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Bosnia’s national museum has defended their decision to donate proceeds from displaying a treasured Jewish manuscript to aid the people of Gaza. The museum announced that ticket revenue from viewing the Sarajevo Haggadah, a priceless medieval religious manuscript, would be donated to support Palestinians suffering from what they described as “systematic, calculated, and cold-blooded terror” carried out by Israel.
This move faced swift backlash earlier this month, with Jewish organizations abroad condemning what they called the politicization of a symbol of heritage and coexistence. However, museum director Mirsad Sijaric, 55, reiterated his support for the decision and shared that he had received many messages of support from Jewish individuals worldwide.
“Yes, we chose a side,” Sijaric stated to AFP. The museum’s donation will also include sales from a book about the Haggadah. Sijaric emphasized that the action was not an attack on Jewish people but a stand against the violence occurring in Gaza. “Pretending to be neutral is siding with evil. In my opinion, this is pure evil, and it must be opposed.”
The Haggadah’s illuminated parchment pages, dating back to around 1350, depict the creation of the world and the exodus of the Israelites from Egypt. Originally produced near Barcelona, the manuscript was brought to Sarajevo by Jews expelled from Spain in 1492. Remarkably, it survived Nazi occupation and was preserved through intense shelling during the Bosnian War in the 1990s.
Jewish community leader Jakob Finci found the decision “bizarre” and “a bit offensive,” arguing that it tarnishes Sarajevo’s reputation and undermines the Haggadah’s role as a symbol of Sarajevo’s diverse and multiethnic character. The Haggadah, stored securely in a glass case in a specially designed room, continues to be a testament to the city’s multicultural fabric, which includes nearly a thousand Jewish residents.
The museum’s leadership acknowledges the controversy, with Sijaric stating, “I’ve heard a lot of criticism… but no praise.” The manuscript has been more accessible since a 2018 renovation funded by France, and it remains a significant attraction for visitors and scholars alike.
Some visitors see the gesture as a way to show solidarity with Palestinians. Italian Egyptologist Silvia Einaudi commented, “I think it’s a way to support Palestinians in Gaza.” French visitor Paul Hellec added, “Gaza, why not? It’s a difficult topic right now, but many other places are suffering too.”
The Gaza conflict was ignited in October 2023 when Hamas launched an attack on Israel, resulting in over 1,200 civilian deaths. The situation remains dire, with ongoing hostilities and a high number of casualties on both sides. Due to restrictions and access issues in Gaza, the exact figures are difficult to verify independently.
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