[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 93 (Wednesday, June 6, 2018)]
[House]
[Page H4784]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        THE HISTORIC RESCUE OF BULGARIAN JEWS FROM THE HOLOCAUST

  (Mr. WILSON of South Carolina asked and was given permission to 
address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I am grateful that, 28 
years ago this week, I was appointed by the International Republican 
Institute as an election observer for the first free elections in 
Bulgaria as it emerged from totalitarian communism. Since that time, I 
have seen Bulgaria advance to be a vibrant democracy as a member of 
NATO and the European Union.
  On the 75th anniversary of the rescue of Bulgarian Jews from the 
Holocaust, the world recognizes this as a remarkable event in history. 
Over 50,000 Jewish people were saved by the Bulgarian church, some 
intellectuals and members of Parliament, but most of all, the Bulgarian 
people.
  The Bulgarian Jewish community was the only one in Europe which not 
only survived World War II, but increased in size.
  The Bulgarian people should always be appreciated for their courage 
and action. As co-chair of the Bulgaria Caucus, I cherish the mutually 
beneficial friendship between our two countries inspired by Prime 
Minister Boyko Borissov and Ambassador Tihomir Stoytchev.
  In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget 
September the 11th in the global war on terrorism.
  God bless the memory of the American-led Allied troops who landed at 
Normandy 74 years ago to begin the liberation of Europe, defeating 
national socialism.

                          ____________________