Rose Girone, oldest living Holocaust survivor, dies at 113

Rose Girone: A Life of Strength and Legacy

Rose Girone, who was believed to be the oldest living Holocaust survivor, has passed away at the age of 113 in New York. Her death marks the loss of not just an extraordinary individual but also a vital link to the history of one of the darkest periods in human history. Girone was not only a survivor but also a passionate advocate for sharing the stories of those who endured the Holocaust, ensuring that their experiences are never forgotten. Her life was a testament to resilience and the enduring human spirit.

Early Life and the Onset of the Holocaust

Born on January 13, 1912, in Janow, Poland, Girone’s life was forever altered by the rise of Adolf Hitler in 1933. Her family moved to Hamburg, Germany, when she was just 6 years old, and she grew up in a world that was rapidly changing. In a 1996 interview with the USC Shoah Foundation, she reflected on how Hitler’s ascension to power shattered any hopes of a normal life, saying, "Hitler came in 1933, and then it was over for everybody." This sentiment encapsulates the abrupt and devastating impact of the Nazi regime on Jewish communities across Europe.

Survival and Perseverance

Girone’s story of survival is one of remarkable courage and resourcefulness. She married Julius Mannheim in 1937 through an arranged marriage, and by 1938, she was a new mother to their daughter, Reha. However, the arrival of the Nazis soon disrupted their lives. Her husband was taken to the Buchenwald concentration camp, leaving her alone with their infant daughter. Despite the challenges, Girone managed to secure Chinese visas with the help of relatives in London, which eventually led to her husband’s release. The family then embarked on a perilous journey to Shanghai, where they settled in a Japanese-occupied ghetto. Life in the ghetto was harsh, with overcrowded living conditions and constant scrutiny. Girone recalled the ruthlessness of the Japanese authorities and the daily struggles they faced, including the tragic loss of a friend who was killed for not moving quickly enough.

Rebuilding Life After the Holocaust

After the war ended, Girone and her family faced the daunting task of rebuilding their lives. They eventually made their way to the United States in 1947, arriving in New York City with little more than $80 hidden in buttons. Girone’s determination and entrepreneurial spirit shone through as she started a knitting store with the support of her mother. She also experienced the joy of reuniting with her brother, whom she had not seen in 17 years. Her personal life continued to evolve as she divorced Mannheim and later married Jack Girone in 1968, a union that lasted until his death in 1990.

A Legacy of Hope and Resilience

Throughout her life, Girone remained a steadfast advocate for Holocaust education and remembrance. Her belief in the importance of sharing survivors’ stories was unwavering, and she often spoke about the need to learn from the past to prevent future atrocities. When asked for a message to pass on to her daughter and granddaughter, she encapsulated her philosophy of resilience: "Nothing is so very bad that something good shouldn’t come out of it. No matter what it is." This message of hope and optimism serves as a lasting legacy, inspiring future generations to face adversity with courage and to never lose faith in the possibility of finding light in darkness.

The Urgent Need to Remember

The passing of Rose Girone serves as a poignant reminder of the dwindling number of Holocaust survivors and the urgency of preserving their stories. As Greg Schneider, executive vice president of the Claims Conference, noted, "The Holocaust is slipping from memory to history, and its lessons are too important, especially in today’s world, to be forgotten." Girone’s life and legacy underscore the importance of continued vigilance against hatred and the need to honor the memories of those who suffered by educating future generations. Her story, like those of other survivors, must continue to be told to ensure that the horrors of the Holocaust are never forgotten.