Zagreb, (IKA) – On the eve of the Jewish New Year 5766, Rosh Hashanah, October 3, 2005, approximately 300 Zagreb Jews assembled in prayer at services conducted by Rabbi Kotel Da-Don in the premises of the Croatian-Israeli Friendship Society, at the invitation of the president of the CIFS, Mihael Montiljo. In only two days, ordinary meeting rooms had been transformed by the distinguished artist Toni Franović and a team of helpers into Bet Israel (the House of Israel), a beautiful temporary place of worship, study and socializing.
The assembled worshippers were also joined by representatives of other religious communities. The president of the Meshihat in the Republic of Croatia, Ševko Omerbašić, wished everyone a good and successful year and continued excellent cooperation between the Jewish and Muslim communities, which could serve as a model for all the countries in the world. The general vicar of the Zagreb Archdiocese, Prelate Vladimir Stanković, spoke about Cardinal Franjo Šeper’s role at the Second Vatican Council and engagement on behalf of the members of the Jewish faith. Congratulations and good wishes were also expressed by the Very Rev. Stavrofor Marinko Juretić on behalf of the Serbian Orthodox Church and the Rev. Branko Berić of the Evangelical Church. A letter from Premier Ariel Sharon addressed to the Jewish Diaspora was read by the Israeli ambassador to the Republic of Croatia, Shmuel Meirom.
Bet Israel has been in continuous use throughout the High Holy Days (Rosh Hashanah through Yom Kippur, October 3–13), and will also serve as a place of worship during the celebrations of the coming Jewish holy days of Sukkot (The Feast of Tabernacles), October 14-20, Shemini Atzeret, October 24-25 and Simchat Torah, October 25-26.