site.btaSofia Mayor Meets Former Executive Director of American Jewish Committee

Sofia Mayor Vasil Terziev held a meeting with former Executive Director of the American Jewish Committee David Harris here on Thursday to discuss the interaction with the Jewish community in the context of historical traditions and opportunities for cooperation in priorities such as education, culture and tourism. Harris is visiting Sofia on the occasion of the presentation of the Bulgarian edition of his book On the Front Lines. A Life of Global Jewish Advocacy.

During the meeting, the threats related to the growing manifestations of anti-Semitism were discussed, as well as the need to effectively counteract all forms of discrimination and attempts at division in Bulgarian society. Opportunities for further development of strategic relations between Bulgaria, the United States of America and Israel were also highlighted.

Terziev pointed out that integration in society, as well as the creation of bridges between cities and countries in the region, is key for the Balkans. "We know that what we do today and the decisions we will make have an effect in the future, so it is important to stand on a good foundation and principles. (...) Education is among our key topics, because if you teach children the right things at the right time, you will not have problems 20 years later", he stressed.

Terziev presented Harris with an official plaque with the coat of arms of Sofia. 

The meeting was also attended by Sofia Deputy Mayor for Finance Ivan Vassilev, PanEurope Bulgaria Founder and President Gergana Passy, American Jewish Committee Bulgaria Director Viktor Melamed and Shalom Organization of Jews in Bulgaria Director Maxim Delchev.