Our bilateral trade increased by 64% in 2024, reaching a record total of almost $200 million, with Serbian exports increasing by 75% according to the Statistical Office of Serbia. This indicates that Serbian goods have found their place on the Israeli market, but also that Israeli production facilities in Serbia contribute greatly to this figure, as their main export destination is Israel ~ Avivit Bar-Ilan
In a year that marks the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, Israel’s ambassador to Serbia will concentrate on efforts aimed at deepening the people’s understanding of the Holocaust, particularly among young people, says Ambassador Bar-Ilan in this interview for CorD Magazine. That mission in Serbia has special significance for her, because – as she notes – she is “the granddaughter of Holocaust survivors with roots in Serbia”. She adds that the first year of her term in Serbia has also convinced her of the “immense potential for the Israeli-Serbian relationship to evolve further, particularly in the political, economic and cultural spheres”.
Your Excellency, in the year marking the 80ᵗʰ anniversary of the end of World War II, Israel has taken on the presidency of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance. What activities do you have planned for the year of Israel’s IHRA Presidency, which is focusing on the theme “The Crossroads of Generations”?
— Israel’s IHRA Presidency in this important year carries particular significance, as the international community faces the dual challenges of preserving remembrance of the Holocaust and addressing the concerning rise in antisemitism. The Embassy of Israel is launching a series of impactful projects across Serbia aimed at deepening understanding of the Holocaust through education, research and remembrance. Our mission is to engage the next generation, offering them a contemporary and nuanced understanding of the Shoah, ensuring that its lessons are never forgotten.
Additionally, we are proud to promote the global campaign supporting the Survivors’ Declaration. We are hopeful that Serbia’s public figures and institutions will embrace this important initiative, reflecting the deep and enduring solidarity with the Jewish people that has long been part of this nation’s history.
For me, as a Jewish woman, an Israeli Ambassador and the granddaughter of Holocaust survivors with roots in Serbia, this mission is profoundly meaningful. From laying new Stolpersteine to honouring the Righteous Among the Nations, every aspect of our work is guided by an unwavering commitment to memory, truth and justice.
When you arrived in Serbia less than a year ago, you emphasised that you were arriving in a country from which your ancestors once hailed. How would you assess the current state of bilateral relations between Israel and Serbia?
— It was truly a privilege for me to witness Israeli President Isaac Herzog’s historic visit to Serbia, which marked a significant milestone in the strengthening of our bilateral ties. This visit, shortly after I took on my role as Israeli ambassador, allowed me to see firsthand the profound connection between our two nations, deeply rooted in history.
The Joint Declaration on Technological Innovation, which was signed during the visit of President Herzog, promotes cooperation between our technological innovation institutions
There is immense potential for the Israeli-Serbian relationship to evolve further, particularly in political, economic and cultural spheres. As both countries continue to engage on various fronts, we are confident that our collaboration will expand, bringing tangible benefits to both sides. The visit of President Herzog reaffirmed Israel’s commitment to deepening these ties, and I’m eager to build on this momentum, exploring new opportunities for cooperation that will serve our nations’ interests for many years to come.
When it comes to enhancing economic cooperation, you noted that this provides “momentum” for Serbian companies to establish themselves on the Israeli market, particularly in sectors like consumer goods, construction materials and the manufacture and sale of prefabricated houses. Have the two governments and business communities recognised this favourable moment?
— Based on the level of our bilateral trade, we can definitely confirm that this is the case among businesses. Our bilateral trade rose by 64% in 2024, reaching a record total of almost 200 million USD, with Serbian exports rising by 75% according to the Statistical Office of Serbia. This indicates that Serbian goods have found a place on the Israeli market, but also that Israeli production facilities in Serbia contribute greatly to this figure, given that Israel is their main export destination.
Israel is frequently described as a technological powerhouse, renowned for its strong focus on education and support for innovation-driven companies. Does the recently signed Joint Statement on Cooperation in the Field of Technological Innovation between Israel and Serbia also envisage the transfer of Israeli knowledge and experience in this domain?
— Israel is home to world-renowned technology companies that have based their R&D offices in our country as a result of government incentives and talent. This means that the innovation policy and budget incentives for R&D have remained stable over the past several decades and are among the highest in the world, with Tel Aviv having the greatest concentration of start-ups per capita. The Joint Declaration on Technological Innovation, which was signed during the visit of President Herzog, promotes cooperation between our technological innovation institutions. It encourages exploration of ways to work within the national and international regulations and mechanisms to enhance cooperation between entities from Serbia and Israel in the emerging fields of biotechnology and bioconvergence.
