Tim Wilson (Goldstein, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

It takes an extraordinary individual to turn tragedy into teaching. That is why we celebrate the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany, the Verdienstorden, being awarded to South Caulfield resident Garry Fabian. Resulting from the Nuremberg Laws, Garry's family migrated between Germany, Czechoslovakia, Slovakia and Moravia to avoid persecution. When he was eight years old, he and his family were interned at the Theresienstadt ghetto for three years until the camp was liberated in 1945. Of the 15,000 children interned, only 150 survived. Two years later, his family emigrated to Australia. Yet, despite the horror, over 30 years Garry returned to Germany to educate the next generation on lessons of the past. His mission has been to build bridges of understanding between generations. In 2002, he published his autobiography, A look back over my shoulder, narrating a life deeply affected by the Holocaust but not defeated by it. Congratulations, Garry. your exceptional resilience inspires all of us and your efforts to ensure history's lessons do not befall another generation are a critical part of building a better future for all.