Homage to Margot Friedländer: An evening for humanity and remembrance

Homage to Margot Friedländer: An evening for humanity and remembrance

On July 12, 2025, the Berliner Ensemble will be the venue for a moving memorial event for Holocaust survivor Margot Friedländer, who died on May 9, 2025 at the age of 103. Her life story and her tireless efforts to educate and commemorate will be honored this evening by high-profile guests such as pianist Igor Levit, actor Matthis Brandt and violinist Anne-Sophie Mutter. The event, entitled “Be Human,” was organized by Levit and publicist Michel Friedman and will use proceeds to support the Margot Friedländer Foundation, which is dedicated to continuing its important educational work n-tv reports.

Margot Friedländer was born into a Jewish family and experienced persecution by the National Socialists first hand. In 1944 she was deported to the Theresienstadt concentration camp and was the only one in her family to survive. Her brother Ralph and her mother were murdered in Auschwitz in 1943, while her father and aunt did not survive their arrest in 1942. After the liberation, she lived in exile in the USA with her husband Adolf Friedländer before returning to Berlin at the age of 88 and reporting on her experiences as a contemporary witness ZDF highlights.

A life to remember

Friedländer's most urgent appeal was “Be people,” a call for tolerance and humanity that she lived throughout her life. At many events she campaigned to commemorate the victims of National Socialism and warned against anti-Semitism and right-wing extremism. She called on society to stand up for those who have experienced injustice. Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, who took over the patronage of the memorial event, emphasized the need for tolerance and democracy as well as the responsibility to preserve Friedländer's legacy ZDF adds.

The event is part of a society-wide process dedicated to remembering the Holocaust. Commemoration of the Holocaust has many facets and requires a constant examination of its meaning. It is not only a look back, but also a reminder for future generations to learn from the past. The importance of memorial events is also reflected in the increasing participation of young people who learn from the stories of survivors and actively engage in coming to terms with history bpb emphasized.

A lasting memory

Margot Friedländer received numerous awards, including the Federal Cross of Merit, and was made an honorary citizen of Berlin. Her commitment to the culture of remembrance and the fight against anti-Semitism remain inspiring for many. Her foundation plans to continue educational work and provide a platform for the LGBTQI community and against racism. The proceeds from the upcoming memorial event will go to the Margot Friedländer Foundation to ensure that the memories of these terrible times are not forgotten become.

In these emotional days of remembering Margot Friedländer, it becomes clear how important it is not only to preserve the lessons from the past, but also to actively carry them into the future. The community is invited to attend this event and honor the survivor who tirelessly advocated for humanity and education. Be there as her story is shared!