives of the Belgrade Town Hall , the Israeli Ambassador Arthur Kol, and representatives of the Genocide Victims Museum .
In his speech Dr. Žarko Obradović,  education minister stressed Serbia’s contribution to the fight against Fascism and Nazism and that together with Jews and Romas, Serbs were also slaughter in concentration camps.
“We must contest all forms of anti-Semitism and discrimination. Present in Serbia is an on-going process of building a system of values, a system of education and culture directing special attention to antifascist standpoints,” Obradovic said. “We are also proud to say that there is no anti-Semitism in Serbia and that pupils in Serbian schools are educated to observe Holocaust victims. We cannot allow time to obscure Nazi crimes – we must ceaselessly speak of them so that they never happen again,” he continued. Zemun JC President Nenad Fogel informed the Minister of work in progress on the book about the Righteous of Serbia, designed to honor all Serbs who had sheltered and saved Jews during World War II. Through a series of short stories it shall speak of their heroic deeds and shall in a completely novel way portray the Holocaust in Serbia . Renowned historians, Professor Milan Ristovic, PhD and Milan Koljanin, PhD will analytically recount the historical conditions that Jews in Serbia were confronted with in the Second World War. The envisaged concept of the book will doubtlessly have its advantages in the study of the Holocaust in our schools.

December 3^rd, 2008 - An Evening of Israeli Film
We are grateful that our film critic, Mr. Nenad Dukić, M.A. made it possible for us to get acquainted with the latest Israeli production presented at the Haifa Film Festival in October this year. An enlightening lecture which also included a perceptive outline of the present-day international film festival scene kept the attention of the audience for almost two hours. The Haifa film festival categorized as a class "B" festival is a presentation of the film production of Mediterranean countries. Serbia was represented by two young authors: Dejan Zečević with the film "The Fourth Man" and Stefan Arsenijević with "Love and Other Crimes". Mr. Dukić sat on two panels of judges; one assessing contemporary Israeli film and the other the TV film production. The film “Seven Minutes in Heaven” made by Omri Givon was awarded first prize in the category of feature films. Mr. Schmuel Berui’s film “Zrubavel” won first prize for the TV film category.
Within his detailed review of films in the mentioned categories Mr. Dukić also recounted a number of interesting details about Israeli cinematography. He particularly emphasized that Israel sets aside significant funds for financing film makers and that it prides itself with a yearly production of 40 films. In comparison not more than ten films are made in Serbia annually. Mr. Dukić further disclosed that oddly enough Živko Nikolić’s film "Lepota poroka" (The Beauty of Vice) holds the all time top film viewer rating in Israel .
Following the lecture Mr. Dukić answered the many questions put to him by a very inquisitive audience.

Just when we thought that we've seen and experienced everything on our cemetery an unknown vandal has stolen 20 meters of our fence. Each comment is needless. The case was officially reported to the Zemun Police Station.

November 2008. - From the activities of the Hevra Kadisha

The projected plan of the Hevra Kadisha to repair and restore the broken graveyard headstones was carried out in November. The upper part of the memorial of the former Jewish Community vice president Mr. Herman Weiss, weighing over 1400 kilos was successfully positioned by our tenant, a stone mason and some ten assisting workers. Apart from this memorial, a “victim” of foul weather the mason also repaired a number of vandalized headstones.

The cemetery is periodically exposed to damage from passing storms. One such event resulted in the rupture of a halibun tree crashing into a neighboring horse-chestnut. To provide safe passage for visitors the graveyard caretaker assisted by a team of specialists removed three broken and dried up trees. The memorial site of the graveyard, the resting place of victims murdered in the Staro Sajmiste death camp, remains in its dire state of existence. The inattention of the public funeral institution formally responsible for its maintenance has left it in disrepair for more than one year. We hope that our repeated notifications will finally be heard by those in authority and that this part of the graveyard will also be tended to before winter.

October 21^st, 2008 - Sukkot in Osijek

A beautifull autumn day followed a small delegation from the Jewish Community of Zemun on their way to Osijek . A dozen of us went to visit the Jewish Community of Osijek. Their cooperation with the JC Subotica they started a few years ago brought to significant results. Over 270 gusts from Zagreb , Subotica , Zrenjanin, Belgrade , Novi Sad and Zemun, of course, gathered in Osijek to celebrate Sukkot. Our kind hosts made a special occasion for us. First they organized sightseeing of the town (we were late for that) continued with gathering at Tikves excursion site. Fish soup prepared on traditional way in kettles was kosher as proclaimed by Drago Kohn, secretary to the JC Osijek. After a pray spoken by our "orderly rabbi" Tomika Halbror everybody rushed to get a seat in the restaurant. Our old acquaintance Sasha Kabiljo was singing sephardi songs composed mostly by Dalmatian authors.  He made an effort to remind the public on the old days when we all together listened Oliver, Kemal, Tereza and other "sephardi" singers from the region of Ex-Yugoslavia.

