35 years after the fall of the Berlin Wall, we are witnessing people being named, shamed, and persecuted for their profession and for expressing their opinions.
Freedom, democracy, and the rule of law are universal human values, and ABF stands in solidarity with the majority of Bulgarians, who uphold these principles. This includes teachers – the present-day enlighteners. Targeting individuals for speaking their minds or benefiting from programs supported by ABF is reminiscent of the totalitarian past. We stand in support of the teachers and those who may be next if this destructive rhetoric continues.
Who is next?
The doctors, nurses, and young patients who are treated in renovated children’s wards at Pirogov Hospital and the hospitals in Veliko Tarnovo, Lovech, or Dobrich?
The breast cancer patients who receive timely and competent information and care?
The students from the Olympic teams in natural sciences who make Bulgaria proud in international competitions all over the world?
The small, family-run tourist companies in Bulgaria’s Northwest and Danube region creating jobs in their communities?
The museum directors and workers at the Bishop’s Basilica of Philippopolis, the Vratsa Historical Museum, and the museums in Chiprovtsi, Oryahovo, and other towns and cities?
The entrepreneurs? The civil society experts? The journalists?
Who is next?
ABF is an independent, nonpartisan, and nonpolitical American grant-making foundation. ABF does not fund or support politicians, political parties, political activity, or protests. ABF refuses to be drawn into election campaigns.
ABF funds projects and initiatives of Bulgarians with different professions in all parts of the country who are working to fulfill their vision of a Bulgaria that is a wonderful place to live, work, and raise a family.
ABF is transparent about the organizations and the projects it funds. The information is available to all on the ABF website: www.us4bg.org. We welcome media attention to tell the true stories of the projects we support.
