Office No. 1-1/1047
October 9, 2006

President of Ukraine
To the President of the World Holocaust Forum Foundation
VIATCHESLAV KANTOR

Dear Mr. Viatcheslav Kantor,

I want to express my sincere gratitude for your participation in and organization of the events commemorating the 65 ^th anniversary of the Babi Yar tragedy, held September 26-27, 2006 in Kyiv.

Paying tribute to the memory of the Nazis’ victims unites us and is of great importance for developing dialogue between cultures and religions and for strengthening international peace and accord.

The horrors of World War II left a heavy burden in the hearts of those who experienced them. It is vital that all people, especially young people, learn the lessons of history, among them the tragic consequences of the events that took place in Ukraine. This is necessary for the prevention of future manifestations of intolerance, anti-Semitism and xenophobia.

This remembrance of Babi Yar victims, the first of its kind held on a visible international level, will undoubtedly promote a more objective evaluation of the past and will contribute to strengthening peace and security in the whole world.

I would like to take this opportunity to wish you happiness, well-being and prosperity.

Sincerely yours,
(handwritten – Sincerely!)

(signature)
Viktor YUSHCHENKO