Rose Girone, The World’s Oldest Holocaust Survivor, Dies At Age 113

Rose Girone, recognized as the oldest living Holocaust survivor, has passed away at the age of 113.

Girone, who marked her 113th birthday on January 13, 2025, managed to escape Nazi Germany with her husband and young child before eventually settling in the United States in 1947. Her remarkable journey of survival and perseverance stands as a symbol of hope and endurance through one of history’s darkest periods.

Her passing was confirmed by her daughter, Reha Bennicasa, according to CNN. She died peacefully at a nursing home in Bellmore, located on Long Island. Friends and family gathered to honor her memory, reflecting on her incredible life and the many lives she touched over the years.

Born as Rosa Raubvogel in 1912 in Poland, she later relocated to Germany during her childhood. There, she built a life, got married, and started a family. However, her world was soon shattered when her husband was taken to a concentration camp.

“My father was already imprisoned when I was born,” Bennicasa recalled. “They took him and his father away, but apparently, they managed to pay for his release under the condition that we would leave for Shanghai within six weeks.”

Fleeing persecution, the family sought refuge in China. At the time, Shanghai was one of the few places that accepted Jewish refugees, providing shelter to around 20,000 people fleeing the horrors of World War II. Life in Shanghai was far from easy, but it offered safety. Many Jewish refugees, including Girone’s family, lived in a designated area under Japanese occupation, facing poverty and uncertainty.

For nine years, Bennicasa grew up in this city, which became a temporary safe haven for her family and thousands of others. Despite the hardships, Girone remained resilient, finding ways to support her family and sustain hope for a better future.

A New Life in America

After the war, Girone and her family resettled in New York. Determined to build a future, she opened two knitting stores in Queens. Her talent for creating intricate knitwear quickly became well known, and her designs attracted a loyal customer base.

“People would show her something from a fashion magazine, and she could recreate it perfectly in knitwear,” Bennicasa shared.

Her craftsmanship was unmatched, and she took pride in every piece she created. Her stores became more than just places of business; they were spaces of community where customers and friends would gather, exchanging stories and appreciating the artistry of her work.

Girone continued knitting well into her later years, keeping at it until she was nearly 102 years old. Her hands, once weary from hardship, found solace and purpose in the rhythmic movements of knitting, a testament to her enduring spirit.

Watch: Oldest Living Holocaust Survivor in the World

The Legacy She Leaves Behind

Despite the passage of time, the number of Holocaust survivors remains significant, though it continues to dwindle. According to The Claims Conference, approximately 245,000 Holocaust survivors are still alive today.

Rose Girone’s life was a testament to resilience, survival, and determination. Her story, like that of many others who endured unimaginable hardship, serves as a powerful reminder of history’s darkest chapters and the enduring strength of the human spirit. Her legacy lives on not only through her family but also in the countless individuals who have been inspired by her journey. She leaves behind a story of survival, hope, and an unwavering will to persevere against all odds.