JERUSALEM, ISRAEL.- In the two weeks since the new Holocaust History Museum opened to the public, more than 44,240 people have visited from Israel and abroad. This represents a 80% increase over the same period last year.

The opening of the Museum has led to an unprecedented interest in visiting Yad Vashem, particularly among Israelis; including many who had previously visited Yad Vashem and have come to see the new museum.

Since opening to the public on March 27, Yad Vashem has been inundated by requests from groups and individuals who wish to visit the Museum. To accommodate this spike in interest, Yad Vashem has extended visiting hours during the Passover holiday (April 25 - 28, 2005) from 09:00 - 20:00. Entrance to Yad Vashem and the new museum is free of charge, and it is recommended to come in the afternoon hours, when there are less visitors.