The Mahar Conference convened 400 delegates representing 15 European nations

Budva, Montenegro. October 25-29. The sixth annual "Mahar" ("Tomorrow") conference was held in Budva, organized by the Jewish Community of Montenegro under the patronage of the Euro-Asian Jewish Congress (EAJC). The conference represents one of the pivotal events in the communal life of the Balkan region. Traditionally, the conference was attended by delegates from Serbia, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Albania, other Eastern European nations, and Israel. It brought together approximately 400 representatives from over twenty-five Jewish communities across fifteen countries.

This year, the conference was dedicated to the 70th anniversary of the establishment of the State of Israel, focusing on key historical milestones, the country's cultural development, and the specifics of its socio-political life. Special emphasis was placed on Aliyah as the Jewish people's path to their historic homeland (Eretz Yisrael), the critical role of the KKL-JNF fund in building the State of Israel, and the influence of the military—one of the country's core state institutions—on its economy, culture, and political evolution.

The opening ceremony featured speakers from various countries, community leaders, and representatives of non-governmental organizations supporting the conference. On behalf of the EAJC, the Director of the Congress's Legal Department, Alexey Obolenets, delivered welcoming remarks. He emphasized the growing role of the Montenegrin diaspora in Southeastern Europe: "It is remarkable how the modest community of Montenegro has succeeded in becoming a prominent center of global Jewish life. We admire this achievement every year and express our hope that the life of the Jewish communities in the Balkans will continue to progress annually through constructive efforts, tolerance, and the prosperity of this exceptionally beautiful and blessed region."

At the commencement of the first day, delegates paid tribute to the memory of the President of the Jewish Community of Montenegro, Jasa Alfandari.

The address by Major General Avigdor Kahalani focused on "Courage and Truth on a Warrior's Path." The Director of the Israeli Center of Science and Culture in Bulgaria, David Levy, discussed lessons to be learned from startup nations. Meanwhile, the Advisor to the Director General of the World Jewish Congress, Eyal Melamed, shared insights into the details of Operation Moses, which evacuated Ethiopian Jews from Sudan.

Several exhibitions were also held during the conference. The photo exhibition "Israel's 70th Anniversary Celebration," organized by the Museum of the Jewish People, was officially opened by Alona Fisher-Kamm, the Israeli Ambassador to Serbia and non-resident Ambassador to Montenegro.

Acknowledging the key role of the Euro-Asian Jewish Congress in organizing the event, the President of the Jewish Community of Montenegro, Djordje Raicevic, addressed a letter of appreciation to the President of the EAJC, Mikhail Mirilashvili.

For its part, the EAJC remains committed to strengthening the ties among Balkan communities and their connection with the State of Israel, addressing their unique needs, and actively participating in key initiatives.