New York, New York – Rose Girone, a remarkable individual believed to be the oldest living Holocaust survivor, passed away at the age of 113. She dedicated her life to advocating for the sharing of survivors’ stories before her death on Monday. Born in 1912 in Janow, Poland, Girone’s family moved to Hamburg, Germany, when she was just 6 years old.
Throughout her life, Girone faced unimaginable challenges and hardships during the Holocaust. Married to Julius Mannheim through an arranged marriage in 1937, Girone was left pregnant and alone in Breslau, Poland, when Nazis took her husband to a concentration camp. Despite the horrors she experienced, Girone seized every opportunity to preserve her family’s resilience and spirit.
Having secured her husband’s release by obtaining Chinese visas, Girone and her family survived the war in Japan-occupied Shanghai. After enduring the atrocities of a ghetto and witnessing the cruelty of the Japanese military, they eventually made their way to the United States in 1947 with only $80 to their name. Girone’s unwavering strength and resourcefulness propelled her forward as she established a successful knitting store in New York City.
In the face of adversity, Girone’s daughter and granddaughter recall her sage advice: “Nothing is so very bad that something good shouldn’t come out of it.” Throughout her life, Girone carried the weight of her experiences with grace and resilience, leaving a lasting impact on all who knew her. Her daughter, Reha Benicassa, reflects on her mother’s legacy with admiration and respect, emphasizing her remarkable ability to navigate life’s challenges with resilience and courage.
Greg Schneider, executive vice president of the Claims Conference, echoes the sentiment, stressing the importance of preserving the lessons of the Holocaust as first-hand witnesses like Girone pass away. As the number of survivors continues to decline, the urgency of sharing their stories becomes even more critical to prevent the memory of the Holocaust from fading into history.
Rose Girone’s journey is a testament to the enduring power of hope and resilience in the face of unimaginable adversity. Through her advocacy and unwavering spirit, she leaves behind a legacy that will continue to inspire generations to come.