Margot: A Fearless Holocaust Survivor Bids Farewell
Holocaust survivor meets their end - Survivor of the Holocaust passes away
Margot, the indomitable Holocaust survivor, took her last breath on May 9, 2025, at the ripe age of 103. The news was confirmed by none other than Kai Wegner, the Governing Mayor of Berlin, via his official X-account. Born and raised in Berlin in 1921, Margot was the daughter of a Jewish family. Her parents were mercilessly sent to the Auschwitz concentration camp by the Nazis and did not survive the horrors of the Hitler regime.
Young Margot went into hiding but was later captured and shipped off to the Theresienstadt concentration camp. Despite the horrors she endured, she miraculously survived and emigrated to the United States. After her husband's demise, she returned to her homeland at the age of 88, settling once more in Berlin. Her unwavering commitment to preserving the memory of the atrocities committed during the NS era remained steadfast to her dying day.
Steinmeier Mourns a Heroine
Two days prior to her passing, Margot was participating in a commemorative event in Berlin marking the 80th anniversary of the end of the war. Taking the stage, she read from her harrowing memoirs and urged everyone present: "Be human. That's what I ask of you: Be human." Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier (69) also paid tribute to Margot in a heartfelt statement via Instagram. He expressed, "Be human' - with this plea, Margot Friedländer repeatedly addressed her fellow human beings and called for humanity and tolerance." Steinmeier profoundly mourned the loss of the Holocaust survivor.
Throughout her life, Margot received numerous awards and accolades in recognition of her courage and tireless dedication to Holocaust remembrance and education. In 2023, she was recognized with the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany, first class, and in 2011, she was honored with the Order of Merit's cross of merit. In 2022, the Free University of Berlin proudly bestowed an honorary doctorate upon her.
- Margot Friedländer
- Holocaust Survivor
- Berlin
- Death
- Frank-Walter Steinmeier
- Kai Wegner
- CDU
- Auschwitz
A Snapshot of an Extraordinary Life
Margot's odyssey was marked by resilience and determination. Born in 1921, she experienced the darkest period of human history. Her early life was marred by the rise of the Nazis, who captured her in April 1944 and sent her to the Theresienstadt concentration camp. Miraculously, she survived and later emigrated to the United States. Following her husband's death, she returned to Germany, becoming a prominent figurehead in Holocaust remembrance.
Throughout her life, Margot addressed students, public gatherings, and officials, sharing her story and advocating for humanity and tolerance. Her tireless efforts earned her significant recognition, including appearances on the cover of Vogue and celebration for her style and commitment to her mantra, "Be human." Deeply concerned about the resurgence of extremism in Germany, she worked tirelessly to combat antisemitism and promote a tolerant society. In her final years, she established the Margot Friedlander Foundation, which awards a prize to individuals fighting antisemitism and promoting democracy. Margot's legacy continues as a beacon of hope, resilience, and humanity for generations to come.
- Margot Friedländer, a Holocaust survivor from Berlin, passed away on May 9, 2025, at the age of 103.
- Kai Wegner, the Governing Mayor of Berlin, confirmed her death via his official X-account.
- Frank-Walter Steinmeier, the Federal President of Germany, mourned Margot's loss and praised her for her plea to "Be human."
- Throughout her life, Margot received numerous awards for her courage in Holocaust remembrance and education, including an honorary doctorate from the Free University of Berlin in 2022.
