Rav Yisrael Meir Lau Shlita, a child survivor of the Nazi atrocities, expressed sorrow over the fact that during his remarks, Pope Benedict XVI did not express remorse over the acts committed by the Nazis during the war.
 
The pope laid a wreath at Yad Vashem, as well as shaking hands with six elderly survivors. He stated the cries of the victims continue to “echo in our hearts” adding that “they lost their lives but they will never lose their names”.
 
The German-born pontiff, who was a member of the infamous Hitler Youth, fell short of what Rav Lau expected, as well as others, explaining the word “six” was omitted along with any passionate expression of sorry or remorse. Both Rav Laud and Shas leader Eli Yishai pointed out the pope also spoke of those who were “killed”, avoiding the use of the word “murder”. Yishai also pointed out the pope’s failure to condemn past and present Holocaust deniers.
 
Avner Shalev, who is the director of Yad Vashem, was less critical and stated the pontiff’s words had merit and carried an important message.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)