/ world today news/ Declaration of the Organization of Jews in Bulgaria “Shalom” in connection with the holding of the Onion March on February 14, 2015
DECLARATION
The organization of the Jews in Bulgaria “Shalom” is once again deeply disturbed by the upcoming Onion March on February 14, 2015. Carrying out such a demonstration of neo-Nazi and xenophobic ideas, with uniforms, Nazi symbols and lit torches, will not only provoke manifestations of hatred, ethnic, religious and racial opposition, but also creates a negative image of Bulgaria, as a state that allows a manifestation that propagates the work of a man professed Nazi ideology and actively enforced the implementation of anti-Jewish laws in our country during the Second World War. In the advertising clip for the event on the website of the organizers of the Lukov march, suggestions are created that are unacceptable for the values of a democratic country such as Bulgaria, and in the comments of the people who support the event, there are appeals typical of the time of the Third Reich.
Once again, we remind you that General Hristo Lukov is famous for his fierce anti-Semitic and pro-Nazi views, the leader of the Bulgarian National Legions, one of the key figures who contributed to Bulgaria’s accession to the actions of Nazi Germany during the Second World War. The annual commemoration of the political role of General Hristo Lukov is a demonstration and propaganda of pro-Nazi and xenophobic ideas, desecration of the memory of the millions of victims of the Holocaust and denial of the repression and humiliation to which Bulgarian Jews were subjected during the implementation of anti-Jewish laws in the Kingdom of Bulgaria in the period 1941-1944. As the leader of the legionnaires, General Hristo Lukov is one of the culprits of these sufferings and humiliations.
Organization of Jews in Bulgaria “Shalom” opposes any manifestation that publicly legitimizes neo-Nazi ideology in Bulgaria, revives slogans and political programs from the time of fascism. Holding the Lukovmarsh is another attempt to rewrite the history of the Second World War in Bulgaria.
Holding Lukovmarsh 2015 under the motto “The tradition continues” is a challenge and a provocation, because it has been categorically proven that there is nothing good in continuing the tradition of Nazism. Lukovmarsh is not only an unacceptable event for the Bulgarian capital, but also an act of opposition to the democratic values of the Bulgarian society and belittles the achievements of the Sofia administration for the implemented policy of respect, tolerance and tolerance for differences. It is also inadmissible for the organizers to make spray images promoting the event and the image of General Lukov on buildings and other objects.
The escalation of hatred and xenophobia in Europe and the world is a warning to all of us to be vigilant and not allow the values and ideology of Nazism to be promoted.
We express our gratitude to all the institutions, organizations and individuals who supported our protest against Lukovmarsh 2014. Today, we again call on all institutions, political parties and their leaders, public organizations and the entire Bulgarian society to clearly and categorically express their intransigence and condemn the manifestations of extremism, hatred, xenophobia and anti-Semitism, and to oppose this undemocratic manifestation by all means within the law.
The future of Bulgaria depends on all of us and we must build it together with wisdom and reason, in the name of the well-being of our Motherland.
Organization of Jews in Bulgaria “Shalom”
#Shalom #disturbed #Onion #March
-wing extremism and hate speech across Europe, and events like the Onion March serve as a rallying point for these ideologies. They provide a platform for far-right groups to promote their beliefs and normalize hate. This trend not only threatens the social fabric of countries like Bulgaria but also poses a risk to the broader European values of democracy and human rights.
[1]: Interviewer: Can you explain what is the Onion March and why it is so controversial in Bulgaria?
Guest 1: The Onion March, also known as Lukov March, is an annual event in Bulgaria that honors General Hristo Lukov, a pro-Nazi and anti-Semitic leader from World War II. The event has drawn criticism from various quarters including the Jewish community in Bulgaria, who see it as a glorification of fascist ideology and a desecration of the memory of the Holocaust. The marchers often wear Nazi-inspired attire and carry torches, which are considered inflammatory symbols by many.
[2]: Interviewer: What do you think are the repercussions of holding such an event in a modern European democracy like Bulgaria?
Guest 2: Holding such an event that openly promotes neo-Nazi ideology and whitewashes the crimes of the past not only damages Bulgaria’s international reputation but also creates deep divides within its society. It undermines the hard work done by the country to build a tolerant and inclusive society after the fall of communism, and sends a message of intolerance to minority groups like Jews and Roma. Moreover, it emboldens far-right groups and fuels extremism, which can lead to violence and hate crimes.
[3]: Interviewer: Do you think there is any historical context to be considered when discussing the Onion March?
Guest 1: Absolutely! General Lukov played a significant role in bringing Bulgaria into the fold of Nazi Germany’s allies during World War II, and his policies led to the persecution and deportation of thousands of Bulgarian Jews. To glorify him is to condone his actions and distort history. The Organization of Jews in Bulgaria “Shalom” has pointed out that Lukov was one of the key figures responsible for the suffering of Bulgarian Jews during that period.
[4]: Interviewer: What do you make of the escalation of hate speech and extremism in Europe, and how does it relate to the Onion March?
Guest 2: It’s concerning that we’re seeing a resurgence of right
