How a 103-Year-Old Holocaust Survivor Embodies the Entrepreneurial Spirit

By Eduard Brink, an EO Europe Bridge chapter member who is the founder of Brink Light and a co-host of the Love, Not Fear podcast. Brink was also a host and organizer of the virtual EO Global AI Summit #3: Beyond Theory, AI At Work which took place 27 February 2025 (members can view Global AI Summit #3 on the EO Virtual Learning Platform).

A year-and-a-half ago, I had the immense privilege of interviewing Margot Friedländer, a 103-year-old Holocaust survivor whose resilience and wisdom left an indelible mark on my life. 
That encounter was one of the EO European Bridge chapter’s learning events. It lingered with me—her words about humanity, forgiveness, and embracing life despite the unimaginable loss. Last week, I had the honor of meeting her again, this time in her home in Berlin. It wasn’t just a reunion; it felt like stepping into a living piece of history.

Now even more fragile, Margot seemed as light as a feather—I could have lifted her with one arm. Yet, the warmth in her eyes hadn’t dimmed. There was still that quiet determination, partially surprised by the attention she continues to receive and driven as ever to promote the work of her foundation. She immediately inquired after the young man who gave her a little silver ring (this was my Forum buddy Shrowen, who is well in his forties). Her home reflected her journey, packed with books and tokens of appreciation for the countless lives she’s touched over the past two decades.

Her friend and caretaker, Prof. Karsten Dreinhöfer, shared something staggering: Margot made over 200 public appearances last year alone. At an age when most would seek rest, she has become an international symbol of hope—a living testament to resilience.

For me, the experience of speaking with someone who witnessed the rise and fall of Nazism as an adult remains surreal. One moment stood out: Margot's face softened when I mentioned my home country, the Netherlands. “I had such dear friends there,” she said quietly. Then, almost as an afterthought, she added, “All deported and killed.” Her words hung in the air, a stark reminder of how personal history truly is.

Lessons Learned from the World’s Oldest Holocaust Survivor

Since our first meeting, I’ve reflected often on the lessons Margot embodies that can benefit me and all entrepreneurs both personally and professionally. Two key takeaways stand out:

1. Mindset and purpose shape longevity.

Margot’s positivity and curiosity about people seem to be her life force. She doesn’t just survive—she engages, learns, and connects. Perhaps this is the recipe for a long and meaningful life: Staying open to the world rather than retreating from it.

2. History repeats when we forget.

Our world today faces new waves of cruelty and suffering. How do we keep allowing angry old men to tear nations apart? I wondered if Margot saw echoes of her past in the present, but she seemed tired, and I didn’t dare bring it up. Some wounds, even after a century, deserve rest.

Still, I left this meeting with the same feeling as the first: A lightness, a sense of hope, and the reminder that we each hold the power to shape our lives, no matter what history throws our way.

Margot’s story isn’t just one of survival. It’s a story of choice—embracing love over bitterness, connection over isolation, and purpose over despair. And if she can make that choice after all she’s endured, we can, too.

Honoring Margot’s Legacy Through Her Own Words

Margot Friedländer, the oldest Holocaust survivor alive today, lived in the United States from 1946 until 2010. After surviving the Theresienstadt concentration camp, she and her husband, Adolf Friedländer, emigrated to New York City in 1946. They settled in Queens, where Adolf worked as the comptroller at the 92nd Street Y, and Margot was a travel agent and seamstress. Following Adolf’s death in 1997, Margot began attending memoir-writing classes at the 92nd Street Y, which eventually led her to share her experiences during the Holocaust. In 2010, she decided to return to her native Berlin, where she continues to educate others about her life and the importance of tolerance and humanity.

Her book, Try to Make Your Life, is one of the most powerful testaments to her life and message. Recognizing the importance of preserving her story, my friend and fellow EO member, Simone Graebner, produced a video featuring Margot reading the most prominent chapters in English. This heartfelt project was gifted to the Margot Friedländer Foundation (Margot Friedländer Stiftung) to support her mission further.

Graebner’s video was more than a donation; it was an investment in preserving history, promoting tolerance, and ensuring that future generations remember the lessons Margot so tirelessly shares. Because, as she often reminds us: “Be human. Be respectful. It can happen again.”

Let’s ensure that her voice inspires long after the conversations end.

Check out Eduard Brink’s previous post: How To Thrive in Uncertainty: 4 Lessons from 7 Years in the Wilderness.