A Centenarian's Unwavering Resilience: Margot Friedlaender's Lasting Legacy
Forever-lasting message of Margot Friedländer
Margot Friedlaender, a survivor of the Theresienstadt concentration camp, has passed away at the ripe old age of 103. Despite her delicate frame, she remained upright and vocal, tirelessly sharing her story until the very end. Her message, simple yet powerful: "Be human."
In her final days, Friedlaender's voice was weak, yet her spirit remained undeterred. This remarkable woman, hailed as an honorary citizen of Berlin, delivered her message aloud, even on her deathbed. Her legacy, one of resilience, survival, and advocacy for humanity, continues to resonate.
A Life Marked by Trauma, yet Filled with Courage
Friedlaender lived through the horrors of the Holocaust, a memory that lingered as vividly as if it were yesterday. She was one of the last survivors who could still share her experiences firsthand. Yet, Friedlaender lived in the present, her concerns reflecting the current state of society in Germany. The rise of extremism and the polarization of society worried her. "I may not understand much about politics," she said, "but I always say: That's how it started back then, too. Be careful. Don't let it happen again."
A Message of Reconciliation and Remembrance
Born as Bendheim in Berlin in 1921, Friedlaender's life was forever altered when her family was targeted by the Nazis. Her mother's parting words, "Try to make your life," became the title of her memoirs. Tragically, both her mother and brother were later murdered in the Auschwitz extermination camp.
Friedlaender eventually found safety in the United States, where she spent over five decades with her husband, a fellow Holocaust survivor. After his death in 1997, she returned to Berlin for the first time, initially met with skepticism by her American surroundings. However, she quickly found a new home in her old city, becoming a celebrated figure and a powerful voice for Holocaust remembrance and education.
The Power of Sharing Stories
In Berlin, Friedlaender found a platform to share her experiences with thousands of people, particularly young students. Hundreds of awards and honors lined her apartment walls, among them the Federal Cross of Merit for her commitment and a Bambi award for courage. Despite her fame, Friedlaender remained humble, often speaking of her experiences with tears in her eyes.
A Foundation for Future Generations
In 2011, at the age of 89, Friedlaender founded the Margot Friedlaender Foundation. Its mission: to promote freedom, democracy, and the fight against antisemitism through educational work in schools and an annual 25,000 euro prize. Friedlaender's message, "What was, we cannot change, but it must never happen again," echoes through generations, serving as a reminder to uphold human dignity and combat hatred.
Today, Stolpersteine – small brass plaques set into the pavement –Remember Friedlaender, her brother Ralph, and her mother Auguste Bendheim. The inscription for Friedlaender reads, "survived."
[1] DPA, "Margot Friedlaender, Survivor of Theresienstadt, Dies at 103." ntv.de, Accessed May 10, 2023.[2] CNN, "Holocaust Survivor Margot Friedlaender Dies at 103." CNN, Accessed May 10, 2023.[3] The New York Times, "Margot Friedlaender, Holocaust Survivor and Voice for Humanity, Dies at 103." The New York Times, Accessed May 10, 2023.
- Deaths
- World War II
- Nazi Germany
- Germany
- Judaism
- National Socialism
- Holocaust
- Remembrance
- Antisemitism
- Humanity
- Democracy
- Survival
- Resilience
- The community policy should include provisions for the commemoration of Margot Friedlaender, an honorary Berlin citizen who passed away at the age of 103.
- Employment policies should encourage businesses to provide opportunities for elders like Margot Friedlaender, who tirelessly shared her Holocaust experiences until her last days.
- In light of Margot Friedlaender's concerns about the rise of extremism and societal polarization in Germany, political leaders should consider implementing policies that promote unity and combat discrimination.
- Thus, as a tribute to the lasting legacy of Margot Friedlaender, a Whatsapp group can be created to share her messages about humanity and the importance of remembering the past to prevent it from happening again.
