site.btaPresident Iotova Discusses Human Rights, Rising Anti-Semitism with AJC CEO at Munich Security Conference

Bulgarian President Iliyana Iotova met with Theodore Deutch, Chief Executive Officer of the American Jewish Committee, on the sidelines of the 62nd Munich Security Conference to discuss rising hate speech and the retreat from human rights protection, the Bulgarian head of State's press secretariat reported here on Saturday.

“Over the past decades, we have witnessed serious regression in defending human rights. Today, speaking up and working to protect them seems out of fashion. This issue is often absent from the agendas of international organizations and European institutions. We need to bring this conversation back to the global level,” President Iotova said. 

The discussion also addressed growing anti-Semitic sentiment worldwide. Representatives of the American Jewish Committee praised Bulgaria for its long-standing respect and protection of the Jewish community. 

“In today’s world, societies seem willing to forget the dark years of the Holocaust. Even more worrying are attempts to rewrite history. States and societies must stand together against these dangerous trends,” Iotova stressed. 

She highlighted Bulgaria as a bright example of a country that rescued its Jewish citizens through the joint efforts of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church, leading politicians, intellectuals, and ordinary people. “Twenty Bulgarian Righteous Among the Nations have received the highest recognition for humanity from Yad Vashem,” the President noted. 

Iotova also briefed the AJC delegation on her plan to establish a museum in Bulgaria dedicated to the rescue of Bulgarian Jews, intended not only to preserve history but also to inspire future generations.