Hinting at Russia-Poland row, Rivlin tells leaders history is for historians

Rivlin says: “This evening as we remember the victims of the Holocaust and World War II, we also mark the victory of freedom and human dignity.

“Tomorrow, we will gather at Yad Vashem, to remember and to promise, ‘Never again.’ Yad Vashem is a leading center for Holocaust research and education, guided by historians. Historical research should be left to historians. The role of political leaders, of all of us, is to shape the future. Leave history for the historians.”

Rivlin’s comment is likely a reference to a row between Russia and Poland after Russia’s President Vladimir Putin claimed repeatedly in recent days that Poland’s wartime government sided with the Nazis and had a role in starting WWII. Poland’s President Duda canceled his participation in the forum in Israel this week after his request to deliver an address alongside the address of Putin tomorrow at Yad Vashem was rejected.