Bulgaria

Although only minor antisemitic incidents have occurred recently, SHALOM Executive Director Maxim Delchev said the community is preparing for the possibility of more serious threats.

“Once again, we are witnessing how antisemitic rhetoric and stereotypes are gradually transforming into acts driven by hatred,” said Dr Alina Levi, president of the Organisation of the Jews in Bulgaria ‘Shalom’.

the synagogue’s spokesperson said: “We cannot and will not remain indifferent to attempts to erase the suffering of the victims and normalise violence. We will not allow anyone to mock the memory of the innocent or justify aggression and terror.”

The word “Nazi” was spray-painted on the front of a synagogue in the Black Sea city of Varna, and a Holocaust memorial in Burgas was defaced.

The memorial was desecrated with stickers of General Hristo Lukov, a leader of the pro-Nazi legionnaires before 1944. The stickers entirely cover the inscriptions and the message of the monument.

In her post-election speech, Dr Levi highlighted the importance of teamwork and mutual support as the foundation for her leadership. She outlined her vision based on key priorities, including an active and engaged community, education, financial planning, transparency, and active citizenship.