Berlin Mourns the Passing of Holocaust Survivor Margot Friedländer

Berlin is in mourning as the city prepares to bid farewell to Margot Friedländer, a prominent Holocaust survivor who passed away recently at the age of 103. Her funeral is set to take place today at 10:00 AM in a private ceremony attended by close friends and family, along with several distinguished guests.

Among those expected to attend the service are notable figures such as Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and Berlin's Governing Mayor Kai Wegner, representing the CDU party. The funeral will be broadcast live by RBB, starting at 9:50 AM, allowing the public to pay their respects virtually.

Friedländer's life story is a poignant reminder of the horrors of the Holocaust. As a Jewish woman during World War II, she was forcibly taken to the Theresienstadt concentration camp. Following the end of the war, she emigrated to the United States, only returning to her native Berlin later in life. Throughout her later years, she dedicated herself to advocating for humanity and democracy, often speaking at schools and public events about the importance of remembering the atrocities committed during the Nazi regime and combating hatred in all its forms.

In recognition of her contributions to society and her status as a Holocaust survivor, Friedländer was honored as an honorary citizen of Berlin. As part of this distinction, she will be laid to rest in an honor grave, reflecting her significant impact on the community and her unwavering commitment to educating future generations.

The loss of Margot Friedländer is felt deeply across Berlin and beyond, as many remember her not only for her survival but for her tireless efforts to promote understanding and tolerance in a world still grappling with the shadows of its past.