UPDATE: Holocaust survivor and esteemed educator Manfred Goldberg has died at the age of 95, as confirmed by the Holocaust Educational Trust. Goldberg, who dedicated his life to Holocaust remembrance and education, passed away earlier today, leaving a profound impact on countless students and educators across the UK.
Goldberg was known for his tireless efforts to ensure the atrocities of the Holocaust are never forgotten. He frequently shared his harrowing personal story with schools, meeting with prominent figures including King Charles III, the Prince and Princess of Wales, and Sir Keir Starmer. His commitment to confronting antisemitism in all its forms was unwavering.
In recognition of his contributions, Goldberg was honored with an MBE by King Charles III at Clarence House in September 2023. This accolade highlighted his lifelong dedication to Holocaust education, which he believed was crucial in preventing history from repeating itself.
Born on April 21, 1930, in Kassel, Germany, Goldberg was deported by the Nazis to the Riga Ghetto in December 1941, alongside his mother, Rosa, and younger brother, Herman. As the Red Army advanced in August 1944, he was transferred to the Stutthof concentration camp near Gdansk, Poland, where he endured over eight months of forced labor. He was liberated by British forces in May 1945, at just 15 years old.
After the war, Goldberg and his mother immigrated to Britain in September 1946 to reunite with his father, Baruch, who had escaped the Nazis in August 1939. Learning English, he earned an engineering degree and devoted himself to sharing his family’s story and the broader narrative of Jewish suffering during the Holocaust.
Goldberg is remembered as a devoted family man, 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 tragically lost his life during the Holocaust.
Karen Pollock, CEO of the Holocaust Educational Trust, expressed deep sorrow at Goldberg’s passing, stating, “Manfred’s passing leaves an irreplaceable void in our hearts and in our community.” She emphasized his extraordinary commitment to education, saying, “His legacy is assured through the Trust’s program Testimony 360: People and Places of the Holocaust.” This program combines digital eyewitness testimony with virtual reality, ensuring that his powerful story continues to reach students for generations.
Pollock reflected on Goldberg’s lasting impact, declaring, “We will deeply miss Manfred – his kindness, encouragement, wisdom, and gentle guidance. He was a true Tzadik – a righteous man – and we will strive harder than ever in his name to continue his mission.”
As the world mourns the loss of this remarkable educator, his story and teachings will undoubtedly continue to resonate, reminding us of the importance of remembrance and education in the fight against hatred and intolerance.
