Serbia’s Jewish Foreign Minister Opens Press Conference in Hebrew: ‘You Have True Friends’
Reflecto News | Diplomacy | Israel-Serbia Relations
JERUSALEM — In a deeply symbolic gesture, Serbia’s Foreign Minister Marko Đurić, who is Jewish, opened his official statement in Hebrew during a joint press conference with his Israeli counterpart Gideon Sa’ar in Jerusalem on Monday, declaring that Israelis have “true friends” in Serbia.
The moment was a powerful public display of solidarity, bridging the historical trauma of the Holocaust with the modern diplomatic alliance between the two nations.
“אני רוצה שכל הישראלים ידעו — יש לכם חברים אמיתיים.”
“I want all Israelis to know—you have true friends.”
— Marko Đurić, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Serbia
🕍 A Statement of Shared History and Alliance
Foreign Minister Đurić, who has spoken publicly about his family’s origins (the Đurić family was protected and hidden by a Christian family in Croatia during the Holocaust), used the Hebrew phrase to cement the bond that has flourished since Israel recognized Kosovo’s independence in 2020—a stance Serbia has resented, yet the relationship has survived and deepened .
Historic Backdrop
- Diplomatic Relations: Serbia and Israel have historically friendly relations, but recent years have witnessed a significant military and economic upswing. In 2023, Serbia signed a contract to purchase Israeli Spike anti-tank missiles .
- Sensitive History: Serbia’s current posture as a safe haven for Jews contrasts sharply with its WWII-era quisling regime (the Government of National Salvation under German occupation), which implemented antisemitic policies. Đurić’s personal history and his presence at the podium represent a repudiation of this dark past.
“The bond between Serbia and the Jewish people is not just diplomatic; it is woven into the fabric of our survival as a nation.”
⚖️ Kosovo Complications: ‘A Difficult Decision’
Despite the warm words, the elephant in the room remains Kosovo.
Israel’s Recognition of Kosovo:
In September 2020, under the previous Trump administration, Israel formally recognized Kosovo as an independent state . This move angered Belgrade, which still claims Kosovo as its southern province.
Serbia’s Ambassador:
The issue of Serbia reopening its embassy in Jerusalem (which it pledged to do in 2020 as part of the US-brokered deal) remains a lingering complication .
However, Đurić stated that the two countries have found a way to compartmentalize their disagreements. “We have proven we can navigate difficult political issues by focusing on mutual economic and security interests,” he said during the press conference, reported by the Times of Israel.
🔗 A Strategic Alignment
The visit yielded concrete results in defense and technology cooperation, solidifying a bond formed over shared geopolitical interests.
Sa’ar welcomed Đurić’s gesture and announced a series of pending bilateral agreements, including enhanced cooperation in the fields of cyber defense, agriculture, and water management.
The ministers signed a joint declaration in Israel committed to fighting antisemitism and preserving the memory of the Holocaust, as well as combating anti-Israeli bias in international forums .
“The Jewish community in Serbia is a bridge, not a buffer. We are proud that a son of our community represents his country in Jerusalem.”
— Board of Jewish Communities of Serbia
📊 Key Takeaways for Reflecto News Readers
| Aspect | Summary |
|---|---|
| The Gesture | Foreign Minister Đurić opened his press conference in Hebrew : “I want all Israelis to know—you have true friends.” |
| Personal Connection | Đurić is Jewish; his family survived the Holocaust hiding in Croatia. |
| Diplomatic Context | Visit follows years of tension over Israel’s recognition of Kosovo (2020). |
| Announcements | Agreements on cyber defense, agriculture, water, and Holocaust commemoration. |
| Unresolved Issue | Serbia still has not reopened its embassy in Jerusalem (pending since 2020). |
Follow Reflecto News for continuous updates on Israel-Serbia relations, Balkan diplomacy, and all breaking news from around the world.
This article is the intellectual property of Reflecto News. Redistribution without attribution is prohibited. For syndication or media inquiries, please contact the editorial team.