European Jewish Association (EJA) contact PM, President and Ministers to register concern

European Jewish Association Chairman Rabbi Menachem Margolin: ”This will be an unforgettable holiday and experience for these children, for all the wrong reasons…a reminder that we can never become complacent or let our guard down when it comes to antisemitism.”

A group of French Jewish schoolchildren staying on holiday at a hotel in the town of Trilj near Split, in Croatia, woke up Monday to a giant swastika daubed on the pavement in front of their hotel.

The Brussels-based European Jewish Association (EJA) was informed about the clear antisemitic act by their representative in Croatia, Romano Bolkovic who contacted the offices of the Croatian Prime Minister, President and the Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Internal Affairs, and informed the Israeli ambassador.

Police are currently conducting an investigation into the incident.

“What an absolute shame. Whilst I am certain that the views of the individual and group responsible for painting a giant swastika are not representative of the vast majority of Croatians, the act and nature of this attack – because that is what it is- is still a deep cut to Jews everywhere,’’ commented EJA Chairman Rabbi Menachem Margolin.

“As adults we are sadly used to hate, yet we continue to do all that we can to shield our children from it. That a group of French Jewish children on holiday in Croatia have had such a vicious and visible introduction to this hate is tragic.’’

‘’This holiday for these children will now be an an unforgettable one, for all the wrong r0easons,’’ he added.

Rabbi Margolin concluded, “Whilst I am confident that the police will get to the bottom of this incident, and whilst the strong words of condemnation coming from the highest offices in Croatia are of comfort, we still have much work to do an antisemitism. This attack is a reminder that we can never afford to be complacent and let our guard down.”