Rose Girone, recognized as the world’s longest-living Holocaust survivor, passed away on February 24, 2025, in Bellmore, New York, at the age of 113. Her daughter, Reha Bennicasa, reported that the cause of death was old age.
A Life Marked by Resilience
Born on January 13, 1912, in Poland, Girone and her family moved to Hamburg, Germany, in search of better opportunities. However, with the rise of the Nazi regime and increasing persecution of Jews in Europe, the family made the difficult decision to flee in 1939. They found refuge in Shanghai, China, one of the few places in the world at that time that accepted Jewish refugees without a visa.
During World War II, life in Shanghai was far from easy. The city was under Japanese occupation, and Jewish refugees lived in precarious conditions. Nevertheless, Girone adapted and found a way to sustain her family through textile work. Her skill in sewing and working with fabrics not only helped them survive but also became a lifelong vocation.
A New Life in the United States
After the war, Girone emigrated to the United States, settling in New York. There, she opened a fabric store in Forest Hills, Queens, becoming a beloved figure in her community. Her business not only provided her with a livelihood but also became a meeting place for those who shared her passion for textiles.
Throughout her life, Girone dedicated time to sharing her story, providing testimony to organizations such as the USC Shoah Foundation and the Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center of Nassau County. Her account became an invaluable resource for Holocaust education, helping to raise awareness among new generations about the horrors of the past and the importance of historical memory.
A Legacy of Strength and Perseverance
Rose Girone lived for more than a century, marked by adversity, survival, and resilience. Her story is a testament to the human capacity to face challenges with courage and dignity. Her legacy will endure not only through her family and community but also in the collective memory of those who value the importance of remembering and learning from history.