80 years ago, on 11 April 1945, the United States Third Army liberated the Buchenwald Concentration Camp and freed 21,000 prisoners. A group of young Jewish survivors of Buchenwald eventually found a new home in Melbourne, Australia. They became known as the ¡°Buchenwald Boys¡±. One of the young survivors was Mr. Andre Zelig. We are pleased to share with you a recording of his daughter, Ms. Suzanne Hampel, who speaks about the experience of her father, and the impact of Holocaust survivors who found a new home and refuge in Australia after the Holocaust. His Excellency Mr. James Larsen, Permanent Representative of Australia to the United Nations delivers introductory remarks. His Excellency Mr. James Larsen, Permanent Representative of Australia to the United Nations delivers introductory remarks.
Opening Remarks
His Excellency Mr. James Larsen is the Permanent Representative of Australia to the United Nations. He is a senior career officer with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) of Australia and previously served as Deputy Secretary for Environment, Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water; Ambassador to T¨¹rkiye (2014-2017); Ambassador to Israel (2006-2010); Counsellor, Australian Embassy, Brussels (2001-2004); and Second Secretary, Australian Embassy, Bangkok (1994-1997). In Canberra he served as Climate Coordinator/Deputy Secretary, Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (2-11/2021); Chief Legal Officer, DFAT (2017-2020); Principal Adviser, Minister for Foreign Affairs (2012-2013); Ambassador for People Smuggling Issues, DFAT (2010-2012); Assistant Secretary and Legal Adviser, Legal Branch, DFAT (2004-2006); and Director, Administrative and Domestic Law Section, DFAT (1998-2000).
Speaker
Ms. Suzanne Hampel OAM holds a Masters degree in Holocaust and Genocide Studies and is the co-President of the Melbourne Holocaust Museum, Australia. She is currently an academic mentor to indigenous students and a teaching associate in the History faculty at Monash University. She is also a member of the National Archives of Australia advisory council. Ms. Hampel has received numerous awards in recognition of her teaching and community service. These awards include the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for Service to the community through the promotion of understanding and tolerance. She is a member of the Australian delegation to the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA). As the daughter of a Holocaust survivor, Ms. Hampel places importance on remembering the past to create a more tolerant future.