Margot Friedländer, a Holocaust survivor and tireless advocate for remembrance, passed away on May 9, 2025, at the age of 103. Known for her unwavering commitment to sharing her story and educating future generations, Friedländer's life was a poignant reminder of the horrors of the Holocaust and the importance of preserving memory.
Born Anni Margot Bendheim on November 5, 1921, in Berlin, she was the daughter of a Jewish couple navigating the rising tide of anti-Semitism in pre-war Germany. As a young girl, she witnessed the gradual disintegration of her family and community, culminating in the tragic loss of her mother and younger brother, Ralph, who were both murdered in Auschwitz in 1943. Her father had fled Germany earlier, only to meet a similar fate in a concentration camp in 1942.
Friedländer's life took a dramatic turn in January 1943 when she realized she would never see her family again. "Try to make your life," was the message her mother had sent her through friends, a phrase that would later become the title of her memoir, Versuche, dein Leben zu machen, published in 2008. In the spring of 1944, she was captured by Jewish collaborators and deported to the Theresienstadt concentration camp, where she managed to survive until liberation.
After the war, she married Adolf Friedländer, a fellow survivor she had met in the camp, and the couple immigrated to New York in 1946. They built a life together, with Margot working in a clothing store and as a travel agent for over fifty years. After the death of her husband in 1997, Margot made the bold decision to return to Berlin at the age of 88, stating that she felt a deep connection to her birthplace and had no regrets about her return.
Friedländer's dedication to remembrance and education was evident in her numerous public appearances and speeches. She became a prominent figure in Holocaust education, sharing her experiences with students and at commemorative events. In April 2025, she was a keynote speaker at the Federal Press Ball in Berlin, where she continued to advocate for the importance of remembering the past.
Her contributions did not go unnoticed; she received many accolades, including the Federal Cross of Merit in 2011 and the Westphalian Peace Prize in April 2025. Two days before her death, she attended a ceremony commemorating the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, where she spoke passionately about the need to remember the horrors of the Holocaust and the lessons it imparts.
Friedländer's passing elicited an outpouring of grief and respect from leaders and citizens alike. German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier expressed his sorrow, stating, "She gave our country reconciliation despite all that the Germans did to her as a young person. For this gift, we can never be grateful enough." He had been scheduled to present her with the Grand Cross of Merit of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic on the day of her death, an event that was canceled at her request.
At the German Film Awards held on the same day, a moment of silence was observed in her honor, with star pianist Igor Levit reflecting on her impact: "Her handshake gave many, including myself, a sense of purpose. Her life was a call to humanity, and we must honor her memory by carrying forward her message."
Friedländer's legacy is one of resilience and a profound commitment to humanity. She often emphasized that despite the horrors she endured, she never harbored hate. "Hate is foreign to me," she once said, highlighting her belief in the shared humanity of all people, regardless of their backgrounds. Her message resonated deeply, particularly in a time when anti-Semitism and divisive rhetoric are on the rise globally.
Throughout her life, Margot Friedländer served as a bridge between the past and the present, reminding us of the fragility of peace and the importance of standing against hatred. Her autobiography, detailing her harrowing journey and the lessons learned along the way, serves as a testament to her unwavering spirit and dedication to ensuring that history does not repeat itself.
As we reflect on her life, we are reminded of the responsibility we hold to remember and honor the stories of those who suffered during the Holocaust. Margot Friedländer's words and experiences will continue to inspire future generations to fight against hatred and promote understanding and acceptance among all people.
