The Raoul Wallenberg Prize

Jack Bendheim, Ladies and Gentlemen, Dear Friends,

My wife and I are honoured to be with you here tonight.

For me it is a special moment to receive, on behalf of the Norwegian government, the Raoul Wallenberg Prize.

We pay tribute to the dedication and outstanding achievements of Raoul Wallenberg – one of the great sons of our neighbouring Sweden. We are happy that this evening supports the work of the Shaare Zedek Medical Centre in Jerusalem and the Pediatric Day Centre which bears Wallenberg’s name.

Two months ago I paid an official visit to Israel and other countries of the Middle East. While in Jerusalem, I met with the Israeli leadership and visited the Yad Vashev Memorial.

Many of you have been there. It is not grandiose or imposing. Yet few places on earth send such a strong message.

What does it tell us? Every person will have his or her own answer. Mine is this: We must remember lest we repeat the sins of the past. The fight against tyranny, ethnic hatred and genocide must go on.

Nowhere is this more evident than in Europe today. NATO, of which Norway was a founding father, is right now engaged in a fight to stop ethnic cleansing and deportation in the heart of Europe. Our vision on the threshold to a new millennium of a Europe whole and free is threatened by the most evil force, the hatred of the other, of those who are not like us. It is what led to the Holocaust. It must be stopped.

Tomorrow morning in Washington I look forward to meeting with the other leaders of the Alliance. We will discuss how we can put an end to the tragic conflict and help bring peace and prosperity to all the people of the Balkans who so richly deserve it.

Peace and prosperity are also what we must bring to the Middle East. Norway has, since the creation of the State of Israel 51 years ago, maintained a close friendship with Israel and the Jewish people.

When two months ago I addressed the Palestinian Legislative Council, I made it clear that I stood there also as a true friend of Israel.

This longstanding friendship – and our contacts with the Palestinians – has made it possible for Norway to play a role in the search for peace in the Middle East.

My government is proud to work with the leadership of Israel and the other partners towards a comprehensive settlement. Such a settlement will have answer to the just need for peace in security.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

It has been said that states should not base themselves on lofty ideals but defend their interests and pursue a policy of Realpolitik.

I think this is not only short-sighted but simply wrong.

Without a vigorous defence of human rights, ideals and values, our policies will become hollow. Indeed, the aim of our engagement in Kosovo is not territorial gains nor selfish interests. Our aim is the protection of democracy, the respect of minority rights and fundamental freedoms.

The same kind of moral consideration underlay the determination of the Norwegian government and Parliament to redress the injustice suffered by the Jewish population of Norway during World War II.

In 1997 a Commission, with the active participation of representatives of the Jewish community in Norway, presented a report on the restitution of Jewish property confiscated from Norwegian Jews during the period from 1940 to 1945 when Norway was occupied by Nazi Germany. It presented two alternatives – one based on economic calculations, and one which in addition sought to incorporate the moral obligation.

The Government chose the latter solution which was confirmed by our Parliament on 11 March this year. Approximately 450 million Norwegian kroner – close to 60 million US dollars - will be set aside for the restitution of the economic losses and sufferings borne by Norwegian Jews during World War II.

The restitution scheme has four main elements:

- First, compensation for losses suffered by individuals.

- Secondly, the establishment of a Foundation for the preservation and promotion of Jewish culture in Norway. Approximately USD 20 million will be set aside for this trust fund to be administered by the Jewish congregation of Norway.

- Thirdly, the creation of a Holocaust information center at the University of Oslo.

- And four, the establishment of an International Foundation to uphold the Jewish heritage world-wide. I am happy that Eli Wiesel has accepted to chair this foundation.

Economic restitution can never undo what the Jewish people lived through, also in my country. Economic restitution can only do partial justice.

Therefore, the moral dimension is as important as the economic aspect. 54 years after World War II ended we need to remind ourselves that we have an obligation never to let such things happen again.

On behalf of the Norwegian government, I am privileged to accept the Raoul Wallenberg Prize.

Thank you.