URGENT UPDATE: Holocaust survivor and esteemed educator Manfred Goldberg has died at the age of 95, leaving a profound impact on Holocaust education across the UK. Mr. Goldberg’s passing was confirmed earlier today, marking a significant loss for the community dedicated to remembering the atrocities of the Holocaust.
Manfred Goldberg, who dedicated his life to educating young people about the Holocaust, met with numerous dignitaries including King Charles, the Prince and Princess of Wales, and Sir Keir Starmer. He was honored with an MBE by King Charles at Clarence House in September for his unwavering commitment to Holocaust remembrance.
Born into an Orthodox Jewish family in Kassel, Germany, on April 21, 1930, Mr. Goldberg was deported to the Riga Ghetto in Latvia in December 1941. As the Red Army advanced in August 1944, he and other surviving prisoners were transferred to Stutthof concentration camp, where he endured over eight months of forced labor before being liberated by British forces in May 1945 at just 15 years old.
Following the war, Mr. Goldberg immigrated to Britain with his mother in September 1946, reuniting with his father, Baruch, who had escaped Germany just before the war. After mastering English, he completed an engineering degree while sharing his harrowing experiences with others.
The Holocaust Educational Trust highlighted Mr. Goldberg’s extraordinary life, stating he was committed to ensuring that Holocaust atrocities would never be forgotten and that antisemitism would be confronted. Chief Executive Karen Pollock expressed deep sorrow over his passing, saying, “Manfred’s legacy will continue through the Trust’s program Testimony 360, which combines digital eyewitness testimony with virtual reality to reach future generations.”
Mr. Goldberg’s legacy is profoundly felt. He was not just a survivor but a beacon of hope and understanding. His efforts over decades to educate young people have ensured that the lessons of the Holocaust will endure.
His family survives him, including his wife, four sons, several grandchildren, and a great-grandchild. In 2018, he returned to Germany to lay a memorial stone for his brother, Herman, who perished during the Holocaust, underscoring his lifelong commitment to remembrance.
As the community mourns, the urgent call to continue Mr. Goldberg’s mission of education and remembrance grows stronger. His extraordinary story and dedication to combating hatred will inspire future generations to confront antisemitism and ensure that history is never repeated.
For more updates on Manfred Goldberg’s legacy and the ongoing efforts of the Holocaust Educational Trust, stay tuned.
