Delegation from Bulgarian Communities Visits Ministry to Discuss Anti-semitism

A delegation representing the Jewish Consistory in which the Jewish population of Bulgaria is organized, today visited the Minister of the Interior, Alexander Girginoff, in order to discuss with him the anti-Semitic developments in Bulgaria. The delegation called attention to the incessant anti-Jewish propaganda being carried on, particularly by the newspapers “Ataka” and “Rodna Zastchita”, published by anti-Semitic organizations bearing the same names as the papers. The delegation cited examples of recent attacks on Jews and even maltreatment of Jewish children. They demanded that the Ministry of the Interior should take steps to prevent the agitation leading to the widespread disturbances which may follow unless immediate and effective action is taken.

The Minister, who received the deputation sympathetically assured them that immediate instructions would be issued to provincial governors to provide increased protection in the event of disturbances. He also promised to take effective action both against potential disturbers of the peace and against those responsible for press incitement in the future.

The anti-Semitic campaign, particularly virulent in Widdin, Bulgaria, was reported at the beginning of this year to be conducted under the leadership of a Government official named Sarailieff.

Under Sarailieff’s direction, the National Socialists proclaimed that they were undertaking a “war to the end” against the Jewish population whom they made responsible for the post-war difficulties of Bulgaria. Posters, patterned after the Nazi posters in Germany, branding the Jews as criminals and traitors, were placarded throughout the neighborhood. Although little importance was originally attached to this agitation, it has since spread into other neighborhoods and has gained the support of various political groups with press organs at their disposal.