Franz Michalski died in Berlin just a few days ago. Together with his wife Petra, he was one of those tireless witnesses of the times in Berlin who gave accounts, especially to young people, telling about their memories and experiences in the years of National Socialist persecution, and about the anti-Semitic hatred that repeatedly confronted them and their family.

In Berlin, Christoph Heubner, Executive Vice President of the International Auschwitz Committee, paid tribute to the Shoah survivor Franz Michalski as follows:

"Franz Michalski was an impressive witness of the times who won people’s hearts with his friendliness, and the human kindness that he and his wife radiated in the many talks about his experiences during the years of Nazi persecution. Both of them felt it was important to talk, not only about the anti-Semitic hatred of their persecutors, but also about the willingness to help and the courage of those Germans who gave support to the Michalski family in those dark years. In view of the current anti-Semitic hatred that is distorting far too many faces, it is especially painful to bid farewell from this kind and friendly person."