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Israeli Arab Delegation
Attends Yad Vashem Workshop
Members of “From Memory to Peace” delegation at Yad Vashem workshop.
Pictured on left: delegation head, Father Emil Shofani
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“
May it be God’s will that the visit to Auschwitz will make it better
for both nations,” said an Israeli Arab member of the “From Memory to
Peace” delegation while attending a workshop at Yad Vashem.
The 18 February
visit of 35 Israeli Arabs to Yad Vashem—highly atypical in recent
years due to escalated tensions between Jews and Arabs—was held to
prepare “From Memory to Peace” members for their scheduled May visit
to Auschwitz. Delegation members include prominent Israeli Arab and
Jewish intellectuals, religious figures, and businesspeople who hope
to increase mutual understanding between the two peoples through their
Auschwitz visit. Father Emil Shofani, head of the Nazareth
Catholic community, conceived the idea to “touch the pain of the other
and build a bridge for peace and reconciliation.”
During their
preparatory day at Yad Vashem organized by the International School
for Holocaust Studies, Avner Shalev, Chairman of the Yad Vashem
Directorate delivered opening remarks. Inbal Kvity, Director of the
Study Seminars Department, followed with an introduction to the
journey to Poland. Participants then toured the Historical Museum and
the Children’s Memorial and listened to Holocaust survivor, Israel
Aviram’s testimony. The day closed with delegation members answering
questions from local and international media and receiving educational
units on the Holocaust in Arabic from Yad Vashem.
In the coming
months, Yad Vashem’s International School staff will continue to
assist “From Memory to Peace” delegation heads in preparation for
their visit to Auschwitz.
Copyright ©2004 Yad Vashem The Holocaust
Martyrs' and Heroes' Remembrance Authority
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