The President of Israel Pays Tribute to the Long-Term Operations of Yad Vashem’s Righteous Among the Nations Commission

KJ, 16 November 2016
In Israel, on 4th September, in the residence of the Israeli President, Shimon Peres, the many years’ operations of Yad Vashem’s Righteous Among the Nations Commission was acknowledged. It began its work in 1963 as part of Jerusalem’s Yad Vashem Institute. To date, it has honoured more than 24,000 Righteous from around the world.

During the ceremony, Yad Vashem Chairman, Avner Shalev, presented the President with a copy of a statement which his father, ​​Yitzhak Perski, had submitted to the Commission in 1965. It related to a British soldier, Charles Coward, who had helped several Jewish prisoners escape from Auschwitz. He had also helped Perski, when both had been locked up in a prisoner of war camp in Greece. Coward was honoured with the title of Righteous Among the Nations.

Addressing members of the Department, President Peres spoke of their historical obligation and educational mission. He stressed that all should know the stories of the Righteous and value their heroism and courage.

More information about the event can be obtained here.

For more information about Yad Vashem’s Righteous Department, click here.