Violent Attack on Israeli Tourists Sparks Concern in Montenegro's Jewish Community

On July 12, around 20 Israeli tourists were violently attacked in a Montenegrin resort town, raising serious concerns within the local Jewish community of fewer than 1,000 people. According to the Ministry of Diaspora's Anti-Semitism Combat Center, the group of 12 men and 8 women, who bore no national symbols, were assaulted after locals identified their Israeli origin. Attackers shouted slogans such as "Free Palestine" and "Down with Israel," physically beating the tourists and throwing metal chairs and tables at them. One Israeli was hospitalized with a broken jaw. The Israeli government assisted the group in advancing their return flights, while local police reportedly did not intervene.

Rabbi Ari Edelkopf, head of the religious Jewish community in Podgorica, told the Jewish Telegraphic Agency that although Montenegro was previously considered relatively safe, the situation deteriorated after October 7. Pro-Palestinian demonstrations occurred in major cities, accompanied by hostile media coverage portraying Israel as committing genocide. Earlier in July, a local couple harassed Israeli tourists in a pub, calling them "baby killers." Despite rising tensions, Israeli tourism to Montenegro continues to grow, with 110,249 visitors in 2025 compared to 73,513 the previous year. The Jewish community is advancing new projects, including a cultural center and synagogue.

Nikola Čamaj, Montenegro's parliamentary deputy speaker, affirmed that official relations with Israel remain excellent and that the population supports Jews, but acknowledged challenges posed by the country's large Muslim population opposing events in Gaza. Meanwhile, officials like Deputy Prime Minister Budimir Aleksić emphasized Montenegro's commitment to diversity and stated that antisemitism has never been a foundation in the country.