BBYO Bulgaria celebrated the 30th anniversary of its reestablishment, marking three decades of Jewish teen leadership, friendship, and community building since its return to Bulgaria in 1995 following the fall of communism.  

The June milestone celebration brought together current members, alumni, advisors, and community leaders to honor the generations of teens who have shaped BBYO Bulgaria. Sponsored by the BBYO Alumni Association, the gathering celebrated three decades of traditions, memories, and lifelong connections while looking ahead to the future of Jewish teen leadership in Bulgaria. 

While this year's celebration marks 30 years since BBYO's return to Bulgaria, the community's history stretches much further back. BBYO Bulgaria was originally founded in Ruse in 1936 as the first BBYO community established outside North America. After decades during which organized Jewish youth movements were unable to operate under the communist regime, BBYO was reestablished in Sofia in 1995, ushering in a new era for Jewish teen life in the country. 

Today, BBYO Bulgaria is home to 60 members who participate in weekly programs that foster leadership development, Jewish identity, service, and friendship. This year, 10 Bulgarian teens represented their community at BBYO International Convention (IC) in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and six teen leaders participated in BBYO's International Leadership Training Conference (ILTC) summer leadership program, connecting with peers from around the world and bringing new ideas and inspiration back to their local community. 

"Celebrating 30 years in Sofia is not only a milestone, but also a tribute to generations of teens who found belonging, purpose, and the confidence to lead through BBYO," said Martin Kanovsky, BBYO Alum, Former Board Member, and Staff. “I see the future of BBYO Bulgaria as bright, ambitious, and deeply rooted in the same spirit that made it so meaningful for my generation: teens leading teens, building Jewish identity, and creating a community where young people feel they truly belong. My hope is that BBYO Bulgaria will continue to grow as a home for Jewish youth in Bulgaria, inspiring new generations to lead with pride, responsibility, joy, and a strong connection to the global BBYO family.” 

Working closely with the Organization of the Jews in Bulgaria Shalom, Sofia Synagogue, and the broader Jewish community, BBYO Bulgaria continues to provide meaningful opportunities for teens to develop leadership skills, strengthen their Jewish identity, and make a lasting impact on their community. Programs are planned by teens, for teens, with the support of dedicated advisors and local partners. 

"Having been part of BBYO Bulgaria for the past four years, I have learned that the future is often unpredictable and that you never know what opportunities may be waiting just around the corner," said Katerina Gugova, 30th Teen President and second-generation BBYO Member. "What I do know is that every new member of BBYO brings growth, inspiration, and unforgettable memories, and our chapter’s future is in strong, capable hands." 

Learn more about BBYO Bulgaria.  

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About BBYO 

BBYO is the leading pluralistic Jewish teen movement, aspiring to involve more Jewish teens in meaningful Jewish experiences. For more than 100 years, BBYO’s purpose has been to unleash the power of youth. BBYO’s leadership programs, the Aleph Zadik Aleph (AZA, high school fraternity) and the B’nai B’rith Girls (BBG, high school sorority), provide exceptional leadership programs and identity enrichment experiences, shaping the confidence and character of hundreds of thousands of alumni who are prominent figures in business, politics, academia, the arts, and Jewish communal life. Together, AZA and BBG form a global Jewish teen movement in over 60 countries. With year-round activities in hundreds of local communities, many summer leadership programs, and inspiring worldwide travel experiences, BBYO’s programs enable teens to explore all facets of leadership, service, civic engagement, Israeli education, and Jewish values.   

 Please note that BBYO should not be referred to as the B’nai B’rith Youth Organization but rather as “BBYO.”