John Monash (Monasch) born in Melbourne, Australia on 27 June 1865, the son of German Polish Jewish migrants, can be researched in any military history encyclopaedia or in fact by just ‘Googling’ his name on the internet. His history and list of achievements are long and far too many to detail in this brief summary. However, might I say that reading his history is well worth the effort and I can assure you that his deeds will amaze you. I have found that the deeds are better labelled on more than one man and in more than one lifetime.
An announcement was made in the weeks leading up to the Centenary of ANZAC by Judy Landau, President VAJEX Aust. She stated that it gave her great delight to announce that VAJEX Aust (Victorian Association of Jewish Ex & Servicemen & Women Australia Inc) has successfully raised the required funds to build a new Victorian Jewish Memorial after the style of the historic Memorial located in the Jewish section of the Melbourne General Cemetery. After an extensive two year process, Judy has single-handedly sought letters of support, raised the funds, and obtained approval from the City of Port Phillip.
VAJEX Australia Board member, Garry Fabian, has been honoured by the German Government with the prestigious Verdienstorden (Order of Merit) of the German Republic, recognising his service to the citizens of Baden-Wurtenberg over many years.
Baden-Wurtenberg's Secretary of State, Winifred Kretchmann, nominated Garry for "sharing his experiences and personal story and building bridges of understanding." Garry has visited Germany many times over the last 30 years, often speaking to schools, educators and community groups about his war experiences, particularly during his family's time in Theresienstadt Ghetto. Garry's memoir, A Look Back Over My Shoulder, was reprinted in 2014, the same year he received the Gold Staufer Medal for his educational services to the state.
The German Embassy in Canberra will facilitate the award presentation.
Source: St Kilda Hebrew Congregation's newsletter
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Speech in Parliament by Tim Wilson MP