Media Releases

Media Release

MELBOURNE – Australia/Israel & Jewish Affairs Council National Chairman Mark Leibler AC and Executive Director Dr. Colin Rubenstein expressed their sorrow upon the death of acclaimed Nazi-hunter Simon Wiesenthal at the age of 96. Wiesenthal was a Holocaust survivor who dedicated his life to ensuring that the perpetrators of one of history’s greatest crimes – the Nazi genocide against the Jews – would not escape punishment. He has bequeathed the world the principle that perpetrators of genocide must always face the prospect that one day the long arm of justice will catch up with them.

Over the past six decades Simon Wiesenthal was partly responsible for bringing over 1,100 war criminals to trial. He exemplified the biblical admonition: “justice, justice thou shalt pursue.”

Wiesenthal courageously overcame indifference, hostility and obstructionism in his quest to give voice to the victims of Hitler’s Final Solution. He insisted on remembering when so much of the world wanted to move on and forget. His committed leadership and relentless campaign against antisemitism and prejudice in all of its ugly manifestations will remain an inspiration for generations to come.

Simon Wiesenthal will be greatly missed.

For further information contact Dr Colin Rubenstein on (03) 9681 6660