Emotional homage to Margot Friedländer: Stand up for human rights!

Emotional homage to Margot Friedländer: Stand up for human rights!

On July 13, 2025, an emotional tribute took place in the Berliner Ensemble to honor Margot Friedländer, who died on May 9, 2025. Friedländer was an impressive personality and Holocaust survivor who dedicated her life to fighting anti-Semitism and for humanity. This special evening focused on seven decades since the end of the Second World War and the need to preserve the lessons of the past.

In a moving event initiated by publicist Michel Friedman, numerous artists and speakers highlighted the importance of humanity in times of crisis. Singer Sophie Hunger presented a new song that deals with preserving humanity. Actress Pauline Knof read Friedländer's speech from the EU Parliament in 2022, in which she urgently calls for respect for all people and warns about the threat to democracy. With his reading from Sebastian Haffner's autobiographical story “History of a German”, Matthias Brandt set another example for the remembrance of the past.

A look at Margot Friedländer's messages

Friedländer, born in Berlin in 1921, was the only survivor of her family during the Holocaust and lived in the United States for 64 years before returning to Germany. She was a forceful voice against re-emerging anti-Semitism, particularly in today's times, which she compared to the dark days of Nazism. “I no longer want silence, but a clear stance,” she emphasized in an interview and spoke about the growing fear among Jews in Germany, especially after the Hamas attack on Israel in October 2023. Her message was clear: humanity and respect should form the basis of every society.

The director of the Berliner Ensemble, Oliver Reese, stated that it is our responsibility to carry Friedländer's message and to actively fight against anti-Semitism and right-wing extremist movements. Friedman criticized the superficial veneration of Friedländer and called for a serious examination of her messages, which continue to be highly relevant.

Memory lives on

The evening in the Berliner Ensemble was not only a homage to an admirable woman, but also an important reminder for society. On the occasion of the Day of Remembrance for the Victims of National Socialism, Beate Rudolf, Director of the German Institute for Human Rights, emphasized the responsibility of the state and society to keep the memory of the victims alive. Anti-Semitism, antigypsyism and racism are still powerful, and it is crucial to strengthen human rights in the here and now.

The event highlighted the need to promote education about the past as well as the protection of memorial sites and their educational work. Memorials are places where history is made understandable and encourages reflection. Unfortunately, they are exposed to increasing right-wing extremist attacks. It is therefore important to pass on the importance of memory and commitment to a humane society to future generations.

Margot Friedländer remains a shining example of the fact that every generation has the task of standing up for the values ​​of humanity and democracy. Their work encourages the young generation to show humanity, regardless of skin color or religion.