The European Studies Council presents
Joseph Benatov, Asdsociate Director, Jewish Studies Program, University of Pennsylvania:
“The Fate of Bulgaria’s Jews during WWII.”
In 1943, Bulgaria complied with German demands and deported nearly 11,400 Jews from occupied territories in northern Greece and Yugoslavia (Macedonia). At the same time, Bulgaria successfully resisted German pressures to deport the 50,000 Jews living in Bulgaria. Dr. Benatov will offer a historical overview of the facts surrounding these historical events and will focus on the conflicting opinions about the role played by King Boris III, church officials, and politicians in the rescue of Bulgaria’s Jewish population. Dr. Benatov will also discuss the international debate over the way in which these historical events should be interpreted, remembered, and commemorated.