Albrecht Weinberg, a Holocaust survivor, has passed away at the age of 101. His hometown of Leer announced this news on Tuesday. During the Nazi era, Weinberg survived three concentration camps, and he later became a visible public witness (Zeitzeuge). More recently, he attracted attention when he announced he intended to return the Federal Cross of Merit, which had been awarded to him in 2017. This decision followed a resolution motion regarding migration policy in the Bundestag by the CDU/CSU that gained support from members of the AfD.
Claus-Peter Horst, the mayor of Leer, highlighted the immense value Weinberg brought to the community. He remarked that since his return to his East Frisian home from New York 14 years ago, Weinberg had tirelessly and with unbelievable energy shared his harrowing experiences during National Socialism, repeatedly warning the world against forgetting. For the town of Leer, the death of Weinberg is considered a great loss.
Senator Frank-Walter Steinmeier offered condolences, praising Weinberg. “As a survivor of the Shoah, Albrecht Weinberg tirelessly dedicated himself to freedom and democracy, gifting our country reconciliation” wrote the state head of state. “For this, our country is deeply grateful”.
Steinmeier recalled their profoundly emotional visit to the Bergen-Belsen memorial site in 2022: “I will never forget our shared visit to Bergen-Belsen, where he suffered”. Weinberg’s horrific ordeal began in his childhood. He was forced to leave his East Frisian home and was deported with his siblings to Auschwitz. He endured the horrors of the extermination camp for two years, before being transported via death marches in the winter of 1945 to Mittelbau-Dora, subsequently to KZ Neuengamme, and finally, after being completely debilitated, to KZ Bergen-Belsen.
Steinmeier stated that Albrecht Weinberg’s life story serves as a profound warning for us and for future generations. He added that Weinberg’s impressive efforts teaching young people about his destiny in schools were deeply moving. Furthermore, in a move prompted by concerns over current domestic political developments, he decided to return the federal decoration. Although his decision was painful, he left all of us with the mission to commit to defending our democracy with all our strength.
The life and work of Weinberg remain a sense of duty, particularly in a time when democracy is under pressure and anti-Semitism is continually rising within the country. Steinmeier concluded by emphasizing that it remains the responsibility of all citizens to stand up for the Jewish community and preserve democracy.