In Pictures: Persecution and Defence of Bulgaria's Jews

...In Pictures: Persecution and Defence of Bulgaria's JewsThe National Archives in Bulgaria's capital, Sofia, presents a nuanced view on the realities of antisemitism in the country during World War II, and the efforts of citizens to rescue Bulgarian Jews from extermination.During the World War II, the 48,000 Bulgarian Jews were rescued in the last moment before it was deported to the concentration camps in Germany and Poland. Photo: Martin Dimitrovoriginaldate 1/1/0001 6:00:00 AMwidth 4032orientation 1height 3024Although Bulgarians ought to rightfully take pride in the events of March 1943, history is more complex than the tale of heroism of intellectuals, royals and priests that is emphasised by today's politicians. Photo: Martin Dimitrovoriginaldate 1/1/0001 6:00:00 AMwidth 4032orientation 1height 3024An exhibition by the National Archives of the country, called "1943: Persecution and Defence", seeks to rectify that. Photo: Martin Dimitrovoriginaldate 1/1/0001 6:00:00 AMwidth 4032orientation 1height 3024It covers a long period of time, noting the ancient roots of Jewish-Bulgarian cohabitation, as well as the tumultuous World War II years. Photo: Martin Dimitrovoriginaldate 1/1/0001 6:00:00 AMwidth 4032orientation 1height 3024The exhibition points out to the timely self-organisation of a small, but crucial part of the Bulgarian society during the spring of 1943, when the orders to implement the infamous Final Solution reach Bulgaria. Photo: Martin Dimitrovoriginaldate 1/1/0001 6:00:00 AMwidth 4032orientation 1height 3024But it also does not shy away from dealing with the more problematic years of Antisemitic legislation that preceded the heroic efforts of that crucial moment. Photo: Martin Dimitrovoriginaldate 1/1/0001 6:00:00 AMwidth 4032orientation 1height...