With a special ceremony today, the Organization of the Jews in Bulgaria “Shalom” marked the 83rd anniversary of the Rescue of the Bulgarian Jews and honored the memory of the 11,343 Jews from Aegean Thrace, Vardar Macedonia, and Pirot.
“Today we gather to remember one of the brightest and most deeply moral events in our history—the rescue of the Bulgarian Jews,” said Dr. Alina Levi, Chair of the Organization of the Jews in Bulgaria “Shalom,” in front of the Monument of Salvation. According to her, March 10 is also a day of remembrance for more than 11,000 Jews from Aegean Thrace, Vardar Macedonia, and Pirot who were not saved. Their tragedy remains an inseparable part of our history. “This memory is especially important today—at a time when antisemitism is reappearing, sometimes openly, sometimes in more subtle forms. At a time of wars and uncertainty, when the principles of humanity are once again being called into question,” Levi added.
“Every year we come to the Monument of Salvation to read one of the most righteous pages in Bulgarian history,” said President Iliana Yotova. “Eighty-three years ago, the Bulgarian Orthodox Church, clergy, politicians, public figures, and ordinary people showed that human life is more important,” the head of state added.
“On this day, we celebrate not only the saving of human lives, but also the memory of Bulgaria—to which we must return in these difficult times we are going through,” said caretaker Minister of Foreign Affairs Nadezhda Neynski.
Children from the community’s educational institutions, along with many citizens and public figures, laid flowers at the Monument of Salvation.
