Politicians and citizens mark the 82nd anniversary of the rescue of Bulgarian Jews

This date was chosen because of the so-called Kyustendil Action of 1943, through which, with the help of local politicians, public figures and Bulgarian metropolitans, a request was made to the authorities to oppose the deportation of Bulgarian Jews to Nazi camps. As a result, all 50,000 Bulgarian Jews were saved, which is a unique case during World War II.

"Eight-two years separate us from those memorable events, when, in an atmosphere of oppression, totalitarian darkness and horrors, Bulgarians from all walks of life—clergy, politicians, public figures and ordinary people- raised their voices to defend the right of their compatriots to live", said Premier Rosen Zhelyazkov. "Today is a lesson on how each of us should act in difficult moments", said Alexander Oscar, Chairman of the Organization of Jews in Bulgaria "Shalom".

The procession was led by National Assembly Speaker Natalia Kiselova, Premier Rosen Zhelyazkov, Sofia Mayor Vasil Terziev, Foreign Minister Georg Georgiev, MPs, Alexander Oscar, Chairman of the Organization of Jews in Bulgaria "Shalom" and the Ambassador of Israel to Bulgaria, Yosi Levi Sfari.