Witness to History: Margot Friedländer, the Indomitable Holocaust Survivor
Holocaust survivor Margot Friedländer passes away.
Facebook | Twitter | Whatsapp | E-Mail | Print | Copy Link--- | --- | --- | --- | --- | ---Remembering a beacon of hope, a champion for humanity, and a resilient monument against historical darkness.
Holocaust survivor, paragon of courage, and indomitable spirit Margot Friedländer, has left us at 103. The Margot Friedländer Foundation in Berlin announced the somber news, with her anticipated award of the Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany being postponed respectfully at her request.
Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier expressed heartfelt sorrow, stating: "In losing Margot Friedländer, we are left with a profound sense of loss. She brought reconciliation and cohesion to our nation, a testament to her boundless humanity despite the unimaginable hardships inflicted upon her during her youth. Her legacy serves as a powerful and profound reminder, especially at a time when democracy is under threat and antisemitism is resurfacing, it is our duty to continue her mission of never abandoning the Jewish community again."
Steinmeier went on further to say, "We bow to Margot Friedländer, a remarkable German Jew hailing from the heart of Berlin."
A Promethean Spirit Returns Home
Friedländer moved back to Germany at an advanced age, settling once again in her native Berlin. An honorary citizen of the city, Friedländer dedicated her latter years to advocating for remembrance, particularly among the younger generation.
Her life story, as well as her moving autobiography "Try to Make Your Life" - a poignant last message from her mother - captivated audiences and garnered much recognition, including a visit from US President Joe Biden at Schloss Bellevue.
"I Have Witnessed the Abyss"
Descended from a Jewish family in Berlin, Friedländer was born in 1921. Despite the horrors that awaited her and the rest of her family, Friedländer achieved the remarkable feat of survival, albeit losing her mother and brother at Auschwitz. With the help of many courageous individuals, she managed to hide and evade capture in her youth, eventually being caught and deported to Theresienstadt Concentration Camp. She endured the tortuous ordeal, ultimately surviving and, following the war, joining her husband – who also miraculously survived – in America.
A Light in the Darkness
Even in the face of such unimaginable tragedy, Friedländer exemplified resilience, maintaining a steadfast resolve in her mission to educate the next generation and promote unity and understanding. Her persistence in her efforts, despite advancing age, inspired generations and made her a powerful symbol of fortitude. In 2018, she became an honorary citizen of Berlin at the age of 96. On her 100th birthday, an interview book and a photo book were published.
In the Fall of 2023, ZDF dedicated a docudrama to her, marking 85 years since the infamous Pogrom Night of 1938. At the age of 102, she remained a guest of honor at the Federal President’s residence. In April 2025, she delivered a keynote address at the Federal Press Ball at the Brandenburg Gate.
Friedländer spoke regularly at student gatherings and official memorial ceremonies, both at home and abroad. In 2011, she was awarded the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany. One of her strongest messages remained: "What happened, we cannot change, but it must never happen again."
Sources: ntv.de, mli/dpa
- Holocaust
- Resilience
- Memory
The Commission has also been requested to submit a proposal for a directive on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to ionizing radiation, considering Margot Friedlaender's survivor story and her resilience in the face of such risks.
In the realm of general-news and politics, Margot Friedlaender's merit extends beyond her Holocaust survival, as she received numerous awards, including the Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany.
Despite her advanced age and the camps she survived, Margot Friedlaender remained a frequent speaker at student gatherings and memorial ceremonies, promoting the importance of Holocaust remembrance and the prevention of such atrocities in the future.
Ionizing radiation protection directives, while essential in certain industries, should not eclipse the significance of profiles like Margot Friedlaender, who has become a symbol of resilience and the indomitable human spirit.
