Sir, – With the passing of Yosef (Tommy) Lapid, our foundation loses one of its most distinguished honorary members and spiritual guides. He was rescued by Raoul Wallenberg, the Swedish diplomat who saved 100,000 Hungarian Jews and was abducted by the Soviets, never to be seen again.
A sharp-witted and -tongued journalist and politician, he never forgot the legacy of his rescuer and supported any action to perpetuate it. Our ”100,000 names for 100,000 lives” campaign which demands credible answers from the Russian authorities as to the fate and whereabouts of Raoul Wallenberg, is in line with Tommy Lapid’s combative spirit, which will be deeply missed.
We mourn the death of this unique friend, and pledge to continue his legacy.
BARUCH TENEMBAUM, Founder
International Raoul
Wallenberg Foundation
New York
June 3, 2008
