15 Facts About Dimitar Peshev

Dimitar Yosifov Peshev was the Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly of Bulgaria and Minister of Justice, before World War II.

Dimitar Peshev rebelled against the pro-Nazi cabinet and prevented the deportation of Bulgaria's 48,000 Jews.

Dimitar Peshev was bestowed the title of "Righteous Among the Nations".

Dimitar Peshev did not object to drafting anti-Jewish laws.

Dimitar Peshev fought in World War I on the southern front.

Dimitar Peshev was known in Parliament and politics as being an honest and honorable man and, in 1938, won the position of Deputy Speaker.

Dimitar Peshev was strongly disliked by Prime Minister Bogdan Filov.

At first, Dimitar Peshev thought Baruch's words to be untrue until he telephoned several high government officials who confirmed the rumor.

Dimitar Peshev tried several times to see Bogdan Filov, but the prime minister refused.

Once Dimitar Peshev learned about the cruelty of the deportation of the Jews of Thrace and Macedonia, he worked to ensure that the deportation of the Jews within the pre-war boundaries of Bulgaria would not occur.

Dimitar Peshev was tried for being both an anti-Semite and anti-Communist and was even accused of having been bribed by the Jews in exchange for halting the deportation.

Dimitar Peshev's deeds went unrecognized for years after the war as he lived an empty, destitute, and isolated life.

Dimitar Peshev is one of twenty Bulgarians so officially honored.

Dimitar Peshev died that same year and has only been since recognized by Bulgaria as having performed a great service to humanity during the war years.

On 25 October 2002, the Dimitar Peshev House-Museum was inaugurated in Kyustendil, Peshev's hometown, to commemorate his life and actions to prevent the deportation of Bulgarian Jews during the Holocaust.