Neo-Nazi attack on summer camp – Austrians affected
Around 200 Jewish children and teenagers attending a summer camp in Bulgaria were left terrified after a group of neo-Nazis allegedly attempted to storm their hotel, with 12 participants from Austria also among those affected.
The incident took place at a summer camp organized by the international Jewish youth movement Bnei Akiva in the Bulgarian ski resort of Bansko. According to participants, a group of Bulgarian neo-Nazis gathered outside the hotel during the night, shouting Nazi slogans including "Sieg Heil" and "Heil Hitler" while repeatedly performing the Nazi salute. Videos recorded by those inside the hotel captured parts of the confrontation.
Witnesses said police initially arrived and dispersed the group, but the attackers reportedly returned about 30 minutes later in greater numbers. They allegedly blocked the hotel's entrances and continued shouting threats and extremist slogans after officers had left. Hotel staff advised the campers to lock themselves inside their rooms until police returned. Many of the children were frightened, cried, or called their parents during the ordeal.
The camp hosted young people from several European countries, Israel, and the United States. The Israelitische Kultusgemeinde (IKG) confirmed that 12 Austrian participants were among those staying at the hotel. Austrian State Secretary Alexander Pröll described the reports as deeply disturbing and called for a full investigation, stressing that Jewish life must be safe everywhere in Europe.
The incident has also sparked criticism of the response from local authorities. Bulgaria's Foreign Ministry condemned the attack as unacceptable and denounced all forms of antisemitism. However, Bansko's mayor reportedly described the incident as a routine dispute between young people and said he did not want the resort to receive negative publicity. Critics argue that such reactions risk minimizing serious antisemitic incidents, while calls continue for a thorough investigation and stronger protection for Jewish communities across Europe.