Margot Friedlander: A Life Dedicated to Remembering

Margot Friedlander, a remarkable Holocaust survivor and unwavering voice for remembrance, passed away at the age of 103. Her death, announced by the Margot Friedlander Foundation in Berlin, marks the end of an extraordinary life dedicated to ensuring the horrors of the Nazi regime are never forgotten. Her passing comes just a week after the 80th anniversary of the unconditional surrender of Nazi Germany in World War II, a poignant reminder of the enduring legacy of the Holocaust and the importance of her work.

A Life Shaped by Tragedy and Resilience

Born Margot Bendheim in Berlin on November 5, 1921, her early life was shattered by the rise of Nazism. Her father, a decorated veteran of World War I, initially dismissed the growing threat, believing "they don’t mean us; We’re Germans." However, the family's reality soon changed drastically. Margot, aspiring to be a designer, started a tailor's apprenticeship, but this was cut short as anti-Semitic laws tightened their grip.

• The Family's Displacement: After her parents' divorce in 1937, Margot, her mother, and younger brother moved in with her grandparents. Forced into a "Jewish apartment" in 1941, Margot endured grueling night shifts at a metal factory.
• Brother's Arrest and Mother's Sacrifice: In 1943, just as they planned to flee Berlin, her brother, Ralph, was taken by the Gestapo. Margot’s mother chose to accompany him, leaving Margot with a final message: "Try to make your life," which would later become the title of her autobiography.
• A Year of Hiding: Margot went into hiding, dyeing her hair red to disguise her identity. She received help from sixteen individuals, until her arrest in April 1944 after an air raid.
• Theresienstadt and Liberation: Choosing to reveal her Jewish identity, Margot arrived at Theresienstadt concentration camp in June 1944. She witnessed the arrival of emaciated prisoners from Auschwitz, finally understanding the fate of her family.

Margot’s parents and brother were murdered at Auschwitz. Her father, having fled to Belgium and then France, was also deported to Auschwitz in 1942. After the liberation of Theresienstadt, Margot married Adolf Friedlander, an acquaintance from Berlin whom she had reconnected with at the camp. They immigrated to New York City in 1946 and became US citizens. Margot worked as a tailor and ran a travel agency, living a quiet life in Queens.

A Return to Germany and a Legacy of Witness

After her husband's death in 1997, Margot's life took a new turn. She began to share her experiences, which led to her return to Germany in 2003. She moved back permanently in 2010 and became a prominent voice against antisemitism and for reconciliation. She was bestowed with Germany's highest honor, the Order of Merit, and a statue at Berlin's City Hall. Her work with the Margot Friedlander Foundation focused on combating antisemitism and promoting democracy. "What I do gives me my strength and probably also my energy, because I speak for those who can no longer speak," she said. This sentiment encapsulated her life’s work. Her powerful testimony touched countless lives, leaving an indelible mark on Germany and the world.

A Lasting Legacy

Margot Friedlander's passing leaves a profound void, but her legacy of resilience, unwavering determination, and commitment to remembrance will continue to inspire future generations. Her unwavering belief in the power of human connection and her relentless pursuit of truth serve as a beacon of hope in the fight against hatred and intolerance. Her final message, a testament to her extraordinary life, remains powerfully resonant: "Be human."