Obituary – Cause of Death : Ben Ferencz, last living Nuremberg prosecutor, dies at 103

Ben Ferencz, the last surviving prosecutor of the Nuremberg trials, has passed away at the remarkable age of 103. The news of his death was confirmed by a tweet from the user Tëšś_Dårłįñg on December 23, 2023. While the cause of his death is unknown at this time, it is important to acknowledge and celebrate the incredible legacy that Ferencz leaves behind.

Born on March 11, 1920, in Transylvania, Romania, Ferencz and his family immigrated to the United States when he was just an infant. Growing up in New York City, he excelled academically and went on to attend Harvard Law School. However, his studies would be temporarily interrupted by the outbreak of World War II.

During the war, Ferencz served in the U.S. Army and was among the first troops to enter Nazi concentration camps, witnessing the horrors of the Holocaust firsthand. This experience had a profound impact on him and would shape his future career.

After the war, Ferencz was appointed as a prosecutor for the Nuremberg trials, a series of military tribunals held to bring Nazi war criminals to justice. At the age of just 27, he became the chief prosecutor in the Einsatzgruppen case, one of the 12 trials held in Nuremberg.

Ferencz’s work at the Nuremberg trials was groundbreaking. He played a vital role in establishing the legal concept of crimes against humanity, which had never before been recognized in international law. His efforts led to the successful prosecution of 22 Nazi SS officers responsible for the murder of over a million people.

Following his work at Nuremberg, Ferencz advocated for the establishment of a permanent international criminal court. He dedicated his life to promoting the rule of law and fighting against impunity for war crimes and genocide. His tireless efforts earned him numerous awards and honors, including the Erasmus Prize and the Stockholm Human Rights Award.

In addition to his legal career, Ferencz was also an author and lecturer. He wrote several books, including “Less Than Slaves” and “Defining International Aggression: The Search for World Peace.” He traveled the world, speaking about his experiences and advocating for justice.

Ferencz’s legacy extends far beyond his legal achievements. He was a symbol of resilience, compassion, and the power of justice. His commitment to holding accountable those responsible for the gravest of crimes serves as an inspiration to future generations.

The news of Ferencz’s passing is met with a deep sense of loss, but his legacy will undoubtedly live on. As the last living prosecutor of the Nuremberg trials, he leaves behind a lasting impact on international criminal law and the pursuit of justice. His work serves as a reminder of the importance of remembering history and learning from it.

While we mourn the loss of this remarkable individual, let us also celebrate the life and achievements of Ben Ferencz. His unwavering dedication to justice and his tireless efforts to ensure accountability for war crimes will continue to inspire and guide us in the fight against impunity. May his soul rest in peace..

Ben Ferencz, last living Nuremberg prosecutor, dies at 103 https://t.co/Oq0ZOBSzsY

— Tëšś_Dårłįñg (@radioactv915) December 23, 2023

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@radioactv915 said Ben Ferencz, last living Nuremberg prosecutor, dies at 103 washingtonpost.com/obituaries/202…