Holocaust Survivor Margot Friedländer to Receive the Grand Cross of Merit

Margot Friedländer, a Holocaust survivor whose life story is a testament to resilience and reconciliation, is set to be awarded the Grand Cross of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany. This prestigious honor, bestowed by Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, recognizes Friedländer’s extraordinary contributions as a witness to the atrocities of the Nazi regime and her unwavering dedication to promoting human dignity and understanding. The news was initially reported by the German news magazine, Der Spiegel.

President Steinmeier, in his statement regarding the award, lauded Friedländer as a moral compass for the nation, citing her harrowing experiences, her profound commitment to forgiveness, and her steadfast advocacy for human rights and humanitarian principles. The Grand Cross of Merit represents the highest form of recognition that the German head of state can confer, underscoring the profound impact Friedländer has had on German society and beyond.

This latest accolade adds to a long list of honors Friedländer has received throughout her life. She is already a recipient of the Federal Cross of Merit, the Cross of Merit on Ribbon, and the Order of Merit of the State of Berlin. In 2018, she was also bestowed the title of Honorary Citizen of Berlin, further solidifying her place as a beloved and respected figure in the city.

Born in Berlin, Friedländer endured unspeakable loss during the Holocaust, losing her entire family to the Nazi regime’s genocidal policies. She herself miraculously survived the Theresienstadt concentration camp, a place of immense suffering and hardship. Following the war, Friedländer, along with her husband, also a survivor of Theresienstadt, emigrated to the United States, seeking a new life far from the horrors they had endured.

After decades of living in the United States, Friedländer made the momentous decision to return to her native Berlin in 2010. This return marked a significant chapter in her life, allowing her to reconnect with her roots and dedicate herself to educating future generations about the Holocaust.

In 2023, at the remarkable age of 103, Friedländer established the Margot Friedländer Foundation. The foundation’s mission is to ensure the continuation of Holocaust education and remembrance, providing a platform for survivors to share their stories and for young people to learn from the past. The foundation also awards a prize in Friedländer’s name, recognizing individuals and organizations that are working to promote tolerance, understanding, and human rights.

Friedländer’s life story is a powerful reminder of the importance of bearing witness to history. Her experiences during the Holocaust are a stark warning against the dangers of hatred, intolerance, and discrimination. She has become a global symbol of hope, resilience, and the enduring power of the human spirit.

Her dedication to sharing her story and engaging with young people has made her an invaluable asset in the fight against antisemitism and other forms of prejudice. She has traveled extensively, speaking at schools, universities, and community events, sharing her personal experiences and urging audiences to learn from the past and work towards a more just and equitable future.

Friedländer’s commitment to reconciliation is particularly noteworthy. Despite the unimaginable suffering she endured at the hands of the Nazis, she has consistently advocated for forgiveness and understanding. She believes that it is essential to learn from the past but not to be consumed by hatred. Her message of reconciliation resonates deeply with people of all backgrounds and serves as a powerful example of the transformative power of forgiveness.

The Grand Cross of Merit is not just an award for Margot Friedländer; it is a testament to the importance of Holocaust remembrance and the enduring need to fight against all forms of prejudice and discrimination. It is a recognition of her extraordinary life and her unwavering commitment to making the world a better place.

As Friedländer herself has often said, "It is up to you to make sure that what happened, never happens again." Her words serve as a call to action for all of us to stand up against injustice, to promote tolerance and understanding, and to ensure that the lessons of the Holocaust are never forgotten. The awarding of the Grand Cross of Merit is a fitting tribute to a remarkable woman who has dedicated her life to ensuring that the horrors of the past are never repeated. Her unwavering voice, her tireless work, and her profound commitment to humanity make her a true inspiration to us all.