UPDATE: Holocaust survivor and champion of education, Manfred Goldberg, has died at the age of 95. His passing was confirmed by the Holocaust Educational Trust, which highlighted his lifelong dedication to ensuring the atrocities of the Holocaust are never forgotten.
Mr. Goldberg’s commitment to Holocaust education spanned decades, making a profound impact on students across the UK. He shared his harrowing story with numerous schools and met with prominent figures, including King Charles III, the Princess of Wales, and Sir Keir Starmer. His efforts were recognized when he was awarded an MBE by the King in September for his invaluable contributions to Holocaust remembrance.
Born on April 21, 1930, in Kassel, Germany, Mr. Goldberg was deported to the Riga Ghetto in December 1941. Alongside his mother, Rosa, and younger brother, Herman, he faced unimaginable horrors at the hands of the Nazis. As the Red Army advanced in August 1944, he was transferred to the Stutthof concentration camp in Poland, where he endured over eight months as a slave worker before being liberated by British forces in May 1945 at just 15 years old.
After the war, Mr. Goldberg and his mother arrived in Britain in September 1946 to reunite with his father, Baruch, who had escaped the Nazis earlier. Mr. Goldberg later completed an engineering degree and dedicated his life to educating others about the Holocaust, ensuring that his own experiences and those of countless others would not be forgotten.
His legacy continues through the Testimony 360 program initiated by the Holocaust Educational Trust, which employs digital eyewitness testimony and virtual reality to share survivor stories with future generations.
Karen Pollock, chief executive of the Trust, expressed deep sorrow at Mr. Goldberg’s passing, stating,
“Manfred’s passing leaves an irreplaceable void in our hearts and in our community. He dedicated his life to ensuring that the atrocities of the Holocaust would never be forgotten.”
She emphasized his belief in the transformative power of education and his unwavering kindness.
Mr. Goldberg is survived by his wife, four sons, several grandchildren, and a great-grandchild. In a poignant return to Germany in 2018, he laid a memorial stone for his brother Herman, who perished during the Holocaust.
As the world reflects on the loss of this extraordinary individual, Mr. Goldberg’s enduring message against antisemitism and for education will continue to resonate. His impact on young minds and commitment to remembrance will inspire future generations to confront hatred in all its forms.
The Holocaust Educational Trust urges everyone to honor Mr. Goldberg’s memory by continuing the fight against antisemitism and ensuring that history is remembered.
