As the train rolled into Belgium and safety, Okolica told God, "You are my guide. From now on I am in your hands."

On Monday, at Central Connecticut State University, the Federal Republic of Germany recognized Okolica's spiritual commitment by awarding him its Officer's Cross of the Order of Merit.

"On behalf of my wife, Lisbeth, this is one of the highlights of my life," Okolica said. "On behalf of my children, do I need to be honored? No. But you must be a citizen of the world. You can't just walk around being a Catholic, Protestant or Jew, black or white. You have to be a part of this world."

Wolfgang Vorwerk, German consul general to the New England states, presented this high distinction on behalf of German Federal President Horst Köhler.

Okolica received the medal in recognition of his merits in fostering German-American relations and raising Germany's standing in New England. Vorwerk, who wished Okolica a happy 93rd birthday, told him, "You may have left Germany in 1939, but Germany never left you. You have always kept strong ties to Germany."

Vorwerk praised Okolica for his efforts in shaping a better democratic future and fighting anti-Semitism whenever it "raises its ugly head. We Germans are collectively responsible for the consequences of the past ... for those who were murdered and those who survived. We have the wisdom of the past on which we can build."

CCSU President Jack Miller said the university awarded Okolica an honorary Doctor of Public Service degree in 2003.

"The sentiments expressed then resonate with special meaning today," Miller said, "'Rabbi Henry Okolica, spiritual leader, community activist, counselor, mentor, and friend to everyone you meet, your divinely inspired light has been a beacon of hope and brotherhood since you arrived in New Britain in 1960.'"

Miller noted Okolica's contributions to international understanding as a founding member of New Britain's sister city partnership with Rastatt, Germany. Despite his forced flight from Germany and the loss of family and friends who were consumed by the Holocaust, Okolica continued to help build a more humane future.

"Your assistance in gathering Rastatt Jews from around the world for a return visit to their hometown in 1991 and your service as rabbi at the new Karslruhe Synagogue proved that the forces of darkness had failed in their evil schemes of destruction," Miller said. "(Today) we are gathered here to make a joyful noise for this really fine human being, whose presence brings such honor to our campus."

Mayor Timothy Stewart also presented Okolica with a city proclamation.

Born on Nov. 27, 1913, in Offenbach am Main, Germany, Okolica fled his homeland during the Nazi regime.

He has served as Jewish chaplain at CCSU and the state Veterans' Home and Hospital in Rocky Hill, as well as the New Britain fire and police departments and many civic and other organizations.

The Order of Merit was instituted in 1951 by German President Theodor Heuss. It is the highest tribute that can be paid to individuals for services to the German nation.

Recipients of the Order of Merit include former state Sen. Joseph Harper, former CCSU President Richard L. Judd, CCSU director of university relations Peter Kilduff, and former New Britain Mayor William McNamara.