Unknown vandals have defaced the gate of the community synagogue in Plovdiv, Bulgaria, with swastikas and a hate slogan, deeply shocking local Jewish residents. Police have launched an investigation to identify those responsible for the incident, which community leaders described as an attempt to instill fear but vowed would not deter their activities or pride.

Rabbi Mendy Mendelson, the Chabad emissary in Plovdiv, emphasized that the community remains resilient and committed to its mission, preparing to inaugurate a new center despite the attack. He noted that the city is generally tolerant and safe, and authorities are actively coordinating with the Jewish community.

This event follows a series of antisemitic incidents in Bulgaria in recent months, including vandalism at synagogues in Sofia and Varna and at the Holocaust memorial in Burgas. The Bulgarian Foreign Ministry has condemned these acts, stressing that they are unacceptable and contrary to the country’s proud history.