U.S. Embassy honors Bulgarian lawmaker Dimitar Peshev on Holocaust Remembrance Day

On the occasion of International Holocaust Remembrance Day, the U.S. Embassy in Sofia paid tribute to Bulgarian politician Dimitar Peshev and all those who followed his example of standing up for justice and humanity.

At great personal risk, Dimitar Peshev led efforts to save Bulgarian Jews during World War II, preventing their deportation and almost certain death. Thanks to his actions, 48,000 lives were saved, the embassy said.

When asked about his decision, Peshev said: "My human conscience and awareness of the fateful consequences for the people involved and for the future of our country did not allow me to remain indifferent".

In recognition of his bravery, Yad Vashem - the world Holocaust remembrance centre - awarded Peshev the title of "Righteous Among the Nations" in 1973, the embassy reminded.