October 16^th, 2008 - Poetry evening with Vojislav Brkovic

Poet Vojislav Brkovic delighted us again with his new poetry digest promoted again in our community. He led us into this evening explaining etymology of the words of the book title "Limbos of Karagach".  After that president to the JC Zemun Nenad Fogel greeted numerous guests and gave retrospective view on the author.
Between comments from critics Vasa Pavkovic and Ilija Maric, Brkovic recited excerpts from his book in dialogue with Gordana Petkovic. Maestro of recitation Rale Damjanovic exalted the visitors with his spontaneous reading of the poetry from the spectator's rows. At the end the author signed on his book with inscriptions explaining that instead of paying for the book the visitors could contribute the small donation for maintenance of the Jewish Cemetery in Zemun.

September 28^th, 2008 - Rosh Hashana 5769

Although we haven't given much of publicity to the celebration a large number of our friends joined our members to celebrate the coming New Year. We decided to mark this event a day earlier so our members could attend the celebration organized in JC Belgrade. Our gathering was announced in a printed edition of  the "Singidunum" -guide through significant events in Belgrade . Thanks to that our dear fellow citizens who wanted to familiarize with Jewish customs came to visit us. We were really flattered because that shows that activities of the JC Zemun are more and more noted in the tourist and cultural offer of the City of Belgrade . Our guests were served with apples and honey, as well as with additional menu of meals and drinks. But, as always, the most memorable was the enjoyable socializing, making new friends and pleasant atmosphere.

September, 21^st 2008 - Hinenu, Subotica

Hinenu - the traditional communion that has been successfully organized for the past several years by the Jewish Community of Subotica showed again the significance of such meetings. Over hundred guests from all our communities enjoyed the program arranged by the diligent activists of the Subotica community.

Unforgettable visit to the Subotica ZOO started by visiting two black swans. Judging upon the way they looked at us harshly I thought that they might be our two white swans disguised in black. After feeding them with white bread their look became softer and we could continue sightseeing the beautify arranged ZOO park relaxed. During a short break exceptionally witty director of the ZOO Dr. Mirko Sinkovic addressed us. He illustrated how animals can be similar to humans.

Truly impressed we set out towards the Majkin Salas, meaning the Grandma's Homestead . There our hosts welcomed us with live tambourine orchestra music. In the official part president to the JC Subotica Robert Sabados, president to the Federation Aleksandar Necak and the JOINT director Robert Djerassi addressed us. In their brief expositions they showed us how much they care about needs of our membership. By order of succession those needs started with: soup, turkey and poppy cake at the end. While talking and arranging the future meetings time to say goodbye came quickly. We promised MI-HINEN to be at the same place again next year.

September, 7^th 2008 - European Day of Jewish Culture in Zemun

The Jewish Community of Zemun organized presentation of it's past ten years activities within celebration of the European Day of Jewish Culture. Two slide shows videos from the periods 2000-2006 and 2006-2008 were displayed in the exceptionally beautiful auditorium of the "Pinokio" theater. By presenting our documentary "Life Upon Death" that was made for our multimedia CD on the Jewish Cemetery Zemun we pointed to new possibilities in the tourist offer of Zemun.

Presenting our activities we opened doors to better knowing our community that is present in the region for the whole 269 years. As a souvenir for this remarkable day all visitors were gifted with a copy of the multimedia CD on the Jewish Cemetery Zemun as well as catalogues on video exhibitions.

Thanks to kindness of the Embassy of Israel we were in position to display film "Israel Independence - Israel Sights".

Prof. Dr. Bogoljub Sijakovic new minister of religion
The new government of the Republic of Serbia was established on July, 7^th 2008. Prof. Dr. Bogoljub Šijaković was inaugurated for the new minister of religion. The Jewish Community of Zemun is sending sincere congratulations to the new minister wishing him many successes in his work. We hope that the cooperation between the ministry and the Jewish community will remain on high level and that it will be constantly expanded.