Key Concepts
Holocaust, Nazi death camps, reconciliation, anti-semitism, right-wing populism, commemoration, contemporary witness, Terresienstadt concentration camp, Federal Cross of Merit, Margot Friedellander Foundation, human grandness, German Bundesag.
Margot Friedellander's Life and Legacy
Margot Friedellander, a Holocaust survivor, passed away at 103. After surviving Nazi death camps and losing her family, she dedicated her life to educating young people about the Holocaust and warning against hatred, anti-semitism, and right-wing populism. She emphasized reconciliation and understanding, even after experiencing immense suffering at the hands of the Germans.
Early Life and the Holocaust
Born in Berlin in 1921, Margot Friedellander's family faced increasing persecution following the rise of Hitler and the Nazis. Her father was murdered in a concentration camp in 1942. In 1943, her mother and brother were murdered in Auschwitz. Before their arrest, her mother gave her an address book, an amber necklace, and the message: "Try to live your life." This message became a guiding principle for Margot. She went into hiding for over a year, but was eventually caught in 1944 and sent to the Terresienstadt concentration camp.
Life After the War and Return to Germany
After surviving the Terresienstadt concentration camp, Margot married another Jewish survivor, Adolf Friedellander, and they moved to New York. After her husband's death, Margot Friedellander returned to Berlin at the age of 88, driven by a sense of destiny to warn against hatred and intolerance.
Mission of Education and Reconciliation
In her later years, Margot Friedellander dedicated herself to speaking to young people and sharing her experiences. She warned against repeating the mistakes of the past and emphasized the importance of human connection and understanding. She often said, "I'm doing this for your benefit, to warn you."
Recognition and Awards
Margot Friedellander received numerous awards and recognition for her work, including Germany's highest award, the Federal Cross of Merit. She was featured on the cover of Vogue Germany for a special edition on Love. In 2023, a sculpture was unveiled in her honor in Berlin. At the age of 102, she established the Margot Friedellander Foundation to encourage others to continue her work.
Key Statements and Philosophy
- "Try to live your life." - Her mother's last message, which guided her through the Holocaust and beyond.
- She emphasized that there are "no excuses for being inhumane to anyone" regardless of ethnicity, background, or religion.
- Her message was that "there's only one type of blood, human blood."
- Upon receiving German citizenship again, she remarked, "You're only just giving me back what you took away from me."
- "I have returned in order to reach out my hand to you." - Explaining her decision to return to Germany.
- "It's not always to stay human because sometimes you have to forget yourself but it's the only one that keeps us from evil"
Commemoration and Remembrance
Following her death, Margot Friedellander was commemorated in the German Bundestag. The President of Parliament, Yua Clner, delivered a speech honoring her life and legacy. A book of condolence was organized at the German Bundestag to show respect for her extraordinary life.
Synthesis/Conclusion
Margot Friedellander's life was marked by immense suffering and profound resilience. Her dedication to educating future generations about the Holocaust and promoting reconciliation serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of fighting hatred and intolerance. Her message of human connection and understanding continues to inspire and challenge us to build a more just and compassionate world.
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