The Jewish Community of Belgrade (JOB) is a community of Belgrade Jews, established to preserve, promote, and develop ethnic and religious identity. JOB represents the official body that advocates for the interests of members of the Jewish faith, culture, and tradition.
According to historical records, the first writings and chronicles about the Jewish community in Belgrade appeared in 1521. The Jews of Belgrade have left an indelible mark on the history, culture, science, politics, and social life of Belgrade throughout history. The contribution and influence of the Jewish community in Belgrade is also reflected in the fact that today more than twenty streets in Belgrade are named after prominent Jewish artists, writers, and academics, notable figures of Belgrade, such as: Danilo Kiš, Oskar Davičo, renowned painters Aleksa and Marko Čelebonović, Rahela Ferari, Dr. Hugo Klajn, Eli Finci, Geca Kon, Stanislav Vinaver, Hajim Davičo, Olga Alkalaj, the Amar Brothers, Rabbi Alkalaj, Leon Koen, as well as national heroes Moša Pijade and the Baruh Brothers, who tragically perished as members of the national liberation movement in World War II.
The Jewish Community of Belgrade is the legal successor of the Sephardic and Ashkenazi religious communities that existed before World War II, as well as all societies, funds, and organizations that operated within those communities, which did not resume their activities after the war.
JOB fulfills its mission and operational foundations through social, cultural, and religious aspects. By realizing cultural content, as well as educational and instructional activities, the community enables its members to nurture Jewish culture, faith, and tradition as an integral part of Jewish identity and life.
The Jewish Community of Belgrade is a very active community. Within the community, sections promote Jewish culture and tradition through folklore, literature, acting, and other arts. The amateur theater “King David” has been operating for over 30 years, while the choir of the Jewish Community of Belgrade, the Serbian-Jewish Singing Society “Baruh Brothers,” is one of the oldest Jewish choirs in this region. The dance group Nahar Haeš nurtures and promotes Israeli dances and folklore. Recently, the work of the Children's Day Center has been renewed within the community. For older generations, there are programs such as gatherings within the Golden Heart society, while women actively participate in work and socializing through activities organized by the Women's Section.
Education for children and youth takes place according to tailored programs for each age group in children's and youth clubs, which collaborate with educational institutions and Jewish youth organizations from the region and the world.
Today, the Jewish Community of Belgrade has very successful cooperation with educational and cultural institutions of the City of Belgrade and the Republic of Serbia. In addition to educational and cultural activities, with an emphasis on children and youth, the Jewish Community of Belgrade takes care of its members from a social perspective. The work of the Social Service is carried out through three main program areas: Social Assistance, Health Insurance, and Claims Conference projects.
The Jewish Community of Belgrade has the status of a legal entity and is one of the founders of the Federation of Jewish Communities of Serbia. The religious life of the Belgrade Jewish community takes place in the synagogue “Sukat Shalom,” and burial rites are performed at the Jewish cemetery in Belgrade. The fundamental issues of importance for the organization and operation of the Jewish Community are established by the Statute of the Jewish Community of Belgrade. The work of the Jewish Community of Belgrade is organized through the bodies of the Community, permanent and auxiliary bodies defined by the Statute.
