Manfred Goldberg: A Life Dedicated to Holocaust Remembrance and Fighting Antisemitism
Manfred Goldberg, a beacon of resilience and a tireless advocate for Holocaust education, has died at the age of 95. His passing marks the loss of a vital voice, a living link to one of history’s darkest chapters, and a dedicated champion in the ongoing fight against antisemitism and all forms of prejudice. Goldberg’s life, marked by unimaginable suffering and profound loss, ultimately became a testament to the enduring power of hope, remembrance, and education.
Born on April 21st, 1930, in Kassel, Germany, into an Orthodox Jewish family, Goldberg’s early life was irrevocably altered by the rise of Nazism. The escalating persecution of Jews led to his deportation,alongside his mother Rosa and younger brother Herman,to the Riga Ghetto in Latvia in December 1941. This marked the beginning of a harrowing ordeal that would test the limits of human endurance.
As the Soviet Red Army advanced on Riga in august 1944, the surviving prisoners were forcibly transferred to Stutthof concentration camp, located near Gdansk, poland. For over eight months, Goldberg endured the brutal conditions of Stutthof and its subcamps – Stolp and Burggraben – as a slave laborer. Stutthof was a site of immense cruelty, where tens of thousands of Jews were systematically murdered. He was just 15 years old when liberated by the British army in May 1945, a survivor amidst unimaginable devastation.
The story of Goldberg’s survival is inextricably linked to the courage and foresight of British diplomat Frank Foley. Foley,defying bureaucratic constraints,secured a visa for Goldberg’s father,Baruch,allowing him to escape Germany in August 1939,just days before the outbreak of World War II. This act of bravery ultimately paved the way for a family reunion. In September 1946, Goldberg and his mother joined his father in Britain, beginning the arduous process of rebuilding their lives.
After mastering English, Goldberg pursued an engineering degree, demonstrating a remarkable capacity for rebuilding and contributing to society. Though, he understood that his personal story held a crucial lesson for future generations. He dedicated the remainder of his life to sharing his experiences, ensuring that the horrors of the Holocaust would never be forgotten.
Goldberg’s commitment to education extended to countless schools across the UK, where he spoke with students, offering a firsthand account of the atrocities he witnessed and the importance of tolerance and understanding.He also engaged with prominent figures, including King Charles III, the Prince and Princess of Wales, and Labor leader Sir Keir Starmer, amplifying his message to a wider audience. In September 2023, his dedication was formally recognized with an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) awarded by the King at clarence House, acknowledging his remarkable services to Holocaust remembrance and education.
His work wasn’t simply about recounting the past; it was about actively confronting antisemitism in all its forms.Goldberg understood that prejudice, if left unchecked, could lead to the repetition of history’s darkest moments. He tirelessly challenged bigotry and promoted a society built on respect and inclusivity.
The Holocaust Educational Trust, a leading organization in Holocaust remembrance, lauded Goldberg as “truly extraordinary.” Karen Pollock, the Trust’s Chief Executive, expressed the profound loss felt by the community, stating, “Manfred’s passing leaves an irreplaceable void in our hearts and in our community… He chose to look forward, dedicating his life to ensuring that the atrocities of the Holocaust would never be forgotten and that antisemitism in all its guises would be confronted.”
The Trust’s innovative “Testimony 360: Peopel and Places of the Holocaust” program will ensure Goldberg’s legacy endures. This program utilizes digital eyewitness testimony and virtual reality to create an immersive educational experience, allowing future generations to connect with survivors like Goldberg and learn from their experiences.
Manfred Goldberg’s return to Germany in 2018 to lay a memorial stone for his brother, Herman, who perished during the Holocaust, underscored his unwavering commitment to remembrance and reconciliation.He leaves behind a wife, four sons, several grandchildren, and a great-grandchild, a testament to the enduring power of family and the hope for a brighter future.
Manfred Goldberg’s life serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of vigilance, empathy, and education in the face of hatred and intolerance. His legacy will continue to inspire generations to confront prejudice, champion human rights, and ensure that the lessons of the Holocaust are never forgotten. He was,as described by the Holocaust Educational Trust,a true
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