The saving of the Jewish community in Bulgaria during the Second World War is a moral example for the world and the importance of human life and builds a strong bond between the two peoples. This was stated by President Rumen Radev at a meeting at the Permanent Representation of Bulgaria to the United Nations in New York with representatives of the American Jewish Committee (AJC). The head of state noted that the story of this heroic act of Bulgaria in the darkest times for Europe reflects the values of tolerance and humanism, which are primordial for Bulgarian society and must be passed down through the generations.
The rescue of the Jews in Bulgaria during the Second World War is extremely important not only for the Jewish community in the country, but also for the Jewish communities around the world, said AJC Executive Director Ted Deutch. He emphasised that this is an act of great symbolic importance, on the basis of which the friendly relations between the two peoples should be developed.
Later, President Rumen Radev spoke with representatives of families of hostages kidnapped by Hamas, some of whom are related to Bulgaria by descent. The release of civilians taken hostage is a sign of humanity, even in wartime, the president stressed. In this regard, President Radev informed the participants of the meeting about the talks he had with the heads of state of countries from the Middle East with a request for their mediation for the release of hostages. Rumen Radev also expressed hope that regardless of the complex situation in the Middle East, all participants in the conflict will make efforts to stop hostilities and search for a peaceful solution that will allow for the faster release of the hostages.