Avram Zeleznikow

Avram Zeleznikow OAM (1924 – 2013), also known as Abram Zeleznikow and Abraham Zeleznikow) was a prominent Australian community leader, restaurant owner, and teacher. Born in Vilna, Poland, Zeleznikow escaped the Vilna ghetto and fought with the partisans. After World War II, he migrated to Australia where he and his wife operated a popular Melbourne restaurant. He taught Yiddish and served on the board of numerous community organisations.

Biography

Avram Zeleznikow was born in Vilna, Poland (current day Vilnius, Lithuania) on 25 May 1924. His father was a trade unionist and his mother was a midwife.

When the Germans invaded Vilna in 1941, Avram was sent to the Vilna ghetto.

He moved to Lodz where he attended University of Lodz. Arnold Zable wrote a book, about the pair and the cafe, called "Cafe Scheherazade", which was later turned into a play by Therese Radic that was performed at Melbourne's fortyfivedownstairs theatre and gallery. The part of Avram was played by Jim Daly. in the Queen's 2003 Birthday Honours.

Zeleznikow died on 8 June 2013. He was 89.