Manfred Goldberg, Holocaust survivor and passionate educator. Though he left us too early in 2023, his unique legacy will continue to inspire generations of young people to understand the horrific truth of the Holocaust. Goldberg’s birth certificate, April 21, 1930, in Kassel, Germany. Yet all of that promise in his early life was eclipsed by heartache, as he faced the horrific truths of World War II. His father fled Germany once the war started. Sadly, Manfred and his family weren’t as fortunate.
In late December 1941, Manfred—with his mother Rosa and brother Hermann—was arrested and sent to the Riga Ghetto. Their nightmare story did not end there, as they were subsequently transported to the Stutthof concentration camp. Stutthof, established in 1939, became one of the most inhuman camp systems, where 63,000–65,000 prisoners died, among them approximately 28,000 Jews. Tragically, Manfred’s brother Hermann died before liberation. After the war, Manfred and his mother were again reunited with his father.
A New Life in the United Kingdom
After the war, Manfred Goldberg came to the United Kingdom, where he started his life anew. He learned English and pursued an engineering degree, showcasing his resilience and determination to overcome the adversities he had faced. He was a passionate advocate who worked tirelessly to tell his story and teach generations of students about the Holocaust.
Goldberg’s commitment to Holocaust education was unwavering. At the start of 2023, he was hitting the school tour ground running. He became committed to telling his story and helping that dark chapter of history be never forgotten. His influence stretched beyond his personal crusade. They underscored the need for appreciation and understanding as the key and imperative form of remembrance.
Tributes from Royalty
Goldberg’s powerful work quickly drew the attention of British royalty. He welcomed Prince William and Kate Middleton on three visits, most notably their leadership visit to the camp at Stutthof in 2017. He continues, ceaselessly, to be a national leader fighting for Holocaust remembrance and education. For his tireless commitment, King Charles recognized him in September by awarding him an MBE.
King Charles honored Goldberg after his death, calling his death “a great sorrow.” He stated, “My wife and I were most deeply saddened to hear the news of Manfred Goldberg’s recent death and, together with everyone present, mourn his great loss in our hearts and souls.”
Prince William and the Princess of Wales posted condolences and shared memories of their visit to Stutthof. They noted, “We are deeply saddened by the passing of Manfred Goldberg. Having joined him on a visit to Stutthof, we witnessed first-hand his extraordinary strength, grace and dedication to sharing his story. His tireless work to educate young people about the Holocaust will never be forgotten.”
Continuing His Legacy
Manfred Goldberg’s legacy will continue long past his lifetime. He instilled a deep sense of accountability in all who were honored to hear his story. His experiences served as a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity.
King Charles emphasized the importance of remembrance when he remarked, “I feel I must go for the 80th anniversary. It’s so important.” This reflects an admirable societal tendency to deeply commit our public spaces to memorializing exceptional individuals such as Goldberg. These heroes gave their lives to ensure that day would never come again.
