site.btaHate Speech Can Be Suppressed by Teaching Children About Human Values, President Tells Jewish Community

The holiday of Passover symbolizes the exodus from slavery to freedom, but to be truly free, a person must carry in their heart love for others, justice and tolerance, a willingness to listen and to help others – values embraced by all people, regardless of religion. "We will overcome the growing language of hate by raising our children with these values," said President Iliana Iotova on Tuesday during a meeting at the presidential institution with representatives of the Jewish community in Bulgaria on the occasion of the major religious holiday of Passover, the President's press service reported.

Iotova extended her greetings and wishes for unity and peace to the Jewish people. She congratulated the community of Bulgarian Jews in Israel for preserving their identity. During the meeting, the significant contribution of the Bulgarian state and people to the rescue of nearly 50,000 Bulgarian Jews during the Second World War was acknowledged.

"Throughout different historical periods, our people have managed to preserve one of their most precious treasures – tolerance. Even today, Bulgaria is an example of tolerance – both religious and ethnic," said the President.

The representatives of the Jewish community familiarized Iotova with the longstanding history of the Passover holiday and presented her with its symbols – unleavened matzah bread and kosher wine. There was a shared view that holidays such as Passover teach people how challenges can be overcome through unity and humanity.