The event was dedicated to the pioneer of Holocaust studies and founder of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA), Prof. Yehuda Bauer
Ambassador Yossi Levi Sfari participated in a discussion dedicated to International Holocaust Remembrance Day, organized jointly by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Bulgaria, the Bulgarian Diplomatic Institute, and the Faculty of Philosophy and the Faculty of History at Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski.”
The event was dedicated to the pioneer of Holocaust studies and founder of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA), Prof. Yehuda Bauer.
In her opening remarks, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Maria Angelieva stated that it is a tradition for the Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs to organize events on January 27. She noted that the Holocaust is a constant reminder of the dangers of hatred, intolerance, and racism. According to her, the Holocaust is also a lesson. Regarding Prof. Bauer, the Deputy Minister mentioned that he was a leading expert in Holocaust studies and a good friend of Bulgaria.
During his address to the guests, Ambassador Sfari emphasized that today we also mark the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz camp. He stated that history should not be distorted and stressed the importance of education so that young people do not rely on social media to learn about historical events. Ambassador Sfari expressed hope that democratic societies would remain strong enough to combat manifestations of antisemitism and hatred.
The Deputy Chair of the Organization of the Jews in Bulgaria “Shalom,” Eli Anavi, noted that the most important lesson the world must remember today is that the horrors of the Holocaust can be repeated. Therefore, they must be documented, researched, and remembered.
The second panel of the event, featuring guest lecturer Dr. Robert Rozett from Yad Vashem: World Holocaust Center, Jerusalem, Associate Professor Rumyana Hristidi, head of the Hebrew Studies program, and Associate Professor Albena Taneva, head of the Public Administration Department at Sofia University, was dedicated to the life and remarkable contributions of Prof. Yehuda Bauer.
