Ruth Weiss: Lifelong fighter against racism dies at the age of 101

Ruth Weiss: Lifelong fighter against racism dies at the age of 101

On September 5, 2025, the world lost a remarkable personality: Ruth Weiss died at the age of 101. The daughter of a Jewish family, born on July 26, 1924 in Fürth, Middle Franconia, had to experience what it meant to be persecuted as a child. In 1936, her family fled the Nazi regime to South Africa, a step that would lay the foundation for their commitment against racism and oppression. Loud Deutschlandfunk She experienced discrimination in South Africa first hand and consistently campaigned for the rights of the oppressed population.

Overcoming apartheid was a central theme in your life. Ruth Weiss became actively involved in opposing the racist system that was legally established in 1948 and began reporting on these real injustices as a journalist. The internationally active journalist worked for several newspapers and wrote numerous books that critically reflect on her experiences and knowledge of racism and discrimination. German wave emphasizes that Weiss was one of those who did not back down from finding the truth during her journalistic career and fearlessly stood up for suppressed voices.

A life full of commitment

From 1975 to 1978, Weiss was the head of Deutsche Welle's Africa editorial office in Cologne. This not only showed their connection to Germany, but also their commitment to international reporting. Her voice was not just one that spoke from one time and space, it was heard internationally. Interview requests from figures such as Nelson Mandela, whom she met a few months before his arrest, testify to her importance and influence in the world of media.

Returning to South Africa in the early 1990s marked another significant phase in her life. This return coincided with the end of apartheid and gave her the opportunity to directly follow developments in her home country. In 2002 she moved back to Germany - a truly eventful life that accompanied her with words and deeds for a long time.

A legacy in memory

Ruth Weiss was not only an important journalist, but also a tireless fighter for human rights. Her last public appearances, such as her speech on Holocaust Remembrance Day in 2023, demonstrate her relentless commitment to addressing racism and anti-Semitism. In view of such personalities, Beate Rudolf, Director of the German Institute for Human Rights, emphasizes society's responsibility to keep the memory of the victims of National Socialism alive and to actively take action against anti-Semitism and racism even today. This look back at Ruth Weiss' legacy shows that the challenges she faced unfortunately remain.

Ruth Weiss will be remembered as a symbol of resistance and hope. Through her books and her voice in the media, she inspired generations to stand up for justice and equality. Her death is a loss, but her legacy will live on and remind us that the fight against discrimination and racism must never end.