Euroasian Jewish News
Josef Zissels presents President of Bulgaria, Rosen Plevneliev with deluxe editions of book published by the EAJC
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EAJC Delegation Visits Bulgaria
11.03.2013 On March 10, the delegation of the Euro-Asian Jewish Congress (EAJC), comprised of the EAJC General Council Chairman Josef Zissels and the leader of the Ukrainian Union of Jewish Students Victoria Godik, visited Sophia at the invitation of the Jewish community of Bulgaria and took part in the events commemorating the 70th anniversary of Bulgarian Jews being rescued from the imminent deportation to death camps during the Holocaust.
Unfortunately, EAJC President Vadim Shulman had been unable to attend the events due to extenuating circumstances.
Josef Zissels had laid a wreath on behalf of Vadim Shulman and the EAJC upon the newly-erected memorial plaque dedicated to the events on 1943.
During the solemn gathering at the synagogue of the Bulgarian capital, Josef Zissels expressed Vadim Shulman's regret on been unable to attend and gave a short speech.
Before his speech, Josef Zissels presented the Bulgarian Jewish community with a gift from the EAJC – a Torah scroll.
During an intermission in the awarding ceremony for the annual Shofar Award, the EAJC General Council Chairman had a short conversation with the President of Bulgaria, Rosen Plevneliev. Josef Zissels presented him with a greeting on behalf of EAJC President Vadim Shulman and with deluxe editions of book published by the EAJC. Josef Zissels also shared with the President the EAJC's plans to implement some of their projects in the Balkans region. In particular, Zissels spoke about a joint project with the local Jewish community to create a pan-Balkan center for fostering tolerance. The President of Bulgaria immediately directed one of the heads of his front office to supervise this project.
Additionally, Josef Zissels and Victoria Godik held a number of working meetings on March 10. Negotiations were held with the leaders of the Jewish community of Bulgaria, with member of the Ronald S. Lauder Foundation Board of Directors Dr. George Ban, and with the American Jewish Committee Director of International Jewish Affairs Rabbi Andrew Baker.
Photo below: EAJC General Council Chairman Josef Zisels presents the Bulgarian Jewish community the gift of a Torah scroll on behalf of the EAJC.
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