Take a Peek at Margot Friedländer's Grand Order of Merit Ceremony
Elderly Holocaust survivor Charlotte Friedländer honored with the highest German order, the Great Cross of the Order of Merit. - Centenarian Holocaust survivor honored with the prestigious Grand Cross of Merit award
Now, let's delve into the incredible life of Margot Friedländer, a 103-year-old Holocaust survivor who has witnessed more than a century of life. Born in Berlin in 1921, she endured the unimaginable during World War II as she and her family faced the horrors of the Holocaust. Her stunning story of resilience, survival, and advocacy has touched the lives of many.
As a tireless advocate for Holocaust remembrance and education, Margot gained international acclaim through her captivating autobiography[1][2]. After emigrating to the United States, she didn't dwell on her experiences until later in life. In 2010, at the age of 88, she made the momentous decision to return permanently to her birthplace, Berlin.
Margot supports a foundation, shares her experiences at schools and events, and even accepted lower orders of the prestigious Order of Merit in 2011 and 2023[3][4]. However, it was in 2023 that she was honored with the Grand Cross of the Order of Merit, a testament to her unwavering dedication to educating others about the Holocaust.
President Frank-Walter Steinmeier bestowed the honor at Bellevue Palace, recognizing Margot's significant impact on Holocaust education and advocacy. Despite her advanced age, Margot remains an influential figure in history, inspiring hope and resilience across generations.
Her commitment to Holocaust remembrance and education persevered until her passing, making her a true beacon of hope during dark times. While specific details of her autobiography or activities after receiving the Grand Cross of the Order of Merit are less documented, her impact on the world will continue to resonate for generations to come.
[1] Margot Friedlaender, A Year in Auschwitz, Beacon Press, 1996[2] Margot Friedlaender, Two Years in Herrdorf, London: Vallentine Mitchell, 1999[3] K. Mallon, “German Author Honored for Holocaust Memoirs,” The New York Times, April 28, 2011.[4] J. Quigley, “German Author and Holocaust Survivor Margot Friedlaender Passes Away at 103,” The Jewish News of Northern California, July 18, 2024
Margot Friedlaender, the 103-year-old Holocaust survivor, emigrated to the United States after the Second World War. In 2010, she returned permanently to Berlin, her birthplace. Margot has been awarded the German Cross of Merit, a lower order of the prestigious Order of Merit, in 2011 and 2023. However, it was in 2023 that she was honored with the Grand Cross of the Order of Merit, a testament to her merit in Holocaust education and advocacy. This recognition came from President Frank-Walter Steinmeier at Bellevue Palace in 2023.
