South African Yad Vashem Memorial Opened; Pledge Never to Allow Repetition of Holocaust

Katriel Katz, chairman of the Jerusalem Yad Vashem (Martyrs’ and Heroes’ Remembrance Authority), and former Israel Ambassador to the Soviet Union, yesterday opened the South African Yad Vashem Memorial in the Etz Chayim Synagogue complex here at a ceremony attended by Transvaal Administrator Sybrandt Van Niekerk. Johannesburg Mayor Sam Moss and representatives of the army, diplomatic corps. Christian churches and Jewish rabbis and communal leaders. The shrine was designed by South African Jewish artist Ernst Ullmann, who was a former refugee from Nazi Germany. In his address, Mr. Katz lauded the “inspiring” nature of Ullmann’s memorial and reviewed the “tragedy and heroism” of Jews during the Hitler years, the rise of Israel, and Jewish determination never to allow a repetition of the holocaust. Administrator Van Niekerk spoke of his respect for the role which South African Jews had played in the struggle of the Jewish people during the Nazi era and of the “exemplary” manner in which they did their duty to South Africa during World War II. Chief Rabbi Bernard Caspar delivered a sermon on the holocaust at the dedication service.