The Holocaust Educational Trust is deeply saddened at the loss of our dear friend Holocaust survivor Manfred Goldberg MBE.
Karen Pollock CBE, Chief Executive, Holocaust Educational Trust:
Manfred’s passing leaves an irreplaceable void in our hearts and in our community. He was truly extraordinary. Having endured unimaginable horror and loss, he chose to look forward, dedicating his life to ensuring that the atrocities of the Holocaust would never be forgotten and that antisemitism in all its guises would be confronted.
The 15-year-old boy, liberated by the British Army in May 1945, could never have imagined that through his extraordinary dedication to educating the world, he would one day stand shoulder to shoulder with the British Royal Family, Prime Ministers, Ambassadors and Members of Parliament, sharing the story of what happened to him, his family and the Jews of Europe.
Manfred understood the power of education. He spent decades sharing his story with young people across the country and through the Trust’s programme Testimony 360: People and Places of the Holocaust, his legacy is assured. Thanks to digital eyewitness testimony combined with virtual reality, this programme will ensure that his incredible testimony will continue to reach generations of students for many years to come.
Manfred Goldberg MBE was born in Kassel, Germany in 1930. His father secured a visa to the UK via British diplomat Frank Foley, but Manfred, his mother Rosa and brother Hermann were trapped in Germany. They were deported to the Riga Ghetto, Lativa in 1941 and endured imprisonment in Stutthof and its subcamps. During this time, Manfred’s brother Hermann was taken away, his fate unknown.
After liberation, Manfred and his mother came to the UK, where they were reunited with his father, Baruch. Having been forced out of education as a young child, Manfred’s determination led him to complete an engineering degree. In 1961, he married his beloved Shary. Together they built a family with four sons, several grandchildren and a great-grandchild.
We will deeply miss Manfred - his kindness, his encouragement, wisdom and his gentle guidance. He was a true Tzadik -a righteous - and we will strive harder than ever in his name to continue his mission. May his memory be a blessing.