In the context of a spiritual crisis, when the world is becoming increasingly intolerant toward those who are different in religion, ethnicity, nationality, and even culture and way of life, it is of utmost importance to make consistent efforts so that Bulgaria does not lose its image as a country of ethnic and religious tolerance. The Bulgarian people saved a large part of the Jews who were citizens of the Kingdom of Bulgaria during the dark years of the Holocaust, when antisemitism reached its peak with the adoption and implementation of anti-Jewish legislation and the murder of 6,000,000 European Jews in the death camps.
In the years immediately following this horrifying chapter in world history, when antisemitism could be described as having been eradicated and seemingly no longer on the public agenda, a different but equally troubling trend emerged - namely, the tendency not to speak about antisemitism and to downplay, neglect, or ignore it as a real issue. There have even been attempts to rewrite the history of the Holocaust during World War II, as if it had never existed.
In recent years, antisemitism has shown an alarming increase in a number of countries, particularly in parts of Europe. When this is combined with broader global challenges such as managing the refugee waves from the Middle East, Asia, and Africa, the growing threat of radical, extremist, fundamentalist, and far-right ideologies, the emergence of groups promoting domination of one group over another, the severe violation of human rights in many parts of the world, and the wave of terrorist attacks - the Organization of the Jews in Bulgaria “Shalom” has taken active measures to fulfill one of its core objectives: to protect its members from all forms of violence, hatred, and discrimination, and to prevent terrorist acts like those seen in Paris, Brussels, Stockholm, Burgas, and elsewhere.
To this end, the organization systematically and carefully monitors and analyzes the situation in the country for manifestations of antisemitism. The concerns of the Bulgarian Jewish community are not only about its own future, but also about the “health” of Bulgarian society as a whole, a society that has never encouraged fanaticism or extremism in any form. Therefore, the organization considers it its duty to alert society and institutions to antisemitic, vandalistic, and hooligan acts against Jews, Jewish events, and sites, and to actively counter all forms of fascism, antisemitism, racism, and xenophobia.
To achieve these goals, a specialized structure operates within the organization, tracking and documenting antisemitic incidents on a daily basis - from swastika graffiti, antisemitic slogans, and hate speech painted on buildings, monuments, cemeteries, and public spaces, to the publication and distribution of antisemitic literature, articles, and materials online, as well as the organization of antisemitic gatherings, marches, and demonstrations. The information collected through this monitoring process is recorded chronologically, while larger-scale incidents are included in a special publication, the “Bulletin - Antisemitic Incidents in Bulgaria.” This format is deliberately chosen to avoid subjective emotional interpretations of events.
Depending on the case, the organization’s leadership works in close cooperation with law enforcement authorities, local government, and all institutions responsible for protecting individuals, events, and sites identified as Jewish.
Particularly after the terrorist bombing on July 18, 2012, at Sarafovo Airport in Burgas, in which six Israeli citizens and one Bulgarian citizen were killed, it became clear to both the Jewish community and Bulgarian society as a whole that no one is immune to terrorism and that everyone must take part in combating it.
After October 7, 2023, a shift has been observed in the focus of antisemitic manifestations, with many accusations coming from individuals and organizations attributing various crimes, including genocide, to Israel and the Jewish people.
It should also be noted that, alongside classical antisemitism, there has been a significant rise, especially after October 7 in anti-Israel propaganda and Holocaust denial. Unfortunately, there are increasingly frequent cases of language which, while not directly targeting Jews, contains elements of antisemitic rhetoric without necessarily falling under existing legal sanctions.
Numerous incidents have been recorded targeting the buildings of the Organization of the Jews in Bulgaria “Shalom,” synagogues across the country, and monuments dedicated to the Rescue of Bulgarian Jews.
