Zecevic: Relations with Israel are very important, both Jews and Serbs are victims of genocide and fascism

The Director of the Institute for European Studies in Belgrade, Slobodan Zecevic, stated that Israel wields much greater global influence through the United States than its size and population would suggest, and that relations with Israel are very important for Serbia. Ahead of Israeli President Isaac Herzog’s visit to Belgrade tomorrow, Zecevic emphasized that the Serbian and Jewish people share a lot, especially in a historical context, as both were victims of genocide and fascism in Europe.

"Unfortunately, Israel is one of the Western bloc countries that recognized Kosovo, but the Jewish and Serbian people share much in common, especially historically, as both were victims—of course, the Jews much more so—but we, too, were victims of genocide and fascism in Europe. This should create a foundation for mutual solidarity, to prevent the revisionism that exists in certain neighboring countries when it comes to the suffering of the Jewish and Serbian people. Historically and politically, we should maintain solidarity when it comes to these historical facts. At the same time, we would like Israel to have much more understanding of our views, as we also face Islamic extremism," Zecevic told Kosovo Online.

In this context, Zecevic recalled the attempted murder of a member of the Serbian Gendarmerie in front of the Israeli embassy in Belgrade in June of this year, as well as the extremism present in the Sandzak region.

"In that sense, there aren't significant differences between Israel and us when it comes to political policies and stances. We should foster the best possible relations, and this is especially important for the cooperation between Israel and Serbia in the U.S., particularly regarding lobbying in America," Zecevic stated.

He added that Islamic extremism poses a threat to everyone and that the Jewish state has been brutally attacked by Hamas, which is why, as he said, he somewhat understands the actions of the Israeli government.