Holocaust survivor George Shefi received Germany's highest civilian honor for his commitment to sharing his story and promoting reconciliation. Shefi, who escaped Nazi Germany at age 7, was presented with the Federal Order of Merit by German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier. In his acceptance speech, Shefi emphasized the importance of Holocaust survivors telling their stories to prevent such atrocities from happening again. The event took place ahead of International Holocaust Remembrance Day, which marks 80 years since the liberation of Auschwitz.