France on Monday honored American Jewish Committee CEO David Harris with the rank of Officer within the order of the Legion of Honor – one of the country's most prestigious awards – in recognition of his "unwavering commitment to strengthening ties between the United States and France, his deep friendship for France, as well as his extraordinary work to combat antisemitism and hate speech – an effort highly valued by France."

"No other country on this planet, other than the US and Israel, has had more of a direct impact on my life than France," said Harris. "We at the American Jewish Committee shall continue to attach the highest priority to engaging with France and its leaders on many issues of mutual concern,  often in agreement, sometimes in disagreement, always in friendship."

French Ambassador to the US Philippe Etienne said that under Harris's leadership AJC has become "one of the most influential" Jewish organizations in the world.

by MARIA AIVALIOTI

We talked with Victor Asser, the grandson of Haim and Evgenia Pardo, two survivors of the Holocaust in Thessaloniki about history in the past and present. He told us about the story of his family and the Clio Muse digital tour “The Jewish heritage: past and present.”

Can you tell us a few things about yourself?

My name is Victor Asser and I am the 5th out of 8th grandchildren of Haim Pardo. I am born and raised in Athens by two parents that survived the Holocaust.

Which were your thoughts when you saw the story of your family narrated in the digital tour “The Jewish heritage: past and present”?

I was moved. Every journey back to my family’s past fills me with emotions of joy and nostalgia as well as it makes me think how important it is to have roots and wings for the present and the future.