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Atanas Burov, Former Minister – “From the point of view of our national interests there is nothing more absurd than instilling a sense of anti-Semitism in Bulgaria. We, who have so many compatriots suffering under a foreign yoke, cannot and should not ourselves appear in the position of human haters towards other underprivileged and oppressed peoples and races. On the contrary, through our tolerance and respect for such races we can win sympathy for the cause which we are to defend. And this respect I can say that Jewish cooperation has always been beneficial to Bulgaria.”
Sofia, 1937.

Alexander Tzankov, Former Prime Minister –
“Christianity, and religion in general, be it Eastern Orthodox, Jewish, or Muslim, constitutes the public moral of a nation, of a people, of the once who practice it. That is where religion has its strength. We are being accused of being Orthodox fanatics. Yes, we are Orthodox fanatics, but we follow the example of our teacher Jesus Christ – not to take revenge, not to oppress, but to treat like brothers also those who are different, who, as Bulgarian citizens, can have whatever religion they please.”

Sofia, April 9th, 1935,
Extract of the speech delivered in the City Casino
 

Stoyan Omarchevsky, Former Minister – ‘There are no “superior” or “inferior” races, there are only humans. The way of life and the works of people are preconditioned by a number of geographic, economic, etc. conditions according to the countries where they have been placed to live. The racism of National Socialists in Germany is a slogan, an emblem, rather than content, expressing the Teutonic race’s fixation with superiority over the races.’

Sofia, 1973.

Grigor Vasilev, Former Minister – ‘As regards anti-Semitism, my position is just as straightforward and clear: a cultured and ethical person cannot be anti-Semitic. The lack of culture breeds anti-Semitism. There may be different reasons behind anti-Semitism in different countries; however, generally those boil down to strivings, unjust in their nature and unfair in their method, to appropriate or devalue the achievements of the Jewish spirit, or to blatantly rob the jewish people.’

Sofia, 1937.

Nikola Genadiev, Former Minister – ‘I am convinced that our Jewish fellow-citizens, sober as they are in everything, will not hesitate to ignore this campaign with contempt. Initiators of such campaigns, especially today, stand out not only as bad citizens but as damaging to the motherland. You can rest assured that the Bulgarian people cannot cooperate with such campaigns because it is well aware of the evils and the consequences from them’

Sofia, 1937.

Gavrail Katzarov, professor – ‘The cultural achievements and all that Jewish genius has created later in science, literature, art, philosophy etc. can neither be denied nor destroyed because it has already become an integral part of European culture.’

Sofia 1937.

Todor Pavlov, writer – ‘Anti-Semitism needs to be opposed with great resolve: the rights of the Jewish national minority in Bulgaria should not be taken away or diminished but protected and expanded on a par with the rights of the entire Bulgarian people. Anything else constitutes only an antiscientific “theory” and the antisocial and antinational acts of people who only call themselves Bulgarians.’

Sofia 1937.

Lidia Shishmanova, publicist – “The modern concept of nations and peoples does not depend on the origin or the disputable race of anybody but on the free will of the free citizen. Jews, who enjoy full civic rights in Bulgaria, cannot have any aims other than to educate their children into how to become good Bulgarians!’

Sofia 1937

Dimitar Mihalchev, professor – “Now that I am being asked this question I, as philosophy professor, can’t help thinking about the enormous role Jews have had in the philosophical life of modern-day Germany and ask myself: is this the reward that those gifted people get for contributing so much to the glory of German philosophy, and German culture in general?”

Sofia 1937.

Dobri Hristov, professor – “The whole world knows of the Bulgarian love of freedom. Here all foreigners are tolerated regardless of nationality or religion. There are no hostilities against Jews whatsowever other than some isolated cases which do not deserve our attention. Bulgarian Jews have proven to be peaceful and loyal citizens.”

Sofia 1937.

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