Nobel laureate Elie Wiesel has declined to join a board that is overseeing a compensation fund for Holocaust victims, dealing a blow to Switzerland's efforts to lend moral force to the effort.
Wiesel, a Holocaust survivor, informed Swiss Foreign Minister Flavio Cotti of his decision in a letter dated May 6, a copy of which was faxed to The Associated Press on Friday."It has never been my role to measure or to quantify the suffering of others," he wrote.
In a statement issued Friday, the Swiss government said it deeply regretted Wiesel's announcement.
After wrangling with Jewish organizations, the Swiss government on May 1 confirmed Wiesel as `international chairman' of the seven-member board entrusted with distributing money to needy Holocaust survivors.
Swiss banks and businesses have donated $188 million to the fund, and the Swiss National Bank has tentatively promised an additional $71 million.
Wiesel's decision will lead to further delays in paying out money to victims and will likely embarrass the World Jewish Restitution Organization, which had held out for a senior position for Wiesel.
Wiesel had indicated Thursday that he was having second thoughts.
"I am a teacher," he said in Denver at a ceremony marking Holocaust Awareness Week. "I am not someone who can handle millions and millions of dollars."
Wiesel promised in the letter to help the group in any other way if needed.