21 December 2009
(December 21, 2009 - Jerusalem) Following the news this morning that Polish police have recovered the “Arbeit Macht Frei” sign that was stolen last week, Yad Vashem Chairman Avner Shalev issued the following statement:
We learned with satisfaction this morning that the Polish Police have recovered the stolen sign, and commend the Polish authorities for their quick work in finding the sign and the criminals who stole it. The Polish police are still investigating the motives behind the theft. Still, the theft of the sign, which had become a symbol both of the ultimate evil that found its expression in Auschwitz, and of the memory of the Shoah - Jewish Holocaust, gave pain to Holocaust survivors and people of conscience everywhere. The concern expressed by people around the world, illustrates the importance and awareness of Holocaust remembrance today. We must continue to work towards meaningful Holocaust education, so that the symbols of the Holocaust will be infused with meaning that will help build a better future, and can serve as catalyst in the fight against antisemitism and racism.
