Germany President Frank-Walter Steinmeier awarded Silviu Vexler, chairman of the Federation of Jewish Communities in Romania, the Cross of Merit in the rank of Officer of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany.
This was an act of recognition for Vexler’s commitment to Romanian-German relations.
The Order of Merit may be awarded to Germans as well as foreigners for achievements in the political, economic, social or intellectual realm.
German ambassador to Bucharest Peer Gebauer handed Vexler the decoration on Thursday at an official ceremony held at Germany’s Embassy in Romania.
Vexler is known for numerous successful legislative initiatives – such as the on granting compensation to deported persons – in collaboration with German minority lawmaker Ovidiu Gant.
Vexler is credited with establishing Romania’s National Museum of Jewish History and the Holocaust, as well as introducting “the History of the Jews. The Holocaust” in schools.
“I’ve tried to do everything I can, at every moment, to bring about a change for the better for the whole society. During this period, the encouragement and effective support received from the Federal Republic of Germany played a fundamental role. What started as a simple collaboration turned into a relationship, and especially into a unique friendship that binds the Jewish and German minorities, the Jews of Romania and the Federal Republic of Germany. In the most difficult moments, we knew that we could count on this essential support every time,” said Vexler, upon receiving his award.
