DAY OF SALVATION OF BULGARIAN JEWS AND VICTIMS OF THE HOLOCAUST AND CRIMES AGAINST HUMANITY
10 March 2022 News
By its decision of February 19, 2003, the Council of Ministers designated March 10 as the Day of Salvation of Bulgarian Jews and Holocaust Victims and Crimes against Humanity. Since 2018, the Republic of Bulgaria is a member of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance.
Today marks 79 years since the salvation of Bulgarian Jews. This is an occasion to recall with pride the unprecedented mobilization of Bulgarian society to prevent the deportation of nearly 50,000 Bulgarian citizens of Jewish origin to the Nazi death camps.
Politicians, clergy, intellectuals and a wide range of citizens with different political beliefs and social status unite in defense of Bulgarian Jews, expressing the tolerance and sense of justice of the Bulgarian people. The nationwide effort to save the Bulgarian Jews turned into reality the motto of the Bulgarian state – “Unity makes strength”.
Saving the Bulgarian Jews is a lesson in the superiority of freedom, courage and philanthropy over brute force and hatred. It is also an inspiring role model in the modern fight against all forms of anti-Semitism, racism, discrimination, intolerance and hatred.
On this day, we also remember with great pain the tragic fate of the Jews from parts of northern Greece and parts of the former Yugoslavia, who were occupied by the Nazis during World War II and temporarily administered by the Bulgarian authorities. Today we humbly bow our heads to the memory of these innocent victims, whose deportation to the Nazi death camps was not prevented.
The salvation of Bulgarian Jews, as well as the memory of Jews from parts of northern Greece and parts of the former Yugoslavia who were deported to Nazi death camps, were honored today with a ceremony in front of the Monument of Salvation, next to the National Assembly. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs was represented by Deputy Minister Velislava Petrova. A wreath was laid on behalf of the ministry.