Mourning Over Ruth Weiss's Demise
Ruth Weiss: A Life Dedicated to Justice and Reconciliation
Ruth Weiss, a journalist and author who dedicated her life to fighting against racism and discrimination, passed away on September 5th at the age of 101. Born in Fürth in 1924 and spending much of her childhood in Aschaffenburg, Weiss's life and work are an inspiring example of courage, determination, and tireless commitment to justice.
In 1936, due to her Jewish heritage, Weiss had to emigrate to South Africa. It was there that she became a prominent figure, tirelessly fighting against the apartheid regime. Her experiences in South Africa shaped her deep aversion to any form of racism and discrimination. Since 1960, she has been writing relentlessly against racism, the oppression of minorities, and for women's rights.
In 1999, Weiss first visited the then Girls' Realschule Aschaffenburg. From then on, she visited regularly, sharing stories and discussing courage, justice, and tolerance with the students. In 2010, the school was named after her in a grand ceremony, with the task of carrying on her message of humanity and reconciliation.
The Ruth-Weiss-Society was founded in 2019 by her friends to properly maintain her work and the values it stands for. No information was available about who will continue Weiss's work after the society's establishment. However, Anni Kropf of the Ruth-Weiss-Society promised to continue working to ensure that religion or skin color does not determine the value of people, based on the experiences Weiss shared.
Sandra Finnegan, principal of the Ruth-Weiss-Realschule, said that they will not forget Weiss and will keep her memory alive. A festive reception and a school festival were held for her 100th birthday in the city and the school.
Weiss was honoured with numerous awards for her work, including the Federal Cross of Merit in 2014 and the Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany in 2024. In 2023, she was honoured with the South African national order "Companion of O. R. Tambo". During her fight against apartheid, she met figures like Nelson Mandela.
In her last visit to Aschaffenburg in 2024, Mayor Jürgen Herzing stated that Weiss' life and work are an inspiring example of courage, determination, and tireless commitment to justice. Weiss' legacy will continue to inspire generations to come, as they strive for a more just and equal world.
Read also:
- Controlled spree of Legionnaires' disease among Harlem residents ceased, city health authorities confirm; however, locals push for increased openness and information disclosure
- Transform City for the Better
- America's Shift Towards Lower Democracy Levels: Consequences for Europe
- RFK Jr. Declares Ambitious Overhaul of Flawed Organ Donation System
