The controversy over the dismissal of Yad Vashem Chairman Dani Dayan continues as this morning (Sunday), 123 leading Holocaust researchers sent a letter to Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, Minister of Education Yoav Kisch, and the entire Israeli government, warning them not to proceed with the controversial move. In their words, they cautioned that "any attempt to gain political control over Yad Vashem is a clear threat to the memory of the six million."
"We, members of the international community of educators and Holocaust researchers, are closely following with concern the recent attacks by the Israeli Minister of Education against Dani Dayan," the letter stated. According to them, this is the "most important institution for commemorating the Holocaust, researching its history, and preserving its memory."
"Dayan, appointed in 2021, served the institution with excellence, and enabled Yad Vashem to maintain and even strengthen its independent character. Today, when the memory of the Holocaust finds itself under increasing pressure, when institutions and governments become involved in holocaust distortion and denial, Yad Vashem's independence is more essential than ever," added the researchers.
"Any attempt to gain political control over Yad Vashem is a clear threat to the memory of the six million victims of the Holocaust, and is a danger to the freedom of research and the legitimacy of an institution that enjoys tremendous prestige all over the world," they warned in summary. "We call on you to ensure that Dani Dayan and Yad Vashem can continue their mission without interruption."