December 22, 2013 - The Righteous in Zagreb

Within the scope of the “Bejahad” gathering held in Zagreb from December 20-22, 2013, the Jewish Community in Zemun presented its latest exhibition “A Travelling Exhibition about Good People.” The exhibition was supported by a number of important funds and individuals. The Zagreb exhibition was generously backed by the leadership of the Bejahad. It was staged in the Stella Skopal Gallery of the Bet Israel Jewish Community. In his address speech at the opening of the exhibition Nenad Fogel, who together with Milan Fogel of Israel is co-author of the exhibition, expressed his pleasure that the exhibition about the Yugoslav Righteous would remain open to the Zagreb public for ten more days.Nenad also thanked the organizer of the Bejahad, Dr. Vladimir Schalamon for sending the invitation and making it possible for the Zemun Jewish Community to also present its edition “Holocaust in Yugoslavia”. He also thanked the group of eight authors for their texts which have are of great importance in preventing the growing atmosphere of revisionism of our mutual history. Fogel further mentioned that the concept of the book was to open the door to a better understanding of the conditions that had resulted in the annihilation of nearly all Jewish communities in ex-Yugoslavia by stating clear cut and historically accurate facts. Professor Dr. Ivo Goldstein from Zagreb, the author of the text about the genocide of Jews in the ISC was the honorary gest at the exhibition opening. He is presently in Paris as the appointed Ambassador of Croatia to France. Dr. Goldstein among other spoke of his contentment at being a participant of this project.
He expressed his gratitude to all the courageous Yugoslav Righteous, however pointing out that the one who saved the maximum number of Jews in these territories has not yet received the well deserved award. He appealed to all who could be of help to uphold his idea that Yad Vashem awards the Righteous Medal collectively to the Partisan movement. The applause that broke out after his statement is best proof that we all shall within the limits of our capabilities make an effort to bring this vital proposal to life.

(Click on image to see our Photo Gallery. Photo: Sladjana i Nenad Fogel)

December 5, 2013 - The JCZ for its youngest membership for Hanukah

The Jewish Community in Zemun in keeping with its long-term tradition organized “The Hanukah Eve” celebration for its youngest. On the occasion the community presented the children with appropriate gift packets. Furthermore, within the scope of the Midrashim gathering Sladjana held a brief course on lighting candles on the Hanukah. The chief animator was the head of the sculpture group Jova Djordjevic. Full of patience he drew everything they asked of him: kittens, dinosaurs, comets … in return Jovo asked the children to each draw something of their own. The climax of the evening celebration came with the traditional feast from the “Synagogue” restaurant situated inside our old Ashkenazi synagogue.

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November 9, 2013 - Promotion of our book „Holocaust in Yugoslavia“ in Montenegro

The first official presentation of the book “Holocaust in Yugoslavia” was held within the scope of the Limmud Keshet EX YU Conference organized as a meeting of all Jewish Communities from the former mutual country. The Presentation Room in Hotel Avala in Budva was filled up to the last place thus showing that the theme has not lost interest throughout the years. All who came to the promotion some minutes late were welcomed, as a sign of appreciation by laud applauding of those already present. The book presentation was led by its editor Nenad Fogel together with the participation of architect Ivica Čerešnješ, one of the eight authors of  theme related texts. The editor thanked the group of authors who had written texts of great consequence and expressed his belief that the book will serve to many as a basis for a better perception of the Holocaust in Yugoslavia. It was noted with regret that Jamila Kolonomos Sadikario from Macedonia had passed away before the book was published. He further thanked Milan Fogel from Israel who with the permission of the said author chose and prepared for printing extracts from her bountiful exploratory work about the annihilation of Macedonian Jews. Nenad Fogel made special reference to the text by Prof. Dr. Olivera Milosavljević, who was also his chief advisor in selecting texts included in the book. Regarding the text of the former president of the Federation of Jewish Communities in Serbia, Mr. Aleksandar Nećak it was generally concluded that it is a true depiction of the considerable contribution of Jews in the liberation of the homeland within the one anti-Fascist movement in Yugoslavia under the leadership of Josip Broz Tito. Architect Ivica Čerešnješ, one of the two authors of the text about the annihilation of Jew in Bosnia and Herzegovina spoke of his aspect of studies made about the Holocaust. In a highly emotional speech he stressed that his standpoint regarding the annihilation of Jews was primarily personal in view of the fact that almost all members of his numerous family, over 130 people perished in the Holocaust. Present at the promotion were among others, presidents of Communities from Subotica, Zrenjani, Novi Sad, Kosovo, Osijek … The book publisher, the Jewish Community in Zemun made an effort to present to all gathered at the promotion a gratis copy. This could not have been achieved without the financing of many sponsors who helped its publishing.

