Organisation of the Jews in Bulgaria “Shalom” welcomes court ruling in the case of discriminatory speech by a far-right party leader

Referring to the Lukov March as incompatible with democratic norms, the organisation stressed that such events have no place in a modern European country founded on the principles of democracy, the rule of law and respect for human dignity.

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.

The Organisation of the Jews in Bulgaria Shalom expressed their ongoing opposition to the Lukov March, which they described as a gathering point for far-right activists seeking to revive inhumane ideologies.

Bulgaria’s equality body has ordered the removal of a series of Facebook posts by Revival leader Kostadin Kostadinov targeting his political opponent of Jewish origin Daniel Lorer.

A Bulgarian court has approved the extradition to France of one of three Bulgarians wanted over the vandalism of Paris’s main Holocaust memorial.

A series of social media posts by Bulgarian journalist Polina Paunova has recently caused significant controversy drawing criticism from the Organisation of Jews in Bulgaria “Shalom” and other Jewish organisations in the country.

The report notes that the Organisation of the Jews in Bulgaria Shalom repeatedly expressed concerns regarding escalating public hate speech and antisemitism, including on social networks, and offensive graffiti.