It is with profound sorrow, heartfelt appreciation and the greatest respect that Auschwitz survivors throughout the world are bidding farewell to Thomas Buergenthal who survived Auschwitz as one of the few remaining Jewish children. In Berlin Christoph Heubner, Executive Vice President of the International Auschwitz Committee, paid tribute as follows:

"Throughout his life Thomas Buergenthal was aware of the fact that he was one of the very few Jewish children to have survived Auschwitz and to have escaped the Nazi gas chambers. This awareness resulted in his commitment to give a voice to all of those children who were murdered in Auschwitz. Remembering the children of Auschwitz strongly shaped his life, as well as his lifelong fight for rights and justice. He hoped, and fought steadfastly, for a world without anti-Semitism, hatred and genocide. He refused to abandon this hope to which he dedicated his life. His voice is still very much needed, especially now."