Sofia Commemorates Second Anniversary of Hamas Attack on Israel

Sofia Hosts Commemoration for October 7th Victims

A poignant ceremony took place in Sofia, Bulgaria, on October 16, 2025, to mark the second anniversary of the Hamas terrorist attack on Israel. The event, jointly organized by the Embassy of the State of Israel in Bulgaria and the Shalom Organisation of the Jews in Bulgaria, gathered dignitaries and community members to remember the victims and reflect on the enduring impact of the attack.

The date for the commemoration was selected based on the Jewish calendar. Attendees included various public office-bearers, several foreign diplomats, and leaders and members of the Bulgarian Jewish community. The ceremony commenced with a solemn minute of silence. A performance of the song 'Ears of Wheat' by Leah Todorova honored the victims and survivors.

Statements of Remembrance and Solidarity

During the ceremony, Israeli Ambassador Yosi Levi Sfari delivered a powerful address, stating that the October 7th attack was 'not an attack on Israel, but an attack on humanity itself.' He acknowledged the persistent pain two years on, noting that 'the families of the dead, the injured, the survivors of the hostages still bear the wounds of that day.' Ambassador Sfari also expressed profound gratitude to the Bulgarian government for its steadfast support, remarking, 'Today, all the living hostages are home.'

Deputy Foreign Minister Maria Angelieva, who serves as the national coordinator for the fight against antisemitism, reiterated Bulgaria's firm stance. She highlighted that just days after the 2023 attack, then-Prime Minister Nikolai Denkov and then-Foreign Minister Maria Gabriel had visited Israel to convey Bulgaria's solidarity. Angelieva emphasized Bulgaria's determination to combat antisemitism, stating, 'For us, this is a categorical red line and I assure you that there is no and cannot be any manifestation of hatred and animosity against the Jewish community in Bulgaria and the state of Israel.'

The Devastation of October 7, 2023

The original Hamas terrorist attack on October 7, 2023, involved coordinated armed incursions from the Gaza Strip into southern Israel by Hamas and other Palestinian militant groups. Occurring during the Jewish holidays of Simchat Torah and Shemini Atzeret, the assault resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people, primarily Israeli citizens, including civilians and security forces members. The attack also saw approximately 251 people taken hostage. Reports from October 2025 indicate that 48 hostages reportedly remain in captivity, with 20 believed to be alive. This event marked the deadliest day for Israel since its independence and initiated the ongoing Gaza war.

Bulgaria's Enduring Commitment

The Shalom Organisation of the Jews in Bulgaria, a key organizer of the Sofia ceremony, plays a vital role in coordinating Jewish communities, promoting Jewish values, and actively combating racism, totalitarianism, and antisemitism within the country. Bulgaria has consistently expressed its solidarity with Israel and condemned the atrocities committed. The presence of high-ranking officials, including the Chair of the parliamentary Foreign Affairs Committee, Yordanka Fandakova, Acting Chief Prosecutor Borislav Sarafov, and Deputy Minister of Culture Todor Chobanov, underscored the nation's continued support and commitment to these values.