Minute of Silence Observed for Bondi Beach Shooting Victims at Sofia Synagogue

UPDATED Minute of Silence Observed for Bondi Beach Shooting Victims at Sofia Synagogue

Petya Petrova, Nikolay Trifonov

BTA Photo/Nikola Uzunov

Sofia,

14.12.2025 18:25 | UPDATED 14.12.2025 21:05

(BTA)

The victims of the shooting in Sydney were commemorated at the Central Sofia Synagogue with a minute of silence and a prayer, where on Sunday the ceremony for lighting the candles for the Festival of Lights, Hanukkah, took place.

At least 12 people were killed and 30 were injured in the shooting at Bondi Beach in Sydney, which broke out during an event marking the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah, Reuters reported, citing Australian authorities.

The ceremony in Sofia was attended by President Rumen Radev, members of parliament and of the public, Bulgarian National Radio Director General Milen Mitev, and Bulgarian News Agency Director General Kiril Valchev, and members of the public.

In his remarks President Radev said: “My appeal today is to remember the lessons of the past and to uphold peace, humanity, and tolerance. This is the only way to preserve the wisdom of our ancestors and pass it on to those who come after us, who, with the faith and drive of youth, I believe, will build a better and more just world.”

He expressed his gratitude to the organization Shalom and the Central Israeli Spiritual Council for the invitation to celebrate together.

“In this fast-paced and challenging world, Hanukkah has a special meaning. It gives hope and reminds us of very important values - human dignity, tolerance, and empathy,” said MP Yordanka Fandakova (GERB-UDF), who chairs the Bulgaria–Israel Friendship Group in the Bulgarian legislature.

Maxim Delchev, Chair of the Central Israeli Spiritual Council, said: “Let us not be afraid to be who we are and to express our tradition and community. Let us not be discouraged by the darkness that descends over the entire world, because it is our responsibility, through the good deeds we do, to dispel it.” He also thanked Bulgaria for its efforts in combating anti-Semitism and any other anti-Jewish rhetoric and actions.

"Bulgaria is proud of its Jewish community," said MP Yavor Bozhankov of Continue the Change-Democratic Bulgaria. "Our nation is proud that in the darkest moments of human history, it stood on the side of good and light. The rescue of the Bulgarian Jews created a bond that cannot be broken," he added.

“Hanukkah tells the timeless story of the triumph of light over darkness,” said Tedian Poplinger, Deputy Ambassador of the State of Israel in Bulgaria. “How incredible it is that today in Bulgaria, Jews can light the candles and place the Hanukkiah on their windows. This is not something we take for granted. It is a privilege, and we are deeply grateful for it,” Poplinger added.

“Hanukkah reminds us that even a single spark can disperse darkness, and a single courageous act can change the course of history,” said Dr. Alina Levi, Chairperson of the Shalom Organization of Jews in Bulgaria. “Hanukkah is a symbol of the courage of our ancestors, who, despite all trials, upheld their identity, faith, and dignity. It is also a holiday of unity, because only together can we preserve and pass on our light,” Dr. Levi added.

Hanukkah, known as the Festival of Lights, will be observed this year from December 25 to January 2, 2025, representatives of Shalom said. This eight-day holiday is a symbol of hope and inspiration, dedicated to the heroic victory of the Maccabees in 165 BC. They not only liberated Jerusalem but also restored the ability to worship the one God according to their traditions.

/PP/