"Velvet", a symbol of friendship between Montenegro and Israel

AUTHOR: M.J.
In honor of the "Velvet" operation, a monument dedicated to the 1948 operation of the same name was unveiled at the Kapino Polje airport in Nikšić. "Velveta", thanks to Tito's Yugoslavia and Czechoslovakia, from which the planes were procured, contributed to Israel's independence, and that is why this operation is seen in history as a noble act.
The ceremony in Nikšić, with strong security measures, was attended by representatives of Israel, the non-resident ambassador to Montenegro
Jahel Vilan, lieutenant colonel Gadi Menahen, as well as numerous other dignitaries.
Deputy Prime Minister Momo Koprivica recalled the history that binds our people to the Israeli people.
Jahel Vilan said that, thanks to the Palestinians, Israel recently, unfortunately, returned to 1948, and that it was attacked again, that its people suffer horrors, kidnappings, rapes..., but that the Jews will never forget the good deed of that time of Yugoslavia and contribution to their struggle for freedom.
The President of the Jewish Community in Montenegro, Nina Ofner-Bokan, thanked all the friends and officials who helped to erect this monument in Nikšić, at the airport from which airplanes flew to Israel in 1948, and thanks to which the Air Force was formed and of the state. She listed numerous donors, thanked the team that devotedly worked on the creation of an airplane that defiantly reflects Israel's strength and desire for freedom, and it was also heard that most of the money needed for this venture was provided by the Bemax company from Podgorica.
The monument is located at the entrance to the Kapino Polje airport near Nikšić, and consists of a metal model of the airplane, made in the original, on a high concrete pedestal. Nearby, there is a plaque that reads: "The monument was erected as a sign of gratitude of the State of Israel to the Federative People's Republic of Yugoslavia, with special recognition to Montenegro and the city of Nikšić, for their indelible contribution to the survival of the newly founded State of Israel in 1948." We are proud of the long-term friendship that connects our two countries".