Ernie Friedlander Explained

Ernie Friedlander (born 1935) is a Holocaust survivor,[1] and an Australian-Jewish activist working in the area of anti-racism and prejudice prevention, and runs the Moving Forward Together Association.[2] [3] Friedlander is also closely associated with B'nai B'rith organisation in Sydney, Australia.

Biography

Ernie Friedlander was born in Vienna, Austria in 1935, however, he and his family were forced to leave the country in 1938 due to the Nazi efforts of the Anschluss, the annexation of Austria. Friedlander's family re-settled in Hungary, which was his father's birthplace. Once World War II and the Holocaust began, Friedlander's family face Nazi persecution and by the war's end, only Friedlander and his mother survived. Friedlander has attributed his survival to the kindness and humanity of an individual German soldier, who allowed he and his mother to escape from a transport to a concentration camp.[2] [4]

Following the war, Friedlander arrived in Australia in 1950 where he began a career in the textile industry.[2] [5] [6]

Activism

In the area of community activism, Friedlander serves as the chairman of the Moving Forward Together Association, a group that promotes social harmony in Australia, commonly in conjunction with the Australian Government's annual Harmony Day.[7] In 2007, Ernie Friedlander received the Order of Australia (OAM) for his contributions to Australian society.[8] Related causes supported by Friedlander includes participation in the B'nai B'rith organisation,[9] the prevention of antisemitism in Australia,[10] and participation in the Courage to Care exhibition programs.[11] [12]

In 2017, Friedlander's work promoting social harmony was recognised by the New South Wales premier, Gladys Berejiklian.[13]

In 2021, Friedlander's "Stop Racism Now AU" campaign was recognised by Australian parliamentarians from both major parties and was launched by the Governor of New South Wales, Margaret Beazley .[14] [15] [16] [17]

B'nai B'rith

In his involvement with the Australian B'nai B'rith, Friedlander serves as President of the B'nai B'rith Alfred Dreyfus Unit in Sydney. Previously, he has served as President of B'nai B'rith New South Wales (1997–2001) and as President of the B'nai B'rith Aviv Lodge (1992–1993).[18]

See also

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Ernie Friedlander. United States Holocaust Memorial Museum.
  2. Web site: Harmony day. Ward. Natalie. NSW Parliament.
  3. Web site: Mr Ernie Friedlander OAM. Advancing Community Cohesion Conference.
  4. Web site: Tribute to Ernie Friedlander, OAM. NSW Parliament. Bruce. Notley-Smith. 11 April 2018.
  5. Web site: In conversation: Ernie Friedlander. SBS.
  6. Web site: The end of the war in Europe met with mixed emotions for those left standing. SBS Insight.
  7. Web site: PROMINENT AUSTRALIANS OF JEWISH ANCESTRY. Racism No Way.
  8. Web site: Ernest Friedlander. 2020-12-16. It's An Honour.
  9. Web site: Harmony Day Morning Tea; Former Ministers and Parliamentary Secretaries. dss.gov.au.
  10. Web site: 'You can't stop fighting anti-Semitism'. October 29, 2013. www.theaustralian.com.au.
  11. Web site: Exhibition urges young people to have the courage to care. Seniors News.
  12. Web site: Lessons from the Holocaust. Sue. Williams. September 1, 2017. The Sydney Morning Herald.
  13. Web site: Top Honours for Friedlander's Harmony Walk. JWire. 16 March 2017.
  14. Web site: Call to STOP RACISM NOW after spike in incidents. Local News Plus. 16 June 2021.
  15. Web site: Vice Regal Program - Wednesday, 9 June 2021. Governor of New South Wales. 9 June 2021.
  16. Web site: SBS Yiddish report with Alex Dafner. SBS. 20 June 2021. Nitza. Lowenstein.
  17. Friedlander, E. (2021). "The Stop Racism Now campaign." Australasian Muslim Times, Issue 190. (September 2021). Page 10.
  18. Web site: Our People. www.bnaibrith.org.au.