Crown Prince Alexander of Serbia has extended his congratulations for the Jewish holiday of Purim.
The Crown Prince sent a message to the Ambassador of Israel to Serbia, Mr Jahel Villan; the Chief Rabbi of Serbia, Mr Isak Asiel; the President of the Federation of Jewish Communities, Mr Robert Sabados; and all members of the Jewish community in both Serbia and abroad.
His Royal Highness said: “I send my congratulations to all members of the Jewish community in Serbia and the Republic of Srpska, and all Jewish people worldwide on the joyful holiday of Purim! May this great holiday bring health, love, peace, and prosperity, and may all who celebrate it spend it in joy together with their loved ones”.
“Every holiday is the day that should remind us of all to wholeheartedly work for a better and more tolerant society. Our love and belief in the Almighty Lord, oblige us to share the spirit of salvation and joy, remind our entire community that we must nurture wisdom, patience, and tolerance.”
Purim is a Jewish holiday commemorating the survival of the Jews after they were marked for death by the Persian ruler. Purim is celebrated from 16 to 17 March in 2022.
Before the Second World War, Serbia had a Jewish population of around 33,000; however, around two-thirds of Serbian Jews died in the Holocaust.
In the 2011 census, less than 800 people claimed to be Jewish.
