Yad Vashem Chairman Avner Shalev and Yad Vashem Council Chairman Rabbi Israel Meir Lau Relate to the Issue of Residency Seekers in Israel

Yad Vashem Chairman Avner Shalev and Yad Vashem Council Chairman, Holocaust survivor, Rabbi Israel Meir Lau related today to the issue of residency seekers in Israel. The Chairmen noted that this matter constitutes a national and international challenge, requiring as much compassion, empathy and mercy that can possibly be marshaled. The experiences of the Jewish people over the ages underscore this commitment.

They also stressed that the Israeli authorities must make every effort to ensure that no person that has arrived in Israel and whose life is in danger, shall remain without refugee status.

At the same time, it is groundless and dangerous to maintain that the condition of the Jews during the Holocaust period can be equated with Israel's current policy toward residency seekers from overseas.