Erwin Lamm: A Dunera Boy’s Journey to Zionist Leadership. Dr Danny Lamm AM interviewed by Dr Seumas Spark

Erwin Lamm was born in Vienna in 1921. At just 17, Erwin was forced to his knees in the streets of Vienna by Nazi soldiers. He moved to London in 1938 and in 1940 boarded the Dunera — a British ship carrying over 2,000 Jewish refugees labeled “enemy aliens.” The journey was harsh and many of the young men were interned in remote Australian camps like Hay and Tatura. But from this injustice, a remarkable legacy was born. Among those internees were scholars, artists, and future leaders — and Erwin Lamm was one of them. After his release, he joined the Australian Army and dedicated his life to rebuilding, remembering, and reconnecting. He became a key figure in the Australian Jewish community, a lifelong Zionist, and a close friend to Israeli leaders.

Lamm never forgot where he came from — or the loved ones he lost in Auschwitz. He went on to become a prominent leader in the Jewish and Zionist communities. He served as Chairman of Tourism to Israel within the Zionist Federation of Australia and the National Zionist Council of Victoria, where he initiated numerous events to promote tourism and strengthen public relations for Israel. A dedicated member of the National Zionist Council of Victoria, Erwin was honored with the prestigious Chaim Weizmann Award in recognition of his outstanding service.

Erwin’s son, himself a prominent Zionist leader, Dr Danny Lamm will share his father’s story through a discussion with Dr Seumas Spark. Spark, is the co-author of Dunera Lives, a definitive two-volume history of the Dunera Boys and the President of the Dunera Assosiation.