Dear
We are writing as the executives of the World Federation of
Jewish Child Survivors of the Holocaust and Descendants
(WFJCSHD). We want to express our deep concern about the
possible appointment of a new successor to run Yad Vashem.
As chairman, Avner Shalev has been the driving force who has
significantly increased significantly increased Yad Vashem’s reputation and visibility as a
leader in Holocaust education and remembrance throughout the
world.
We are greatly disturbed in hearing that Mr. Effi Eitam,
who many consider to be a very controversial and divisive figure
because of his past comments and views, is being considered
to be the new director of Yad Vashem. Because of his apparent
extremist views, we feel that Yad Vashem's work to educate and
sensitize people to come together in the spirit of our common
humanity and tolerance for one another, would not be taken
seriously in this context.
Yad Vashem is too important an institution, and Holocaust
education and remembrance are too precious to be tainted by
politics.
As the World Federation of Jewish Child Survivors and
Descendants, we recommend the appointment of a non-political
special commission to find a suitable successor some one well
trained in Holocaust education, to protect our legacy at Yad Vashem.