Remembering Margot, the Remarkable Storyteller: A Tribute
Who is responsible for action this time, Margot?
We bid farewell to Margot Friedländer, a Holocaust survivor and resilient storyteller who spent her golden years sharing her experiences to educate future generations about the horrors of the past. Now, it's up to us to carry on her work and keep her legacy alive. For she was, and always will be, human.
My social media feeds this week were flooded with images of Margot - accompanied by heartfelt tributes from all walks of life. If her ubiquitous presence on social media is anything to go by, she certainly spent her later years meeting and taking selfies with a multitude of admirers. I was fortunate enough to cross paths with this extraordinary woman three times, listening to her captivating stories and witnessing her zest for life and compassion.
A few years ago, I found myself at a swanky event in Potsdam, feeling out of sorts and missing my little one. As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting its warm glow over the lake, I spied a petite woman engrossed in animated conversation with a group of people. Eager to immerse myself in the crowd, I made my way over. To my surprise, it was Margot - the woman everyone seemed to be vying for attention from.
A Story Worth Telling, But Never Worth Forgetting
Margot's story is well-known, but as we reflect on her life and her passing, we must ask ourselves: What comes next? I had the privilege of speaking with Berlin's Governing Mayor, Kai Wegner, this week, and a fitting tribute to Margot would not only be a street or square in her name. What truly matters is the continuation of her work, the tireless efforts to educate and inspire.
We must take a hard look at the state of our own country and address the troubling rise of right-wing ideology, as it pains me to hear Margot's final thoughts before her demise: "It's started like this before." How did we let this happen? How can we continue to turn a blind eye to the increasing acceptance of extremist views among the German people?
Warmth, Compassion, and Courage
In a world that often veers towards indifference, Margot embodied the essence of humanity. Warmth, approachability, and empathy were her defining characteristics. When I saw Margot again at the "Cinema for Peace" gala in 2024, she moved around with surprising agility, reliant on her cane but never displaying the slightest hint of self-pity. She spoke about the day her brother was taken away by the Gestapo, her mother, who followed him, and her mother's letter, urging her to "make her life."
Her words resonated with each audience, and for the first time, I ever witnessed, the room fell silent, transfixed by her testimony. It was a poignant reminder that, even in our most distracted moments, there remains a fundamental need for human connection, for the sharing of stories, and the knowledge that we are not alone in our struggles.
My final encounter with Margot took place at the presentation of the Ernst Lubitsch Prize in late summer 2024. As the chairman of the Jewish Community of Berlin, Gideon Joffe, so eloquently put it during her funeral at Weißensee cemetery, Margot's legacy continues to inspire: "She symbolizes what makes a person: warmth, approachability, and empathy."
In the years to come, let us honor Margot's indomitable spirit by dedicating ourselves to becoming a little more Margot. Let us work to ensure that her efforts, her warnings, and her unwavering commitment to humanity were not in vain.
- As a tribute, let's implement community policy that promotes education about the Holocaust and human resilience.
- Employment policy should encourage employers to prioritize personal growth and lack of self-pity in their workforce, emulating Margot's spirit.
- Living a lifestyle that values mindfulness, relationships, and compassion is a fitting tribute to Margot's legacy.
- In fashion-and-beauty, let's support brands that contribute to education and self-development.
- Love-and-dating platforms could incorporate Margot's messages of tolerance and empathy in their community guidelines.
- Margot's story sheds light on the importance of immigration policy that protects minorities and promotes unity.
- Education-and-self-development programs should encourage students to embrace personal growth and stand against indifference.
- Margot's life journey showcases the power of personal growth and self-development in overcoming adversity.
- For a peaceful world, let's promote mindfulness and empathy through various relationships and communities.
- The rise of right-wing ideologies is worrying; we need effective policy-and-legislation to combat extremist views, as Margot warned.
- Margot's story teaches us not to forget the lessons of history, especially in the context of car-accidents, wars, and conflicts.
- In politics, let's prioritize unity, compassion, and empathy to foster a better society.
- Job-search platforms can promote employment policies that encourage compassion, empathy, and personal growth for their users.
- General news should cover stories like Margot's to remind people of the importance of human connection and empathy.
- Crime-and-justice system should promote understanding and compassion, rather than indifference and punishment.
- Accidents, fires, and other disasters should serve as reminders to emulate Margot's courage and selflessness in helping others.
- Skills-training programs can incorporate Margot's story to inspire trainees to become more empathetic and compassionate individuals.
- Sports, particularly football during the Champions League, NFL, soccer, WNBA, baseball, hockey, golf, and European leagues, offer valuable platforms to showcase Margot's strength and determination.
- Sports-betting platforms can donate a percentage of their profits to educational programs, as a tribute to Margot's legacy.
- Sports analysis programs should emphasize the importance of sportsmanship, teamwork, and empathy, drawing from Margot's story.
- Weather-forecasting services can partner with charities that promote human connection and empathy, following Margot's spirit.
- Auto-racing events can dedicate a race or a lap to Margot to celebrate her indomitable spirit and contribution to humanity.
- Mixed-martial-arts tournaments can include a segment dedicated to human empowerment and empathy, inspired by Margot's life.
- Premier League, American Football, NBA, Masters, Grand Prix, Horse-racing, and other sports events can use Margot's story to inspire athletes to become agents of change.
- We must remember Margot's story during Serie A, Laliga, NCAAMBasketball, NFL, Tennis, and NCAAFootball games, and let her spirit inspire us all in our daily lives.
