Holocaust Survivor Walter Frankenstein Passes Away at 100

Walter Frankenstein, a Holocaust survivor and prominent witness to history, has died at the age of 100 in his adopted home of Sweden. His passing was confirmed by the Berlin-based Memorial Foundation for the Murdered Jews of Europe, which had maintained a close relationship with him for over 15 years.

Born on June 30, 1924, in Flatow, West Prussia, Frankenstein moved to Berlin in 1936. He initially found refuge in a Jewish orphanage, which served as a sanctuary for Jewish children and adolescents until its forced closure during the Nazi regime. After marrying Leonie Rosner in 1942 and welcoming their first child, the family went into hiding, where their second son was born in 1944.

In the aftermath of World War II, Frankenstein and his family emigrated to Palestine in 1946/47, eventually settling in Sweden in 1956. Throughout his life, he dedicated himself to combating racism and anti-Semitism, sharing his experiences in schools and at memorial events to educate future generations about the horrors of the Holocaust.

Frankenstein was also a passionate supporter of the Berlin-based football club Hertha BSC, holding honorary membership since 1936. He attended a club match in 2018, marking a significant return to his sporting roots after many years.

The Foundation expressed its commitment to preserving his memory, acknowledging the profound impact he had as a voice against hate and intolerance.