The chairman of the Yad Vashem World Holocaust Remembrance Center and other prominent Israeli figures have written to US Ambassador to Israel Tom Nides, urging that billionaire philanthropist Roman Abramovich be kept off a US list of wealthy Russians to be sanctioned over Russia's policy in Ukraine, the Times of Israel reported this week, referencing a report by Channel 12 News.
Follow Israel Hayom on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram
According to the report, the letter – sent on Feb. 6, weeks before Russia invaded Ukraine last week – hailed Abramovich's investments in Israeli and Jewish causes. It was signed by Yad Vashem Chairman Dani Dayan, Chief Rabbi David Lau, and Director-General of Sheba Medical Center at Tel Hashomer Professor Yitshak Kreiss.
On Feb. 22, Yad Vashem announced a new long-term strategic partnership with Abramovich, which it called "part of Mr. Abramovich's global charitable work in promoting Holocaust research and education, as well as combating antisemitism."
A Yad Vashem press release said that Abramovich's donations would go toward the Yad Vashem International Institute for Holocaust Research. Yad Vashem plans to build a new building for the institute, as well as two new versions of its iconic Book of Names to be on permanent display at Yad Vashem.
Abramovich said, "Yad Vashem's work in preserving the memory of the victims of the Holocaust is instrumental to ensure that future generations never forget what antisemitism, racism and hate can lead to if we don't speak out."
Abramovich is also the owner of England's Chelsea FC and has spearheaded the club's public stance against antisemitism in sports.
On a visit to Chelsea in November 2021, President Isaac Herzog praised Abramovich for using the Premier League leaders' platform to battle antisemitism, calling the club "a shining example of how sports and teams can be a force of good and for shaping a more tolerant tomorrow."
Subscribe to Israel Hayom's daily newsletter and never miss our top stories!
