Holocaust Survivors Reflect: Rabbi Arthur Schneier

Rabbi Arthur Schneier was born in Vienna, Austria in 1930. As an eight-year-old, he witnessed the burning of his Synagogue during the November Pogrom (Kristallnacht). His grandparents and family perished in Auschwitz-Birkenau Nazi German concentration and death camp (1941-1945). He was rescued by Swiss Consul Carl Lutz and the International Red Cross in Budapest. Liberated in 1945, he arrived in the United States in 1947. Senior Rabbi of Park East Synagogue since 1962, he is the Founder and President of the interfaith Appeal of Conscience Foundation to advance religious freedom and human rights. Rabbi Schneier received international recognition for promoting peace, inter-religious cooperation, and for fi ghting hatred. He was awarded the Presidential Citizens Medal by President Clinton and knighted by Pope Francis. Rabbi Schneier received the Légion d’honneur and high honours from twelve countries. Ordained by Yeshiva University, he has received twelve honorary degrees. Rabbi Schneier is the former United States Alternate Representative to the United Nations and member of the High-level Group of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations. He is married to Elisabeth Nordmann Schneier.