Liveliness and Resilience: 103-year-old Holocaust Survivor Margot Friedländer Honored with the Grand Cross of the Order of Merit
Elderly Holocaust endurer Friedman bestowed the Grand Cross of the Order of Merit honor - Elderly Holocaust survivor Friedländer granted the highest German honor, the Grand Cross of Merit.
Hey there! Let's delve into the inspiring tale of Margot Friedländer, a woman who managed to carve out a vibrant life post-Holocaust. After the devastation of World War II, Friedländer made her way to the US, but it wasn't until later in life that she opened up about her experiences during those harrowing times. She garnered recognition through her thought-provoking autobiography. In 2010, at age 88, she made a permanent move back to her beloved birthplace, Berlin. Today, she runs a foundation and is a regular speaker at schools and events.
- Margot Friedländer
- Frank-Walter Steinmeier
- Berlin
- Order of Merit
- Bellevue Palace
- World War II
- USA
Now, let's shed some light on this incredible lady. Born and raised in Berlin, Friedländer survived the vicious Nazi regime by hiding in the city until her capture in April 1944. She was sent to the Theresienstadt concentration camp, where she remained until its liberation in 1945. Sadly, her entire family was murdered during the Holocaust[1][2].
After the war, Friedländer moved to New York City with her husband, whom she met in Theresienstadt. They lived a quiet life in Queens until her husband's passing in 1997. Following this, she began writing about her experiences, which eventually led to her being featured in a documentary. This exposure brought her back to Germany, where she became a prominent voice for Holocaust remembrance[1].
Making an Impact in Germany:- Spreading Awareness: Friedländer compassionately shared her story with students, public gatherings, and officials, emphasizing the critical importance of acknowledging the past to prevent history from repeating itself.- Fashion and Style: Despite her traumatic experiences, she was known for her fabulous sense of style and even graced the cover of Vogue.- Social Activism: She tirelessly advocated for democracy and opposed the rising far-right sentiments in Germany, battling antisemitism with fierce determination.- Awards and Honors: Friedländer was bestowed with the prestigious Grand Cross of the Order of Merit, an acknowledgment of her commendable contributions to society[1].
Just before her passing, Friedländer attended the 80th anniversary commemoration of the end of World War II in Berlin, where she recited from her story, carrying on her mission to educate and inspire future generations[1]. The Margot Friedländer Foundation, which she initiated, continues her legacy by recognizing efforts to combat antisemitism and promote democracy[1].
[1] BBC News: Holocaust survivor Margot Friedländer dies aged 101
[2] The New York Times: 'What I Have Told': A Holocaust Survivor's Story
- In her younger years, Margot Friedlaender emigrated from Germany to the United States following the Second World War.
- After her husband's passing in 1997, Margot Friedlaender began sharing her Holocaust experiences through her autobiography and a documentary, becoming a prominent voice for Holocaust remembrance.
- In 2023, Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier awarded Margot Friedlaender the Grand Cross of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany, recognizing her commendable contributions to society.
- Besides running a foundation in Berlin, Margot Friedlaender has been a regular speaker at schools and events, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging the past to prevent history from repeating itself.
