# Political leaders issue Rosh Hashanah greetings > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/political-leaders-issue-rosh-hashanah-greetings > Updated: 2026-09-12T07:52:28.000Z. Sources: 19. Developments: 2. Political leaders across the Balkans and Italy issued official greetings to Jewish communities in observance of Rosh Hashanah. In the Balkans, Milorad Dodik, President of Republika Srpska, sent congratulations to Israeli President Isaac Herzog and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, expressing support for Israel’s right to defend itself. In Montenegro, Minister Damjan Ćulafić and Vice President Budimir Aleksić extended holiday wishes, emphasizing themes of reflection, renewal, and the importance of a multicultural society. In Italy, President Sergio Mattarella addressed Jewish communities and residents, calling for hope, rebirth, and the cultivation of reconciliation and dialogue. He warned against current global uncertainties and conflicts that threaten to create barriers between people, asserting that values of justice, solidarity, and peace are essential to combat intolerance and discrimination. Expanding on these themes of interreligious dialogue, Pope Leo XIV issued a telegram to Rome’s Chief Rabbi, Riccardo Di Segni, and the wider Jewish community. The Pope expressed hope that the celebrations for Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, and Sukkot would bring blessings and joy, calling for peaceful renewal and mutual friendship. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-12: Sergio Mattarella and Pope Leo XIV issue greetings for Jewish holidays Italian President Sergio Mattarella and Pope Leo XIV have issued messages of greeting and calls for dialogue and peace to mark the Jewish holidays, including Rosh Hashanah. 17 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sergio-mattarella-issues-rosh-hashanah-greetings-to-italian-jewish-communities ### 2026-09-11: Balkan leaders issue Rosh Hashanah greetings to Jewish communities Political leaders in Republika Srpska and Montenegro have issued official greetings to the Jewish community and the State of Israel in observance of Rosh Hashanah. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/balkan-leaders-issue-rosh-hashanah-greetings-to-jewish-communities --- Cite as: Political leaders issue Rosh Hashanah greetings. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/political-leaders-issue-rosh-hashanah-greetings