Memorial Tree Planted in Washington, D.C., on the Occasion of the 75th Anniversary of the Saving of the Bulgarian Jews
09 March 2018 News
A memorial tree was ceremonially planted at the United States National Arboretum in Washington, D.C., on 7 March 2018 on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the saving of the Bulgarian Jews. The oak seeds were provided by the University Botanic Garden of the Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridski.
The Arboretum’s Acting Director Scott Aker opened the event by a brief congratulatory address. He welcomed the marking of the significant historic event in such a remarkable way. Noting the strength and resilience of the oak tree, Aker drew a comparison with the courage and stamina of the Bulgarian people that made it possible to save over 40,000 Jews.
In his speech, Ambassador Tihomir Stoytchev stressed the fact that the Bulgarian Jewish community is the only one in Europe which not only survived intact World War II but even grew during that period. The Bulgarian diplomat emphasised that the Bulgarian Jews were saved as a result of the decisive action taken by civil society, the Bulgarian Orthodox Church, intellectuals and MPs. A minute of silence was observed in memory of the victims of the Holocaust.
The memorial tree planting ceremony was followed by a cocktail party for the guests. Representatives of the American Jewish organisations, the diplomatic corps, the Bulgarian community and the Embassy in Washington attended.
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