Montenegro’s tiny Jewish community navigates rising hostility toward Israel

Montenegro's small Jewish community faces rising antisemitism and hostility toward Israel since October 7. Rabbi Ari Edelkopf reports 24-hour security needs and monitoring of antisemitic portals. A July 12 brawl in Budva between locals and 20 Israeli tourists left most injured, one with a broken jaw; locals shouted 'Free Palestine' and 'F*** Israel.' Israeli tourists were also harassed in Plav. Despite tensions, 110,249 Israelis visited in 2025, up from 73,513 in 2024. A new Jewish cultural center is under construction in Podgorica.

Montenegro's tiny Jewish community, numbering fewer than 1,000, is navigating a rise in hostility toward Israel since the October 7 attacks. Rabbi Ari Edelkopf, who heads the Religious Jewish Community of Montenegro in Podgorica, says the situation has changed, requiring 24-hour security and monitoring of antisemitic portals. A violent brawl in Budva on July 12, 2025, between locals and 20 Israeli tourists (12 men, 8 women) left most injured, one with a broken jaw; locals shouted 'Free Palestine' and 'F*** Israel' after learning the tourists' nationality. The Israeli government helped expedite flights out, but police reportedly failed to intervene. In early July, Israeli tourists in Plav were harassed by a couple calling them 'baby killers.' Despite this, Israeli tourism is strong: 110,249 visited in 2025, up from 73,513 in 2024. The community is split between Edelkopf's Orthodox synagogue and a progressive congregation led by Nina Ofner Bokan, who is also vice president of the World Jewish Congress. A new Jewish cultural center is under construction in Podgorica, set for completion this fall. The article notes Montenegro's historical ties to Israel, including a monument to Operation Velvetta, and the country's recognition of Judaism as an official religion in 2012.