Bulgaria highly values and will keep on supporting the bearers of the memory of the heroic act of rescuing Bulgarian Jews during World War II. This was stated by President Rumen Radev during a meeting at the presidential institution with the world-renowned Israeli writer, historian, and public figure, born in Bulgaria, Prof Michael Bar-Zohar. Later in the day, the president also met with David Harris, the long-time Executive Director of the American Jewish Committee from 1990-2022. Prof Michael Bar-Zohar is in Bulgaria to present his new book in Bulgarian "The Amazons of the Mossad," and David Harris is presenting the Bulgarian edition of his book "On the Front Lines: A Lifetime of Global Jewish Advocacy," which includes a chapter dedicated to Bulgaria.
During his meeting with Prof Michael Bar-Zohar, the President highlighted the author's personal contribution to preserving the memory of the rescue of the nearly 50,000-strong Jewish community in Bulgaria during World War II and its transmission through generations. The common position was that the heroic feat of Bulgaria 82 years ago deserves high recognition, and this moral lesson is especially needed today in a world of crises, wars, manifestations of xenophobia, and anti-Semitism.
During his session with David Harris, the head of state highlighted his overall contribution to the protection of human rights, the fight against anti-Semitism and all forms of discrimination, as well as the development of friendly relations between the Bulgarian and Jewish peoples, and between Bulgaria and the USA. Praising David Harris's efforts to popularise the cause of Bulgaria and the Bulgarian people for the historical act of rescuing the Bulgarian Jews during World War II, the president also emphasised Bulgaria's determination to continue to establish itself as a state upholding tolerance and mutual respect for different religions and ethnicities. The common position was that our country deserves worthy recognition on the international stage, both for the moral example of rescuing the Bulgarian Jews during World War II and for its consistent actions in countering xenophobia, discrimination, and anti-Semitism.