French President Nicolas Sarkozy at Yad Vashem Monday

(June 22, 2008 - Jerusalem)   President Nicolas Sarkozy of France will visit Yad Vashem tomorrow, June 23, 2008.  He will be accompanied by Israeli President Shimon Peres and Yad Vashem Chairman Avner Shalev, as well as French government ministers, members of Parliament, and leaders of the French Jewish community.   In October 2007 President Sarkozy personally presented Yad Vashem Chairman Shalev with the Legion of Honor for his work on behalf of Holocaust commemoration at a special Elysee ceremony.

President Sarkozy’s visit will include a tour of the Holocaust History Museum, including the Hall of Names, a wreath-laying ceremony in the Hall of Remembrance, and a visit to the Children’s Memorial, after which he will sign the Yad Vashem Guest Book.  

Sarkozy last visited Yad Vashem in 2004, a visit which left a deep impression on him, and which he referred to in a speech in January 2007, when he said, “Yad Vashem changed me.” To watch  An exerpt from his speech, click here.

On 25 October, 2007, President Sarkozy presented the Legion of Honor award to Chairman of the Yad Vashem Directorate Avner Shalev, at the Elysee Palace, Paris.

For the press release about the award presentation, click here.

To read President Sarkozy's speech at the award ceremony, click here.

Following are media arrangements for the President’s visit:

10:30   Hall of Names, Holocaust History Museum - POOL

11:00: Wreath-laying ceremony in the Hall of Remembrance, with participation of President Sarkozy, Mrs. Sarkozy,
           President Peres, Mrs. Simone Veil and Yad

           Vashem Chairman Shalev - OPEN

11:10:  Children’s Memorial - CLOSED to Cameras

           Signing of the Guest Book, Exit from the Children’s Memorial - POOL

           Media who wish to cover the President’s visit must register with the Media Relations Office (02 644 3410/ fax: 02 6443409).

           Registered media must arrive at the Hall of Remembrance at 9:30 for security checks, with a valid GPO card. 

POOL:

Foreign Press TV: APTN

Foreign Press Stills: EPA

Israeli Press TV:  Channel 1

Israeli Press Stills: Flash 90
 

Contact:
Iris Rosenberg, Yad Vashem Spokesperson, 050 528 0927

media.relations@yadvashem.org.il