The inspiring tale of Rabbi Daniel Zion, who came to embrace Jesus, unfolds in a poignant historical novel titled A Legacy of Hope: Hidden Heroes from Generation to Generation, co-authored by Avi Mizrachi and Kathy Macias. Set before World War II, Rabbi Daniel and Stefan of Sofia, the Bulgarian Orthodox Church leader, collaborated to safeguard 50,000 Jews in Bulgaria from the clutches of Nazi concentration camps. Remarkably, none were deported during that harrowing period.
C.W.: What inspired the book Legacy of Hope: Hidden Heroes from Generation to Generation?
Avi: It began with a school project called “Roots.” Our kids had to interview their grandparents—most of whom had immigrated to Israel—about their backgrounds. Interestingly, my parents rarely spoke about their own past, but once I brought the kids into the mix, stories began to flow.
C.W.: How old was Dvora at the time?
Avi: She was in her early teens, around 12 or 13.
C.W.: Was this specifically Devorah’s project?
Avi: Devorah initiated it, and then her sister, Sarah, received a similar assignment. Each daughter delved into her roots, and we gradually realized how special the story of Bulgarian Jewry truly is.
C.W.: When did you expand your research beyond family anecdotes?
Avi: About ten years ago, I took my children to Bulgaria. After my mother passed away, my father, who couldn’t travel, provided us with information. We explored the synagogue and the old Jewish neighborhood. Since I’d never met my grandfather, who perished in the Holocaust, I asked the synagogue caretaker for his records. Discovering my grandfather’s death date and burial place was emotional. We also visited Sofia’s magnificent Great Synagogue and the Jewish Museum, which piqued our curiosity to learn more.
C.W.: Was that when Devorah began more formal research?
Avi: Yes, she was completing her master’s in Hebrew at the time. I suggested, “You’re skilled at research. Why not look into the archives for me?” My involvement began in earnest about a decade back, with her initial works being academic texts in Hebrew derived from primary sources.
C.W.: How did you come across Rabbi Daniel Zion’s story?
Avi: We had family memories—my mother served as his secretary—but lacked concrete facts. Devorah examined government and Hebrew University archives, collaborating with Bulgarian Christian researchers to find and translate documents into English. This process unveiled many inaccuracies in earlier articles, especially from some Orthodox circles that portrayed Rabbi Zion as a “madman” and traitor. Our investigation allowed us to correct those narratives with verifiable facts.
C.W.: You spent years working quietly. What happened when you went public?
Avi: I worked on this for about eight years before publication. The release prompted significant backlash and spiritual opposition. However, it opened many doors, especially to Rabbi Daniel Zion’s family. When we shared documented truths with his grandchildren, many were in tears. They gathered the entire extended family, and we discussed his struggles, his beatings, and concentration camp experiences, yet how he chose to love and serve others. They said, “We didn’t know this. Thank you for shedding light on our grandfather.” Prior to this, he had been seen as a madman, which left the family feeling ashamed of him. They encouraged us to share the book more widely in Israel.
C.W.: So your family supported a broader release?
Avi: Absolutely. They expressed that people needed to learn how 50,000 Bulgarian Jews were rescued, and their backing was crucial.
C.W.: When was the book officially launched?
Avi: We held a launch event in May 2024 near Jaffa Gate in Christchurch, Jerusalem. Over 100 people attended, many of whom weren’t believers. We shared research, honored Rabbi Daniel Zion and Metropolitan Stephen, and presented factual information. One grandchild expressed previous shame about his grandfather but left that event feeling proud and even shared stories of miracles attributed to him.
C.W.: How did you manage distribution after the release?
Avi: Secular bookstores in Israel were hesitant to stock the book due to its references to Yeshua. Instead, we sent Devorah’s research and my book as historical materials to libraries and universities across Israel. We also promoted them through Shelanu TV and social media. Israelis can request free Hebrew copies, and we’ve distributed over 400 so far. The Hebrew edition is often given away for outreach while the English version is marketed mainly to a Christian audience, with translations to German, Dutch, and Spanish underway.
C.W.: Are there plans for a Bulgarian version?
Avi: I’d like to see that happen, time permitting. We spoke with the Bulgarian ambassador to Israel, who expressed support and interest in promoting it once it’s ready.
C.W.: Have you published any stories in Israel since the war began?
Avi: Yes, about a year ago, I shared at a kibbutz near the Gaza Strip, prompted by my grandson’s invitation to a Jerusalem launch. We had to move to a larger venue due to the crowd—around 250 attendees, most of whom were skeptics. Many were deeply moved and bought Hebrew copies.
C.W.: What about opportunities in the U.S. to engage with the Jewish community?
Avi: Nothing has materialized in the U.S. Yet, five years prior to completing this book, I shared this story at an Orthodox synagogue in Budapest. Even though the rabbi wasn’t Messianic, he acknowledged Rabbi Daniel Zion’s contributions to saving Bulgarian Jews and invited us. The community welcomed us positively, raising questions about why Israel hasn’t honored him more.
C.W.: For those unfamiliar with the core story, can you summarize Rabbi Daniel Zion’s and Metropolitan Stephen’s roles?
Avi: Before the war, Rabbi Daniel Zion forged a friendship with Metropolitan Stefan of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church. Initially, Rabbi Zion was skeptical of the New Testament, but following a profound prayer vision where he heard, “I am Yeshua, your Savior,” he came to faith. They agreed Rabbi Zion would continue serving the Jewish community while Stefan led the church, both standing united against Nazi plans. They wrote letters and met with King Boris to warn against the deportation of Bulgarian Jews, emphasizing that such actions would bring national guilt. Despite three attempts to deport the Jews, each was thwarted, largely due to the courageous efforts of leaders like Rabbi Daniel Zion and Metropolitan Stefan.
C.W.: What are your hopes for this book and its story moving forward?
Avi: I aspire to continue sharing how people of faith can rise against evil in dark times through their testimonies, the blood of the Lamb, and their willingness to sacrifice. This narrative emphasizes collaboration between Jews and Christians. Ephesians 2 encapsulates this hope. We also aim to open more doors for sharing in Israel, the U.S., and Europe—there’s a planned conference in the Netherlands on November 1st, with our German associates also organizing an event once the translation is ready.
