The President of the Jewish Community of Montenegro, Jasha Alfandari gave an initial address, followed by a video greeting by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The keynote speaker, President of the Republic of Montenegro, Filip Vujanović emphasized the anti-Fascist past and present of this small but vibrant country in the Balkans, which is now on its way to becoming an epitome of interreligious tolerance and dialogue. Mikhail Chlenov, Vice-president of the World Jewish Congress and Secretary General of the EAJC, spoke on behalf of the EAJC, an organization which supported “Mahar” from its creation four years ago. He also conveyed best greetings from EAJC President Julius Meinl. John Malkinson addressed the audience on behalf of WJC. Malkinson read the greeting letter from the WJC President Ronald Lauder. Andras Heisler, President of the Federation of the Jewish Communities in Hungary was warmly welcomed, since Hungarian Jewish Federation gave great support to the Community of Montenegro and helped make “Mahar” the relevant conference it is today. Alona Fisher-Kamm, the non-residential ambassador of the State of Israel to Montenegro, gave a final greeting speech at the opening. She acknowledged all the good work that had been done in organizing this years’ “Mahar.”

The opening ceremony was followed by a constructive meeting of representatives of over 25 Jewish communities from Hungary, Greece, Romania, Albania, Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Macedonia, and Montenegro. Mikhail Chlenov and John Malkinson also attended this meeting and provided valuable input for the discussion.