Bulgaria Jewish community awarded ‘Badge of Honor’ for support during COVID-19

The Organization of Jews in Bulgaria-Shalom, the local affiliate of the World Jewish Congress, and the Bulgarian Society of Ophthalmology were awarded the prestigious Badge of Honor from the Bulgarian Doctors Union for their support of two initiatives aimed at supporting the greater community during COVID-19, ‘Heroes in White’ and ‘We Will Succeed Together.’ 

Shalom teamed up with the Bulgarian Society of Ophthalmology, as well as several major hospitals, to launch the ‘We Will Succeed Together’ fundraising campaign shortly after the coronavirus outbreak in Bulgaria. 

The proceeds of the campaign have been donated to the Bulgarian Doctors’ Association in order to sponsor meals to hundreds of medical professionals and families stuck in quarantine.  Shalom President Dr. Alexander Oscar was one of many community members to personally deliver food to those in quarantine. 

In addition, Shalom donated $20,000, as well as protective equipment for the ‘Heroes in White’ initiative. The proceeds of the campaigns have been used to provide masks, protective clothing, and disinfectants to hospitals and medical personnel across the country.