This week brought a moment of enormous personal pride, but also one that I hope will further strengthen recognition of the AJR and the work we do.
At a wonderful reception at the Residence of His Excellency Bernhard Wrabetz, Austrian Ambassador to the UK, I was deeply honoured to receive the Decoration of Honour in Gold for Services to the Republic of Austria (Knight’s Cross, First Class).
The award, made by the Federal President of Austria, formally recognises contributions to Austrian society, international relatiore and public life. For me, however, its significance lies particularly in the opportunity it provides to highlight the work of the AJR and the continuing importance of Holocaust education, remembrance and awareness.
A longstanding relationship with Austria
The AJR is privileged to enjoy warm and productive relationships with the Austrian Ambassador to the UK and the UK Ambassador to Austria. Over many years, we have worked together on landmark commemorative, cultural and educational events in Britain and Austria, remembering the Holocaust, honouring those who were murdered and celebrating the lives and contributions of refugees and survivors.
Our relationship extends well beyond commemoration. We work closely with the Austrian Consulate, helping former refugees and their descendants navigate applications for Austrian citizenship, and have developed strong professional relationships with Austrian government ministries and organisations working on post-Holocaust issues. These relationships have delivered meaningful and, in some cases, life-changing support for our Austrian members.
The people behind the honour
Throughout my career, first at the Holocaust Educational Trust and subsequently at the AJR, I have had the enormous privilege of knowing and advocating for many Austrian refugees and Holocaust survivors.
At the AJR, that has included advising members seeking compensation and restitution, as well as working alongside colleagues in Austria and internationally through organisations including the Claims Conference, the Austrian National Fund and the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance.
I am also immensely proud that the AJR has built an extensive testimony collection featuring many former Austrians. Hearing refugees describe their lives in pre-war Vienna and other Austrian cities – and the extraordinary contributions they subsequently made to Britain, their adopted homeland – has given me a profound appreciation of the history, culture and heritage of Austrian Jewry.
Among those I thought about particularly as I received the award was my much-missed friend Sir Erich Reich, who did so much to advance remembrance of the Kindertransport. Erich and I also developed the rather enjoyable habit of finding ourselves meeting and hosting members of the Royal Family together.
A personal connection
There were many absent friends and family members who I wished could have shared the occasion and who, in different ways, have accompanied me throughout my career.
I thought particularly of my grandmother. She was born at the edge of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, in a region of Poland that is today part of Ukraine, before migrating to Germany and ultimately fleeing to Britain in August 1939. So perhaps I can claim a little Habsburg heritage in our family identity too.
Most importantly, this honour would not have been possible without the love, steadfastness, patience and good humour of my wife and family, or without the dedication of my colleagues throughout my time at the AJR. It is their work, day after day, that enables us to deliver our services and fulfil our mission.
I am deeply honoured to receive this special award. I will treasure it personally, but I am especially pleased that it brings further recognition to the AJR, the people we support and represent, and our enduring commitment to Holocaust remembrance, education and the legacy of the refugee and survivor generations.
