Israel to Host Righteous Among the Nations in Jubilee Year

(Communicated by 50th Anniversary Association Spokeswoman)
Jerusalem, February 24, 1998

The 50th Anniversary Association and Yad Vashem will host a delegation of 50 Righteous Among the Nations from 22 countries as part of Israel's jubilee celebrations, between 28 April and 8 May, 1998.

The delegates, representing those heroic non-Jews who risked their lives during the Holocaust to save Jews from Nazi oppression, will be the guests of honor at several Remembrance and Independence Day ceremonies, including: the torch lighting ceremony at Mt. Herzl, the "Jubilee Bells" ceremony at the Givat Ram stadium in Jerusalem, a special concert by the Israel Philharmonic at Yad Vashem, the official VE Day ceremony marking the Allied victory over the Nazis, and other events. The delegates will meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Holocaust survivors and their families at Yad Vashem, President Ezer Weizman, Knesset Speaker Dan Tichon and the mayors of Jerusalem, Tel Aviv and Haifa at festive receptions to be held in their honor.

To date, the Commission for the Designation of the Righteous Among Nations at Yad Vashem has recognized 15,670 men and women as Righteous Among the Nations.

For further details: Yad Vashem Spokesperson Iris Rosenberg, 972-2-675-1666, fax 972-2-641-1849.