The Organisation of the Jews in Bulgaria “Shalom” announced on March 5 its national programme to mark Holocaust Memorial Day.

The event celebrates the 65th anniversary of the salvation of Bulgarian Jews, who were spared from deportation to Nazi extermination camps during World War 2. The event also remembers those Jews from Vardar Macedonia, the Aegean Thrace and Pirot (in Serbia) who perished.

Shalom chairman Maxim Benvenisti, regional Sofia Shalom organisation chairman Alek Oscar, Evreiski vesti (Jewish News) editor-in-chief Mihailina Pavlova and Lom mayor Penka Penkova attended the presentation. Representatives from Sofia Municipal Council's European integration and relations with civil society permanent committee were also present.

The national commemoration aims to give thanks to those Bulgarians who helped to save their Jewish compatriots and highlight their actions both at home and abroad. The saving of the Bulgarian Jews is perceived to be an international example of humanity, as well as religious and racial religious tolerance. It's also a reflection of the maturity of present Bulgarian society as it joins the international Jewish community in remembering the victims of the Holocaust.

The programme includes sports events, public prayers and rallies, concerts and donations nationwide. Events will take place throughout 2008, but will mostly fall during March-May 2008.