Results from Project on Fighting Antisemitism, Preserving Jewish Heritage Presented in Sofia

Jerusalem, 17 July, 2023 (TPS) -- SOFIA, 17.07.2023 (BTA)
The fight with discrimination and hate is a national priority, and that priority is reflected in the Bulgarian foreign policy as well, Foreign Ministry’s Human Rights Directorate head Angel Bandjov said here on Monday. He was speaking at a BTA-hosted news conference presenting the results of the project “Strategic Cooperation between Bulgaria and Norway in Support of Bulgaria’s International Commitment to Combating Antisemitism and Preserving Jewish Heritage”.

From the point of view of Bulgaria’s foreign policy, the implementation of this project is a contribution to the foreign policy priority of fighting hate and discrimination, Bandjov said further. Both in the past and now, Bulgaria preserves the high level of integration of Bulgarian Jews in every single aspect of public life, he added.

The project aims to provide support in the implementation of Bulgaria’s commitments as member of the EU and the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance for the integration of measures dedicated to the prevention of antisemitism in the corresponding national strategic documents and the elaboration of the first national action plan on fighting antisemitism in Bulgaria. The project is funded under the Fund for Bilateral Relations of the European Economic Area Financial Mechanism and Norwegian Financial Mechanism.

Bulgarian Diplomatic Institute Director Tanya Mihaylova presented the results of the project, including: an analysis of the public opinion giving information about the public attitudes towards antisemitism in Bulgaria; the creation of a thematic research network on the Holocaust and antisemitism aimed at exchanging good practices and scientific results.

State Institute for Culture Director Snezhana Yoneva-Dimitrova said that the Institute, using the soft power and soft measures of cultural opportunities, has managed to implement a series of initiatives. The Institute participates in the implementation of research and publications, creative products, special presentations and discussion panels in cultural festivals and art workshops, multimedia, a seminar program for leaders, and presentations on the products created with the project.