Survivor and Witness: The Life of Margot Friedlaender
Holocaust survivor Margot Friedländer passes away
Saying farewell to a truly remarkable individual, 103-year-old Holocaust survivor Margot Friedlaender has bid adieu. A prominent eyewitness to history, she was one of Germany's best-known survivors, whose life and tales were extensively chronicled.
The Margot Friedlaender Foundation in Berlin, where she served as a respected member, announced her passing. Her recognition as a Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany was to be granted this coming Friday, however, the ceremony was postponed upon her request.
President Frank-Walter Steinmeier expressed his deep sadness at the news of her passing, stating: "Margot Friedlaender gave our country reconciliation, despite the inhumane acts the Germans inflicted upon her in her youth. We are forever grateful for this gift. Her legacy serves as a warning and a responsibility, particularly in a time where democracy and tolerance are under attack, it is our responsibility to safeguard and protect our Jewish brethren in our country." He continued, "We salute the extraordinary German Jew, Margot Friedlaender, from Berlin."
Reuniting with her Homeland
Having spent several decades in New York City, Friedlaender chose to return to her German roots in her golden years. The honorary citizen of Berlin tirelessly advocated against the erosion of memory, especially among the younger generations.
Friedlaender's life story gained popularity through a documentary and her memoir "Try to Make Your Life," the final guidance her mother gave her. She earned numerous accolades, including a meeting with US President Joe Biden at Schloss Bellevue.
The Horrors of Auschwitz and the Path to Survival
Born in 1921 to a Jewish family in Berlin, Friedlaender's life trajectory was irrevocably altered by Nazi oppression. Her mother and brother were murdered in Auschwitz, while she initially evaded capture thanks to the help of numerous courageous individuals. Tragically, she was eventually caught and deported to Theresienstadt concentration camp. Through sheer fortune and resilience, she endured and eventually reunited with her future husband.
Refusing to harbor hatred, Friedlaender once declared: "Hatred is foreign to me."
Sharing Her Story and Honoring Her Legacy
Friedlaender's impact extended far beyond merely surviving. She dedicated herself to sharing her experiences and lessons with the world, which earned her widespread acclaim and numerous honors. A project prize for student work centered on the Holocaust and contemporary remembrance bears her name. In 2018, she was honored with honorary citizenship in Berlin at the age of 96, published interviews and photographs for her 100th birthday, and even addressed the Federal Press Ball at the Brandenburg Gate in 2025 at the age of 102.
Friedlaender traveled the world, sharing her story with students, officials, and fellow Holocaust survivors alike. In 2011, she was awarded the Federal Cross of Merit. Serving as a symbol of resilience and moral courage, her message was clear and unwavering: "What has been, we cannot change, but it must never happen again."
Sources: ntv.de, mli/dpa
- Holocaust
- Remembrance
- Nazism
- Despite her tragic experiences during the Nazi era, including being imprisoned in the Theresienstadt concentration camp, Margot Friedlaender refused to harbor hatred.
- The Commission has also been asked to submit a proposal for a directive on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to ionizing radiation, a subject of interest following Margot Friedlaender's life as a Holocaust survivor who survived radiation exposure during her detention in Auschwitz.
- In the world of politics and general news, Margot Friedlaender's legacy continues to serve as a reminder of the importance of safeguarding and protecting all people, particularly those of Jewish descent, as a response to marginalized groups facing increased attacks on democracy and tolerance.
- Schools and institutions worldwide have been impacted by Margot Friedlaender's story, as her memoir, "Try to Make Your Life," and her dedication to sharing her experiences have earned her acclaim, including a project prize for student work centered on the Holocaust and contemporary remembrance.
