On May 18, we celebrated Yom HaAtzmaut – Israel's Independence Day, and Lag BaOmer – the holiday of light and unity
The event was initiated and organized by the Organization of the Jews in Bulgaria "Shalom", NEGEV – Organization of the Friends of Israel in Bulgaria, and the Zionist Federation of Bulgaria, in cooperation with the Embassy of the State of Israel, and was attended by members of the Israeli and Jewish communities in Bulgaria.
Ambassador Yossi Levi Sfari, together with the heads of the organizing organizations – Dr. Alina Levi, Prof. Dr. Alexander Oscar, Maxim Delchev, and Nikolay Galabov – greeted all those gathered at the celebration and emphasized the importance of togetherness, solidarity, and mutual support between the Israeli and Jewish communities, especially in these very challenging times of rising antisemitism in Europe and around the world. He also conveyed a message of hope and a prayer for the swift release of all 58 hostages in Gaza.
At the invitation of the Embassy, Maha and Hassan Amir, together with their daughter Farida, arrived especially from the Druze village of Hurfeish in Northern Israel. They enriched the celebration with their presence and warmth, and the Embassy's tent was filled with the aromas of traditional Druze dishes, prepared with much heart and shared with all the guests.
Young and old joined the Embassy's organized raffle with gifts, tasted the delicious food, and took part in a special session by Hassan Amir dedicated to Druze culture, customs, and the current political situation of the Druze community in the Middle East.
We thank everyone who joined the celebration – members of the Jewish community, Israelis, and friends of Israel – who showed that solidarity, compassion, and the love of freedom know no boundaries.