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Australia Bestows Top Award to Holocaust Writer, Speaker

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The Australian government has recognized a Paris-based Holocaust writer by making him an honorary officer of the Order of Australia.

The honor is granted to non-Australians who have contributed to strengthening overseas ties with australia.

An international lawyer, Samuel Pisar often speaks about the Holocaust. In 1993, he gave the keynote address at Holocaust memorial commemorations in Sydney and Melbourne.

Pisar was imprisoned in the Dachau and Auschwitz Nazi death camps during World War II. He moved to Australia in 1948 and lived there for five years. He received his law degree from Melbourne University.

When Bill Hayden, Australian governor-general, recently conferred the award, he described Pisar as a person who has “worked tirelessly and bravely for the advancement and understanding of the Jewish people.”

The governor-general also said during the citation that Pisar has a “highly valued” respect and affection for Australia.

Pisar, who currently lives in Paris, has U.S. citizenship, which was granted by a special act of Congress.

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