Holocaust survivor remembered by the community

The broader NSW Jewish community – and in particular all members, staff and volunteers at the Sydney Jewish Museum – will greatly miss Holocaust survivor Maurice Linker, who passed away one week ago, aged 95.

Linker volunteered for a decade at the museum, where he spoke to thousands of students and visitors – always with a gentle tone, with a trademark smile, that endeared him to all.

Born in 1930 in the Romanian regional city of Czernowitz – half of whose population at the time was Jewish – he enjoyed a good start to his childhood.

But when Romania allied with Nazi Germany and enacted the infamous Nuremberg laws, everything changed.

His father’s shop was taken from him, Jews were forced to wear a yellow star, and he was routinely bullied and beaten in the street.

In 1941, Linker and his family were forced into the city’s ghetto, but were among the fortunate few saved by Mayor Popovitch, who managed to win a limited number of ‘stay permits’ for Jewish citizens.

Nevertheless, barred from school for 3.5 years, abused and starved, he lost his youth.

He also witnessed the gradual emptying of the ghetto, as other Jews were transported to labour and concentration camps in cattle cars.

Linker emigrated to Australia in 1951, began working as an electrical engineer, and married Eva (since deceased).

He was dedicated to sharing his wartime experiences with the next generations, even though doing so was painful every time.

Also, he was a beacon of positivity, despite what he’d endured, and he’d often say, “You have to look forward”.

Linker is survived by his son Fred, daughter-in-law Debbie, and three grandchildren, Noah, Tara and Jessica.