Farewell to Holocaust Survivor Margot Friedlaender: A Reminder of Resilience and Reconciliation
Holocaust survivor Margot Friedländer passes away.
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Holocaust survivor Margot Friedlaender, an influential eyewitness to the atrocities of Nazi Germany, passed away at the age of 103. The Margot Friedlaender Foundation in Berlin announced her death. Originally planned for this Friday, the Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany ceremony, in her honor, has been postponed.
Germany's Federal President, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, expressed his sorrow, stating, "Margot Friedlaender demonstrated remarkable resilience, reconciliation, and grace despite the unimaginable horrors she endured as a young woman. Her legacy encourages a commitment to remembering the Holocaust, especially amid growing anti-Semitism and threats to democracy."
Politics and PersistenceMoving back to Germany from decades in New York, Friedlaender relentlessly campaigned against Holocaust forgetting, focusing particularly on the younger generation. Her captivating story has been showcased through a documentary film and her memoirs "Try to Make Your Life." Recognition for her efforts included a visit from US President Joe Biden at Schloss Bellevue.
Resilience Against AdversityBorn in 1921, Friedlaender was part of a Jewish family in Berlin. Tragically, her mother and brother perished in Auschwitz while she survived, finding refuge initially due to the aid of numerous helpers. Ultimately, she was captured and deported to the Theresienstadt concentration camp. Holocaust survivor Margot Friedlaender's journey exemplifies unyielding resilience and a commitment to bearing witness.
Margot Friedlaender returned to her native Germany at nearly 88, following her husband's death. Speaking to students and officials at commemorative events, she tirelessly advocated for Holocaust remembrance, often encouraging them to "What has been, we cannot change, but it must never happen again." Friedlander's message was clear: acknowledging the past and ensuring its horrors never repeat is a solemn duty we all share.
Her impact transcends the boundaries of Germany, with honors bestowed upon her in the EU Parliament and significant contributions to Holocaust education. Her legacy as a beacon of resilience, moral courage, and healing continues to inspire those who look towards a united and tolerant future.
Sources: ntv.de, mli/dpaHolocaustNazismRemembrance*
Enrichment Data:Margot Friedlaender was born Margot Bendheim on November 5, 1921, in Berlin, Germany[3]. Her father, Artur Bendheim, served in the German army before losing his life in the Holocaust alongside most of Margot's family. Despite this painful past, Margot's resilience and determination allowed her to grow into a vocal advocate for Holocaust remembrance[3].
- In light of Margot Friedlaender's passing, 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, reflecting the resilience and determination that Friedlaender symbolized in the face of adversity.
- Given the tragedy she bore witness to as a young woman during the Nazi era, Margot Friedlaender's life serves as a reminder of the need for continuous politics and persistence in combating the threats of anti-Semitism and the erosion of democracy today.
- As a Holocaust survivor who faced atrocities in Auschwitz and Theresienstadt concentration camps, Margot Friedlaender's story mirrors the risks related to exposure to ionizing radiation, demonstrating the merit of protection and survivorship in challenging circumstances.
- As we honor Margot Friedlaender's life and legacy, one can draw parallels between her incredible journey and the importance of protecting workers from the risks related to ionizing radiation, emphasizing the shared duty of remembrance and preventing reoccurrences of past traumas.
