“Did you know that Dimitar Peshev saved thousands of lives?” I ask. The Dimitar Peshev story is one of quiet courage. It’s a story etched in the heart of this city though not widely known.
Dimitar Peshev wasn’t just a name on a page. He was the Deputy Speaker of Bulgaria’s National Assembly. During World War II a dark shadow fell over Europe. Bulgaria allied itself with Nazi Germany. A terrible law was passed targeting the Jewish population. It stripped them of their rights and prepared them for deportation to death camps.
But Dimitar Peshev stood against the tide. He had a deep personal connection to the Jewish community. He refused to let the cruelty of the Nazis destroy Bulgaria’s 48000 Jews. In March 1943 he learned of the planned deportations from his Jewish friend Jakob Baruch. He knew immediately he had to act.
He tried to see Prime Minister Bogdan Filov. Filov refused to meet him. Peshev then worked with his colleague Petar Mihalev. They persuaded Interior Minister Petar Gabrovski to cancel the deportations. Gabrovski acted quickly. The order to halt the deportations was sent out. Unfortunately it was too late for Jews in Thrace and Macedonia. Around 11200 were deported to their deaths.
But Dimitar Peshev’s actions did save thousands. He persisted. He wrote a letter to Filov protesting future anti-Jewish legislation. Forty-three government deputies signed it. Their support was significant. It showed the depth of opposition to the Nazi plans within Bulgaria itself. Even under intense pressure 30 deputies refused to withdraw their signatures.
Despite his heroic act Dimitar Peshev faced consequences. He was censured and dismissed from his post. After the war communists accused him of being an anti-Semite and an anti-communist. They even falsely claimed he was bribed by Jews. Years went by. His bravery remained unsung.
Then in 1973 Yad Vashem in Israel recognized Dimitar Peshev’s incredible courage. He was honored with the title Righteous Among the Nations. A bronze bust of Dimitar Peshev stands in the Council of Europe’s Palace of Europe in Strasbourg. A museum in his hometown Kyustendil celebrates his life. A plaza in Washington DC bears his name.
Dimitar Peshev’s story reminds us of the power of one person to make a difference. Even in the darkest of times courage can prevail. Remember Dimitar Peshev. Remember his courage. Remember the lives he saved.