Estimating the value of Jewish property in Bulgaria at 8,000,000,000 lewa (about $96,000,000 at pre-war rates), Dr. Alexander Beleff, Bulgarian Commissioner for Jewish Affairs, today announced over the Sofia radio that all Jewish assets in the country will be placed under his jurisdiction. The funds realized from the sale of these assets, he said, will be used to create a fund to meet future requirements of Jewish charitable institutions.
“Jews in Bulgaria will be permitted to draw a maximum of 6,000 lewa (approximately $72) a month from their frozen assets,” Dr. Beleff stated. He explained that only persons with at least two Jewish grandparents will be considered Jews under the now Bulgarian “Jewish Law.” So called “25% Jews” will not be considered Jewish within the meaning of this law, he specified.
Clarifying the question of what persons fall into the category of “preferred Jews,” Dr. Beleff said that this group will include-besides war orphans, widows and veterans decorated for bravery Jews who acquired Bulgarian citizenship before September 1, 1940 and were married to a Bulgarian citizen before that date, providing that the married has been solemnized by the Greek Orthodox Church. These “preferred Jews” will be permitted to wear a yellow circle instead of a Mogen David, and can apply for permission to practice the free professions in accordance with the “numerous clausus” law as applied in their localities.
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