Margot Friedländer, a 102-year-old Holocaust survivor, graces the cover of Vogue Germany’s July/August edition. Her story embodies resilience and hope. Born in Berlin in 1921, Margot endured unimaginable hardships during World War II, yet her spirit remains unbroken. This cover highlights the importance of remembering history and celebrating the strength of survivors like Margot.
Early Life and Family Tragedy
Margot Friedländer, born Margot Bendheim, entered the world in Berlin in 1921. During the early years of World War II, she lived with her mother and younger brother Ralph. After her parents separated, the family planned to flee Nazi Germany. However, in 1943, the Gestapo arrested her brother. Her mother confronted the authorities, which led to their deportation to Auschwitz, where they were murdered.
Before her deportation, Margot’s mother left her a poignant message: “Try to make your life.” This message became a guiding force for Margot. She went into hiding but was ultimately betrayed and sent to the Theresienstadt camp in Nazi-occupied Czechoslovakia in 1944. Despite the horrors she faced, Margot survived and has dedicated her life to sharing her story.
Resilience and Triumph
Margot’s journey to becoming Vogue Germany’s cover star underscores her incredible resilience. The magazine’s editorial team met with her several times throughout the year. They captured her essence in a series of photos taken at Berlin’s Botanical Garden. The issue’s theme is love, and Margot embodies this through her life story. The cover features the word “love” written by Margot herself, alongside her signature.
In her interview with Vogue, Margot expressed gratitude for her life and the chance to fulfill her mother’s wish. She stated, “I am grateful. Grateful that I made it. For being able to fulfill my mother’s wish. That I have made my life.” Her words reflect a profound sense of purpose and an unbroken spirit despite the atrocities she endured.
A New Beginning in the United States
Margot’s life took a significant turn when she met her future husband, Adolf, in a concentration camp. Their love and resilience carried them through the darkest times, and they married soon after liberation. In 1946, they emigrated to the United States and built a new life in New York. For over six decades, they lived in the U.S., far from the horrors of their past.
After her husband’s death in 2010, Margot returned to Berlin. Her return marked a poignant chapter in her life, reconnecting with her roots. Despite her advanced age, Margot remains active in sharing her story and educating others about the Holocaust. She speaks to young people, encouraging dialogue about the past and its lessons for the future.
Voice for the Voiceless
Margot Friedländer’s feature in Vogue Germany is more than just a fashion statement. It is a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of remembering history. The magazine’s editor-in-chief, Kerstin Weng, highlighted Margot’s positivity and commitment to humanity, stating, “The most positive person I know is on this issue’s cover: Margot Friedländer. To many she is known as a Holocaust survivor. But she not only survived the Nazis, she also overcame betrayal and loss.”
Margot’s story serves as a beacon of hope and a call to action for future generations. Her presence on the cover underscores the importance of keeping the memory of the Holocaust alive. It also emphasizes the need to remember and honor the lessons learned from this dark period.
Spreading a Message of Hope
Margot’s inclusion in Vogue Germany reflects a cultural shift towards honoring Holocaust survivors’ stories. By featuring Margot, Vogue Germany highlights the importance of love, resilience, and the human capacity for survival. Margot’s story resonates worldwide, offering a powerful message of hope and the importance of standing against hate.
Her life and legacy remind us of the importance of compassion and understanding. They urge us to educate future generations about the atrocities of the past. Margot’s dedication to sharing her story serves as an inspiration, encouraging us to carry forward the lessons of history.
Conclusion: A Legacy of Strength
Margot Friedländer’s appearance on the cover of Vogue Germany celebrates her life and is a tribute to her resilience. Her story is a powerful reminder of the human capacity to endure and overcome even the most unimaginable hardships. Margot’s dedication to sharing her story and educating others about the Holocaust ensures that the memories of those who perished will never be forgotten.
As we reflect on Margot’s journey, we are reminded of the importance of preserving history and honoring the survivors. Margot Friedländer stands as a testament to resilience and the enduring spirit of hope. Her story encourages us to remember the past, cherish the present, and work towards a brighter, more compassionate future.
