The documentary “49,172” and the exhibition “The Jews in the Bulgarian lands” from the archives of the Saints Cyril and Methodius National Library, were presented in Los Angeles. The film “49,172”, directed by Plamen Petkov and produced by Atanas Kolev, traces the dramatic story leading up to the saving of the Bulgarian Jews, as told by people who witnessed the events. It presents unique documents, video and audio material. To make the film, its authors were given access to government and private archives in the US, Israel and Bulgaria. The event was organized by the Consulate General of Bulgaria in Los Angeles to commemorate the 80^th anniversary of the rescue of the Bulgarian Jews during World War II, and the victims of the Holocaust. It was attended by consulates general and honorary consuls, prominent Bulgarians living in the US, and representatives of the local Jewish community. Descendants of the Bulgarian Jews told the poignant stories of their family members.

The Consul General of Bulgaria Boyko Hristov laid emphasis on the courage and the high moral standing of the Bulgarian people who made the miracle possible in the darkest times in human history. The event took place at one of the emblematic synagogues in Beverley Hills, Sephardic Temple Tifereth Israel. The Bulgarian Consulate General in Los Angeles is to organize more events until the end of the year, dedicated to the 80^th anniversary of the rescue of the Bulgarian Jews during World War II.