Bulgaria's Bansko anti‑Semitic incident draws Israeli diplomatic comment

On 2 August, a group of Bulgarian youths in Bansko performed Nazi salutes and shouted “Sieg Hail” in front of a hotel where Italian teenagers from Jewish communities were staying. The episode was captured on video and sparked an international outcry.

Israeli ambassador Yossi Levi Saffari said the incident was “an isolated case” and stressed that “Bulgarians are not anti‑Semites,” urging condemnation and education to prevent recurrence. Bulgarian political analyst Kristiyan Shkvarik responded by criticizing the broader labeling of Bulgarians, comparing the reaction to anti‑Jewish attacks reported in Western Europe. The Bulgarian government condemned hate speech and affirmed its rejection of racism and anti‑Semitism.

The incident highlights tensions over hate‑motivated behavior in tourist areas and the diplomatic sensitivity surrounding anti‑Semitic acts in Europe.