Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum Director Avner Shalev will be honored with Spain's prestigious Order of Civil Merit, King Juan Carlos has decided. Shalev will be awarded the medal for his long-standing efforts for the commemoration of the Holocaust in Israel and abroad. Spanish Ambassador to Israel Fernando Carderera Soler will award Shalev with the medal at a ceremony in his residence next week. The Order of Civil Merit was established in 1926 by King Alfonso XIII. It recognizes extraordinary civic contributions by Spanish and foreign nationals for the benefit of Spain. Several notable Israeli figures have been among the merit's recipients, including Israel's fifth President Yitzhak Navon, acclaimed novelist Amos Oz, and Professor Tamar Alexander, chairwoman of the National Council for Ladino Culture. Shalev was named Yad Vashem's director in 1993, and under his leadership, the Yad Vashem Martyrs' and Heroes' Remembrance Authority has undergone a dramatic change. Shalev introduced a multi-year plan with the aim of preparing Yad Vashem to meet the challenges of Holocaust commemoration in the 21st century, including construction of the Holocaust History Museum, where Shalev serves as chief curator. Shalev's activities over the years have been recognized at home and abroad: In 2003, Shalev accepted the Israel Prize on behalf of Yad Vashem; in 2007 he received the Legion of Honor from French President Nicolas Sarkozy; and in 2014 he was awarded the President's Medal by then-President Shimon Peres.
