Holocaust Survivor Manfred Goldberg Shares His Story of Survival

Manfred Goldberg, 94, a Holocaust survivor, recounted his harrowing experiences during the Nazi regime in an interview in London. At just 13 years old, he faced life-threatening decisions as he navigated a labor camp in Latvia, where a fellow prisoner advised him to lie about his age, potentially saving his life. Under Nazi policies, prisoners under the age of 17 were often killed, whereas those older were selected for forced labor.

As he reflects on the rising incidents of Holocaust denial and antisemitism, Goldberg emphasizes the importance of sharing his story, stating, "Silence never helps the oppressed; it always helps the oppressors." He described the painful loss of his younger brother, Herman, who was taken from their mother and father during their imprisonment.

Goldberg's mother managed to keep their family together until they were separated when Goldberg and his mother were moved to a labor camp, while Herman remained behind. During the Nazi retreat, Goldberg experienced a miraculous escape when British forces liberated the camp.

Now, as one of the last surviving witnesses to these events, Goldberg is dedicated to ensuring that the horrors of the Holocaust are not forgotten and that stories like his continue to resonate, especially with younger generations.