The woman who took on Holocaust denier David Irving and won will deliver the 2013 Anti-Defamation Commission-Gandel Oration in Melbourne, August 15.
The world’s leading authority on Holocaust denial, Professor Deborah Lipstadt will speak on “History on Trial: My Day in court with David Irving”, detailing her historic five-year battle with Irving, who sued Lipstadt for libel after she referred to him a Holocaust denier and extremist. The judge threw out the case, exonerating Lipstadt, and found David Irving to be a Holocaust denier, a falsifier of history, a racist, an anti-Semite, and a liar. The landmark trial, which was front-page news worldwide, was described by the Daily Telegraph as having “done for the new century what the Nuremberg tribunals or the Eichmann trial did for earlier generations” while The Times noted that “history has had its day in court and scored a crushing victory.”
ADC Chairman, Dr Dvir Abramovich said:
“Deborah Lipstadt is a scholar of great moral strength and courage, and a public champion of historical truth and decency. Despite the professional and financial risks that this trial posed, never once did she waver, understanding the importance of confronting Holocaust denial wherever and whenever it appears. Lipstadt’s bravery showed the world that those who dare to deny the Holocaust will be exposed, and we are truly honoured that she accepted our invitation to deliver The 2013 ADC-Gandel oration. In many ways, our mission of combatting Anti-Semitism and bigotry are embodied in the passionate activism of Professor Lipstadt. This special oration, marking our 30th is made possible only because of the long-standing and unwavering generosity of Gandel Foundation, and especially John and Pauline Gandel. It promises to be a compelling and memorable occasion that is not to be missed.”
Lipstadt, who is a Professor of Modern Jewish History and Holocaust Studies at Emory University, was appointed by President Clinton to the United States Holocaust Memorial Council. She has won numerous awards for her books about Holocaust denial and her most recent study is The Eichmann Trial.
The ADC-Gandel Oration will take place on August 15, 7:45pm, St Kilda Town Hall.