Remarks by Mrs. Annette Lantos; Lantos Prize Ceremony 2014

"Many years ago Tom and I took our two young daughters on a trip to Prague where, in the old Jewish Quarter, we learned of the Nazi plans to establish a “Museum of an Extinct Race.” I remember feeling the cold sense of dread and horror that one experiences in the face of evil. I clutched my two little girls’ hands a bit tighter that day, but not in fear, rather in determination!

Like you, President Peres, we were determined to answer this evil with good. You have answered it in countless ways, most importantly as one of the fathers of the unprecedented miracle that is modern day Israel and by your heroic defense of her highest aspirations and deepest values.

Through our work on behalf of human rights Tom and I gave our answer, but as you know Tom’s proudest rebuke to those who sought to wipe us off the face of the earth was his family. Our two wonderful daughters shared a vision. They were determined to rebuild the family that had been taken from us and to rekindle a light for the millions of murdered children. And they have kindled many beautiful lights who are now the light of my life. Surrounding me are my children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. We reaffirm today and forever that like Abraham of old we choose goodness over evil, light over darkness, and we choose life!"

Israeli President Shimon Peres to Be Named 2014 Lantos Prize Laureate

June 2014, WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Lantos Foundation for Human Rights and Justice announced today that the 2014 Lantos Human Rights Prize will be awarded to Shimon Peres, President of the State of Israel. President Peres will receive the award for his unwavering dedication to the profound values of democracy and human rights that form the foundation of the State of Israel, as well as his pursuit of peace, justice and reconciliation in the Middle East. Former recipients of the Lantos Prize include former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Professor Elie Wiesel, Paul Rusesabagina, and Chen Guangcheng. The award ceremony will take in place in Washington, DC on June 26, 2014. It will be open to press and coverage is invited.

“The nominating committee’s decision to honor President Peres with this award was inspired by Shimon Peres’ over 60 years of extraordinary leadership as a builder of his nation, as a global statesman and as a tireless and inspired advocate for peace and justice in the Middle East”, said Katrina Lantos Swett, President of the Lantos Foundation for Human Rights and Justice. “President Peres stands out as a leader whose passion  for his country and his people is equaled by his commitment to the cause of peace for all people of the region.”

Over the course of his career, President Peres has received numerous honors for his efforts in the Middle East, and the Lantos Human Rights Prize further recognizes his dedication to democracy and civil liberty. Peres was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1994. He later went on to establish the Peres Center for Peace. Despite enormous tensions and challenges in the Middle East, Peres has been an eloquent advocate for the fundamental human rights of all peoples. 

The Lantos Foundation established the Lantos Human Rights Prize in 2009 to honor and bring attention to heroes of the human rights movement. It is awarded annually to an individual or organization that best exemplifies the Foundation’s mission, namely to be a vital voice standing up for the values of decency, dignity, freedom, and justice in every corner of the world. The prize also serves to commemorate the late Congressman Tom Lantos, the only Holocaust survivor ever elected to the U.S. Congress and a prominent advocate for human rights during his nearly three decades as a U.S. Representative.

Additional details about the award ceremony honoring President Shimon Peres will be announced soon. For information call the Lantos Foundation at 603-226-3636. Press inquiries should be directed to 202.265.3000. 

Statement from Lantos Foundation President on the Anniversary of the Tiananmen Square Massacre

“Tragically, 25 years ago the Chinese government used brute force to crush the 89 Movement but the spirit of the heroes of Tiananmen lives on. In the long run, the power of their moral and spiritual leadership will triumph over the brutality of the butchers and dictators. But the outcome of the struggle for democracy and human rights is not a foregone conclusion - it depends on the unwavering and outspoken support of the forces of freedom. It also requires leaders to see beyond economic and political considerations to the even more important values that make a decent society possible.”

Statement from the Lantos Foundation on Yom Hashoah

On this day when the world remembers the unimaginable tragedy of the Holocaust, we at the Lantos Foundation feel a renewed sense of dedication to the work of our founder, Congressman Tom Lantos. As the only survivor of the Holocaust ever to serve in Congress, Tom brought unparalleled personal passion and insight into the task of remembering the six million victims of the Nazi death machine. Equally, he was a tireless voice of warning about the dangers of bigotry and hatred once again threatening the Jewish people.

At a time when the world is witnessing a level of open and virulent anti-Semitism unseen on the continent of Europe in over seventy years, Tom’s spirit of vigilance and warning is more relevant than ever. As he so memorably said, “The veneer of civilization is paper thin. We are its guardians, and we can never rest.” On this solemn day of remembrance, we call upon all people of goodwill to resist and respond to all manifestations of this ancient and despicable prejudice and to “never rest” in the pursuit of human rights and dignity for all humanity.