On behalf of the Executive and the Board of Directors of the Montreal Holocaust Memorial Centre, I would like to extend my heartfelt appreciation to the Austrian Government for their support of the on-going Gedenkdienst Project. Over the past 7 years, the MHMC has been the fortunate beneficiary of volunteer services provided by the Project. We have hosted many capable young men (and one young woman) and feel that this has proven to be a powerful learning tool in the rapprochement of members of the Jewish Community with the Austrian community.

The present 'Gedenkdieners' include Franz Kainz, Erhard Lampersberger and Georg Primas. They have proven to be critical in the development of the database required for our archives. Without their help, we would not be at such an advanced stage of preparation for our new museum. In appreciation, several of our volunteers have taken it upon themselves to provide the young men with home cooked meals and other needed comforts.

The past 'Gedenkdieners' were crucial in helping us cope with the overwhelming amount of survivors who required help in completing their claims for restitution. We still receive compliments from those they helped about their generosity of spirit.

The lessons learned by both those in the Montreal Jewish community and the dedicated 'Gedenkdieners' are invaluable and are an important component to the inner growth, understanding and acceptance of both groups. We strongly recommend and hope that this project continue for many years to come.

As I mentioned in my conversation with Dr. Andreas Maislinger earlier this month, the Montreal Holocaust Memorial Centre has recently hired a new Executive Director, Ann Ungar.One of Ms. Ungar's strengths' includes public relations.The first item on her agenda when she commences her work here on October 29th will be a public relations program for the new museum project, as well as for the Gedenkdienst program.This will help in raising the awareness in the community, as well as the city of Montreal, of this invaluable program between our two countries.

We look forward to the continuation of the Gedenkdienst program, both within our Museum and Education Centre, as well as throughout the world.

Sincerely,

Marvin Tanner
President

THE MONTREAL HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL CENTRE

Cc Dr. Andreas Maislinger
Dr. Helmut Prugger