German Leaders Attend Funeral of Holocaust Survivor Margot Friedländer in Berlin

Margot Friedländer, a Holocaust survivor who became a prominent voice in Germany's remembrance culture and an advocate against antisemitism, was laid to rest in Berlin at the age of 103. She survived the Theresienstadt concentration camp and later emigrated to the United States before returning to Berlin in 2010, where she tirelessly campaigned for humanity, democracy, and remembrance of Nazi crimes. Her funeral in the Jewish cemetery in Weissensee was attended by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, former Chancellor Angela Merkel, President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, and other high-profile officials and community members, highlighting her significance. Friedländer was recognized for her moral courage and dedication to fighting hatred, with Berlin flying flags at half-staff and a book of condolences opened at city hall. Despite enduring immense personal loss, including the murder of her family members during the Holocaust, she devoted her life to education and reconciliation, symbolizing warmth, compassion, and the imperative to 'Be human.' Her legacy is honored through the Margot Friedländer Foundation, which supports efforts against antisemitism and for democracy.