A Remarkable Life: Margot Friedlaender, A Holocaust Survivor's Legacy Endures
Forever-lasting message of Margot Friedländer revealed
This resilient woman, Margot Friedlaender, endured the unbearable ordeal of the Theresienstadt concentration camp. She moved back to Germany at the age of 80, where she tirelessly shared her heart-wrenching story, standing tall until her last days. Her essential message, "Be human," rings as pertinent now as ever.
In her twilight years, Margot, though frail and vulnerable, stood strong, gracing classrooms and memorial events. With her gentle, patient voice, she recounted her harrowing past, the tragic fate of her family, and her experiences in Theresienstadt. But what truly mattered to her was her message: "Be human."
Margot bid farewell to this world on her 103rd birthday, leaving behind a legacy that resonates deeply. The city of Berlin honored this honorary citizen for her commitment to unity and humanity. Her contributions were acknowledged with the Federal Cross of Merit in 2011 and 2023, and she received the inaugural "Special Prize of the International Prize of the Westphalian Peace" [1].
Political divisions and the rise of extremism in modern-day Germany unsettled her. "I may not be well-versed in politics, but I always warn: That's how it began back then too. Be careful. Never let it happen again," she shared in an interview.
Born as Margot Bendheim in 1921, she experienced her Jewish family's persecution under the Nazi regime. Her mother did everything in her power to escape the regime and secure safe passage for her children, but it was not meant to be. In 1943, Margot's brother Ralph was arrested by the Gestapo, and their mother surrendered to save her child. Both Margot's brother and mother perished in Auschwitz [2].
Margot was left alone, but with her mother's words of "Try to make your life" and a treasured amber necklace, she had a precious reminder of her roots. With the help of 16 people and numerous safe houses, she managed to survive for 15 months. However, her luck ran out, and she was eventually deported to Theresienstadt [3].
Margot's life took an unexpected turn after the war, as she emigrated to the United States with her husband Adolf Friedlaender. Together, they found solace in each other and their shared pain, not needing to talk about their experiences. Sadly, he passed away in 1997 [4].
Margot returned to Germany at the age of 80, taking a bold step to reconnect with her homeland and share her story. Skeptics warned that her presence might ease German guilt, but Margot did not regret her decision. "I am doing something strange, but I feel – I feel German," she shared [5].
In Berlin, Margot received much attention and accolades for her powerful storytelling. The walls of her apartment, filled with photos of her with dignitaries and her "Bambi" award for courage, could barely accommodate her numerous honors [6].
Margot was a beacon of hope and peace, reminding us never to forget the horrors of the past. Her foundation, established at the age of 101, aims to promote freedom, democracy, and education [7].
"What was, we cannot change, but it must never happen again," she said. "Never again should even one person be subjected to what was done to people then, because people were not recognized as people."
Today, moving stones at Skalitzer Straße in Berlin-Kreuzberg remember Margot's brother Ralph and her mother Auguste Bendheim. The stone for Margot bears a poignant testament to her resilience: "survived."
Sources:[1] ntv.de, gut/dpa[2] "Politics" section of the rewritten article[3] "Politics" section of the rewritten article[4] "Politics" section of the rewritten article[5] "Panorama" section of the rewritten article[6] "Panorama" section of the rewritten article[7] "One of the Last Eyewitnesses" section of the rewritten article
- Holocaust Survivor
- War Memorials
- Freedom
- Democracy
- Human Rights
- Peace
- Germany
- World War II
- Courage
- Memory
Enrichment Data:Margot Friedlaender received Germany's Federal Cross of Merit on May 8, 2025, and was the inaugural recipient of the "Special Prize of the International Prize of the Westphalian Peace." [1] These honors underscore her crucial efforts to remember the Holocaust and promote peace.
- Margot Friedlaender, a Holocaust survivor, was honored with Germany's Federal Cross of Merit on May 8, 2025, in recognition of her significant work to remember the Holocaust and promote peace.
- In 2011 and 2023, Margot Friedlaender, a Holocaust survivor, was awarded the Federal Cross of Merit and the inaugural "Special Prize of the International Prize of the Westphalian Peace," respectively, for her dedication to Holocaust remembrance and promoting unity and humanity.
- Margot Friedlaender, a Holocaust survivor, was an advocate for human rights and peace, as demonstrated by her receipt of Germany's Federal Cross of Merit and the inaugural "Special Prize of the International Prize of the Westphalian Peace" for her efforts in these areas.
- As a Holocaust survivor, Margot Friedlaender's life and legacy are a testament to courage, freedom, democracy, and peace, with her contributions in these areas acknowledged through various honors, including the Federal Cross of Merit and the inaugural "Special Prize of the International Prize of the Westphalian Peace."
