The presence of Jews in the narrow area of Belgrade dates back to the 20th century, while as incoming commercial travelers they played a more active role in Serbia already during the 16th century.

 

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The first synagogue in Belgrade existed as early as the 16th century. It was demolished during the destruction of the city to build a new one during the 19th century. It survived the destruction during the Second World War, but over time it lost its importance and was demolished. The Sephardic synagogue Bet Israel was built in 1908, and the foundation stone was laid by the King of Serbia, Petar I Karađorđević. In its place today is the Gallery of Frescoes. The Ashkenazi synagogue Sukat Shalom or Hut of Peace is the sixth synagogue built in Belgrade. Today it is the only active Jewish temple. It was built in 1925. The temple was desecrated during the Holocaust and after World War II. The restoration of the synagogue is attended by the few surviving Jews from the Sephardic and Ashkenazi communities.

There were two synagogues in Zemun. One still exists today, but it is not in operation. An interesting story leads us to Theodor Herzl, the founder of Zionism (the return of Jews to Israel). His grandfather was a native of Zemun and it is believed that he was friends with Rabbi Judah ben Alkalai of Zemun, from whom the first ideas about the return of Jews to Israel originated. Two streets in Zemun were named after these significant historical figures for the Jewish people.

Most of the monuments in Belgrade are dedicated to the suffering of the Jewish people. Belgrade is the only capital city in Europe where four concentration camps were formed during the German occupation: Topovske šupe, Staro sajmište, Milišića ciglana (Milišić’s brickyard), and Banjica. Jews, Serbs, and Romani were kept in the Staro sajmište camp. More than 40,000 people perished from 1941 to 1944. The memorial to the victims is located in New Belgrade on the Sava promenade. Decorative monuments give a special stamp to the Jewish cemetery in Belgrade and contribute to the specific ambiance. The best architects of that time participated in its beautification. Today, this cemetery is a cultural heritage and can be visited.

Founded in 1941, on the spot where the large military barracks of the Kingdom of Yugoslavia used to be, it served as a prison for all enemies of the occupiers. Supporters of national liberation movements, partisans, Chetniks, Serbs, Jews, and Romani were brought. About 24,000 prisoners passed through the camp, and over 10,000 people died. Menorah in flames is a monument by sculptor Nandor Glid. It was erected as a symbol of the suffering of the Jews at Dorćol (part of Belgrade), next to the Danube bank, in an area that used to be called Jalije and was predominantly inhabited by Jews.

The Jewish Historical Museum in Belgrade was founded in 1948. It is part of the Union of Jewish Municipalities of Serbia. The museum continuously supplements its already rich archive with new information with the help of research and scientific works, as well as through publishing activities and communication with citizens. In recent years, more and more tourists and citizens visit this museum. Today, around 1,200 Jews live in the whole of Serbia. Apart from those located on the territory of Belgrade, the synagogues and monuments located in Vojvodina, Novi Sad, and Subotica are worthy of attention. Many tragic and sad stories took place on the territory of Serbia during World War II. Kladovo transport is one of them. It is the story of the fate of a large group of Jews who, fleeing Nazi Germany, failed to cross the Danube to the Black Sea.

 

Meeting point with the tour guide at the reception of your hotel or at your address.
The duration of the tour is 4-5 hours.
Departure time at 10 AM or according to the agreement.
The price depends on the number of people. The price includes the services of a tourist guide, entrance fees to localities, and return transfers.

 

 

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