The 20th anniversary of a demonstration conducted in 1943 against the Nazis’ order for the deportation of the Bulgarian Jews, described as “another instance of Jewish resistance, almost forgotten,” was observed in Sofia, capital of Bulgaria, according to dispatches received here today.
The observance recalled Jewish and Bulgarian reactions to the Nazi deportation order of 20 years ago. When the Nazis made that order public, the Jews of Sofia, supported by Bulgarians, staged a demonstration in the capital’s Clementine Square. The Jews were supported by the Orthodox Church, Socialists and Communists, liberals, writers, artists and many leading citizens.
Facing such mass resistance, the Nazis cancelled the deportation order. The anniversary demonstration in Sofia, according to today’s dispatches, was attended by Jews, many non-Jews, and leaders of the ruling Bulgarian Communist Party.
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