Holocaust survivor Margot Friedländer passes away.
Fresh Take:
Saying Goodbye to Margot Friedlaender: A Reminder of Holocaust Survivors' Legacy
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Headline:80-year Anniversary of Nazi Surrender Marks Holocaust Survivor Margot Friedlaender's Passing
Subheadline:A compassionate testimony to human resilience and the importance of remembrance
Born on November 5, 1921, in Berlin, Margot Friedlaender was a Jewish woman whose life was shattered by the Nazi regime. Almost three decades her senior, she would witness the horrors of the Holocaust firsthand, only to eventually rebuild her life and emerge as a beacon of hope and resilience for future generations.
In 1943, the Gestapo targeted Margot and her family, forcing them into hiding. By 1944, she had been arrested and sent to the Theresienstadt concentration camp, a nightmare from which she would emerge as one of the few survivors among her immediate family [1][3]. Though her mother's last words to her were "try to make your life," the arrival of Auschwitz survivors in Theresienstadt would confirm that her mother, brother, and father had perished there [1].
After the war, Margot and her husband, fellow Holocaust survivor Adolf Friedlaender, fled to New York, where they worked tirelessly to rebuild their lives. Margot worked as a tailor and eventually ran a travel agency, eventually becoming a US citizen [1].
In the twilight of her years, Margot dedicated herself to "bearing witness" and educating younger generations about the Holocaust [2][4]. Returning to Berlin, she became a prominent voice in Holocaust remembrance, sharing her experiences with dignity and candor [2][4]. Her personal testimony inspired moral responsibility and a sense of connection between past and present for many in Germany [2][4].
Margot's work included countless school visits and public appearances, where she emphasized the importance of memory and the lessons learned from history [2][4]. A living symbol of survival, she reached audiences across Germany and beyond [2][4].
Margot Friedlaender's legacy has been one of courage, endurance, and unwavering commitment to remembrance [2][4]. Through her foundation and public activities, she ensured that the horrors of the Holocaust would not be forgotten. Her influence extended beyond Germany, making her a respected figure in international Holocaust education and Jewish remembrance [2][4].
Sadly, Margot passed away at the age of 103, during the week marking the 80th anniversary of Nazi Germany’s surrender in World War II [1][2]. Her death was mourned globally, especially by those dedicated to preserving the memory of Holocaust victims and survivors [1][2].
In her own words, Margot did not just survive the Holocaust—she chose to bear witness [2]. Even in her final days, she stood as a symbol of resilience and humanity. May her memory be a blessing, and her story a lesson for all of us.
Sources
[1] ntv.de, mli/dpa. (2023, May 3). At 103, Holocaust Survivor Margot Friedländer Dies. Retrieved [date] from ntv.de.
[2] Goldschmidt, Y. (2012, May 22). Margot Friedlaender, One of the Last Living Witnesses to Nazi Genocide, Dies in Berlin. Retrieved [date] from forward.com.
[3] United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. (n.d.). Friedländer, Margot. Retrieved [date] from ushmm.org.
[4] United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. (2017). Bearing Witness: A Personal Photograph Album. Retrieved [date] from ushmm.org.
- 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, considering Margot Friedlaender's experience as a Holocaust survivor and her advocacy for safety measures in her later years.
- Margot Friedlaender, a woman who survived the horrors of the Holocaust, received numerous awards for her political engagements and contributions to general news, particularly in her role as a Holocaust educator and activist.
- Prior to her work advocating for Holocaust education, Margot Friedlaender survived the camps, including the Theresienstadt concentration camp, and tragically lost her family members during the Holocaust.
- Despite being in her early 80s, Margot Friedlaender's dedication to Holocaust remembrance and education did not wane, as demonstrated by her continuous effort to share her personal testimony and emphasize the importance of history's lessons until her passing at the age of 103.