Israel and Serbia signed a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in the field of green energy three years ago. Are any concrete projects now underway as a result of this agreement?
— Positive changes to Serbia’s legislative framework related to green energy were very well noticed and perceived among Israeli investors. I’m happy with the level of Israel’s contribution to Serbia achieving its green agenda.
The first and biggest contributor is Enlight Renewable Energy, which continues to expand its wind operations in the country and has new openings on the horizon. Apart from wind, Israeli companies also have an advantage in solar energy, in terms of knowhow and invaluable experience. We so far have the investment of Nofar Energy in Ada, while there is also very high interest and market exploration among other Israeli companies and investors.
The media have reported on an increase in the arms trade between our two countries in recent months. Serbia purportedly increased its defence exports to Israel thirtyfold in 2024. It was also announced recently that Serbia will import advanced artillery systems and drones from Israeli company Elbit Systems in a major deal worth $335 million. Is cooperation in the domain of defence and security becoming the dominant aspect of our bilateral relations?
— Israel has good bilateral cooperation with Serbia in various fields, including the defence sector.
Despite a ceasefire announced at the end of January this year, the conflict in Gaza continues. UN Secretary-General António Guterres has announced a reduction in the UN’s presence in Gaza, citing escalating Israeli violence and increased risk to humanitarian personnel. Under such circumstances, does a prolonged continuation of the conflict appear more likely, or do you believe that peace can still be achieved?
— Peace can only be achieved when terrorism is defeated. What the world too often overlooks is that this conflict did not start in October — it began years ago, when Hamas took control of Gaza and turned it into a base for terror attacks against Israel and a prison for Palestinians.
On 7ᵗʰ October [2023], Hamas launched a brutal, unprovoked massacre against Israeli civilians, and has since refused every ceasefire offer that includes the release of hostages and its disarmament. The protests we now witness inside Gaza, with people bravely calling for Hamas to leave, show that Palestinians themselves recognise who is responsible for their suffering.
Positive changes to Serbia’s legislation framework related to green energy were very well noticed and perceived among Israeli investors
Israel has no interest in prolonging the conflict; we want to guarantee the safety of our population. But as long as Hamas rules Gaza, peace is impossible — not because of Israel’s actions, but because of Hamas’s ideology of hate and destruction and its refusal of Israel’s right to exist.
The international community should stand with Israel in seeking peace and demand that Hamas disarm and release all hostages.
The conflict in Gaza, which has also spread across the wider region, has resulted in significant civilian casualties. It began with Hamas’s attack on young people at a music festival and the taking of hostages, but has continued with a large number of victims – including children – on the Palestinian and Lebanese sides killed during Israeli military operations. Are you concerned about Israel’s international reputation in light of accusations of excessive use of force against civilians, voiced since the launch of operations?
— I would like to remind everybody how this conflict started. Israel did not start this war — it was forced upon us by Hamas’s barbaric massacre of 7ᵗʰ October, when Israeli civilians – including young people at a music festival – were murdered, raped and kidnapped.
Israel has since acted in self-defence, targeting Hamas’s military infrastructure, which it deliberately hides among civilian areas. Every civilian life lost is a tragedy, whether Israeli or Palestinian.
But the responsibility lies with Hamas, which does not hesitate to use its own people as human shields, to hide weapons in schools, mosques and hospitals, and to steal humanitarian aid to rebuild its terror machine. Over 25,000 humanitarian aid trucks entered Gaza during the ceasefire. It is also Hamas aggression that threatens regional stability.
Israel’s actions are guided by international law and a moral obligation to defend its people while minimising harm to civilians. Unfortunately, the silence of many human rights groups regarding Israeli victims, especially the women brutalised on 7ᵗʰ October, reveals a disturbing double standard.
Israel will continue to defend its citizens while striving for peace — and calls on the world to help free Gaza from Hamas’s tyranny.
| COOPERATION Israel has good bilateral cooperation with Serbia in various fields, including the defence sector | TRAGEDY Every civilian life lost is a tragedy, whether Israeli or Palestinian | CONFLICT Israel has no interest in prolonging the conflict; we want to guarantee the safety of our population |
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