While there are historical facts proving there has been Jewish life in Bulgaria dating around the 2nd century, the majority of the Bulgarian Jews today are descendants of the ones who arrived in the Ottoman Empire after the Spanish Inquisition.
Our community’s rich and complex history, marked by resilience and a deep commitment to preserving our traditions, has allowed us to thrive. Despite being a small group of about 5,000 people today, we remain vibrant and united, with every member feeling a profound sense of belonging.
The origins of the Bulgarian Jewish community are deeply rooted in the Sephardic diaspora following the expulsion from Spain. With their arrival, these communities brought diverse customs, languages, and traditions, enriching the local culture. Over the centuries, the community has evolved, adapting to the social and political changes in Bulgaria.
The Bulgarian Jews were well-integrated into society and have made significant contributions in various fields, leaving an indelible mark on the nation’s cultural and intellectual landscape. Bulgarian Jews have contributed to local politics, literature and social thought. For centuries Jews have been an integral part of the society, leaving legacy for generations ahead. Our community's commitment to education and civic engagement has fostered a spirit of cooperation with the Bulgarian population, demonstrating that cultural diversity can be a source of strength rather than division.
The Holocaust remains a pivotal moment in the collective memory of the Bulgarian Jews, significantly shaping our identity. During World War II, Bulgaria, an ally of Nazi Germany, enacted the Law for Protection of the Nation, which severely restricted the rights of the 50,000 Jews living in the country at the time.
Jews were banned from education and professional life, expelled from their homes and towns, and many men were sent to labor camps. However, when the time came for deportation to Nazi death camps, influential public figures, including the Bulgarian Orthodox Church and the politician Dimitar Peshev, intervened to prevent this tragedy.
Stories from our grandparents recount how their Bulgarian neighbors and friends did whatever they could to make life easier during those dark times. While the rescue of Bulgarian Jews is a source of pride, it is also important to remember that the Bulgarian government, which administered northern Greece and Macedonia at the time, did deport Jews from those regions to concentration camps in Poland, where none survived.
When the war ended, some 45,000 Jews made Aliyah to help build the state of Israel. The decades of communism that followed in Bulgaria, combined with this massive emigration, led to a decline in the practice of Jewish traditions. Religious life was suppressed, and the focus shifted to rebuilding lives in the aftermath of the Holocaust.
It wasn’t until the early 1990s that our community began to rebuild itself. A whole generation—those born and raised under communism—had lost their connection to their Jewish roots. It was the elderly who began sharing our traditions and history with their grandchildren, and the efforts of the Organization of the Jews in Bulgaria “Shalom” that helped revive and restore Jewish life in Bulgaria.
Thanks to the dedication of Jewish leaders and partnerships with international Jewish organizations, our community is flourishing today. There is a huge variety of educational programs for people of all ages. Members of ages from 1 to 101 are an active part of the community and feel at home in the JCCs and the Sofia Synagogue. A preschool for 90 children and a School for 220 students are ensuring that we raise future generations of leaders of the Bulgarian society and the Jewish community. Summer camps and leadership training for 300 young people annually help us reach out to Jewish youth across Bulgaria, ensuring that each new generation is more knowledgeable and committed than the last.
The Bulgarian Jewish community stands as a testament to resilience and heritage. With deep roots in history and a commitment to preserving their unique cultural identity, Bulgarian Jews continue to navigate the complexities of life in a changing world. The ongoing efforts to engage younger generations, remember their past, and contribute to Bulgarian society showcase the enduring vitality of this remarkable community. Embracing both the challenges and opportunities of the future, they remain a vibrant part of Bulgaria's diverse cultural landscape.
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