Holocaust survivor Margot Friedlander, 103, participated in the lighting of the large Hanukkah menorah at Berlin's Brandenburg Gate, one of Germany's most iconic landmarks and a symbol of the Nazis' rise to power.
Friedlander gained fame last year following an extensive interview published in Vogue magazine, where she recounted her harrowing life story — from her childhood under Nazi rule to her ongoing daily commitment to preserving the memory of the Holocaust, even in 2025.
Born in Berlin in 1921, Friedlander recalled in the interview her early years with her mother and younger brother after her parents separated shortly after the Nazis rose to power. During an attempted escape, her brother was arrested by the Gestapo in 1943. When her mother tried to confront them, both were deported to the Auschwitz concentration camp and murdered.
Get the Ynetnews app on your smartphone: Google Play: https://bit.ly/4eJ37pE | Apple App Store: https://bit.ly/3ZL7iNv
"Before the Nazis took her away, my mother told me: 'Try to create a new life for yourself,'" Friedlander shared. She endured grueling journeys under Nazi rule and eventually managed to escape to the U.S. Later, following her husband's death, she returned to her birthplace Berlin. Friedlander often remarked that she’s fulfilling her mother’s wish by creating a meaningful life for herself.
In recent years, Friedlander has focused on raising awareness about the horrors of the Holocaust and has received numerous awards from various organizations dedicated to the cause. Her participation in the menorah lighting symbolized the triumph of light over darkness more than anything else.
"It’s moving to stand here, in the very place where the Nazis declared destruction," Friedlander said during her remarks. "Am Yisrael Chai," she declared with great emotion.
The lighting ceremony was organized for the 19th consecutive year by Rabbi Yehuda Teichtal, Berlin's chief rabbi and Chabad emissary. Thousands of Berlin's Jewish residents attended the event alongside diplomats, ambassadors, economists and other dignitaries.
The grand lighting was part of a series of Hanukkah celebrations, including parades of light and other initiatives involving many members of Berlin's Jewish community.
"This year, amid such challenges, we've added even more menorahs across Berlin," Rabbi Teichtal said, while also noting the 100 hostages still held captive by Hamas in Gaza.
The guest of honor this year was Berlin's mayor, Kai Wegner, who said, "As a Berliner, I’m proud that after the dark days of the Nazis, there’s vibrant and thriving life in Berlin." He added, "I’m especially proud that there’s a menorah at City Hall as well."