ANURS organized an international Symposium about Jasenovac

International Symposium “Concentration Camp Jasenovac – suffering of Serbs in the WW2 – 80 years after” was held on 10 September 2025 in the Cultural Center “Banski Dvor” in Banja Luka.

The President of the Republic of Srpska Academy of Science and Art (ANURS), Prof. Dragoljub Mirjanić, PhD, pointed out that the Academy cherish the tradition of remembrance to the suffering of Serb people, especially in the WW2. 

“It is our obligation to pass on to the current and future generations the latest research of eminent experts, so that the evil that happened then never repeats to anyone,” said Academician Mirjanić.

The Bishop of Pakrac-Slavonija, Jovan, emphasized that the Symposium about Jasenovac was placed on the World map of studying the WW2, Holocaust, and the suffering of Serbs, with a significant contribution from the Israeli historian Efraim Zuroff, PhD. 

“Doctor Zuroff is a prominent scientist who dedicated his life to the research of Nacism, using strict scientific criteria in his work. This event was organized in the spirit of his work,” said Bishop Jovan.

Professor of international relations and a Senator of the Republic of Srpska, Srđa Trifković, PhD, pointed out that the significance of the symposium is in a scientific approach to the phenomenon of Ustasha as an ideology and criminal practice, without an emotional and victimology approach that earlier characterized the topic.

 “In the 20th Century, the Serbs came as victors in conflicts and wars, and that should be the most important message,” Trifković added.

Professor Kiril Feferman, PhD, from the University of Ariel, assessed that it was a significant scientific conference and a topic that must not be forgotten.

 “We are discussing issues that are not only significant for the history of Serbs, the Balkans and Europe, but for the world’s history. I particularly hope that the results of the research will be passed on to the younger generations who should continue this important work,” said Feferman.

This symposium and activities dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the breakthrough of the last inmates of Jasenovac, gathered distinguished scientists and experts from several countries. It was organized by the Republic of Srpska Academy of Sciences and Art under the auspices of the RS President, Milorad Dodik.

Present at the event were the Rector of the University of Banja Luka, Prof. Radoslav Gajanin, PhD, Vice-Rector for Human and Material Resources, Prof. Dalibor Kesić, PhD, Speaker of the Republic of Srpska National Assembly, Nenad Stevandić, envoy of the RS President, Marko Romić, MA, representatives of the academic community, and many eminent scientists and experts.

Photo: D. Desnica