A poignant ceremony was held recently in Lüdenscheid, Germany, to celebrate the remarkable milestone of Holocaust survivor Fred Behrend as he turned 100 years old. This touching event was marked by the installation of Stolpersteine, small brass plaques that commemorate the last voluntary addresses of Holocaust victims. For Behrend, the placement of these stones bearing his name alongside those of his parents signifies more than mere recognition; it stands as a testament to the importance of remembrance and education regarding the atrocities of the Holocaust.
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Behrend expressed his deep emotions about the tribute, stating, “This means more to me than words can express. These three small stones will remain in my hometown, bearing the names of my parents and my own.” He highlighted the significance of the Stolpersteine as a means for future generations to acknowledge and learn about the Jewish families that once flourished in places like Lüdenscheid, thus ensuring that their memories endure beyond his own narrative.
Joining Fred in this heartfelt occasion were his two children, Andrew and Evelyn Behrend, who accompanied him to the memorial event. Fred reminisced about the joy of having his family welcomed back to their ancestral home, appreciating the honour bestowed upon them. “To know that our story will have a permanent place here is an extraordinary gift,” he remarked, reflecting on the emotional weight of the day.
At only twelve years of age, Fred’s life took a dramatic turn when he was forced to leave Germany due to the escalation of anti-Semitic policies, which included barring Jews from public schools. His escape was made possible through the significant financial sacrifices of his uncle, who helped him and his family find refuge in Cuba before eventually gaining entry to the United States a year and a half later.
Recalling the horrors of the Holocaust, Fred Behrend is adamant about the importance of remembering this dark chapter in history. He insists that “the evils that hatred can give rise to” need to be acknowledged by future generations. In a powerful message, he urges individuals to remain vigilant against bigotry and hatred, stating, “People cannot ignore hate and think it will just go away.”
Behrend has made several visits back to Lüdenscheid since starting his new life in America, the most recent of which took place this month. He fondly remembers his earlier visits, particularly the first one in 1991, when he was able to show his late wife the places of his childhood. “I was also able to reunite with one of the friends I last saw as a child,” he recalled, eliciting a sense of nostalgia and deep connection to his past.
As he summarises his extraordinary life, Fred reflects on the myriad of experiences he has witnessed over the decades, many of which were burdened with pain and loss. However, he also denotes a sense of gratitude for the interesting journey he has had, stating, “Sometimes I ask myself, ‘Did all these things happen in one lifetime?’ It’s unbelievable.”
In addition to being a dedicated father and grandfather, Fred Behrend is also an accomplished author, having co-written “Rebuilt from Broken Glass: A German Jewish Life Remade in America,” alongside Larry Hanover. This book chronicled his life experiences and has also been adapted into a documentary of the same name, providing further insight into his resilience and tenacity.
The ceremony in Lüdenscheid not only celebrated Fred Behrend’s centenary but also served as a platform to remember the past while fostering a commitment to ensuring that such tragedies never happen again. It was a vivid reminder that the legacy of those who perished will continue to inspire and educate future generations on the values of empathy, awareness, and vigilance against prejudice.
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