Jewish_resistance

Preparing the next generation to bear the torch of remembrance

At the Threshold of a New Era
Yad Vashem Marks 50 Years

by Rachel G. Fadlon

Throughout 2003-2004,Yad Vashem, the Holocaust Martyrs’ and Heroes’ Remembrance Authority, will mark 50 years since its establishment—years that have shaped the nature of Holocaust remembrance and education in Israel and worldwide. At the threshold of a new era and in accordance with the Israeli Knesset’s Martyrs’ and Heroes’ Remembrance (Yad Vashem) Law of 1953, Yad Vashem will continue to preserve and instill the memory of the Holocaust with content and meaning for generations to come.

In honor of Yad Vashem’s Jubilee, a series of major events will be held throughout the year in Israel and abroad under the patronage of the President of Israel, Moshe Katsav, and in cooperation with Israel’s Ministry of Tourism, the Jerusalem Municipality, and other organizations.

On the evening of 16 September 2003, the official opening event will take place at Yad Vashem’s Warsaw Ghetto Square in the presence of the President of Israel, the Prime Minister, and the Minister of Education. The following day at the President’s Residence, the Jubilee Award will be presented to individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to the memory of the Holocaust. That evening, a meeting and reception will be held for members of Yad Vashem’s forum of donors and supporters. During the reception, the establishment of an Eternal Fund for the Future of Yad Vashem will be announced, ensuring Yad Vashem’s continued existence and ability to carry out commemorative, research, and educational initiatives.

In October 2003, the Israeli Knesset will hold several events in recognition of Yad Vashem’s Jubilee: a visit by MK’s to Yad Vashem, the opening of an exhibit at the Knesset, and a special parliamentary session of the Knesset.

At the forefront of the many events honoring Yad Vashem’s 50th year, will be an evening in recognition of the Holocaust survivors and their families. This distinctive program will take place on 15 June 2004 at the Sultan’s Pool, Jerusalem, in the presence of Israel’s Prime Minister. The evening will pay tribute to the survivors’ achievements and contributions, while preparing the next generation to bear the torch of remembrance.

Laying the foundation stone of Yad Vashem, 27 July 1954

To enable worldwide Internet access to Yad Vashem’s database of Holocaust victims’ names and aid in the completion of the International Campaign for the Collection and Commemoration of Holocaust Victims’ Names, Yad Vashem will upload its computerized names database onto the Internet in April 2004. This remarkable achievement will grant people worldwide access to the current 3.2 million names of Holocaust victims available on Yad Vashem’s computerized database—the sole memorial to many who perished. More names will be uploaded as the computerization project advances.

Throughout the year, Yad Vashem Societies worldwide will mark the Jubilee with local events. In September 2003, the Israel Philatelic Service will issue two stamps in honor of Yad Vashem’s 50^th year. And an international research conference will be held at Yad Vashem in 2004.

The International school for Holocaust studies will hold unique educational activities for educators, students, and soldiers throughout the year, as well as an international educational conference in winter 2004.

The culmination of Yad Vashem’s 50^th year will be the opening of the new Museum Complex reflecting Yad Vashem’s progressive approach to commemoration and education. By September 2004, visitors to Yad Vashem will encounter a new, state-of-the-art Holocaust History Museum depicting the events of the Shoah from the Jewish perspective, utilizing advanced museological methods, and incorporating original artifacts and personal effects. The new Museum Complex—including a Museum of Holocaust Art, an Exhibitions Pavilion, a Visual Center, a Learning Center, and the Hall of Names—will be dedicated on 7 September, along with a new synagogue.

On 8 September, a meeting and reception will be held in Jerusalem for members of Yad Vashem’s forum of donors and supporters. The event will be marked by a special tribute to the Righteous Among the Nations and will be attended by Israel’s Diplomatic Corps.

Throughout Yad Vashem’s Jubilee year, there will be special programs, tours, and activities available for groups and individuals. Yad Vashem invites people worldwide to visit its campus and take part in these activities. With your active participation, Yad Vashem will continue its essential role in paying tribute to Holocaust victims and survivors, embarking on educational and research initiatives, and bequeathing the torch of remembrance to future generations.