On Sunday, June 28, 2026, the Women's Section of the Jewish Community of Belgrade organized a one-day trip to the Special Nature Reserve Zasavica, in collaboration with the association "Meet Serbia". About forty members of the Women's Section, along with dear guests from the Jewish Community of Novi Sad, spent a day filled with socializing, learning, remembering, and enjoying one of the best-preserved oases of nature in Serbia.
Our journey began at a place of deep historical significance – the Zasavica II memorial, one of the most important memorial sites dedicated to the victims of Nazi terror during World War II. At this site, in October 1941, Jews, Roma, and Serbs were killed, innocent victims of the occupying regime.
Aleksandar Gaon addressed the attendees, speaking about the history of this memorial, the suffering of innocent people, and the importance of nurturing a culture of remembrance as the foundation of a responsible society. In honor of the victims, wreaths were laid on behalf of the Women's Sections of the Jewish Community of Belgrade and the Jewish Community of Novi Sad by Maja Bocian and Maja Leban. In silence and dignity, we paid tribute to those whose names and fates must not be forgotten.
After this emotional beginning, our journey took us to a completely different environment – to the heart of the Special Nature Reserve Zasavica, a place where nature still lives in its original rhythm.
We explored the reserve from two completely different perspectives. First, we boarded a boat and leisurely sailed through the calm channels, discovering the hidden world of the marshes. We observed the rich bird life, enjoyed the silence interrupted only by the sounds of nature, while our expert guide introduced us to the history of the reserve, its unique ecosystem, and the rare plant and animal species that find refuge here.
After the river ride, we embarked on a bus safari, which allowed us to experience the reserve from a completely different perspective. During the tour, we had the opportunity to see the indigenous animal species for which Zasavica is known – Podolian cattle, Balkan donkeys, and other inhabitants of this protected area. The vast pastures, preserved landscapes, and richness of biodiversity left a strong impression on all participants.
After a fulfilling day spent in nature, the gathering continued at the Ethno Park Avlija in the village of Glušci – a unique open-air museum that faithfully preserves the spirit of Mačva from the 19th and early 20th centuries. In the authentic setting of the restaurant "Lazareva krčma", we were welcomed with a lunch prepared from local ingredients, featuring traditional dishes cooked under the bell. It was a true gastronomic experience that, along with a pleasant atmosphere and conversation, rounded off this eventful day.
This trip once again demonstrated how valuable shared travels are. They are not only an opportunity to discover new places but also to strengthen friendships through shared experiences, nurture community, preserve the culture of remembrance, and remind ourselves how important nature, history, and mutual connection are to our identity.
From Zasavica, we brought back much more than beautiful photographs – we returned enriched with new knowledge, sincere friendships, moments of peace in nature, and memories that will accompany us for a long time.
See you on the next adventure!
Maja Bocian – President of the Women's Section of the Jewish Community of Belgrade
