Rose Girone, the oldest known Holocaust survivor, has passed away at the age of 113. Her daughter, Reha Bennicasa, confirmed her death at a nursing home in Bellmore, New York. Girone, born Rosa Raubvogel in 1912 in southeastern Poland, endured the horrors of both German and Japanese oppression during World War II.
In 1937, Girone married Julius Mannheim, a German Jew who was later deported to Buchenwald concentration camp. Despite the challenges she faced, Girone managed to secure her husband's release and flee to Shanghai with her family. However, their struggles continued as they were forced to live in cramped conditions under Japanese occupation.
Girone's resilience and resourcefulness shone through as she began knitting clothes to support her family. This skill became a lifelong passion and a source of strength for her. After the war, Girone and her family immigrated to the United States, where she pursued a career as a knitting instructor and eventually opened her own knitting store in Queens.
Reflecting on her experiences, Girone emphasized the importance of finding positivity in the face of adversity. She believed that every tragedy held the potential for something good to emerge. Her daughter, Bennicasa, echoed this sentiment, stating that her mother's example had prepared her to face any challenge with courage.
Despite the hardships she endured, Girone remained unafraid and resilient, inspiring those around her with her unwavering spirit. Her story serves as a testament to the strength and perseverance of Holocaust survivors, of whom there are approximately 245,000 still alive today.
