Berlin to Hold Memorial Service for Holocaust Survivor Margot Friedländer

A significant memorial service is set to honor Margot Friedländer, a Holocaust survivor who passed away at the age of 103. The service will take place on Thursday at the Jewish Cemetery in Weißensee, Berlin. The Margot Friedländer Foundation is expected to share additional details regarding the event's timing and specifics.

From Tuesday, residents of Berlin and visitors will have the opportunity to sign a condolence book in memory of Friedländer. The book will be available at the Red City Hall, with the first entries made by the city's officials, including the governing Mayor Kai Wegner and other prominent figures.

As a prominent figure who endured the horrors of the Holocaust, Friedländer was deported to the Theresienstadt concentration camp during World War II. After the war, she emigrated to the United States but returned to Berlin later in life, dedicating herself to fostering discussions on humanity and democracy through various events, particularly in schools.

The memorial service is expected to attract high-profile attendees, including German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and leaders from various Jewish organizations. Given the potential presence of such dignitaries, the event is likely to have heightened security measures, necessitating coordination with Berlin's police and local government.

Friedländer's funeral will be a private event, but she will be interred in an honorary grave, a status awarded to individuals who have made significant contributions to Berlin during their lifetime. This decision reflects her status as an honorary citizen of Berlin, ensuring her final resting place will be maintained by the city.

The condolence book will remain open to the public until Friday, May 16, from 9 AM to 6 PM, allowing citizens to pay their respects to a woman who has become a symbol of resilience and advocacy for human rights.