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Albert Farhy

Albert Farhy was born on May 15, 1929 in Sofia, Bulgaria. He grew up in Sofia with his parents, Nissim and Karolina, and his two brothers. His older brother, David, was born in 1924 and his younger brother, Moise (Mike), was born in 1933. Albert and his brothers attended a private Jewish elementary school. Albert’s father served as an officer in World War I, commanding a machine gun unit on the Macedonian front. After the war, Nissim worked as a self-employed banker. He was also a founding members of the Sofia Jewish Symphony Orchestra, playing the violin.

In May, 1943 the Bulgarian government ordered the deportation of Jews from the capital, Sofia. Albert and his family were deported by train to Pleven. They arrived in the middle of the night and were greeted by the president of the Jewish Congregation, Mr. Pinchas, who allowed the deportees to live in his home. Albert and his brothers performed some manual labor during their time in Pleven, and after a few months, they all moved to Shumen to stay with extended family. Albert began attending a Bulgarian High School, and they were able to participate in Jewish communal activities. The Farhys remained in Shumen until the end of the war.

A studio portrait of Albert Farhy and his family in 1941 in Sofia, Bulgaria. From left are Moise, Karolina, Nissim (wearing his Bulgarian army officer uniform) and Albert. David Farhi is standing behind his father. (UNITED STATES HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL MUSEUM | COURTESY OF ALBERT FARHI)

More about Albert

From Bulgaria to Squirrel Hill: A Holocaust survivor shares his story of survival | TribLive

‘We can create a better world’: Holocaust survivor discusses growing up in Bulgaria, combating antisemitism | PittNews

Bearing witness: Holocaust survivor speaks to C-M students | Observer Reporter

Holocaust Survivors Singer and Farhy share experiences with IUP, Indiana community | The Penn

The Eva Fleischner Oral History Project: Albert Farhy | National Catholic Center for Holocaust Education