Overview

• Germany held a state memorial for Friedländer on July 9 at the Berlin Philharmonie, with President Steinmeier delivering the keynote address.
• Steinmeier promised never to forget her imperative “Seid Menschen!” and called on citizens to defend democracy and human dignity.
• Since founding her namesake foundation in 2023 at age 101, Friedländer’s legacy has driven its efforts to engage young people and award pro-democracy projects.
• The Berlin parliament has yet to finalize proposals to rename streets or squares in her honor, citing the need for a citywide commemoration plan.
• Friedländer, who survived deportation to Theresienstadt in 1944 and returned to Berlin in 2009, died on May 9 at age 103, leaving a moral testament against antisemitism.