Distinguished guests,
Honorable Ministers, members of parliament, heads of the hosting university of Sofia, researchers, scientists, representatives of universities from Bulgaria, the U.S. and Israel, representatives of the Jewish community "SHALOM", headed by the president of the community, dear members of the society.
This important scientific meeting, at the opening of which we stand is welcomed and critically important event, worthy of a lot of appreciation to the masters of the idea and its implementation, organizers and of course participants.
The importance of this conference is first of all the subject of the discussion, which is focused on the situation of the Jews in Eastern Europe in general, and the Jewish community of Bulgaria in particular, in a unique historical period, when in front of us there is determination, stubbornness and bravery, that brought to the salvation of the entire Jewish community during World War II .
The salvation of the Jews in Bulgaria, trough demonstration of, solidarity, courage, moral values and mutual trust, tolerance and patience, sacrifice, and the willingness of the common people, the clergy and the church, politicians, intellectuals, members of Parliament, led by Deputy Chairman of the Parliament Dimitar Peshev, to fight for the salvation of the Jewish community – an act that is unprecedented in its moral and ethical values in any country, affected by the Nazi machine during the war. Therefore the Jewish community owes the lives of its sons and grandsons to this special cherished and important people.
There is no doubt that examples of morality and value at the level of private initiative were held by hundreds of thousands of people / families in numerous countries, but here in Bulgaria this was planed initiative and popular protest openly demanding and threatening, which eventually led to the “miraculous" rescue of the hole community - 48 000 Bulgarian Jews were saved.
Ladies and Gentlemen, the devotion of the Bulgarian people towards the Jews of Bulgaria should not only be related to the salvation, by no doubt an important and central step, which should not be forgotten in the history of the war, but also on the basis of a relationship of respect and patience built over many years, and much before World War II. This is the place to mention the lesson taught by the great Bulgarian revolutionary and hero Vasil Levski:” … Bulgarians, Turks, Jews and others – should be equal in every way…” - lesson that expresses the attitude of the Bulgarian people towards the minorities.
Since 133 years ago –we can identify and feel the special tolerance and patience toward Jews, warm and good neighborliness. During this period, Jews were treated fairly and equally like other Bulgarian nationals, many Jews served in the Bulgarian army and fought in the Balkan wars and the First World War and did so with trust, courage and bravery. Some Jews were even appointed honorary consuls to many countries and cities, like Trieste in Italy, Venetzuela and Alexandria.
Thousands of visas were granted to Jews fleeing the pogroms in Russia in the late 19th and 20th centuries, including allowing exit and post-war immigration of 40,000 Jews to Israel legally and without any charge, allowing the passage of thousands of Jewish immigrants from the Soviet Union, moving to Israel after the breakup of the Soviet Union.
Honorable guests – this condensed historical background of the attitude of the Bulgarian people towards the Jews before the war made possible to understand the motivation of the Bulgarian people to shout, protest and struggle to prevent the extermination of their fellow citizens. This attitude brought to the flourishing of friendship and mutual respect between the people and the countries, which work side by side in respect and responsibility towards a better future.
It is clear beyond doubt that the subject of the Jews during the war is still not completed and summarized and in order to sum it up days and nights of learning, analysis, and research are still needed. To get to the truth about the situation of the Jews who survived or did not survive this period or about their personal property. Or the relation to the states and governments towards the Jews that resided these lands as equal citizens during this period.
Distinguished scientists, academic and research fellows, today you, we, all of us are required to continue this mission and complete it. What we aim at is to eventually get rewritten and professional history, which will be a final and agreed database, which summarizes the past and configures an ethical and moral platform for the future, that will provide us with an educational and cultural foundation, by which we can raise the future generations.
No doubt that the example of non-submission to the Final Solution of the Nazis, as occurred in Bulgaria and on the fact that the fate of the Jews of Trakya and Macedonia and other communities have created the need and obligation to the formulation of a moral code and values and action plan required at the local level and internationally, for fighting against the revival of anti-semitism - topic which receives support, backup and admirable action by the Bulgarian government on this important subject.
Ladies and Gentlemen, this is the place to express the appreciation of the State of Israel, the Israeli Government, the Foreign Minister and the Israeli mission in Sofia, to the Bulgarian Government and President for the initiative and the decision of Bulgaria to join the international task force engaged in education and research of the Holocaust, and expressing willingness to work for patience and tolerance, as well as its decision, stating in 2013 when we mark 70 years of the salvation of the Jews of Bulgaria. There will be important events initiated by the Government, Parliament and many cultural centers, all over the country. No doubt that the Jewish community and of course Israeli Embassy in Sofia will play an important part in these celebrations.
I would like to express my gratitude to the Mayor of Sofia Ms. Fandakova for the support to the initiative to promote the important project for tolerance and patience and the establishment of a club, that I expressed my willingness to be a member of, with the Jewish community "Shalom" to be partners in all events and activities.
Distinguished scholars, researchers, representatives of communities and organizers - indeed this is the first conference of its kind, its importance is great as I emphasized at the beginning of my remarks. I am convinced that its content and discussions will arise interest in Israel, by the global Jewish community and in many countries. The fact that it takes place at an academic institution indicates the level of interest and importance of the discussed issues and the need to continue the research in this important field. The importance of the research is not only related to the Holocaust, but also to the modern times when unfortunately the severity of the Holocaust and anti-Semitism have not being learned enough and signs of racism and anti-Semitism against Jews and minorities are still shown in several countries in Europe and other continents. Especially Iran, which calls for destruction of Israel, or the terrorist killings in Syria against people seeking freedom and democracy. Unfortunately the world is silent and refrains from common actions.
Thank you and good luck.