RABBI KOTEL DADON INAUGURATED IN ZAGREB

ZAGREB, Nov 6 (Hina) - Rabbi Kotel Dadon was inaugurated at Thursday night's ceremony in Zagreb's Jewish municipality. Dadon is the first rabbi inaugurated in Croatia after 55 years. The last rabbi in Croatia, Miroslav Krajberger, was killed in Auschwitz, in 1943. During the former Yugoslavia, there was only one rabbi assigned to the entire state. In his greeting speech, Rabbi Dadon stressed the necessity for cooperation between the "three large religions in preventing the erosion of moral values, which is typical of today's modern society". The rabbi expressed hope for cooperation with Croatian authorities. The inauguration ceremony was attended by representatives of Croatian authorities, Catholic Church, Islamic community, Evangelic Church, as well as many representatives of Jewish organisations and municipalities from Europe and the United States. The president of the Zagreb's Jewish municipality, Ognjen Kraus, said at a press conference held after the inauguration, that the Croatian Jewish community wishes to build a multimedia centre on the site of the former synagogue in Zagreb. A memorial synagogue, Jewish museum and kosher restaurant would also be build as a part of the centre. The old synagogue, which was demolished by Ustasha authorities, and was situated in down town Zagreb. Today, there is a parking lot on its place. Several legal problems have accrued considering ownership rights to the land where it is intended to build the centre, Kraus noted. The press conference was used to announce the coming celebration marking the 50th anniversary of the modern state of Israel, which will be held in Zagreb's Jewish municipality, from November 8 to 15. Guests will be able to visit the Jewish market, buy original Israeli souvenirs and try Israeli specialities from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. (hina) it jn/sp