Dr Alina Levi has been elected as the new Chairwoman of the Organisation of Jews in Bulgaria “Shalom” with a full majority, marking a historic moment as the first woman to hold this position.
The election took place during the report-election meeting where 33 members of the Consistory were also elected.
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. These principles reflect her commitment to ensuring stability and a prosperous future for all members of Shalom.
Dr Levi succeeds Prof. Dr. Alexander Oscar, who completed two successful mandates, during which Shalom was established as a modern NGO with clear positions in contemporary society. Many international partners and organisations in Bulgaria expressed their gratitude for his leadership and achievements.
A distinguished pediatric ophthalmologist at the University Hospital Aleksandrovska in Sofia, Dr. Levi brings a wealth of experience to her new role. She graduated from the Medical University of Sofia and has trained in leading ophthalmology clinics in Switzerland and Croatia. In 2024, she completed a leadership course at Harvard Business School focused on sustainable management and social impact.
Dr Levi has been actively involved in Shalom since 2016, serving in various leadership roles, including as a member of the Executive Bureau and Chairwoman of the Beth Shalom Foundation. Under her guidance, she contributed to the development of the community school, reinforcing its role as an institution for quality education.
Reflecting on her election, Dr Levi expressed her deep commitment to strengthening the Jewish community in Bulgaria. She emphasised the need for financial independence, increased community engagement, and transparency in governance. She also reaffirmed Shalom’s active stance against hate speech and its dedication to preserving the history and heritage of Bulgarian Jews, as well as its support for Israel and human rights worldwide.
As she embarks on this new chapter, Dr Levi aims to build on past successes while forging a path towards a stronger, more resilient community.
