Deputy Prime Minister Aleksić opens Mahar Conference in Budva

Deputy Prime Minister for Education, Science and Relations with Religious Communities Budimir Aleksić officially opened the twelfth Mahar conference in Budva. The event represents a traditional gathering of Jews from the territories of the former Yugoslavia, as well as from Southeastern and Central Europe.

This year’s Mahar focused on the theme “Women in Judaism,” which, according to Deputy Prime Minister Aleksić, offers an excellent opportunity to shed light on the role of women – not only in the past but also in the context of new challenges. He emphasized that Montenegro has hosted this important event for an entire decade, demonstrating that it is recognized as a country that nurtures diversity and promotes dialogue and tolerance in all fields.

Montenegro is recognized as a country that cherishes diversity, fosters dialogue, and stands as a nation where the Holocaust did not occur and where antisemitism has never had – and will never have – any foundation. We are proud of that fact, stated Deputy Prime Minister Aleksić.

He added that this year’s Mahar is particularly important because it examines a significant topic in its evolutionary context, highlighting the many obstacles that women in Judaism have faced throughout history up to the present day.

This is an opportunity for mutual learning and a more intensive exchange of broader experiences – for dialogue between different perspectives and traditions – an opportunity to jointly explore how the past, present, and future of women in Judaism shape our shared reality, said Deputy Prime Minister Budimir Aleksić.