David Montijas, president of Jewish Community of Pancevo, a city located in the southern part of Autonomous Province of Vojvodina, in Republic of Serbia.
About 14,500 out of a pre-war population of 16,000 Serbian Jews were killed in World War II. Today the number of Jewish residents in Pancevo is about 30 people.
In your opinion, what importance, if any, does the existence of a Jewish state have to you personally and to Jewish people in general?
“In my opinion the existence of the State of Israel means more secure life for Jews in Diaspora and I think as long as the State of Israel exists Holocaust will never happen again. The state finally fulfilled the hopes of Zionists, so that is a great feeling that now I have my mother country.”
Do you feel committed in some way to defend the future existence of Israel?
“Yes, I will always defend the existence of Israel.”
Do you feel morally responsible for Israel’s actions (such as its management of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict)?
“I feel the great grief for this conflict happening so long time. In my opinion the actions of Israel are necessary due to the demands and actions of Palestinians.”
In your experience, are Jewish people sometimes held morally accountable for Israel’s actions by their non-Jew fellow citizens?
“The opinions are different among non-Jewish citizens. Some people condemn Israel for its actions.”
In your opinion, what is the main thing Israelis fail to understand about the reality of being Jewish outside of Israel?
“In Diaspora it is more difficult to be a Jew than in Israel. It is also necessary for Jews to live in Diaspora in order to keep Jewish cultural heritage which is spread all over the world. Diaspora strongly supports the State of Israel.”
How would you describe Israel’s policy (formally and in practice) regarding its relationship with the Diaspora?
“In cultural and political affairs everything is OK, but financially Israel still expects the support of Diaspora, though in some countries Jewish communities have far lower standards than Israel itself. On the contrary, Diaspora in some countries expect some help from Israel, but get no help.”
In your opinion, does Israel have an obligation to defend and help Jewish communities in need?
“By all means.”
Have you ever been to Israel?
“Yes, in 1985, as a Maccabi participant.”
Do you have family relatives in Israel?
“No, I don’t. I have only good friends in Israel.”
If an Israeli tourist should ever come across your hometown, which experience should he/she not miss?
“He/she should never miss to come and visit Jewish Community of Pancevo, to visit Jewish cemetery and memorial places of Holocaust victims. There are a few of them in my town.”
Anything you would like to add?
“l love Israel!”
