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| General Stefanos Sarafis, Supreme Commander-in-Chief of ELAS Greek Resistance Army, 1942-44. |
| The Association of Friends of Greek Jewry, was organized in part to recognize the solidarity non-Jews demonstrated in supporting, hiding, and saving Jews from the Holocaust that engulfed them during the course of World War II. In this endeavor, the association has initiated the presentation of conspicuous awards to honor the courage of individuals who risked all in the service of human ideals. It is with gladness of heart that the officers and members of the Association of Friends of Greek Jewry announce the recipients of the first annual "Awards of Moral Courage," honoring Greek Christians who risked their lives to save Greek Jews during the Holocaust; further, let it be known, that the unveiling of "The Wall of Moral Courage," in Kehila Kedosha Janina Synagogue, will also take place. Both events will take place in the synagogue, 280 Broome Street, NYC, at 1:00PM, Sunday, May 21, 2000. The recipients are: * Frederikos Sueref, who saved Isaac, Rosa; Daniel and Leon Soussis in Corfu. * Dr. Vasilis Ragopoulos, who saved Heinz and Salvator Kounio at Melk Concentration Camp. * Sophia, Ellie and Aliki IIiadou, who saved Pepo Matalon, Alfredo and Raoul Saltiel in the mountains north of Athens. * Vasilis Perseides, who saved Isaac, Dora, Joya and Bezalel Cohen in Marathona. * Angelis and Maria Vasileiou and children, who saved Maikis, Belina, Losa and Miriam Katalan in Euboia. * Georgos Karantzas, one of the signers of Archbishop Damaskinos' appeal who also stamped false ID cards for many Jews in Athens. Additionally, the AFGJ will be presenting a special award to the Greek Resistance Movement, both EAM/ELAS and EDES for their work in saving Jews throughout Greece during the Occupation. We invite all interested parties to attend. The Consul General of Greece will be there and will address the audience. The event will be covered by the international press and a reception will follow. President: Marcia Haddad Ikonomopoulos Vice President: Isaac Dostis Secretary: Stella Levi Treasurer: Hy Genee Public Relations: Asher Matathias http://www.yvelia.com/kolhakehila/archive/index.htm |
| As a child growing up, I'd heard stories of General Stefanos Sarafis and of the role he'd played in the Greek Resistance Army, but I was completely unaware of his great contribution in rescuing Greek Jews during WWII. It was only after my fourth trip to Israel ( Oct - Nov 2000 ) that I'd discovered this truth, which would change my life forever. Because my great uncle died in 1957, he was unable to attend the "Awards of Moral Courage" ceremony. But I believe one day, he will receive a far greater reward, not only for his struggle to reintroduce democracy to his beloved Greece, but for his unselfish acts of love, care, and concern fo r G-D's Chosen People, Israel. Eva -- International Wall of Prayer |
| "AWARDS OF MORAL COURAGE" Association of Friends of Greek Jewry c/o Kehila Kedosha of Janina - 280 Broome Street, New York, NY 10002 by Asher Matathias |
| - Honoring Greek Christians who risked their lives to save Greek Jews during the Holocaust - |