Simon Wiesenthal 1908 – 2005

Biography

Simon Wiesenthal was born on December 31, 1908, in Buchach, a town in what is now Ukraine. His life would span nearly a century, witnessing some of history’s darkest chapters and dedicating himself to ensuring they would not be forgotten. As a Jewish Austrian, Wiesenthal survived the Holocaust, an experience that profoundly shaped his life’s purpose and values.

Following the war, Wiesenthal devoted himself to documenting Nazi crimes and pursuing those responsible for atrocities against the Jewish people. His work as a Nazi hunter became his defining legacy, combining meticulous research with unwavering determination to bring war criminals to justice. Through his efforts, he helped locate and identify numerous perpetrators, making him one of the most significant figures in Holocaust documentation and remembrance.

Wiesenthal spent his final decades in Vienna, Austria, continuing his mission until his death on September 20, 2005. His life represented a commitment to accountability, justice, and the preservation of historical truth. He was laid to rest at the Old Cemetery of Herzliya in Israel, a final resting place that reflected both his heritage and his connection to the Jewish people. His work remains an enduring testament to the importance of bearing witness and pursuing justice.