TODAY we have reported on the remarkable story of Gabriella Ezra.

She has rightly been awarded the Star of Italy for her heroism and courage in the latter days of the Second World War.

This was in recognition of putting her own life on the line to save her father and other men from being shot by Nazi soldiers who wanted reprisals for partisan attacks.

The decisions she made and the world she lived in would seem unimaginable to youngsters and most of us today.

But like many of her generation, she did not boast or seek platitudes.

After the war she moved to Britain and worked hard as a language teacher.

Doubtless there are many in Brighton and Hove who will have had the benefit of her teaching over the years.

We often hear about the courage and heroism of servicemen and women during the Second World War.

Sadly many of these stories are lost with every passing year.

But Gabriella’s example also shows there were a great many people across Europe and the world who took extraordinary actions as civilians during war.

These experiences and actions are important to us not so much as fighters in a good cause, but more for the basic humanity of looking out for others, and not turning a blind eye.

In a world which often seems to have evils and perils, Gabriella is a shining example of courage that everyone can learn from. Her story on pages 16 and page 17 today is well worthy a read and is testament to her incredible courage.