T

he special conference held at the Mashmaut Center marked 83 years since the rescue of Bulgarian Jewry and took place in the presence of many distinguished guests: The Ambassador of Bulgaria to Israel, Slavena Gergova, who delivered an inspiring speech on the vital importance of Bulgaria-Israel relations in general, and the rescue of Bulgarian Jewry in particular; the Mayor of Kiryat Motzkin, Mr. Tziki Avisar, who delivered festive greetings and emphasized the tremendous significance of the special bond with the city of Kyustendil, with which an official twin-city agreement was signed last June; Mr. Kaman Minkov, Head of the Economic Section at the Embassy of Bulgaria in Israel; and Mr. Ino Yitzhak, Chairman of the Association of Bulgarian Immigrants in Israel, who offered warm greetings. The hall was filled to capacity with attendees who came from all across the country to take part in this moving occasion.

During the conference, the extensive educational work conducted at the Center was showed, alongside its thriving international relations through twin cities – centered around the rescue of Bulgarian Jewry. Additionally, the educational process leading up to the signing of the twin-city agreement with Kyustendil – the hometown of Dimitar Peshev, who played a role in saving Bulgarian Jews and was recognized as Righteous Among the Nations – was highlighted.

Later in the conference, participants enjoyed fascinating lectures by Mr. Sahar Shauli, researcher, co-founder of the "Light from Bulgaria" project, who lectured on "Between Disagreement and Consensus: How the Rescue Narrative Was Built"; and Ms. Sarah Halperin, who spoke on "Not Just Ideology: The Social Mechanism That Turned Moral Belief into Life-Saving Action."

In the final part of the conference, high school students from Ort Motzkin who took part in the "Initiatives for Tomorrow" project led by teacher Shifra Quine, High School Principal Anat Shahaf, and Inbal Raz, Deputy Director of  Mashmaut Center and Advisor to the Mayor on the Women and Social Equality presented their joint venture with high school students from Kyustendil. They shared personal experiences from their trip last June, where they met their peers from Kyustendil face-to-face and attended the twinning agreement ceremony led by the mayors. 

Heartfelt thanks to all our partners: Ambassador Slavena Gergova , Kaman Minkov, and the Embassy of Bulgaria in Israel for a partnership all along the way. Mayor Tsiki Avissar, Deputy Mayor Gady Dozertsov, Michal Tovia (Head of Community Relations Division), and City Council members who honored us with their presence – Racheli Forman and Arik Mogerman. Ino Yitzhak, Chairman of Bulgarian Immigrants in Israel. Our wonderful lecturers, Sarah and Sahar, with a special thank you to Sahar for his collaboration in organizing the conference. The talented singer Sanziana, who delighted the audience with her beautiful singing in Bulgarian and the song "Hallelujah," which deeply moved everyone present. The high school students of Ort Motzkin, teachers Shifra Quine and Romit Sikorel, Ort Motzkin Principal Ehud Ben-Gera, and High School Principal Anat Shahaf. The Mashmaut Center staff and volunteers. Yair Ganor, who photographed and documented the event. 

Thank you to everyone who honored the conference with their presence. The fascinating lectures, the impressive turnout from across the country, and the spirit of remembrance and unity transformed this event into an unforgettable experience. Together, we continue to preserve the memory.