Once Again, Jews are Shining Lights of Righteousness

Australian Jewish News
November 20, 2013

Israel’s new Ambassador-designate to Australia Shmuel Ben-Shmuel presented Vladimir Meskenas with the award recognising his parents Josifas and Agripina as Righteous Among the Nations.

Israel’s new Ambassador to Australia Shmuel Ben-Shmuel paid tribute to two Lithuanians who have just been declared Righteous Among the Nations by Yad Vashem at a service marking the 75th anniversary of Kristallnacht in Sydney on Sunday night.

Addressing the 650-strong crowd at the Great Synagogue in his first communal address since arriving in the country, Ben-Shmuel said that Josifas and Agripina Meskenas – whose son and grandchildren live in NSW – showed great bravery when the Jewish people were in their greatest hour of need.

“They risked their lives by providing asylum for a young Jewish girl escaping Nazi forces in Lithuania,” Ben-Shmuel said.

“The Talmud tells us that whoever saves a life, it is considered as if he saves the entire world,” Ben-Shmuel said.

“The late Josifas and Agripina are a shining example to everyone here tonight and for all of humanity.”

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