November 8, 2013 - „Traveling exhibion about good people“ comes to Montenegro

The Seventh Limud Keshet EX YU Conference was held this year in Montenegro in the seaside town of Budva. As part of the Conference the Jewish Community in Zemun put on show its exhibition about the Righteous from former Yugoslavia. The “Travelling Exhibition about Good People” whose authors are Nenad and Milan Fogel was staged in the main hall of Hotel Avala. Nenad Fogel, President of the Jewish Community in Zemun and one of the exhibition authors pointed out to the gathered audience the importance of constant remembrance of the courageous and humane people who during World War Two saved Jewish lives throughout the territory of former Yugoslavia. Instead of making a speech he read out a text by Professor Olivera Milosavljević which best puts into word the meaning of one such exhibition. The participants in the Conference received a gratis copy of the book (in Serbian and English) “Holocaust in Yugoslavia” which also contains an exhibition catalogue with numerous illustrations. At the end of exhibition opening Nenad Fogel expressed his gratitude to the numerous sponsors who helped in the making of the exhibition and book printing. Special acknowledgments went to Eli Tauber from Sarajevo, Miriam Steiner Aviezer from Israel and publisher Novi Liber from Zagreb for their generous help in the realization of the exhibition.

October 9, 2013 - Travelling Exhibition about Good People opened at the Art Gallery Stara Kapetanija

With the premiere opening of the Travelling Exhibition about Good People and the presentation of the book Holocaust in Yugoslavia the wish of the Jewish Community in Zemun to pay due respect to the good people who saved Jewish lives during World War II has finally been fulfilled. The exhibition is of a travelling character since its successive displays are planned in towns in all former ex-Yugoslav republics as well as in Israel. In the presence of this ambitious project’s many authors the exhibition was opened by the Minister of education of the Republic of Serbia, Prof. Dr. Tomislav Jovanović. He expressed his hope that this exhibition will be yet another founding cornerstone in the advancement of interrelations and respect amongst all the peoples living in the territories of former Yugoslavia. Next to address the gathered guests were exhibition authors Nenad and Milan Fogel and one of the authors of the book Holocaust in Yugoslavia Mr. Aleksandar Nećak, former president of the Federation of Jewish communities in Serbia. Eng. Josef Žamboki, from Israel expressed in the name of those who managed to survive the horrendous times of the Holocaust, gratitude due to all the ordinary people who, in risking their own lives, saved those of persecuted Jews. The president of the Federation of Jewish communities in Serbia, Dr. Ruben Fuks, acknowledged and showed his appreciation for all the participants who took part in the making of this project. All exhibition guests received a copy of the book “Holocaust in Yugoslavia” as a present. The book is a compilation of a group of authors, of whom Dr. Olivera Milosavljević and Dr. Olga Manojlović Pintar were present at its promotion in Stara Kapetanija. In her exclusive separate text Prof. Dr. Olivera Milosavljević writes about the importance of the Exhibition and the supplementary book (in Serbian).
The exhibition remains open for public viewing up to October 17, and we invite all our cohabitants to pay a visit to the Stara Kapetanija gallery.

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October 3, 2013 - Promotion of a book by Milan Fogel

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September 15, 2013- JC Zemun at the Festival of Jewish Culture

This year again the Jewish Community of Zemun took part in the Festival of Jewish Culture in Belgrade, in the Sukat Shalom synagogue. The event was opened by Rabbi Isaac Asiel, and visitors were greeted by Israeli Ambassador to Serbia HE Josef Levi.
We've presented our exhibition on the Judenlager Semlin with accompanying publications. We were pleasantly surprised by the attention that visitors devoted to our project and the observation that it was the most professional and the most complete setup of the festival.

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September 4, 2013 - Rosh Hashana 5774 celebrated in J.C. Zemun

In our community premises, along with many friends and servings we celebrated this great Jewish holiday.
The day coincided with anniversary of the Secretary of our community Ria Beherano. That made our socializing even more joyful.

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July 28, 2013 - Commemoration to the Zemun Jews

Members of our community gathered today at the Jewish cemetery in Zemun, in memory of the Jews who were forced into cattle cars towards the camp of Jasenovac and Stara Gradiska on 27 July in 1942. The commemoration was held in front of the memorial monument where the names of victims of Nazi terror were read. At the end members of JC Zemun laid a wreath at the monument to the victims.

May 12, 2013 - Elective Assembly session of the JCZ

Regular, this year elective assembly of the Jewish Community of Zemun, was held on May 12 this year. Before the session Executive Council, the Electoral Commission, the Scorer and the Verifier were elected.
Reports on the activities and work of our community was unanimously adopted. Activists for the new management of the municipality were then elected by secret ballot. Nenad Fogel was re-elected for the President and Jovan Djordjevic, Marko Scher, Dr. Michael Farkić and Zoran Jovanovski for the members of the Executive Board. New coordinator of the youth section is Vladimir Mijatovic and the new head of the women's section is Erna Kovacevic.

