13 November 2005
Hungarian Foreign Minister Dr. Ferenc Somogyi and the Deputy State Secretary of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs Laszlo Vakonyi will visit Yad Vashem tomorrow, November 14, 2005.
During his visit Dr. Somogyi will present Avner Shalev, Chairman of the Yad Vashem Directorate, with The Commander’s Cross with the Star of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Hungary, as well as state decorations to three Yad Vashem employees, in recognition of Yad Vashem’s work in promoting Holocaust education and remembrance in Hungary.
The Yad Vashem staff who will receive decorations, in addition to Mr. Shalev, are Chava Baruch and Zita Turgeman, of the European Department of the International School for Holocaust Studies, who have worked to promote Hungarian educators seminars, (Knight’s Cross Order of Merit of the Republic of Hungary), and Sari Reuveni, of the International Institute for Holocaust Research and a volunteer on the Commission for the Designation of Righteous Among the Nations (Officer’s Cross Order of Merit of the Republic of Hungary).
Following are press arrangements for the Minister’s visit:
9:00: Arrival, tour of the Holocaust History Museum - CLOSED to Cameras
9:45: Hall of Names, in the Holocaust History Museum - OPEN
10:30: Wreath-laying ceremony, Hall of Remembrance - OPEN
10:45: Presentation of State Decorations, International School for Holocaust Studies - OPEN
Journalists wishing to cover the Minister’s visit are requested to coordinate with the media relations department: 02 644 3410.
