Remembering Rose Girone, Holocaust Survivor Who Advocated for Memory and Hope

Rose Girone, recognized as one of the oldest living Holocaust survivors, passed away at the age of 113. Her dedication to sharing the stories of survivors set her apart as a powerful voice for memory and resilience.

Girone died on Monday in New York, as confirmed by the Claims Conference, an organization that works on behalf of Holocaust survivors to address their needs and honor their stories.

Greg Schneider, executive vice president of the Claims Conference, paid tribute to Girone’s legacy. He stated that she represented an embodiment of endurance and reminded the world of the pressing obligation to perpetuate the lessons of the Holocaust.

A Life Marked by Loss and Strength

Born on January 13, 1912, in Janow, Poland, Rose Girone’s childhood was abruptly transformed when her family relocated to Hamburg, Germany, at the age of six. Her early life plans vanished when the Nazis rose to power in 1933, marking the beginning of an era of persecution for Jews across Europe.

Reflecting on the impact of Hitler’s regime, Girone noted in a recorded interview with the USC Shoah Foundation that the aspirations of her generation were extinguished with the onset of fascism.

Recent estimates from the Claims Conference reveal that approximately 245,000 Holocaust survivors remain alive, spread across more than 90 countries. Sadly, their numbers are declining rapidly, with the median age of these survivors now at 86. The urgency to document their testimonies has never been greater.

The Shadows of History

During the Holocaust, the Nazis and their collaborators murdered six million Jews and countless others belonging to marginalized groups. Girone’s experiences serve as a harrowing reminder of the atrocities committed during this dark chapter of history.

Reflecting on her passing, Schneider emphasized the importance of sharing Holocaust narratives while we still have firsthand witnesses to retell their stories. He remarked that the Holocaust is slipping from collective memory into mere history, underscoring the vital need to remember and learn from these events, especially in today’s world.

The Journey of Survival

In 1937, Girone married Julius Mannheim in an arranged marriage. While living in Breslau, now Wroclaw in Poland, she faced the imminent threat of Nazi persecution. At nine months pregnant, her husband was taken away to the Buchenwald concentration camp. With their housekeeper, Girone was left alone to navigate her grim reality.

One memory stands out: as her husband was seized, a Nazi officer hesitated over her condition, allowing her a brief reprieve. Despite the harrowing circumstances, she managed to secure visas to escape, providing a fragile lifeline for her family.

By 1941, conditions in the Jewish ghetto grew increasingly dire, forcing Girone, her husband, and their infant daughter into squalid living conditions that were rife with despair. Despite everything, Girone’s resilience shone through; she worked diligently to support her family while enduring the constraints of their harsh environment.

Life in Exile

When the war ended, Girone and her family finally received letters from relatives in the United States. With their assistance, they embarked on a journey to San Francisco in 1947, arriving with just $80, cleverly concealed by Girone inside buttons to evade confiscation.

Upon reaching New York City, she revitalized her life, opening a knitting shop with her mother. This venture illustrated her ability to adapt and thrive despite immense loss.

Later, she was reunited with her brother after a 17-year separation, a poignant reunion that further emphasized the themes of survival and connection that pervaded her life.

A Legacy of Hope and Resilience

Following the end of her marriage to Mannheim, Girone found love again in 1968 with Jack Girone. Their union highlighted a new chapter in her life, filled with the potential for happiness despite the shadows of her past. Jack Girone passed away in 1990.

In her 1996 interview, Girone shared a poignant message for her daughter and granddaughter, encapsulating her life’s philosophy. She stated that no matter how dire the circumstances, something good can emerge from every hardship.

Honoring a Lifelong Mission

As we reflect on Rose Girone’s remarkable life, we recognize her as not just a survivor but a beacon of hope. Her unwavering commitment to sharing her experiences underscores the importance of vigilance against prejudice and hatred in contemporary society. Each story like hers is a vital thread in the tapestry of history that reminds us to remain alert and compassionate.

In the wake of her passing, we must remember that the responsibility to share and learn from the Holocaust does not rest solely on the shoulders of survivors but upon all of us. It is crucial to ensure that such atrocities never happen again.