Lawrence Langer Obituary – Cause of Death News : “Holocaust Research Pioneer Passes: Aged 94”

Lawrence Langer, Renowned Holocaust Scholar and Author, Passes Away at 94

Lawrence Langer, a distinguished literature professor and renowned Holocaust scholar, has died at the age of 94. Langer dedicated his life to understanding the true nature of the Holocaust and ensuring that the memories of survivors were accurately represented.

A Life Devoted to Understanding

Throughout his career, Langer delved into the testimonies of Holocaust survivors, analyzing their words to gain a deeper understanding of the genocide and the process of memory. His groundbreaking work, including the widely acclaimed book “Holocaust Testimonies: The Ruins of Memory,” challenged the notion of mythologizing survivors and instead emphasized the importance of taking eyewitness accounts seriously.

As a professor emeritus of English at Simmons University in Boston, Langer often debated against the ideas put forth by “trauma theorists” who sought to find positive aspects in the midst of unspeakable tragedy. He believed that this approach distorted the true nature of the Holocaust and did not align with the experiences shared by survivors.

A Legacy of Scholarship

Langer’s passion for understanding the Holocaust was ignited during a visit to concentration camps in Austria in 1964. This experience led him to write his first book, “The Holocaust and the Literary Imagination,” which was a finalist for the National Book Award. He went on to publish numerous other works, including “Art from the Ashes: A Holocaust Anthology.”

He played a pivotal role in introducing Holocaust literature to American colleges and universities. In 1965, Langer opened the first course on Holocaust literature at Simmons College, paving the way for future generations of scholars and students to explore this important subject.

In recognition of his contributions, Langer received the Distinguished Achievement Award in Holocaust Studies from the Holocaust Educational Foundation in 2016. Additionally, the City University of New York will posthumously honor him with an honorary doctorate at its upcoming commencement ceremony in May.

A Personal Connection

Born in the Bronx in 1929, Langer had a personal connection to the Holocaust. In the early 1940s, a German-Jewish family sought refuge in his family’s home, leaving a lasting impression on him. This experience, coupled with his academic pursuits, fueled his lifelong dedication to understanding and preserving the memories of those affected by the Holocaust.

Langer’s academic journey began at the City College of New York, where he studied before earning a doctorate in American literature from Harvard University. He later joined Simmons College as a professor, where he taught American literature until his retirement in 1992.

A Lasting Impact

Even in his final years, Langer continued to contribute to Holocaust studies. In 2022, he published two books: “The Afterdeath of the Holocaust,” in which he further challenged sentimentalizing survivors’ experiences, and “Hierarchy and Mutuality in Paradise Lost, Moby-Dick, and The Brothers Karamazov,” a work related to the Holocaust.

Langer is survived by his wife, Sandy, his son Andy Langowitz, his daughter Ellen Lasri, five grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. His legacy as a pioneering Holocaust scholar and advocate for the accurate representation of survivors’ testimonies will continue to shape the field for years to come.

A Lasting Tribute

In recognition of Lawrence Langer’s immense contributions, the Journal of Holocaust Research dedicated an issue to him in celebration of his 90th birthday in 2020. His name and ideas have become synonymous with the study of Holocaust memory, testimony, and literature, leaving an indelible mark on the field.