Elena Djurovic, Vice-President of the Jewish community in Montenegro, a member of the Euro-Asian Jewish Congress, gave an interview to «Judishe Allgemeine» (Berlin).
The article says that f few years ago, while she still lived in London, Jasha Alfandari (today the head of the Jewish community in Montenegro, member of the EAJC General Council) phoned Jelena. He wanted to establish a Jewish community in Montenegro. At the time there was no Jewish way of life in Montenegro, and Jasha just got information about Jelena’s family connection to Lotika Zellermeier, who was the inspiration for the main character from the 1961 Nobel Prize winner Ivo Andrić’s novel “The Bridge on the Drina”.
“Today Jasha is the President and I am Vice President of Jewish Community of Montenegro, which was established more than four years ago,” Jelena says.
There are approximately 500 Jews in Montenegro who live in major coastal towns but also in capital Podgorica, Jelena’s second home as of a couple of years ago.
“Our community is small but each year more than 3000 Jews visit Montenegro,” says Jelena. “Since there is no Israeli embassy here, we are called upon if Jews face emergency while in the country.”
The Community is planning to build a synagogue in Podgorica as well as Judaica cultural centre and kosher restaurant. Fundraising is underway for this large project. Occasionally Jelena is being asked is it all really necessary for such a small community. Her answer is clear: “This project will connect local Jews with Jewish visitors from abroad and those who live in Montenegro temporarily, and is also important for the society in general. At the same time, building synagogue and the Judaica centre will strengthen our community.”