Berlin Ensemble Commemorates Holocaust Survivor Margot Friedländer

The Berlin Ensemble is set to host a special commemoration event honoring the late Holocaust survivor Margot Friedländer. This poignant evening will feature renowned pianist Igor Levit alongside a selection of distinguished guests, all gathered to pay tribute to Friedländer's remarkable life and legacy.

Following her passing two months ago at the age of 103, the event aims to celebrate Friedländer's enduring message of humanity and resilience. Igor Levit expressed his dedication to perpetuating her message, viewing it as a daily commitment.

Margot Friedländer, who was born into a Jewish family, faced persecution under the Nazi regime and was subsequently imprisoned in the Theresienstadt concentration camp. After her liberation in 1945, she emigrated to the United States with her husband. It wasn't until she was 88 years old that Friedländer returned to her birthplace, Berlin, where she began sharing her harrowing experiences as a witness to history, particularly in educational settings.

One of her most powerful messages, which resonated deeply towards the end of her life, was a simple yet profound directive: to 'be human.'

The commemoration, organized through the efforts of Igor Levit and journalist Michel Friedman, is expected to feature several notable figures, including actor Matthis Brandt and violinist Anne-Sophie Mutter, who will honor Friedländer's legacy. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Margot Friedländer Foundation, ensuring her message continues to resonate with future generations.

Moreover, in recognition of her impactful life, local authorities have proposed naming a public square near the Kurfürstendamm in her honor. As a Holocaust survivor and esteemed citizen of Berlin, Friedländer's story serves as an important reminder of the past and a call to action for the present and future.