Nikšić receives a Velvet monument

A monument to Velvet will be built at the Kapino Polje airport in Nikšić, as a sign of Israel's gratitude to the former Yugoslavia and Montenegro for their contribution to the survival of the newly formed Jewish state.
The Nikšić Municipal Assembly adopted at its session on Friday the initiative to erect a memorial dedicated to Operation Velvet, which was submitted by the Jewish Community of Montenegro, the Embassy of Israel in Montenegro and the World Jewish Congress.
The non-resident ambassador of Israel in Montenegro Johel Vilan said that the monument is being built as a sign of gratitude of the state of Israel to the former Yugoslavia, and especially to Montenegro and the city of Nikšić, "for an unforgettable contribution to the survival of the newly formed state of Israel, as well as a reminder of friendship then and now."
The Honorary Consul of Montenegro in Israel, Nimrod Rinot, said that the relationship between the Israeli and Montenegrin peoples did not start today, but is rooted in the history and independence of the two nations.
Montenegro helped Israel through Operation "Velveta" when it was fighting for independence, and Israel was the first country to recognize Montenegrin independence in 2006 - reminded Rinot.
He said that the connection between the two nations continues today, adding that Israelis make up the largest number of investors in the Montenegrin economy in 2022.
"We will make sure that the trend of increasing their participation continues in the coming period. Tourism is the main source of income for Montenegro and we are proud that, even with this project, we are part of the development of tourism in this beautiful country," said Rinot.
The President of the Jewish Community of Montenegro, Nina Ofner Bokan, said that the interest of Israelis in Montenegro as an investment and tourist destination is increasing from year to year.
According to her, the Velvet monument will represent a new tourist attraction that will make the city of Nikšić an unmissable destination for every Jew.
We are pleased to point out that with this project we are making a great contribution both to the city of Nikšić and to the country of Montenegro. We are very grateful to everyone who supported its implementation - said Ofner Bokan.
The Embassy of Israel in Montenegro and the Honorary Consulate of Montenegro in Israel and the Jewish Community are responsible for the implementation of the project.
M.J.