Star of David Button Badge Issued for Bulgarian Jews Holocaust

WWII Bulgarian Jewish Yellow Star of David Bakelite Button Badge (1942–1944)

1. Object Description

Item: Button-badge in the shape of the Star of David (so-called “yellow star” in button form). Origin: Bulgaria, World War II. Design: Six-pointed star. The obverse features incised lines forming the Star of David with a yellow/yellow-olive surface and darker recesses. The reverse is smooth and black, with two central holes allowing it to be sewn onto clothing like a standard button. Material: Bakelite (early molded plastic) or similar composite material. Dimensions: Approx. 3.2 cm in diameter; approx. 0.3 cm thick.

2. Historical Context & Wartime Use

This button served as a compulsory identification mark imposed on Jews in Bulgaria during World War II, required to be sewn in a visible place on clothing (e.g., lapel or chest) for immediate recognition.

The rigid “button” format was characteristic of Bulgaria, contrasting with the cloth armbands or sewn fabric patches enforced across other parts of Nazi-controlled Europe. Educational and museum records note that distribution and enforcement were handled by the Commissariat for Jewish Affairs (KEV), which faced ongoing difficulties enforcing compliance.

3. Timeline of Obligation

Introduced: August 26, 1942. In Use: 1942–1944. Phased Out: Following the coup on September 9, 1944, anti-Jewish regulations were officially repealed, completing the phase-out toward the end of 1944.

4. Short Caption

“Yellow Bakelite Star of David button with two sewing holes; a compulsory identification mark imposed on Jews in Bulgaria. Introduced on 26 August 1942, used in 1942–1944, and phased out after September 1944.”
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