The president of the Central Jewish Council of Greece (KISE) and the Jewish Community of Thessaloniki (IKTH), David Saltiel, was awarded an honorary doctorate by the School of Science and Technology of the International Hellenic University (DIPAE), during an event held on 14.3.2025, at the International Hellenic University in Thessaloniki.
David Saltiel's honorary doctorate was conferred "in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the social sector, the business sector, culture and education", as well as for the fact that, in "his dual capacity as president of the Central Jewish Council of Greece and the Jewish Community of Thessaloniki, he has played a leading role in addressing racism and anti-Semitism".
The belief that no person, no matter how successful they are professionally, can feel complete if they do not dedicate their life to their fellow man, was expressed in his speech by Mr. Saltiel and added that he tried to apply this in his life "inspired by the example of the Jews of Thessaloniki."
He referred to the actions he took for the return of the bones of the hero Colonel Mordecai Frizis, for the adoption of the Day of Remembrance of the Greek Jewish Martyrs and Heroes of the Holocaust, the payment of compensation for the Old Jewish Cemetery, which was located on the site of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, the erection of a monument and the establishment of a chair of Jewish Studies at Aristotle University, and he emphasized that "when these proposals were implemented thanks to the cooperation of people who understood the need for bravery and honesty towards the past, they helped the city and the country move forward and change mentality."
Mr. Saltiel emphasized the decisive role played by the late mayor Yiannis Boutaris in changing the mentality of Thessaloniki. He expressed the hope that the creation of the Memorial Park in Eleftherias Square will soon be implemented, after years of postponement. He pointed out that the initiative for the construction of the Holocaust Museum of Greece is progressing rapidly, for which he expressed the belief that it will be of decisive importance for our society “using new technologies as beacons of constant reminder of historical truth, against those who distort it, but also as a tool for the fight against anti-Semitism, intolerance and racism, strengthening the position of our country in international forums.”
"The Holocaust and its memory do not only concern the survivors and their descendants, but all of us, as an integral part of Greek History. It was the greatest tragedy for the civilization of Greece and Europe. If we do not know and do not remember, history risks repeating itself," he said.
Furthermore, he emphasized that as the head of Greek Jewry and the Jewish Community of Thessaloniki, he is currently fighting to correct injustices-consequences of the Holocaust, such as the return of assets and cultural artifacts to where they rightfully belong, adding that "these are things that should - could - have become a reality in the decades that preceded them.
For his part, the rector of the International Hellenic University, Professor Stamatis Angelopoulos, noted that the honoree “with his work, dedication and leadership, has made an invaluable contribution to Greek society and the Jewish community. As he pointed out, David Saltiel “has undertaken critical initiatives to protect the rights of Greek Jews, promote their history and combat anti-Semitism, while at the same time he has worked tirelessly to preserve the historical memory of Jews in Greece, particularly with regard to the tragic experience of the Holocaust”. Furthermore, “he is also a voice for the unity and harmonious coexistence of the country’s various religious and ethnic communities, promoting intercultural understanding, inclusion and cooperation between them”.
Mr. Angelopoulos pointed out that "our vision and pursuit is to ensure and develop the International University of Greece, as a space for the free flow of speech and thought, meritocracy and transparency, with active participation in shaping a culture of coexistence and mutual respect. And in this effort, we need people like David Saltiel to support us."
The event, which took place at the Thermi University Campus, was attended by the Deputy Minister of Macedonia-Thrace, Kostas Gkoulekas, the Secretary General of the New Democracy Parliamentary Group, Stavros Kalafatis, the Deputy Governor of Thessaloniki, Kostas Gioutikas, MPs and members of the university community.
After the completion of the speeches and the short musical program, an olive tree was planted in the outdoor area of the University in memory of the 50.000 Jews of Thessaloniki who lost their lives in the Holocaust.
David Saltiel is the president of the Jewish Community of Thessaloniki, the Central Jewish Council of Greece, and the Holocaust Museum of Greece. He has served as vice president of the World Jewish Congress, and in 2021 was appointed as the representative of the European Jewish Congress on Issues of Compensation and Claim of Jewish Properties Looted or Confiscated during the Holocaust. He has dedicated his life to the revival of the Greek Jewish Communities, to the promotion of issues concerning Greek Jews, and to the fight against racism and anti-Semitism. His work, as well as his significant business and social contribution, has been recognized internationally with many honorary distinctions from Greece and abroad. He achieved – among other things – the inclusion of Greek Holocaust survivors in programs of the Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany, the establishment of the Day of Remembrance of the Greek Jewish Martyrs and Heroes of the Holocaust and the recognition of the destruction of the old Jewish cemetery, as well as the payment of compensation for this to the Jewish Community of Thessaloniki. Also, in collaboration with the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, he has contributed to the erection of two monuments and the reopening of the Chair of Jewish Studies. Also during his time, the Jewish Museum of Thessaloniki has been expanded and he leads the initiative for the creation of the Holocaust Museum of Greece. He is the owner of a chain of commercial stores and a founding member and shareholder of the company EURICOM Hellas. He is also active in the tourism sector. He was born in Athens in 1947. He studied watchmaking and gemology and speaks four languages. He was married to the late Lucia Mallah-Saltiel. He has one daughter and three grandchildren.
Source: ERTNEWS website, 14.3.2025