Appendix: Report on the work JCZ the 2012, List of selected activists (in Serbian)

March 25, 2013 - Passover in a winter wonderland

It has become a tradition for the Jewish Community in Zemun to spend Passover in the fraternal Jewish Community in Subotica. On leaving for Subotica none of us expected to be stranded in a sandstorm. It is well known in these parts that “Old Hag March” can mess up the weather, however, that we would have a snowfall, as if it were the middle of January, was unconceivable to almost all. Moses, some rabbis believe, split up the Red Sea since he did not know how to swim, but, on this day he left us stranded to battle through a snow blizzard. Be it as it may, thankfully inside the Jewish Community in Subotica there was not a trace of winter. In the warm atmosphere of the synagogue, service was held by the hazan from Hódmezővásárhely Mr. Ragucki Gabor. Upon the service hazan Gabor read the Haggadah to the packed Town Hall audience. Calling to mind the Exodus from Egypt lends us all a strong base to shape our sense of personal freedom. Beside the large count of our hosts and us from Zemun, the celebration of Passover was also attended by members of the communities of Sombor and Zrenjanin.
Finally, we Zemunians owe much to President Tomaž Halbrorhor for his unyielding support, both spiritual and material, for which we are grateful and will always remember, especially the material support. For our spiritual wellbeing, each one of us answers before Him alone.

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February 25, 2013 - Zemunians celebrated Purim in Subotica

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January 28, 2013 - The exhibition The Jewish camp in Zemun opened in Belgrade City Library

Commemorating the Holocaust Memorial Day, the Jewish Community in Zemun put on display its exhibition about the Jewish camp in Zemun, inside Belgrade City Library’s gallery Atrium. In the presence of many guests, renowned Belgrade University professors, members of the corps diplomatic, journalists, prominent public figures and Jews survivors, the exhibition “The Jewish camp Zemun – Holocaust and Collaboration in Serbia” was opened by the Minister of Culture of the Republic of Serbia, Mr. Bratislav Petković. Speaking of the importance of the staging of this exhibition Minister Petković announced that the exhibitions would soon be displayed in the Cultural Center of the Republic of Serbia in Paris. He also stressed that the area on which the camp lies must soon obtain an appropriate memorial in the form of a Holocaust Museum. In her introductory speech Library Director, Ms. Jasmina Ninkov expressed her warmest welcome to the gathered audience. Her long standing cooperation with the Federation of Jewish Communities in Serbia, and especially is former President Aleksandar Nećak has brought about the staging of this important exhibition. Nenad Fogel, President of the Jewish Community in Zemun, in his short speech brought to the attention of gathered guests that the actual reason for the staging of this exhibition was the 70th anniversary of the closing of the Jewish camp in Zemun. Jews, inmates of the camp had been brutally annihilated within it. In the course of just a few months all Jews inside Sajmište camp were killed in a specially designed van, the so called “choker “, i.e. gas chamber. In this van they were transported along Belgrade’s streets up to Jajinci where they were thrown into already prepared mass graves. H.E. Yossef Levy, Ambassador of Israel to Serbia greeted the assembly and stressed the close ties between the Serbian and Jewish peoples. He noted that except for collaborators, the Serbian people never took part in the mass destruction of Jews, and in addition stressed the comparable fate of these two brotherly nations.
The cellist, Ms. Sandra Belić performed two compositions at the opening of the exhibition. The exhibition has been financially backed by M. Josef Žamboki who arrived for the occasion from Isreal to be present at its opening. The exhibition, whose authors are Milan and Nenad Fogel and Dr. Milan Koljanin shall remain open up to February 2nd.

Tanjug Agency reports on this event (in Serbian) with video and photos

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January 26, 2013. - The New Year of Trees – Tubishvat

The Jewish Community in Zemun marked the holiday of Tubishvat in keeping with traditional customs, i.e., with fruit and wine, but also an obligatory side dish of chosen grilled meat. The celebration, in the company of many friends, presented a perfect occasion to promote our new catalogue (and a video recording) of the major activities of the Zemun Jewish Community. Many in the audience recognized themselves in the displayed photos taken at various celebrations, promotions and exhibitions which our community had organized from 2010 to 2012. The catalogue, which could not have been made without the generous donation of the Zemun Municipality, as well as the accompanying CD containing video presentations of all our catalogues from 2006 to this day, was handed out to all guests as a present. Our celebration, which took place on the eve of Holocaust Memorial Day was seasoned with the tones of Moma’s guitar whose soft tunes reminded us all of the good old melodies we sang and shared in these war torn territories; one on top of another, the songs of Zdravko Čolić, Oliver Dragojević, Indeksi, and all the other “blue orchestras” we grew up and matured with. Today, there is no “brotherhood and unity of the peoples” but there is still belief, at least seen from the Jewish viewpoint that people in these lands of former Yugoslavia can still live in unity and benevolence. Such holidays as the Tubishvat, dedicated to the glory of nature simply incite positive emotions. In these cold January days, instead of the traditional planting of trees, in itself a sign of generosity and goodwill, we have decided to plant seeds of understanding.
More about this holiday from our page

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