Preserving a Legacy: An Interview with Dr. Eli Tauber on Jewish Life in Sarajevo

During a recent Jewish heritage press trip to Sarajevo, the New York Jewish Travel Guide had the distinct honor of sitting down with Dr. Eli Tauber, one of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s most respected Jewish historians, writers, journalists, and cultural leaders. With decades of tireless dedication to preserving Jewish identity in the Balkans, Dr. Tauber has become a key figure in documenting the remarkable journey of Bosnia’s Jewish community—particularly the Sephardic Jews who found refuge in the region following their expulsion from Spain in 1492.

Our conversation explored not only the community’s current challenges but also its resilience, interfaith collaboration, and enduring legacy. A scholar, advocate, and lifelong member of Sarajevo’s Jewish community, Dr. Tauber has led numerous initiatives focused on education, heritage preservation, and dialogue between religious communities.

In this exclusive interview, Dr. Tauber shares his thoughts on the present and future of Jewish life in Sarajevo, the region’s complex interreligious dynamics, and the urgent need to preserve the stories, language, and traditions of Sephardic Jewry in Bosnia.

Dr. Eli Tauber, Bosnian Jewish historian, during an interview in Sarajevo—New York Jewish Travel Guide

The Current State of Jewish Life in Bosnia

NYJTG: Dr. Tauber, you’ve spent your life preserving Bosnia’s Jewish heritage. What are the biggest challenges facing the Jewish community in Bosnia today?

Tauber:
Bosnia has a remarkably rich Jewish history—one that includes ancient cemeteries, our Jewish Museum, traditional Sephardic songs, and the preservation of the Judeo-Spanish (Ladino) language. In fact, we now have only one person left in Sarajevo who still speaks Ladino. Our goal is to preserve this linguistic and cultural heritage before it disappears entirely.

To the global Jewish diaspora, I would say, come visit Sarajevo. See how Jewish life exists in harmony within a Muslim-majority country. We enjoy excellent interfaith relations and co-founded the Interreligious Council of Bosnia, which promotes dialogue and mutual understanding among Jews, Muslims, Christians, and others. And importantly, this is a place where Sephardic tradition—not Ashkenazi—predominates. No Yiddish is spoken here; we are custodians of a distinct and vital part of Jewish history.

On Solidarity and the Aftermath of October 7

NYJTG: Considering recent global events—particularly the aftermath of October 7—how has the broader Bosnian society responded to your community?

Tauber:
Bosnia is a complex society, made up of three main ethnic groups: Bosniaks (Muslims), Croats, and Serbs. Each has its own political and cultural affiliations. The Croat and Serb communities have generally expressed clear support for Israel. Among the Bosniak population, reactions are more nuanced—some may express solidarity with the Palestinians, but this hasn’t led to hostility toward the Jewish community.

There have been a few protests concerning the situation in Gaza, but these were organized by NGOs, not by state authorities. Thankfully, we haven’t experienced any direct antisemitic acts or violence. There are occasional critical media articles, but these reflect marginal opinions. Overall, we continue to live peacefully and with mutual respect.

The Sarajevo Ashkenazi Synagogue, constructed in 1902, stands as a symbol of the city’s enduring Jewish heritage. – New York Jewish Travel Guide

Jewish-Muslim Relations and the Sarajevo Purim

NYJTG: How would you characterize the relationship between the Jewish community and the broader Bosnian society?

Tauber:
Our relations are overwhelmingly positive, especially through the efforts of the Interreligious Council. One event that symbolizes our deep connection to this city is the celebration of “Sarajevo Purim”—a local holiday that commemorates a miracle that saved the Jewish community in 1819.

During Ottoman rule, a blood libel was falsely brought against the Jews by the then-governor of Sarajevo, Ruždi Pasha. Thanks to the courage of Moshe Danon, a Jewish doctor, and efforts by community leaders and diplomats, the accusation was overturned, and the governor removed. We revived this story with a public conference six years ago, underscoring both our long-standing roots in Sarajevo and the power of solidarity.

Holocaust Education in Bosnia

NYJTG: How is the Holocaust commemorated in Bosnia, and is it part of the national education system?

Tauber:
Each year, we commemorate International Holocaust Remembrance Day on January 27 through events organized by the Jewish community in cooperation with Sarajevo University. I personally curated an exhibition last year titled “My Family in the Holocaust” to deepen awareness.

While Holocaust education is improving, it’s still limited in schools. That’s why we’re working with the Ministry of Education to introduce a formal Holocaust curriculum in high schools. We’re developing teacher training programs and educational materials to ensure future generations learn and reflect on this vital history.

Looking Ahead

NYJTG: What are your hopes for the future of Jewish life in Sarajevo and Bosnia?

Tauber:
I remain deeply hopeful. This archive you see around us is more than just a collection of memories; it’s the foundation of a legacy. We’re preserving books, songs, proverbs, and documents that span 500 years of Jewish presence in this land.

This is not the end of our story; it’s the beginning of a new chapter. Our goal is to ensure that Jewish culture and history are not just remembered but lived. By investing in Holocaust education, cultural preservation, and community engagement, we aim to inspire future generations—both in Bosnia and beyond—to carry forward this unique heritage.

NYJTG: Thank you, Dr. Tauber, for sharing your invaluable insights and for your tireless commitment to preserving Jewish heritage. Your work is a powerful reminder of the importance of memory, education, and resilience.

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Story by Meyer Harroch, New York Jewish Travel Guide

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