At a ceremony in the coat-of-arms hall at 2 Dondukov street President Rumen Radev awarded the Vice-president and CEO of the World Jewish Congress Robert Singer the Madara Horseman order first degree. The Head of State highlighted the contribution of the international organization to popularizing the moral feat of Bulgaria and the Bulgarian people of rescuing the Bulgarian Jewish community during WWII. “This is an example of moral strength, civic duty, which should not be forgotten and is particularly topical today,” Rumen Radev said.

Upon presenting the state award, the President voiced gratitude for Robert Singer’s efforts to strengthen the friendship between the Bulgarian and Jewish people. “This award is a symbol of hope for a more effective cooperation. We stand side by side with you in the fight against anti-Semitism, xenophobia and radicalization, which once again are trying to sow the language of hate in the relations between the communities,” the Head of State said.   

In this sacred land called Bulgaria, the co-existence between different communities may set an example for many people, Robert Singer said, for his part. “A lot of people remember the rescue of the Bulgarian Jews, the memory of which will shine as a torch in the darkness, showing the way to overcoming cruelty and injustice. According to our tradition, anyone who has rescued the life of a person, has rescued the whole world. A lot of Jews, even if they are not connected with Bulgaria, cherish the country in their hearts, and the friendship between the two peoples is unwavering,” Robert Singer further said at the ceremony.