Mazal Asael's engagement photograph

This is a photograph from my engagement to my husband Mois Asael in 1950. The photo was taken in front of the University of Sofia. In 1944 I went to work in the militia as an operative officer. I worked there till 1952 when a decision was made that Jews should be dismissed from leading positions. A trial against doctors started in the Soviet Union in 1952. The Jews were accused of working against the Soviet authorities. As Bulgaria was subordinate to the Soviet Union, all Jews were dismissed from work at the militia. There were many Jews in the militia hierarchy at that time, especially in my department, which dealt with the press, cultural societies and schools. People who were fired were highly qualified, for one had to speak foreign languages to work in my department. I couldn't find a better job after 1952 because of my Jewish origins. I had to accept whatever I was offered. I found work in the personnel department of the City Management of the People's Health Administration after I was fired. The Administration existed only for a short period of time and after that I went to work in the personnel department of Material and Technical Supply at the Ministry of Construction, from which I retired later.